Shropshire Magazine January 2023

ESTABLISHED 1950

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Martin Wright

EDITOR

Caroline Jones caroline.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

FEATURES EDITOR

Vicki Jones vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION

Deborah Clay deborah.clay@mnamedia.co.uk

NEWS EDITOR

Andy Richardson

FEATURE WRITERS

Heather Large heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk Daniel Morris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk Matthew Panter matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

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

Heather Large chats to a Shropshireartist who uses a method of paper marbling to create unique designs

Abeauty therapist is bringing a little relaxation and pampering to cancer sufferers. Heather Large takes up her story

Nestled in the rolling Shropshire countryside, the Clun Valley is steeped in history and heritage, as Andy Richardson discovers

Matthew Panter chats with a parachutist and base jumper about his daring adventures

Ahouseplant expert offers her step-by-step guide to creating your ownterrarium

In the wakeofNASA’srecent achievements, Daniel Morris chats with two of the region’s foremost space experts

CONTENTS

59 Farm to fashion

Heather large meets a Shropshirewoman creating bespokebags from cowhides

82 Weddings

Take the stress out of the countdown to your big day with our helpful checklist

109 Fashion

It’sboot season so step out in style with these perfect pairs, says Katie Wright

68

Food &drink

Continuing his odyssey exploring the bounty of this county, Ed Thomas meets chef, educator and food consultant SteveGuy

78 Spirit of nature

Matthew Panter meets the owners of arum distilling company who areonamission to help savethe planet

84

Health &fitness

Olympic and World Champion athlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill talks about motherhood, running and really listening to her body

106 Social scene

Afashion show, organised by the British Red Cross and held at Hencote in Shrewsbury

110

Beauty

Makeyour skincareroutine as effectiveaspossible with these clever product combinations, says Prudence Wade

115

Travel

You’veheardofthe drink but Curaçao is also an up-andcoming winter sun hot spot. Lauren Taylor explores the isle

THEMAGICOF PAPERMARBLING

HEATHER LARGE CHATS TO ASHROPSHIRE ARTIST WHO USESA JAPANESEMETHOD OF PAPER MARBLING TO CREATE UNIQUE DESIGNS

As a young bookbinder, Sarah Amatt was fascinated by the decorative endpapers on the old books she was repairing

These patterned papers were traditionally used to hide the lumps and bumps caused by leather turn-ins and cords and to keep the text safe from wear and tear

Sarah was so intrigued by their beautiful marbled designs that she began researching the art in libraries in London and at Harvard University in Massachusetts

She decided to try experimenting with the technique, known today as Turkish marbling, to see if she could recreate the patterns and papers she had seen

The process involves floating oil paint on the surface of a bath of water solution

Sarah Amatt who hand marbles paper and washi using the traditional Japanese technique of Suminagashi.

The paint is then manipulated using tools such as combs to create distinct patternsand aprint is taken.

“The process was controllable so manysimilarsheets of paper could be produced,” says Sarah, who recently moved from Ludlow to Herefordshire.

After alot of practice, shebegan making and selling marbled papers in traditional Turkishdesigns,mainly to bookbinders but also to publishers and retail brands.

Over time she was drawn to another paper marbling technique –the Japanese art of suminagashi or “floating ink”.

It’s believed to date back to as early as the 12th century and later became popular with the Japanese royal court.

Unlike the Turkishapproach, where the artist has more control of the finished design, suminagashi involves allowing the ink to reveal its design with just afew minor interventions by the artist, if required.

“It’s the unpredictable nature of the process which appeals to me,” says Sarah, who attended the first International Marblers Gathering exhibition and conference in Santa Fe in 1989.

“It’s more wayward, more fluid. Sometimes you know what the ink will do, other times it takes you in anew direction. You never get thesame pattern twice, not that Iwould want to.”

Designs tend to be more minimal compared with those created using theTurkish technique.

To create her monoprints, she uses Japanese calligraphy ink and western printing paper

She has alargetrough of water and two brushes –one is to use with the ink and one with asoap solution which acts as a dispersant.

First, she dips abrush into the ink and drops this onto the surface of thewater.Next, shedips the second brush into the soap mixtures and places this on thecentreof the ink bloom.

This causes theink to disperse and create aring. The process is then repeated in thecentre of the ring, with Sarah going back and forth between two brushes to create more patterns.

“You do this 30 to 100 times, depending on the number of rings you want,” she says.

Using her intuition to guide her,Sarah can make alterations to the pattern by gently fanning the air abovethe water or lightly blowing acrossthe surface.

But it’s also importanttoknow the right moment to stopand take the print

“Like with most artists, you get to the point where you can stand back and look and know thatifyou do anything else, you will ruin it,” explains Sarah

She is currently experimenting with different coloured inks and also homemade ink.

The latter is made using Japanese ink sticks which are ground and mixed with asmall amount of water on ink stone called suzuri.

“They are blank inks, but you some with abrown hue to them and others that have moreof ablueish tone. Youget some subtle differences and that’s very attractive,” explains Sarah.

In Japan, Suminagashi patterns often reflected nature and that’ssomething that Sarah also enjoys featuring in herwork.

“Sometimes Imight do abusier pattern with more lines and other times it might be more pared back.

“Some of the patterns can be echoing nature like awood grain or ariver crossing through avalley,” she explains.

As well as monoprints, Sarah also creates arange of unique lampshades using prints made on traditional Japanese paper called washi.

“I use washi because it’s quite absorbent, it’s strongand it lets in light. It’s averysatisfying use of suminagashi because when you turn the lamp on, you get lovely light coming through the design,” she explains.

Sarah has also created astarter kit to enable people to try the craft at home and runs workshops teaching people the necessary skills to create their own designs with an understanding of the materials, tools andprocess.

It doesn’t take long for students to pick up the basic techniques and then they are able to try out their own ideas.

“I get alot out of teaching. Ienjoy seeing what other people do with the process, its always something different,” says Sarah, whose workshops were commended in Eventbrite’s Most Curious &Colourful Events competition.

“People always say it’s acalming process and how in the moment they are. They forget about everything else and they lose track of time.

“With suminagashi,you don’t need any artist training. You can just come along, be curious, play and you’ll get some amazing patterns.”

n Sarah’s first workshop of the year will be held on March 11 at Culmington Village Hall, near Ludlow,from 10amuntil 4pm. Visit www.sarahamatt.com/workshops-suminagashioremail sarahamatt7@gmail.com for further information. To seemore of Sarah’s work, visitwww.cluster-london.com/sarah-amatt-clustercrafts-lcw-2020

During cancertreatment, a soothing massage or facial can provide amoment of relaxation when it’sneeded the most.

Not only can it help to ease symptoms such as pain,nausea and mood issues, but it can also greatly enhance aperson’s wellbeing.

Unfortunately,itcan sometimes be difficult to find salons catering to the needs of those living with cancerdue to the availabilityoftrained therapists and common misconceptions surrounding the illness.

Telford-based beauty therapist Emma Louth believes everyone deserves the right to asoothingsalon experience and to leave feeling pampered and beautiful.

She has more than 28 years of experience in the beauty and health industry and has been specialising in oncology massages and facials since completing her training in 2019.

Since then, Emma has witnessed both the physical benefits and the mental health boost these therapies can offer people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

Being able to make her clients feel special during one of themost difficult and vulnerable times of their lives is something that she takes pride in.

And it is acause that is also very close to her heart as she moved into this specialist field after her mum, Karen McNamara, was diagnosed with breast cancer

“My mum loved to have treatments and had treatments with me for years. It became apparent that Icouldn’t do certain treatments because of the oils and techniques that were used.

“It was horrible not being able to offer her something that she really needed and wanted to be able to feel as normal as possible,” explains Emma.

At that time, alack of education within the industryand prohibitive insurance policies meant cancer patients faced being turned away from regular beauty salons.

Upset about not being able to provide her mum with something she could enjoy, Emma decided to take positive action to help others goingthrough thesame experience.

“I did abit of research as Iwas having quite afew clients at that time that were going through some cancer journeys.”

She discovered Jennifer Young –a business focused on specialistproducts for those living with cancer as well as oncology touch therapies.

Jennifer’s entry into theworld of cancer supportcame when she was asked by her local hospitaltowork with them

to create askincarelinethat would be safe and help tackle some of the skincare issues associated with cancer treatment.

She later extended her mission to tackling barriers in the spa and wellbeing industries when it comes to delivering touch therapies that are industry accredited and insurance approved.

The aim is that anyone with or recovering from cancer can enjoy a massage, facial and other therapies in a way that ensures the spa or healthcare practitioner feels confident, the client feels safe and that the treatment proactively addresses their wants and needs.

After her mum passed away,Emma embarked on atraining course with Jennifer Young where she was taught about the different types of cancer and the medical treatments and drugs that are used to treat them as well as the possible side-effects of the drugs and how massages and facials canbeadapted to take these into account

Emma’s salon provides asafe and welcoming environment where apatient doesn’t feel pressured or on display –they cansimply relax and let her take care of them.

“The main goal of oncology massage is to help acancer patient feel as

comfortable as possible, giving them asafe environment in which we help them to relax and reduce symptoms,” she says.

“Oncology massage can be used to treat cancer symptoms such as pain, nausea and mood issues, butalso to ease symptoms of cancer treatmentthat commonly cause considerable discomfort.

“Oncology massage is also often used as part of palliative care, and many hospitals and healthcare professionals either offer it or recommend it as auseful treatment to support patient wellbeing.”

The benefits of oncology massages and facials are said to include the reduction of stress, anxiety and depression, an improvement in mood, a reduction in general fatigue and reduction of pain, perception of pain and nausea.

“These treatments are much-needed. It’s nice for people to do something fun, to have something to look forward and to have that ‘me time’ where they can feel ‘normal’.

“It’s like treating theirsoul, it really helps them. Ladies come in for their treatment andtheyare like different people when they leave because they have been able to relax for the firsttime in a long time,” says Emma.

In her spare time, Emma has volunteered for Look Good Feel Better and Severn Hospice, which she says has allowed her to continue her work in supporting people to feel their best.

Although she enjoys being able to provide every treatment she offers her clients, she says having theopportunity to specialise in oncologymassages and facials is the most rewarding part of her job.

“I feel very gifted that I’m able to do this for somebody because it’s something Iwould have loved to have done for my mum. To be able to help somebody during their cancerjourney is wonderful,” says Emma.

n Forfurther information about oncology massage andits benefits, see elbeauty co.uk or email info@elbeauty.co.uk

Beauty Therapist Emma Louth who offers massages and facials for cancer patients in Shropshire. Photos:LucyDalzellPhotographyandJamieRicketts

STUNNINGHOME ON EDGE OF TOWN

The Hollies in Crowmeole Lane, Shrewsbury,is atrulystunning, superior four-bedroomed family residence, with double garage and generous parking.

It is on themarket with Miller Evans with an asking price of £1,200,000.

The residence has recently undergone acomprehensive refurbishment. It is well presented throughout with splendid rooms all of pleasing dimensions which benefitfrom full gas-fired central heating, double-glazed sash windows and luxurious zoned underfloor heating system to the whole ground-floor living areas.

The property is situated on the ever popular and desirable western fringe of Shrewsbury,close to excellent amenities including popular schools,the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the nearby town centre with its many fashionable bars and restaurants, Theatre Severn, the Railway Station and renowned Quarry Park and Dingle Gardens.

Off the substantial reception hall is the sitting room with central fireplace with ornamental surround andmantel, flanked on both sides by bespoke built-in storage cabinets and shelving.

The kitchen/dining/family room is well appointed with an exquisite range of matching unitswith Italian granite working surfaces and awide selection of premium built-in appliances. The adjoining utility room is fitted with a range of matchingunits with granite work tops. There is acloakroom/separate WC.

From the hall, astaircase rises to the first-floor landing, off which is the master bedroom suite which features aluxuriously appointed en-suite and dressing area. There are three further bedrooms, one with wash basin and corner shower.The family bathroom boasts afreestanding roll top bath.

Outside, there is alarge double garage with remote-controlled door.Itis plastered and coved with electric points throughout with TV aerial socket and

is currently used as agym. There is an adjoining open bay oak-framed garage/ store.

The space above the garage provides separate accommodation with planning permission allowing the space to be occupied as office accommodation, with an office/sitting room, en-suite shower room and kitchenette.

The front of the property is approached through aformalpillared entrance with locally commissioned wrought iron electric double gates. The generous enclosed forecourt provides a wealth of parking and turning space.

Steps ascend to the landscaped and paved terrace with retainingwalls to the oak-framed open vestibule which serves the formal reception area.

The rear south-facing garden is beautifully landscaped with large sun terraces. The extensive pleasure lawns are neatly kept with well-stocked shrubbery displays. The whole is enclosed on all sides. There is alarge garden shed and an ornamental greenhouse with water point and irrigation point and alarge garden room providing further potential for an additional workspace or perhaps a pleasurable outside dining room.

bedroomproperty setonits owninthe stunning Shropshirecountryside.This quintessential ex-farmhouse hasanabundanceof characterand charmwith original oak beams,exposed bricks,quarry tile flooring,log burning stoves and anatural pond all backing onto open farmland.The property dates back to the 17th Centuryand has been amuch-lovedand wonderfulfamily home for the current owners.The property sits on approximately ahalf-acre plot and isfound at the end of aone kilometrelongno-throughroad.

English Frankton TheQuaikin is an idyllic four

TheHollies has recently undergonea comprehensivegrand designstyle of refurbishmenttoprovide superbluxuryfamilyaccommodation to include; four bedrooms,large living room,asuperbkitchen/family room,contemporarybath/shower rooms.The property also benefits from double glazed sash windows,zoned underfloor heating to the ground floor and gas firedcentral heating.Thereisadouble garage, parking bayand self contained home office/annex.Beautifully landscaped gardens Situatedonthe ever popular and desirable western fringe of Shrewsburyclose to excellentamenities and the towncentre.

TheHollies,Shrewsbury

HAMLET HOME WITH

Surrounded by the scenic ShropshireHillsArea of Natural Beauty,Grist House is positioned within the hamlet of Round Oak. The propertynear Hopesay, Craven Arms, is on the market with Savills, with aguide price of £950,000.

This gorgeous detached property flows over three floors, offering over 3,600sqftofaccommodation in total privacy

The handsome stone façade overlooks thegardens, whilst behind is the attached two-bedroom annexe providing ancillary accommodation.

This period property offers two reception rooms, each having garden views, wooden flooring, exposed timber ceiling beams and a fireplace completed with awood-burning stove.

Through the hall is the kitchen andbreakfast/dining room. The open-plan kitchen sweeps around towards the dining area where French doorsopen onto the garden. Integrated appliances seamlessly slot into shaker-style units whilst wooden worktops complete them.

The first floor is comprised of two bedrooms and an office.

The principal bedroom has fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom. The main bathroom completes the first floor,whilst up awooden staircase are two additional double bedrooms.

The annexe sits at the rear of Grist House. French doors allowlight to flood into thesitting room which leads into the kitchen. On the first floor are two bedrooms and amodern shower room.

There is aprivate garden which is accessed from the principal bedroom and aset of wooden stairs outside.

The garden at Grist House is at thefront of the house and boasts an array of flower beds, mature trees, box hedges and hedgerows. Separating the front garden from the main

ANNEXE

house is agravel driveway which wraps around the main house offering ample parking. Gated access to the annexe and main house divides the driveway.Three outbuildings offer additional amenities including apottingshed,wood shed and storage shed. There is afencedpaddock, of approximately one acre.

A Aston on Clun has a village shop and pub whilst Craven

Arms and Bishop’s Castle have arange of amenities including independent shops, pubs, doctors surgeries, avariety of primary schools and asupermarket.

The surrounding countryside provides aselection of beautiful walks –The Shropshire Way, The Long Mynd and C Carding Mill Valley,aall areas of scenic beauty

of

ApleyPark, Shropshire

Abeautifully restored wing of an important country house, fantastic views overthe river severn, wonderful terrace, shared privatevineyard,EPC:E

STUNNINGVIEWS TOWARDS WREKIN

Fantastic views to open countryside and the Wrekin are revealed when stepping into the lounge and the kitchen diner at Ty Newydd.

This four-bedroom home on the edge of Upton Magna, some eight miles between Shrewsbury and Telford, just keeps giving. Exceptional renovation work carried out by thecurrent owners lends itself to an easy flow layout, the front door leading to thehallway where the aforementioned rooms are accessed, together with the study,a cloakroom and stairs to the first floor

The kitchen has acontemporaryfeel

enhanced by composite island breakfast bar,a pair of eye-level double ovens and microwave oven, the trio creating an ultra-streamlined design. Glazing to two aspects, including bi-fold doors to the terrace, complete the 21st century ambiance.

The study is of ample proportions and again glazing to twoaspects creates conducive working conditions, bathed in natural light. Agood-sized boot/utility room and external boiler room offer full functionality

Charlie Giffard, Balfours Associate Partner,Country House Sales, comments: “Ty-Newydd has much going for it. The

lounge has alog burner and glazing to two aspects within adeep bay to theFrench doors not only makes for agarden room feel, but draws the beautiful views right into the room.”

The master bedroom has significant wardrobe space, together with an en-suite shower room. Three additional double bedrooms share afamily bathroom.

Outside there is agood-sized garden laid to lawn with mature borders and a dedicated entertaining area, strategically positioned to maximise open countryside views beyond. Balfours are marketing TyNewydd with aguide price of £550,000, call 01743 353511 for more information.

FIVE-STAR CHARACTER &LOCATION

The best of all worlds is on offer at Cross Green Farmhouse, launched on the market by Balfours. Its proximity less than three miles north of Shrewsbury centre belies its location set in the heart of the countryside.

Acharming andsubstantialblackand white property,atBerwick, it is set in more than half an acre, thereby offering two access points to generous parking area, aspacious garden, plus outbuildings The accommodation provides an entrance hall, three reception rooms, plus alarge kitchen. In keeping with aruralproperty, there is arear door to theboot room with autility andcloakroom adjacent. Alarge storageshed, perfect for logs, is attached to the main building, which could become ahome office, gym etc.

True to farmhouse style, there are two staircases giving access to the firstand

second floors. The main staircase rises out of the entrance hall, while the backstairs are handy for the kitchen and service rooms. Bedroom one has acharacter fireplace and glazing to two aspects, while bedrooms two and three are adjoining, also two bathrooms are to be found on the first floor.Ascending to the second floor there are afurther three bedrooms, one of which is en-suite.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours, comments: “Properties with such five-star proximity,character andpotential are rare. Cross Green Farmhouse has been very well kept with original features intactand is perfectly habitable; nevertheless it hasenormous potential too and could benefitfrom 21st century modernisation.”

Balfours are marketing theproperty with aguide price of £795,000, for more information call 01743 353511.

RIVERSIDESETTING

Onthe market for the first time in over half acentury,this award-winning property has impressive character Samuel Wood estate agents has aguide price of £800,000 for Watergate House in St Mary’s Water Lane, Shrewsbury

The unique semi-detached fourbedroom family home comprises alarge garden, terraces, full width river-facing veranda and balcony,and adouble garage with parking

Originally built as awarehouse, it stands within the precincts of the old

Blackfriars monastery and next to the ‘Traitor’s Gate’, one of theoriginal gates through the medieval town walls.

It has now been lovingly refurbished and refitted and is equipped with extensive flood mitigation measures on the ground floor

The ground floor features aformal reception hall, washroom and WC, cloakroom/utility and archway to the cellar

The newly installed kitchen-dining room features integrated appliances and French doors onto the covered veranda.

Aspiral staircase leads to the firstfloor accommodation whichhas access to the gardens and garage beyond.

There is acloakroom and WC, bedroom four/home office and the large living room/library which has access to the full-width balcony.

The spiral staircase ascends further to the second floor landing off which is the spacious master bedroom with en-suite. Bedroom two is also en-suite, while bedroom three is generous in size. There is awell-appointed bathroom.

Watergate House has alarge terrace abutting the historic Traitor’s Gate. Steps lead up to the main garden where there is afurther patioarea.

The large south-facing informal garden is bounded by St Mary’s Water Lane and walls on all other sides.

EQUESTRIAN IDYLL

This is afantastic opportunity to purchase an idyllic and attractive equestrian property in Sutton near Market Drayton.

Jackson Equestrian is marketing 2 Salisbury Hill Cottage with an asking price of £815,000.

The property is situated in aquiet rural location and adjoins the picturesque grounds of Market Drayton Golf Club. It

is approached down along privatehedgelined driveway and has good access to the main A41.

Forthe equestrian enthusiasts, the locality is outriding heaven with many quiet country roads surrounding the property,with access to extensive bridleway networks.

The property is awell-positioned four-bedroom detached property,standing in 9.6 acres of well-established grassland. Salisbury Hill Cottage offers ideal family accommodation with its own surrounding land, stables, mature gardens and outbuildings.

The entrance porch leads into a tiled hallway going into the recently modernised and extended kitchen. The large kitchen/dining room provides access to the conservatory and living room.This room features asubstantial inglenook fireplace. There is alarge utility room and asnug/office beyond the kitchen.

The first floorconsists of four bedrooms and afamily bathroom. The master bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room. Three further double bedrooms and afamily bathroom complete the first-floor level.

The gardens are generous and mature with awell-established orchard and alarge patio area to the rear.There is avegetable patch, fishpond and arange of useful outbuildings.

To the front is amulti-functional timber clad building, which is currently used as ayard tearoom, storage space and

tack room. There is alarge timber clad building with mains power

Adjacent to the garage is an agricultural steel-framed building. There are four large stables with grooming bay and storerooms at either end.

Adjacent is a40m x20m arena with fenced perimeter and mirrors. The land is divided into functional paddocks with central timber field shelter

INDIVIDUALDESIGN

Astunning, individually designed four-bedroom detached home, Rose Villa in Admaston, occupies an amazing, landscaped plot.

On the market with Prestige by Mannleys for offers in the region of £795,000freehold, it is located in highly sought-after Admaston.

Designed and built by the current owners, Rose Villa has many high quality and unique features throughout and inspection is essentialtoappreciate all of these outstanding merits.

The ground floor features astunning entrance hallway with bespoke oak and glass staircase, asuperb open-plan kitchen/dining/family room with bi-fold doors to the gardens, sitting room with log burner,family room with bi-fold doors, dining room/study,utility and a ground floor wc.

The first floor comprises aspacious landing area, amazing main bedroom with feature floor-to-ceiling oak-framed glass window,walk-in wardrobe and en-suite shower,guest bedroom with en-suite shower,two further double bedrooms and

afamilybathroom with bath and separate shower

The property is accessed through electric gated entrance opening to extensive driveway parking, leading to alarge detached double garage that has asuperb open-plan room with en-suite shower that is currently used as agym, but could be used for home office or guest accommodation.

The gardens extend to the side and to the rear of the property

Admaston benefits from arow of shops, apub and several churches.

ENERGY

PRIORITY AT NEWDBA DEVELOPMENT

Energy efficiency is at the top of everyone’s agendaat the moment. New homes can perform better and save money over the long term, whilst also being better for the environment.

With this in mind, DBA Homes in Shropshire is pleased to announce the arrival of its latest development in Broseley,Deer Leap –arural and exclusive collection of beautifully appointed four and five-bedroom homes, where energy efficiency has been weaved into the very fabric of each of the eight properties on the development.

Andy

Timbrell,

Managing Director of DBA Homes comments:

“There is no shortage of environmentally friendly and energy efficient features that we have explored, planned and added to our homes atDeer Leap, because we know that this is exactly what our buyers now require.

“In addition to high-specification fittings and fixtures, the beautifully-appointed homes have alarge and spacious internal layout with energy-saving features, such as LED lighting throughout, thelatest low energy gas boiler and heating system and low flush toilets and sprinkler taps as standard.

“Withhigher standards of energy efficiency now required under the building regulations, new build homes include nearly six inches of insulation in the floors, thermally improved block work, fully filled wall cavities and masses of loft insulation.

“This is in addition to highly efficient double-glazed windows throughout to make our homes cheaper to run.

“In addition, we’re using water and energy-saving appliances to reduce consumption and our innovativedesign andsmart tech will make living at Deer Leap more economical, comfortable and enjoyable.”

The development is approximately three miles from the historic Ironbridge Gorge and six miles from Bridgnorth. The development is located within walking distance of the amenities, ahigh street with an array of shops, restaurants and pubs.

Foroff-plan sales opportunities, please visit www. dbahomes.co.uk or call 01902 255026.

CREATE YOUR OWNTERRARIUM

Want to bring the tropicsintoyour home this winter? Then try creating alow-maintenance terrarium that can be personalised to suit your style.

“There are two different types of terrarium: open terrariums and closed terrariums,” says Claire Bishop (pictured above right), senior houseplant buyer for Dobbies Garden Centres.

To keep costs down, open terrariums can be created with glassware you already have in your home, such as vases or fish bowls. Don’t feel like you need to go and buy aspecific container

“Closed terrariums usually feature a cork topper and come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can choose astyle that suits your space,” Claire adds. “These make really lovely desk decorations or coffee table centrepieces.”

Fancy making your own terrarium? Here’s what you need to know…

Which plants to use

Awide variety of plants can be used in your terrarium. “Ideally you want to use slow-growing plants, so you don’t need to cut them back to prevent overgrowing,” says Claire. “Succulents are perfect for this as not only are they slow-growing but they don’t

require alot of water.Fittonias are alsolovelyinterrariumsand will bring some nice colour, or if you’re looking for something abit different, amini calathea or spider plant will add interest and lovely texture. Alot of smaller ‘tot’ plants work well and are inexpensive.”

Consider ferns

rrariums are typically humid environments so any ferns will make agreat addition. “Boston ferns are apersonalfavourite of mine and will add some eye-catching vibrancy with their bright green ruffled leaves,” says Claire.

Keep it healthy

While terrariums arelow-maintenance, Claire notes they do require some attention. “There are specificterrarium compost mixes you should use in your container,so look out for these when you are buying the plants to go inside. If you’re creatinganopen terrarium, you can give it an occasional water or a mist via the opening,” she says. “If your terrarium is topped with moss, keep the mossdamp and this will ensurethe plants in your container are kept hydrated. If you have aclosed terrarium, you only need to water when you first create it,then it becomes its own ecosystem.”

Whywelove. .. CLUN

AEHousman had it right when he described the town of Clun and its neighbouring villages as being ‘the quietest places under the sun’. Clun, Clunton, Clunbury and Clungunford are, indeed, sleepy towns and villages thatare nestled in verdant Shropshire countryside.

With plenty of history andheritage, with alandscape that seems to have been unchanged by time, and with age-old customs and traditions, the Clun Valley is an area where time slips slowly past. The main town has apopulation of just over a thousand, while nearby settlements have a few hundred inhabitants.

Gently rolling hills usher visitors into the valley,a place that defies the pressures of the modern world. You’re likely to find amore relaxing way of life in an area that’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of supermarkets and the like.

Small, beautiful, andtimeless villages and hamlets are tied to the silver string of the River Clun, from which the main town gets its name. Walkers frequently explore the area by foot and bicycle and fall in love with the thatched roofs, old

stone walls, pretty gardens and idyllic settings.

The Anglo-Saxons recognised the strategic value of controlling the shallow fords, establishing amotte and bailey castle and the village of St George. But, it was the Normansthat took this footprint and sealed the border to Wales with an

impressive stone fortress. The new town, laid out in therigid Norman grid pattern, became Clun. The castle’s imposing walls may be diminished in modern times, but it’s still worthy of avisit –ifonly for the views from the castle mound.

Clun Castle is, indeed, the region’s stand-out sight. The dramatic riverside

NESTLED IN THE ROLLING SHROPSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE, THE CLUN VALLEY IS STEEPED IN HISTORY AND HERITAGE, AS ANDY RICHARDSON DISCOVERS

Clun Castle; below, Clun Bridge (Packhorse Bridge).

ruins and extensive earthworks of this Welsh border castle sit high on a rocky mound on theedge of the small, picturesque town.

William the Conqueror (reigned 1066–87) granted lands to someof his followers to defend the Anglo-Welsh border,which remained unsettled for many years after the Conquest. These men became powerful marcher lords, ruling their lands independently of royal control.

It was probably Picot de Say,who had been granted the estates of Clun and Stokesay,who built Clun Castle, highona natural spur guarding the Clun valley.The castle became thecentreof avast lordship known as thebarony of Clun.

In 1155 thecastle passed to William Fitzalan of Oswestry by his marriage to Isabella de Say,and it was owned by the powerful Fitzalan family for the next 400 years. They exercised almost unlimited authority over the barony, administering a mixture of Welsh and English law

Unusually,the castle’s tall 13th

THIS PAGE,CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

ApostcardofClun Showfromthe collection of Ray Farlow;steam engine at Clun Carnival; traditional battle at The Green Man Festival; views from the top of Clun Castle; May Fair at Clun; duck race at The Green Man Festival.

centurykeepisset on the side of its mound. Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest to demonstrate the authority of the Englishmonarchy over this part of theborder region, the castle and the nearby settlement prospered in the 13th century thanks to

the management of the Fitzalan family, but suffered anumber of attacks from across the Welsh border.Itwas used as a hunting lodge in the 14th century,but was increasingly neglected, and by 1539 the castle was reported as ruinous.

The A488 and B4368 roads cross Clun, linking them to Craven Arms, and Bishop’s Castle, as well as further distant towns like Ludlow and Knighton. Nearby is Offa’s Dyke and the Offa’s Dyke Path. Clun Forest is to the west of the town, further upstream of the Rivers Unk and Clun. The Jack Mytton Waypasses through the town as does the Shropshire Wayand further significant historic routes pass through the area.

The town centre on thenorth bank of the River Clun lies 185 metres (607 ft) above sea level while the oldest part of the settlement, by St George’s Church on the south bank, is alittle more elevated, at 193 metres (633 ft). Between the two, Clun Bridge 181 metres (594 ft) above sea level) carries the A488 and B4368routes across the river.There are few prettier spots in Shropshire –expect your Instalikes to take off when you post pictures from it

In addition to Clun Bridge, there is also afordfurther downstream, at Waterloo, which hasrecently been made usable to most motor vehicles. Athird crossing point,afootbridge just upstream of Clun Bridge, connects the town’s main

car park to the castle grounds.

The Clun Valley is not only popular with walkers and cyclists, it’s also adraw for drinkers. Clun has The Sun Inn and the White Horse Inn, the former being a cosy 15th century pub with casual rooms and the latter being adown-to-earth and lively village pub.

The isolation that theClun Valley experiences from larger,neighbouring towns means thatlocals frequently make their own fun –most notably with such key events as the Clun Valley Beer Festival, theClun Green Man Festivaland the Clun Carnival and Show.

The beer festival was built up as an autumn event, featuring The Kangaroo Inn, Aston on Clun; The Crown Inn, Clunton; The Hundred House Inn, Purslow; The Sun Inn, Clun; White Horse Inn, Clun; andThe CrownInn, Newcastle.

The Clun Green Man Festival marks the beginning of spring. It draws on myths, fairy tales and folklore, and re-imagines thetime-old tale of seasonal change. The event marks the end of winter in extravagant style, with Morris dancing, folk music, street theatre, circus skills and more. It culminates with the traditional battle between the Green Man himself and the Ice Queen. The identity of the Green Man is aclosely guarded secret but legend has it that sunshine will not come to Shropshireunless he wins the fight.

The Clun Carnival, meanwhile, takes place in August and is preceded by aweek of events. All three are the sort of event that promote community cohesion in a glorious, secluded and peaceful corner of Shropshire.

FROM TOP: The Green Man Festival in Clun which sees hundreds of visitors watching the ‘battle’over the bridge followedbyacraft fair in the castle grounds; The Square, Clun, with The Buffalo Inn on the right, and Clun Town Hall just right of centre.

JUMPINGFOR JOY

MATTHEW PANTER CHATS WITH APARACHUTIST AND BASE JUMPER ABOUT HIS ADVENTURES

There were naturally some nerves. Of coursethere would be when tandem jumping off acliff.But for Shrewsbury’s Hans Donner, the adrenaline-inducing activity is nothing new.He’s been there, done it and got the T-shirt when it comes to leaping out of planes or jumping from agreat height.

It’s like chalk andcheese as we enjoy an amiable chat on thephone.

Imean, you do well to get me on a children’s ride at atheme park, if it’s a certain height off the ground.

So, Ihave to admit to being slightly in awe of adaredevil like Hans, who has morethan 3,000 jumps on his CV –skydiving for 26 years and BASE jumping for the past ten.

BASE stands for ‘Bridges, antennas, spans (bridges), and Earth’ and jumpers ‘exit’ from these locations.

He’s just had timetoreflect on an incredible 2022 when he took part in what

has been claimed to be the UK’s first-ever tandem base jump.

Hans, who hails from Wilcott, was part of the Mountain Man Base Team, who performed apioneering tandem base jump at Beer Head in Devon, the site of the original solo UK jumps backin1982

Hans led acolleague in successfully jumping from the 280ft chalk cliff on the Jurassic Coast.

Hans and fellow team members had worked on the project for two years to prepare, plan, design and source equipment, and run trials with weighted bags off UK cliffs before finally performing the first livejump, having informed coastguards to ensure they were aware.

“It took alot of planning,” says Hans. “Wescouted around the country to see where we could do it.

“With my background, as part of British skydiving and as atandem

instructor,combined with my base jumping experience, businesses were more than happy to make the equipment we needed.

“Weput atraining programme together,making surewewere doing the right sort of jumping and working on standing operating procedures and the right safety protocols.

“When theequipment arrived, we used loaded bags and did bag jumps to make sure we were happy with everything. There’s alot of behind-thescenes jumps with weighted bags.

“Weeven used ateddy bear–acuddly toy dog with lots of weight in it –which wasquite funto do. We used that for practice up in the Lake District, off this massive mountain and we got some funny looks from walkers!

“When all the practice came together, we selected the site. It just so happened this part of Devon had hosted the UK’s

first-ever individual BASE jump from an ‘Earth exit’.

“A combinationofthings allcame together,which hadtaken years of planning and the weather played ball as well which was really good.”

The jump proved ahuge success and one which Hans is hugely proud of

“It’s about the landing and how you flyyour canopy,” he reflects. “This site was soft because it was ashale beach so if there was going to be an awkward landing, you’d have acushion

“Going into the jump, Ihad total confidence in the team itself.Ihad practised afew times with the person at my front and they had been on atandem before so knew what to expect from the landing as well.

“It was aspecial moment. It felt really natural and really good.

“There are nerves, of course, because it’s base jumping, and they say it doesn’t matter how many times you have done it before, you will always be nervous at the exit point.

“But we had drilled it so many times. Iremember landing and making sure my colleague was safe.

“Once he was, you see the energy at the bottom, we had accomplished something we had been planning for years. It was that feeling of relief and there were quite afew drinks in aDevon pub that night,itwas so good. Iwas so proud of the team.”

Hans, 42, is from afamily with an airborne forces heritage and has become an accomplished parachutist, having jumped locally at Shropshire airfields, and throughout the UK.

Dad Paul was in the 9th Squadron Royal Engineers so had amilitary background but, in many ways, it’s incredible to think Hans wasn’t putoff by the thought of jumping outofaplane or BASE jumping afterreflecting on a devastating incident before he was born.

“My mum, Jeanette, hadacrazy background,” he recalls. “She used to jump with the military and she was heading towards jumping with the Red Devils.

“Unfortunately,in1973, she had a double malfunction with both parachutes. She fell 5,000ft onto aconcrete helipad and impacted feet first.

“Incredibly,she survivedafter being rushed to hospital. She spent six months in afull body cast and, amazingly,after that, she continuedjumping.

“The doctors didn’t expect her to walk again which you’d expect after afall like that. She made areally good recovery

“I’d always been brought up around

Hans Donner in his younger days as aShrewsbury Sixth Form College student, and then in the military.

Hans performing apioneering tandem base jump at Beer Head in Devon.

parachuting andskydiving –itwas her love –and she inspired me to get into jumping, even after her accident.

“It was never pushed upon me but it always intrigued me and, when it came to my 16th birthday,Idid my first at Skydive Tilstock. My skydiving went on from there.”

From 2005, Hans served withthe 2nd Light Infantry,based in Edinburgh, which was amalgamated into theThird Battalion The Rifles, doing tours of Iraq.

He continued skydiving through the military and took all his ratings up to examiner

He left in 2012 butreturned to teach skydiving with the military Now,though, he is focusing on the BASE team.

“There was anatural progressionand I’d been interested in BASE jumping with more of arisk involved, so transitioned to it and really enjoyed it,” he says.

“BASE jumping hasbeenaround for some time with limited people doing it.

“Tandem base has been goingfor a while as well now but it’s low-key and not many people doing it. There’s afew people in the United States and one or two people around Europe.

“It’s something, as ateam, we had always talked about, so I’m loving being involved in it.

“My passion is taking new students and teaching people about it. With BASE jumping, there’s that buzz. It’s about being with your friends and at amazing locations where people wouldn’t imagine going to.

“There’s the element of adventure. It’s not for everyone. Some people like to play

golf but I enjoy walking up to something and jumping off People think it’s crazy, but if you look at all the elements of it, there’s lots of risk assessments and the safety elements are at the forefront None of us want to hurt ourselves or put ourselves in danger

“The guys are all very safety conscious and meticulous with planning, be it the weather, equipment or location ”

And, despite all of his experience and the number of times he’s leapt from aplane or off a solid object, Hans never tires of his passion

“People talk about numbers but for me it’s all about every exp x erience,” he says “It’s all about livingfor those exp x eriences and special moments.”

n To find out more about Mountain Man Base, go to instagram.com/ mountainmanbase/ or facebook.com/ mountainmanbase

Happy landing after jumping off Beer Head CliffsonDoorset’s Jurassic Coast

WONDERSOF THE HEAVENS

IN THE WAKE OF NASA’SRECENT ACHIEVEMENTS, DANIEL MORRIS TAKESA LOOK UP AT THE STARS WITH TWO OF THE REGION’S FOREMOST SPACE EXPERTS

Over the last few months, the proverbial ‘final frontier’ has very much been in the headlines.

In mid-autumn, NASA achieved a big success with its DART programme –successfully changing the motion of an asteroid by purposefully crashing a spacecraft into it, and thus making agiant leap forward in planetary defence against near-Earth object (NEO) collision.

More recently,the Artemis 1mission was finally launched, and marked an exciting stage in aspace programme that, by 2025, will hopefully see human beings return to thesurface of theMoon.

Alongside these achievements, big name entrepreneurs are continuing to develop space tourism, andastrophysicists such as Professor Brian Cox arekeeping TV audiences enchanted by the wonders of the stars.

Excitement and enthusiasm for all things interstellar is at ahigh, and in our region it is being championed by those for whom space is apassion, acalling, and even aserious duty

Part of the local furniture for four decades, the ShropshireAstronomical Society (SAS) is acounty-wide, volunteerrun group for anyone interested in astronomy,star-gazing or space exploration.

“It started about 40 years ago,” said society chairman Steve Szwajkun. “There were two societies –one in Oswestryand one in Shrewsbury,and they amalgamated to form SAS.”

Amemberfor the last 20 years, Steve has spent the last two as chairman, and has been proud to see the society’s membership grow.“At the moment we’re at around 100 members,” he said. “We’re akeensociety,and we do atremendous amount of outreach work. We have our base at Rodington, which is where we meet once amonth, butwe spend alot of time going out to visit others.”

With this ‘Astronomy in the Community’initiative, Steve and his fellow cohorts lead the charge in inspiring both the young and the old in the county to look up at the stars.

“It doesn’t matter what age people are,” Steve said. “We’ve done talks and visits with Brownies and Beavers, and then townswomen guilds. We spend alot of time out there trying to promote all things space, and most of thetime people really enjoy it. We do mobile planetariums and in the summer we had afantastic session in aschool where we had the lunar rocks from NASA. The children in particularalways love it –any mention of space or dinosaurs though and Isuppose you’ve got them!”

As Steve points out, Shropshire stands as afantastic place from which to explore the wonders of the cosmos. Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd has been

awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site (DSDS) status for four locations across the valley and the hill. On aclear night at these spots, it is possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. “It’s not only that though,” says Steve. “In Shropshire, light pollution is generally low,so you can find pockets of dark sky all over the county suitable for star-gazing –you may even be able to star-gaze from your back garden.”

As with many people, Steve’s interest in space began with the Apollo missions. Yetthese were only the touchpaper for apassion that would punctuate alarge part of his life. “I still remember watching the moon landings back in the 60s,” he reflects. “I was interested all through school and I eventually got my first binoculars.

Life took over for averylong time, but eventually Ithought, ‘well I’ve got to do something when Iretire’, and I decided I’d turn to astronomy.Iwas still teaching in aschool and Idecided to do an astronomy degree part-time. It took me nine years, but Ienjoyed it, and now it’s my absolute passion.”

In digging into themysteries of the stars, Steve andhis fellow society members have found acalling that ignites a fire within them. Yettheyare far from

Shropshire Astronomical Society chairman SteveSzwajkun

theregion’s only ambassadors for the importance of looking up toward the heavens, and, indeed, the dangers they can pose.

Almost three decades ago, the life of Royal Artillery Instructor Gunnery Jay Tate was changed when fragments from the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9impacted our solar system’s largest planet. It was an event that would set him on an incredible journey

“Back in thesummer of 1994, some fairly hefty chunks of that comet hit Jupiter,” said Jay.“It was abig, big deal at the time. Everybody was watching –wecould actually see the scars on the planet where these things had hit.And it just occurred to me to wonder what we had in place in terms of defence in case something similar were to happen to Earth.”

After months of researching and writing to experts, Jay got his answer.

they produced avery fine report. Fourteen recommendations were all accepted, but not asingle one was actioned.”

Jay’s role, it would seem, was destined to be hands-on.

Jay Tate

“Essentially,nothing,” he said. “The Americans were beginning to wind up their programme but, in the UK, absolutely diddly-squat.

“It seemed like agood idea to highlight the danger of near-Earth object collision to the Ministry of Defence. But there was astunning lack of interest.”

With this, adetermined Jay took up the cause.

“Twenty-five years ago Istarted an organisation called Spaceguard UK to generate interest in the subject of nearEarth object impact,” he said. “That took off quite dramatically,and actually became the biggest nationalspaceguard organisation in theworld. It was also picked up in Parliament by Lembit Öpik. His grandfather –Ernst Julius Öpik –was probably the most eminent planetary scientist in the UK of the 20th century.

“Onceithad been through Parliament, ataskforce was set up and

“It became clear thatifour organisation didn’t do something,then nobody was going to,” he said. “Atabout thesame time it was apparent that the rest of my career in the Forces was going to be spent behind adesk.That didn’t fill one with unbridled joy so we looked around and found the Powys County Observatory was up for sale. Unfortunately when we made an offer we found it had been sold 20 minutes prior.”

Fate, however,was to intervene.

“Two days later Igot an email from an individual I’d never heardofsaying, ‘I like what you’re about, is there anything Ican do to help? I’ve got this little observatory’ Iemailed back saying, ‘you’re lucky –somebody’s just whipped the Powys County Observatory out from under our feet’. He rang up and said, ‘I thinkwe need to talk. That was me’.

“Wecame to adeal where we would set The Spaceguard Centre up there as an observatory that would contribute to NEO defence. We opened in October 2001, and we’ve been here ever since.”

Since its establishment in Powys, The Spaceguard Centre has worked as one of

‘Wedomobileplanetariums and in the summer we hadafantastic session in aschool wherewehad the lunar rocks from NASA’

the main sources of information about near-Earth objectsinthe UK.

Tracking objects deemed to be of importance by NASA and the European Space Agency,Jay and his team use their observatory to help calculatewhere nearEarth objects are headed and the danger they may pose.

“Once you’vefound something, that’s brilliant, but you need to know where it’s going,” said Jay.“So you have to track it for aperiodoftime to allow the mathematicianstocalculate an accurate trajectory.And it’s that tracking thatwe’re involved with.”

However,Jay and the Spaceguard team are looking to take their work to the next level.

While the centre already operates a telescope system that allows it to track previously discovered NEOs, anew system enabling awider field of view is required for it to be able to help search for undiscovered objects.

The aim of Spaceguard’s Project DRAX is to install and operate a24-inch Schmidt Camera thatwould allow it to do just that.

“Wehave the camera –all seven-anda-half tonnes of it,” said Jay.“And we’ve got it installed in anew dome which we’ve built. But we still need more help and funding to get it up and running.

Jay Tate,front, with Lembit Öpik and Sir Patrick Moore.

“The project has been funded over the last decade by adonation box in the shop. Once the camera is up and running then we will have avery credible NEO search capability.Onour current forecast, about £35,000 would see us finished. We’ve got so far,and it will happen –one way or another.”

With DART and Artemis hitting the news, both Jay and Steve are delighted about the spotlightsaid programmes have shone on the importance of humanity’s continued investment in space technology

“DARTworked like adream,” said Jay.“The asteroid shifted more than anticipated, and so for the first timeon the planet, aspecies hasthe capability to defend itself from this kind of danger That’s an incredible and important achievement.”

“I think the fact that we’re going back to the moon with the Artemis missions is brilliant,” added Steve. “People say ‘we shouldn’t be wasting money on space’, but when you actually look at thenumbers, the amount of money that’s spent on space is minimal. However,the everyday benefits that you eventually get from advancements in spaceexploration are phenomenal. Youwouldn’t have had nonstick pans without the Apollo missions!”

Forboth Steve and Jay,the most important thing is that enthusiasm and support continues to spread, and that more and more people become engaged with both the joy and theissues of the sky beyond our world.

“Anyone interested in volunteering

can give me acall,” said Jay.“We have people up each weekend to help us with anything from painting to more intricate electronic work. It’s agreatway to be a part of what we’re doing, and all help is greatly appreciated.”

“Weinthe societyjust lovepromoting our passion for the subject,”added Steve. “Whether that’s with the youngsters and doing practical activities, or right through to adult meetings where they start asking tough questions. It’s whatit’s all about –promoting space to themasses –and we’re delighted to be apart of this.”

l Formore information on The Spaceguard Centre, visit spaceguardcentre.com

l To learn more about theShropshire Astronomical Society,visit www shropshire-astro.uk

The SpaceguardCentre.

LOVINGLIFEIN THE GOLDEN YEARS

Anant Varman as Mohan and Kerena Jagpal as Kamila.

For people of acertain age,it’s one of the most popular films and stage shows of recent years. Based on the Sunday Times bestseller,which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes audiences on ajourney to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life.

The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine and they embrace the vibrancy of modern-day India, they are charmed in unexpected and lifechanging ways.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous comedy about taking risks, finding love and embracing second chances, even in the most surprisingofplaces and it will feature at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre from February 21-25.

Starring the icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Academy,BAFTA and Golden Globe-Award winner Hayley Mills, household favourite and screen and stage star Paul Nicholas, and Rula Lenska (Rock Follies, Coronation Street, EastEnders), it also features Andy de la Tour,Rekha John-Cheriyan and Marlene Sidaway

Writer Deborah Moggach is thrilled that it’s taking to the stage.

“I’m so thrilled that my characters are stepping into anew lifeonthe stage. They’ve been waiting impatiently for the curtain to rise, and none of them is getting any younger.So welcome again tothe Marigold Hotel! We’ve assembled an amazing cast, soIhope they bring plenty of laughs, and some warm sparks of recognition.”

The main objective, of course, is fun. Deborah says: “I hope they’ll have alot of fun and identify things in the play that they’re experiencing or have experienced themselves, then go away happier and uplifted. Hopefully they’ll be full of vim about maybe having another adventure.”

There are surprises in store for people who know Deborah’s book, These Foolish Things,and the film basedonit.

“Ohyes, there are. I’ve adapted it from the novel and it’s quite adifferent creature to both the book and the film. There are the same characters, the same dilapidated hotel and all of that, but it’s a very different experience on stage.

“The biggest challenge is getting people on and off the stage because of course with abook or a film you don’t have that problem. The stagecraft is something I’ve had to work on, thinking ‘How do we keep everything in one place?’ They’ve built this amazing set for the hotel and downstage will be the street

Harmage Singh Kalirai as Jimmy and Marlene Sidaway as Muriel.

Hayley Mills as Evelyn and Rula Lenska as Madge.

and call centre. And there’s alovely sound system featuring the sounds of India strumming in the background, with cars hooting in the distance and people selling their wares, and that will come to the fore sometimes.”

Deborah has done adaptations of her own work for TV and film, as well as that of other authors. She has seldom written aplay

“I did an original play called Double Take many years ago but usually Iadapt my own things as well as other people’s work for the screen rather than the stage. The lovely thing aboutdoing it is that you’re much more involved with the actors and with theprocess. With television and certainly with film it’s less so.”

The key to the production hasbeen Deborah’s collaboration with director Lucy Bailey

“I completely love her.She’s incredibly imaginative and also terribly empathetic and sympathetic. She really understands actors andshe hasnoside. She doesn’t tell anyone what to do, she enables them to create the characters themselves. She’s got avery light touch, which Ilove, and she’s alot of fun.

“I adore the cast. Ilove them all! With the Indian cast Ididn’t know any of their work so they’ve been anew adventure for me. It’s been very interesting working with them because, for instance, one of two of them have renamed themselves. Ihad too many North Indian Punjabi names for people so Isaid to them ‘Think

up another namefor yourselves’. We’ve worked on their identities together,which has been very magical. Then with the older cast, they bring the huge hinterland of their experience. They’ve lived and worked for quite along time, so you’ve got that richness in their performances because they’re not new to the world. They’ve been around the block afew times.”

Thekey themes of the story that Deborah has been keen to get over in the play are simple: you’re never too old to have fun.

“It’s the same as what Iwanted to get over in the book in theway it’s never too late to have another adventure. 70 is the new 50 and we’re not behaving in the way people used to behave when they were so-called ‘old’.

“There’s been asea change in how we view older people in that you’re not old, you’re the same person you always were. Youhave the same loves, disappointments, resentments and joy as you ever had, you’re just abit more wrinkly

“Parcelling them off as old people, which is what Iused to do when Iwas young, is not thecase once you get old yourself.You’re exactly thesame and I wanted to write something that wasn’t seeing old age in terms of incipient dementia, death, strokes and everything, which has been the caseinthe past. I wanted to write something aboutpeople who are just like everyone else, they’re just abit older

“The world has changed so much.

Alot of us would be dead by now but miracles of modern medicine mean here we still are. I’m living in Kent and swimming every day in the sea with my grandchildren. That’snot what people are supposed to do at this age.

“I’ve had two marriages and two long relationships,and I’d start again with someone else with the same hopes as ever Idon’t feel like I’m putting my feet up at all.”

The cast of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Anant Varman as Tikal.

THEBRAINCHILD OF AFARMINGLIFE

HEATHER LARGE MEETS ASHROPSHIRE WOMANCREATING BESPOKE BAGS FROM COWHIDES

Ina workshop on anorth Shropshire dairy farm, Katie Robson transforms British cowhides into bespoke leather bags and accessories. The craft combines bothher love of farming and the countryside with apassion for art and design.

Despite not growing up on afarm, the 27-year old says has always been drawn to the way of life, especially since moving to Shropshire with her parents seven years ago.

Now she lives with her partner James on his dairy farm on the outskirts of Whittington, near Oswestry, whereshe lends ahand with milking, calf feeding and lambing.

Four years ago she was inspired to get creative when she saw an opportunity to utilise cowhides that are aby-product from meat industry

“When we had some animals go off to slaughter wewere asked if we wanted one of the hides back to go on the floor at our new house. We said yes, had it tanned and sent back.

“Prior to this Ihad been on afew leather courses. It was something that always interested me as Ihad horses and wanted to know how to repair leather saddles and bridles. My mum is a dressmaker by trade so I’ve grown up sewing with her.

“Wegot the hide back and Igot abit scissor happy and to my partner’s disgust to make abag.

“I had an idea and wanted to see if it would work,” explains Katie, who works for Genus as an artificial insemination reproduction specialist.

This would be the start of new business, Robson &May,and soon she was sourcing more cowhides and designing arange of bags and accessories including her popular bow ties from the soft leather.

rking with anatural product means everything she makes is unique due to thevariations in the patterns and colours on each hide.

From one side of ahide, she will make eight or nine bags and each one will take her around three to four hours to complete.

Katie Robson makes bags and accessories from cowhides

Her product range includes backpacks, clutch bags andtotes, as well as coin purses, and off-cuts areused for smaller items such as keyrings.

“I try to use as much as possible to reduce waste. Iwant eachhide to be used to its full potential,” says Katie.

“It is afantastic material; so much choice,colour,textureand the possibilities are endless when designing with leather.It’s not theeasiest material to work with as it is very slippery when sewing, but Ibelieve it is worth it for the end product.”

To bring her different designs to life, she works with awide rangeof hides include those of shorthorn, Highland and Hereford cattle.

Other materials used in her designs include feathers and cartridges that are locally sourced from their own shoot in Llansantffraid andOswestry

As well as having an elegant and modern look, it’s important to Katie that her products arealso practical andwill stand the test of time.

“People are buying something that it unique, that no one else has. To some people, it might feel slightly strange to be touching areal cowhide, but to me and hopefully others it brings asense of luxuryto my items,” she says.

One of the challenges Katie has faced since starting her business is sourcing British cowhides as she says many of them are exported to Europe.

Alarge number of tanneries have shut their doors in recent years, Katie explains, which means there are fewer places where the skins canbeprocessed.

Before Katie can use acowhide, the skin needs to be preserved and transformed into leather which retains the original colouring and hair of theanimal.

“It is getting harder to source British cowhide. There used to be 124 tanneries in the UK, now only 23 are running.

“A lot of hides are being exported to Italy and no longer staying in this country which I find very sad.

Katie’s product range includes backpacks, clutch bags and totes.

“I can go online and buy foreign ones but Iwant to use British hides and keep British hides here,” she explains.

Katie has recently launched anew service offering the hire of luxury cowhides, sheepskins, reindeer hides and other hides for weddings and events.

The idea came to her aftershe was approached by people asking if they could borrow hides for family farm weddings.

“I looked into it more and realised there was a shortage of companies hiring hides out for events,” she explains.

Running her cowhide business alongside her day job and farm duties, brings her alot of enjoyment. “I love designing and sewing. I’m always scribbling ideas down and drawing.

“When acustomersays ‘I absolutely love the bag’, Ithink ‘I’ve made that’, it makes me feel very proud,” says Katie.

She also feels passionate about farming and is pleased to be playing her part in championing the industry and also the county

“Asfarmers raising our animals with such care and love, knowing thatevery partofthem is used is very rewarding and satisfying,” says Katie.

n Formore information, see www robsonandmay.co.uk

THROUGH FIELD AND FOREST

BY ANDY RICHARDSON

Ludlow is one of the county’s finest towns from which to walk. There are myriad routes while all roads lead back to the town centre, whichisfullofbustling, independent cafes and bistros.

This five-mile walk across amixture of farmland and forest provides an interesting, dog-walker-friendly ramble that will take around 90 minutes to complete. The terrain is easy to moderate with two stiles, and the startpoint is either Castle Square, in Ludlow,orWhitcliffe Common, depending on where you park.

From the castle entrance take the path to the right, the Mortimer Trail, down to Dinham Bridge. Cross the bridge, turn left, leave the Mortimer Trail, and take the path beside the River Teme. It’s called the Breadwalk. In just over aquarter of a mile, climb the steps. At the top, after an information board, turn right 90 degrees up to the road at alayby.Cross the road and walk down to the left about 30 yards.

Take the path on the right by a fingerpost through trees to exit on the Overton Road. Turn rightand walk for half amile.

At aproperty named Mabbit’s Horn, (opposite a fingerpost),turn right up the drive, pass the house on apath, to agate and into a field. Continue for aquarter of amile. This is the line of the old toll road south outofLudlow

The path diverges: the main route carries straightonand continues to a kissing gate. Cross two fields with stiles beside field gates to ametalled drive and down abridleway to the road in Overton. Note the sunken nature of thetrack, suggesting that it is asectionofthe old toll road.

At the road turn right.Take the first turn right on avehicle track with Private Road and barrier into woodland. After aForestry Commission sign, for Sunny Dingle, the route reaches another track bending tightly round and rising to the right. Take this right on the forestryroad.

The route passes acottage on the left and bends to the right. It is joined

by apath from the left, waymarked with two colour signed trails, Climbing Jack (white) and Mortimer Trail (green). It climbs ahill under arocky cliff

At the top, where the road bends left, the path joins from the right. Climb alittle more to theend of this section. At aslightbend to the left, at ajunction of tracks, with abenchonthe left, leave the Mortimer Trail and turn right on the narrow path, theWhitcliffe Loop (red discs). At the junction, turn leftonthe red disc trail uphill.

Follow the trail to turn right. Atrack joinsfrom the right. Carryonuntil a junction, follow thered discs and bear left. At the forestry road turn right on the Whitcliffe Loop and the Mortimer Trail, down aslope past an F.C. barrierand a District Office, to the Wigmore road.

Cross over and from thelayby left side take the footpath down, right of a prohibition notice for horses and cycles.

The Mortimer Trail bends to theright and descends for over half amile, joined by apath on the right, down to Lower Wood Road.

Turn right, then right again up the hill for 40 yards.

Beside an information board on the left for Whitcliffe Common, follow the Mortimer Trail to ashort flight of steps down to Dinham Bridge for Castle Square.

View of Ludlowand LudlowCastle from WhitcliffeCommon; below, Mortimer Forest.

Despite whipping up an admirable array of cakes, cookies and pastries on last year’s series of The Great British Bake Off –impressing the judges so much he was crowned the winner –Giuseppe Dell’Anno doesn’t have much of asweet tooth.

“I don’t usually get cravings for sweet bakes,” the 46-year-old admits. Instead, he’s all about the savoury treats. “Very few things give me as much pleasure as the smell of baked savoury goods, like awarm loaf of bread, or some focaccia. Baked focaccia, thattomeisheaven on aplate.”

The Italian baker –who is nowbased in Bristol –has written his firstcookbook, dedicating it to the bakes of his homeland. He might not have asweet tooth, but he still says: “I enjoy the process of baking –and most crucially,the joy of sharing the baked goods with others, morethan stuffing my face. Idon’t dislike anice lump of cake –inthe process of writing that book, Iput on 13 kilos in less than a year… I’ve literally ‘proved’!”

Many of the recipes in thebook are ones Dell’Anno ate growing up, made for him by his father.“My dad was a professional chef and baker by passion. He’s always done it with apassion –for him, it’s never been work –and he didn’t stop at work.

“Before leaving the house in the morning, he would prepare lunch for everybody,then he would go to work, cook and bake the whole day,then come back and do the same for family and friends. It’s been his life effectively,since he started working in his early teens.

“I was born into thatenvironment

‘I LOST SLEEPOVER NOTBEING ACCEPTED ON BAKE OFF’

ITALIAN BAKER GIUSEPPE DELL’ANNO TALKS TO PRUDENCE WADE ABOUT LEARNING FROM HIS FATHER AND PREFERRING SAVOURY TO SWEET

–Iremember vividly Sunday mornings, waking up relatively late and my dad was already folding tortellini for lunch, and putting together the cake for after lunch –because inItaly back in theday,Sunday cake or pastries were athing after lunch.”

But that doesn’t necessarily mean Dell’Anno was helping his dad in the kitchen from ayoung age. “Funnily enough, having all of that readily served to me, Inever needed to learn how to bake –because Iwas surrounded by all that stuff every single day,” he confesses. “It’s only when Ileft home at 18 and Irealised it was not the same for everybody,that I’d been very lucky to have all of that –thenI started to learn things myself.”

While Dell’Anno’s father didn’t teach him, he says: “Observing him doing things over and over again had given me that sixth sense that you need to work out how things are done. So when Iactually started actively learning things, for me it was an easy journey –because I’d seen it all before.”

His heritage wasn’t the only thing that made baking come easily.Before

winning Bake Off,Dell’Anno worked as an engineer.“Baking is all about being accurate and precise, weighing your ingredients, following baking temperatures and recipes. Accuracy is a big part of baking, and engineers are by trade accurate people. In my case even more so, because I’m amaterials engineer –soIbake materials.”

Dell’Anno adds: “I used to deal with very large ovens to bake aeroplane wings –now I’m just makingcakes or biscuits.”

Despite already being an excellent home baker,Dell’Anno is quick to stress just how much he learned from the show.

“Going on Bake Off –thisapplies for every baker on the show –you’ve got to learn things you’ve never done before. Regardless of how good ahome baker you are, home bakers usually have their own skills, they’re good at afew things, but they’re not good at everything. Whereas on the show,you’ve got to do pretty much everything –fromice cream to fried goods to yeasted baked cakes to mousses, and many elaborate things.”

Dell’Anno adds with alaugh:

Pizza rollsfromGiuseppe’sItalian Bakes.

“Undeniably,a lot of those things Ihad never seen before. It’s almost atrite thing to say,but you get aboost in confidence because effectively you’re forced to do things you wouldn’t even touchwith a stick otherwise. And at the end of the day, you realise they are not as difficult as they might look or they might seem.”

Exceptional baking skills and a mastery of the mirror glaze wasn’t the only gift the show gave him. Dell’Anno won legions of fans for his gentle and friendly demeanor,but he was nervous about how the public would react to him.

“I’m averyinsecure man, very insecure,” he says. “I was terrified at the idea that Iwas going to be putting myself on the TV screen, because acceptance for insecure people is always abig thing Iliterally lost sleep over the idea that Imight not get accepted –Imight get trolled on Twitter,like has happened to other bakers in the past –that my features would be picked on and my accent –all these things starttogrowinyour head.

“And none of that happened. Nothing of what Iwas fearing most happened –

quite the opposite actually.Ithas changed me, in the way that having gone through that validation process on an epic scale, on such abig, high-profile show.Ittook me 46 years and anational TV show to realise that it’s just in our head –all of these problems, all of these issues that we create for ourselves, in termsof how others perceive us.

“It doesn’t matter how quirky you may come across or may look, or how unusual the things you do might be, there is always going to be somebody out there who appreciates you for who you are.”

Dell’Anno accepts he was extremely “privileged” to have this experience, saying: “I wish there was away for all insecure people to have this sort of therapy –for me, it’s been amassive form of therapy,going on Bake Off.”

n Giuseppe’s Italian Bakes by Giuseppe Dell’Anno is published by Quadrille, priced £20.

Giuseppe’s amaretti recipe

Ingredients:

(Makes about 50)

250g icing sugar,plus extrafor dusting

90g unblanched whole almonds

10g bitter apricot kernels

⅛tsp salt

1egg, white only

1tsp vanilla bean paste

¼tsp natural almond extract

1. Place 150 grams of the icing sugar in afoodprocessor bowl, add the almonds and apricot kernels, then blitz for 40 seconds until the mixtureisvery fine. Add the remaining icing sugar and the salt, then blitz again for 40 seconds.

Add the egg white, vanilla and almond extract, then blitz one final time until the mixturebecomes asmooth, doughy mass. Turn thedough onto adry worktop, press it down and fold it in half afew timeswith the help of ascraper The dough will be quite sticky. Wrap the doughinclingfilm and leaveittorest in the fridge overnight.

2. The next day, preheat the ovento 160C and line abaking sheet with baking paper

3. Take thedough out of the fridge, unwrap it (keep the clingfilm) and use the pressing and folding action again a few times. Divide the dough into small chunks of about seven grams each.

4. Shape each into asmall ball, then arrange on the lined baking sheet. Form enough biscuits to fill one baking sheet (about 15), wrap the rest of the dough back in its clingfilm and storeitinthe fridge until the next batch.

5. Spray water on to the biscuits until their surface is completely wet. Dust the top of the biscuits with athinlayer of icing sugar and place the baking sheet in the ovenfor 17–18 minutes until the biscuits area light caramel colour

6. Once cooked, slide the baking paper on to acooling rack and leavethe tray to cool as you start the next batch.

SHROPSHIRE’S SLOW

Tosay food is Steve’s passion would be an understatement. Except maybe it is. Where Steve’s love of food really comes to the fore is when he starts cooking and communicating.

Steve Guy,aka The HungryGuy, explained to me that for him helping to explain to people where their food comes from is so important. He went on to say that industrialised factory farming is bad for the environment and bad for what ends up on your plate.

Steve is on amission to inspire school children, and anyone else who will listen, about what is on their plate. He also wants it to tastegreat, benefitlocal producers and the environment.

In Shropshire, we’re surrounded by ood and farming, so why do we still need othink aboutwhere our food comes rom?

Well, Steve explained that during one fhis education sessions this summer, where young school children dig for egetables, there was achild whohad to sk what apotato was. Ahumblepotato. This spurred The Hungry Guy on.

Steve works as aprivate chef,cooking or parties in their own homes or for orporate events. He also works with chools and local authorities to inspire

children to becom more involved wit and to understand their food. He offe asensory experience and wants children to get familiar with what it is they actually eat. These sessions include Guy’s Grocery Workshops,as well as pasta making andfermentation sessions where you can create your own fizzy drinks.

He is also closely involved in the Slow Food movement. As acommittee member of the local Ludlow and the Marches branch of Slow Food, he teams up with passionate producers and other like-minded connoisseurs to celebrate good food and local artisan producers through abetter understanding of taste, quality and production

Founded in Italy in 1989, globally the Slow Food movement envisions aworld in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet. With the current state of emergency this is now an ever more pressing issue.

One of Steve’s numerous collaborations is with Havenhills Field and Kitchen near Shifnal where Steve develops their weekly menus. Steve explained that his role at Havenhills and

Steve Guy,aka The Hungry Guy.

Some of the SlowFood events.

heir ethosistocreate weekly menus based on their uber local vegetables and other ingredients. Everything comes from within a five-mile radius and they partner with other local producers such as Greenacres who grow 15 types of wheat. Steve explained that wheat isn’t just wheat, different varieties have different properties meaning they’re good for different things. It’s a bit like grapes used in wine, they all offer something alittle different.

He is also collaborating with Fordhall Farm, theorganic farm near Market Drayton, on various community and education projects.

This season Steve is leading afood waste project in Shrewsbury.Inaneffort to cut down on waste, Steve and plenty of willing volunteers are turning 2,000 trays of unused vegetables into soup. The soup is then frozen and used for four months’ worth of meals for local charities. Anyone wishing to get involved should find The Hungry Guy on Facebook or Instagram and drop Steve aline.

There are so many producers that Steve works with and is inspired by.His ethos, and that of Slow Food, has alarge dollop of local business collaboration mixed in. Some of the other like-minded producers includes the likes of Shropshire

Microfarm, Great Berwick Organics and Strawberry Fields Farm.

d o t

The Shropshire Microfarm grows and supplies micro herbs and other micr crops to many leading chefs, including Steve. They are all grown sustainably in Shrewsbury and can be delivered straight to your door –wonderful additions to any dish.

At Great Berwick Organics, which is also near Shrewsbury,they breed and nurture Longhorn cattle. The cattle spend their whole life on the farm before being butchered and sold directly to consumers and restaurants.

Strawberry Fields Farm also produces high quality meat on the family farm; lamb and pork, as well as beef,which is all available from their own farm shop near Dorrington.

But perhaps the ‘coming soon’ producer that Steve is most excited about is Noosh –his own range of hot sauces that will launching soon. In time,other tables sauces will be added to the range, but for now hot sauce fans should look out for these sauces clad in their brightly coloured branding. The sauces are made in small batches using seasonal local produce that is being sustainably grown. Due to the seasonal nature of the sauces they will only be available for limited

periods to ensure longevityofcertain ingredients. With chillies for example, essential for hot sauces of course, the trick is to ferment them. Using this traditional preserving method ensures supply when out of season.

Steve is challenging himself to ensure that everything inside the bottle is from Shropshire. Iknow Iamlooking forward to seeing them on ashopshelf soon and to trying them out.

Youwill be able to catch The Hungry Guy at various food festivals and other food events throughout 2023.

SHOP LOCAL FORTHE BEST LOCAL FOODS

There’s never been abettertime to be shopping locally Not only are you getting amore artisan product with more taste, supporting the local economy and providing jobs, but it also may be asurprise to see how competitive prices are.

Staff at Maynards have even spotted afew lines where their shop is cheaper thanthe big store equivalent. It’s asafe way to shop too, as small independents are usually quieter and you are served by afamiliar friendly face who knows you and what you are interested in buying. If you are lucky enough to live near afarm shop, there is theadded benefitoflow petrol and mileage too which helps notonly your pockets but also the environment –every little helps.

At Maynards, we are very proud to stock some fabulous local suppliers. Our beef and lamb comes from the Welsh border from small farms, Applebys amazing cheese comes from just across the

fields, Mr Moydens delicious cheeses are from afew miles away, Shropshire Salumi from rare breed pigs sourced within two miles from where it’s produced, arange of local artisan ales and and the best sourdough from our artisanbaker here in north Shropshire. Our own bacons, hams and sausages are made from pigs locally reared under the red tractor accreditation, using old fashioned recipes and methods. Ourbacons are matured for up to four weeks and smoked over localoak chippings. Much of ourbacon is distributed by the milkmen of southern England to the doorsteps of the south andour sausages can be enjoyed throughout the nation in anyof the nine excellent Dishoom Iranistylecafe/restaurants as well. The best breakfast you can buyinour opinion and the restaurant group donates ameal to achild in India for every meal they serve. Look out for the January sales too in ourshop–there will be bargains to be had.

DISHINGOUT STRENGTH AMID THE CHALLENGES

AS THE NEW YEAR ROLLS IN, ANDY RICHARDSON LOOKSATSOME OF THE REGION’S FINEST PUBS ANDRESTAURANTS AS THEY EMERGE FROM TWO YEARS OF UNCERTAINTY

The new year is atime of renewal. It’s atime for positivity,for embracing new challenges and for setting in motionambitious new plans. It’s alsoatime for reflection –and Shropshire restaurants have more reasons to reflect than most.

Recent years have been tough. And while many had hoped for apost-Covid bounce, the reality is that most facea long hard road. There have been restaurant closures and take-overs in recent times. More are likely as owners get to grips with the huge increase in energy costs, therise in wages, the increase in ingredient prices and the fact that customers have less disposable income to spend on hospitality

The industry is subject to the whims of politicians and the wind of change

more than ever before. Brexit has brought about staff shortages, particularly at some of the county’s better restaurants, which had previously relied on an influx of talented young staff from France, Spain, Italy and beyond.

Local restaurants are ina state of flux and need the support of customers more than ever if they are to survive the storm clouds that have gathered.

January is, of course, thecruellest month and while many have made merry over the Christmas holidays, it’s now atime to tighten belts and bank on the support of regulars.

Yetfor all of the challenges, Shropshire retains astrongrestaurant sector.Itmight no longer have the glitz and glamour of Michelin-era Ludlow –that all seems like along time ago, now –but there areenterprising new owners, chefs pushing for higher standards and entrepreneurs willing to invest in new ventures. During thepast year,most restaurants made awelcome return

Willem and Pippa Vlok, owners of the successful Old Downton Lodge, pictured above

following the commercial horror that was Covid and while conditions remain extremely tough, there is optimism that the road ahead will gradually ease.

Anumber of notable owners made great progress in 2022and can look forwardtobuilding on hard-earned reputations in the coming year

Mel and Martin Board cook with three AA Rosettes at The Haughmond, on the outskirts of Shrewsbury,which has developed into one of the region’s best restaurants. They have owned The Haughmond since April 2014 and their visionhas always been to offer

the best dining and guest experience in Shropshire.

Their life together started in Hong Kong, where they married. On their return to the UK, they started their first business in Ironbridge, with awine bar in 2002. Mel was also juggling afull-time marketing job in London, commuting back and forth each week. They had great success which led them to move premises to The Plough, at Allscott in 2004.

In addition to The Plough, they also ran aB&B at Wrockwardine, abeautiful countryside location offering agenerous full English breakfast. Attention was now given to starting Basil’s Restaurant -named after their beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The menu focused on Shropshire produce and Martin’s vision. In 2012, Martin achieved his first AA rosette for his food, amarker of success for aself-taught chef

Since 2014, they’ve made great strides at The Haugmond while in 2020 they took on anew project as operations managers of The Bear Inn, at Hodnet.

Owned by the Hodnet Estate, Mel and Martin were involved from day one, and saw what was once an empty pub turn into amodern inn that is now a nationwide destination.

Another set of enterprising owners are CSons –four brothers, from the south Shropshire countryside, who share the surname Crouch.Their original restaurant, in Shrewsbury,isa longstanding favourite. The brothers have built upon that success by opening a branch at Ludlow’s Dinham Weir,which is arguably the best café/bistro in the county.A further opening followed this year with Sourced, apizza bar,inLudlow, which prides itself on the use of great ingredients.

Reuben Crouch, one of the four Crouch brothers,said there were plans for further expansion, when thetime is right.

Three of CSONS –Reuben, Josh andAdam Crouch; inset, the CSONS burger

Melanie and Martin Board at The Bear at Hodnet.

Melanie and Martin at The Haughmond in Upton Magna, Shrewsbury.

CSONS’ Chirk Trout

The success of CSons was alldown to hard work and strong relationships with great producers.

Reuben said: “Being based in Shropshire, we are surrounded by amazing growers and producers with whom we have built direct relationships. This close link with our suppliers means our menu changes on an almost daily basis in reaction to what is available and at it’s best.

“Our food is different; we use the best, locally sourced produce and treat it with the respect it deserves by creating simple, unpretentious, globally-inspired and exciting dishes that shout about the ingredients, reflect the seasons and are full of flavour.”

There are other restaurants that made great strides in 2022and that promise much in the year ahead. Old Downton Lodge is foremost among those –and arguably ranks as the best restaurant in Shropshire.

Head Chef Nick Bennett is the best cook that thevenue has had, under present owners Willem and Pippa Vlok, whose high standards of service lead the way.

The restaurant has won many awards, notably 3AARosettes since 2015 and alisting in Michelin Guide since 2015. Menus evolve seasonally with an aLa Carte as well as atasting menu.

Dinner is served Monday to Sunday between 6pm and 8.30pm while Afternoon Teafeatures from Monday to Sunday between 3pm and 5pm.

The return of award-winning chef Andrew Birch has buoyed the local dining scene and he will celebrate his first anniversary as chef-patron at The Checkers, in Montgomery,this spring.

Andrew Birch built hisreputation in Ludlow,although he was already an

accomplished chef before arriving in the south Shropshire market town.

He’d developed apassion for cooking when he was aschoolboy in Swansea before going on to train in South Wales and then in Stratford-on-Avon.

Andrew worked for the Tanner brothers in theSouth West for four years and developed apassion for cooking seafood, something he developed further under Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson at his restaurant on the Isle of Scilly

After working for three years as senior sous chef at the 3AArosette and Michelin-starred Montagu Arms, under Matthew Tomkinson, he became head chef at Fishmore Hall, Ludlow

There, he achieved three AA rosettes and built his profile by appearing on BBC2’s Great British Menu.

While the challenges facing restaurants in the coming year ought not to be under-rated, in Shropshire, there are sufficient good operators to ensure that 2023 promises to be avintageyear for food and drink.

The Plough, at Allscott

Beef Wellington, one of the dishes at Basil’sRestaurant and Bistro, above

The Checkers, Montgomery, run by Andrew Birch and Rachel Bird(right); inset, warm salted caramel tart at The Checkers.

CLASSY COCKTAILS TO MAKE AT HOME

THESE SNAZZY SERVES HAVE CELEBRATION WRITTEN ALL OVER THEM, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Ifyou’re feeling the squeeze with the cost of living crisis, raisinga glass this New Year with adelicious home-made cocktail offers ataste of the high life –and feel good drinking ritual with thelook of luxe.

As Alessandro Palazzi, head bartender at Dukes Bar,London, puts it: “During lockdown, so many people were making their own cocktails at home –and the beauty of it was people really came to appreciate classic cocktails, which has continued.”

He says the result is people are really proud to show their friends and family cocktails they can make at home. “And to share the moment with them, which is what the holiday season is perfect for,” says Palazzi.

Ready to get the party started? These festive serves have New Year written all over them…

Winter Applause

This crafty take on amint julep has been winterised to highlightthe whisky’s fruity finish.

Ingredients: 45ml Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky (£19.99, 70cl, Amazon), 30ml pomegranate juice, 15/20ml honey syrup, 2dashes orange bitters, 10ml lemon juice. Fresh mint and pomegranate seeds to garnish.

Method: Half fill acocktail shaker with ice, add ingredients and shake vigorously.Pourinto ajulep or highball glass filled with crushed ice and 4to5 mint leaves. Garnish with fresh mint and pomegranateseeds.

Mermaid Gin Gingerbread Martini

With adash of syrup –such as Monin gingerbread with warming spicy notes –and zesty peppery notes of this Isle of Wight gin, it’s aseaside rollercoaster of flavour

Ingredients: 50ml Mermaid Gin (£39.90,70cl, Isle of Wight Distillery), 25ml red vermouth, 10ml amaretto, 10ml festive syrup, crushed gingerbread to rim glass.

Method: Half fill acocktail shaker

with ice. Add ingredients, shake vigorously,strain into achilled martini glass and garnish with gingerbread rim.

To garnish: Crush gingerbread finely, dip martini rim in festive syrup and dip in crushed gingerbread.

Mijenta Tequila Reposado Pink Polka Dots

Ajewel from Jalisco, Mijenta Reposado is aged in acombination of American oak, French oak and French acacia casks for up to six months –the result is an exquisite slow sipping tequila with layers of honeyed vanilla, vegetal agave, and nutty wood.

Ingredients: 45ml Mijenta Tequila Reposado (£63.95, 70cl, Master of Malt), 25ml cranberry syrup, 25ml lemon juice, 25ml maraschino liqueur

Method: Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add ingredients, shake vigorously and strain into aNickand Nora glass. Garnish with pink peppercorns.

The Dukes Martini

After adeliciously decadent drink to impress your loved ones? It has to be the classic Dukes Martini, says Palazzi. “A drink to truly sip and enjoy over the holidays.”

Especially with this resplendent Crown Jewel serve using the sister gin to Beefeater –with marked depth at 50% strength andaddition of grapefruit among the botanicals.

Ingredients: 100ml Beefeater Crown Jewel London Dry Gin (£55.95, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange), 2. 5mldry vermouth, organic Amalfi lemon to garnish.

Method: Chill your martini glass and discard any water.Pourvermouth into the chilled glass, stirring the liquid in. Palazzi says if you like adry martini: “Discard the vermouth –itwill havestuck to the sides of the chilled glass.” If you like awet martini, leave it in the glass

Topupwith frozen gin. Peel an unwaxed organic lemon, squeeze the peel over the glass to extract the oil and place the peel in the glass.

AlessandroPalazzi, head bartender at Dukes Hotel.

FINDING VALUE IN THE WORLD OF WINE

BY CHRISTINA ALBON,MARKETING MANAGER ATTANNERS

For many years, wine drinkers have focused on wellknown regions to fill their glasses. Thelikes of Rioja, Chablis, Sancerre and Chianti have become household names, but this can often mean these bottles are bought on name alone rather than on thebasis of real quality

lity orth seeking ue. If rebut the nique mineral lex. nd nd

With the cost of living continuing to rise, its wo out lesser-known regions andcountries to find valu you enjoy the crisp, mineral, freshness of aSancerr aren’t so keen on the price tag, look further down t Loire Valley to Touraine, where Philippe and Véron Trotignon are making wonderful gooseberry-led Sauvignon Blanc with that classic‘Sancerre-like’ m edge from their Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Les Sil Hugely popular in theUK, the quality,style an price of Rioja can vary wildly.With 600 wineries an close to 15,000 grape growers in the region, there

are certainly plenty of quality-minded growers out there to choose from. However,ifyou are willing to look alitttle further south in Spain,areal gem can be found in Tannners Spanish Reserva. This is from an areato the southof Madrid, known as La Mancha, and is made in aclassic Riojan style. Jancis Robinson (www.jancisrobinson.comm), the doyenne of British wine writers, recently tasted it annd commented: “Great price! Lovely vanilla nose. Round and mature with great, well-balanced fruit. Not that compleex but VGV.” [Very Good Value].

Her high recommendation is quite the seal of approoval!

Chablis is an interesting region, so manypeople, evven those that drink it religiously,don’t realise that it is Chardonnay.100% Chardonnay,100% of thetime!

Very often Chablis is unoaked, which is why it doesn’t have that obvious, heady Chardonnay taste and smell. So, now you know it’s an unoaked Chardonnay,there are plenty of other regions and countries to peruse. Domaine Grauzan Chardonnay is from one of the best value regions in France –LanguedocRoussillon –and is full of peachy,honeyed fruit along with acrisp edge. Don’t overlook theNew World for this style, they have learned from past mistakes of cheaply oaked, slapin-the-face wines; something like Baboon Rock Unwooded Chardonnay from Franschoek in South Africa hits the mark, with lemon and lime freshness and amineral touch.

The wines of Italy have become increasing popularinrecent years and the wines made predominantly from Sangiovese, such as Chianti, have become especially popular for their juicy,ripe cherry fruitiness. Tuscanyisundoubtedly the home of Sangiovese, it’s agrape variety thatsuits thecentral-Italian climate. So, to find the value here, look east to Umbria. It’s a region that isn’t so well known, yet stylistically makes wines that have broadly similar traits to its flashier sibling, Tuscany. Amanti del Vino Sangiovese is great value, leaving you with enough change from aten-pound note for acup of coffee.

Moving beyond the classic regions of Europe, there are plenty of off-the-radar countries that make excellent wines, at a snip of the cost of thosefrom the more famous regions.

Porrtugal is awinemaker’s dream, boasting awarm, dry climate e with plentiful breeze. It’s acountry that so often gets overloooked in favour of its more illustrious neighbour,Spain, but thhere is more to this holiday hotspot than the fortified festivee-favourite, Port. Whilst the steep slopes of the Douro Valley y give the ideal growing conditions for Port grapes, these grapes can also turn out some remarkable table wines, too. The reds a are very good, think Tanners Douro, but thewhites never fail to o delight. Despite the warm climate they are aromatic,full of bright, refreshing acidity andpacked with stone fruits, Tons de Duuorum Branco really hits the spot. Best of all, the prices still reflect this being an overlooked region.

Without doubt one of Tanners biggest selling ranges is Paparuda from Romania. They are all made in asmart, sleek, state-of-the-art winery using well-known grape vaariietiies, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Merlot. Foreasy, , everyday drinking, this range can’tbebeaten. In fact, many e eastern European countries have along history of wine maaking, yet have only recently made it to theUK shores.

Armenia and Georgia both claim to be the oldeest wine-producing countries in the world. Both make e very appealing, drinkable wines from their local indigennous grape varieties. Stylistically,these are unique winess, Yerevan Winemaker Red Blend (Armenia) is agreaat example. Youwon’t be familiar with thegrape varieties (Areni and Karmrayhut), and we certainly weren’t prior to listing the wine. The Guardian wine writeer Fiona Beckett agrees that this is acharmingred for r the winter months: “Gorgeous, exotic red that’s richer r than you’d guess from its ABV. Thinkslow-cooked shoulder of lamb.” The Guardian, October 29, 2022.

From Georgia, Winery Khareba Saperavi (Georgia’s indigenous grape variety), is adry red boasting sweet damson fruit and ripe tannins.

Whatever your usual drinking habits, we implore you to search further afield, look to thoseregions and countriesyou usually walk past –theymay very well offer you adelicious wine at an even more desirable price.

MAIN IMAGES, CLOCKWISE FROM TOPLEFT: La Petite Ferme Viognier andChardonnay; vinesinPortugal’sDuorum Valley; Franshhoek vineyardinthe Western Cape Province, South Africa, produces excellent Chardonnay; Yerevanwinery,Armenia.

THE SPIRIT OF DOINGGOOD

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS THE OWNERS OF ARUM DISTILLING COMPANY WITH AMISSION TO HELP SAVE THE PLANET

The scorching sun shimmering on the ocean’s surface and waves gently crashing on awelcoming shore.

It sounds like heaven and for Lee and Trudy Smith, their trip to Jamaica was also the inspiration behind abusiness which, in the space of two years, hascollected a raft of awards.

But the Ludlow pair’s business –Lost Years Rum –has been about far more than creating asuccessful spirits brand.

This is about amission to help the planet and, in particular,sea turtles. As the business motto says, this is ‘great rum doing good’.

Lost Years Rum celebrated its second birthday just last month.

It’s abusiness inspired by the mysterious journeys which newly-hatched sea turtles make during their early years –the period known as ‘the lost years’ and there’s acommitment to raising funds for sea turtle conservation.

Through its partnership with US charitySEE Turtles,every bottle sold generates adonation to support community-based conservation in the tropics –with more than 55,000 baby sea turtles saved since Lost Years launched in November 2020, at the height of lockdown.

“Wecame up with the idea on abig family holiday in Jamaica,” Lee recalls. “It was September 2019 and we hatched the idea of arum brand that helps to savesea turtles.

“When Igotothatpart of the world, of course, Ilike to try the rum and visit distilleries

“I was out one day visiting onecalled the Hampton Estate. My wife and our kids –daughter Elliot and son Billy –were back at the resort, on the beach, listening to stories aboutsea turtles.

“I’d probably drunk one too many rums because that night, over dinner,we came up with this idea for abrand that

Lee Smith, owner of Lost YearsRum.

is devoted to saving the endangered sea turtles!”

Actions speak louder than words and the family made it their mission. Lost Years Rum, afamily-owned rum brand with abig purpose, was launched.

With acore range comprising four multi award-winning blends –Navy Strength, Silver Moon, Arribada and Four Island –LostYears was acelebration of pure, unadulterated Caribbean and Latin American rum.

In its first two years of trading, Lost Years Rum has won 16 industry awards for its quality

But it’s the mission to protect and rehabilitate endangered sea turtles, through its pledged donation scheme which really fascinates and resonates at atime when climate change is at the forefront of people’s minds.

As you’d expect Lost Years is 100% plastic free and offsets its carbon emissions by planting and protecting

seagrass, aneco wonder-plant, in Latin America.

But why sea turtles in particular?

“Billy,ever since he was atoddler,has always been into sea turtles,” adds Lee. “They have been his favouritecreature for as long as we canremember

“Asa young toddler he mighthave watched Finding Nemo one too many times!

“So with my love of rum and Billy’s love of sea turtles, we came up with this idea, bringing great Caribbean rum back to the UK and every drop we sell will raise money for the charity SEE Turtles

“They basically fund communitybased conservation, mainly acrossthe Caribbean and Latin America,although they do go further afield than that

“Conservationists patrol beaches, find where the sea turtles lay their eggs and make sure nests are protected.

“It’s all about makingsurethose little baby sea turtles actually make it into the

‘On afamilyholiday in Jamaica, we hatched the idea of arum brand that helps to savesea turtles’

water and begin their life to adulthood.”

And that’s absolutelyvital with the sea turtle greatly under threat.

“Six out of seven species of sea turtles areendangered or threatened and some could be gone within ageneration,” Lee warns. “These creatures have been on our planet for 110 million years and yet they could disappear on our watch.

“Like so much wildlife out there, they really need our help. They face threats from global warming as the planet increases in temperature.

“Sea level rises contribute to the loss of beach and sea turtle nesting habitat.

“Hotter sand from increasing temperatures also results in decreased hatching rates or complete nest failure.

“And increased sand temperatures affects hatchlings –the gender of the sea turtles is dictated by the temperature of the sand eggs are in. The higher the temperature, the more female hatchlings are produced and the fewer males are born. That’s beginning to dictate numbers.”

Lee adds: “Plastic pollution is also a problem. Most sea turtles eat jelly fish and they confuse plastic bags floating in the water with those and end up dying, while alot get caught up in fishing gear dumped in the ocean.

“The charity is estimating that just one in athousandofthese baby sea turtles are making it to adulthood. When we learnt all this, we said we need to do something.

“Wewanted to try and make a difference. They are very graceful creatures and are symbolic of our Blue Planet and the challenges andperilswe face.”

The brand, Lee explains, is called The Lost Years in reference to the time after turtles hatch and head to sea. They remain in the sea for many years

before returning to near-shore waters as large juveniles.

“The Lost Years is when the sea turtles scurrydown the beach and disappear into the water,” Lee says. “In that period, they disappear for about adecade before returning to the beach they were hatched on. Scientists have previously had no idea where they go but are starting to piece more together through tracking. They return to the very beach they were

Youcan clearly hear,from the passion and enthusiasm he exudes, Lee’s business really is all about making adifference to these creatures, above all else.

And he’s pretty clear on the mission moving forward –adreamofbuilding the brand and continuing to make a difference.

“Wehave won 16 awards with the rum for its qualitysince it started. We received aMaster Medal for one of our rums, of which only 12 were given out globally.Our little old brand is there next to some of the giants of rum world, getting recognised.

“Wewon an award in Spirits Business Magazine recently and, here we are, just this tiny little family-run business out of Ludlow

“Customers have got behind us and we have got nice alittle following now

“Weare listed in farm shops and an increasing number of bars and restaurants and hotels.

“And we have started to getalot of interest from overseas especially where there are sea turtles that nest, in countries such as Dubai and the UAE.

“Wehave big ambitions. We are at the start of our journey as abusiness butwe want to help save onemillion sea turtles.”

With the company’s drive and determination and young Billy’s love of sea turtles, you wouldn’t back againstit.

And if ever you get to try aglass of Lost Years Rum, it might be worth toasting the family’s efforts to make a difference.

n Formore details on the company,visit lostyearsrum.com

Lee on the beach with son Billy.

hatched on and lay their own eggs. It’s incredible.”

Keyhole varicose vein treatment

CHECKLIST FORYOUR BIGDAY...

Ifyou got engaged over the festive period, your mind will now be turning to planning your big day –aspecial day of your life and one where you will be centre stage.

Planning awedding is along, involved and quite complicated process. There is a lot to think about, and it can be very easy to panic over the arrangements.

The key to reducing your stress levels and actually enjoying the whole process is to break everything down into bite-sized chunks on atimeline. This way,everything becomes alot more manageable, and thewhole wonderful picture of the biggest day of your life becomes all the more clear

The following guide will serve as a good rough planyou can use to help put your wedding together

We’ve structured it into atime-frame –running from 24 months right up to the big day itself –thatwill help you know when to book all the different elements.

Your wedding may not fitthe bill exactly, and that’s ok. But this guide should help get everything crucial sorted, and help you to enjoy the run-up to your wedding without worrying about things you may have forgotten.

From 24 months:

l The dress –keep an eye out at this stage for styles that you may favour once other influential elements aresorted

l Consult both sets of parents, draw up your guest list

l Book your photographer/ videographer Check with the minister if filmingof the ceremony is permitted

From 12 months:

l Book photo booth, DJ and any other entertainment

l Apply for marriage licence with local registrar if planningacivil ceremony

l Order the wedding cake and favours

l Book a florist andchoose arrangements for bouquets, church and reception site

l Book your desired transport to and from the ceremony

l Shop for your dress, attendants’ outfits and accessories

l Book your honeymoon

From 6-9 months:

l Arrange hire of suits for groom, best man, father and ushers

l Order your wedding rings

From 2-4 months:

l Compile wedding present list and register

If you already have ahome together, consider registering with atravel agent for gift vouchers to use foryour honeymoon or future dream holiday

l Send out invitations and keep track of RSVPs, gifts andthank younotes. Don’t forget adirections map and local accommodation listfor out of town guests

l Discuss details of menu with venue or caterer.Schedule rehearsal time and dinner

l Buy shoes and startbreaking them in around the house

l Go shopping for mums’outfits, your going away outfitsand honeymoon clothes

l Make appointments with hair and beauty salons.

l Select dry cleaning, gown and bouquet preservation companies

Twoweeks before:

l Start course of tanning sessions or book self tan appointment at abeauty salon

l Pick up wedding rings

l Confirm final arrangements in detail with all services –prepare checksand payment for: DJ/band/entertainment; ceremony musician(s); ceremony venue; reception venue; caterer; rehearsal dinner site; photographer/ videographer; transport service; florist; baker; suits; wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses; make-up artist; hair stylist

One week before:

l Pick up your wedding gown l Notify venue/caterer of guest count

l Have afacial andother beauty treatments

l Start gathering wedding ensemble and packing for honeymoon

l Make sure all of the following are ready for the rehearsal and weddingday: Wedding rings; ring pillow; flower girl basket; wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses; accessories; suits; attire for rehearsal/rehearsal dinner; gifts for the bridal party; reception place cards; favours for the reception; toasting glasses; cake knife, server set and cake top; guest book and pen; rice or confetti; music for the DJ or band (if required)

Celebrate your wedding in luxury

Lilleshall House and Gardens is a stunning 19th century stately home, amidst 200 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed grounds nestled in the Shropshirecountryside, and an idyllic venue for weddings, events and private parties.

The building stands in expansive, beautiful grounds overlooking Capability Brown-inspired gardens, aperfect backdrop to capturestriking wedding photographs.

At Lilleshall we can offer aunique collaboration of old meets new, following arecent £4 million refurbishment of the main house with exquisitely designed accommodation and modern, contemporary features.

As avenue steeped in history we can offer luxurious surroundingswith a warm, intimate atmospherewhich, combined with our dedicated and experienced team you can be assured your special day is in safe hands.

We appreciate that every couple and every wedding is unique, and we can offer tailored, bespokepackages to suit most budgets and requirements.

To findout morespeak to ourspecialist Wedding Co-ordinator on 01952 603003 or email us: enquiries@serco.co.uk

One day before:

l Lay out wedding ensemble and pack overnight bag

l Prepare anextra bag with the following items: Aspirin, breath mints or gum, safety t pin, extra lipstick and make-up, brush and comb, hair spray and gel

l Have your manicure and pedicure today

On the day:

l Relax, enjoy and remember!

THE POWER OF WORKING MUMS

OLYMPIC AND WORLD CHAMPION ATHLETE DAME JESSICA ENNIS-HILL TALKSTO LAUREN TAYLOR ABOUT MOTHERHOOD, RUNNING, AND REALLYLISTENING TO HERBODY

People underestimate new mums, thinks Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. Whether or not you’re atop athlete, she believes returning to work after having ababy gives you even more focus than before.

“Because everything you do is going to be quality,you’re not just turning up, getting through day-to-day,you’re making sure that time away from your child is worthwhile,” says the former heptathlete and mum-of-two.

She retired from athletics in late 2016 –but prior to that, just 13 months after having her first child, Reggie, Jessica became world champion, and tooksilver at the Rio Games ayear later

“In an athletic context, you’re so determined and focused anyway,but chuck in being amum and all that extra motivation –and it’s like next level,” she says. “I think you’re amore focused, determined animal.”

Leaving her son at that age to go t toBeijing for twoweeks for the World C Championships was “heart-breaking” t though, sheadmits. “I cried my eyes out l leaving him. But Iwas like, if I’m going all the way to Beijing, I’mnot coming back w without amedal. It’s got to be worth it.”

She was torn between being “the b best mum and being there for him all the t time” and wanting to finish her career “ “Iwas thinking Ihavethis amazing opportunity,I’ve got to do this last bit and I wanted Reggie to see it all –but Ithen I hadall this guilt. And afeeling of,what ifIput this last bit of energy towards my c career and then Iget injured? Or Idon’t w win amedaland it’s all been for nothing? I found that really,really challenging. I was always questioning myself.”

Other top athletes like Serena W Williams and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

returned to the top of their game after having babies. “Because you cando both,” says Jessica, who married husband Andy Hill in 2013. “You have to be kind to yourself and not put too much expectation on yourself,but you can achieve incredible things.”

She says she was “really happy to step into thatnextphase of life” when she retired to spend time with her family,later welcoming her daughter Olivia, now five. The transition from pro to retired athlete can be challenging for many,she says,but for her,family became a“real focus”. And alife without daily –sometimes twicedaily –training, pressure, and pushing her body to breaking point, was a“massive relief ”.

Fitness is still ahugepartofher life, but it’s taken on new meaning. “If I’ve got time andthe weather’s nice, Ijust go out for arun. I’m nottiming it, I’m not

Dame Jessica Ennis Hill with husband Andy.

Jessica competing in the anniversary games; inset, winning gold at the Bejing World Championships.

looking at PBs, I’m just doing it for me. Ilove to go on asteady run in the Peak Districtand clear my mind.

“I go on how Ifeel after each run, whetherI’m feeling strong and positive It’s gauged by mood now.Having my son made me understand how much of impact your hormones have on your physically,” she adds.

app, Jennis (jennis.com) helps sync the right movement and to the four phases of their cycle, to get strongerand fitter while understanding their bodies.

These days, she works out four times with amixture of runs, circuits, and yoga, walking with her family tennis with her kids. But Jessica as muchasanyone that fitting around parenthood can be tricky.

“The stages that your kids are at, their ages, has abig impact on how much time you have for yourself,and you find that energy and time exercise,” she says. Now that her children are alittle older,she’s able do some yoga in one room while they play in another,for example.

It’s about planning when you’ll tinworkouts, andtrying to stick to it, she says, and knowing “that you’re not going to have two hours to exercise and do a massive warm-up or cool-down. You’ve just got to take those little nuggets of timewhere you can, whether it’s 10 minutes to do some Theraband glute exercises in the bathroom or going for a quick half-hour run.”

And don’t underestimate the power of a10-minute workout. realised that if Idosomething for 10 minutes, it’s better than doing nothing.

It gets my body moving, I’ve switched on my muscles.

“This morning, Idropped the kids off,did afew squats and lunges, alittle ab workout –and I’m done! Alot of the time you feel like you have to really slog yourself,but actually a10-minute glute circuit is quick, quite low-maintenance, and it really stimulates those little muscles that need work but you often neglect and forget about.

“Health is such an important part of being agood parent,” she continues, and mums often don’t have enough time to really care for themselves.

“So many mums forget about actually looking after themselves and the basics –because you just want to give all your energy to your child.” But Jessica says she realised: “I’ve got to be at my healthiest, I’ve got to be feeling as good as possible, because these children rely on me to be at my best as well.”

And she’s adamant mums shouldn’t feel guilty about taking time out to look after themselves.

“You feel guilty about literally everything as amum. I’ll say to my husband, ‘Do you feel guilty about going on abike ride? And he’s like, ‘No, not really’.

“Wecan be so hard on ourselves but we just have to reframe it, andthink, ‘My mind needs to be in agood place and I need to feel good in myself ’,” she says. “And having times where you’re able to switch off,step away and come back, means you’re arefreshed and energised mum again.”

n Jennis –the hormone intelligenceapp founded by Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill –costs £9.99 amonth after a7-day free trial or £99.99 for 12 months. Cancel anytime.

Walk

Walking every day is one of the best forms of exercise there is. And it’s free. Youdon’t have to live in the country or have loads of different routes. Just get out there and start. We are spoilt for choice in Shropshire and Shrewsbury!

It will give you rosy cheeks, ahealthy glow …AND better legs and bottom

Did you know that walking outside burns more energy and arguably gets us fitter than walking on atreadmill? It’s all about the uneven ground, and the way we propel ourselves forward.

Youcan lose weight by walking too if you’re consistent, eat healthily,and give yourself mini challenges every day,like hills, steps and uneven ground.

Shopping

Carry your own purchases, andbuild up lovely muscle tone in your arms, back and shoulders. Yes, shopping is menial, but wow it can be aworkout. Obviously,if you’re doing abig shop you’re not going to carry all that. But get as physical as you can with all your purchases –it’s good for you. Even just in and out of the car with it, it can be abrilliantand functional free mini workout.

Every time you lift abag intothe car, lift those elbows up above your shoulders for upright rows. Or carry your bags with bent elbows for bicep curls.

Saveoncar parking

Either park for free some distance away and enjoy the extra steps into town, or park at the far end of the car park instead (and make it much less likely that your car will get hit by someone else’s trolley). If you got asmart watch or similar for

LET’S GET MOVING

Christmas, you’ll be hitting those daily activity goals easily

Housework

Yes, you knew this was coming. The simplest of tasks can be done vigorously and result in abit of asweat. Scrubbing a floor with areal scrubbing brush is the most fantastic workout for your core. Put themusic on and get going That’s adouble win –aclean house andanimproved lovely waist shape.

Stairs

If your knees and hips are up to it, then using your stairs is great for leg strength and building your metabolism. As we

age, we lose muscle mass and strength, so its hugely important to keep these large muscle blocks as strong as possible. It not only keeps us looking good, but it also boosts metabolic rate –and selfconfidence too. If you live in abungalow, seek out stairs and steps whenyou’re shopping or out walking.

Bonus tip

Of course, exercise will always make you warmer.This means you can turn down the thermostat on the central heating. Save pounds and lose pounds, all at the same time. My online members LOVE this fact!

FITNESS AND WEIGHT LOSS TRAINER NOELLE WATSON SHARES HER TIPSONHOW TO COMPLEMENT YOUR GYM REGIME WITH OTHER EXERCISE

Separatingcohabitees: whatareyourrights?

Formanyofusinourday-to-day lives,wedonotseethedifference betweenlivingasamarriedoran unmarriedcouple.However,thelaw treatscohabitingcoupleswhohave separatedverydifferentlyiftheyare unmarried,particularlyinrelationto property.

Whattypesofownershiparethere?

Thefirstquestionthatneedstobe answered,iswholegallyownsa property?Apropertycanbeownedby JointTenants,Tenantsincommon,or inasolename.

JointTenants

JointTenantsownthepropertyin equalshares.Thisisthecaseevenif onepartyhascontributedmoreto thedeposit,renovationworkorthe mortgagerepayments.Ifeitherparty weretodie,theirshareoftheproperty wouldautomaticallypasstotheother.

Tenantsincommon

TenantsinCommoncanownthe propertyinequalorunequalshares. Thisisusuallyusedwhereoneparty hascontributedmoretotheproperty ortheywishtheirshareofthe propertytopassaccordingtotheir

Will.Itisbestpracticetorecordany contributionsmadetoaproperty, wherethereareunequalshares,in aDeclarationofTrust.Ifthereisno DeclarationofTrust,itispresumed thatthepropertyisownedinequal shares.

WhatcanIdoifIbelievethe ownershipisdifferenttothetitle deeds?

Asastartingpoint,thelawpresumes thattheowneronthetitleofthe propertyisboththelegaland beneficialowner.Itisthenforthe individualarguingthatthetitledeeds donotreflecttheactualownership,to proveotherwise.

Thiscanbethecasewheretheparties ownthepropertyinjointnamesorif thepropertyisownedinthesolename ofonlyoneoftheparties.

Cohabiteescanmakeanapplication undertheTrustofLandand AppointmentofTrusteesAct1996 (TOLATA).Theaimistoprovethatthe beneficialownershipoftheproperty isdifferenttothelegalownership Abeneficialownershipallowsan individualtoliveinthepropertyand haveashareoftheproceedsofsale.

Thecourtwillconsidertheintentions ofthepartiesatthedatetheproperty waspurchased,thediscussions thepartieshadbefore,duringand afterthepurchaseandanyfinancial contributionswhichhavebeenmade byeitherparty

Thisisaparticularlycomplexarea ofthelawandyoushouldseeklegal adviceifyouhaverecentlyseparated fromyourpartnerwhereeitherofyou ownaproperty.

ANTIQUES

EXQUISITE PIECES OF SILVER

BY MARYANNE LINEKER-MOBBERLEY, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AT HALLSFINE ART

Aswewelcome in the New Year at Halls Fine Art, we’re already busy preparing and cataloguing for our 2023 calendar of events. We’re kicking off our packed schedule with our first Antiques and Interiors auction of the year on January 11 and are already looking forward to our first Fine Art, Antiques and Jewellery auction on March 22.

It’s goingtobeone to watch with some exceptional pieces already consigned. One particularly exciting lot is an impressive sterling silver model of asnow leopard. Created using an electroforming process by Royal Silversmiths Mappin &Webb, this striking leopard was created in 1993 and is alimited edition of only nine in the world. It was the crown jewel of the Manchester store, acting as astunning centrepiece until it was purchased by the vendors in 1994 and has remained abeloved member of the family since. Reaching almost 80cm in height, this beautiful leopard is modelled upon a stylised wooden outcrop surveying its territory

The manufacturing process of electroforming silver,often used in jewellery making, means the details achieved, most effectively seen through the leopard’s ‘fur’, are remarkable. Reflecting its quality and rarity,the leopard is being offered for auction with an estimate of £12,00018,000.

We’re also offering awonderfully characterful silver model of an elephant which is alimited edition of 200. Also produced by Mappin &Webb and hallmarked for 1992, this African elephant is superbly designed and created. It comes with amore modest pre-sale estimate of £2,000-£3,000.

Silver models of animals are always popular,whether they have afunction, such as adecanter or caster,or they are

made to be purely decorative, they will always attract ahost of bidders.

Over the years we’ve sold some beautiful examples, one of which was an impressive Goldsmiths &Silversmiths sugar caster in theform of an owl which realised ahammer price of £5,500 (+ BP).

However,you don’t always need deep pockets to get your hands on these highly collectable novelties. Asmall silver model of ahorse is going into our January 11 auction with an affordable estimate of £200-£300 and in the past we sold asmall silver miniature dachshund for ahammer price of £110 (+BP)

Our first Fine Art, Antiques and Jewellery auction of 2023 follows our hugely successful December specialist sale held just before Christmas, where the silver department achieved some fantastic results, including acomprehensive Victorian canteen of cutlery which soldfor £6,500 (+ BP) andan unusual American silver novelty pineapple form teapot thatrealised £1,500 (+ BP). However, the star of the show came from the pictures department where an exceptional £31,000 hammer price was achieved for apencil sketch (left) by renowned artist John Constable (1776-1837). Most noted for his early 19thcentury oil on canvas ‘The Hay Wain’ which is on display at The National Gallery in London, this small sketch depicting atree by thebanks of astream demonstrates Constable’s talent to capture the natural world. It was highly contested on the sale day and was purchased following atense bidding battle.

If you are interested in consigninga piece into our March Fine Art, Antiques and Jewellery auction, or would like a no obligation valuation, contact Halls to arrange an in-houseappointment or a home visit on fineart@hallsgb.com or by calling 01743 450700.

GLITTERING SURPRISES

Trevanion’s November Fine Art &Antiques Auction was their final event of their 2022 calendar and rounded off the year on a high with top prices from their jewellery section and afew surprises along the way

The top hammer prices of the day came from atwo-carat diamond solitaire ring which sold for £7,500 and an Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring which realised £6,000, amongst astring of further estimate-busting results.

“Asour finalauction before Christmas, we were not surprised by the flurry of interest!” says jewellery specialist Helena Waudby.“This auction had awide breath of jewellery to suit every taste, and the appetite for vintage and antique jewellery has been strong over the last 12 months.

“There are several reasons for this; gold and silver prices remain considerably higher than pre-2020 figures, as more people seek to invest in precious metal in uncertain times. Further, thesize of the market has increased –more and more people are dipping their toes into the world of auction for the first time, and it seems alot of them are looking for antique jewellery

“It’s not just diamonds and big gemstones that are selling well –everything across the jewellery spectrum from costume and modern pieces to antique treasures are enjoyingbuoyant sales and the run-up to Christmas provides further momentumfor rising prices.

“A large amount of people have neglected or overlooked pieces lingering at the back of drawers andinjewellery boxes, which could be quietly generating a surprising amount of value. My advice to anyone with jewellery or watches which you have long been meaning to get valued

is to do so now –don’t missout on the market high!”

As another auction year draws to a close at Trevanion Auctioneers, Managing Partner Christina Trevanion has been reflecting on 2022, and looking forward to 2023.

“Wehave really enjoyed welcoming people back to our salerooms here in Whitchurch throughout the year,prices have remained high andthe market is buoyant as our conscientious buyers focus on more sustainable-friendly investment purchases. We are looking forward to another fantastic year at Trevanion Auctioneers as we build on the successes that we have seen throughout 2022.

“Our first auction of 2023 offers a fantastic selection for our buyers and we look forward to welcoming BBCBargain Hunt to film with us at our February auction with Associate Director Ashley Jones at the helm.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

Adiamond solitairering; Christina Trevanion inspecting adiamond solitaire; the Joyce Building, Whitchurch, home of Trevanion Auctioneers; an Art Deco sapphireand diamond ring.

THERIGHT CHOICE

Thomas Telford welcomes applications from students across the region to join it’s thriving Sixth Form. More places thanever are available to external students wishing to transfer to the Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated school. Lastyear,via the reintroduced external examination system, 56% of all A-level grades were achieved at A*/A and Distinction*. We have an outstanding record in student achievement anddestination.

The Sixth Form offers awide range of courses and flexible programmes including traditional A-levels and vocational subjects. There are also four specialist academies in business,football, golf and performing artssothere is

something to suit everyone. Support is provided throughout theapplication process to ensure thatstudents choose the correct courses to maximise their success.

The facilities at the school are outstanding and include anew Business Centre, brand new fully-equipped science labs, acommercial standard fitness centre and swimming pool.

The depth of knowledge of the staff along with the positive relationships that they form with the students ensures a fantastic working environment. Students are supported throughouttheir time at Thomas Telford and are allocated a personal tutor who they meet daily and is their first point of contact. There are regular reports home andparents work in

partnership with the school to support the students.

The mix of face-to-face teaching and personal study means that Sixth Form students become independent learners while still receiving exceptional support. The academic excellence is complimented with enrichment opportunities suchas trips, societies, workshopsand guest speakers.

An important part of life in the Sixth Form at Thomas Telford School is preparing for the students’ next stage, whether that is university, an apprenticeship, training or employment. The exceptional careers department provides an extensive support programme including work experience, interview preparation and UCAS applications. Through their many links with universities and industry,the careers advisers provide tailored advice and guidance for all students including medicine and Oxbridge pathways.

Outcomes at ThomasTelford are impressive, with 85% of students achieving places at their first choice university,while others achieve high quality apprenticeships with companies such as Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover and Capgemini or employment.

If you are in Year 11 and interested in asixth form where you will receive excellent teaching, enriching opportunities and asupportive community,then Thomas Telford is for you. To find out more and submit an application please visit www.ttsonline.net

UPCOMING OPEN DAY EVENTS…

LUDLOW COLLEGE

Tues 10th Jan 4:30pm -7pm www.ludlow-college.ac.uk

HEREFORD COLLEGE

Weds 18th Jan 4:30pm -7pm www.hlcollege.ac.uk

HOLME LACY COLLEGE

Sat 21stJan 10am -12pm www.hlcollege.ac.uk

WALFORD COLLEGE

Sat 4th Feb 10am -12pm www.nsc.ac.uk

NORTH SHROPSHIRE

OSWESTRY COLLEGE

Weds 8th Feb 5pm -7pm www.nsc.ac.uk

With over 300 courses offered across our campuses, there is somethingfor everyone… fromAgriculture on our farms to MusicTechnology in our advanced high-tech music studios and of course just about everything in-between.

•Part-time •Full-time•Apprenticeships: including farming and land-based •Further Education •Higher Education •Free adultcourses

And with 98% successrate and 93% of our students sayingthey would recommend our colleges, take atrip to your local campus and find out for yourself why we are rated so highly Visit ourwebsites for fulldetailsonhow to attend.

HOLLYBAGS SILVER IN HAIRDRESSING FINAL

North Shropshire College student Holly Williams has been celebrating after she collected aSilver medal for hairdressing at the national WorldSkills UK finals in Cardiff on Friday

To achieve the award, Holly created an image on the theme of ‘festivals’, successfully demonstrating how she produced the style and finish, showing both continuity of design and her transferrable skills. She also produced a mood board in advance, showing how she would create her image.

Holly bagged the medal after undergoing months of regional heats and intensive training. It was awarded by apanel of judges drawn from industry, colleges and training providers.

Holly said: “I was over the moon and beyond happy.Ifeel very proud of myself that Ihave achieved this.”

More than 500 young students and apprentices took partinthe 2022 WorldSkills UK Finals. They learned of their victory during aspecial live programme from Channel 4’s Packed Lunch studios, presented by Steph McGovern. The full list of winners is available at www.worldskillsuk.org

Campuses offering regular open days

HEREFORD,Ludlow &North Shropshire College hosts open events throughout theyearacross all campuses.

These include Hereford, Holme Lacy, Ludlow,North Shropshire –Oswestry, North Shropshire –Walford, and at County Training in Shrewsbury.

Open events area great opportunity for prospective students andparents to visit the college and see for themselves the fantastic facilities and learning resources on offer.Tutors and course leaders are available to discuss course options and apprenticeships and to givecourse advice and information.

Ofsted has just awarded a‘Good’ rating following their recent inspection across all of the colleges within the Hereford, Ludlow and North Shropshire College group.

All of the campuses offer excellent facilities and the feedback from students speaks for itself,sowhatever your interest,

go and have alook round and see what they’re all about.

Hereford, Ludlow &North Shropshire College is aleading provider of further education in Shropshire and Herefordshire. The college offers an extensive range of programmes to suit all academic abilities.

Our land-based and farming

apprenticeships

have connections to.

Whether you prefer to work academically or vocationally,wehave a course for you!

provided at our Holme Lacy College and Walford College offer hands-on experience whilst you earn. Our open events offer the chance to meet the tutors and learn about the businesses we

North ShropshireCollege.

Shrewsbury

Areyou looking for anursery for your little one to play,learn, and explore?

Kids Planet Shrewsburyisanew,purpose-built nurserywith asensoryroom and large outdoor areas, providing quality childcare for babies through to preschool.

One parent said: “My daughter has been attending Kids Planet for almost ayear and she is so happy,itfeels like asecond home to her.All of the staff are so nurturing and supportive, they provide her with so much care, attention and positivity

“I have also found the staff to be verycommunicative and the management team are so efficient. Ihighly recommend Kids Planet to anyone looking for anurseryand Ifeel extremely lucky to have found such awonderful and happy environment for my child.”

ACADEMICSUCCESS

Moreton Hall, one of the UK’s leading independent boarding and day schools, named Boarding School of the Year by the prestigious TesIndependent School Awards 2021, is an aspirational, joyous and nurturing school, where belonging and ambition are intrinsically intertwined.

Moreton Hall is innovative, creative andsetsthe bar high on one hand, and incredibly warm, familial and empathetic on the other.Itnurtures in its pupils agrounded self-confidence, the willingness to give everything agoand the self-belief to tackle any challenge head-on. An atmosphere of fun and enterprise threads through all corners of theschool, from theboarding houses and classrooms to the theatre and sportspitches

Moreton Hall’s focus on building character over compliance fosters acan-do approach to life shared by all Moretonians. Resultantly,our pupils are free to be their authentic selves, ready

to explore and achieve their ambitions. Moreton sets academic expectations high and expertly guides each pupil to develop intellectual independence alongside emotional intelligence.

Exceptional teaching and pastoral staff lie at the heart of Moreton’s success. Their dedication to the pupils, passion for their subjects and professionalismleaveanindelible positive impression on each pupil, equipping them to successfully navigate acompetitive, fast-paced global future.

As aresult, pupils enjoy superb academic success and secure places at thenation’s most competitive universities. As all disciplines are equally valued, pupils progress into adiverserange of elite institutions, from Oxbridge to national and international sports teams and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Guided by 100 years of teaching excellence, Moreton, in some ways, operates morelike astart-up company than a traditional boarding school. Moreton Hall continually evolves and innovates to create meaningful opportunities for its pupils. Its extensive co-curricular programme is agile to today’s discourse and provides each pupil with choices tailored to their interests and abilities.

Located near the English-Welsh border near Oswestry, Moreton Hall benefits from 100 acres of rolling greenhills, wide open views and excellent facilities. The school’s academic and sporting facilities include everything you would expect from a top-rated independent school, as well as afew that you wouldn’t, such as asmall farm, nine-hole golf course, professional theatre and an amphitheatre.

Moreton Hall is athrough school, with anursery,prep school, senior school and sixth form.Girls and boys join us at three years old, with boys leaving after Year 8tojoin the senior school of their choice and girls continuing through Sixth Form.

We offer extensive bus routes throughout Shropshire, Cheshire and the Welsh Borders, and scholarships and meanstested bursaries.

We warmly invite you to come and discover what makes Moreton such aremarkableplace.

FASHION SHOW Hencote

Morethan 150 people turned out for afashion show, organised by the British Red Cross committee for Shropshire.

The event, which raised £5,000, was held at Hencote in Shrewsbury and included lunch, drinks and an arrayofdesigner garments.

The British Red Cross set up aHelp for Ukraine appeal earlier this year to welcome families who had movedtothe country after fleeing the conflict.

Hanna Zarytska, who is living with Shropshire committee member Julia Farrant, in Market Drayton, gavea speech at the fashion showtothank people in Shropshirefor their support.

She said in her speech: “On behalf of all Ukrainians in the UK, Iwanttothank everyone for your enormous support and generosity towards our nation –weall feel that you havebeen amazing.”

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

Debs Gregson, Katie Morris, Marji Cotter

Ann Hughes, Nea Jones.

Victoria Seaton, Susan Jones, Emily Chadwick.

Amie Beacock, Beccy Theodore-Jones from Savills who sponsored the event.

Veronica Lills, DeboraTritton (Area President for Red Cross), Henrietta Pinney.

Helen Hurlstone, Denise Shaw, Julia Farrant, Sally Beswick, Camila Prowse.

Cath Bell, Beverley Hollinshead, Karen Martin.

Sarah Hopkins-Edwards, Fiona Edwards.

Liz Brettell, Ellie Cumpston.

Sue Draper,Sally-Anne Lea.

TerriHeaney, Joe Lonergan.

Adel Cooke, Jenny Vaughan.

STUDIO LAUNCH

Shrewsbury

Guests gathered to celebrate the launch of innovativenew studio ArchiveShrewsbury.

The event, held at The Parade, showcased the photograph library’svast collection of images from the analogue archives of former media photograph agency, London Features International Ltd.

Established in 1969, LFI was alarge-scale agency with bases in New York and London and would havebeen one of the only sources of celebrity images of the time.

ArchiveShrewsbury is offering people the chance to owna unique piece of entertainment history as not all photographs from the archives would havebeen used in the public domain. The archives featuremorethan 20,000 photographs of artists as diverse as George Michael to Meatloaf, Fleetwood Mac to The Beatles, Dudley MooretoSir John Gielgud.

Photos: supplied

Phil Challinor,JoBirch.

Helen Price, Amelia Jackson, Oliver Lawrence, Russell Lord.

Oliver Lawrence, Ben Millburn.

Fiona Woolley, Phil Shaw.

Rob Birch, Carrie Roberts, David Birch.

Marilyn Challinor,Julie Shaw, Phil Challinor,Phil Shaw.

Barry Jones, VickiAyton.

TimLuft,StuartMackintosh, Jay Plant.

BOOTTRENDS TO COMPLETE YOUR LOOK

STEP OUT IN STYLE WITH THESE PERFECT PAIRS, SAYS KATIE WRIGHT

Rejoice, fashion fans, because it’s that wonderful time of the year when it’s still cold enough that no outfitiscomplete without a pair of everyone’s favourite footwear So what’s hot in theboots department this season?

From practical to party-ready,here’s aselection of styles you need to know about now…

Pink satin platform ankle boots, £48, River Island.

black ankle

Floral mini dress £6950; grey suede leather cowboy boots, £13950, Oliver Bonas

Sequin star skater dress, £55; stud sole western boots, £45, Very

Black combat boots, £115, Toms.

White tall chunky Chelsea boots £2449 Deichmann

Ivy mohair taupe boots, £225, Bobbies

PERFECT PARTNERS

MAKE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE AS EFFECTIVE ASPOSSIBLE WITH THESE CLEVER COMBOS

The world of skincare is a crowded one, and it can be difficult to know what ingredients will give you the best results

If you really want your skincare routine to work hard, it’s all about choosing the right combinations “Combining ingredients means you can simultaneously treat and protect at the same time This in turn can increase the effectiveness, which will then deliver greater and faster results,” explains aesthetic oculoplastic surgeon Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai (left)

“Combining ingredients increases the effectiveness of the ingredient – certain ingredients work very well together, which gives enhanced results ”

Whether you layer individual ingredients or choose an all-in-one is up to you However, Sabrina urges you to make sure “the formulations are compatible and do not negate each other or irritate or aggravate skin”

Plus, pre-formulated products have a few extra benefits “Some people prefer products that have combined ingredients as they are easier to incorporate in a regime, do not negate each other and are sustainably packaged,” she adds “Remember that using too many products can actually damage the moisture barrier and or cause other skin conditions (such as inflammation, redness and blemishes) ”

If you ’ re looking to boost the effectiveness of your skincare routine, these ingredient combinations are a match made in heaven

Lacura Multi-Peptide Moisturiser £7 Aldi

Niacinamide and salicylic acid

“Both of these ingredients have antiageing and anti-acne effects,” says Sabrina GP and aestheticianDrAhmed El Muntasar (left) also loves this combination. “The salicylic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant, helps to get rid of any spots (whiteheads, blackheads) and gets rid of the top epidermis,” he says. “Then the niacinamide comes in and hydrates and nourishes the skin underneath, so it doesn’t get irritated.”

Rise and Defend kombucha face wash, £12.95, Skin Proud.

SKIN blemish breakthrough tripleacid resurfacing serum, £14, e.l.f.

Juice Boost brightening serum, £38, Wild Science Lab.

Vitamin Cand Vitamin E If you’ve got products with Vitamin Cand Ebut you’re not layering them up, you could be missing atrick.

“When combined together,Vitamin Cand Eenhance the effects of each other and give fantastic results,” explains Sabrina.

“When applied topically,Vitamin Cis apowerful skin booster.Itimproves the appearance of your skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, repairs damagedone by UV rays, stabilises collagen and gives dull skin aluminous glow.Vitamin Eis afat-soluble antioxidant that has antiinflammatoryproperties, and combats free radical damage by preventing oxidative damage to cells.”

Cetaphil rich night cream, £5.32 (was £7.99), Superdrug.

Retinol and hyaluronic acid or peptides

Retinol is apowerful ingredient beloved by beauty t buffs for reducing the appearance of fine lines, but it also comes with its issues –namely,the dreaded ‘retinol uglies’, when your skin reacts negatively to the product. Potential side effects of retinol include “redness, irritation and dry skin”, saysSabrina. That’s why she likes layering hers with hyaluronic acid, saying it “helps to lessen the potential side effects of retinol Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its ability to hydrate the skin, it helps the skin hold onto water, which hydrates the outer layers of the skin.”

To combat the potential side effects of retinol, Muntsara recommends applying a peptide on top “Retinoids help shed off the top dead layer of the skin, and then what the peptide will do is repair the skin underneath, helping to maintain a nice, healthy skin barrier,” he says

Triple active retinol overnight renewal cream, £59, Dr Brandt

SPF and Vitamin C

Vitamin Cenergy serum, £39, Caudalie.

Applying Vitamin Cbefore SPF in the morning is ageniusidea, accordingtoShah-Desai, as it “will help protect the skin from UV damage and free radical damage.

“Vitamin Chelps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, slows down skin ageing and reduces the appearance of brown spots.” The order is important here –make sure you apply Vitamin C first, “to get the best benefits of these products combined”, she says.

Ahmed is also afan of this combination, saying: “Vitamin Cgives you that daytime brightness and antioxidants for aniceglow,then the SPF on topof it protects your skin. There is some researchthat potentially shows that agood quality Vitamin Coil might make your SPFwork even better.”

City Skin age defense broad spectrum SPF 50, £62, Murad.

Niacinamide and Vitamin C Sabrina alsorecommends combining niacinamide and Vitamin C.

She describes both as “powerful” antioxidants, saying Vitamin Ccan have “a whitening effect on pigmentation and dark spots”, while niacinamide “enhances the prevention of pigmentation, [and] improves the whitening effect on brown spots”.

Perfect360 eyeilluminate, £90, Dr Sabrina.

WHATGIRL POWER MEANSIN2023

CTALKS TO LAUREN TAYLOR ABOUTPOPSTAR AND HOPES OF THE ORIGINAL FIVE REUNITING

were very different in Nineties, as Mel Ccan better than most. Mental health was rarely anyone in the public was “almost ataboo”, women’s weight was discussed –tothe point ictoria Beckham and Horner (then Halliwell) were weighed live on TV “It’s my daughter’s least favourite expression, when I say it was a‘different time’. And it really was –thank God things have changed,” says Sporty Spice Melanie Chisholm, and mum to Scarlet,13. “There’s so much more celebration of body diversity now Young people don’t want to look skinny anymore.”

But Spice Girls’

immediate elevation to globalcultural phenomenon and the pressure to fitthat popstar aesthetichad adevastatingimpact on her mental health. At one point, after Geri left the band and when Mel C released her first solo album, Northern Star,she wasunabletoleave the house.

“It felt like going outside was petrifying,” she says. “In the darkest times, in the depths of depression and eating disorders and fear,is the security of the four walls. Ifelt like the eyes of the world were on me through the media.”

The pain she was in would have been undetectable to themillions of Spice Girls fans around the globe. The band had put ‘Girl Power’ firmlyintothe zeitgeist and happily played up to the personas of Sporty,Baby,Scary,Ginger and Posh. Meanwhile, Chisholm felt she had to keep powering through, “like atreadmill Icouldn’t get off ”, she writes in her longawaited autobiography,Who IAm.

She says now: “With hindsight, Ithink it wouldhave been really beneficial for me to have taken abreak.”

During her battle with anorexia and excessive exercise, she turned “into a robot”, with daily 10km runs followed by

MEL

two-hour workouts, andrestrictive eating. She was at her thinnest in 1998,after the release of the group’s second album –Spiceworld.

“It’s like you havea big price to pay for being successful,” she explains. And she doesn’t believe she would have developed an eating disorder if she hadn’t been famous and under scrutiny

While fans may have seen Sporty as the strong, fun, relatable Spice, inside, her fragile sense of self was crumbling. “I didn’t have confidence in my own thoughts and feelings,” shesays.

The book is also the first time Melanie has publicly talked about being sexually assaulted during amassage, the night before the very first Spice Girls show in Istanbul.

Her story though, is ultimately one of resilience and learning to love herself –fromworking class roots and, at times, arocky childhood (she was left with someone she barely knew for five months at five-years-old, while her musician mum toured) to stratospheric success with three Spice Girls albums andeight solo studio albums.

And it’s hard to argue that Mel hasn’t had the most success as asolo artistofall the Spice Girls –who couldforget Never Be TheSame Again and the collab with Bryan Adams, When You’re Gone? And, at 48, she’s still making music, her voice just as powerful and unmistakably Mel C as it sounded some 26 years ago.

“It’s completely my wish” for all five band members to reunite once again, she says, “we still obviously have to convince Victoria…

“Victoria wouldn’t mind me saying [the Olympics 2012 show] was difficult for her,she hadalot of anxiety about that performance. Obviously,her life has moved in such adifferent direction, she didn’t feel like she wanted to put herself through that again.”

Just recently, Mel split from partner of seven years, music producer Joe Marshall But she’s good: “Obviously, it’s always sad when things come to an end, but the book has helped me recognise that life really is a series of chapters It’s exciting to wonder what’s going to happen next ”

In fact, throughout the Spice Girls years, she was theonly one who was mostly single, she notes, and the way singleness was soobsessivelyand negatively discussed in the Nineties compounded her insecurityabout it.

“I hate the notion that, the generation Igrew up in, traditionally learned we need to be part of acouple, that it’s the thing that makesuswhole.”

Girl Power has come alongway since 1996. The Spice Girls wrote‘Who Do YouThink YouAre’ as aresponse to men trying to order them about in theband’s early days (it was Horner who acted as the main catalyst pushing to write their own music andleave the managers who’d originally put them together) –and what Mel calls “early expressions of our version of feminism”.

She says: “It’s insane, the enormityof what we achieved in those two years and the legacy we’ve left, the impact it’s made, it still lives on –even if we’re not making

music –people arestill discovering the Spice Girls.”

Girl Power,she says,has infiltrated future generations. “My daughter [from previous relationship with Thomas Starr] is 13, so Isee alot of teenagers and alot of her female friends are really vocal and opinionated and wise. I’m so impressed with the younger generation.”

Astaunch ally for theLGBTQ+ community,she adds: “It wasn’t just Girl Power,itwas about equality,and of course, we live in avery different time. Now there’s alot of fluidity within gender and the way people define themselves. It’s really about being an individual and being able to be whoever you want.”

n Who IAm: My Story by Melanie C(Welbeck Publishing, £10)

‘It’scompletely my wish for all fiveband members to reunite once again’

y d

Mel with her mother and father

ScenicIslesofScotland

26th June 2023

8Nights

All Inclusive

Cabin Types (Based on two people sharing)

Interior Rooms(Grade I) - £1569 Per Person

Ocean View (Grade E) - £1788 Per Person

Superior Ocean View (Grade B) - £2144 PerPerson

Single Ocean View (Grade K) - £3236 Per Person

ScenicIrishIsles

27th July 2023

8Nights

All Inclusive

&CitiesofIreland

Cabin Types (Basedontwo people sharing)

Interior Rooms (Grade I) - £1529 Per Person

Ocean View (Grade E) - £1789 Per Person

Superior Ocean View (Grade B) - £2234 PerPerson

Single Ocean View (Grade K) - £3236 Per Person

Bank Holiday Escapesto

Scenic Scotland

26th August 2023

5Nights

All Inclusive

Cabin Types (Based on two people sharing)

Interior Rooms(Grade I) - £859 Per Person

Ocean View (Grade E) - £992 Per Person

Superior Ocean View (Grade B) - £1289 PerPerson

Single Ocean View (Grade K) - £1919 Per Person

Borealis, has capacity for less than 1,400 guests but is largerinoverall size than the other vessels in the Fred. Olsen fleet.

This means when you come on board for amemorable cruise holiday, to relax and enjoy apremium level of comfort –aswell as Fred. Olsen’s renowned personal service –inthe elegant public areas, lounges, bars and dining venues, you have even more space in which to do so.

With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing aplace to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising, Borealis is very much in keeping with what guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.

THEPARADISE ISLE TO VISIT RIGHT NOW

YOU’VE HEARD OF THE DRINK BUT CURAÇAOISALSO AN UP-AND-COMING WINTER SUN HOT SPOT,SAYS LAUREN TAYLOR

Lifting the venomous spikes, I carefully cut along the striped purple skin of the lionfish. When alive, these sharp spikes can deliver asting causing extreme pain and even paralysis. So catching this delicacy is no easy feat. They’re also notoriously difficult to find, hiding camouflaged in coral and impossible to catch in nets.

But here on the Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao –just as in some other Caribbean waters –these striking sea creatures are an invasive species, negatively impacting native fish colonies andreefs surrounding the island since 2009 after being introduced into Florida’s water.Culling efforts mean hunting these fish is now legal –and necessary

Local chef Helmi Smeulders, originally from The Netherlands (as 20% of the population are), lifts ahuge wooden spear into the air,with asharp metal end and aspring,pulling it back and sending it forward to showhow she catches lionfish while diving. They sell for $10 each whole, and four times that filleted, so for divers able to find them, it’s lucrative. Plus, the fish is delicious pan-fried or deep fried in batter,she says.Today though, I’m making lionfish ceviche on Helmi’s Caribbean cookery course (helmismeulders.com; $99 USD/£82 including lunchand drinks).

“All the cuisines of the world have

been hyped but Caribbean cuisine is still dormant,” Helmi believes, “and hardly any chefs in Curaçao are using local ingredients in a fine dining style.” So she’s on amission to educate people about the local ingredients available here, like lionfish, coconut, papaya and okra.

Just 37 miles from the Venezuelan coastline, between Aruba and Bonaire –making up what’sknown as the ABC islands –Curaçao, with its diverse cultural history (Dutch and Englishare spoken along with Papiamentu, amixture of many languages including Spanish,

Dutch, Portuguese, French, English, Caribbean Indian, and various African languages) is the location of the new Sandals Royal Curaçao, which opened its doors in June.

A25-minute drivefrom capital city Willemstad, the all-inclusive, couple’sonly resort boasts an open-air entrance lobby as grand as they come, leading out onto aview of the, not single but double, infinity pool –the first in the brand’s 17-strong collection across the Caribbean, pool-side gazebos, palm trees, and of course, the ocean.

“You can see Venezuela from here when the skies are clear,” says Selina Naddour,headofguest services. A hit for honeymooners, there’s areal air of exclusivity,without ahint of pretentiousness; the decor is minimalist luxe, service is warm and genuine, and drinking is plentiful (with the swim-up bar pumping out music morning till sundown).

While on the hotel’s beach, crystal clear shallow water gently laps the sand and guests read books on floating platoons, leaving only perhaps to order a ‘dirty banana’ cocktail (rum, coffee liquor, banana and cream) or the world famous Blue Curaçao liqueur.

With unlimited alacarte dining, there are eight restaurants to eat at –from Japanese and beachfront seafood, to food trucks –and eight pools to swim in,

including some guests can step straight into from their private terrace. Although the most exclusive rooms –like the Awa Seaside Bungalows –boast private pools and butler services. “If it’s legal we’ll make it happen,” says one butler

And as with any hotel catering to amostly American market, space is everything; even the smallest bedrooms, like mine, are huge and at 92%capacity, when Itravel in October,the resort doesn’t feel busy

If you want even morespace, 15 miles south of Curaçao, is the uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao just half asquare mile in size. As we glide into the brightest of turquoise water on acatamaran tour with Island Routes (islandroutes.com, $138 USD/£114pp) before diving in to swim to the long stretch of empty sand, it’s postcard-perfect.

Turtle spotting is common here and reefs offer divers plenty to see, but alow, flat island is apparently difficult to spot from the bridge of aship, and as aresult ahuge, rusting wreck of an ship from the 1980s and adilapidated weather-beaten lighthouse stand like eerie beacons on the otherwise empty,small slice of Caribbean paradise.

Human history on this constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands can be traced back in picturesque world heritage site, Willemstad. Here I find striking coral stonebuildings in European neoclassical style adorned in vibrant Caribbean colours. Agovernor once ordered all homes to be painted in bright colours because the white buildings were giving him aheadache, our guide Maja Atalita Vervuurt says. It transpired he owned the island’s biggest paintcompany,but the colourful houses stuck and these days walls of the city come with alot of beautiful street art too.

The 17th century old town centre Punda with the picturesque Handelskade –acolourful stretchofwaterfront buildings giving seriousAmsterdam vibes –and the19th century Otrobanda (meaning “the other side” in Dutch) are separated by the waters of Saint Anna Bay and its famous floating pontoon bridge. And if you’re crossing when aboat needs to pass, it simply swings open into the channel, so pedestrians better hold on tight.

Museum Kura Hulanda, located at the city-centre harbour,documents the island’s devastating history of slave trading from 1660s to the revolt of 1795 famously led by national hero Tula, who Danny Glover portrayed in the 2013 film by the same name.

CLOCKWISE

FROM

TOPLEFT:

Lauren Taylor on HelmiSmeulders’ Caribbean cookery course; Sandals Royal Curaçao’sinfinity pool and swim-up bar; astreetin Punda, Willemstad;someof the striking buildings in Punda; Plas Bieu food market in Willemstad;abeach on the uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao.

PAGE 115 FROM TOP: The harbour in Willemstad;Sandals Royal Curaçao resort entrance.

Dishes dating back to that time are still served at the Plasa Bieu market, where along line of cooks stir huge pots of meat, fish or papaya stew,fried polenta and okra soup. Ituck into arich, slowcooked goat stew,rice and beans and plantain ($10USD/£8 –but that’s the cheapest you’ll eat out for here) and sip on tamarind juice– think apple with a savoury edge. Brave travellers can even try iguana soup in Curaçao, the huge lizards are everywhere.

And that classic liqueur that features in many holiday cocktails andhas made this island famous? It’s named after the dried peel of the bitter orange laraha, a citrus fruit grown here. But Iprefer to think it’s areference to the sapphire seas and deeply blue skies.

MOTORING

ALL-OCCASIONS PERFORMANCE FROM PORSCHE

THE TURBO SMIGHT BE ONE OF THE MOST POTENT 911S YOUCAN GET –BUT WHAT ELSE DOES IT HAVE TO OFFER? MOTORING REPORTER JACK EVANS FINDS OUTMORE

That famous Porsche ‘Turbo’ badge is cemented in legend in motoring circles.Those five letters inspire images of the Turbo of the 1980s, with its giant arches and huge spoiler encapsulating everything about the time period.

These days, the Turbomight not be as out-there in termsofstyling, but

everything else has been dialled up considerably

We’re looking at the range-topping Turbo Shere, which brings larger-thanlife performance incorporated into the latest 992-generation body.Let’s see what it has to offer

The TurboSisone of themost powerful 911s in the 992-generation lineup that you can get. Butover and above this, it has its own set of aerodynamic tweaks to ensure thatit’s better at keeping level when travelling at serious speeds. These changes also help to visually differentiate it from the rest of the911 range, but moreonthat later

Youalso get Porsche’s latest interior technology,with its sharpest screen and quickest systems that make interacting with the car’s auxiliary functions abreeze.

Mounted right atthe back of the Turbo Sisa3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine which develops 641bhp and ahuge800Nmoftorque. Youget allwheel-drive as standard, too, with all that power being sent to the wheels through Porsche’s eight-speed PDK automatic gearbox.

Zero to 60mph? That’ll take just 2.5 seconds while Porscheclaims atop speed of 205mph. Thankfully,the TurboS

FACTFILE

Porsche911TurboS

Priceastested:£169,494

Powertrain:38-litretwin-turbochargedflat-six

Power:641bhp

Torque:800Nm

Maxspeed:205mph

0-60mph:25seconds

CO2emissions:257g/km

Economy:25mpg

got some real presence. There’s that aforementioned aerodynamic kit which plays akey role in the Turbo’s look, with the air intakes in front of rear arches being akey part ofthis and something we’ve seen on previous generations.

There is, of course, alarge rear spoiler too, while the oval exhaust pipes are different to the square ones you’ll find on regular non-S Turbo.There’s aclever auto-deploying front spoiler and active cooling air flaps which are activated at different times depending on speed.

The cabin of the 911 TurboSissnug and cocoon-like.The red interior of our test car may not be to everyone’s tastes, but to our eyes, it contrasted the silver exterior of the car brilliantly.There’s loads of adjustability,too, with those up front able to easily get comfy in thesport seats.

control –which broughtpremiums of £2,180 and£1,818 respectively –totalled £169,494,too. However,you could quite easily do without the options as you get an extensive list of equipment as standard –though you’d expect that for acar of this price.

Highlights include afull Bose surround sound system with 12 speakers and subwoofer,as well as Porsche’s infotainment system which is clear and easy to use. But, in reality,what you’re paying for here is the performance that the TurboSoffers and the huge amount of engineering that has goneinto making it this fast and usable.

comes equipped with powerful ceramic composite brakes with 10-piston front callipers –four-piston versions are at the rear –which can help bring all of that fury to ahalt effectively.Porsche claims that you should be able to see around 25mpg in the TurboStoo, while CO2 emissions stand at 257g/km.

One of your initial reflections on the Turbo Sissimply how easy it is to drive. This isn’t acar which is accompanied by asense of intimidation; it doesn’t feel too large to pilot, nor are the controls tricky to master.Compared with alower-powered 911, the Turbo Sremainsremarkably fussfree to drive in an everyday manner

But of course, in the background is that monstrous performance. Even a moderate depression of the throttle brings the horizon hurtling towards you, while more sustained applications result in stomach-moving acceleration. However, because of that four-wheel-drive system, it’s all done with very little fuss and boatloads of traction. Youdohave to be careful, mind you, as the acceleration you get in the TurboScan have you nearing legal limits in next to no time.

As we’ve already mentioned, the Turbo Sisalittle more understated than its 80s-era predecessor,but it’s still

There are rear seats but,intruth, these are really only going to be of use for small children. We triedtwo adults in the back there and found that there was simply not enough legroom when the front seats were in place. However,you do get ahandy 128 litres of storage in the nose, which is actually quite square and deep. It’s easy to access, too.

Chiming in at £160,610, the Turbo Sis by no means acheap car.Our test version, with optional extras such asa sportsexhaust system and adaptive cruise

The Porsche 911 TurboSisacar that can quickly change your perception of speed. It is monstrously quick and capable of delivering the kind of acceleration that seems more appropriate for something that can taxi, takeoff and land rather than stay on the road.

That it does all this in such an approachable and unflustered way makes it even more remarkable. It’s not only a superb addition to the 911 range but a fitting continuation of that Turboname.

Maintenance work on Bridgnorth Cliff Railway on January 10, 1973. Both carriages were side by side at thebottom of the incline while the system was overhauled. The maintenance engineers working on the track and carriages are, from left, Arthur Unit, John Murphy, Martin Simpson and Arthur Nettleton.

THE JOYS OF SNOWY JANUARY

BY HEATHER LARGE

January 11, 1968: John Furness of Bridgnorth was behind aplantoput Bridgnorth on the map as awineproducing area which had involved planting over450 grape vines on the town’s picturesque Castle Walk.

On January 19, 1979,

January may have areputation for beingcold and bleak but anew year b briings anew start, and achance to look forward to what the next 12 months will bring.

The chilly weather may leave most of us reaching for our thick jumpers and staying warm by the fire but in 1979 pupils of Monkhopton Primary School, near Bridgnorth weren’t going to let adip in temperature stop them.

After being allowed home early because of transport problems, they got out their sledges to make themost of the snow

January is atime for new beginnings and in 1968, JohnFurness of Bridgnorth was feeling confident about the start of his new venture.

He was behind aplan to put Bridgnorth on the map as awineproducing area which hadinvolved planting over 450grape vinesonthe town’s picturesque Castle Walk.

It’s alsothe ideal month to get on top of early spring cleaning and maintenance which is what the team at Bridgnorth Cliff Railway were doing in 1973

Engineers were busy working to overhaul both the track andcarriages

This selection of photos gives a glimpse into daily life around the county during January in past decades.

children who certainly lovedthe snowyweather were thesepupils of Monkhopton Primary School, near Bridgnorth, who were allowedhomeearly because of transport problems. On the sledge is 10-year-old Teresa Arnold who is towedand snowballed by fellowpupils.

January

January 41969: AWhitchurchcorsetfactory

January 4, 1978: It could’vebeen the Alps as these youngsters revelled in the snow. But it was at Clee Hill, near Ludlow, wherethe first real touch of winter gaveLee Harper,Nicola Fletcher and Carl Higgins, all aged ten, and Jason Harper,aged eight, achancetotest their sledging skills.

January 24, 1987: Work was well under way on the 10,000 sq ft supermarket at Galdeford, Ludlow, which was to provide up to 70 jobs when the Gateway storewas opened that summer

was found to be sinking at one end. Cracks appeared in the brickwork and afirm of constructional engineers were engaged to reinforce the foundations with concrete piles.

18, 1965: Members of the Stephenson LocomotiveSociety photograph the train crew beforetheir special trip from Shrewsbury on the Welshpool to Whitchurch line, which was closed for passengers.

Bridgnorth Rugby Club players readyfor action on January 14, 1973, for amatch against Birmingham Police.

January 19 1972: Aformer canteen, which was owned by the Shropshireeducation committee, was another building being considered by the Whitchurch Urban Parish Council as apossible site for the town’s museum. The building stood in P Pearl Yard, off Green End, Whitchurch

1. Clint Eastwood became Mayor of Carmel 2. The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on take-off 3. The Greater London Council was abolished 4. Mike Tyson became world heavyweight boxing champion 1. Ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev requested asylum in France 2. The Peace Corps was founded in the US 3. Dr Ramsey became Archbishop of Canterbury 4. Britain provided both women’s singles finalists at Wimbledon 1. The first direct elections for the European Parliament took place 2. Rhodesia was renamed Zimbabwe-Rhodesia 3. Trevor Francis became Britain’s first ‘million-pound’ footballer 4. Nottingham Forest won the European Cup 1. The NHS came into being 2. The new state of Israel was proclaimed 3. Author TerryPratchett was born 4. Don Bradman retired from Test cricket with aduck 1. TheTate Modern art gallery opened 2. Princess Anne celebrated her 50th birthday 3. KenLivingstone was elected Mayor of London 4. Vladimir Putin was sworn in as PresidentofRussia 1. TheExxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska 2. The Ceauşescus were executed in Romania 3. Nick Faldo won his first US Masters 4. ABoeing 737-400 crashed near Kegworth

WHO… was the U.S. naval commander that signed the Japanese surrender documents in 1945?

WHAT… bone is called the femur?

WHERE… was the Scottish football club which hired Graeme Souness as player/manager in 1986?

WHEN… did Porfirio Diaz become president of Mexico for the first time?

WHO… commanded the Russian forces at theBattle of Balaclava? WHAT… is the highest Britishcivilian award for bravery? WHERE… is the historic building known as the ‘Palace of thePeak’? WHEN… was the century in which the VenerableBede died?

WHO… was the US soldier often regarded as theUSArmy’s first press officer? WHAT… is someone equally able with each hand called? WHERE… was the battle at which James IV of Scotland died? WHEN… was the century in which French philosopher Denis Diderot lived?

WHO… founded the Inkatha FreedomParty?

WHAT… type of person would have a“nom de plume”? WHERE… was opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa born? WHEN… was Bernadette Devlin elected to the House of Commons?

WHO… was the leader of the Franks known as The Hammer? WHAT… is the roof of themouth called? WHERE… was the country that gained independence through the Evian Accords of the early 1960s? WHEN… did John Calvin Coolidge become governor of Massachusetts?

WHO… won aNobel Prize for discovering radioactivity in uranium? WHAT… does FBI standfor? WHERE… is the county in which Margate is situated? WHEN… was the century in which hearth-money was levied on house chimneys in England?

CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES

1. They provide seats for some of those standing (9)

Some reticence may havetogoto break it (3)

Adam’s ale leaping into prominence? (6,5)

Magpie finds it more difficult to hold a ring (7)

It goes round both ways (5)

Capital, since subsequently included (6)

Be sorry about red-headed bird (6)

Abusy get-together? (5)

Lie in unusually rare environment before then (7)

An actor,Iwas born in New York in 1935. As ayoung man Iworked as achauffeur for Mae West.Istarred in many films, and played the character of Detective Lennie Briscoe in Law &Order for 12 years until my death in 2004.

Amodel and human rights activist, Iwas born in Aldershot in 1968. Ilost half aleg in 1993and have since become involved in helping other people who have lost their limbs. Ialso became an animal rights supporter after my marriage to Paul McCartney.In2007I appeared on the US reality show Dancing with the Stars.

20. All remedies bring problems to Ireland (7,4) 22. Back number remaining after all deductions (3) 23. Estranges NCOs (9) Down 2. Drink one round? (3) 3. Going Edward’s way with aslight amber tint (5) 4. Progressing to aspell of hospital duty? (6) 5. Release complete issue without charge (3,4)

6. Pickings for theearly bird? (5,6) 7. No greater producer of power is made (9) 10. See yacht far out get away from danger (5,6) 11. Grave indication from the way the boss speaks (9) 14. What achild learns from the Bible? (7) 16. End the couple’s separation? (6) 19. Dirge about line of hills (5) 21. Permittedtobeoccupied by a tenant (3)

Anovelist, Iwas born in Brooklyn in 1923. Ibrieflyworked as a blacksmith’s apprentice, before serving in the US army air force during World WarTwo. My works include Good as Gold and PictureThis, but Iambest known for the wartime satire Catch-22.

Achurchman, Iwas born in South Africa in 1931. In 1985 Ibecame the first black Anglican bishop of Johannesburg, andin1986 the archbishop of Cape Town. An outspoken critic of the apartheid system, Ihave campaigned for years for the peaceful reconciliation of black and white communities in South Africa, andwas awarded the Nobel Prize in 1984.

An actress, Iwas born in Oregon in 1960. Iamsix feet tall, andin 1980 Iwas crowned Miss Arizona. Ihave appeared in anumberofpopular US TV shows, including Party of Five, 7th Heaven andEverwood, but Iambest known for the role of Mary Alice Young in Desperate Housewives.

WORDSPIRALS

“Was that your new maths teacher you were talking to?” Greg asked. “She looked abit young, is she in her twenties?”

Betty smiled. “That’s right, Dad, and she’s lots of fun. Today she told us her age is oneless than four times the product of its digits. That’sour homework.” How old?

When Pamwas ayear older than Susie was when Pam was half as old as Susie was when Pamwas as old as Susie is, Susie was athird as old as Pamwas when Susie was ten years younger than Pamisnow

At least one of them is in her ’teens, and of course we have taken ages in completed years. So how old is Susie?

“The twins? They are the youngest of my sister Jane’s children,” said Joe. “What abouther otherthreekids?” asked Andy “Well, they’re spaced one year apart, theyoungest one ayearolder than the twins,” Joe replied. “It’s odd that the total of all the kids’ ages is exactly the square of the ageof the twins.”

How old were the twins?

Sam seemed to be digging up his square tiled patio when Idropped in on him yesterday.“No, only making it smaller,” he told me. “I’m removing the outer tile all the way round. That’s taking away one tile less thanthe total that will remain.”

The tiles were square and all thesame size, so how many would he be removing?

JANUARY

7-28

Asparkling and fun-filled pantomime version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story

Treasure Island will be expertly brought to life by the Bridgnorth’s Theatre on the Steps Company

All the favouritecharacters will feature –Long John Silver,Jim Hawkins, The Squire and the Squires’ Daughter, The Dame and the comics and, of course, The Pirates.

Audiences can look forward to the very best of traditional pantomime as the Theatre on the Steps company traces Jim’s progress –following the map that will lead him across the world to the hidden treasure.

Will Jim win through? Will the cutthroat pirates win the day?

Treasure Island is packed full of hilarious comedy,great music, and great scenery making it agreat showfor children of all ages.

Tickets cost £14. Formore details see www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk

13Talking Of AdventurebyTori

James is coming to Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

Tori James is aprofessional adventurer,author andkeynote speaker She is the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest.

She was amember of the first allfemale team to ski to theMagnetic North Pole in a360-mile polar challenge.

Tori holds the recordfor the longest open sea kayak in UK waters which she set with the Beeline Britainteam.

Over the last 20 years, working in collaboration with high-profile sponsors,

Tori has undertaken some of the world’s most extreme endurance challenges, setting manyrecords and achieving what most people would consider impossible.

From surviving the death zone on Mount Everest to racing acrossfrozen sea ice in the Arctic, she is not one for aquiet life.

Tori is asought-after motivational speaker,both onstageand online. She engages audiences around the world with her inspirational talks and enables people to challengeand learn about themselves in her adventure-inspired training sessions.

Tori lives in Wales and combines her outdoor adventuring, speaking career and training work with being amum

Tickets cost £15. Formore details visit www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

13

Hear spooky ghost stories at Whittington Castle in Arthur Street, Oswestry

Brave the creaky floors of the castle’s Tudor Cottage to enjoy readings from MR James’ ghost stories, performed by Justin Soper.A different pair of stories will be read each time, with complimentary refreshments during theinterval.

Tickets £12. Formore details visit www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

14

Telford Stamp, Postcard and Coin Fair comes to Belmont Community Hall, Wellington Centre, Telford TF1 1HU, from 10am to 2pm.

Agood range of stamps, postcards and coins, items bought and sold and entry is free. See arange of material before buying and talk to the dealers. Bring in spare material and discuss selling to adealer if

Purple Zeppelin will play Telford’sOakengates TheatreonJanuary 21.

you wish. Masks and social distancing are optional or justbrowse at your leisure. Freshly cooked light refreshments are available

Forinformation call Richard Camp on 01952 405458.

21

The music of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin will feature in a tribute show in Telford.

Touring for more than 10 years and seen by more than six million people live and on television, Purple Zeppelin are four talented and versatile musicians. With decades of playing between them and thousands of gigs in the UK and overseas, they have twice been voted Best UK Tribute Band.

The band members are genuine admirers of both Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin and with the accent firmly on entertainment this is anight not to be missed, complete with Ritchie Blackmore’s on-stage antics, Jimmy Page’s twin neck guitar and theremin, adrum duet and averyspecial violin bowsolo.

Spooky ghost stories arebeing told at Whittington Castle; adventurer and author Tori James will speak at LudlowAssemblyRooms.

Tickets for Purple Zeppelin at Telford’s Oakengates Theatre cost £21.50.

Formore details please visit the website at www.telfordtheatre.com

22The Delphine Trio’s Classical Music Series comes to Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, this month.

The talented trio of young musicians that is the Delphine Trio delights in performing adiverserepertoire and promises to bring new and arousing music to the Festival Centre audience. Clarinetist Magdalenna Krstevska’s many accolades include Australian National Young Virtuoso.

Cellist Jobine Siekman has been featured as Rising Star artist in the BBC Music Magazine.

And pianist Roelof Temmingh has won the Royal College of Music’s Tagore

Gold Medal. Their concert will open with an early,lyrical, Beethoven trio (Opus 11). It will moveinto adifferent sound world with Robert Delanoff’s ‘slightly jazzy,sometimes impressionistic’ trio and John Psathas’ Island Songs –‘an exotic set based on Greek traditional dances.’

Kenneth Leighton’s Fantasyonan American Hymn Tune opens with the theme sung asplainchant, and slowly and intensely develops into what thetrio says will be the emotional coreoftheir programme.

Tickets cost £15. Formore details visit www.festivaldraytoncentre.com

in Shropshire in 2023 will be launched at this award-winning leisure company in Shrewsbury the new year.Past winners, will be on hand to speak about their experience and the raised profile that the awards gave their businesses.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce will be inviting all its members to the event, where master of ceremonies Carl Jones will interview apanel of past winners to highlight their success stories and provide tips on how to apply for the awards, which are open to all Shropshire businesses.

There will be also be ashort presentation about the sponsorship and judging opportunities available.

Formore details visit www shropshire-chamber.co.uk/events/eventscalendar/shropshire-chamber-businessawards-launch-2023

REMEMBER WHEN: 1.1986. 2.1961. 3.1979. 4.1948. 5.2000. 6.1989.

FOUR Ws: 1.Fleet Admiral Nimitz; Thighbone; Glasgow Rangers; 1876 2.General Liprandi; The George Cross; Chatsworth House; 8th. 3.Douglas MacArthur; Ambidextrous; Flodden Field; 18th. 4.Mangosuthu Buthelezi; Awriter; New Zealand; 1969. 5.Charles Martel; The palate; Algeria; 1919. 6.Antoine Becquerel; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Kent; 17th.

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

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Immutable; 8 Odd; 9 Tribulation; 11 Distend; 12 Odour; 13 Sapped; 15 Detain; 17 Purge; 18 Respire; 20 Breadwinner; 22 All; 23 Therefore. Down: 2 Mar; 3 Truce; 4 Brandy; 5 Epitome; 6 Condonation; 7 Adherence; 10 Insuperable; 11 Disappear; 14 Element; 16 Grudge; 19 Shine; 21 Err

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Elections; 8 Ice; 9 Spring water; 11 Hoarder; 12 Rotor; 13 Athens; 15 Regret;

17 Swarm; 18 Earlier; 20 Emerald Isle; 22 Net; 23 Sergeants. Down: 2 Lap; 3 Toned; 4 Onward; 5 Set free; 6 Firstfruits; 7 Generator; 10 Reach safety; 11 Headstone; 14 Numbers; 16 Repair; 19 Ridge; 21 Let.

WHAT’S MY NAME?: 1.Jerry Orbach. 2.HeatherMills. 3.Desmond Tutu 4.Joseph Heller 5.BrendaStrong. WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Hiss 2.Spar 3.Rota 4.Amid 5.Darn 6.Neat 7.Tuba 8.Anon 9.Nail 10.Liar 11.Runt 12.Tomb 13.Bulb 14.Beta 15.Able 16.Edge Key word solution: ALGEBRA WORDSPIRAL 2: 1.Reef 2.Fail 3.Long 4.Grip 5.Pain 6.Next 7.Thaw 8.Warm 9.Monk 10.Keen 11.Null 12.Limb 13.Boys 14.Soap 15.Pier 16.Room Key word solution: WYOMING WORDSPIRAL 3: 1.Stag 2.Gear 3.Riot 4.Tape 5.Epee 6.Easy 7.Year 8.Rage 9.Emus 10.Sari 11.Imam 12.Meal 13.Leaf 14.Flea 15.Abut 16.Tyre Key word solution: RAREBIT IMPOSSIPUZZLES: 1.Teacher aged 23 years old. 2.Susie 12 years old (Pam 14). 3.The twins were 6years old. 4.24tiles to be removed.

Enjoyclassical music from the Delphine Trio at Festival Drayton Centre; master of ceremonies Carl Jones chats to past winners at the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Launch at Salop Leisure, Shrewsbury.

26The Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Launch is being held at Salop Leisure, Emstrey,Shrewsbury The search to find the best businesses