Shropshire Magazine October 2023

www.shropshiremagazine.com

ESTABLISHED 1950

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

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EDITOR

Caroline Jones caroline.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

FEATURES EDITOR

Vicki Jones vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

NEWS EDITOR

Andy Richardson

FEATURE WRITERS

Heather Large heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Daniel Morris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

Matthew Panter matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

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

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

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Alison Jukes alison.jukes@mnamedia.co.uk

01952 283339

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01952 288844

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CONTRIBUTORS

Katy Rink

Ed Thomas

Aaran Eccles

PUBLISHED BY MNA Media, Telford

PRINTED BY Precision Colour Printing, Halesfield,

43

FEATURES SELECTION

7Marble-ous beef

Andy Richardson discovers the Shropshirefarm producing the high quality beef that is coveted the world over

11 Man’s best friend

Heather Large meets the team of people helping to train the next generation of guide dogs

34 On your doorstep

In the latest in anew series, Andy Richardson looks at the fascinating past of acounty landmark

39 On the cover

Matthew Panter chats to the new owner of atop Shropshire salon and discovers howyou can win ahair makeover

43 Inspired by nature

Heather Large learns howa love of natureand vintage fabric inspired acreativecareer

48 Epic trek

After afundraising trek from Land’sEnd to John O’Groats, aShropshirestudent chats to Matthew Panter

Telford

MARBLE-OUS BRITISH BEEF

ANDY RICHARDSON MEETS THE FAMILY WHOSE EXPERTISE HAS TURNED THEIR FARM INTO ONE OF THE PREMIER WAGYU BEEF SUPPLIERS IN THE WORLD, COVETED FROM JAPAN TO AUSTRALIA, AMERICA AND THE EU

Let’s talk beef.Infact, let’s talk the best beef on the planet. Wagyu is the beef that throws the world’s best chefs into raptures. Marbled with delicious, flavoursome fat between layers of deep, rich, beefy meat, it’s one of the premium ingredients in the world. From Australia to Japan, from theUSA to Europe, wagyu is in high demand from those who insist on thebest and seek out quality

Now let’s talk location. Shropshire has long been acentreof excellence. At the start of the millennia, Ludlow was Britain’s most importantgastronomic destination outside London. With three Michelin stars and one of the UK’s first food festivals, it was the acme of exceptionalism.

The county’s food scene has grown in the past two decades, with ahugenumber of first-class producers supplying notonly local restaurants but alsosome of the best in the UK.

As afarming county,Shropshire is also synonymous with great quality.And so, perhaps, it’s no surprise that anew story is emerging, which matches the world’s best beef with one of Britain’s most important foodie destinations.

Wyndford Wagyu is anything but an overnight success.The farm, in Newport, has been ploughing afurrow for five years and only now is it time to tell its story. It’s achieved high levels of excellence –both in producing incredible meat and in creating an incredible gene pool that represents the highest standards of animals.

Jess Edwards is Wyndford Wagyu’s commercial director.A former student at the nearby Harper Adams Agricultural College, she’s familiar with the terrain and has been apart of the journey

The story began around 2018, when Wyndford Wagyu was established. The Maddocks family had dispersed its dairy herd and Philip Maddocks didn’t want his father,David, to be without anycattle on thefarm. Philip hadeaten wagyu steak in the USA and started looking at having wagyu on the farm.

Jess says: “The dairy herd was dispersed in autumn 2017 andthe first wagyu were here six months later.”

Wyndford focuses on two key areas; firstly,the genetics of its breed, and secondly,the flavour of the meat. Genetics are akey driver in ensuring top-quality cattle are on the farm producing a premium product. That bloodline also enables it to sell genetics back to Australia and the USA –among the world’s leading nations for wagyu.

Jess adds: “For the first couple of years, it was small numbers and in some ways, it was part-hobby,part business. The key was to get stock on theground and we imported 10-12 cattle from

Commercial Director Jess Edwards and Farm Manager Rob Edwards

Owner Philip Maddocks

Germany.Philfell in love with wagyu genetics and became seriously involved with the Australian association. He got into pedigree breeding and he’s the main reason that we have such an elite herd now.”

As Philip Maddocks concentrated on getting great bloodlines from Australia andthe USA, he was putting Wyndford on the journey to an elite herd.

Jess says: “Right now,wehave access to genetics that other farms couldn’t produce here in the UK. We literally have the most elite wagyu in the UK and in all probability in Europe.

“We’ve invested heavily in genetics from around the world, particularly from Australia.It’s super scientific, wherewe collate data and focus on genomics. When we finish the cattle, we use Japanese technology to calibrate the quality.”

And so to flavour. Wyndford Wagyu can be directly compared to Australian wagyu, which, with the exception of Japan, is the best in the world. Even so, Wyndford is sufficiently elite in terms of its marbling scoreand carcass size to be up there with the best in theworld.

Jess says: “Wefocus very heavily on feed and want to get to the point where all of the feed is grown on the farm. We get to utilise crops that are somewhat expensive to other producers. We focus on the marbling and get the animals to marble to their best potential.

“People don’t always realise that the marbling potential of the animal is massively geared by genetics. With us pushing really hard for the top quality genetics, that creates the foundation, you have an animal withpotential.

“During the last trimester that thecalf is in its mother,there’s areally important window that helps to determine the quality of marbling. So we focus heavily on feeding the cattle well from day one, to lay down the fat cells within the muscle. Later,when we come to finish cattle, we focus on filling those fat cells. It starts before birth. We’re very conscious of the whole process. We’re delivering more of a unique experience.”

Wyndford’s cattle have aforageheavy diet. It includes some cereals in the finishing ration, which addsdepth of flavour to the meat. The farm uses

grass silage, whole crop rye, and other ingredients. “Wefocus on aconsistent ration so when cattle start with us, once they’ve been weaned off milk, we have set ingredients in their diet. It’s only when it’s changed from being agrowertoa finisher that we changethe diet.”

Here’s the thing. The hard work in getting agreat bloodline and rearing the cattle proficiently leads to aphenomenal product. Wyndford steaks are an experience, not just adinner.Jessglows as she narrates her enthusiasm. “It’s an experience to be shared. It fits in perfectly with the idea of eating less meat but eating better quality.The idea is that we’re in this culture where people want afull steak –wagyu challenges that,it’ssorich in flavour that you don’t want as much volume but you do want better quality

“WedoaDenversteak which is unbelievable and just secured three gold stars –the highest rating–atthe 2023 Great Taste Awards. We’re very,very,very pleased indeed that it won the three stars.

“Wagyu has amassive opportunity in other products too, like mince. We do abeefsausage that is incredible. There are ways in which wagyu can be taken into the everyday household. Iamthe champion for the mince, it’s so versatile. My favourite meal is a spaghetti bolognese. Now Ican’t go back to conventional beef mince because it’s elevated so much by the wagyu mince.

“Everybody can access the joys of wagyu by just exploring. It’s abrilliant unique meat and is very,very special.”

The story of Wyndford Wagyu has been five years in the making.And now it’s time to shout about it from theroof tops.

n Formore details, visit the website at wyndfordwagyu.com

MAN’SBEST FRIEND

HEATHER LARGE MEETS THE DEDICATED TEAM OF ANIMAL LOVERS WHO ARE HELPING TO TRAIN THE GUIDE DOGS GIVING PEOPLE WITH SIGHT LOSS THEIR INDEPENDENCE BACK

Most of us take being able to walk down abusy street, catch abus or nip to the shops for granted.

But for someone living with sight loss these can sometimes be challenging and overwhelming experiences.

This is where guide dogs canbea real lifeline, providing asafe and effective way for people to maintain their independence.

Before this special bondcan be formed, acanine companion must undergo extensive training.

The Guide Dogs team in Shrewsbury works to ensure that dogs have the skills required to help their owners get out and about with confidence.

Mobility specialists (GDMS) are responsible for training dogs, matching them with asuitable client and supporting that unique partnership.

There are currently around 3,551 active partnerships –where apersonwith

sight loss has been matched and qualified with aguide dog –nationally,including 191 in the BlackCountry,Staffordshire and Shropshire.

In 2021, the charity,which was founded almost 90 years ago, set upits Academy to train the next generation of guide dog trainers and guide dog mobility specialists.

Shrewsbury is one of 11 sites across the UK where new recruits arereceiving coaching from technical learning specialists (TLS).

There are currently three TLSs, who are responsible for trainingnine learners at the centre. They include Lauren Pringle, aged 29, who has been working for Guide Dogs since 2017 and became aTLS around 18 monthsago.

“Before Guide Dogs, Iattended college and completed adegree in animal behaviour and then went on to do a masters in anthrozoology,which is the

study of interactions between the animalhuman bond,” she explains.

“Alongside this Iworked with aclinical dog behaviourist and worked as agraduate assistantatmyuniversity,these elements built up my practical knowledge with working with dogs and people.

“It’s the best of both worlds. It’s avery enjoyable job,” adds Lauren.

Fellow technical learning specialist Emma Mellor joined the charity in 2015, after considering acareer as adog handler in the RAF.

While visiting Shrewsbury Flower Show,the Guide Dogs stand caught her eye and she spoke to amember of staff to find out more.

She became avolunteer working in awide range of roles, including being a puppy raiser –someone who prepares young dogs for their future career –and as asighted guide for the organisation’s My Sighted Guide service, which helps people

Will Radford-James with Danny, Emma Mellor with Mikeand Lauren Pringle with Hettie

with sight loss get out andabout,

Alongside this, she also gained experience working with children with special educational needs before becoming amobility specialist for Guide Dogs and more recently aTLS.

“People always think it’s adog job, but it’s apeople job,” Emma says. “I enjoy the variety.You never get any dogs the same, you never get any clients the same and you never get any trainees thesame.”

Will Radford-James is abouthalfway through the three-year training programme at the Academy and once completed will qualify as amobility specialist.

He had previously been astud dog holder for Guide Dogs, helping to bring the next generation of canine companions into the world, while working as asports therapist.

The 30-year-old has also been a fosterer for the charity which gave him an insight into the work of themobility specialists.

He is currently training 16-month-old yellow Labrador Hettie, who is proving to be afast learner

“It’s really fun working as agroup of people rather than just by myself and learning from other people and working with different dogs,” says Will.

The charity welcomes around 1,000 puppies into the world every year with many born at the charity’s National Breeding Centre, located just outside Leamington Spa, or at home with volunteer breeding dog holders.

Labradors, golden retrievers and Germanshepherds have been, and remain, the most common purebreeds on the programme.

But historically thegolden retriever crossed with the Labrador has produced the most successful guide dog of all, combining many of thegreat traits of both breeds.

Other breeds such as curly-coated retrievers, and standard poodles have also been crossed with established breeds to offer secondary benefits such as shedding less hair which may be advantageous to owners with allergies.

At the age of six weeks, they start their initial trainingwithapuppy raiser,who plays avital role in their early socialisation and education.

They are introduced to different sights, smells and sounds –such as busy roads and public transport –and they also attend classes to learn how to behave properly around other people and dogs.

They are taught to walk ahead on the lead and obey simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come.

When the puppy is between 12 and 14-months-old, they are ready to start their basic training and arelookedafter by afosterer during evenings and weekends.

Guide Dogs has four training schools which areinForfar,Redbridge, Leamington and Atherton.

Here they learn to walk in astraight line unless there’s an obstacle, not to turn corners unless told to do so, to stop at kerbs and wait for the command to cross or turn left or right.

They also learn to judge height and width so that their owner does not bump their head or shoulder and to get used to traffic.

Once they have finished this stage, they start their advanced training with the mobility specialists.

The dogs continue to live with fosterers but are dropped off at the Shrewsbury centre from 8.15am and collected by 5.45pm.

The team uses positive reinforcement training –the dogsarrive with a‘packed lunch’ and they get the chance to earn some of their food during the day.By using this method, the dogs learn that working is rewarding, which means that they are engaged with trainers and look forward to their work.

Co-operative care is another important part of their trainingwhich is about giving dogs choice andcontrol.

The goal is to teach dogs to actively participate in their own care, suchas handling and veterinary procedures.

Having the ability to opt in and out of something increases adog’s confidence and builds their trustintheir owner.

“If the dog doesn’t want to do it, we stop. We teachour clients to check for an ear infection by lifting the ear and smelling.

“There is adistinctive smell to an ear infection,” explains Emma.

Another training method involves asmall platform and the dog is trained to go to the platform ignoring whatever distractions there may be such as other dogs or food.

Once they are standing on the middle of the platform, having successfully taken no notice of what else is going on around them, they receive their reward.

This is one of the ways dogs are trained to guide their owners safely to kerbs and the top of steps.

They are also taught to walk centrally along the pavement whilst avoiding obstacles on theroute and not to turn corners unless told to do so.

They also learn to find doors, crossings and places which are visited regularly and to judge height and width so their owner does not bump their head or shoulder

Adog can also help their owner keep straight when crossing aroad –but it is up to theowner to decide where and

when to cross safely.They still need to be given commands, which is why, in order to form asuccessful partnership, Guide Dogs recommend applicants have established routes they want to walk with adog.

“Sometimes people come to us not understanding what adog will do for them. The dogs follow directionsand have to be told where to go.

“They are trained to move forward in astraight line and to turn right or left. It’s really important that people have all their routes in place and can confidently direct the dog,” explains Emma.

Dogs also learn ‘intelligent disobedience,’ such as refusing to obey aforward command if there is acar approaching.

Not all dogs the team come into contactwith will qualify to become a guide dog due to health reasons, skills or behaviour –but they still make great pets.

The first dog Will worked with, ablack Labrador named Perdie,was unfortunately withdrawn from the programme.

“He was like atrain goingforward, he pulled on the lead constantly.He was incredibly strong. It was alearning experience –hewas avery difficult dog to train,” he explains.

“It was Perdie’s decision nottowork

with his client andwelistened to him,” he explains.

Perdie was successfully rehomed and his training did not go to waste. “It helped him to have anice life as apet dog Alot of what Will did with him was dog training,rather than guide dog training,” say Emma.

“We’ve had afew dogs where we knew early on they were not going to be guide dogs but we’ve still spent themaximum time with them to help them be rehomed.

“Asa team, we are passionate about doing what’s right for thedog and setting them up for success,” adds Lauren.

Once adog has successfully completed 10 weeks of advanced training, they are matched with someone from the waiting list.

When creating apartnership, there are many factors to consider such as the speed the person and the dog naturally walks, how much aperson does each day and how active the dog is.

Some dogs thrive in more urban environment with lots of noises while others will fare better in arural spot.

Children and other pets also need to be taken into consideration during the process.

“They are only guide dogs for 20 per cent of the time, the rest of thetime they are apet dog.It’s important to match the right dog to the right person,” says Emma.

Once they are matched, the owner and guide dog will then train together with amobility specialist for five weeks.

Forthe first fortnight, sessions usually take place at ahotel and are followed

by three weeks back at their home and surrounding area.

Owners will learn how to care for their new pet as well as general doghandling skills.

They will also go on walks with their dog and gain experience in avariety of environments and everyday situations.

Lauren says this is always arewarding time for the mobility specialists. “With one of my first partnerships, we did along route next to abusyroad.

“Atthe end,the client said ‘I felt like Ihad my old eyes back’. It was such an emotional moment and shows how much it can improve people’s lives,” sherecalls.

If the trainingissuccessful, their new four-legged friend is awarded with awhite harness and their working partnership begins. Aguide dog will normally work for around eight years before they retire.

Guide dog owners receive regular visits from amobility specialist so they can get any additional guidance they might need throughout their timetogether

“People always say it must be hard to give the dogs up but it’s nice because we get to pick ahome for that dog, we get to train the client with thedog and we look after that partnership,” says Emma.

“Weget to see that bond between the client and dog develop and the client become more confident and independent. It’s so nice, my clients send me pictures on WhatsApp of their dogs allthe time.”

n Formore information, see guidedogs.org.uk

Berrington, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Shrewsbury: 6miles (19 minutes).

Afantastic 6bed Grade ll barnconversion with 5,676square feetof accommodation. Beautifully designed with modern interior whilst retaining the character of the original house. Separate, fencedcoppice with wood shed and a fabulous privatepaddock, outbuilding with storage/workshop.

Freehold|Council TaxBand =G |EPC Rating =F

Beautifully presented Gloriouscountryside

Aston Eyre, Bridgnorth, Shropshire

Bridgnorth: 4.8 miles(10 minutes).

Situated in the quiet valleyofthe Corvedale, within beautiful rolling countryside. It is ahandsome 5bed,immaculately presentedperiodproperty offering substantialaccommodation, about four acresofpasture and mature gardens and superb outbuildings, stables and manege.

Freehold |Council TaxBand =G |EPC Rating =B

Director Telford 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Farley, Pontesbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Shrewsbury: 6miles (10 minutes).

Abeautifully appointed country housefinished to avery high standard. Standing in mature gardens, with apaddock extending in all to 2.19 acres. Amost wonderfulfamilyhome, with breathtakingviews over gloriousrolling countryside. Stunning walks and cycling, excellentlocal amenities

Freehold |Council TaxBand= G|EPC Rating= E

About3.83acres | Guide £1,600,000 About2.19 acres| Guide £1,250,000

Director Telford 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Spectacular views Executivehome

Director Telford 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Longden, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Shrewsbury: 7miles (20 miles).

Astunning architecturally designed new build house in abeautiful edge of village location withlovely surrounding viewsofthe Shropshire countryside. Solar panels, electronic air sourceheat pump, &zoned heating.

Director Telford 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

PeterDaborn PeterDaborn

PeterDaborn

Peter Daborn

SECLUDED CHARM

Ouseley Farm is situated in the quiet valley of the Corvedale, within beautiful rolling countryside and incorporates fabulous views.

The property in Aston Eyre is on the market with Savills for offers in the region of £1,500,000.

It is ahandsome, immaculately presented period property offering substantialaccommodation, aboutfour acres of pasture and mature gardens and superb outbuildings.

With fenced pastures, a52m x22m equestrian arena, established stabling and set in farmland.

Ouseley Farm has awealth of original features including beams, period doors, extensive cellars and fireplaces.

The accommodation brieflycomprises aspaciouskitchen/day room/sitting room, drawing room, dining room, utility room/bootroom, cloakroomand pantry Upstaoirs,there are five bedrooms, two with en-suite, aplayroom/sitting room and two bathrooms over two floors.

Ouseley Farm is accessed by along track, which opens onto alarge gravel parking area off which are the gardens. There is an attractive orchard, apretty greenhouse and asmall vegetable garden. The enclosed terrace provides asuperb outdoor entertainingand relaxation area.

Outbuildings include agarage/ workshop and atraditional stone building within agated yard,currently used as two stables and atack room. There is also a three-bay steel framed portal shed.

GLORIOUS VIEWS OF COUNTRYSIDE

Chartbrook Houseisa wonderful family home and is situated in adelightful position with breathtaking views over some of Shropshire’s most stunning countryside.

It is on themarket with Savills with aguide price of £1,250,000 and is conveniently located within walking distance of Pontesbury,which is athriving local village with excellent amenities.

With glorious local walks, numerous cyclingroutes, avibrant village, Shrewsbury just 10 minutes away by car –Chartbrook House is ideally positioned to explore and enjoy this most beautiful county and for access to all the major motorway networks and larger cities.

The downstairs accommodation

brieflycomprises areception hall, kitchen, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, office, study,WC/cloakroom and utility room.

Upstairs,there are five bedrooms including the principle bedroom which incorporates awalk-in dressing room and en-suite.

In addition, there are three large double bedrooms, one with en-suite and a further single bedroom which is currently being used as amusic room. There is also afamily bathroom.

Outside, asweeping avenue of semimature hornbeam gracefully wrap along the edges of the drive leading to alarge carport and garage complex for storage/ workshop/log store. There is ample

parking space for numerous cars.

The house is completely shielded on the western side offering complete privacy, while to the east, there is aprivate formal garden and terrace and with water feature. The lawns and borders have built-in automatic sprinklers. There is apaddock of 1.73 acres (0.7 ha), with the whole totalling 2.42 acres (0.97 ha).

An additional seven plus acres (2.83 ha) which would be ideal for paddocks may be available.

The popular village of Pontesbury is just within aminute’s drive, while amore comprehensive rangeof amenities can be found in Shrewsbury with anumber of highly regarded schools, independent shops, restaurants and cafes.

LUXURYDWELLINGS

This stunning and exclusive luxury development of just eight detached bungalows anddormer bungalows will offer fantastic luxury living where you candownsize, but not downgrade!

The Aldermead Close development is in thehighly sought-after location of Admaston that has excellent local amenities and road links. The development will offer two 3-bedroom detached bungalows andsix 3/4 bedroom detached dormer bungalows. All properties will come with good-sized and fully landscaped plots with front and rear gardens, detached garages, driveway parking with electrical vehicle charging points.

These properties will come with the latest air source heat pumps with underfloor heating to the ground floors, zoned heating with electric towel rails/ warmers to the en-suites and bathrooms and they will be highly insulated with Actis insulation.

Purchasers may have the opportunity to have input and choice of fixtures and fittings, all kitchens will have integrated Samsung appliances with built-in combination microwave, five-burner induction hob, built-in WiFi controllable dual cooking oven, integrated 70/30 fridge freezer,wine fridge, integrated Hotpoint washer/drying machine (bungalows only) 12-place setting dishwasher,Franke sink and tap and choice of quartz worktops.

The bathroomsand en-suites will have vanity units,walk-in showers, Bristan taps and Bristan Rainfall mixer showers to the en-suites, electric showers to the main baths and Bluetooth demisting mirrors with shaver socket. These stunning homes will alsocome with quality floorcoveringsthroughout.

The properties are on the market with Prestige by Mannleys with prices starting from £495,000

HERITAGEBARN

ELLERDINE TF6 6QR

OIRO £950,000

Heritage Barnisanoutstanding fivebedroom barn conversion with over 4400sqftofaccommodation offersfantastic flexible modern living throughout.The property has over 2400sqftofoutbuilding’s,including stables,storesand alarge 39ftgarage thathas huge potential,extensivegated driveway parking and superblandscaped gardens all situatedinastunning rural location and still benefitting from superb road links and all with the benefit ofno upward chain EPC D

42 CRUDGINGTON

CRUDGINGTON,TF6

6HU

OIRO £750,000

This stunning,5 bedroom, extended family home occupiesasuperbtucked away plot with electric gatedentranceand is locatedinthis highly sought aftervillage location. Theproperty has been extended to create asuperbindividual home thatoffers both modernand characterfeatures throughout with openviews from the landscaped rear gardens EPC E

BRIDGE FARM

CRUDGINGTON TF6 6HS

OIRO £750,000

Spacious four bedroom detached Grade II listed cottage thatoccupies an outstanding plot with approximately 2acres.Bridge Farm is located in this highlysoughtafter village location. Theproperty featuresanextensiverange of useful outbuildings, extensive driveway parking, outside swimming pool, landscaped gardens, large pond and orchards

36 CRUDGINGTON

CRUDGINGTON,TF6 6JG

OIRO £625,000

Amuch improved detachedfour bedroom Duke of Sutherland cottage thatoccupies astunning tucked away plot and is locatedinthis highly soughtafter village location. Theproperty benefits from planning approval(planning referenceT WC/2022/0746) fora stunning single storey extension with feature balcony. Viewsoveropen fields from the lovely landscaped southfacing garden EPC D

23a Market Street,Wellington, Telford, TF1 1DT 01952 245064 • prestige@mannleysproperty.co.uk

IMMACULATE FAMILYHOME

Fairfields is abeautifully designed and immaculately presented, four-bedroomed detached house.

The property in Sundorne Castle, Uffington near Shrewsbury,ison the market with Miller Evans for offers in the region of £1,000,000.

It has been extensively renovated by the current owners to provide superb family accommodation with all rooms presented to an exacting standard.

In brief,the accommodation includes: entrance vestibule, entrance hall, sitting room, playroom/study,superb open plan kitchen/living/dining room, family room, utilityroom, cloakroom/WC, master bedroom suite with dressing room and en-suite shower room, further guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further double bedrooms and

principal bathroom.A purpose-built oak outbuilding comprises: double garage, workshop, log store and annex comprising akitchen/living area and double bedroom.

Outside the property is alarge gravelled forecourt approached through an electric gate, attractive and good-sized formal garden and apaddock totallingto approximately half an acre.

The property benefits from underfloor heating, double glazing and an oil-fired central heating system. Internal inspection is highly recommended.

This property occupies apleasant position boasting stunning views.

The village of Uffington is approx seven miles east of Shrewsbury and is also well placed for easy access to the Shrewsbury by-pass providing an M54 motorway link to the West Midlands.

PulleyHall Barns,Bayston Hill

Guide Price £800,000

An impressiveand trulystunning,Grade II Listed,5bedroomed barn conversion set in extensivelandscaped, well stocked gardens andgrounds.The accommodation is arranged over2 floors with manyluxurious and superior characterfeatures,occupying asecluded andenviable rurallocation, within easy travelling distance of excellentamenities includingshopping facilities,schools,recreational facilities and within easy distanceof Shrewsbury’stowncentre.

Ridgebourne Rd,Shrewsbury

Guide Price £1,200,000

Asuperior,especially well appointedand maintained detached,four bedroomresidence, with large entrane hall, sitting room, dining room, breakfast kitchen and garden room, set in delightful well stocked landscaped gardens with sunnysouth facing aspect. Theresidenceiswell placedinthis highly desirable and much soughtafter residential area on the westernfringe of Shrewsbury.

ASPORTINGOASIS

Pegasus House is an apt name for this steading, asportingoasis where the strength of the winged stallion of Greek mythology could flex his strength and stamina.

This six-bedroom home, launched to the market by Balfours, occupies an elevated position with inspiring views over the River Roden, surrounding countryside and to the church.

It is found at Stanton Upon Hine Heath, sometwo milesfrom the village of Shawbury,but significantly convenient to both Shrewsbury and Telford, 10 and fifteen miles respectively

The property’s sporting prowess includes a field extending to four acres, stabling for nine horses, menage, anear 12-metreindoor swimming pool with

sauna and changing rooms, Snooker room, plus fishing rights on the river

Within the additional acre of grounds are barns, adouble garage and of course garden.

The house comprises an entrance porch to agenerous hall from which the principal rooms are accessed. Namely a well-balanced living room with feature fireplace, two further reception rooms, currently study and games room. The contemporary kitchen is alarge room full of natural light from French doors andglazed two aspects, it also equipped with an island and floor to ceiling built-in storage and electricals.

Central to the first floor is the spacious master bedroom with significantstorage and large bathroom.

There are two additional en-suite rooms, plus afurther threedouble bedrooms, sharing abathroomwith bath and shower

Commenting, Charlie Giffard, Balfours Associate Partner,Country House Sales, says: “Pegasus House provides an extensive and exceptional range of facilities in adelightful, soughtafter rural location. Its easyaccess to the county town and the Midlands is ideal for commerce and asignificant choice of schools. Of course, the suite of well-presented out-buildings would be adaptable to suit all manner of business or leisure pursuit, subject to planning.”

Balfours is marketing Pegasus House with aguide price of £1,150,000. Formore information call 01743 353511.

Shrewsbury Shropshire Guide Price £1,500,000

AGrand Grade II Listed Georgian Townhouse which offers aWealth of Period Features and Traditional Character.

Six Bedrooms, Dining Room, Drawing Room, FormalDining Room, Games Room, Large Garagewith Workshop above, South Facing Garden.

Hadnall Shrewsbury Guide Price £1,050,000

Wincote is aCharming Five Bedroom Home set in 4.27 Acres (1.73 Ha) with Garages,Stables and aBarn.

Five Bedrooms, Annexe, Kitchen /Breakfast Room,Dining Room and Drawing Room, Tree-Lined Driveway, Double Garage, Stables and Barn, EPC: D.

Welshpool Powys Guide Price £550,000

AHandsome, Period, Country Residence teeming with Original Features and Enormous Potential.

Chalet, Snug withWood Burner, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Garden Room with Wonderful Views, MasterBedroom withEnSuite, Family Bathroom.

Abdon CravenArms Guide Price £776,000

Lot 1: 98.14 Acres (39.17 Ha) of Level Grassland with Some Arable Potential.

Flexible Versatile Land, Established Agricultural Area, AONB, Reddish Soil Suitable for Livestock Rearing, Fodder and Cereals, Well-Drained, Mains Water and Electricity Available at Roadside.

LOTS OF POTENTIAL

Greenacres is set in between the villages of Lostford and Mickley and is just four miles from Market Drayton.

It is on the market with Jackson Property for offers in the region of £595,000

The property is accessed down a private track just off Lostford Lane. Market Drayton has excellent amenities including asupermarket, post office and anumber of cafes, restaurants and pubs. Slightly further afield, Whitchurch and Shrewsbury both havea wide range of shops and amenities.

There are also several highly regarded schools in thearea.

The property is alsoinanexcellent positionfor the equestrian enthusiast as there are anumber of venues and equestrian centres in the area.

Greenacres has great scope for modernisation and extension if required.

The three-bed property is accessed through thefront door,off the parking

area, entering into the light and airy hallway.The kitchen/diner can also be access through theconservatory.The kitchen benefits from wooden base and wall units with granite effect worktop.

The sitting room benefits from alarge window and has an open fireplace.

All of the double bedrooms benefit from radiators, large windows and are serviced by the family bathroom.

The property is approached off

Lostford Lane, via a five-bar gate, and has astoneparking area.The driveway carries on past thehouse right up to the front of the steel portal-framed building which is part brick construction with aroller shutter

In all, the property is set within circa 5.51 acres of gardens and paddocks. There is an immediate paddock to the south of the house itself and afurther paddock set behind the outbuilding.

Ellesmere, Shropshire

Acharming,renovated farmhouse with excellent equestrianfacilities andfantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

4-bed farmhouse |2-bed annex |Double garage& workshop |Steel portal framedbuilding with lean-to |10Monarch boxes|Securetack &feed rooms |30m x60m outdoorarena |20.89 acres |EPC rating F £1,500,000

Malpas, Cheshire

Beautiful 4-bed familyhomewith immaculate gardens,paddock andstable block.

GF:entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room |Study / bedroom 5, utility, shower room |FF: 4double bedrooms, family bathroom&en-suite|Double garage &studio |Orchard andlarge pond |Paddock with stabling |Approx. 1.65 acres|EPC rating D £975,000

Bangor-On-Dee,Wrexham

An immaculatelypresented,former farmhouse with excellent equestrianfacilities andviews across the adjoining land, all set within 7.1 acres

Spacious 4-bed familyhome|Double garage with flat above American barnwith5Monarch stables |40m x60m manege with carpet-based surface |EPC rating C £995,000

Lostford, Shropshire

Adetached, single-storey property, set within 5.51 acresofgardens andpaddockswith alarge steel portal framedbuilding with scope forvarious uses.

3-bed bungalow| Spacious kitchen/diner,conservatory&livingroom Greatpotentialtomodernise&extendsubject to PP.|Highquality SPFoutbuilding |Extensivegardens surrounding |EPC rating E £595,000

WORK THE TERRACOTTA TREND

THERE’S MORE TO THIS CERAMIC SHADE THAN FIRST MEETS THE EYE, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Think rich warm earthy tones, sandy shades, burnt oranges and you’re in the comfort zone of terracotta.

Calming and comforting, this earthenware shade has an organic feel, and it’s anatural choicefor achic colour palette of rich rustsbalanced by beige, neutrals and shell pinks. Here’s what’s fired our imagination…

Bella ter table lamp, £125, natur raffialamp shade, fr Graham

This sculptural makes as statement raffialampshade sets the scene restful schemes.

Yankee £31.99

The swe base note one ofth will boos lifting ar

eCandle cinnamon stick, ,(567g), Yankee Candle eet, spicy scent of cinnamon with es of bay leaf and cedarwood is he most familiar fragrances –and st your wellbeing with its mood roma.

Carrots soup plate, £25, Emma Bridgewater

Whether it’s gazpacho or carrot soup, those power-packed blended veggies and side of crusty bread are the perfect fitfor this soup plate.

John Lewis Odorarug, £300, (120 x180cm)

Amix of wool and silk, this hand-tufted rug with harmonious colourway of sandy shades, dusty pink and damson makes a tactile focal point.

Wood

HK Living terracotta vase with handles, £80, Spicer & d

With its decorative handles and Mediterranean vibe, this is the kind of vase that radiates warmth and works like adream with rustic furniture, tans, exposed timber and stone.

Shaped ceramic set of 3mini vases, £18, Next Abstract vases are having amoment this autumn and this stoneware trio tick all the boxes. Contemporary and combining rose hues with ivory and terracotta.

Terr abs £39

racotta Dreams A3 tract print, oak frame, 9, (was £45), Cult niture

Fur For n some the t tailo

Terra escap expr

no-stress decorating, let eone else’s brush works do talking. Art prints can be red to fitany decor –and acotta Dreams channels pism and freedom of ession.

Get Your Funk On wallpaper in Tuscan Rooftop, The Running Fox and Tahini, £45 per roll, Lust Home

When you want to bring an element of classic retro home, this psychedelic print with its burnt orange hues, carameland browns is your happy place. Afabulous styling tool, the design has matching paints to play around with to create acontrast wall. And you can change the feel with plush fabrics,rugs and cabinet of curios.

Hutton compact 2-seater ‘sofa in abox,’ soft velvet rust brown, £460, Next

If your space is more bijoux than grandiose, this ‘sofa in abox’ is a brilliant way to incorporate more seating without having to commit to larger furnishings. Compact and petite, the sofa arrives in abox, designed to fit through tight spaces –and rustbrown velvet feels cosy for autumn

Terracotta super soft 100% cotton bed linen, king size duvet, £79, standardpillowcase, £14, Spice Vivienne 100% cotton quilted throw,£109, Secret Linen Store

And so to bed… is there anything lovelier than cocooning yourself in terracotta bed linen to enhance those feel-good vibes from this happy hue? Style with touches of ivoryand grey to highlightthispleasing pigment.

Lanterns-Glass-Skylights

While having your roof replaced with rubber or fibreglass why not treat yourself to acost effective upgrade at thesame time Consider one of our roof lanterns or glass skylight roofs which will give any room asense of style, spaciousness and added light. Not only that but these features areguaranteed marketabilityofyour property.

AWORLD OF AUTUMN COLOUR

ADD REDS, BURGUNDIES AND YELLOWS TO YOUR PLOT WITH ASELECTION OF ACERS, WRITES HANNAH STEPHENSON

Japanese maples can boostthe autumnal palette of your garden, with burnt orange, zingy yellow, scarlet red and deep burgundy colours.

These spectacular deciduous trees, also known as acers –some of which can be grown in apot, while others need a wider space to branch out –add warmth, colour andarchitecture to your garden, whatever the size.

They prefer dappled shade, and many are slow-growing so will suit urban gardens tight on space and short of direct sunlight. Grow them in compost-rich, free-draining soil out of direct sunlight andsheltered from wind and frost, which will scorch the leaves.

Before you start, check the type of growth you want –whether you’re looking for afairly upright specimen, one that spreads out wider,orsomething that cascades from the main trunk. Leaf shape can also make adifference. Some leaves look delicate and lacy,othershave foliage marked with cream or pink. If you have asmall garden, you may opt for apot, where slow-growing types are unlikely to reach more than twometres in height.

The way you display your Japanese maples can have abearing on their impact, says garden designer Mark Lane (left), apresenter

“The ones that create areally lovely domed shape, like Acer dissectum, look brilliant in any shaped pot,” he says. “Give acers pride of place, but not in an exposed spot. Alot of the time, acers work brilliantly in asheltered spot by the back door or front door.If you have aporch which gets light but not bright sunlight, that should be fine –as

long as it’s outside, so it still gets therain.

“I would also upturn alarge terracotta pot and put your pot on it so it’s abit higher.That way you can put smaller acers around the bottom, or even azaleas or rhododendrons, which go really well with acers. That way,you are creating a mini natural Japanese woodland.

“Alternatively,you could get some large stones with sand or gravel to create a zen-type garden. Dome-shaped acers also look great planted in the centre of circular paving, to mimic the round pattern of the paving.”

Lane also suggests using uplighters under your acers at night.

“If you underlight the lovely,fern-like dissected leaves with an uplighter,they look superb at nighttime –because then you are really showing off the colour and form in the evening. They will cast beautiful shadows.”

Here are afew types to try…

Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’

“It’s gorgeous, almost pale red verging into pink, and the leaves are really dissected,” says Lane. He recommends pairing it with the Acer palmatum dissectum –it has the same shaped leaves that are green in summer,but turn rich shades of yellow in autumn.

Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’

“It has these incredible orange/ red/yellow edgesonit, and come autumn it just gets better,” Lane explains.

on BBC Gardeners’ World.

Acer ‘Osakazuki’

Acer ‘Garnet’

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

This larger variety can reach up to 25 feet, with deep purple and red leaves during the spring and summer turning avibrantcrimson in autumn.

“These trees favour partial shade, though full sun canbetolerated,” says Jordan. “However,sun scorching can occur if the plant does not get enough moisture during summer,sobesure to keep it well-watered during dry periods. Acidic or neutral soil will work best for these trees.”

Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’

“Asthe name implies, this acer really comes to life as the season changes, with its lime green leaves in the spring turningyellowand bright orange during the end of summer and autumn,” says Matt Jordan, gardening expert for The Greenhouse People (greenhousepeople.co.uk).

Its multicoloured leaves create astrikingsunbursteffect, keeping a yellow centre while the edges turn burnt orange and red. Grown both in and outside of pots, these maples love asheltered spot in full sun or partial shade, and grow best in acidic or neutral soiltypes. The soil also needs to be moist but well-draining, so be sure to use alayer of mulch to help maintain moisture, Jordan advises.

Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’

Similar to ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Crimson Queen’ offers burgundy tones throughout spring and summer, but bursts into abrilliantred during autumn. However,unlike ‘Bloodgood’ –which has five to seven lobed leaves –‘Crimson Queen’ offers more texture with its lacy,feathered-style foliage, says Jordan.

“‘Crimson Queen’ will best suit a small to medium-sized garden. And since they love full sun or partial shade, it’s best to avoidplanting in anorthfacing direction,” he adds.

Acer ‘Autumn Moon’

Acer ‘Bloodgood’

Acer ‘Crimson Queen’

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LUDLOW CASTLE

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLORESTHE EXTENSIVE RUINS OF AMEDIEVAL FORTRESS, AHOME FOR KINGS, QUEENS ANDPRINCES, THATGIVES AGLIMPSE INTOTHE INTRIGUES OF THOSE TIMES

Itwas there long before us and will remain long after us. Ludlow Castle is one of the finest medieval ruins in England and is set in the glorious, bustling market town of Ludlow

There are ample reasons to love it, and it offers superb views over the Shropshire countryside. The castle has extensive grounds and provides arare opportunity to explore the ancient lodgings of kings, queens, princes, judges, and the nobility –offering aglimpse intothe lifestyle of medieval and Tudor society

Its historydates back to 1066. Walter de Lacy,a trusted member of the household of William FitzOsbern, arrived in Englandwith the conquering army of William the Conqueror in 1066.

FitzOsbern was rewarded for his loyal part in William’s victory with an Earldom over thelands of Hereford. After three years of local resistance, FitzOsbern was able to claim his earldom andplanned to keep his new acquisition secure by developing astringofcastles along the border of England and Wales.

Walter de Lacy was granted the manor of Stanton, which contained the siteof present day Ludlow.Walter’s sons, first Roger and then Hugh, built the earliest surviving partsof the castle that can still be seen today,and the de Lacy family retained the lordship until the end of the 13th century. From 1473to1483, Ludlow Castle was the home of Prince Edward (known as one of the ’Princes in the Tower’). He was in residence here when he learned of the death of his father, Edward IV,and assumed the title of King

Edward V. Prince Arthur (eldest son of Henry VII) spent afew months at Ludlow with his wife Catherine of Aragon before his death there onApril 21502. Catherine went on to marry Arthur’s brother,who became Henry VIII and their daughter, Mary,spent three winters at thecastle between 1525 and 1528.

Throughoutthe 16th and 17th centuries, Ludlow Castle was held by the Crown, except for abrief time during the Civil Warand the Commonwealth. The castle held great status as the centre of administration for the shires of the Marches and for Wales. The Council of the Marches was set up by Edward IV when he sent his son Edward, Prince of

Wales, to live at Ludlow in 1473 and its responsibilities grew over the years to become responsible for the government of Wales and the border counties.

Forover acentury Ludlow was seen as the capitalofWales and its courts were kept busy hearing criminal, civil and ecclesiastical cases. The result was asurge in construction at the castle to house the judges. Although primarily an administration hub, the castle had many features of an Elizabethan stately home.

The Council was dissolved in 1641 but was revived with fewer powers from 1660 until it’s abolition in 1689.

During the years of the Civil War (1642-46) the castle was aRoyalist

stronghold. In 1646 the town was besieged by aParliamentary force and thecastle was surrendered after negotiation.The castle was abandoned after 1689 when the Council of the Marches was dissolved and power was centralised in London. The townspeople looted the castle for useful materials anditsoon became aruin.

In the 1760s the Government considered demolition of the castle, but that would havebeen costly,so instead, it was leased to the EarlofPowis in 1771. The castle began to attract visitors as part of the new tourism movement concentrating on the picturesque style, and as part of this, walks were set out around the castle. The Earl of Powis

bought the castle in 1811 and it is now owned by the Trustees of the Powis Castle Estate on behalf of the family.

While the history is genuinely worldclass, the estate hascarried out extensive work to bring the castle into the 21st century.Indeed, that process has been ongoing for more than acentury

The trustees were keen to halt any further decline in the buildings and to improve the visitor experience.

Castle House appears at first to be a Victorian mansion, set within the walls of the castle, but dig alittle deeper and the archives will show that aTudor tennis court, and the Castle Inn used to be located here. The building seen today was finished in around 1904, but had changed hands from the Estate to Shropshire Council.

The trustees re-acquired Castle House from Shropshire Council who had been using it as civic offices. In 2005 the trustees undertook ahuge renovation project on the building and won aRICS Building Conservation Project of the Year award in the process by creating three holiday apartments on the first and second floors. In additions there was alarge function room on the ground floor,where weddings and other events are now held. The Castle Gallery and Chapter 66 Café Restaurant, as well as the ticket office and residential apartment are also housed within this building.

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalene is arare survivor of achurch with around

nave (the chancel was rectangular,and only survives as afootprint in the grass).

Forthe first time sinceitfell into ruin, the much-photographed Norman Chapel in the Inner Bailey was repaired and re-roofed by Shropshire building company Phillips &Curry who specialise in Building Conservation, conversion and intervention in 2019.

The roof was built off-site and was transported to theCastle in kit form for fabrication oncethe crenellations were rebuilt.

The stone and mortar used was chosen to match apanel ofpost 16th century blocking on the Chapel so as to

distinguish later work from theoriginal. Stones from two local quarries was used: agreen buff stone from Garstone Farm, Weobley,and ared buff stone from Weston Hill Bredwardine.

The trustees worked closely with English Heritage on the project to protect the fabric of the chapel and increase its longevity for future generations to enjoy. It now provides an all-weather wedding venue.

Today the castle is usedfor avariety of events, including the town’s food festival, while it’s possible to stay in Castle House, with three apartments giving visitors the chance to live like aking or queen.

LudlowFood Festival is held at the castle

Willchallengeshavebeenontherisefor manyyearsandthecost-of-livingcrisismay continuetobringevenmorechallengestothe surface.

JemmaLand,AssociateatAaron&Partners setsoutwhywillchallengeshavebeenonthe riseandanswersthreeofthemostcommon frequentlyaskedquestionsaboutcontesting awill

Whyarewillchallengesontherise?

Wehavenoticedabigincreaseinthenumber ofwillchallengesandotherclaimsagainstan estatecomingthroughthedoor Thereareanumberofreasonsforan increaseinwillchallengesandotherclaims againstaperson’sestate.Someofthereasons are:

Increasedwealth–increasedassetprices meanthereismoreforpeopletoargueover, especiallywiththeriseinlandandhouse prices.

ModernFamilies–blendedfamiliesand subsequentmarriagesandrelationshipsare morecommonthesedays.Thisincreasesthe likelihoodofadisputeondeath.

Increaseincohabitingcouples–in2022 oppositesexcohabitingcouplesaccounted for18%ofthepopulation.Thelawisnot favourabletocohabiteesondeathleaving someofthemvulnerableandinneedof bringingaclaim.

Ageingpopulation–wearelivinglonger andthishasresultedinmorechallenges onthegroundsoflackofcapacityorundue influence.

Intestacy–alotofpeopledonothaveawill, includingpeopleofsubstantialwealth.Many wealthycelebrities,forexample,Prince,died withoutawill.Therulesofintestacymight notrepresentwhatthedeceasedperson wouldwantorprovideforthoseitshould. Thecost-of-livingcrisismaypusheventhe mostreluctanttobringclaimsbecausethey areinincreasingfinancialneed.

Whatmakesawillinvalid?

Themostcommongroundsareasfollows:

-Thewillnotsignedorwitnessedproperly

-Lackofcapacity

-Unduepressure

-Thewillisforged

-Poisoningofthetestator’smind,causing themtochangetheirwill

Whatarethemainstepstotaketo challengeawill?

Itisimportanttoseekadvicelegal immediately.Acaveatneedstobelodged toprotecttheestateassets.Asolicitorcan assistwithaformalrequesttothewillwriter foracopyofthewillfileandobtainother evidence,forexamplemedicalrecordsifthe deceasedlackedcapacity.Asolicitorwill attempttonegotiateasettlementand,asa lastresort,Courtproceedingsmaybeissued. Mostcasesdonotrequiretheinvolvementof theCourt

Ifthewillisvalid,canIbringanyother typeofclaim?

Thetwomostcommonlypursuedclaimsare:

-Aclaimtoenforceabrokenpromise(known asproprietaryestoppel)

-AclaimundertheInheritance(Provision forFamilyandDependants)Act1975.This givestheCourtpowertochangetheeffectof adeceased’swilliftherehasbeenafailure tomakereasonablefinancialprovisionfora definedclassofpeoplewhoareconnectedto thedeceased,suchasaneligiblecohabitee,a spouse/civilpartnerandachild(includingan adultchild)

Therearestricttimelimitstobringcertain claims.

JemmaLand ContentiousTrusts&Probate AssociateSolicitor

FEATURE

EXPERTSWHO CARE

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ABURNINGDESIRE TO BE ACUT ABOVE

MATTHEW PANTER CHATSTOCHARLES DOUEK WHO HAS GONE FROM SHOP FLOOR TO SALON BOSS AT THE PRESTIGIOUS ROYSTON BLYTHE HAIRDRESSING BUSINESS

Weall had those same grandiose career ambitions as very young children –astronaut, professional footballer,ballerina and all.

As time progresses throughschool, for some, future job plans can become clouded, ablank expression appearing when talking with acareer adviser

But there are also thosewho have a clear plan in mind early on in life and, demonstrating passion and determination, never deviate from their dream.

Chatting to Charles Douek, as his enthusiasm and fervour for the hairdressing industryoozes through, it’s clear he fell into the second camp.

“There was always aplan, when leaving school and education, that hairdressing was somethingIwanted to do,” he reflects, recalling how he used to be abig fan of reality show The Salon, on Channel 4.

“I always loved fashion and style, so it all went hand in hand. And, at the same time, Ithought of myself as apeople person so Ithink that helped me as well.”

Creativity, flair,personality–Charles and hairdressing soon became aperfect match and an apprenticeship followed, learning on the shop floor

By 21, he had joined the awardwinning Royston Blythe hair salon –and 14 years later he is leading the business into anew era as its new owner

The hugely successful business, with salons in Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton, is synonymous with style and stars, earning astellar reputation over 34 years.

And now Charles, 35, from Lawley, has taken over the business following the retirement of Nick Malenko and Royston Blythe earlier this year

“I have been incredibly lucky,” he says. “Totake over here, it’s amazing, a

real privilege. Iamthrilled and Ireally am grateful for the trust placed in me.

“The clients and the team have been very supportive, and plans are being set in place to move the business forward into its next exciting chapter

“Wehave aclear vision that has given us goals and challenges to achieve.”

His predecessors, Nick and Royston, are, he says, very much an inspiration and areason for his own success.

“I remember how I’d seen them in magazines,” he remembers. “They always featured in Hairdressers Journal and it was asalon that everyone looked at.

“They seemed the go-to people so when Igot the chance to meet them, it was great really

“They took me under their wings and showed me everything they know

“I learned how to be ahairdresser but they showed me their way of doing it.

“They instil the Royston Blythe

way into everyone –everything has this beautiful finish. Youhave this gorgeous hair and it’s got to look that extra five-star quality.Thanks to meeting them Igot involved in lots of competitions and got to the finals of the British Hair Awards five times.”

Charles hasnever looked back from his first introduction to the pair,and now his journey has taken him to the pinnacle.

Taking over ownership has ensured aseamless transition and asafe pair of hands to ensure the preservation of the salon’s friendly and personalised service, along with their consistentability to create fabulous hair for every client.

Charles says that the corevalues and key elements that have been the backbone of the company –its outstanding team of professionals with apassionfor hairdressing, inspirational education, and five-star customer service –will always be at the heart ofwhatmakes it special.

“People have always put their trustin us,” he says.”Carrying it into the future, it’s time to lead the next generation of Royston Blythe but clients can rest assured that theirfavourite hairdressing professionals will continue to provide toptier service, expert advice and thelatest industry trends.

“I also want to take care of the team, excelling everyone and investing in them, making sure they have the qualities we want them to have so they can be great stylists, colourists, hairdressers.

“Wewant them to have that same nurturing we have always had.

“It’s about sustainability as well,” Charles adds. “I am looking at the impact the salon has on the environment.

“The other big thing Iwant is for us to give back our time anddomore charitable things.

“That is something Ifeel is very important. We will keep the fun events and parties that Royston Blythe is famous for,but we want to give back more to the community that supports small businesses like us.

“The Royston Blythe team are like a family,weshare the same values, so over the next year we are looking to take part in more charity events. After the success of National Hair Sunday for the NHS, everyone was more than happy to give a little back.”

These are clearly exciting times as Charles looks to abright future while beinghugely respectful of the past and ensuring the reputation and quality of Royston Blythe holds firm.

The drive, passion and determination to get into the industry,which he hadas ateenager,remains key to success and it’s something he hasn’t lost.

“I love thejob,” he adds. “It’s all about the people, seeing the clients and getting to know everyone.

“You meet someone new,sit them in that chair and work on atransformation to change them.

“And then there are also those people you see on aweek-to-week basis, who become part of your family.They know about your life and you know about their lives. Ijustlove it.”

And Charles has amessage foranyone now at school, thinking about their career options and considering hairdressing.

“Go in with your mindclear and your eyes open and absorb everything that you can,” he says. “You need to take on board all the knowledge and opportunities that are available. The hairdressing world is huge and there are opportunities out there –you just havetogive things ago.”

Charles was oncethat young hairdressing hopeful and he’s testament to the fact that dreams can come true.

WIN AFANTASTICMAKEOVER

Royston Blythe has teamed up with ShropshireMagazine to offer our readers an amazing hair makeoverwhich includes a colour,cut and finish.

Appointments areavailable

Monday to Thursday and a skin test will be required a minimum of 48 hours before the appointment.

To be in with achance of winning this fantastic prize simply answer the following question correctly and email your entry to caroline.jones@mnamedia. co.uk with the subject ‘Royston Blythe competition’byOctober 27:

Question: At what age did Charles start working at Royston Blythe?

Terms and conditions: Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. Closing time and date for entries is 12 noon Friday, October 27, 2023.

The first correct entry selected at randomafter the closing date will receive the prize.

Prizes arenon-transferable and there areno cash/prizealternatives. Employees (or immediate relatives) of the MNA

group of companies may NOT enter.The Editor’sdecision is final. Winners must be prepared to takepart in any relevant publicity.

All data shared in entering this competition will be used for administration only. The winner’sdetails will be held by MNA to ensurethat prizes can be sent to the competition winner MNA Ltd and members of its group will not use your data for any marketing purposes.

After 90 days from the competition closureall entry details will be deleted. We takedata protection very seriously, and your data will not be shared with any third parties.

Putting on the style, above andleft,Charles Douek gives aclientanew look.Heisthe new owner of the prestigious Royston Blythe hairdressing business after starting thereasa 21-year-old, Right, Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko, who styled the tresses of the rich and famous, havenow retired

JoanLittlewood’s MusicalEntertainment

BlackEyedTheatreinassociation withSouthHillParkArtsCentre

INSPIRED BY NATURE

HEATHER LARGE MEETS THE DESIGNER WHO TURNED HER LOVE OF NATURE AND VINTAGE LINEN INTOALUCRATIVE AND CREATIVE CAREER

When Speronella Marsh needed curtains for her new home, she turned to her precious collection of vintage linens.

Enrolling on aprinting course, the designer learned the skills she needed to hand block designs on to theantique fabrics.

Her friends and family were so full of admiration for the finished curtains that they began to commission their own projects.

Since setting up her business, Hare’s Tail, in 2018, Speronella’s fabrics have become highly sought after by interior designers across the world and turned into curtains, headboards, bedspreads and other soft furnishings.

Now some of her early designs, inspired by natural form, are available as wallpaper for the first time.

“People have often asked if Ido wallpaper so Idecided whynot?,” says Speronella, who moved to Shropshirein 2016.

“I then had to think abouthow I’m going to start awallpaper collection. I decided to go back to my roots. Four of the six designs are from my first collection, The Home, that Icreated for our house in Shropshire.

“It was aconscious design to go back to where Istartedfrom,” themother-oftwo explains.

Raised in Rome, Speronella studied at Vander Kelen in Belgium, the only school in the world to teach the traditional techniques of decorative painting.

Moving to London in her early twenties her creative flair has taken her from working in interiors to the gardening world and back again.

Before setting up Hare’s Tail, Speronella, who had collected vintage French sheets all of her life, enrolled on anatural printing course at theChelsea Physic Garden.

She also completed further courses on block printing, carving,repeatpatterns and fabric ink so she could learn how

to make decorative items for her home and also watched alot of YouTube videos to help her hone her skills in designing patterns.

“Quite afew were never made into curtains but they’re now loyal tablecloths,” Speronella says.

Inspired by art and nature, she hand carves her designs out of lino and they are block printed onto fabrics in her studio using water-based coloured dyes.

The vintage fabrics she works with tend to date from between the 1890s and the 1930s.

Her wallpaper collection was created with the help of her neighbour and friend, Melanie Lewis and is comprised of six designs –Acorn, Boat,Seaweed, Lucy’s India, Eastern Leaves and Cindy’s Needle –each available in four colour-ways. The six designs are also available in one colour-way each on paper-backed linen.

“The inspiration for Acorn was me

picking up an acorn off the ground. Ihave loved acorns all of my life, they are such asweet little seed and have such alovely shape.

“It was anon-negotiable for me –Acorn had to be in the wallpaper collection,” says Speronella.

“The inspiration for Boat was an exhibition, called Oceania, at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2018.

“It was an exhibition of art from the PacificIslands which Iabsolutely loved. Boat was designed for fabric for our house.

“Seaweed was another design for our home. My children spent alot of time with abucket and spade in the rock pools in Cornwall so this design reminds me of my girls’ childhood.

“Lucy’s India is one that is very close to my heart and dedicated to averydear friend of mine, who sadly passed away. This design was inspired by an evening we spent talking about awonderful country that we both loved.”

The inspiration for Eastern Leaves was avisit to the Wallace Collection in London to see the exhibition Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for theEast India Company

While Cindy’s Needle was originally used as aborder in the Dandelion design from Speronella’s bespoke fabric range.

“Interior designer Cindy Leveson, who has used alot of my work, wanted to use the needle element of this design to create stripes for abedroom.Itbecame adesign in its own right and people have been ordering alot of it. Idecided to name it after Cindy as she provided the inspiration,” she explains.

Speronella Marsh at work. Pictures: James McDonald

“All of these designs mean something to me. I’m lucky because Iget inspired when Ilook at nature, or when Italk to people who are close to me.”

When it came to transforming her designs into wallpaper,Speronella says the whole process was all abit of alearning curve.

“I didn’t know anything about it so we spoke to lots of people in the business first to find the best way of printing the designs. After considering lots of different printing methods, we decided that digital printing on texturedpaper was areally good way of achieving the samelook as how my designs look on fabric,” she explains.

They also worked closely with the manufacturer to finalise the colour palette, particularly the background colourin order to capture thelook of antique linen.

“It took about eight months to replicate what Idoonfabric,” says Speronella. “Digital printing to order was aroute Ireally appreciated because there is no wastage. Ilove reusing fabric –I print 99% of work on vintage sheets and textiles so it was really importanttome that we weren’t wasting any materials,” says Speronella.

Hare’s Tail’s first wallpaper collection launched online at the end of May and went on show for the first time at the FOCUS 2023, an international design and decoration show at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour from September 20-23.

“The response has been amazing. Now I’ve got adistributor in London stocking my wallpaper for trade and a distributor in America. It’s beyond all my expectations, it’s been incredible,” says Speronella.

“I love bringing nature into my home and Ilove that Iamable to bring that same calming feeling to other people’s houses.”

n Speronella is hosting aone-day block printing workshop at Master the Art in Leighton, Shrewsbury,onNovember 15. Participants will get the chance to learn printing techniques, firstbyprinting Christmas wrapping paper and then fabric, which will be made into cushions to keep.

During the course, Speronella will talk them through the fundamentals of block printing, revealing her main sources of inspiration and her creative processes.

To book aplace on the workshop or for more information about Hare’s Tail, visit www.harestail.co.uk or follow @hares_tail_printingonInstagram.

Lucy’sIndia Boat

Acorn

Seaweed

STUDENT’SEPIC UK JOURNEY NETS£40K

MATTHEW PANTER CATCHES UP WITH STUDENT TOBIAS BRANSTON, WHO HAS UNDERTAKEN A MASSIVE TREK FROM LAND’S ENDTOJOHN O’GROATS TO

RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY

Asintroductions go, it will make aprettyimpressive talking point for Tobias Branston.

As he heads off to university,the teenager from Shifnalwill no doubt be looking for conversation starters as he makes new friends.

And he’s unlikely to be stuckfor words as he reflects on thesummer of 2023 which he hasjust had. After all, he’s just walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats unaccompanied –and raised £40,000 for charity in theprocess.

We featured the start of Tobias’ epic adventure in the June edition of Shropshire Magazine as he prepared to take on the challenge of raising thousands for Severn Hospice and Heartburn Cancer UK.

He was motivated after two close friends lost fathers to cancer and, after 56 days, and more than 1,000 miles, sleeping out in abivvybag, he smashed his fundraising goal.

So we caught up with Tobias, who kindly provided some snapshots of the sights on hisadventure, to find out more.

“I set atarget of £10,000 so to raise £40,000 feels slightly ridiculous –ina brilliant way,” he said.

“I am totally blown away by the generosity and kindness.

“I thought £10,000 was asignificant amount and we hit that before Ieven startedwalking! It’s been incredible to see people donate and the most special part about it is that total strangers have donated while Iwas actually on the walk.

“I’d be in apub on the walk and someone would hand me a£5because they’d had afriend who had died of cancer or someone who my grandma had been chatting to in ashop handed her a £10 note.

“On the walk, I’d go past someone walking their dog and they would see my charity T-shirts, get chatting to me and rummage around in their pocket for some loose change.

“That’s been really lovely and has all contributed to the whole positive vibe around this experience.”

Reflecting on the adventure, Tobias said: “It has felt weird getting back into the habit of not waking up and setting off walking every day!

“It’s been nice to be back home and

sleeping in my own bedbut Iloved it and to have reached my destination amonth earlier than planned was just amazing.

“It was an incredible experience and it’s given me an appreciation for the UK and nature in general,” he added. “It’s encouraged me to consider more walking holidays.

“I was incredibly lucky with so many factors,” he reflects.

“There are so many things that could have gone wrong or that could havemade it challenging.

“I had incredible weather and Ididn’t have any real injuries. My kit held up really well too and Ialso only encountered super,lovely and charming people.

“So it was brilliant. It’s given me huge confidence.”

PAGE 48:

Tobias Branston walked from Land’sEnd to John O’Groats and raised £40,000 for Severn Hospice and Heartburn Cancer UK in the process and amap of the route he took.

PAGE 49:

From top: Tobias enjoyedsomegreat sceneryalong the way; at the start of his trek and taking awellearned break to enjoythe scenery.

PICKUPAPADDLE ANDHAVEA BALL

DAN MORRIS CALLED IN TO TELFORDINTERNATIONAL CENTRE TO TRY OUT ANEW FITNESS PHENOMENON. PICKLEBALL IS ASPORT THATCOMBINES ELEMENTS OF BADMINTON, TENNIS AND TABLE TENNIS INTOAGAME THATCAN EASILYBEPLAYED BY PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

Inthis post-pandemic world where health, fitness andcelebrating exercise are at the forefront of many people’s minds, people across the UK are often busy searching for fun new ways to break asweat.

This summer,a rapidly growing sporting phenomenon made its mark on the region, and Iwas one of the lucky uninitiated to be educated in afantastic way to get your heart pumping, whoever you are.

The wonder that is pickleball is asport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis into agame that can easily be played by many people of all ages and ability.Played both indoors or outdoors on abadminton-sized court and aslightly modified tennis net, two or four players use solid ping pong-like paddles to hit aperforated polymerball over anet.

Even though pickleball is like tennis, there are important differences that make it more accessible, especially for

children and seniors. The most important difference is the speed of the ball. A pickleball ball travels at about athird of the speed of atennis ball. It is equally important that the court is less than a third of the total area of atennis court.

The smaller surface area combined with the slower ball speed and an underhand serve make pickleball easier to play than tennis. The game is currently the fastest growing game in the USA with more than 4.2 million players. The tipping point across the pond was around five years ago. Now pickleball courts are popping up all over the States, notably in many retirement communities.

The game startedtotake off in the UK around 2011 and Britain now boasts over 120 places to play and over 10,000 estimated players. National organising body Pickleball England are aiming to attract amighty 25,000 players by 2025.

In August, pickleball was celebrated in earnest right here in Shropshire with the Pickleball English Open held at Telford International Centre.

More than 1,000 competitors from an incredible 35 countries competed across the four-day tournament, which had doubled in size since the 2022 competition.

The tournament saw three of the International Centre’s event halls transformed into 40 pickleball courts, with the venue’s additional meeting and social spaces utilised for competitors, visitors and enthusiasts from the pickleball community

The 2023 English Open was the largest pickleball event ever to take place

outside of the USA, highlighting the significant uptake of the sportacross the UK.

Karen Mitchell, chair and co-founding director of Pickleball England, was delighted with how the tournament went. “What Ilike is seeing people’s reaction to it and realising how big pickleball can be, and inspiring other people to try pickleball,” she said. “What’sreally filled my heart with joy is thepeople coming and giving it agotoday.”

And of course, one of said people was me. As those who know me well will quickly back up, organisedsportand me haven’t always been easy bedfellows. Yet, taking in the enthusiasm and atmosphere of the tournament, it was impossible for me to resist getting involved. Ididn’t play as aregistered competitor,but Pickleball England rep Simon Farr was more than happy to show me afew moves.

Havingtaughtmethe ‘volley serve’ (when the server strikes theball underarm without the ball contacting the ground) and the ‘drop serve’ (when aball is dropped to the ground and allowed to bounce before the server’s paddle strikes it), Simon drilled afew rallieswith me and we soon got into anice rhythm. Representatives from Pickleball England were right –this was agame that was easy to get into.

“One of the things Ilike about this game is that you canstart right from just being on the couch all the time and not doing any exercise and build it up until you’re really accomplished, having built your stamina,” said Karen. “The other thing about it is you can start and feel

good about the shots that you’re doing, but after awhile yourealise there is strategy involved and you’ve got to build that up. So it’seasy to start and to learn, but then once you master it it really gets the thinking cap going.”

Karen was right, and while Iwas pleased with my successful return of some keen and cutting serves from Simon, it was clear that for aplayer to ‘hit the big time’, their strategical skill was what had to be honed.

One attending local player who had certainly put the practice in was Michael de Groot, an accomplished enthusiast who is now arep and coach. He was also able to provide abit more of an insight into the game’s history

“It all actually started in 1965when some children were bored in the summer holidays, and these two dads in Seattle decided to invent thisgame on an outside Badminton court,” he said. “They got a pair of these wooden paddles and they got this ball which is called awiffleball –aplastic ball with holes in it –and it developed from there.

“Although it’s been around since 1965, its growth has only really started in the past five years; the phenomenal growth, anyway.Since we came out of the pandemic it’s just grown massively –in America you’ve got professional teams, and you’ve got professional sportspeople buying teams for major league pickleball. There are pickleball competitions and tournaments on regularlyover there through the PPA(Professional Pickleball Association) tour.”

ForMichael, much of thejoy of

pickleball is in how it spans the generation gap. “The fact is you can have adults and children playing together.Itisreally easy for any age groups to play together. Children can beat adults. It’s afamily game.”

Though Michael is now akeen pickleball ambassador, he has himself only been partaking in the game for ayear

“I’ve only been playing for 12 months,” he said. “I came across it by interviewing someone for my podcast who mentioned the word ‘pickleball’ and Isaid, ‘what areyou talking about?’. He explained it and Istartedsearching in my local area and Icouldn’t play locally So Igot in touch with Karen Mitchell and she said ‘we’ve got acounty rep in Staffordshire, she could comeover to you and show you the ropes’, and that’s how it all got started for me.

“Now in my local area I’ve got between 50 and 60 people playing every single week. I’ve also trained to become a coach, and I’mnow arep for my local area as well. I’m totally addicted to it!”

The success of the English Open proves that for pickleball in the UK, the only way is up.

“Westarted Pickleball England in 2019 andwe’ve already got nearly 5,000 members,” said Karen. “Wethink there are between 10,000 and 12,000 players in the UK, so it’salready growing, and we’re determined to hit our 2025 target.”

If you’re interested in getting involved and being apart of pickleball’s exciting growth, head to the Pickleball England website (pickleballengland.org)

PAGE 51:

ShropshireMagazine writer Daniel Morris took on the pickleball challenge.

PAGE 52:

Clockwise from top left:Player and coach Michael de Groot; Simon Farr –ITPTALevel 1 Coach; Karen Mitchell, chair and co-founding director of Pickleball England

PAGE 53:

From top, Daniel pictured in action on the court; tournament players Michael Civak and Nathan Hill

EXPERTSINQUALITYFLOORS

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The Wellington showroom holds many different styles of carpets from patterned Axminster to luxurious Saxony as well as alarge selection of quality beds from Silentnight, Rest Assured and Vogue.

There is adedicated cotton edge binding, whipping, sewing and fringing workshop in-house meaning the company can build your bespoke stair and hall runners however you want them. There is afantastic range of edging tapes from Jaspa Woven and hundreds of colours of wool for standard carpet whipping.

Feature staircases are becoming extremely popular,adding astatementtoyour hall stairs and landing. Peter Jones Carpets’ installations are second to none. Fitter Dan is amaster fitter in the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers, a floorskills master installer and 2019 carpet fitter of the year winner

Wherever possible, the company uses UK manufacturers and all of its preparation materials are top quality.Looking after the planet is also something Peter Jones Carpets tries to do, all of the recyclable waste is recycled and not landfilled. Feel freeto visit the showroom to seeSteve and browse the ranges with no pressure to buy

NEXT CHAPTER IN LITERARY SUCCESS

HEATHER LARGE TALKSTOFARMER’S DAUGHTER TURNED AUTHOR ANITAFRANK ABOUT HER NEW BOOK AND HOW SHE COPED WITH FAMILYADVERSITY BEFORE MAKING HER MARK

Growing up as afarmer’s daughter in the heart of Shropshire, Anita Frank always knew she wanted to become an author

Her love of writing was matched by her passion for history and her imagination ran wild as shescribbled down ideas for stories, which were often set in times gone by

After finishingher A-levels, the former Shrewsbury High School pupil took her first stab at getting the attention of apublisher

“I had always wanted to write, all the way through school. Iwould come up with plots and bits of dialogue.

“I saw Mills &Boon were accepting submissions and you didn’t need to have an agent. Iwrote two awful love stories

which quite rightly got rejected,” recalls Anita.

Undeterred and with an ambition of writing historical fiction, she went on to read English and American history at the University of East Anglia.

Moving to London, she began working as amedia analyst and a communications officer, got married and became astay-at-home mum to her three young children.

But her desire to become an author never left her as she continued to fill notebooks with plot and character ideas.

“Even when Iwas doing the washing up or cleaning the house, Iwould be improvising bits of dialogue in my head.

“I was always writing, Ijustwasn’t producing anything.”

In 2005, now livinginBerkshire,

she plucked up the courage to enter the opening chapters of aWestern into a competition run by her locallibraries and Historical Mills and Boon.

She won the competition and was excited to finish and submit the full manuscript unaware that life was about to throw her adevastatingcurve ball

Heryoungest son was diagnosed with arare form of epilepsy which that was to leave him severely mentally disabled.

Anita became his full-time carer, pushing writing to one side as she focussed on hospital appointments and looking after her children. “I didn’t do anything for along time,” she says.

Although her priorities hadchanged, it didn’t stop Anita from fantasising about getting published but she remained scared to take the next step.

“It was my dream. If Ididn’t risk it, it couldn’t be taken away from me,” she explains.

When afriend eventually encouraged her to put pen to paper to develop aghost story she had been pondering, Anita decided it was time to start writing again.

By 2018, she had acompleted manuscript and nervously submitted the first three chapters andsynopsis to 12 agents.

It tookseveral rounds of editing and resubmitting the manuscript to different agents before she received two offers of representation.

“The most exciting bit of the whole process is getting an agent -getting an agent is the hardest bit,” says Anita.

After choosing David Headley of DHH Literary Agency,her bookwas submitted to publishing houses and she went on to sign with HarperCollins imprint, HQ Stories.

Her debut novel, The Lost Ones, which is set during theaftermath of the First World War, was published in 2020.

It was shortlisted for the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award and the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award.

Anita’s second book, The Return, a love story set around the Second World Warfollowed in 2021.

And now she is celebrating the publication of her third novel, The Good

Liars, which is amurder mystery set in 1920.

It tells the story of theonce-esteemed Stilwell family of Darkacre Hall whose lives have been changed forever by the First World War.

They are thrown further into disarray when new evidence prompts detectives to reopen the case of amissing boy,who vanished without atrace in 1914, and the family find themselves under police scrutiny

“There are lots of secrets and lies –it’s the truththat’s in short supply,” says Anita, who started writing thenovel as asequel to The Lost Ones before reworking it into astandalone story

“The First World Warisa period that is so rich for material. I’ve always found it fascinating.”

The interior of DarkacreHall was directly inspired by Baddesley Clinton –a National Trustproperty in Warwickshire.

“When Icame to write The Good Liars, Ialways had the ideal of ablack and white mansion in my head with lots of panelling and creaking floorboards.

PAGE 55:

From top, Anita Frankwithher dogand her new book The Good Liars.

PAGE 56:

Anita signing copies of her book

PAGE 57:

From top: Baddesley Clinton; Anita at Capital Crime with Jo Callaghan, Will Carver and ChrisMcDonald; AnitawithTVpresenter

Penny Smith

Although the outside of Baddesley Clinton, astonebuilt house,didn’t match the picture in her mind, she says the interior,with its treacle-coloured panelling, was spot on.

“It was very atmospheric. Ihad great fun going out there for aday,making notes and taking lots of photos.

“It was averyinspirationalsetting and it gave me lots of ideas,” explains Anita.

Living herdream as aauthor has been better than she could have ever imagined and she has been delighted by the response to The Good Liars, which was named as aSunday Times bestseller.

“I enjoy creating somethingfrom nothing and taking it through to afull story–it’s incredibly satisfying.

“The Good Liars has been getting really lovely reviews. It’s always terrifying when you put out abook because you never know how it’s going to be received so it’s always very nice to seea positive reaction to it, “says Anita.

The Good Liars is available now in hardback, ebook and audio

CANCER CHARITY MARKSMILESTONE

The team at Lingen Davies Cancer Fund is celebrating after announcing thelongstanding charity has reached the £1,000,000 income mark for the second year running

As the numbers of people impacted by cancer continue to rise, and treatments improve meaning more people are living beyond cancer,the demand for support on this vital local charity continues to rise… as too must its fundraising efforts.

Established in 1979 by then Mayor of Shrewsbury Bernard Lingen, and local Accountant Frank Davies, the well-regarded organisation continues to fundraise and ensure localpeople can access thebest cancer services locally The majority of people impacted by cancer throughout Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin,and Mid Wales, will receive treatment at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital’s Lingen Davies Cancer Centre which thecharity helpedfund, and now provides additional equipment and technologies for

Most recently the charityhas also launched avital lifesaving LiveLife Cancer Awareness service which has seen people in the wider community given access to cancer information at more than 50 events –and made better aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer.The charity’s Cancer Champions work hasalso seen up to 200 volunteers recruited from abroad range of communities throughout Shropshire and Powys –the idea behind the work being that the more people talk about cancer,the greater the chance they will become aware of their bodies and seek assistance from their GP with any concerns. Akey part of the fight against cancer is awareness raising, and the earlier adiagnosis is sought and given, thegreater the options for treatment and overall outcome.

Emma Backhouse, Acting CEO for Lingen Davies, said it is down to the wonderful support of the whole communitythat Lingen Davies has been able to declare a£1,000,000 income for the second year running.

“Lingen Davies Cancer Fund is a realcommunity-based charity.The hard work and dedication of our Trustee board, staff, and volunteers is matched with the passion for fundraising shown by our brilliant supporters. Every day we are contacted by someone different who

wants to raise money,donate money, or give their time to us to benefitthose impacted by cancer

“Sadly one in two people in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime and we can’t eradicate that but we can do something to make the situationjust that little bit better for local patients.If we don’t get it ourselves we all know someone dear to us who will,” she added.

The charity’s most recent large appeal to fund anew CT Scanner and three new clinic rooms to increase capacity in the Cancer Centre cost in excess of £860,000. Work is under way on shaping anew largescale appeal and while that is ongoing, many other pieces of kit to enhance the care and treatment for Shropshire and Mid Wales residents have been purchased by the charity.Inaddition, anumber of support services are funded

by Lingen Davies to help those people living with and beyond cancer.

Recent fundraising projects:

n Acollaboration between Lingen Davies, League of Friends, and SATH Charity, has funded new auto-contouring software to help refine the planning process in radiotherapy –£48,000

n Anew cooling-cap for use by chemotherapy patients to help prevent hair loss –£18,000

n SMARTTVscreens to enable eight patients living in isolation for up to three months to accessgreater entertainment options

n Adermatology couch for patients going through treatment for skin cancer –£1679

n Thermometers, at acost of £4 each, to ensure chemotherapy patients are able to track their temperature regularly and

correctly,this is veryimportanttomonitor potential infections.

n Dedicated work station to deliver additional capacity for use in Pathology£32,000

n £1,000 for the creation of anew Breast Cancer Support group in Telford Lingen Davies also funds complementary therapy treatments delivered to patients in the hospital by Severn Hospice. Additional funding goes to the ICan cancer rehabilitation programme which is awide-ranging holistic therapy approach to support

patients and thoseadjustingtolife after cancer

Louise Killey,Radiotherapy Services Manager,said: “It is thanks to the hard work and support of the Lingen Davies fundraising team that we are able to offer such excellent care and treatment facilities for patients throughout our region.

“The charity exists to enhance the services and technology delivered by the NHS. We are proud of local cancer care here in Shrewsbury,” she added.

n To find out more about supporting the charity visit www.lingendavies.co.uk

Upcoming events

n Titty Trail Shropshire–Join other walkers on this 10-mile trek across the South Shropshirehills, raising awareness about Breast Cancer and raising funds to help those impacted, on Saturday, October 14.

n Christmas Concert –Anevening of song and music to mark this magical time of year on Saturday, December 9atShrewsbury Abbey.

Members of the public who visited the Nesscliffe hill fort excavation site on a recent open day will have appreciated the scale of this formidable fort, as archaeologists from Oxford and Southampton universities peeled back the layers to expose agigantic entrance causeway and towering stone walls. Topped with ramparts and apalisade, this Shropshire fort would have been an awesome sight to behold.

Previous digs uncovered magnificent guard chambers near the fort entrance, which Professor Gary Lock, of The University of Oxford, described as ‘some of the best preserved in Britain’.

DIGGINGUP THE PAST

New finds this summer include rare evidence of iron working in the giant ditch by the fort entranceand the unusual discovery of internal walls inside the ramparts,which help explain how the fort was constructed. Professor Lock said: “We’ve got fantastic evidence in the big ditch for several furnaces –including the ceramic walls of furnaces, lots of charcoal whichwecan radiocarbon date, lots of slag which is thewaste product of furnaces and bits or iron.

“We’ve also found tuyères –the ceramicend of bellows. Iron Age furnaces were pretty crude and could only be used once, as they would have to break them open to get the iron out.

“They’d load them with lots of charcoaland lots of ore, get it up to a tremendous temperature andthe slag woulddroptothe bottom andthey’d be left with this lump of fairly crude iron.

“Wethink they were down in the ditch as it was asheltered spot. They were probably making little handy tools.”

The archaeologists will have to wait for the results of the radiocarbon dating to know whether the furnaces date from the early or middle Iron Age. This will help shed light on thekind of tools they were making –crude tools, or more sophisticated weapons, perhaps.

“Wedon’t have evidence to link it with the construction, but certainly,

Archaeologists returned to NesscliffeHillfortjust outside Shrewsbury this year to investigate the entrance and possible site of roundhouses

RINK REPORTS ON HOW VISITORS TO NESSCLIFFE HILLFORT WERE TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME AFTER ARCHEOLOGISTS OPENED AMAGNIFICENT COMPLEX OF ANCIENT STRUCTURES

around the edges of the fort, we can see tool marks.”

The hillfort is believed to havebeen constructed in the early Iron Age –around 500BC. Radiocarbon dating will date the furnaces but not theconstruction of the ditch and rampart itself: “All we’ll be able to say is that it was earlier,” Gary explains.

The other big discovery this year was made in atrench in themiddle of the hillfort, where the teams have found evidence for the internal structure of the rampart.

“There are internal walls that divide it up into cells, each about2.5mlong,” Gary says. “The way they were building it, there was an outer face and an inner face and then (perpendicular) walls that joined those two, made from stone. They would then fill in these boxes, or cells with random rubble, working their way along

“That’s very,very unusual evidence. It’s quite rare to get anything in the interior of ramparts

“In summary,we’ve got three things which are of national importance. Evidence for iron working, the guard chambers, some of the best preserved in Britain and internal evidence in the rampart.”

Ageophysical surveyhad suggested evidence of apossible roundhouse in the interior,which archaeologists assumed was from the Iron Age.

“We’ve not found evidence for the roundhouse but we’ve got hugeamounts

of Roman material, including avariety of different sorts of Roman pottery,a Roman spindle whorl, abit of Roman quernstone, aRoman glass bead –all sorts of things. This suggests there was considerable Roman activity inside the hillfort after the Iron Age.”

The teams have not yet, however, solved the mystery of the ‘Nessglyph’ –a strange rock carvingwhich might depict some kind of deity

Despite having shared the image with the world, Prof Lock says, it’s impossible to give adefinite answer:“We

were inundated with responses (most completely off the wall!).

“Nobody knows for sure. The trouble is, we found the stone in avery mixed up context in thebackfill.

“Wecan’t say anything positive about it, other than it’s averyinteresting carving.

“The cup mark is lateNeolithic early Bronze Age, way earlier than hillfort. But the lines were made with ametaltool, as they have aV-shaped profile –sothese were made at two different times.”

Katy Rink demonstrates the scale of the enormous walls of the 500BC fort

COUNTYPANORAMA

BY ANDY RICHARDSON

There are majestic views of Shropshire from the top of ahill just outside the county town of Lyth Hill which presents agreat vista,from whichramblers can see apanorama of the county –from The Wrekin,near Wellington, across the Shropshire Hills, in Church Stretton.

Lyth Hill forms part of an 8.6-mile walk, which belongs to the Shropshire Way, though those seeking shorterwalks can either hike from the bottom or those who are less able cantake advantage of a road that heads from the foot of the hill to the summit, where there is ample parking and the opportunity to step out of the car to enjoy short walks or asit-down on public benches.

The longer walk startsatthe outskirts of Bayston Hill, then winds its way through the villages of Hook-a-Gate and Longden, before ascending Lyth Hill for panoramic views of the South Shropshire Hills.

Lyth Hill is spectacular.Itprovides paths through wide open grassy areas and oak woodland. Presenting some of the finest views in Shropshire, it provides elevated views of the landscape that inspired the work of the famous Shropshire author Mary Webb, who used to live there.

The panorama includes The Wrekin in the east to WenlockEdge in the southeast, andthe Stiperstones in the southwest. The sitehas areas of woodland, scrub, and open grassland providing awildlife refuge on the outskirtsofShrewsbury

Historically,rope-making was carried out on the site. Mary Webb, author of ‘Precious Bane’ and ‘Gone to Earth’, lived at Spring Cottage on the hill. Like the countless visitors who take awalk around Lyth Hill, she was inspired by the stunning landscape.

There is agood path network around the site and it is popular with cyclists and joggers, as well as ramblers. The benches provide welcome respite for those wishing to pause and admire the view.

The Shropshire Waypasses through the site as does The Humphrey Kynaston Waylong-distance bridleway.Next to the top car park(accessed from the unclassified lane that leads through Lyth Bank) is atoposcope that describes the landscape and identifies visible hills.

Lyth Hill is also very interesting from ageological perspective. From the path that runs along the bottom of the hill, arock exposure is clearly visible.

The exposure is traversed by parallel pebble bands. This is the Stanbatch Conglomerate, displaced eastward by the Lyth Hill Fault. Treeshave been removed to open up avista towards the rockface. Management of the site includes cutting bracken to prevent it encroaching into valuable grassland areas and using cattle to graze areas of the site. Plantations of native trees at theedge of the site provide nesting cover for birds. An oak plantation near to Spring Coppice commemorates the Queen’s Jubilee. Spring Coppice is an ancient oak woodland with awonderful display of bluebells. Ongoing work involves removal of non-native sycamore from the woodland.

Shropshire Council works with the Lyth Hill Advisory Group to manage the site. This is agroup comprised of local volunteers, parish councils and interested parties.

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ALL HAIL TO THE ALE!

THIS

Not just any old pint however, one where you can taste the history.Sowhere else wouldyou end up other than England’s oldest licensed brewery,Three Tuns, which can be found nestled in the small market town of Bishop’s Castle?

Since at least 1642, tradition has been shaping the production of fine ales in this corner of the world. History follows you wherever you turn, asyou look round the Victorian era tower brewhouse.

Fine ales require the finest ingredients and when it comes to beer this starts with the malt, water and hops. The downside here is that while the Victorians created the ingenious gravity-fed design and layout of the brewhouse, it does also mean heaving themalt right up to the top of the historic tower.Head Brewer Mark explained that luckily for the team today they have moved on from rope and pulleystoelectric motors but with the malt stowed away the process remains the same as it has done for generations.

Starting rightatthe top of the building, the brewing process wends its way slowly down the building and is entirely gravity-fed, until eventually finished conditioned casks are ready for delivery across Shropshire and surrounding counties.

Right at the top you will find the malt room where, not unsurprisingly,the malt

MONTH, ED THOMAS CONTINUES HIS SERIES AND VENTURES TO THE SOUTH OF THE COUNTY IN SEARCH OF AGREATPINT

is stored. From here the malt and water, from the hot liquor tank, find their way to the mash tun for the first stage proper of the brewing process. Mashing allows the ingredients to steep, releasing the right kind of sugars. This process takes acouple of hours before the sweet and sticky wort is run off.The process is repeated again, with more hot liquor added to maximise the extraction of the sugars. It’s these sugars that are going to provide the alcohol later in the process.

From the mashtun, the liquor finds itself in the kettle, but not like the one in your kitchen, these are large copper vessels that areheated. Theheat encourages flavour extraction from the hops which are added at this point.Early in the process, hops areadded for flavour, and then alate hop can be added about five minutes before the end which adds to the nose.

The temperature of the liquor is then bought right down ready for fermentation and it’s at this stage where the Three Tuns Brewery yeast is added to the mix. The yeast used is the exact opposite of a commercial yeast used by many brewers, this is atruly unique 125-year-old strain and in no small part gives Three Tuns its unique flavour.The brewery team would even go so far as to saythe yeast adds a touch of magic as it casts aspell during fermentation to create the resulting real ales.

The fermentation room is the oldest part of the brewhouse. In here you’ll find arange of seven tanks of differing sizes up to amaximum of 409 gallons. In these tanks theyeast is left to do its

thing for about aweek. Fermentation is temperature controlled and the developing beer is tested during the process to see how it’s coming together Towards the end of fermentation, the precious yeast is removed and recycled, maintaining the century old strain

The beer is then ready for conditioning before the casks and bottles are made available for thethirsty public. Distribution is focused on Shropshire and the Welsh border area but you will also find Three Tuns further afield. Casks make their way to pubs while bottles can be picked up by drinkers from avast range of bottle shops around the county The beers available include the classic XXX, then there is astoutwhich was recently awarded three stars, the highest available, in theGreatTaste Awards. Then there’s another Great Taste Award winner,

Cleric’s Cure, which is atraditional IPA. Solstice and Rantipole are lighter ales but with different proportions of bitterness present.

This year Charter has also been brewed and bottled for the first time in fifty years. This was to help Bishop’s Castle celebrate 450 years of being granted its Royal Charter

The brewery is heavily vested in the history of the town, the same history and tradition that give Three Tuns such ahuge part of its charm. Thecharacter-ridden brewhouse, complete with low beams and steps so steep they’re really ladders. The original 17th centurybrewinglicence which was raised by the authorities at the time to help pay for the Civil War. These facts all combine to create apowerful heritage that mean that Three Tuns canperhaps be considered one of the birthplaces of beer

This is not to say that innovation isn’t also on theagenda. Commercial Director Josh Ferris explained that the small passionate team, which is led by Managing Director Dave Russell, is always on the hunt for ways to add value and help continuing to create special ales.

Forexample, the brewhouse has recently been fitted with technology that allows for remotemonitoring of temperatures and other conditions in the brewing vessels.

This commitment to maintaining brewing in the historic brewhouse means that the team is also looking to add to the range so perhaps we will see the range expanding soon. Here’s to another few centuries of brewing in Bishop’s Castle.

RICH HARVEST IN NATURE’S LARDER

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLORES WHY THIS IS ASPECIAL TIME FOR THE ABUNDANT FRUIT WHICH GROWS ACROSS SHROPSHIRE AND THE EFFORTS TO PRESERVE THE NUMEROUS VARIETIES

It’s aspecial month in the county’s gastronomic calendar

The plentiful harvest that began amonth ago in this idyllic county continues apace –particularly as farmers and home-growers harvest apples and pears.

The county,particularly its south, has a large number of orchards and throughout the past month and the comingmonth, there have been bumper crops of apples, pears, damsons –including theShropshire Prune Damson –plums, and hops. The terroir lends itself to those crops, providing exceptional growing conditions, and the long, wet summer means there’s been great growing conditions with plenty of moisture in the soil that’s increased the yield of county trees.

Shropshire apples are part of the fabric of this county

Shropshire has its very own varietal, the Shropshire Pippin, which is also known as King of the Pippins. A medium-sized apple that hasa greenish yellow-gold skin with an orange/red flush, it is marked with alittle rough brown russet. It is a firm, crisp, juicy,and sugary apple that has white flesh with ayellowish tinge. It’s perfect now –asithas been through September –and if it’s cooked, it retains its shape and colour

It was used for cider,through the 19th century,having been raised in the late 1700s. It was once common in farm orchards across the region and, though many trees were lost, it’s enjoyed a resurgenceinrecent years.

That was partly triggered by acelebrity visitor to the county,Bez, from the Happy Mondays, who’s also astar of Gogglebox. Eight years ago, he stopped off in Picklescott, near Church Stretton,topick up some fruit trees, including the county’s own Onibury Pippin variety

He was visiting the Karuna project, agreen-living scheme in the south Shropshire Hills where the Wheelhouse family has transformed 18 acres of land into an example of eco-friendly living. In return for his trees, the winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2005 donated abee hive to the Karuna scheme

The Shropshire Pippin isn’t theonly varietywith roots in thecounty.There are other indigenous dessert apples, including Brookes, which was recorded in 1820,

and Moss’s Seedling, which was raised in about 1955 by Chetwynd End nurseries, in Newport. The Onibury Pippin is another favourite, andthatwas raised by Thomas Andrew Knight in early 19th century,Onibury being the location of one of his nurseries.

Other localapples including the Bringewood Pippin, Lady’s Fingers, Prince’s Pippin, and Springrove Codlin.

Shropshirealso boasts its own pear –or, at least, one with its origins within the county’s hinterland –called the Tettenhall Dick, because that’s the Black Country name for any perry pear.The fruit is asmall, lemon-coloured variety that was used for eating, cooking, and perry-making, over aperiod of years. It is sharp, with some sweetness andplenty of astringency

Originally found in thehamlet of Perton and dating to earlier than the 18th century,the small, dry pears were traditionally used for the making of perry The Bees &Trees charity began ascheme to plant 2,000 Tettenhall Dick trees across the Midlands in abid to save them, as very few of them existed anymore.

The trees were grafted from existing Tettenhall Dick trees, andthe scheme proved to be asuccess, with trees being planted in avariety of different locations. The variety is now part of the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale in Kent

Thecountyalso has its very own plum, the Shropshire PruneDamson. It’s been the subject of apublicitycampaign by Slow Food, which wanted to preserve it for future generations.

The Shropshire PruneDamson is is oval and slightly pointed at one end. The damson tree bears magnificent white blossom in April and with good weather fruits ready for harvest from September to October.

Uncooked, the skin colour ranges from dark blue to indigo and the flesh is a yellow-green.

Cooking transforms thefruit into a dazzling deep red.

ASlow Food spokesperson said: “In terms of flavour, the Shropshire Prune is theessence of ‘plum’. The plum is versatile and is excellent in both sweet dishes such as jams and jellies as well as savoury dishes such as chutneys and relishes.

“The Shropshire Pruneis also used to make arange of alcoholic drinks such as damson wine, damson liqueur and damson gin.”

The Shropshire Prune, atype of

damson, is asubspecies of theplumand is thought to be ahybridization of the bullace (wild plum). The damson has adistinguished heritage, having been introduced to the country by the Romans. The first written record of the damson dates back to 1676.

The Shropshire Prunewas common in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire andMontgomeryshire within orchards and as ahedgerowtree. Shropshire Prunetrees are adistinctive feature of the local landscape. Many Shropshire Prunetrees were planted in the 19th Century to provide dye, however,this use no longer exists

Due to the lackofdemand for Shropshire Prunedye, the trees have not been planted on alarge scale and many

orchards havebeen neglected as aresult.

Currently there is no significant commercial culinary use for the Shropshire Pruneand knowledge of this variety is more common among theolder generation.

There is adanger that such knowledge will be lost –hence the Slow Food Campaign.

As we head into October,a number of towns and villages will hostapple-themed events, as they look to encouragenew generations to take good care of prized fruit.

One such organisation is the Marcher Apple Network, which started life as a group of apple enthusiasts keen to revive old varieties of apples and pears.

Since then MAN has become acharity

which strives to protect those varieties in a number of different ways. Aspokesperson said: “Wehave our own heritage orchards that house rare varieties from the Welsh Marches. We ensure that we have several copies of each variety,both identified and as yet unidentified, so thatthe unique characteristics are preserved.

“Wehave recently sent many varieties to be DNA tested, contributing to the possible development of aDNA database.

“Weattendshows during autumn and offer identification services and we help our members, organisations and the general public with orcharding matters.”

And so as autumn falls,it’stime to make the most of Shropshire’s unique fruit.

UP YOUR ROSÉ GAME

PIMP UP YOUR PINK SHELF WITH THESE TOPDROPS, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

It’s easy to be enchanted by aglass of rosé. Especially when you want to slow down, savour the prettiest palette –weall love to drink with our eyes –and sink the pink.

Over the past few years, Provence has fuelled aboom in rosé with its pale, dry style, and with the growth in premium rosé, so too has our taste for fun and frivolous, to blush bubbly at its best.

We’ve plucked the prettiest pinks to up your rosé-fest…

Porta 6IGLisboa Rosé 2022, Portugal, £6.50, Asda

An easy drinking rosé to remind us how one of Portugal’s most famous exports –Mateus Rosé –put pinkwines on the map. Similarly fruity,ithas lovely aromas and flavours of strawberries, candied citrus and red apple, underlined by a floral character and fresh acidity

With apicture-postcardlabel illustrating Lisbon’s vintage trams and glimpse of its laidback lifestyle, it’s one for armchair travellers in afavourite suntrap.

Specially Selected Costa Toscana

IGT 2022, Italy, £7.49, Aldi

Super fresh and utterly delicious, if you haven’t explored Aldi’s new rosé range, now’s the time to snag this brilliant bottle. It’s trendy too, with aribbed glass design. With enticing red berry aromas, creamy summer fruits on the palate and mineral notes, it’s molto bene and cries out for antipasto, crostini and good company!

Baron de Ley Rosado de Lágrima Rioja 2022, Spain, £8, Asda

ASpanish rosé which speaks with a French accent, this dry,pale rosado is styled on aProvençal pink –veneered with some Spanish flair.It’s mouthwatering and fresh, with attractive strawberry and red fruits on the nose. It has similar flavours flowing, which linger on the pure palate and are supported by balanced acidity

Château La Négly La Natice Rosé 2022, Languedoc, France, £13.75, Co-op

The worst-kept secret in the wine world is to look for rosé from the south of France –namely the Languedoc –which can be just as impressiveas its famous Provence neighbour.A gold-medal winner at theConcours des Grands Vins de France, it’selegant, fragrant andhas a delicate balance between strawberry,ahint of gooseberry and tangy fruit, smoothed out by amineral acidity and peachy notes.

Casa Canevel Prosecco Rosé NV, Italy, £16.95, Strictly Wine

Pink proseccotook the ‘all thingspink’ drinks world by storm when it landed on our shores afew years ago –and this Venetian beauty lives up to expectation. Abrut (dry) style, it’s popping with blossomy aromas and wafts of peachypear fruits, a fine stream of red berry fruit with hints of cherries and wild strawberries,freshacidity and pretty florals lingering on the bright finish.

MdeMinuty Côtes de Provence 2022, France,£20, Waitrose

This limited-edition artwork will remind you how the aromatic, vibrant and succulent flavours left you thirsty for aRiviera lifestyle and breathtaking views. Produced by Château Minuty, overlooking the Gulf of St-Tropez, it’s deliciously fresh and flush with melon, peachy accents, citrus, and has herbaceous notes lingering on the finish.

Château d’Estoublon Roseblood Rosé Méditerranée 2022, Provence, France, £21, £18 Mix Six, Majestic

With the allure of aceleb-backed wine –co-owners include former president and first lady,Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni –Roseblood rocked the roséwine scene acouple of years ago –and this is afavourite new find. Silky smooth, the wine gifts you with hints of rose petals entwined with peony and apricot on the nose, along, peachy-apricot palate, elegant minerality,and masses of charm.

Château de Berne La Grande Cuvée 2021, AOP Côtes de Provence, France, £29, The Wine Caverns

Afull-bodied style, this ‘gastronomique’ rosé spends ashort time in oak for roundness and complexity.Akin to a fine wine and arosé-lover’s rosé, it’s seductive on the nose with creamy,peachy,and fleshy fruit, enhanced by soft spice; beautifully rounded, complex and elegant with apersistent long finish.Stunning.

GRAPETASTE AN ALPINE DELIGHT

TANNERS PRIVATECLIENTS ACCOUNT MANAGER AARAN ECCLES CONSIDERSA DELICIOUS DROP CREATED WITH GRAPES FROM THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ALPS

From Piedmont to Lombardy, Nebbiolo is king of the region, but there are afew less wellknown varieties that emerge from the fringes, and delicious discoveries and fascinating stories to be found everywhere.

Flying into Milan, it’s an easy drive north to the uplands of Valtellina, in Lombardy,tomeet Mattia Franzina of Cantine Franzina. His staked vinesofNebbiolo(known locally as Chiavennasca) are planted on the foothills of the Alps looking across the dazzling valleys of Lombardy.All work is done by hand on steep terraces and walking through the vines with Mattia, it’s easy to understand just how time consuming and back breaking the work must be! Fit, young and very much up to the challenge, Mattia has been producing wines from his 1.2 hectares of vines since 2014 but his family have tended vines in Valtellina for over 50 years and Mattia qualified as an agronomist in 2009, advising other

producers on their farming decisions. While he loves Nebbiolo, he has asoft spot for several other grapes too.

Cantine Franzina produces two wines based on Nebbiolo with local varieties Rossola, Pignola andMerlina allowed to make up 10 per cent of the blend.

The wines are delicate with plenty of cherry and raspberry perfume on the

nose, showing the southern exposition of the vineyards at alpine altitude gives vibrant acidity and plenty of round, fresh, red fruits. Starring on the day we visited was Mattia’s Rosso di Valtellina: all bright cherry fruit born of stainless-steel fermentation, and adelicious match for light Valtellina Casera cheese made from local cow’s milk.

Through shorter ageing times, lower alcohols and less tannins compared to those we encountered later in the trip, his wines are fantastic to drink young. Well worth trying!

Adrive past Lake Como and beyond brings you to Sizzano, in the Alto Piedmont, to spend an afternoon with Paolo Cominoli of Cantina Comero. To the northeast of Turin, Sizzano is an historic DOC that has only 14 hectares of vines, three of which are cultivated by Paolo.

The DOC rules that Sizzano wine must be aminimum of 50 per cent Nebbiolo (named Spanna here) and a maximum of 50 per cent Vespolina which is alow yielding relative of Nebbiolo contributing rich red fruit and high acidity

Paolo is aVespolina devotee, and his wines all bear the mark of ripe dark cherry andviolet that it brings to theblend, with his Sizzano DOC containing 30 per cent Vespolina and aged for 12 months in steel tanks before afurther 24 months in botti

(large oak barrels) before release.

Time in oak softens the tannins and reveals asumptuous full-bodied red that stands up brilliantly to hefty meat dishes with its dark fruit profile.

In fact, as we were tasting at the Cantina, Paolo’s father was sampling the wine for himself and nonna Vittoria Binotti at lunch, just to “check howthings were progressing…” –the ‘back-up crew ’ from the older generation are working hard for Paolo, he says, andheknows just how to keep his ‘Dads Army’going!

From abase in Baroloit’sashort hop across the Tanaro river to lesser-known but sometimes higher qualityBarbaresco country.Here you can visit Milva and Renato Fenocchio in Neive andtour their organic vineyards.

The husband-and-wife team are firmly against usingpesticidesand instead only use ahibiscus-based spray,meaning they can work by hand in the vineyards and pick off any rotten grapes themselves.

Very much alabour of love, the commitment to harvesting only perfectly ripe grapes translates to deliciously fruity and bright wines.

Twomore grapes make an appearance here, both fabulous in their own right

Their Dolcetto d’Alba hasoodles of black cherry fruit with ablueberry vein and no oak whatsoever.It’s delicious and juicy wine, but 2021 will be the last ever vintage as thefamily have had to

uproot all their Dolcetto vines. With neighbouring vineyards using pesticides, every sucking insect for miles around descends on the early ripening Dolcetto grapes, meaning production is no longer viable. Achance to taste should not be missed! Happily there is still the impressive, rich Barbera d’Alba, Elena, made from the Barbera grape.

The only wine in the Fennochio rangetobeaged in Frenchoak, this adds a creamy vanilla note to the rich cassis notes and shows afully bodied style of Barbera, suitable for matching with creamy pastas.

It’s afantastic wine that shows just how complex and rich Barbera can be

when made with this sort of care and attention.

It’s very easy to miss many of the delights of Piedmont by concentrating solely on Barolo and getting bogged down in the huge production of that iconic wine.

Push alittle further and you’ll uncover more of the fascinating world of Northern Italian wine, with some superb growers creating amuchbroaderpalette of flavours from some unsung heroes of the grape world.

They are all waiting to be discovered on your next trip, this time beyond Barolo!

MOMENT OF CALM DOWN BY THE RIVER

The gorgeous greenscape of Shropshire has been the stuff of poetry for generations. Yetin this busy world in which we live, it can stillbea rarity for many of us to step back and truly appreciate the calming beauty on our doorstep.

In Shropshire, we are lucky to reside in apart of the world that, quite simply,is good for the soul. But howdowetap into this properly,and allow our wonderful surroundings to trulyrejuvenate us? A father and hissons have the answer

Aresident of Church Pulverbatch for some 55 years, TedWhitley has spent years enjoying the tranquillityofthe Shropshire countryside through fishing.

Having taught his children the pleasure of thepastime at ayoung age, Ted, now 88, still enjoys time on the River Onny with his sons in the pursuit of trout.

Yet, as his son Edward, 61, reflects, for the Whitley family fishing is about much more than the catch of the day

“Wegrew up just outside Dorrington and dad taught my brother and me to fish when we were around ten or 11,” he said. “Shropshire has so many of these beautiful trout streams that take you to so many parts of the wild world.

“On the riverbank there’s always something else to look out for –mayflies hatching, butterflies. Recently we saw a kingfisher flypast, and I’ve seen otters and crayfish –there’s alwayssomething alongside the fishing. It’s just one of those magical things you can do either as a family or by yourself.Itissuch precious time.”

In an age when more people are aware of the need to look after their mental health, Edward believes that river fishing and the environment that comes with it can be just thetonic.

“You have time with yourself and you can reflect and it takes you out of yourself as well,” he said. “Also, when you see trout streams or rivers, they arealways

such mesmerising places –they’ve been there for so long and they join things together.”

ForEdward and his father,the bank of the Onny is aparticularly special and peaceful place to while away yourcares.

“The water is so clear,” he said. “It flows off The Long Mynd and the farmers look after it so well. As you’re sat on the bank you wonder where this water is going to end up –down towards the Severn and out to the sea. Seeing all the birds around there (we saw aGreat White Egretrecently) is just wonderful. There’s alot of wildlife there.”

His father’s enduring love for fishing has inspired Edward, and he is ahuge advocate for it as away for older people to remain active.

“My father is 88 and fishing is something he can still do at that age.

“A riverbank is aplace that an 88-yearold can enjoy and aplace where they can be active and outside.”

Foranyone looking to follow in his family’s joy,Edward has the following advice. “There are lots of different ways of fishing –there are people who enjoy it on canals or lakes or rivers, and there are obviously lots of different fish to fish for,and they’ve all got their own charm There are people fishing for large, big fish and and there are small fish and Ithink it’s all wonderful.

“But the best place to start is to find a friend who does it and go with them –it can build agreat friendship.”

Sounds like alovely plan

Bottom left:Penelope and TedWhitley; above andbottom right: Tedenjoying his favourite pastime

DANIEL MORRIS CHATS TO THE FATHER AND SON WHO LIKE NOTHING BETTER THAN ADAY SPENT FISHING

UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT OF UNSKATEABLES

Itwas an epic adventure born from adesire to help acharity serving people in Shropshire and captured the imagination of abig audience, with people in Wales turning out to cheer them on.

Agroup of six lads, bonded by aclose friendship, skateboarded coast-to-coast from south to north Wales on anear 280-mile intrepidjourney,soaking up the great outdoors and taking in the stunning Welsh scenery

The mission of the group, dubbed The Unskateables, was in memory of close friends Wayne Phillips and James Rush, who bothpassed away due to brain tumours.

The adventure, completed by Matthew Gilbert, Craig Salisbury,Gavin Rogers, Kyle Harvey,Mark Roberts and Joshua Land, also aimed to raise money for Nightingale House, which cares for patients in Wrexham, as welllocations in Shropshire, such as Oswestry

The challenge is now complete, almost £20,000 hasbeen raised for the charity and the event has created memories which will be forever connected to Wayne and James.

Those memories included aspecial send-off from Mathew Pritchard, the Welsh professionalskateboarder,stunt performer,celebrity chef,triathlon athlete and star of Dirty Sanchez.

And it ended with the team racing into thesea at Cemaes on Anglesey to celebrate with asplashatthe climax of the testing challenge.

“It has been aroaring success in all aspects,” Matthew (Gilbert) reflected. “I think, first and foremost, it has left a lasting legacy for us to look back on and remember Wayne and James.

“This Island to Island challenge and The Unskateables will always be associated with them.

“It was an idea which evolved, slowly and steadily

“No-one forced it –itjustgrew and we did the lads proud.

“On top of that, there’s the money we have raised for Nightingale House.

“The good they do, day in day out, we got to show our appreciation, not just for what they did for Wayne and James but also what they do for the greater good in the Wales and Shropshire areas.

“And, of course, finally,weall arrived

safely on the day,so everythingfell into the right place for the weekend.”

Reflecting on the experience, which brought media attention from the likes of the BBCand ITV,Gilbert added: “The love support and friendship we have built up with people at Nightingale House has been fantastic. It’s been aspecial three days.

“Weaveraged adecent pace throughout thechallenge and everything just evolved really nicely

“By the time we were skating, momentum moved with us and built.

“It was atestament to people in Wales how they took the story on board and they supported us.

“Wewent to some beautiful placesand people made areal effort to come out in support.

“It was really touching that so many people were following our live tracker

“That, and the words of encouragement we received, was really motivating al the way through the journey

“It has all justbeen an utter success and we are proud to have completed it.

“The whole experience was very

MATTHEW PANTER CATCHES UP WITH SIX YOUNG MEN WHO UNDERTOOK AN EPIC 250-MILE COAST-TO-COAST JOURNEY ON THEIR SKATEBOARDS TO RAISEMONEY FORCHARITY

moving. There were some lumps in throats when we completed the challenge.

“There was a fine mix of real excitement that we had made it safe and sound and then the seriousness and emotion of remembering our two friends. It was powerful actually

“Wefelt James and Wayne’s energy, presence throughout the whole experience, the 50 hours, from start to finish. They were looking down on us, probably laughing.”

Gilbert also thanked driver,Jenny Rawson, known as MAPS, who guided the team throughout thechallenge

“MAPSwas arealstar of the show, fantastic with her time keeping and kept the van in order,” he said.

“She made sure we had warm food and was the first to welcome us after our

skates, with abig warm hug and theoffer of abrew

“She kept us all hydrated. She had a real passion and enthusiasm for what we were doing.”

As for the future, Gilbert isn’t ruling out afresh challenge.

“People have asked what’s next and we wouldn’t rule anything out,” he said.

“I guess it’s acase of watch this space! We’d never say never as it keeps the connection going with the lads and Nightingale House.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOPLEFT: The team cool off in the sea at the end of the challenge; with Mathew PritchardfromDirty Sanchez; WaynePhillips andJames Rush

“Therewas afine mix of real excitement that we had made it safe and sound and then the seriousness and emotion of remembering our two friends. It was powerful actually.” –

Unskateable Matthew Gilbert

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SNAPSHOT OF A SUPERSTAR

With his luxuriant hair and soulful voice, it was no wonder Paul Young became aheartthrob of the 1980s. After singing in anumber of shortlived bands, he topped the charts and launched asolo career with apowerful cover of Marvin Gaye’s Wherever ILay My Hat (That’s My Home).

The hits kept coming and in 1984

he found himself singing theopening vocals on Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?

With suchsuccesses, it may come as a surprise that Young never wanted to be a solo musician.

“I was always happy in bands because Iwas in asoulband before Itook the solo deal, and 30 years ago Istarted another band with my friends because Idoenjoy it,” the 67-year-old admits as he reflects on the early days of his more thanfourdecade career

“But having said that, it happened to be the most creativeand lucrative part of my life. But it wasn’t something that I chased.“I’m incredibly lucky that Ihad the freedom to try by taking the solo deal and it really,really worked.”

Stating his solo career simply worked is putting it modestly.After fronting a series of soul and new wave bands –Kat Kool &the Kool Kats, Streetband and the Q-Tips –hetook theplungetotry to make it on his own.

When the Q-Tips went their separate ways in 1982, Young signed to Columbia Records and began writing and recording songs for his 1983 debut album No Parlez. It was asmash hit and went to number one in the UK, Germany, Italy and more.

His time in the bands not only built

up his experience, but alsohis confidence. He had startedasabass player before moving intosinging once he felt more comfortable with his stammer

“I did become asinger,which was probably an unusual choice for someone who had astammer,” he muses. “But it actually works very well, because talking to arhythm is the same as singing to a rhythm. Over the years, it’s got much better because of my confidence levels, but Ialways find that it comes back if I’m tired. Iguess my brain slows down alittle bit sothereforeI can’t always get the words out. But that makes me agood listener.”

No Parlez contained some of his biggest singles, including Love Of The Common People and Come Back And Stay,but it did not gain much traction Stateside. However,the tide turned when his single Every Time YouGo Away,from his 1985follow-up album The Secret Of Association, reached the number one spot in the US charts. And Young hasa theory of how he cracked the code on the American market.

“I was actively trying to work out why America couldn’t really get agraspon my first album. Ithink it was because, in the UK, when synthesisers came into the music business, we totally embraced the technology,” he reflects.

PAUL YOUNG TALKSABOUT NOT WANTING TO BE ASOLOARTIST,HIS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND CAPTURING THEM IN HIS NEW BOOK, BEHIND THE LENS

“And in America they used it as just another instrument that was partofthe band. It was very synthesiser-led, my first album, so when Imade the second album Ithought they really don’t seem to be able to grasp that and it doesn’t really fiteasily into their radio format.

“So the secondalbum, Idid what the Americans did and the synthesiser just became another instrument, the same as you might have aguitar or apiano or bass, so it didn’t overwhelm the sound of the record. And Ithink that’s when American radio loved me because there are some synthesisers on it, but they don’t swamp the records.”

The singer has won three Brit Awards, including best new act in 1984, but singing the opening line on theBand Aid single remains one of his career highlights.

“I can feel really proud (of it),” he says. “I was probably the newest star on the block at the time, and all the others had afair amount of success, so Iwas lucky to be asked.

“Tolook back on that, and there is a piece of history,that’s great.”

Taking the frontman spot in Queen for one song during the 1992Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert is also up there among Young’s top moments

“I was working with one of the biggest bands in the world and Iwas only their lead singer for one songbut it felt incredible,” he tells me. “I chose Radio Ga Ga as that’s one of thesongs where the whole audience clap along on thechorus and it’s incredible to see asea ofhands go up and do that.”

Another not quite so subtle namedrop from Young comes as he recalls his collaboration withthe late George Michael on Every Time YouGo Away at a Prince’s Trustevent, which came about as Michael was abig fan of the song.

Forty years on from the release of his debut solo album and with arepertoire of envy-enduing anecdotes in his back pocket, Young felt it was time to tell his story in anew musical memoir –Take A Piece Of Me With You.

It was initiated during atumultuous time in his life as he was living in lockdown and his wife and mother of his three children, Stacey Smith, had died from brain cancer in 2018.

He says he found it to be acathartic process and he is now on aUK tour, called Behind The Lens, in more intimate venues to allow space for him to tell stories, perform acoustic songs andtake questions from fans

While Young is enjoying themore personal format of the show,headmits he is keen to get backonthe road witha full band as soon as he can.

What does he want people to take from the book? “I hope that they take away that sometimes to have acareer and go from the bottom to the top in a short space oftime, it’s fantastic and it’s exhilarating’ but it’s not half as good as working for 10 to 15 years to eventually achieve success, because there’s so many great moments and stories that can be told,” he says.

“When Iread the book back, I’m really glad that Iwas in the business when it took time to work your way all the way up the ladder from the bottom to the top, because although it seemed tough –sometimes Ihad no money and I’d have to make food that would stretch the whole week –(but) it’s good. It’s character building.”

Paul Young’s album Behind The Lens is out now,his coffee table book is available to order and his tour is running now with aperformance with his TexMex band Los Pacaminos scheduled at The Forge Camden next March.

SCULPT SAD STO

TURE’S ORY

Halls Fine Art have consigned apoignant and provoking bronze sculpture for sale by celebrated Irish artist Frederick Edward (F.E.) McWilliam (1909-1992). The piece will go under the hammer on December 6and carries an auction estimate of £20,000-£30,000 (+fees).

McWilliam was born in Bainbridge, County t Down and was heavily influenced by childhood memories of violent clashes that occurred in his hometown, including seeing his own father treating ayoung child who had been shot while caught in the crossfire.

His career brought him to London, where he spent most of his adult life, but some of his most acclaimed works focused upon his reactions to

ents in Ireland during the heightsof he Troubles.

During the 1970s McWilliam created eries of harrowing female figures in onze, titled The Women of Belfast, esculptures represented women as the tims of war.They were inspired by the tims of aparticularly brutal bombing the Abercorn Restaurant in central lfast on March 4, 1972. The venue spacked with diners when abomb ploded at 4.30 in the afternoon,having en disguised in ahandbag on the floor wo young women in their early twenties re killed instantly and over 130 others ffered catastrophic and life-changing uries.

In response to the Abercornbombing, cWilliam created the Women of Belfast ies, the female figures memorialising tonlythe twotragic lives lost, but also presenting all the victims who suffered ring theheightofThe Troubles in orthern Ireland. The significance these sculptures is no less poignant today,exemplifying the innumerable innocents caught up in modern conflicts worldwide.

Each of the figurines from the series tures afemale victim in adifferent se, being violently blown through eair.The figure consignedwith Halls ne Art portrays awoman fighting to main standing, her head bowed, limbs unnatural angles, her clothing blown cefully backwards by the sheer force of eexplosion.

It stands at 61 cm high and cWilliam portrays the whole of her dy reacting against the blast. The figure chargedwith energy,her body tense, ing to resist againstaneven more werful force.

Further items from thesame lection will be coming to auction th Halls Fine Art, including astriking tercolour of ahorse and rider by cWilliam’s friend Elisabeth Frink 930-1993) estimated at £10,0005,000.

Formore information, or for afree uation,please contact Halls’ Fine Art ecialist Abigail Molenaar. fineart@ lsgb.com

The dramatic pose of the bronze sculpturebyFrederick McWilliam

Discover the true value of your possessions...

It’softenhardtotellthevalueofantiquesand collectables.Ifyouwanttoknowtherealvalue ofanitem,askHalls.

Ourexperiencedteamofspecialistsareavailable everyweekofferingFREEVALUATIONS. Bookyourappointmenttoday.

T: 01743 450 700

E: fineart@hallsgb.com

Sold:£50,000 (+ fees)

The‘Empress’Vase AChinesedoucaipearshapedvase, yuhuchunping,probablyDaoguang

INTERIORS

Draycott &Charles Interiors offer arange of bespokedesign services and products to help youcreateabeautiful home.Whether we are interior designing your home from start to finish or focusing on asingle room, we can help with as little or as much as yourequire.

Afterfive years at the Georgian House in Ludlow, we are relocating the businessfromNovember 2023 to Criddon Hall near Bridgnorth.

Theservices we offer include adviceand supply of window treatments, furnitureand lighting specification, upholstery and re-upholstery,paint colour consultancy, guidanceonfurniture layouts and room styling.

Please do get in touch if youwould like to book an appointment in our design studio or ahouse design consultation.

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Victoria Millington Owner and Designer

SPARKLINGSUCCESS

Trevanion Auctioneers is celebrating following the huge success of their recent jewellery auction which was the largest offering of jewellery in the nine-year history of the firm.

“The market for antique jewellery continues to be very buoyant and we were thrilled with the results from our August auction which proved to be incredibly successful,” said head of the jewellery department Amelia Tomkinson.

Amelia, an old Moretonian and Fellow of the Gemmological Association, has worked hard to expand the jewellery department sinceher arrivalatthe beginning of 2023, so much so that the August auction at theauctioneers had to be made atwo-day event to accommodate the volume of jewellery in the sale.

The auction included over 1,200 lots in total, 470 of which were silver and jewellery proving that Trevanion Auctioneers is amarket leader for jewellery and silver sales in the area. Bidders from across the country and around the globe battled it out to secure someof the most popular lots, and whilst diamond set and gold jewellery dominated the top resultsonthe day,some of the most surprising results came from the most unexpected places.

Indeed, aCheshire vendor received alovely surprise when Amelia assessed her ‘Junk bracelet’ and explained that it was actually arather lovely paste-set Georgian choker,converted to abracelet. Amelia discovered the bracelet amongst acollection of ‘dressing

up jewellery’and, much to the vendors’ delight,estimated the bracelet at £300£500. Following aferociousbidding battle, the piece was secured by the successful bidder at £1,800

But the bracelet was not the only piece of paste to catch thebidders’ eye, as it was swiftly followed by aGeorgian paste-set riviere necklace, discovered in aplastic bag ofcostume jewellery by managing partner of the firm, Christina Trevanion, at aroutine house visit in South Shropshire.

“The seller just assumed that because it wasn’t diamonds that it would be worthless, but early paste-set jewellery is incredibly sought-after,” explains Christina.

Indeed, ‘paste’ is essentially faceted glass and therefore aless expensive alternative to natural diamonds and coloured stones, but it was appreciated, both then and now for having an appeal and artistry all of its own. In fact paste-set pieces were ‘de rigueur’for aristocratic women of the period and first became apopular material during the Georgian period 1714-1837, whenitwas used to simulate the appearance of diamonds.

“Original pieces continue to be incredibly appealing to the market today and are often overlooked,” explains Christina, “The vendors assumed the riviere necklace was worthless, and were delighted when it sold for £1,600.

“I am incredibly proud of how Amelia has expanded the jewellery department here at Trevanion Auctioneers. She is not only an excellent valuer,but is passionate about keeping up-todate with current market trends and values, and it shows in the fantastic results she has achieved at our most recent auction.

“Amelia is not only building strong relationships with our clients from acrossShropshire, Cheshire, Wales and beyond, but she is also forging excellent working links with our buyers from across the globe,” said Christina

If you are curious about the value of your jewellery,silver and watches Trevanion Auctioneers hold free, no-obligation auction valuation appointments from Monday –Friday between 9am –12pm.

Please call 01948 800 202 or email info@trevanion.com for an appointment.

ASMALL SCHOOL WITH ABIG HEART

Nestled in the Clun Valley within the Shropshire Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty,Newcastle CEPrimary School is asmall school with the amazing benefits that being surrounded by nature and having its own dedicated forest school area bring.

It is asmall school with abig heart and big expectations for its pupils. In May this year the school received agood Ofsted report and was praised for its family feel. Ofsted noted: “Because of its size, everyone knows and cares for one another Older pupils look after younger pupils and are positive role models to them.”

The school’ssize allows for enviably high teacher-to-pupil ratios in small classes with dedicated time and attention for each and every pupil. This helps the children to achievetheir best in a nurturing and caring environment. As

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

part of the Blue Hills Federation with the other Church of England primary schools in Clunbury and Bucknell, pupils gain awider curriculum and further social interaction through specialist teaching in subjects such asmusic,sport and computing.

Opportunities and important values are shared, with the added advantages of building relationships between all the staff and pupils of the three schools –the pinnacle of which are the joint annual residential trips at outdoor activity centres. After-school clubs offer further extracurricularactivities and there are wellestablished links for gradual induction into the very highly rated local secondary school, Bishop’s Castle Community College, for which Newcastle is a guaranteed feeder school.

In addition, Newcastle CE Primary School is uniquely placed to be able

to offer a flexi-schoolingapproach for children who are currently electively home educated in south Shropshire and neighbouring Powys. This allows children to continue to enjoy the benefits of home education as well as those of aschool setting for part of the week. Anna Cook, Executive Head Teacher of the Blue Hills Federation, says: “Welcoming children, who are currently home educated on a part-time basis, into our school family will enrich the experience of all children and further strengthen what is an amazing little school.”

Everyone is welcome for the school’s open day on October 26 or to visit at any time by appointment. Please contact the Executive Head, Miss Anna Cook (head@ bhf.shropshire.sch.uk) or Newcastle Lead Teacher,Mr ChrisRichards (richards.c@ bhf.shropshire.sch.uk) on 01588 640260 to arrange avisit or for more information.

In the unique setting of the beautiful Clun Valley, Newcastle School offers:

~Small classes in acaring environment

~Enviable teacher to pupil ratio

~Music, sport &computing specialists

~Forest school area on site

~Flexi-school option

~After school &breakfast clubs

~Interaction with wider Federation

Praised by Ofsted forits "family feel."

MakeHerefordshire, Ludlow & North ShropshireCollege (HLNSC) your next step.

With fivecolleges across the region, and over300 courses to choose from, including ALevels, vocational courses, apprenticeships and higher education, we’vegot something for everyone!

LudlowSixth Form Collegeboasts a98.9% pass rate and manyofour students go on to achieve outstanding results at the country’sbest universities. Or youmightfind what youneedatone of ourother colleges:

Herefordshire College

Easily commutable from Ludlow, HerefordshireCollege is close to the town centreand transportlinks. It offers awide range of education and training options, from foundation studies through to degree levelcourses, apprenticeships, work-based training and more.

North Shropshire College

Our Oswestry-based college has agreat choice of vocational courses delivered in professional environments with top-of-therange facilities including aprofessional teaching restaurant, hair and beauty salons and more. We’ll be openingnew plumbing andelectrical workshops, beauty salons and ascience lab later this year

Land-Based Colleges: Holme Lacyand Walford

Interested in acareer in agriculture? Forestry?

Blacksmithing? Horse riding or eventing? Animal care? Our two land-based campuses, Holme Lacy College near Hereford, and WalfordCollege in North Shropshire, boast large arable, dairy, beef and sheep training farms, alongside equestrian centres and collections of domestic and exotic animals and more.

Browse our courses and apprenticeships on our website hlnsc.ac.uk

AT WREKIN COLLEGE

The new headteacher of a Shropshire school has pledged to drive forward academic success whilst being respectful of school traditions as he welcomed back pupils for the new academic year

Toby Spence has taken on the role at Wrekin College in Wellington which celebrated an outstanding set of exam results thissummer.

Moving to Wrekin from his post as head of Sibford School in Oxfordshire, Mr Spence’s teaching career spans both state and independent sector schools. During seven years at Sibford he was responsible for developing ahighlyrespected value-added programme and embedding outstanding pastoral care.

“When it comes to educationand doing the very best we can for each pupil in our care, Iamcommitted to leading a value-added programme that continually improves the academic outcomes for youngsters,” added Mr Spence.

“Weknow children all learn at a different pace and in different ways. Impactful teaching and learning is at the

heart of an education that understands where apupil starts from and howfar they can go. Being focused and strategic in how we assess various skills and abilities and how we challenge them enables pupils to make progress and reassures parents that we know what we are supporting their children to fulfill their potential.”

Mr Spence said he was excited to start the new term having arrived as theschool picked up results which saw the number of the top grades at GCSE increase significantly upon pre-pandemic levels.

“I am really enjoying gettingtoknow thecommunity here at Wrekin andbelieve there is so much we can all do together to continue to build on the success the school is already enjoying. Ihave been very impressed with the team here and I am ambitious for the future.”

With awaiting list in place for children in current Year 7, Mr Spence said he was also keen the school was aforce for good on the Shropshire educational map He will be encouraging pupils to be an active part of not only their own school, but the wider community

Bridgnorth

Telford

Penkridge

ELLESMERE COLLEGE NAMED ONEOFTHE BEST IN THE WORLD FORLEARNING

AShropshireschool has been named one of the best in the world for their high performance learning for the second time.

Ellesmere College has been reaccredited as aHigh Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School and will hold the status for another three years. The international accreditation aims to deliver educational change, working with schools andteachers to provide a flexible learning framework, building cognitive competences and designed to achieve academic and lifetime success.

Ellesmere College was first accredited by the specialist teaching organisation in 2020 and school leaders are delighted they have retained the prestigious title.

Headmaster Brendan Wignall said: “Weare delighted to have secured High Performance Learning World Class School Accreditation again andare in elite company with only 38 other schools holding this status globally

“The HPL World Class School Award Scheme delivers a flexible teaching and learning framework that systematically builds cognitivecompetencies leading to academic and lifetime success.

“It is aprogramme we have fully embraced, has been hugely successful and something visitors to the College are asking moreabout because they have seen that we use it and are keen to learn more.”

Ellesmere College employs the HPL approach through the whole school system, from Lower School to Sixth Form.

Professor Deborah Eyre, Founder and Chair at High Performance Learning, said both staff and students at Ellesmere were ‘delightfully committed and enthusiastic’.

She was particularly impressed with the development of the College’s collegiate professional community that is wholly focused on making high performance learning akey feature of the College’s ethos and vision.

Deborah said the reaccreditation was a‘considerable milestone in the school’s quest for continuous improvement’.

The HPL reaccreditation report said: “Anincredibly positive feature of the school is thewarmth and collegiality that

pervades all aspects of the College’s work.

“The success of students and their increasing levels of self-confidence and motivation is palpable.

“The College recognises that schooling is not just about academic outcomes, important as they are, but the development of young people who can face an increasingly diverse and challenging world

“Ellesmere College has made inspirational progress adapting its ways of working to include articulating how teachers teach and why they do the things they do.

“The outcomes for students, especially those with learning difficulties, are exceptional. One is left in no doubt that the Life Ready mantra is translated into areality for those students privileged to have the opportunity to be schooled at Ellesmere College.”

HPL has proved to be asuccessful programme which dovetails with any subject or curriculum –helping to achieve academic excellence alongside a broader set of values and attitudes while supporting pupil wellbeing.

Ellesmere College will be officially handed the award at the HPL Annual Conference in March at the University of Warwick.

Formore information about HPL at Ellesmere College visit https:// www.ellesmere.com/about-us/highperformance-learning-hpl

FRIENDS SUMMER LUNCH Leighton

The ShropshireAssociation League of Friends held its annual summer lunch.

Sue Hurdiss, organising secretary for The League of Friends of Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, said: “Every year MrsJune Whitaker,President of the ShropshireAssociation League of Friends, invites all the Leagues to come together at her home for asummer lunch, it provides awonderful opportunity for everyone to sharetheir news and ideas.

“Each of the Leagues raises valuable funds to support their local hospital. Unfortunately, June was unable to host this year due to illness and the new High Sheriff Mandy Thorn approached the Chairman of the ShropshireAssociation LoF Jayne Mott and kindly offered to host this special event at her beautiful home in Leighton.

“June was of course greatly missed but the event proved to be asuccess and very well supported by representatives from the various Leagues.”

Photos: SteveLeath

Veronica Lillis (Deputy Lieutenant), Jennifer Gill from Ludlowgroup, Carys Hooper,Sue Faith.

Shrewsbury Friends: Mary Rose Bone, Sally Davies, Sue Hurdiss, Jayne Mott, Sue Skinner.

Mandy Thorn with husband Mark.

Mary Wightman,Judith Tranter,fromMuch Wenlock and Bridgnorth.

Mandy Thorn chats to Michael and Yvonne Evans from the Ludlowgroup.

Bridgnorth group and at the front Verena Swinnerton, Rona Bache, Chris Bray, Rita Spence.

Yvonne Holyoak, Christina Balmer, Much Wenlock and Shrewsbury group.

Lindsay Rutherford, Deputy Lieutenant Veronica Lillis, Sophie Taylor,Harriet Horne from the Oswestry branch.

Gail Gilchrist, Debbie Jones, Liz Tr

Ruth Turner and Yvonne Evans from Ludlowgroup.

Mandy Thorn in the middle with: Jayne Mott (Chair of the Shropshire Association League) and Veronica Lillis (Deputy Lieutenant).

ShropshireAssociation of League of Friends at The Manor House, Leighton, home of Shropshire’sHigh Sheriff Mandy Thorn.

From the Berrington group: Chery King, Ann Rogers, Libby Bains, Sally Owen, Julie Adney, Sheila Turner.

Newport group: BarbaraGough, Mary Young, Jeanette Butterfield.

Shrewsbury group: Jackie Winwood, Rosie Mackune, RichardSteventon, RichardLaun.

Verena Swinnerton of the Bridgnorth group.

CELEBRATORY LUNCH

Hodnet

Severn Hospice supporter group members were thanked with acelebratory lunch in their honour as guests of Sir Algernon and Lady Jane Heber-Percy at their Hodnet Hall home.

Sir Algernon, the charity’sPresident, paid tribute to the long-standing commitment and incredible fundraising efforts of the hospice’s many support groups, presenting them with special certificates to mark their collective282 years of activity.

Groups from across the region haveraised astaggering £1.2million overnearly four decades, helping support morethan 40,000 patients and their lovedones at their greatest time of need.

The hospice raises £2 for every £3 it spends, so support from local communities is vital, enabling the hospice to provide free palliativecareand emotional support for families living with incurable illness.

Sir Algernon Heber Percy.

Madge Shineton, Rosemary Abbiss, Dianne Newsham, Dorris Price, Shaunnah Murrell.

EllesmereSupportGroup.

Patsy Chinock, Maggie Roche, Joanna Howard.

Patrice Hoyland, Anne Colquhoun, Audrey Pook, Ann Malpass, Peter Malpass, Valerie Paterson.

Elwyn Owen, Olwen Owen, Sylvia Jones, Joyce Cornes, Harry Jones.

Susan Steele, Megs Tyms, Ann Downey, Chris Streets.

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

HIGH SHERIFF’S DIARY MANDY THORNMBE DL

Thereare not many jobs whereyou get to meet an elephant and adonkey in the same month –but beingHigh Sheriff is one of them, writes Mandy Thorn.

The donkey (Actually Donkey 3) is the new support vehicle for Shrewsbury Street Pastors and was donated by the Police and Crime Commissioner.The Street Pastors area fabulous volunteer-based scheme which helps keep people safe in thecounty town at the weekend, whilst the elephant embodies the Severn Hospice’s remarkable ‘Elephants Never Forget’ service which helps children and families who havea relativewith an incurable illness or who haveexperienced the death of arelative.

August might not havebrought all the sunshine we might haveexpected, but I’vebeen lucky to see the county at its best at aseries of events, including the world-famous Shrewsbury FlowerShow, which coped so well with the unfortunate circumstances it faced this year

It’s the ability to rise to acrisisand go the extramile which makes Shropshireand the wonderful people who liveheresospecial.

Photos supplied

Matron ClareGregory,Dotty Smart and the High Sheriff at Severn Hospice

At Severn Hospice meeting Matron ClareGregory,chair Jeanette Whitfordand Humphrey the Elephant

Meeting Liz Bird, chief organiser of Bridgnorth Food Bank

Meeting Guide Dog volunteers at the flowershow

Unveiling Donkey 3, the new support vehicle for Shrewsbury Steeet Pastors, alongside PCC John Campion

With Shrewsbury mayor Becky Wall

Meeting guide dog John at Shrewsbury FlowerShow

COFFEE MORNING Sambrook manor

Sambrook Manor at Sambrook, near Newport, was the venue for acharity coffee morning.

Visitors could also explorethe gardens at the 18th century manor house.

The event was hosted by Eileen Mitchell and money raised was donated to the village church, St Luke’s, and acharity supporting people with autism.

Photos: SteveLeath

Sambrook WI members Pam Kaminski, Margaret Craddock, Jan Childs, Debbie Griffiths.

Marjory Hockenhul, Gene Phillips.

Dorothy Barnett, Rita Medley.

Gill Mellor,JillKing, Shirley Cherrington, Jeanette Butterfield.

Chris Haycox, Jennifer Petts.

Garden owner Eileen Mitchell, RichardLewis,Amanda Lewis, Jane Frost.

Carolyn Powell, Ann Windsor.

Janet Simpson, Maureen Lippitt.

Annette Hughes, Sheila Crow,Sue Edwards, Gill Carus.

Andrew Nash, Julien Nash.

Jenny Ford, Sheila Fitton

Nick Smart, from S&N Agri Solutions, Smart Metal Craft,Norbury.

LADIES LUNCHEON

Ellesmere

Morethan 200 guests attended the Ellesmere College Parents Society Ladies Luncheon. The event included atalk by Tullis Matson,founder of the naturecharity, Nature’sSAFE.

Local businesses kindly donated prizes to the raffle which raised over£1,500 for avariety of charities –split between Nature’sSAFE and chosen charities of the chairs of the EllesmereCollege Parents Society.

Jamie

Photos:

Ricketts

Sam Freer,SharronClarke.

Caroline Dingwall, Lou Brereton.

Maria Harvey, Fiona Brockway, Helen Munro.

EllesmereCollege Parents Society.

EllesmereCollege Parents Society (ECPS) Ladies Lunch on the terraces at EllesmereCollege.

ClaireWilliams, Katherine Tan.

Jo Astbury, Amanda Keay, Emma Buglass. Shelley Leonard, Helen Moore, Sally Owen.

Louise Downes, Hanna Manton.

Alison Matthews, Alison Hughes, Courtney Johnson.

ON YOUR BIKE IN THEUK& IRELAND

RATHER THAN ATTEMPTTHE NEXT TOUR DE FRANCE, ENJOYTHE RIDE ON THESE SCENIC BIKE TRIPS CLOSER TO HOME

You don’t have to be apro to enjoy some great cycling routes across theUKand Ireland, designed to soak up glorious scenery,observe local wildlife and take in historic sites.

Whether you’re gearing up for amountain climb or packing the panniers for agentle country ride, here are afew suggestions for cycling holidays set to be winners this autumn and beyond…

Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway

The Romans were masters at building roads, but they were pretty good at constructing walls too. Admire work dating back nearly 2,000 years on aride from Cumbria to the North Sea coastline. Largely following the line of Hadrian’s Wall, this 130-mile selfguided route crosses Roman forts, monuments, scenic villages and postcard-worthy market towns.

To lighten the load, luggageistransferred between guesthouses. GPS pre-loaded routes make this agood entry option for cyclists attempting their first multi-dayride

n Five nights’B&B from £655pp (two sharing), including luggage transfers. Bike hire from £225; e-bike hire from £385. (wildernessengland.com; 01768 721210)

Hadrian’s Wall cycle way.

@Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet

Norfolk coastline

The pace of life is wonderfully slow along one of England’s prettiest coastlines, making it perfect for aleisurely cycle holiday.Along with agreat variety of seabird species, Norfolk is also home to landmark historic sites, superb sandy beaches and local pubs and cafesserving produce such as samphire and Cromer crab.

Inntravel has created aself-guided route through quiet backroads, stopping at acherry-picked selection of unusual cultural sites. Stop at the Palladian Houghton Hall, once home to Great Britain’s first Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole, window shop in the tempting stores of Burnham Market and head to pilgrimage site Little Walsingham, where the Virgin Mary is said to have made an appearance in 1061. Take some time to relax on Holkham Beach and give your tired legs arest by returning inland on the Wells-Walsingham heritage steam railway n Six nights B&B from £1,200pp (two sharing), including four dinners, luggage transfers, route maps, cycle hire, andtaxi from/to local rail stations. E-bikes also available. (inntravel.co.uk; 01653 617000)

Great Western Greenway

Perfect for both seasonedcyclists and beginners, the Greenways are anetwork ofoff-road, traffic-free cycle routes running across Ireland. One of the oldest sections is the Great Western in County Mayo, weaving through bogs, woodland and farmland, with plenty of native wildlife to spot along the way Startinginseasidetown

The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo.

Holkham Wells beach huts in Norfolk.

continue to the Wild Nephin National Park. Zipping below the Nephin Beg Mountains, get your pulse racing with a few easy gradients, but save enough puff to admire the breath-snatching views. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, rent abike from Paddy and Nelly’s Bike Hire in Westport.The team can recommend arange of different cycle routes.

n Bikes from €22.50/£19 per day; e-bikes from €32.50/£28 per day (paddyandnelly.ie). Formore information on the Great WesternGreenway,visit greenway.ie.

Sea to sea (C2C)

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Alfred Wainwright’s classic travelogue ‘Coast to Coast’. But rather than replicating the route on foot, give it ago on two wheels with aself-guided trip designed by Macs Adventure.

According to tradition, all cyclists should dip their wheels in the Irish Sea at the start point in Whitehaven, with another dousing in the NorthSea when they reach Tynemouth three days later.Challenging in parts and with daily ascents, the route is ideal for fit, experienced cyclists who have no problem riding between 30-50 miles per day While working up asweat,don’t forget to admire the surrounding slopes of the Lake District National Park and the heathercarpeted moors of the North Pennines.

n Three nights B&B from £690pp (two sharing), including baggage transfers, transfers to/from Newcastle, route notes and 24/7 support. Bike hire not included. (macsadventure.com; 0141 530 5452)

The Caledonian Way

Long summer days and epic scenery make Scotlandthe idealplace to explore on two wheels. Winding from the Mull of Kintyre to Highland capital Inverness, the Caledonian Wayisthe country’s newest long distance cycle route. Visit the Kilmartin Glen and its 150 prehistoric monuments, revel in atraffic-free stretch of mountain wilderness between Loch

n Six nights B&B from £1,465pp (two sharing), including Wilderness Scotland soigneur,support van and luggage transfers. (wildernessscotland.com; 01479 420020)

Cyclists on the new Caledonian Waycycle route.

The C2C coast to coast cycle route

Creran and Loch Leven, and rise to the challenge of taking on the Glendoe climb. Although the trip is self-guided, organisers Wilderness Scotlandprovide full support throughout.

NOW

Ifyou’ve seen aVolvo on the road lately,we’re pretty sure it’ll have been an XC40. The Swedish firm’s compact SUV really hit the nail on the head from the moment it was revealed back in 2017, entering into asegment whichhas only gone from strength to strength in recent years.

Volvo has recently gone SUV-only in the UK, so the XC40 stands as one of

the brand’s ‘core’ models. But as its most compact model, can the XC40 deliver the kind of roominess and practicality that we’ve come to expect from Volvo? We’ve been finding out.

Youmightsay that Volvo has taken the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fixit’ approach with the XC40. Of course, newer,cleaner engines havebeen introduced to this model since its reveal in 2017, but the styling hasn’t changed all that much. Its interior hasn’t been tweaked all that much either but, again,itmade such an impression when it was first showcased that it didn’t really need much changing.

We have seen agreater level of technology in the latest XC40 models, however,while Google’s Automotive services –with in-house features such as Google Maps and Assistant voicecontrol –have now been integrated into the car’s infotainment system seamlessly

Youcan getthe XC40 with anumber of efficient electrified powertrains –including aseriesof plug-in hybrid and also as an EV –but theone we’re driving

today is the B3, which uses amild-hybrid setup combining a2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with avery compact electric motor Driven through an automatic gearbox, it sends power to the front wheels alone in this XC40.

Performance is respectable, with zero to 60mph being conducted in 8.4 seconds. As with all of the latest Volvo models, the top speed is capped at 112mph, too. Efficiency-wise, Volvo claims up to 42.7mpg, while CO2 emissions of between 151 and 166g/km –depending on wheel size –actually feel quite high for what is arelatively compact engine.

The XC40 is an approachable kind of car,particularly if you’re new to theworld of SUVs. Though it hasthat upright driving position thatyou want from this type of model, it doesn’t feel overly large or wide –so people who need a confidence-inspiring model will no doubt find it appealing.

It’s comfortable and easy to drive, too. We did notice that the XC40 can be upset by higher-speed lumps and bumps in the

THATVOLVO HAS DISCONTINUED ALL ITS ESTATECARS IN THE UK, JACK EVANS FINDS OUT IF THE POPULAR XC40 SUV IS WORTH CONSIDERING.

road, but once you’re at asteadycruise it’s pleasantly quiet overall. The four-cylinder petrol engine can be atouch vocalwhen you need alot of acceleration, but for the most part, it settles into the background well. The steering is light in itsstandard setting, too, though you canadd some extra weight to it via an in-screen menu should you want to.

Youcan instantly tell that the XC40 is aVolvo. There are those eye-catching ‘Thor’s Hammer’headlights which have become ahallmark of the Swedish brand, while the prominent grille design with integrated Volvo badge is hard to miss.

The whole car has some quiet boxy, upright proportionswhich give it abit more presence than the car’srelatively compact size might make you think.

Our test car came in aone-colour design, too, though we’re quite fond of XC40 models with acontrast black roof.

The XC40’s interior uses adesign which has become central to modern Volvos.

It combines good materials with an intuitive, ergonomic design which feels natural from the moment you step in. Our test car came with cloth seats, too, which were comfortable and supportive

while some flashes of silver helped to brighten up what was, overall, quite adark interior

Rear-seat space isn’t too bad, though taller passengers might find that legroom could be better.At578 litres, the boot area is of agood size and it’s not blocked by a load lip either,so loading heavier items inside is abreeze. Youcan also push it up to an impressive 1,328 litres by folding down the rear seats, too.

Prices for the XC40 start from £35,895 for an entry-level ‘Core’ model. Though it does kick off the range, you still get alloy wheels, LED headlights and the main central display which uses all of those Google-based services. The system itself is really easy to use, too, while the smartphone mirroring it provides works very well.

Our test car camein‘Plus’ specification. Priced from £40,040, this version adds in a360-degreecamera and more intricate alloy wheels. However, you do get the vast majority of features that come on thePlus also feature on the Core, so you might be better off just opting for the entryversion.

Though many enthusiasts may have mourned the loss of Volvo estate cars in

the UK, you can’t argue with how well executed this firm’s range of SUVs –XC40 included –is. Thoughprevious estate models like the V60 were slightly better to drive as aresult of their lower centre of gravity,the XC40’s ease of use, chunky design and practical interior all mean it’s still agreat choice.

This four-cylinder petrol version might not have the electric-only running capability of the moreexpensive plug-in hybrids, but as aday-to-day engine which won’t cost the earth to run,itfeels like a great fitfor the XC40.

COMPELLING COMPACT ATAGLANCE

VolvoXC40B3Plus

Price:£41,615

Engine:161bhp

Power:161bhp

0-62mph:8.4seconds

Topspeed:112mph

Economy:38.6-42.7mpg

SEASONIN FULL SWING

October is amonth synonymous with harvest festivals, Halloween parties and golden leaves.

Autumn is in full swing and around the county trees are turning shades of yellow, orange and red as they treat us to their colourful seasonal display.

At this time of year,the nights are drawing in and there is achill in the air as we await the clocks going back at the end of the month. It’s often abusy time for community

BY HEATHER LARGE

events which in 1965 included RagWeek for students at Harper Adams Agricultural College while in 1984 there was an ox roast in Newport to celebrate the opening of the town’s bypass.

We’ve dipped into the archives to look back at what was happening during October across our Shropshire communities in decades gone by

The Mayor of Bridgnorth, Councillor Michael Ridley, samples the first pint to mark the official opening of the new extensions at the Punch Bowl Inn, Bridgnorth, on October 24, 1969.

Soft-hearted strikers at aWem factory relaxed their picket line to prevent adriver from being sacked on October 18, 1972. The driver,fromC.Brownand Sons (Steel) of Dudley, was at first turned away from the factory of H.C. Brown’sofWem. When he later returned and pleaded with the pickets that he would lose his job if he did not makethe delivery, the strikers allowedhim to crossthe picket line.

Newport captain Alan Gaut received the James DuffyTrophy from Mrs Sheila Duffyafter his team had defeated Harper Adams’ Newport rugby club on October 24, 1972.

Mr Robert Evans, of Pattingham, taking part in the 22nd annual ploughing and hedging match, organised by Claverley and District Farmers and Bridgnorth Young Farmers Club on October 9, 1970

Mrs Edith Harris at the old market cross in Cleobury Mortimer whereinthe 13th century Hugh de Mortimer erected his gallows. In 1502 the party carrying the body of the young Prince Arthur rested thecoffinonthe cross during their journey from LudlowCastletoWorcester Cathedral.

Harper Adams Agricultural College’s ‘Win aCar’ competition on Rag Day took some of the students on atourofthe South Coast, in this converted ambulance, to sell tickets on October 12, 1965. On the trailer at the back was the prize car

Peter Reading, left,was leading ateam of young men organised by the ManpowerServicesCommissioninthe building of an ambulance garage for LudlowHospitalLeague of Friends in the hospital grounds in September 1986.

Staff Sergeant Ben Jones, of Newport, won agold medal as part of the British equestrian team in the October 1968 Mexico Olympics

Susan Adams, 16, of Hamlet Road, Ludlow, looks all set to showthe boys athing or two about table skittles at the new youth club at Galdeford, Ludlow, in October 1975.

The first 250,000 phase of rebuilding East Hamlet Hospital, Ludlow, is changing the skyline of the town in October 1969. Nurse G. Lucas and Staff Nurse M. Capper walked past the new geriatric wardbeing built at the hospital.

Asection of the crowdlistening to the opening speeches by the chairman of the ox roast Councillor David Adams to celebrate the opening of Newport bypass in October 1984.

FOUR WS SUDOKU

REMEMBER WHEN

1. Scent Of Mystery was the firstfeature film to be shown in Smell-O-Vision

2. The Shadows had aUKNo.1 hit with Apache

3. Prince Andrew was born

4. Author Albert Camus died

1. Batman makes his firstappearance in Detective Comics #27

2. Italy and Germany signed the ‘Pact of Steel’

3. Judy Garland starred in The Wizard Of Oz

4. Britain introduced limited conscription for 20-22-year-old men

1. The first Disneyland was opened

2. Tony Bennett’s Stranger In Paradise reached No.1 in the UK Singles Chart

3. The Guinness Book Of Records was first published

4. Newcastle United won the FA Cup for the sixth time, beating Manchester City in the final

1. Dudley Moore was born

2. Greta Garbo starred in Anna Karenina

3. Colonel TELawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, died

4. PercyShawset up Reflecting Roadstuds Ltdtomake ‘Cat’s Eyes’

1. Film director Alfred Hitchcockdied

2. Robert De Niro starred in Raging Bull

3. The Pretenders had aUKNo.1 hit with Brass In Pocket

4. Smallpox was claimed to havebeen eliminated as ahuman disease

1. Sandie Shaw had aUKNo.1 hit with Puppet On AString

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

2. Dustin Hoffman andAnne Bancroft starred in The Graduate

3. Former Prime Minister Clement Attlee died

4. BBC2 beganregular

WHO… is the famous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn?

WHAT… are the two colours on the flag of Cuba, other than white?

WHERE… is the Ireland rugby union team’s home ground?

WHEN… was Nelson Mandela born?

WHO… played the title character in the film Annie Hall?

WHAT… sea lies to the north of Turkey?

WHERE… in Cornwalldid Ellen MacArthur end her record-breaking round-the-world voyage in 2005?

WHEN… is St Stephen’s Day?

WHO… wrote the plays Bouncers and Up ‘N’Under?

WHAT… was Sri Lanka known as before 1972?

WHERE… in Europe would you spend azloty?

WHEN… did Al Pacino pick up aBest Actor Oscar for ScentOfA Woman?

WHO… wrote the children’s books Fungus TheBogeyman and The Snowman?

WHAT… type of creature is achocolate hind?

WHERE… in Britain are theScott Monument and Holyrood Park?

WHEN… did Mother Teresa die?

WHO… wrote the 1855 novel North And South?

WHAT… are the forenames of Mr Burns in the cartoon series The Simpsons?

WHERE… was the composer Luigi Boccherini born?

WHEN… was the satirical magazine Private Eye first published?

1 2 3 4 5 6

WHO… wrote the opera Cosi fan tutte?

WHAT… does GCHQ stand for?

WHERE… was the actor Sir Antony Sher born?

WHEN… did boxer Chris Eubank last contest atitle fight?

WORDWISE

THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

1. JESS

A Tomfoolery B Strap around theleg of ahawk. C Narrow pouting stem.

2. LAVOLTA

A An ancient dance. B Extravagant outpouring. C Edible seaweed.

3. MAGNILOQUENT

A Opulent. BBadly behaved. CLofty

4. NOTITIA

A List or register B Religious poster C Personal opinion.

5. ORDURE

A Colouring on aheraldicshield.

B Excrement. C Afollower of Origen.

6. PANCRATIUM

A Large vehicle with double articulation. B Topofthe skull. C Combination of boxing and wrestling.

colour broadcasting

CROSSWORD

QUICK CLUES

Across

1. Applaud (4)

8. Destroy (10)

9. Client (8)

10. Wary (4)

12. Avaricious (6)

14. Cowardly (6)

15. Instigate (6)

17. Locating (6)

18. Observe (4)

19. Changing (8)

21. Unprotected (10)

22. Trial (4)

Down

2. Mournful (10)

3. Harbour (4)

4. Awkward (6)

5. Robust (6)

6. Arm ornament (8)

7. Tax(4)

11. Unfounded (10)

13. All (8)

16. Inn (6)

17. Writer (6)

18. Jealousy (4)

20. Aid (4)

CRYPTIC CLUES

Across

1. Aman’s viewing-aid (4)

8. Getting thrown out for taking drinks here (5,5)

9. Somehow estrange themilitary man (8)

10. Care about thecompetition (4)

12. It’s not important to have athree-way translation (6)

14. Transfer the cornerman (6)

15. Disfigure 500 from east badly (6)

17. Like groups of valuable things (6)

18. Eye complaint among the worst yet (4)

19. Arider who ran homes oddly (8)

21. Consider it the outcome of tact (10)

22. Some fantastic wine (4)

Down

2. Affectionate uttering of atender name, perhaps (10)

3. Feelingcomfortable with firearms around (4)

4. Adrama involvesthe fleet(6)

5. He cuts up the slides (6)

6. Loudly criticises the accommodation of soldiers (8)

7. Lies about the eyot (4)

11. Cannot stir,maybe due to inhibition (10)

13. Noel is caught up in criminal activities with the force (8)

16. Acomposer from Harlem? (6)

17. Quick to react when aroadisbuilt next to it (6)

18. Dies sadly for the team (4)

20. Dean’s going out with her (4)

An author,Iwas born in London in 1866. Iwas fond of animals from an early age, and ran asheep farm during my later years. Iillustrated all of my books about animals, which included The Tailor Of Gloucesterand The Tale

Of Mr.Jeremy Fisher

1 2 3

Asinger,Iwas born in Pennsylvania in1928. Iwas ateen idol in the early to mid-1950s and my No.1 hits included Outside Of Heaven and I’m Walking Behind You. Iwas married to the movie stars Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor,before my passing in 2010.

WHAT’SMY NAME?

An actor,Iwas born in Dublin in 1976. Iunsuccessfully auditioned to be in Boyzone, before landing arole in the BBCdrama Ballykissangel. Ibecame afatherfor the firsttime in 2003 and have been romantically linked to many women, including the English actress Amelia Warner and Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus, who is the mother of my second son. My films have included Alexander and In Bruges.

4 5

Asinger and dancer,Iwas born in Hawaii in 1978. Istartedmycareer as part of girl group Eden’s Crush who took part in aUSreality TV series before leaving to become the lead singer of the highly successful Pussycat Dolls. Ialso had an on/off relationship with British Formula 1driver Lewis Hamilton.

Apainter,Iwas born in Moscow in 1866. Imoved to Germany,and became aBauhausteacher in 1922, where Iremained for eleven years until its closure by the Nazis. My well-known paintings include The Blue Rider and the Composition series.

WORDSPIRALS IMPOSSIPUZZLES

STARTING FROM 1, FILL IN THE GRID IN ACLOCKWISE DIRECTION WITH FOUR-LETTER WORDS. THE LAST LETTER OF EACH WORD BECOMES THE FIRST LETTER OF THE NEXT WORD. IF YOUHAVECORRECTLYFILLED IN THE GRID THERE SHOULD BE ASEVEN-LETTER KEYWORD READING ACROSS FROM 8.

1. Wealthy 2. Hurt 3. Is obliged to 4. Sound ahorn

5. Tryout 6. Unfreeze 7. Shed tears 8. Close friends

9. Indian dress 10. Notion 11. First man 12. Fix 13. Let fall

14. Entreaty 15. Performs on stage 16. Shoe part

Key word clue: Mammal type

1. Bottle stopper 2. Flying toy 3. Finishes 4. Potato

5. Personfrom Denmark 6. Heroic 7. Applaud 8. Pigmeat

9. Make things with wool 10. Sound quality

11. Hearing organs 12. Settee 13. Very dry 14. Panto character

15. Engrave 16. Hawaiian dance

Key word clue: System of exercises

“That’s funny,” said Jim. “Peter’s twice as old as Gwen was when he was ayearolder than she is now.”

Mike smiled. “All right. But she’s half as old as he will be when she is ayearolder than he is now.”

What were their ages?

“Your cakes,” said Ron, handing his mother abig paper bag. “Twenty-four altogether,£2.27 the lot.”

Mary smiled. “That’s alot, but Isuppose you got some cream ones.”

“Some cream, some plain,” replied the boy.“But if I’d got as many cream as each plain one cost, and as manyplain as each cream cost in pence, there’d be three fewer in all.”

What were the prices?

“There’s asale on, so Igot these,” said Ted, unpacking a carton. “Twenty-three small glasses and eighteen large; £18.03 the lot.”

“That’s cheap,” Mary commented.

“The cheaper ones were aquarter off the normal price, the others athird off.And they cost me just one pence less than forty-one of the smaller sort would haveatthe regular price.”

1 2 3 4

What were the normal prices?

The children were all at Sunday school when Bob looked in. “What acrowd,” he exclaimed. “There must be about ahundred kids here.”

Joan smiled. “Not that many, butthey’ll split up into their classes in amoment,” she told him. “There would be exactly ahundred if there were three times as many boys or twice as many girls.”

How many were there?

1. Clean with water 2. Perceive sound 3. Performagain

4. Gemstone 5. Be fond of 6. British nobleman

7. Floor covering 8. Expel 9. Marquee, say 10. Hire car

11. Object of worship 12. Den 13. Manages 14. Cast off 15. Dingy 16. Second Greek letter

Key word clue: Canadian province

ANSWERS ON PAGE 112

1Havinghit 60 (but still ayearyounger than Madonna), Jenny Eclair AKA ‘The Face of Vagisan’ confronts anew decade of decrepitude. Now that it takes 20 minutes of scrolling down to find her DOB when she’s filling in forms online, should she celebrate or crawl into ahole? What will her 60’s hold for this 1960’s babe and is it alegal requirement to buy Nordic walking poles?

Venue is Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, and tickets cost £24

More details from www.theatresevern. co.uk 6

The free lunch-hour concertseries atStChad’s Church, Shrewsbury, continues this month. Concerts begin at 12.30pm, they last just 40 minutes and there is alight lunch served after each concert in the chur goers can park from free of charge at space permitting.

Aconcert by from Chetham’s of Music takes place month. The willingness of musicians from the world’s leading training schools Shrewsbury should of great pride to area.

Full listings, programmes of forthcoming concerts, can be found

on the church website: www stchadschurchshrewsbury.com

6

The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘You’re More Than ANumber,’ ‘Come on Over to My Place’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Kissin’InThe Back Row’ and many more at Telford Theatre in Oakengates.

The legendary group have been inducted into the Rock &Roll of Fame, performed for the Presidentofthe United States, and listed among the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell(daughter of the group’s original founders, George &Faye Treadwell) The Drifters have enjoyed a gence in recent multiple successful including shows in major most notably, world-famous Royal in London rst time glittering cost £32. details visit www

album from beginning to end plus all the ‘Greatest Hits’ including, Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Take It To The Limit,Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes and many more in this spectacular music production for autumn 2023. This world class sevenpiece band have, over the lastquarterofa century,completely transcended the tag of ‘tribute’ and become, not only revered by their peers but dearly loved by their fans.

Tickets cost £31. Forfurther details visit www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/ whatson/talon/

With the huge riseinDNA testing, we are now able to ask questions previously impossible to answer about our families, ancestry, and health. We candiscover our lost heritage,track down missing relatives and find missing details of our family trees.

Join Geneticist Professor Turi King, co-presenter of the BBCTwo series DNA Family Secrets, asshe uncovers how DNA has revolutionised genealogy and forensics, helping us tracelong lost family members, catch criminals and make remarkable historical discoveries.

She will reveal how your unique DNA identifies you and your family,how your surname can give you aglimpse into the lives of your ancestors, and whether you really are who you think you are.

Talon perform the Eagles iconic ‘Hotel California’

Professor King will also discuss how she led the team who cracked one of the biggest forensic DNA cases in history –the identification of King Richard III.

Tickets cost £29. Forfurther details visit www.theatresevern.co.uk

Enjoya freelunch-hour concert at Shrewsbury’sStChad’sChurchonOctober 6, wherestudents from Chetham’sSchool of Music will perform. On October 11, you can join geneticist Professor Turi King, from TV’sDNA Family Secrets, for afascinating evening at TheatreSevern

The Miracle Man features two friends –Hutchyand James. Hutchy became the only person to win five TT races in one week in 2010.

The softly-spoken Yorkshireman (until he gets on stage), is good value on stage, not short of an opinion and holds nothing back. Battling back from life-changing injuries, he defied doctor’s orders in an amazing desire to become awinner again.Itisa storythat must be heard to be believed. James Whitham is aveteran presenter and his rapportwith modern-day bike racers is hilarious. He was aworld-class racer in his own right, winning and gaining podiums in, amongst other things,the world superbike championship.

Fortickets, which are £24, visit www telfordtheatre.com

14

Telford Stamp, Postcard and Coin Fair takes place in the Belmont Community Hall, Wellington Centre, Telford, TF1 1HU.

Good range of stamps, postcards and coins available. Items bought and sold. Free entry.See arange of material before buying and talk to the dealers. Bringin spare material and discuss selling to a dealer if you wish.

Freshly cooked light refreshments available. Any enquiries to Richard Camp. Telephone: 01952 405458

14

Shrewsbury Choral will be performing Handel’s Coronation Anthems and British organist Philip

Stopford’s Missa Deus Nobiscum (Mass –God with us’) at Shrewsbury Abbey on –Saturday,October 14 at 7.30pm, led by conductor and musical director Dr Martin Charles Cook and accompanied by organist John Bowen.The four coronation anthems are Zadok the Priest, Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, The King Shall Rejoice, and My Heart Is Inditing.

Jenny Worley,Chair of Shrewsbury Choral, said: “The concert atthe Abbey in Shrewsbury promises an ideal opportunity to enjoy some well-known and superb music by Handel. His four coronation anthems are much appreciated by musiclovers –especially Zadok the Priest, and they were originally commissioned for the coronation of George II in 1727, becoming ‘the standard’ for later coronations.

“Asa complete contrast we look forward to enjoying music composed by the highly accomplished composer Philip Stopford. He is renowned for his truly beautiful choral music, and the audience will be delighted by the Missa Deus Nobiscum (Mass –God with us’). Shrewsbury Abbey is renowned for its magnificent organ, so the evening promises to be aspectacularoccasion”.

Tickets for the performance are available online now (shrewsburychoral. org.uk/buytickets), via www shrewsburychoral.org.uk, or from Pengwern Books, Fish Street, Shrewsbury-01743 232236; from choir members or on the door on the night.

25 When Sarah Millican was abairn, she wouldn’t say boo to agoose. Quiet at school, not many friends, no boobs til she was 16. Now? NOW she is loud, with good friends, acracking rack and goose booing all over the shop. In Sarah’s brand-new stand-up show, she explores how one became the other Plus, lots of stuff about dinners and lady gardens. Come along, laugh ather,with her,beside her

The venue is TheatreSevern and tickets cost £35.For further details visit www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/ sarah-millican/

25 Jibber Jabber Jamboree marks

Ross Noble’s 21st solo standup tour.Tocelebrate this milestone, he invites you to join him for an evening of the sort of inspired nonsense thathas cemented his place as the supreme master of stream-of-conscious freewheeling stand-up.

This is achance to see Noble live on stage in his natural habitat.What’s it about? What will we learn? How will it change the world? Are all pointless questions to ask when Noble is off on one of histangents. Grab aticket and come and enjoy the ride.

For£26 ticketsand further details visit www.telfordtheatre.com

28

With abrand-new production for 2023, the biggest and best 60s show returns to TheatreSevern with asensational line-up including...Dozy,

Comedian Ross Noble brings his solo stand-up tour to ShropshireonOctober 25 with ashowatTelfordTheatre in Oakengates. Shrewsbury Choral perform Handel’sCoronationAnthems and British organist Philip Stopford’s(pictured) Missa Deus Nobiscum at Shrewsbury Abbey on October 14

Beaky,Mick and Tich, The Trems, The

Join us for the musicalphenomenon of 2023 with this festival of nostalgia. The show with the definite feel-good factor will transport you back to thatmagical decade that was the 1960’s. Whether you come to relive your childhood memories or you just simply want to see what your parents have been raving about for all these years this is theshow to see. These legends of the 60’s will deliver to you a night never to be forgotten.

The venue is Theatre Severn and tickets cost £31. Forfurther details visit www.theatresevern.co.uk

29Visitors are being given anew chance to walk through history at one of the region’s most historic stately homes.

Weston Park –the statelyhome on the Shropshire\Staffordshire border –has announced anew series of guided walks

and tours offering visitors an expert look behind the scenes in both the house and gardens.

Head Gardener Martin Gee, whose family have lived and worked on the estate since 1802, will guide visitors on the Autumn Walk on October 29.

Each walk will last for around two hours and take in all the glory of Capability Brown’s stunning creation, from the rare Pleasure Ground of Temple Wood to the wide expansive views from the Knoll Tower

Martin will explain why these frivolous follies were built, the purpose an history of apleasure ground, how he and his team look after the gardens and how they have changed and developed over the centuries.

Details of the walks, which cost £10 per person when booked online and £15 on the day,can be found at https://westonpark.com/whats-on/

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 107– 109

REMEMBER WHEN:

1980.

FOUR Ws: 1.Kate Hudson; Red and blue; Aviva Stadium; 1918. 2.Diane Keaton; Black Sea; Falmouth; December 26th. 3 John Godber; Ceylon; Poland; 1993. 4.Raymond Briggs; Fish; Edinburgh; 1997. 5.Elizabeth Gaskell; Charles Montgomery; Lucca, Italy; 1961. 6.Mozart; Government Communications Headquarters; South Africa;1998.

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

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Clap; 8 Obliterate; 9 Customer; 10 Cagy; 12 Greedy; 14 Yellow; 15

Foment; 17 Siting; 18 Espy; 19 Variable; 21 Vulnerable; 22 Test

Down: 2 Lugubrious; 3 Port; 4 Clumsy; 5 Sturdy; 6 Bracelet; 7 Levy; 11 Groundless; 13 Everyone; 16 Tavern; 17 Scribe; 18

Envy; 20 Abet.

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Lens; 8 North Wales; 9

Sergeant; 10 Race; 12 Trivia; 14 Second; 15 Deform; 17 Assets;

Spend an evening in the extraordinary company of Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE –‘the world’s greatest living explorer’–ashegoes beyond his record-breaking achievements to explore the man behind the myth... Live on stage, Sir Ranulph will share stories from his legendary exploits and adventures, telling untold tales of the world’s most extraordinary feats of daring and exploration. Delivered in his own inimitable fashion and accompanied by stunning, never-before-seen images and home videos, this show guarantees to leave you entertained and inspired to seek out your own life adventures.

Tickets cost £34.50. Forfurther details visit www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/ whatson/sir-ranulph-fiennes-2023/

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Please emaildetails to caroline.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Take awalk through the past at Weston Park with head gardener Martin Gee on October 29. Enjoyaneveming with adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE at TheatreSevern on October 30

Fortunes, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Vanity Fare.