Shropshire Magazine June 2023

ESTABLISHED 1950

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

Martin Wright

EDITOR

Caroline Jones caroline.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

FEATURES EDITOR

Vicki Jones vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION

Deborah Clay deborah.clay@mnamedia.co.uk

NEWS EDITOR

Andy Richardson

FEATURE WRITERS

Heather Large heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Daniel Morris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

Matthew Panter matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

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

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

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

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CONTRIBUTORS

David Tooley

Simon Jones

Ed Thomas

PUBLISHED BY MNA Media, Telford

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The new High Sheriff of Shropshire’sinstallment at a ceremony in Leighton. 110

Step into the new season in style with these must-have footwear buys, says Katie Wright 115 Travel

There’sanew kid on the block in the Big Apple. Sarah Marshall checks in to RichardBranson’s Virgin New York hotel

WISE WORDS

AHEAD OF HER VISIT TO THE COUNTY,LEXICOGRAPHER SUSIE DENT TALKSTO DANIEL MORRIS ABOUT HER SPOKEN WORD TOUR AND HER FOND MEMORIES OF COUNTDOWN HOST RICHARD WHITELEY

Alady who needs absolutely no introduction, Susie Dent has been theQueen of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner for over 30 years.

With more than 5,000episodeshaving aired since she started in 1992, she is without question the UK’s most famous lexicographer-cum-TV personality, bringing thejoy of words into households across the country on an almost daily basis.

Currently in the throes of aspoken word tour,Susie is servingupher passion forlanguage andetymology to theatre crowds throughout the land, and on June 22, she is bringing said passion to the Ludlow Fringe.

“The show is called The Secret Lives of Words,” she says. “It’s abit of aromp through my favourite word origins, my favourite word stories, and silly word mistakes that crop up all the time –some from the past, some more modern ones. There’s alittle guide to swearing. That’s a very hot topic –it’s afascinating subject, where our swear words come from and how things have shifted over the centuries. Ialso take alook at American English and why people hate it, andthen Ihave aword surgery bit at the end. At my shows Iusuallyhave alittle box in the foyer and at the interval people can put in any question they like –anything from ‘is Jimmy Carr’s laugh real?’to‘why do

flammable andinflammable mean the same thing?’ And Itry to answer as many as Ican.”

Famous for her extraordinary knowledge of the English language, its hard to imagine Susie Dent ever being stumped by aquery thrown ather.But according to theOxford and Princeton alumnus, it happens more often than you would think.

“Oh yeah, all the time! And also I’m often beaten on Countdown, either by contestants –some of whom, as you’ll know,are amazing –orI’ll getTweets from people saying ‘you missed an eight

there’. Iquite like that because it’s still a very human show and Ithink it’s really nice for viewers that they can beat us.

“For these questions at theend of my live show,Isometimes don’t have the answer at all, but Ialways will go away and look it up or I’ll tell astory that’s kind of related to that. That’s the joy –even though Ilive with dictionaries each and every day of my life,Iwill never know everything in them. There will never be aday when Iwon’t be surprised by something.”

Lexicography –the art of compiling dictionaries –isafascinating yet unusual

profession, and one that most people had probably never paid thought to until Susie put it on the map. So what was it that drew her to this curious line of work?

“I wish Ihad the answer to this,” she says. “It’s almost like this mystical pull that Ihave towards words that Ican’t fully explain. As Idiscuss in the show, one of my earliest memories is sitting in the bath when Iwas little, before Icould read or write, and just staring at bottles on the edge of the bath –bubble bath or shampoo bottles –and just noticing these kind of swirling, exotic characters on the back and thinking, ‘I want to know what those are’. They must have been the most boring ingredients ever,really! But for me they were magical, and then as soon as Icould read we’d go on these family trips and Iwould sit in theback of the car completely lost in avocabulary book. Only at that time it was aFrench and German vocabulary book –they were my first loves, foreign languages. And later on, when Iwas working at Oxford University Press(OUP), Iobviously then began to be really interested in English lexicography and English etymology,soI

kind of came into English a lot later.But yeah, Iwish I could explain to you what it is, but I’m just so lucky that words found me, because that’s how it feels.”

Alongside her work at OUP,Susie’s career cameto be hallmarked by what has perhaps become Britain’s mo beloved stalwart of atelevision series, ever.After three decades on Channel 4’s Countdown, she has certainly built up her fair shareoffond memories.

“There’s scarcely aprogrammethat goes by when aword doesn’t come up that somehow reminds me of Richard Whiteley,” she reflects. “He really relished certain words –you could see his body language change when ‘leotard’ came up, for example. He’d always tell us that it was named after Jules Léotard who was a French trapeze artist–he’d always throw that in. There are lots of those that have me remembering him sort of jiggling about in his seat with that mischievous smile of his –lots of happy memories from those. There was also his ‘Gotcha’

with Noel Edmonds where he was set up and was totally bamboozled, and I don’t think he clicked until right at the last moment. Fortwo fakecontestants on the show,wehad ‘OMETHINGS’ come up on the board, and neither of the contestantsgot ‘SOMETHING’, and Richard was just kind of looking at them going, ‘did you honestly not see that?’. It just gotmore and more surreal and finally Noel Edmonds popped out from behind the set –itwas very silly

“More recently,there are just so many moments. I’m very familiar with the standard dictionary,whereas Rachel Riley knows the urban dictionary very well. And now Isuspectcurrenthost Colin Murrayalso knows the urban dictionary very well. Quite often there’s acompletely different meaning to aword that’s come up on Countdown which I’ll be absolutely unaware of,and I’ll be reading out the standard dictionary definition but can see out of the corner of my eye that Rachael is bent over double with laughter because I’ve missed the rude meaning!

“I remember my 25th anniversary as well, where Colin actually was aguest that day,and he had just written this lovely poem. And Igot aletter from

Celebrity wordsmith Martin Jarvis, Carol Vorderman, David Thirlwall (behind Carol) RichardWhiteley, asecond contestant and dictionary expert Susie Dent.

Countdown host Nick Hewer with Susie Dent (left)and Rachel Riley, as Hewer racksupa milestone in style with 70th birthday giftsfrom his colleagues.

Arsène Wenger who is abig hero of mine. Honestly,Iknow people find it quite hard to believe, but I’m never bored by Countdown. Ialways feel the rush when the clock startsticking down because it’s anew game every time, and I’m just so lucky to still be there.”

In more recent years however,Susie has been part of quite adifferent spin on the Channel 4treasure. Hosted by Jimmy Carr,8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown places panel show comedians in the realm of the show’s traditional format, with naturally hilarious results. Both Susie and colleague Rachel Riley assume their regular roles, but of course the experience is somewhat different. “It was quite aride at the beginning,” said Susie. “I think I wasn’t completely sure what was expected of me and I, stupidly,just assumed that Iwas there to be funny as well. But I’m only ever genuinely funny by mistake! So Ithink Itriedabit too hard at the beginning to be acomedian, and then I realised quite quickly that actually,I’m either there to be Jimmy’s stooge or just to do what Ido.

“Wehave agreat time. Each show goes on for hours. Although it’s cutdown for

telly to an hour,each show is recorded for about two and ahalf hours so you get a lot more comedy and the audience get all this silliness for averylong time.”

Running from June 17 to July 2, this year’s Ludlow Fringe is also set to feature Dame Judi Dench and Jasper Carrott.

With the star herself excited to take the stage, Susie’s show will in fact be her first performanceinShropshire.“I’m really looking forward to this and that’s one of the joys of touring –that you get to go to places that you don’t know very well,” she said. “And Shropshire, I think because –don’t laugh –I’ve studied Housman, the at school, I’ve always this wonderfully romantic notion of Shropshire it’s always been fixed my imagination as very sort of magical, special, green place. Ican’t wait. Ihave to Ludlow before, very,very fleetingly haven’t had enoug to explore it so I’m looking forward to this.”

Before we were forced to part ways, it was impossible to resist asking the legendary Susie for a few of those

favourite words that may even make an appearance in the show.Asitturns out, there are three lost gems that shewould particularly love to see return to use.

“One is ‘apricity’, which is ‘the joy of the sun on awinter’s day’–whenit’s freezing cold and you just relish that warmth on your back. That’s apricity, which is just gorgeous and it’sonly got one recordinthe Oxford English Dictionaryand then it just disappeared.

“There’s another one. Youknow how we always like to talk about ‘schadenfreude’ –happiness in someone else’s displeasure or pain? There’s akind of opposite that which is ‘confelicity’, other people’s hat kindofaltruistic someone else, when agenda and you’re anything from it. I one.

my favourite however,was a word, ‘crambazzled’, is ‘to be prematurely aged from excess drinking’.”

We’re sure the crowd at Ludlow will be keen to raise aglass to these, and many more.

n Formore information visit www.ludlowfringe. co.uk

8Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown presenter

Jimmy CarrwithSusie Dent and Rachel Riley.

RecordInheritanceTax(IHT) receiptsforHMRC

Accordingtorecentlyreleased�igures fromHMRC,IHTraisedfortheperiod April2022toFebruary2023amountedto £7.1billion.Thisis£1billionmorethan thepreviousperiod,withearlypredictions fromtheOf�iceofBudgetResponsibility suggestingthatoverthenext�iveyearsIHT receiptswillreachrecordhighs.

WhatisIHTandwhenisitpaid?

IHTisoftenreferredtoasa“death tax”becauseitispayableonthevalue ofadeceasedperson’sestate,i.e., bankaccounts,property,andpersonal possessions,whichexceedsthetax-free threshold,knownastheNilRateBand (“NRB”).ThebasicNRBispresently £325,000perperson.ThestandardIHT rateis40%onthevalueofaperson’sestate whichexceedstheNRB.

ThecalculationofIHTcanbecomplicated, andpotentialexemptionsandreliefsexist.

WhyarewepayingmoreIHT?

ThereareseveralreasonswhyIHTreceipts haveincreased

Primarily,itisthoughttobeduetothe freezingofthebasicNRBat£325,000since 2009.Thisfreezeissettocontinueuntilat least2028.Addtothissoaringin�lation,a highervolumeofwealthtransfersduring thePandemicandhousepriceincreases–allofwhichmeansthatIHTisnolongerjust

ataxforthewealthyfewbutisbecoming morerelevanttoanincreasingnumberof “middleincome”families.

Changingfamilydynamicsalsomean thatmorepeoplethaneverarechoosing toco-habit,ratherthanmarryorentera civilpartnership.Severaltaxincentives applicabletomarriedcouples,suchas spouseandcivilpartnerexemption,do notapplytocohabitees,thusleadingto potentialIHTchargesontheestateofthe �irsttodie.

WhatcanIdotominimiseIHT?

WhenitcomestoEstateandTaxplanning,it isbesttoactearlyandtoseekprofessional advice.Aprofessionalreviewcaninclude thefollowing:

·Examinationofexistingassetsand liabilities;

·Identi�icationofavailableIHTreliefsand exemptions;

·AdviceregardingpreparationofWillsor reviewofexistingWills;

·Considerationoflifetimetaxplanning options,suchasgiftsorsettingupof trusts;

·Adviceaboutofotherestate considerationssuchasassetprotection, potentialclaimsagainstEstatesand LastingPowersofAttorney.

Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutoptionstonavigate�inancialmatters oninheritancetaxorotherrelatedmatters.PleasecontactAmyMorris, AssociateSolicitoratAaron&Partnerson01743295226,07989725370 oremailamy.morris@aaronandpartners.com

TaxandEstateplanningisnota“one size�itsall”andshouldbetailoredtothe individual.Themosteffectiveplanning isoftendoneinconjunctionwithother professionals,suchasanaccountantand �inancialadvisor.Ourspecialistwillstax andtruststeamisalwayshappytodiscuss anyofyourEstateandTaxPlanningneeds withyou.

AmyMorrisWills,TaxandTrusts AssociateSolicitor

RENOVATIONON ASTATELYSCALE

HEATHER LARGE MEETS THE OWNER OF ELLERTON HALL, NEAR NEWPORT,WHO HAS TRANSFORMED THE MANOR HOUSE INTOALUXURY HOLIDAYDESTINATION

When the opportunity arose for John and Lucy Gough to buy 19th centurymanor houseEllerton Hall, it was too good to pass up.

Having long admired the property, near Newport, they jumped at thechance to giveitanew lease oflife as aluxury holiday destination.

They embarked on atwo-year project to thoughtfully renovate the whole house to cater for large family celebrations and holidays while respecting its history and character

“It’s such abeautiful property and it’s ahidden gem because you can’t see it from the road,” says John, whose family has been linked with Ellerton Hall all his life.

“My grandfather,George, came to Ellerton in the 1930s from Cambridgeshire to take on the tenancy of Ellerton Grange, one of the five farms on the estate. Ellerton Hall was the main house on the estate and was owned by the

Lawrence family at the time,” explains John. “My grandfather,and later my father,Frank, used to come up to the ‘big house’ to pay the rents at the back door.”

In the 1960s, George and his sons, Frank and Peter,were able to purchase the freehold of Ellerton Grange when the estate was split up and sold.

Anew lease of life was given to Ellerton Hall in the late 1960s when the house was acquired by Tony Burgess MBE, who began an extensive renovation project. The Burgess family moved into the house –which had been built in 1836 –in1970, and spent 50 happy years in the much-loved home.

After Tony sadly passed away in 2020, John and his wife, Lucy,a GP,who live at Ellerton Grange, bought thehouse, reuniting both under thesame ownership.

It is now thecentre of a460-acre estate concentrating on food production, property rentals and countryside stewardship.

Purchasing Ellerton Hall led to a

Ellerton Hall owner John Gough.

memorable moment for John as he was able to give his 95-year-old father atour of the property for the first time.

“My father had never been to the house through the front door.Itwas a very special moment to bring him up the from driveway and to take him through the front door of thehouse,” he explains.

The Covid-19 lockdown gave John and Lucy,along with their children George and Abbie, an ideal opportunity to brainstorm ideas for the property

“It was agreat project to have during Covid because we had both children home. George is in his second year of university studying real estate and Abbie is working in the fashion industry in London. They both have skills thatare really relevant.

“Wewere locked in at home so we would sit around thedining table on an evening with abottle of wine and come up with abusiness plan,” he explains.

Despite their love for Ellerton Hall, they had already dismissed the idea of moving into the house andmaking it their home.

Instead they decided to create aluxury holiday rental business and the whole house would be let on aself-catering basis.

Work started in January 2021 on a comprehensive renovation to bring the house up to the high standard that a luxury hospitality business will require.

“Wehad only been in our current house for five years and that hadalso been atwo-year renovation project so we were in no hurry to move out.

“But that experience gave us the confidence to renovate the hall,” says John.

The couple employed project manager Mike Speed to oversee the building work and their good friend and interior designer,Katie Briggs of ‘Keeping it Home’ worked with Lucy to furnish the house in away that blended the period character of the housewith afresh, modern style.

“It was adream team. All the tradespeople working on the project really put their hearts into it and were really conscientious,” says John.

The renovation work included fitting an entire new roof and repairs to the chimneys. “The roof structure and timbers were sound but we needed to do quite alot of repair work on the chimneys so we decided as we needed to put scaffolding up, to re-roof at same time.

“It was abig project but fortunately

there were no unseen horrors which normally there can be. The chimneys had quite alot of work done on them. The craftsmanship was outstanding, but sadly you need binoculars to see it,” explains John.

“There was also acomplete electrical rewire and anew heating system and consequently we had to completely redecorate after this work was completed.”

While styling thehouse, the team made use of some of the existing furniture and soft furnishings. “Katie and Lucy were able to upcycle some of the original curtains. They’ve been cleaned and used to dress the different rooms. The inspiration for the colours in some of the rooms came from the original curtains,” explains John.

After afew trialruns with family and friends, John and Lucy opened the main house to paying guests earlier this year As well as holidays, the house can also be rented for corporate events.

There is accommodation for up to 12 guests including sixluxuriousen-suite double bedrooms, amorning room, a large family kitchen, adrawing room and adining room complete with a26ft long table. There is also ahigh tech cinema room in the basement. “This was quite an investment but it’s arealasset to the house,” says John.

Guests can also enjoy the private gardens, south terrace, hot tub andtennis court.

Plans are also in place to restore another building over the next few years which will increase the accommodation by three bedrooms.

John says he has many favourite places in the main house, including the drawing room, the morning room and the staircase.

He is delighted with what the team has achieved during the renovation work and is looking forward to welcoming guests over thecoming months.

“It definitely exceeded expectations. I’m very proud of all of the work that the team put into it. It has been very rewarding,” says John.

“The house is perfect for alarge family get-together,particularly where a large family have travelled from different corners of the country to spend aweekend or week together for aspecialoccasion.

“It’s ahouse made for entertaining, it’s such abeautiful, peaceful place. We want our gueststoenjoy it as much as we do and make special memories here.”

n Formore information, see www ellertonhall.com

TOBIASTAKES THEHIGHROAD

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS AYOUNG MAN CURRENTLY TREKKING THE LENGTH OF THE UK IN AID OF TWO CHARITIES, INCLUDINGSEVERN HOSPICE

Home is where the heart is, they say.And so when Tobias Branston steps back into Shropshireterritory at some point in June, he’d be forgiven for wanting to rest his weary head and celebrate ahomecoming.

But, on this occasion, Shropshire won’t be home –more of ahalfway house.

After all, the 19-year-old will have many more adventures ahead of him as he continues on an epic charity fundraiser

Tobias, from Shifnal, has, as you read this, set off alone from Land’s End on a two-and-a-half month journey to John O’ Groats, raising funds for Severn Hospice and Heartburn Cancer UK after two close friends lost fathers to cancer

The adventure will see the former St Andrews Primary School pupil, unaccompanied, take on aroute of more than 1,000 miles on foot, walkingupto25 miles per day

Tobias, who plans to join the Army after university,will be sleeping out in a bivvy bag rather than staying in bed and breakfasts, hostels or hotels in order to maximise the amount he raises.

He willbeable, he hopes, to call on a few friends for the occasional night’s sleep somewhere more comfortable but will then be dropped back to where he was, to ensure he completes the full route.

He will take in cities like Truro, Bath, Gloucester and Worcester,before slipping through Shropshire.

“Coming through Shropshire, nearly past home, will be nice,” he says, with a smile. “I’ll be back in some spots Iknow and places Irecognise.

“That will be the first third of my journey completed so it will be an exciting marker

“AsIapproach, I’ll constantly be thinking of getting one step closer to a nice comfortable bed for one night!”

But then, he will be off to Manchester,Sheffield and beyond, into Scotland –Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness and finally the east coast of Scotland.

“I am looking forward to the challenge. Ihave lots of friends who are travelling all over the world at the moment, sunning themselves on beaches in exotic locations.

“Some have said: ‘Why not walk through Europe or trek through jungles instead?’

“But Iamexcited to explore the UK. Iamexcited to be up on ahill, in the middle of nowhere, and Iamexcited to be seeing the Yorkshire Dales, the north Pennines and areal highlight will be the Cairngorms.”

It promises to be the experience of alifetime. Abrave adventure to, on the whole, be doing alone but Tobias has plenty of motivation for

“I’m currently in the midst of ayear out between school and university,” said Tobias, who after completing A-levels at Rugby School will be studying classics at Exeter University later this year

“I went travelling in Thailand recently which was amazing but given Ihave some months now before Igotou Iwanted to do something worthwhile.

“It’s quite rare to have time like this, totally free, so Istarted exploring different charitable options.

“The Severn Hospice is fantastic

in the way it cares for people at the end of their life, providing an inspirational degree of wrap-around humanity, kindness and care not only for their patients but also for their families.

“And Heartburn Cancer UK raises awareness about the dangers of persistent heartburn, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and Barrett’s oesophagus which can lead to oesophageal cancer

“Two of my oldest friends have lost fathers to cancer and so Idecided to support these two worthwhile charities.

“They were both in the military and so it seemed appropriate to attempt a particularly demanding feat.”

Demanding is one way of describing it –itwill be both physically and mentally challenging.

“I’ll be pushingmyself out of my comfort zone, discovering more about myself and what Ican andcan’t do,” says Tobias.

“My dad –Barney –was in the Welsh

Tobias Branston, from Shifnal, will be walking from Land’sEnd to John o’Groats to raise money for Severn Hospice and Heartburn Cancer UK.

Guards and they have been amazing,” he adds. “They have helped me out, with lots of kit and plenty of advice.

“They have told me everything from basic things –maintenance andhygiene –to physical and mental health advice.

“I’d taken the mindset Iwas going to crack on and pushmyself as much as possible early on. But they told me it is vitally important to take rest days, rest the body and make sure Iamontop of any niggles. Iwill be almost entirely selfsufficient and I’m intrigued to do it alone.

“When Iwenttravelling earlier this year,Iwas originally planning to do it alone but Iended up doing it with agood friend from school.

“That was lovely but now Iamexcited about being totally independent, going at my own pace.

“I have freedom with my bag andcan just walk until Ican’t walk anymore, pitch up somewhere with my sleeping bag and go to bed and start again the next day

“I think it will be good for me. The onus and responsibility will solely be on me so Iwill have to learn very,very quickly and be ruthlessly efficient.”

And, as well as making ahuge difference in helping two important charities, the challenge will be all about creating his own memories.

It will, in years to come, be an accomplishment to look back on.

“My uncle Tomdid awalk in aid of cancer along time ago,” said Tobias. “When my grandfather,Robin, died, Tom went on achallenge from northern Spain to Gibraltar

“He pulls out hisphoto album sometimes and shows me.

“He has even said he might walk some of the way with me in Scotland.

“It’s amazing to see how much his

own epic adventure stuck with him and how significant it was in his life and how proud he was of what he achieved.

“It’s nice having that as afuture comparisontosee it meant so much to him. Hopefully,I’ll be able to look back in the similar way.”

n Youcan follow Tobias’ journey on Instagram on @tobiaswalks and he can be sponsored at justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/tobiaswalks

The Cairngorms, in Scotland.

Severn Hospice will benefitfromTobias’ fundraising.

LISTED FARMHOUSE

White Hopton House is a traditional timber-framed, Grade II listed farmhouse dating back from the 1600s with additions in the 1800s

Situated in Wern Lane, Sarnnear Newtown, the property is on the market with Savills with aguide price of £1,400,000.

The house has some wonderful character features including traditional floorboards, doors, exposed beams and traditional shuttered windows.

The house has the wonderful addition of amodern oak-framed sun room added in 2001, with adouble-sided log burner, oak flooring and Frenchdoors leading outside to the swimming pool.

The traditional front door opens into an entrance hall, off which is the living room which has awonderful inglenook fireplace with awood-burning stove and a slate hearth.

The kitchen breakfast hastraditional quarry tiles andaselection of fitted wall

and base units with aRange oven.

Off the kitchen is an inner hallway with alaundry/utility room, apantry with Belfast sink, amodern shower room and adouble bedroom/office. This inner hallway also provides access to the formal dining room which has wooden flooring, and an inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove. The dining room also provides access back to theentrance hall.

The first floor has the principal bedroom with adressing area and a fabulous modern en suite bathroom with ajet shower and vanity double sink unit. The floor has been reinforced in this room to support the fabulous large bath.

Bedroom two is adouble with an en-suite shower room, there is aseparate family bathroom with shower and bath, and bedroom three has fitted wardrobes. Astaircase leads up to an attic bedroom with adressing room off and wonderful views. Asecond, separate staircase leads up to afurther attic bedroom, which is a double.

Approached via agated gravel driveway with ample parking, the gardens and grounds at White Hopton House wrap around the property extending in total to about 9.48 acres.

There is awonderful duck pond which is fully fenced with paddocks beyond overlooking the wonderful hills above. The equestrian facilities may be accessed via aseparate driveway.The American barn stabling has seven Lodden boxes, with atack room.There is an area for the muck heap, an open bay hay/tractor store, awood store and the extensive garaging/barn

On the right of thelarge gravel driveway is the beautiful barn conversion which has its own separate entrance. The open plan living accommodation offers plenty of space with underfloor heating, a modern kitchen, ashower room, adouble bedroom/office, autility/boot room and afurther double bedroom. The first floor has the principle bedroom which has a door leading outside onto abalcony area.

White Hopton House is situated about 1.5 miles outside the prettyvillage of Sarn, which is surrounded by rolling countryside. The area is well known for its walking, riding and cycling routes.

The towns of Newtown (six miles) and Welshpool (14 miles), both provide a selection of shops, supermarkets andtrain stations.

The house has the wonderful addition of amodern oak-framed sun room

Properties of the month

Savills Shropshire 01952239 500

Oakley, Market Drayton, TF9

Fabulous country house,4reception rooms, principal bedroom suite, 3further double bedrooms,privatelakewith coarsefish, integral triple garage,extremelywell placedfor commuting. 8.57acres.

Guide Price£1,600,000 |EPC: F|CouncilTax Band: G

Sarn, Powys, SY16

Atraditional country farmhouse,situatedinabeautiful setting close to TheKerry Ridgeway,3reception rooms,6bedrooms, separate 2bed barn conversion,equestrian facilities, 9.48 acres.

Guide Price: £1,400,000 |EPC: F|CouncilTax Band: I

The Limes, Shrewsbury,SY3

Prestigious, individually designed home within agated complex, 2receptionrooms, principalensuitebedroom, 6further bedrooms, double garage

Guide Price£1,250,000 |EPC: C|Council TaxBand: G

Talk to us today

PeterDaborn

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

Beccy Theodore-Jones

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

Hopesay, Craven Arms, SY7

Awonderful country house set within thestunningShropshireHills AONB, 4reception rooms,6bedrooms, annexe,Fenced paddock, 2.2 acres.

Guide Price: £950,000 |EPC: D|Council TaxBand: F

AmyMeldrum-Beechey

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

Properties of the month

Savills

Noneley, Shrewsbury,SY4

Awonderful Shropshirefarmhousesituatedinarural hamlet Grade II listed dating backtoabout 1750,4receptionrooms, 6bedrooms, 4bathrooms.

Guide Price: £895,000 |EPC: E|Council TaxBand: F

Longden, Shrewsbury,SY5

Astunningarchitecturally designed newbuildhouse in abeautiful edgeofvillage location,3 reception rooms, 4bedrooms, doublegarage.

GuidePrice: £895,000 |EPC:A|Council TaxBand: Notyet allocated

Cound, Shrewsbury,SY5

Awonderfully appointed house in an exclusive gateddevelopment, 3reception rooms, 5bedrooms, 4bathrooms, doublegarage

GuidePrice: £800,000 |EPC: C|Council TaxBand: G

Talk to us today

PeterDaborn

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

Beccy Theodore-Jones

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

Wem, Shrewsbury, SY4

An extremely well presentedtownhouse with beautifulgardens, 3reception rooms, 4bedrooms, garageand EV charge point.

GuidePrice: £550,000 |EPC: D|Council TaxBand: D

AmyMeldrum-Beechey

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

HISTORICAL CHARM

This stunning Grade II Listed home is situated in the highly sought-after Admaston Spa development in the village of Admaston, with great local amenities and excellent transport links.

The Clock House is on the market with Prestige by Mannleys foroffers in the region of £650,000 freehold.

The property is full of historical charm and character and offers flexible

family accommodation, spaciously spread over three floors. Planning approval and listed building consent has previously been passed for the conversion of the coach house to provide an additional reception room as well as for an orangery extension to the rear of the kitchen.

The ground floor features an impressive entrance hallway with parquet flooring and astriking grand staircase, superb drawing room with feature open

fireplace, high specification breakfast kitchen, and aseparate laundry room with W/C. The first floor comprises alarge main bedroom with en-suite shower, family bathroom, two further bedrooms –bedroomthree with staircase to the stunning loft bedroom.

The Clock House occupies astunning plot with established gardens to the front and rear and has the benefitof private, off-road parking and adouble garage.

FAIRVIEW

26 STARS LANE, COLD HATTON,TF6 6PZ

OIRO £745,000

Fairview House is asuperbly extended four bedroom detached house and occupies afantastic plot of approximately 5.3 acres.Itislocatedinthe highly sought-afterHamlet of Cold Hatton. Theproperty is perfect forequestrian use with an existing stable block,well drainedfields thathaveriver frontage and it has the benefit of planning approvalfor further outbuildings and a menage EPC C

TUDOR HOUSE,

LIMEKILN LANE,WELLINGTON,TF1 2JA

OIRO £695,000

Asuperb 4bedroom detached executivehome on agreat plot.Open-plan kitchen/dining room with featureisland,sitting room with log burner,dining room, family/gamesroom, study and utility. Stunning bedroom suitewith en-suiteand dressing room, two bedrooms with en-suites,family bathroom and a further bedroom. Lovely established rear garden with garden room/bar,extensive drivewayparking,integral double garage and no upward chain EPC C

24 CHERRYTREE

CLOSE

WELLINGTON,TF1 2HQ

OIRO £650,000

Spacious six bedroom detached executivehome with large open-plan kitchen/dining/family room, sitting room, dining room, family room, utilityand W.C. Spacious main bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, guest bedroom with en-suite, twofurther bedrooms and afamily bathroom. 2nd floor has two large double bedrooms and family bathroom.Superb plot with extensivedrivewayparking,detached double garage and landscaped rear garden EPC C

THE CLOCKHOUSE ADMASTON SPA, TF5 0DJ

OIRO £650,000

This stunning Grade II Listed home is situatedinthe highly soughtafter Admaston Spa developmentinthe village of Admaston and is full of historical charmand character, spaciously spread over 3floors.Planning approvaland listed building consenthas previously been passed forconversion of the coach house to provide an additional reception room as well as foran orangery extension to the rear of the kitchen

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

ASCENICSETTING

Greenfields is situated in a particularly scenic part of the rolling south Cheshire countryside, in Hampton, Malpas.

It is on themarket with Jackson Property with aprice tag of £975,000.

The downstairs layout is open-plan, with the sitting room,loungeand kitchen offering asuperb entertaining space. Both the sitting room and lounge have wood burners. The sitting room also benefits from Frenchdoors outinto the garden.

The kitchen incorporates arangeof units and ablack oil fired Rayburn. From the utility room, astable door leads you out to the attractive herb garden.

At the far end of the house is the study/fifth bedroom and ashowerroom. The first floor has four double bedrooms and two bathrooms.

There is agravelled drive and parking area. The garagehas astaircase to a firstfloor studio.

The principalgardens are laid to lawn with avariety of trees and shrubs. A flagged terrace leads around to the ornamental garden, afurther garden store, greenhouse and dog run.

There is apaddock and arange of timber stables. Beyond this is an idyllic pond and orchard.

Nearby Malpas hasa range of shops, restaurants,banks and adoctors surgery

Malpas, Cheshire

Beautiful 4-bed familyhome with 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

Erbistock, Clwyd

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

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

Oswestry, Shropshire

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

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

Market Drayton, Staffordshire

An opportunitytopurchase auniqueand established fish farm,with 11.32 acresand PP to erecta3-bed dwelling.

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

£395,000

SPACIOUSHOME AT WATER’SEDGE

Field House is awell-presented, five-bedroom detached property in Bicton, Shrewsbury,with a self-contained annexe.

The property in Shepherds Lane is on the market with Miller Evans with aguide price of £800,000.

The spacious and well-planned accommodation brieflycomprises an entrance vestibule, entrance hall, through lounge/dining room, family room, kitchen with utilityroom, separate W/C, conservatory, master bedroom with en-suite, second bedroom with en-suite, three further bedrooms andbathroom.

The adjoining annex provides a kitchen/dining/living room, bedroom and bathroom.

The property benefits from oil-fired central heating and double glazing andhas adouble garage and ample parking.

The delightful gardens and grounds extend to approximately one acre, including part ownership of alarge pond. There is alargegarden shed with heating and high speed internet, suitable for use as ahome office.

The property is pleasantly situated in this popular and convenient residential area close to excellent local amenities.

Radbrook Road,Shrewsbury

Guide £950,000

Asuperior,well appointedand well maintained,four/five bedroom, detached residenceprovidingspacious and versativeaccommodationwith thebenefitofagarageand workshopand alarge attractive garden.The proeprty is situated in an enviable position in oneofShrewsbury’spremierresidential localities,close to the towncentre with all its major shoppingand transportfacilities

Lyth Hill Road,Shrewsbury

Guide £750,000

Atruly immaculate,well appointed, superior five bedoromdetached residence, withthree receptionrooms, asnug, breakfast kitchen,garageand ample parking, setinstunning landscaped well stockedgardens.The property is well placedinthis popular residential area, close to the Lyth Hill local NatureReserve which offers the best panoramic viewsofthe ShropshireHills

FIVE-BEDROOM COUNTRY HOUSE WITH LAND

Tucked away yet easily accessible, this five-bedroom home, plus annex is set in more than four acres. Including stables, barn and garages, it is found just five miles northof Shrewsbury in thesought-after village of Hadnall.

The welcome to Wincote, in Church Lane, Hadnall, is via acharming treelined driveway with views over its own paddocks, which in turn arecocooned by woodland to the perimeter of the property,achieving great privacy

Agenerous entrance lobby leads through to themain hallway and into one of the three reception rooms. The hallway opens to thedining room with adjoining conservatory,while directly opposite is an

integrated kitchen breakfast room with Aga and feature bay window.The pantry and utility are found off the kitchen.

Further down the hall is the wellproportioned drawing room with glazing to two aspects and feature fireplace. A cloakroom and wine cellar complete the principal accommodation. Also accessed off the main hall is the one-bedroom annex accommodation with shower room and kitchenette.

Charlie Giffard, Balfours Associate Partner,Country House Sales, says: “This is an exceptionally well planned and presented family home. It has great presence and country character,with light billowing in and wonderful outlooks to the garden with agreat terrace opening

to the three paddocks with majestic trees offering maturity to thewhole setting.”

On the first floor themaster suite benefits from ashower roomand dressing room,while afurther four double bedrooms share afamily bathroom, three of which have built-in wardrobes.

Charlie adds: “The presentation of Wincote, together with its locationand proximity, five miles from Shrewsbury, plus the motorway network easily accessible, make this hot property.Add the balance of amenity land, stables and barn and you have aproperty offering an idyllic lifestyle.”

Balfours are marketing Wincote with aguide priceof£1,150,000. Call 01743 353511 for more information.

ASpacious Family Home situatedonLyth Hill with Two Charming Buildings with Planning Permission.

Far-Reaching Views, Desirable Location, Planning Permission, Master Bedroom with Balcony, MaturePrivate Garden, EPC: C.

WincoteisaCharming Five Bedroom Home set in 4.27 Acres(1.73 Ha) with Garages,Stablesand aBarn. Five Bedrooms,Annexe,Kitchen /Breakfast Room, Dining Room andDrawingRoom, Tree-Lined Driveway,DoubleGarage, Stables and Barn, EPC: D.

ASubstantial CountryProperty Setwithin Approximately 5.44 Acres(2.20 Ha) with RiverFrontage.

Idyllic Position, Stunning Views, Smallholding,Equestrian, Outbuildings,1.53 Acres(0.62 ha) AvailableVia Separate Negotiation, Fishing Rights,EPC F.

ACharming Four Bedroom Cottage with Outbuildings in approximately 0.4 Acres(0.16 Ha) of Gardens.

Idyllic Location, Garage /Workshop,Inglenook Fireplacewith Log Burner,Garden Room, Potential Annexe,Barn, Large Gardens with Stream Frontage,EPC E.

Hadnall Shrewsbury

Guide Price £1,150,000

Ludlow Herefordshire

GuidePrice £725,000

Ludlow Shropshire

GuidePrice £910,000

Lyth Bank Shropshire

Guide Price £1,250,000

PRETTY PASTELS

THESE PEACEFUL HUES MAKEA FEEL-GOOD FOCAL POINT,S SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Sorbet shades set the tonefor timeless décor –and areane way to switch up your staples. Here are 12 ways to incorporate pastels into your home…

MasterClass lavender cast aluminium casserole dish with lid, from £48.49; or 3pc cookwareset of lavender non-stick cast aluminium dishes, gift boxed, £140 (worth £193.47), Cook Serve

Take your summer entertaining to the next level with this stunning cookware luxe lavender.One to tablescape with fragrant or faux wisteria or simply self-gift.

These three magic spell happiness.

lust home Picnic in the Park Wallpaper in Lavender,£43 per roll

While this girly gingham wallpaper is the focus, it highlights and enhances every pastel shade you style with it. Whichever way you work it –think feature wall with corresponding or complementing soft shades –it’sa designer’s dream scheme played out in your own front room.

George lilac Hello Sunshine slogan cushion cover, Direct.asda

George pink marshmallow vase, £8, Direct. asda

This pretty pink vase is crying out to be styled with magenta wild flowers… and peonies come the time.

Orange glass bud vase, £10, The Wisteria Tree No need tofeel like you’ve scrimped on stems when it only takes one or two to make abig statement in abud vase

without being spendy

Set of 4pastel mugs, £16, Next We’ve acrush on these cute mugs. They’re stackable too, so ideal for small spaces.

Ribbed green candle, £2.50, B&M, in-store Ribbed candles are all the rage and this is arealsteal.

Meadowflowers duvet coverwith pillowcase set by Divante, from £10, The Range

Ideal for keeping the ambience romantic,when you want to switch out abed of roses for whimsy wild flowers, this reversible floral print with yellow gingham pattern comes with the promise of sweet dreams.

Cuisinart 2-slice toaster in pistachio, £80; multi-temp jug kettle in vintage rose, £100, Cuisinart

These soft colour ways are an instant update. The toaster boasts extra-deep slots for your favourite loaf,with reheat function among the features. And cue the kettle with multiple temperature options for green, herbal and black teas, with LCD screen to check water temperature.

STAUB Dining Line ceramic plate, available in four sizes, from £9.95, Zwilling

With sage the new grey,these plates are bang up-to-date and will complement summer salads and veggie recipes to perfection.

Colourful pastel trellis area room rug, from £34.95, Kukoon Rugs Asoft pastel print rug offers an instant refresh t to wood flooring –and this one would look wonderfful under aglass coffee table e

Loaf swaggamuffinarmchair in thatch house fabric, £1,245, Loaf

This gorgeous chair sets the stage for relaxing and reclining in your own sumptuouscocoon. Cited as having ahigh ‘squidge’ factor,the swish finish makes it a showstopper

INTERIORSOF DISTINCTION

The stunning new kitchen showroom at the Ludlow Design Centre is something to behold. Ludlow Homecare is unique in its approach with cutting-edge designs available in tailor-made solutions for your home. It is celebrating 40 years in business this year with the new showroom by theRiver Teme.

Four top designers have more than 60 years combined experience in bringing ideas anddesigns to life.

Offering acomprehensive service from initial consultation

to afull on-site inspection prior to the initial design, full project management from startto finish is also available as well as a supply of materials only

Looking to refresh your kitchen and alittle stuck as to what to do with it? No problem. There are leading brands such as Laura Ashley as well as custom-built options produced by the company

If you want something different, then this is really the place to find it.

With the kitchen showroom now open, the next two phases will be in place towards the autumn. This includes afullbathroom showroom and two full bedroom furniture showrooms. Call in and see for yourself

David Bowen, Time Daniels and Abbas BowenatHomecarewhich is celebrating its 40th year in business by opening abrand new Kitchen Design Centre.

Pantries have been used for food storage sincemedieval times, and they still have aplace in many modern homes.

Victoria Beckham and Rochelle Humes are big fans, having shown off their pristine pantries on Instagram. Beckham displayed shelves of wellorganised jarsand bottles, while Humes captioned apicture of her immaculate shelves ‘Pantry joy’.

Dilly Carter,a professional organiser and TV presenter (dillycarter.co.uk), says awell-planned pantry makes it easier to see what to restock, and can help reduce food waste.

Here are her tips for the perfect pantry…

Create apantry yourself

Many older houses have existing pantries, where food was stored to keep cool, and Dilly says: “Around half the nation already have apantry,while 68% say their dream home would include one.”

But if your home doesn’t have a pantry,it’ssimple to create one yourself, she explains.

“It doesn’t have to be huge. Ithink people have this illusion that pantries are meant to be big, walk-in things, but

PRACTICAL PANTRIES

it could just be acupboard with three shelves.

“Find your biggest kitchen cupboard, and think about how you could transform it. Youcould make it look beautiful by using shelf risers, stackable containers, and under-shelf hanging storage, to maximise space.

“Give each shelf apurpose. For example, one shelf for breakfast items, another for dry food, such as rice and pasta. Think about the thingsyou use the most, and position them in easy-to-reach spots.”

Use clear containers

“If you take your storecupboard essentials out of packets and place into clear,labelled jars, you can see exactly what you have. This will reduce food waste by stopping you over-buying. Only restock once the jars are empty,” she says.

Use old jars

“You don’t have to spend afortuneon fancy storage –you can upcycle old containers,such as coffeejars or biscuit tins, to reducewaste,” Dilly says.

Label everything

Remember to label all your containers,

either with sticky labels, amarker pen, or simply use abit of paper and sticky tape, suggests Dilly

Avoid single-use plastic

Research by Abel &Cole shows Brits buy more than 19 billion single-use plastic packets of groceries every year,and 54,000 tonnes of plastic end up in landfill. “That’s ahuge amount,” says Dilly.“It’s more than enough to cover the whole land area of Mongolia.

“If you use arefill shop to restock your store-cupboardessentials, they will fill up the container,so you’re not wasting any single-use plastic.”

Savemoney

“Atatime when money is tight, thisis when we really have to be aware of what we’re buying and over-buying,” she says.

“Many of us have food waste because items go out of date. That’swhy it’s good to use clear containers and labels, so you can see what you have in, and exactly what needs using.”

She adds: “It’s lovely to see abeautiful pantry with lots of matching containers, but it’s not about what it looks like, it’s about how practical it is, and how much money it’s saving you.”

APROFESSIONAL ORGANISER’S TIPS ON MAKING PANTRIES ECONOMICAL AND ECO-FRIENDLY

MELLOW YELLOW

THE SUNNIEST OF SHADES IS BACK, SAYS SAM

WYLIE-HARRIS

Ifthoughts of warmer days have put you in asunny mood, why not mirror those feel-good vibes at home with some sunshine-yellow decor?

The brighter days may even have reignited an urge to tackle some long overdue DIY projects, or perhaps breathe life into your space with afresh lick of paint.

If you’d rather take the easy option however,there are plenty of sunbeamhued homewares in the shops, energised and raring to go.

Let the happiest hue give your home a new lease of life with these top finds…

Victory Colours Sunstar No.42, matt emulsion, £44.95 for 2.5 litres

Ajoyous celebration of colour, this bright yellow paint works for both contemporary and classic schemes. Create a feature wall full of warmth.

John Lewis + Matthew Williamson wavebath towel, mustard, £22.95, John Lewis

Looking to give your bathroom afun beach vibe? This wavy print is a prize pick.

Salsa garden chair,set of 2, two-tone yellow, £189, John Lewis

These funky rattan chairs will work atreat indoors or out. The pop of colour makes for an easy update for patio spaces and balconies.

Golden Somer wood paint, from £20 for 750ml, Thorndown

It may take some work, but imagine the satisfaction of bringing atired piece of furnitureback to life. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this buttercup yellow will liven up alawn or living room.

Embossed glass tumbler,£3, Wilkostores

ANYDAY‘Hello

Sunshine’cushion, £12, John Lewis

Asunny scatter cushion emblazoned with acheery message will set the scene for an all over glow.Bound to bring asmile.

Nevelinen sofa bed –mustard, £200 (other items from aselection), The Range

AScandi-style sofa bed in mustard will spice up asmall space –and look equally good in asun room.Think afternoon doze, sunny siesta style.

These fetching tumblers will make that smoothie or fruit punch taste extraspecial, without being spendy.Ideal for garden parties and alfresco lunches once it really warms up.

Sass and Belle bamboo tray, £19.95, The Northern Line

When it’s time to proffer those Aperol Spritzes, this serving dish signals sundowners.

Plant pouches gift box, from £28-£38, CeraCotton

We love these wax coated fabric plant pouches –ideal for showing off your succulents. Available in three sizes, they can also be used for storing simple household items

The Candy neck arm wall light in yellow, £224, Made to Last

This industrial style retrolooking wall light makes abrightstatement, before you’ve even flicked the switch.

Daisy Bee wipe clean table cloth, from £28-£32, Next From summer soirées to brekky or brunch, this sweet print looks and feels as fresh as adaisy.

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WILDLIFE GARDENING WITHA MODERN TWIST

Are you not afan of long grass, nettles or rewilding parts of your garden, but still wantto support bugs, bees and birds and make your outdoor space as wildlife friendly as possible?

Designer Martyn Wilson has done just this for hischicThe RSPCA Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show funded by Project Giving Back.

“Aninformal look is great for some people, but it’s vital all gardeners embrace wildlife, no matter their style. If you love clean lines and amuchmore contemporary vibe, there’s still lots you can do in your garden to attract wildlife,” he says.

Acontemporary interpretation of a wildlife sanctuary,the RSPCA Chelsea Garden included araised wildlife-

watching ‘hide’, natural stone feature walls housing contemporary birdnesting boxes, amodern Corten steel interpretation of a‘dead hedge’ to create habitats for birds, mammals and insects, while also recycling garden materials.

There was also awater feature framed from recycled plastic, while planting was in amulti-layered naturalistic style in shades of green, whites and tones of blue, with pollinator-friendly plants.

Here, Wilson offers his tips on how to welcome wildlife –while keeping your outdoor space looking modern.

Use a‘dead

hedge’alternative

Creating a‘dead hedge’ to act asa haven forinsects usually involves forming a structure with old branches or stakes and then filling it with fallen leaves and garden prunings.

Acontemporary alternative is awire gabion basket, easily found online or at aDIY store, filled with woody material and clippings from your garden. It does the same job as adead hedge, but is more contained and creates astylish galvanised feature that insectswill still love.

Garden designer Martyn Wilson

AGARDEN DESIGNER SHOWS HOW TO ATTRACTWILDLIFE TO YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON STYLE

Plant evening stars

Plant night-scented plants such as honeysuckle and jasmine –their beautiful fragrance will attract moths, which will in turn feed foraging bats.

Build abee bar

Create astylishbee bar: plant pollinatorfriendly plants in acontemporary raised bed or aseries of planters. Place them symmetrically,oropt for the rule of three, which is afail-safe designer tricktocreate eye-catching features.

Include year-round interest

Think about plants that will give all-year visual interest and attract wildlife too.

Achillea millefolium ‘Terracotta’ is great for hoverflies during the summer.Leave the dead flower heads on through the winter and they look great in afrost.

Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ is semi-evergreen, so will ke on flowering for months and is amagnet for bees.

Amelanchier’s spring blossom will attract bees, birds will love its berries in the summer,and its autumn foliage looks stunning in any modern garden. Mahonia xmedia ‘Charity’will do the same

Consider climbers

If you have asmall garden, train aclimber on to stainless steel wires. It will soften boundaries and walls and create ahabitat for birds and pollinators.

Create anatural bug hotel

Fora low cost and out-of-sightbug hotel, when cutting back perennial plants with hollow stems, simply bundle and tie with natural garden twine and placetowards the back of your flower border

Use umbellifers mbellifers such as riscus sylvestris avenswing’ to attract eneficial pollinators such as hoverflies. These tall plants will offer a contemporary structural vibe to any outdoor pace.

ke way for agreen or

Thinkof your garden as part of awider habitat or a‘green corridor’ that is connected to the gardens, parks, canals, railway lines, verges around you. These all help wildlife species, including hedgehogs, foxes and badgers,

to move through our natural andbuilt environment. Youcan also create your own hedgehog highway by either lifting some fences with abrickortwo, or cutting afew hedgehog-sized holes.

The RSPCA Garden is inspired by the frontline work of RSPCA teams and volunteers rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing thousands of wild animals and birds every year.The charity hopes the garden will inspire people to encourage wildlife into their gardens andtake action protecting them from harm.

n Find out more about how to help wildlife on the RSPCA website (rspca. org.uk)

The RSPCA garden designed by Martyn Wilsonatthis year’s Chelsea Flower Show

KIMBERLEY WALSH: DIYDISASTERSAND WHY DECORATINGISA FORM OF SELF-CARE

THE POP STAR AND HOME DECOR ENTHUSIAST UNVEILS HER LATEST PAINTPROJECT

Kimberley Walsh is taking a break from her favourite hobby when she dials into our Zoom call from her North London home, writes Katie Wright

“Aswespeak I’m doing some panelling in my bedroom, to give that a bit of an update,” says the former Girls Aloud star and self-confessed DIY queen, who prefers to roll up her sleeves and get to work rather than hiring decorators.

“I just put the panelling up. Ineed to paint it and I’m also doing my front door –I’m going to do it acolour,tomake it abit more of afeature.” (Lilac and sage

green are the current frontrunners). “And then I’ll move on to something else, I’m sure.”

It’s been 10 years since theBradfordborn performer and TV presenter moved into the Victorianhouse she shares with husband Justin Scott and sons Bobby, eight, Cole, six, and Nate, one.

Now Walsh, 41, is in the process of revamping avariety of rooms, andgot to fulfilaDIY dreambycreating her very own paint colour with Wickes, called Blue Haze.

“I’ve been wanting to paint my main living space –which is areally lovely

Victorian room with lots of details –for a while, and Iknew Iwanted it to be blue,” Walsh says. “So Iwas like, ‘OK, this is the perfect chancefor me to create the exact tone that Iwant’.”

And she’s thrilled with the finished result: “Once Idid the colour it brought everything to life –all the Victorian archways, the fireplace, all the detailing just totally popped, and it really has changed it massively.”

Here, Walsh reveals how her DIY obsession began, why her mum is her ultimate inspiration, and how she chose her grey-blue hue…

Kimberley Walsh, who has created a paint called Blue Haze with Wickes

What was the decor likeinyour house when you movedin10 years ago?

“It was averykind of unique style, I’ll call it that. There was leopardprint wallpaper, alot of really dark maroon walls, maroon carpets.

“It was definitely not my personal style colour-wise, so we stripped the whole thing back.”

Haveyou hadany decor disasters with your kids?

“Obviously with three kids things need refreshing alittle bit. Youstop [noticing] all the drawing marks on the walls and then you’re like, ‘Actually,Ineed to fix that!’

“When Istarted painting Ifound like afew little sly areas where they’d done it where they thought, ‘[Mum’s] never really going to see this’.

“Atleast they’re clever enough to do it in aplace Iwould never see unless I’m actually decorating!”

Howwould you describe your home decor style?

“It’s very traditional. Ireallydon’t like modern homes. Ican go to somebody else’s house and totally appreciate it if it’s done nicely and modern, but mine is definitely more traditional.

“I think the timelessness of that style is really good. Mine still stands the test of time because it’s traditional. Nothing’s really out of date, you can just kind of evolve with it.”

Howdid your love of DIY start?

“It definitely came from my mum. She was asingle parent for most of [my childhood] and Ithink becausewe didn’t have alot of money she used to do everything herself

“I was always the one that was interested in wanting to help. My other sisters [Amy and Sally] and brother [Adam] were never really that interested, but Iwould always be there helping her wallpaper,doing painting, doing tiling.

“I don’t even like to talk about men and women when it comes to DIY, because, obviously,there’s some men that are terrible at DIY and equally,there’s some women that don’t getinvolved in it.

“But having astrong role model like that, that wasn’t scared of it and would look at wiring and changing plug sockets and research things and just get on and do it because she had no choice, mademesee that as normal.”

Kimberley Walsh in her living room which is painted with Blue Haze.

What do you love about decorating?

“I find it actually quite therapeutic. It’s almost alittle bit like self-care, because you switch off and focus on that job that you’re doing, and then it’s like instant gratification when you see the finished product.”

Is it acreativeoutlet for you, similar to music?

“I think it is actually,because when Iwas growing up Ialways said Iwould either be asinger or an interior designer,which is quite funny

“I used to make big scrapbooks with my best friend of fabrics that Iliked and wallpapers that Iliked and paint colours. I was really into it from averyyoung age.

“Maybe this is is my way of kind of getting that creative side out.”

Howdid you decide on your paint colour,Blue Haze?

“The process was really fun, coming up with amillion different shades of blue to the point where Icouldn’t even see blue anymore.

“But once Inarrowed it down to my top six and then tried the actual paint colours out, it became really obvious which was thewinner.

“I’m really happy with how it’s turned out. The tone is absolutely perfect and I think it emphasises how much paintcan transform aroom –it’s theeasiest way to do it.”

n Wickes Matt Emulsion Paint By Kimberley Walsh BlueHaze, £15 for 2.5 litres, is available now

Kimberley Walsh and Justin Scott attending The Pride of Britain Awards.

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SHIFNAL

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLORES THE TOWN

Originally developed as astagingpost on the main London to Holyhead trading route, Shifnal is atown steeped in history.A scattering of quaint black and white buildings survive to thisday,among the more modern developments, hinting at therich history upon which the town was built.

And that sense of tradition remains evident in atown that has apopulation of around 7,000 and retains its exceptional transport links –though, thesedays, that’scourtesy of the M54 motorway and A5 road, rather than alink between London and Holyhead.

Shifnal’s Roman links were evidenced by its former name, Idsall, and the oldest part of the town is said to be the area around St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, and Innage Road, where excavations have uncovered evidence of ancient buildings.

Clearer records were kept during Norman times and the Domesday Book features an entryregarding St Andrew.Later, during the 13thcentury,a market charter was granted to the town by King Henry III. The Lord of the Manor,Walter de Dunstanville, laid out abroad marketstreet along Broadway, Bradford Street, Market Place, and Park Street. It was known as Shifnal, aname that stuck and gradually came to replace the name Idsall.

Like other towns throughout the Midlands, not least Ironbridge, Shifnal hadstrong connections with the forerunner

to theIndustrialRevolution and during the late 16th century, acharcoal-firedblast furnace was in place near to the Manor House. Tragedy struck, however,onJuly 7, 1591, when a fire set light to the roof of the town’s church.The blaze is thought to have been started by amaidservant’s candle, which set fire to hanging flax. The fire quickly spread and devastated many of the buildings east of the Wesley Brook.The church’s bells melted, so intensewere the flames, though its walls remained standing. Elizabeth I, who was then Queen, was so touched by the plight of villagers that she sent money to help rebuild.

The town’s history has been discovered anew as time has passed and in 2010, renovators at aGrade II Listed property on Broadway found an example of Shropshire Scroll, at 16thcentury style of swirling wall painting, unique to the county

Transport became important to the town as the UK modernised and Thomas Telford upgraded Watling Street, the turnpike road that passed through the town, in the late 18th century.That road carriedtrafficfrom London to Shrewsbury, Chester,and Holyhead, bound for Ireland, bringing prosperity to the town. Aregular stagecoach service had, in fact, been running through the town since 1681 and when mail coaches began to pass, transportbecame avital partofthe town’s economy.Atthe beginning of the19th century,the Holyhead mail coach travelled from London to Shifnal in 27 hours, though by 1831,the time

St Andrew’sChurch in Shifnal.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: White Ladies Priory; Innage Road; Boscobel House and farmyard; Market Place, Shifnal; The clock at Shifnal; a ShropshireScrolldiscovered at apropertyonBroadway during refurbishment. Photo: PeterFlemmich;another view of Market Place with its Tudor fronted buildings; Charles II famously hid near the town.

had been reduced to 16.5 hours, as 150 horses were used along the route.

The town expanded through the 20th century,not least during the 1960s and then once more in 2015, when planning permission was granted for 1,167homes. Furtherplans for expansion were unveiled in 2018, when controversy arose over a scheme to add afurther1,500 homes, in addition to abypass, by 2036, wiping out vast swathes of local farmland.

Shifnal’s rich history is evident not just in the town, but in anumber of key,local tourist attractions,including Boscobel House, White Ladies Priory,and WestonPark.

Now set within arolling agricultural landscape in south-east Shropshire, Boscobel House was once surrounded by dense woodland. It famously became aplaceofrefuge for the future Charles II, who in 1651 concealed himself in an oak treenear thehouse in order to evade Parliamentarian forces. His dramatic escape and subsequent restoration to the throne made both the houseand the Royal Oak, as it becameknown, popular tourist attractions.

Boscobel later became aworking farm, and its surviving barns and machinery offer arare insight into 19th-century farming.

Boscobel House was built as alodge or secondary residence by John Giffard, asmall landowner whose main residence was at White Ladies Priory,about amile away.The earliest part of Boscobel House has been dated by dendrochronology tree-ring dating to about1595. This was asimple timber-framed cottage with two rooms ontwo storeys, which now forms part of the north wing ofthe present house. In about 1624 –30John Giffard added athree-storeywing and by 1632 thehouse was referred to as ‘the house now called or knowne by the name of Boscobel’. The name derives from the Italian words ‘bosco bello’, meaning ‘the beautiful wood’, for at the time the house was surroundedby dense woodland.

The new wing’s main rooms were fitted with panelling and p plasterwork, while outside was agarden enclosed with hedges and laid out with formal beds, with aminiature hill or mount

with an arbour on top. Boscobel resembled the hunting lodges sometimes built by members of the gentry and nobility,but there is no evidence of hunting having taken place there. John Giffard probably built it as aCatholic retreat and ‘safe house’.

After Charles I’s defeat in the firstCivil War, and his execution in January 1649, his son was recognised by Royalists as King Charles II.

Charles returned to Scotlandfrom exile in 1650 to rally support for his cause in Scotland and the North of England. He raised an army of supporters, but was defeated by superior Parliamentarian forces at the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651.

Charles escaped northwards after the battle with several hundred supporters. Realising that the group was too small to prevail in battle, but too big to avoid detection, the king and asmaller group broke away.Companions suggested that the Giffards’ houses at White Ladies and Boscobel be used as hiding places. John Giffard had died, and his widow Dorothy was living at White Ladies, thoughthe estate had passed to their daughter Frances Cotton. The family’s Catholicism made them strong supporters of the Royalist cause. Their houses and estate were looked after by the five Penderel brothers, tenant farmers and servants, who likewise were Catholics andRoyalists.

Charles arrived at WhiteLadies House on the morning of September 4. He parted from his remainingfollowers, and disguised himself as acountryman, with thePenderels’ help.

Richard Penderel guided Charles in an abortive attempt to get to Wales on foot. This was frustrated when they found that the crossingsofthe riverSevern were guarded. Charles and Richard headed back east, arriving at Boscobel House at aboutdawn on September 6.

Atown rich in history, Shifnalremains afavourite spot in the remarkable county of Shropshire.

FIT FOSTERING AROUND YOUR FAMILY

One of the common barriers to potential foster carers is aconcern over the effect it will have on their own children… but as Annie from Oswestry explains, the impact of having other children in your home can actually be extremely beneficial.

“I’d always wanted to foster,and my husband did too –infact his best friend when he was younger was fostered so he knew what it involved. But as aworking mum with three children of my own, Ihad to ensure the time was right.

“Wetalked it through as afamily and decided to apply,” she says. “At first we had quite definite ideas about the ages of the children we wanted to foster but the ages of the children ranged from under five to teenage, and you soon realise that their ages don’t matter: it is achild or young person andtheyall need that time and support.

“Wenow have along-term placement of two siblings and couldn’t be happier.

“Watching our children welcome these young people into our home and make them part of our family has made me very proud of the young adults they have become.

“And it works both ways. The whole family is inspired by the children we foster,many of whom are dealing with some very

difficult circumstances in avery mature way.Weasa familycan safely say we are proud to foster.”

Another worry amongst prospective carers is worrying “will Icope?” As Annie says, the support on hand from Shropshire Council and other foster carers means that you’re never alone.

“There’s a‘buddyscheme’ that puts you in touch with an experienced foster carer and loads of additional support.

Annie’s advice for potential carers

“If Iwere to talking to anyone thinkingoffostering Iwould say just apply and find out more.”

If you would like to know more about fostering, please call 0800 7838798… you’ll never know until you make that call. Don’t think “I can’t foster”– think “I can”.

n Name and location altered to maintain anonymity

GATES OPEN ON SECRET GARDENS

BY HEATHER LARGE

Richard Cundall with his dog Jaffer

Ann Acton.

Tony and Linda Mahalski.

For 364 days of the year they are hidden from public view and enjoyed only by alucky few.But on Sunday,June 18, the gates of 10 private gardens dotted around Ludlow will be open to the public as partofan annual fundraiser

Visitors to the town’s Secret Gardens will get achance to see behind the impressive frontages of some of its architectural gems while picking up plenty of horticulturalinspiration. All of the plots are diverse in size, style and setting

and include some on show for the first time as well as many firm favourites.

The popular event, now in its 33rd year,raises money for Ludlow Assembly Rooms and attracts hundreds of visitors

Tony and Linda Mahalski will be welcoming people to their garden in Mill Street, which can be accessed off Bell Lane. It features an immaculate lawn, pretty floral borders full of colourful plants and numerous seating areas.

Blueberries, rhubarb and strawberries are among the produce currently being grown in the fruit and vegetable plot.

The couple who moved to Ludlow from London around adecade ago divide up the gardening duties with Tony taking care of the lawn and edges and Linda tending to the weeding.

“Weinherited this garden when we moved in and it was abit of shock as it was completely different to the garden we had before with different types of flowers,” explains Linda, who caught the gardening bug after successfully growing two small apple trees from seed.

“The funny thing about gardening is you come outside with the idea of doing this, this and this but then your catches something else andyou end up doing something completely different.”

When the hard work has been done, the couple enjoy sitting on the patio and admiring the view.“The garden gives us much pleasure,” says Tony Ann Acton, who lives in Broad Street with husband Gerald, believes rst-time visitorstotheir sizeable twotier garden will be surprised.

From the street there are no clues to the impressive sight thatwill await visitors once they reach the back of their home.

“People are always amazed as they don’t know what to expect when they come through thegate. It’s unusual to have agarden that’s this big, it’s really

Tony and Linda Mahalski with their dog Harry.

The garden of Tony and Linda Mahalski.

RichardCundall with his dogs Jaffer,Paddy and Ludo.

three and ahalf plots. It used to be a builders merchants yard before it was a garden,” explains Ann.

Featuringanimmaculate lawn, borders bursting with colour and eyecatching sculptures, there is plenty to for visitors to explore.

“It’s averynatural garden, it doesn’t take much looking after.The size of the garden really makes you feel like you’re in the country,” says Ann.

Anew addition for this year can be found at The Lodge in Camp Lane, which is owned by Richard and Alison Cundall.

The multi-level garden, which sits on aslope above the riverside, was created from scratch afterthe couple moved into their new-build home.

“It was abuilding site twoand ahalf years ago,” says Alison. “The garden is still evolving and I’m still making changes. It’s my first effort at garden design.”

It features apond, woodland walk where Alison has been cultivating ferns and planting trees, awildflower area, colourful beds and a fire pit

“Wehave amore formalareaand then awild area where we are not mowing until August or September to let the wildflowers grow,” she explains.

Alison and Richard are no strangers to Secret Gardens as they used to open the garden at their previous home, Maryvale, for the event.

Also opening its gate will be The Maryvale Allotments, located near Mill Gate in Lower Mill Street and home to 30 plots with riverside views, and the courtyard garden tucked behind Castle Bookshop.

Secret Gardens was launched in 1990 by LARFE (Ludlow Assembly

Rooms FundraisingEvents) to raise money for the lively arts, community and entertainment centre which runs as an independent charity

Open six days aweek throughout the year,itoffers streamed events from the Royal Opera House andNational Theatre, films, live theatre, comedy,music and children’s events.

Run by asmall number of staff and more than 130 volunteers, it also provides spaces to hire for exhibitions, parties, workshops, lectures or classes such as table tennis, pilates or dancing.

The Assembly Rooms also houses the Visitor Information Centre, which is run entirely by volunteers.

Secret Gardens is the centre’s biggest

single fundraiser,regularly bringing in between £8,000 and £11,000 with 2022’s event generating arecord £13,000.

The popular event is run by asmall team of eight, who are supported by more than 60 volunteers, lendinga hand with with stewarding, manning stalls andcakemaking.

Over the years, its reputation has grown and it usually attracts more than 1,000 people with many coming from not just Shropshire but further afield.

“Wenow get people from all over the country such as Pembrokeshire, Cardiff, Manchester,Bristol and Norfolk. We have neveradvertised in those areas but word has got out, “says Cy Jones BEM, who has been head of the event’s organising team for virtually its entire history

“Weare grateful to our garden owners who so generously agree to open their gardens, our supporters and our volunteers.”

Teaand homemade cakes, ice creams, prosecco and plants will be available in selected gardens and there will also be a rafflewith prizes including a fine foods hamper and champagne.

Secret Gardens has been sponsored by Bill’s Kitchen at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, which will be open from 9am until 3pm on theday of the event.

The event runs from 12pm until 6pm. Tickets, which include amap and give entry to all the gardens, cost £10. Entrance for accompanied under-12s is free.

Tickets are available from the box office at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Castle Street, by calling 01584 878141 or online at www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

The garden of Ann Acton.

IRON AGE REMINDERS

BY ANDY RICHARDSON

The small village of Pontesbury has apopulation of just over 3,000 people and sits near to Minsterley,onthe route between Shrewsbury and Bishop’s Castle.

The Rea Book flows nearby and the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is in close proximity

Nearby is Earl’s Hill, which is the site of an Iron Age hillfort built around 600BCand making it aScheduled Ancient Monument and also designated an SSSI (Site of Special ScientificInterest) for its wildlife value. It was Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s first naturereserve in 1964.

Earl’s Hill is PreCambrianinorigin, being formed approximately 650 million

years ago as aresult of volcanic activity along the Pontesford-Linley fault.

Athree-and-a-halfmile walk around open countryside with asteep butshort descent encompasses the journey from Pontesbury to Earl’s Hill.

It’s well worth theuphillscramble for the 360-degree panorama at the top of Earl’s Hill. Until thelate 1800s this hill, sometimes likened from afar to asleeping dragon, was the venue for popular Easter festivities –including arace down the hillside to the brook at its base.

Walk along Pontesbury Hill Road away from the church, following the road past the phone box and turn left at Birch Row,until you reach theford adjacent to the Plough Inn. Don’t cross the ford but turn right up Whitwell Lane. Follow the stream past houses on the left and take the lane to the right until you reach ametal kissing gate on theleft. Go through it.

Walk along the hedgerow to the next metal gate and turn right following the waymark. Cross the field to the metal kissing gate. Turn left,following the hedgerow on the left. Cross astream and continue to pass through the metal kissing gate in the corner of the field.

Turn right along the road until you reach afarm driveway on the left. Turn left andthen go through ametalgate on the right. Follow the fence line on the left, staying in the field and following the hedgerow on the left to the metal gate in the corner of the field. Continue in the same direction through the field, crossing two stiles until you reach astile in the left-hand corner,taking you to face the route to Earl’s Hill.

Cross the stile and walk towards Earl’s Hill. Cross another stile and footbridge until you reach the stile in the top righthand corner of the field. Cross the lane to enter Earl’s Hill Reserve.

Follow the path up the hill, ignoring

another path on the left. Continue to the top of the hill until you see astile and pine woods on your left.

Turn right up Earl’s Hill until you reach the summit, marked by atrigpoint.

Looking north you will see Shrewsbury and notably the white Shelton Water Tower.To the east, The Wrekin. To the west, extensive views into Wales. Here you will see the outline of a hillfort which occupied the hilltop in the first millennium BC

From the trig point, continue inthe same direction to descend Earl’s Hill. Follow the path until you reach asteep descent to astile at thebottom of the hill. Go over the stile andwalk 10 yards to join apath. Turn left.Follow this path on the eastern side of Earl’s Hill, through woodland. Continue walking in the same direction, ignoring footpaths to both left and right, to reach ametal gate. Pass through afurther metal gate where you arrive at an open field with gorse. Go through another metalgate and continue in the same direction, heading for woodland.

Go throughthe metal gate on to a woodland track and continue until you reach Earl’s Hill car park. Go through the car park onto theroadand turn right heading downhill for about 55 yards to asharp left turnsignposted, over the cattle grid. Head down the track to the hedge line, then turn right at acattle grid through ametal gate, walking diagonally across the field to the kissing gate. Turn right down the driveway to the road.

Turn left on the road, passingMary Webb School on your right. Walk past the school entrance and continue to the T-junction at the bottomofthe road. Turn left, arriving at the Plough Inn and the ford on your right, which you passed at the beginning ofthe walk. Cross the ford to the road leading back to the start.

Earls Hill.

Rea Brook.

EISTEDDFOD EXCELLENCE

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is aweek-long arts festival in north-east Wales, which for 76 years has brought together performers from across the globe to share their love of song, dance and spoken word. This proud heritage of international cultural exchange and its potential to heal the wounds of conflict, takes place in awelcoming and joyful Eisteddfod, rooted in traditional Welsh values. Abuzzing outdoor site and world-class evening concert series join with a diverse mix of traditional andcontemporary music and dance competitions.

Llangollen 2023 opens on Tuesday, July 4: AlfieBoe and musical theatre super-group, Welsh of the West Endperform in an evening concert createdjust for Llangollen. Guy Barker’s Big Band performs on Friday,July 7, with aformidable power-house of top-drawer jazz players and guest soloists including Tommy Blaize, Vanessa Haynes, Clare Teal and Giacomo Smith.

Mid-week the Eisteddfod’s commitment to peace is highlighted through The White Flower: Into theLight, alarge-scale classical music concert on Wednesday,July 5. Massed choirs andNEW Sinfonia join performers from Wales, Bosnia and Ukraine for a

concert of remembrance culminating in amessageofpeace and hope. On Thursday,July 6, cross-genre multi-instrumentalists Propellor Ensemble present an immersive theatrical experience blending contemporary music, folk, dance and dynamic live visuals; inspired by the natural world.

Twoincredible live finals form the closing weekend –Choir of the World and Stars of Tomorrow.The best choirs, dance ensembles and operatic stars featureonSaturday,July 8, whilst the next generation of talented performers compete on Sunday,July 9.

Awide range of ticket prices/optionsexist; Field entry starts at £5, and Evening Concert tickets cost £10-£48.

Forcomplete immersion in the festival, aFull Weekly Festival Pass provides exclusive access and the best seats in the house for five Evening Concerts, daytime entry to the Eisteddfod Maes and Competitions in the Pavilion, plus discounts andcomplimentary refreshments. Priced at £230 it’s great value for money and delivers an exclusive range of complimentary privileges. Tickets can be booked online at www.llangollen.net or on 01978 862001.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWKING

BY DAVID TOOLEY

Communities across Shropshire raised atoast to His Majesty as they turned out to celebrate King Charles’ coronation.

Rain did not dampen the spirits of well-wishers who gathered at Shrewsbury Castle to watch the historic event on the big screen.

The drizzle didn’t matter for Eleri Gibson and her friends from back in the day at Oswestry Girls High School. “We have been very good friends for years and years,” said Eleri. “Weare here to celebrate the occasion and it is nice to be here for an historic event.”

While King Charles was being crowned in Westminster,the castle’s own “king” Charlie Taylor,aged nine, sat on his bean bag throne attended to by dad Matt Taylor,sister Rose, aged two, and Matt’s mumLinda Webster

In Shrewsbury,Sylvia Jones organised astreet party for her neighbours in Underdale Avenue where about half the street turned out to buy raffletickets, eat cakes and enjoy each others’ company They played games, too.

Mayor of Madeley Helena Morgan with Gareth Williams,Deputy Lieutenant, at Madeley’sCoronationStreet Party.

Derek Elliott with Holly at Underdale Avenue Street Party, Shrewsbury.

Rose Woolam,Sarah Carswell with son Jack, and Kathryn Davies at Underdale Avenue Street Party, Shrewsbury.

Sylvia, 75, aretired former Guide leader,who was apart of the movement for 30 years, organised the shindig as away of encouraging community engagement and to raisefunds.

They ended up with £86.50 to help send members of the 5th Shrewsbury Guides and 13th Shrewsbury Brownies to asummer camp.

In Madeley,the town council had used agrant from Telford &Wrekin Council to work with theAnstice Community Trusttoorganise aparty

It hadbeen due to be held outdoors, but moved inside when the forecast became clear

Madeley Town Clerk Alison Hinks said about 250 bags of food were picked up by local children and locals snapped up about 150 cream teas. The Anstice Centre ballroom became afocal point for ascreening of the events in London and for the gathering.

Prizes were also handed out to best

dressed window and market stall.

Cookes Creations won the market crown while the Severn Hospice Shop, bedecked in red, white and blue, won the window contest.

Town mayor Councillor Helena Morgan and Deputy LieutenantGareth Williams also showed off aspecial commemorative plaque for the town. Similar plaques are being made available for communities across the county

And thousands took part in Big Lunch andstreet parties as the coronation celebrations continued the following day

In Tibberton, near Newport, tents filled the local playing fields, as organisers packed the park with children’s activities, entertainment and stalls and partied into the evening.

The clocks were turned back for a coronation celebration in Coalbrookdale, with atea dance complete with afternoon tea and music from the 50s and 60s.

Toby Lerone, from Showstoppers, with Evie Bloomer and sister Ellie at the coronation street party in Madeley.

Matt Taylor,Rosie and Charlie from Radbrook at Shrewsbury Castle.

Underdale Avenue Shrewsbury Street Party.

Councillor Peter Scott, centre, with John Moreton and Gareth Lambe and the Newport Rotary tree.

Coronation Events

Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale Civic Society marked the Coronation of King Charles III with the event in Coalbrookdale Village Hall.

Volunteers decked out the hall in red white and blue and after atraditional afternoon tea the 40 guestswere able to dance the afternoon away or sit and listen to singers AvaEvergreen and Colin Onions.

In the final day of coronation celebrations, thousands of charities and community groups came together for the Big Help Out.

About 30,000 organisations put on around 55,000 events across the country to mark the crowning of Charles III with ashowcase of volunteering. In Newport, volunteers celebrated with their event, that sawgroups turn outto plant acommunity coronation orchard in Victoria Park.

About 40 volunteers from the local

Rotary club, awalkinggroup, local litterpickers and The Hub –ayouth club and community cafe –wereall in attendance to plant the fruit trees.

Apple, pear,plum and damson trees were planted, which will provide Newport’s residents and visitors with free, fresh fruit for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury Abbey was transformed into acoronation community hub as more than 500 people enjoyed a drop-in party

People of all ages, from babies to senior citizens called into the Abbey for an afternoon of celebratory fun.

The event included free entertainment and activities. There was music and poetry from entertainers all givingtheir time and talents free of charge

Families could enjoy fun, including designing astamp, ateddy bearchallenge and abouncy castle.

Parish Administrator SteveSwindon at Shrewsbury Abbey.

Making crowns at Shrewsbury Abbey arePoppy Powell, 3, and Ivy Corfield, 4.

Ros Wade, Holly Wade, Rebbecca Wade, Tracy Tomkins from Sutton Farm at Shrewsbury Castle.

Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale Civic Society tea dance at Coalport VillageHall.

Photo:DaveBagnall

COOKINGUPA KITCHEN DYNASTY

MATTHEW PANTER SPEAKS TO THEOWNER OF AFINE FINISH KITCHEN AND JOINERY COMPANY WHOPAVED THE WAYINTERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Kenton Jones Junior shows his son Henry the ropes

Chris Compton with Kenton Jones Senior

Asbusinessesgo, it’s fair to say Kenton Joneshas been atrailblazer.Long before companies put afocus on their green credentials and sustainability,the Welshpool company was leading the way Indeed, such values have been the company’s focus during more than 46 years of making beautiful handcrafted kitchens, bedrooms and solid wood floors.

The company selects timber from managed forests –with alocal focus –and maintain control throughout the whole production process; from timber drying and preparation through to design, manufactureand final installation.

“What is interesting is the whole thing about sustainability,” says Managing Director Kenton Junior. “Itisa new, fashionable thing that businesses market off now but we have done so from day one, wherever possible, sourcing local

timber,and it’s something we are very proud of.”

Kenton Jones senior,a local master craftsman, started the business more than 46 years ago.

Hisson explains: “Wecame from afarm near Guilsfieldand, above the cowshed, my father hadasmall joinery workshop. He went off to university and trained to be an architect andthencame out and had adesignbuild company.

“He was building one-off houses for local people and making thingsinhis little joinery shop to go into these houses, like furniture, doors and kitchens.

“That side of what he was doing just boomed. He stopped building and went into joinery and that’s how thekitchen business developed really

“My uncle Michael, who was running the farm, had asawmill so he’d collect fallen trees in the local area and my father

would turn them into kitchens for people.

“Wehave had that mindset of using local timber and local products, ever since, even when we have diversified into different areas of construction.

“It’s always been like that and it’s a nice thingtodo. It’s agood thingtobe green and we have done so without trying because we had apassion to do so.”

Working with timber is something Kentontalks passionately about. It means something more than apiece of steel, glass or plastic, he says.

“They are just manmade objects,” he says. “But timber has astory.It is naturally grown.

“You see its life span through its rings. Youknow where it has come from, how long it has lived for

“And then it eventually gets turned into atable, or akitchen or adoor.That’s the beauty of timber

“When you care about where it’s come from and you can say: ‘I’ve made that table from Mrs Jones’ Oak tree and it’s now in her dining room’.

“That’s alovely thing to be able to say. That’s what makes it special and everyone

Chris Compton with Kenton Jones Senior and customers at their shop.

who works in the industry appreciates that. They have aconnection with the material. We have done that for along time –taking people’s timber and making things out of it for them. We are still doing it today.”

The company’s growing reputation has been based on supplying high-quality kitchens, UK wide, for more than 40 years, lovingly handmade by skilled craftsmen employed in its workshops.

The company designs, manufactures and fits kitchens in a variety of styles and materials –luxury, classic,contemporary, traditional, to suit tastes and budgets.

And the company has royal approval too –fromthe King himself, no less.

“When Prince Charles lived at Highgrove House in 2001, we did a kitchen for him,” recalls Kenton,proudly

“It was in Welsh Oak and he had a particular interest in Welsh timber and using sustainable sources.”

But Kenton JonesLtd has become about alot more than kitchens.

“Kitchens were at theforefront of

our first20years of business but we have grown and diversified,” Kentonadds.

The company works in flooring–work which canbeen seen at Selfridges in London and as far away as the United States of America and Singapore.

“In 2008, we were asked by the Welsh Government to develop asustainable engineered timber frame system for housing as well,” Kentonadds. “Wegot picked for that because we had alot of experience in laminating and joinery processes andmachining.

“So now we develop modular buildings, houses and kit them out with our joinery products and kitchens. We have gone back full circle to havinga design build company again running in tandem with the joinery business.”

The company even built ahouse in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, creating adream home in aChannel 5 show –Build Your Dream Home in the Country –with Mark Millar.

The business constructed seven timber modules in the Welshpool factory,

Kenton Jones Senior shakes hands with the then Prince Charles

made from Douglas Firoff afamily farm in Guilsfield, and transported 600 miles to the island.

“Wehave done work with ahigh-end developer in Sydney Harbour,a holiday home in Barbados where Madonna used onstruction projects in DC and we have coming up in ay.

It’s been an incredible journey for us for more than 45 years,” added Kenton.

“Like everyone, we have faced challenges, such as the 2008 crash, Covid and now acostof-living crisis.

“But we have managed by diversifying and changing the dynamics company.You have taround what’s market place and where your skills cantake you.

“For me, it is about safeguarding the

legacy and our name, keeping us out there in terms of quality,customer service and reputation. This can be ahard industry and Iamincredibly proud of the team.

“Wewouldn’t be anywhere without them. The combined team effort helps us maintain product quality and keep our reputation high.

“I was once told by aclient of ours –surround yourself by great people and you can achieve great things. This really hit home with me, realising how fortunate we are, as acompany,tohave the team we do, for what we have achieved so far and what lies ahead in the future.”

All timber is locally sourced

Joiner Steven May

ArscottFarm

Afantastic place to go with the family for amorningoranafternoon. Visit the farm animals,eat and drink,pickstrawberries or find your waythrough Shrewsbury’s biggestand best maizemaze.

ArscottFarmSY5 0XP

We will open at the startofthe summer holidays10am-5.30pm daily until end of August Visit www.Arscottfarm.co.uk Arscott Farm

‘LOBSTERIS AFFORDABLE RIGHT NOW’

FISH COOKERY LEGEND NATHAN OUTLAW TALKS TO LAUREN TAYLOR ABOUT CHEAP,SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD –AND HOW WE’RE ALL OVERCOOKING IT

The cost of food is still soaring, and Nathan Outlaw’s top tip for budget-friendly seafood might surprise you.

“A very goodbuy at the moment, that everyone thinks is expensive, is lobster,” says the two-Michelin star chef,who is famedfor fish cookery

“Lobster is actually quite an affordable species. It’s obviously got that attachment of being luxury,but there are so many different ways to use it and you can get two or three meals out of one lobster.”

The 45-year-old recommends tail meat for lobster dumplings, or using the meat for an alternative take on sesame prawn toast.

“It’s away of using adeemed-to-beexpensive species but in asmaller amount, and it goes alot further,” he says.

So what other fish should we consider

Green gazpacho with crab and walnuts (serves 4)

Ingredients

200g white crabmeat

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the green gazpacho

1celery stick, sliced

1green pepper,deseeded and chopped

150g cucumber,peeled and sliced

1courgette, sliced

100g stale white bread, crusts removed

1green chilli, deseeded and chopped

1garlic clove,sliced

1tsp sugar

50g walnut halves, lightly toasted

100g baby spinach

30g tarragon

10g flat-leaf parsley, chopped

2tbs cider vinegar

100ml oliveoil

60g full-fat Greek yogurt

200ml water

150g ice cubes

2tsp sea salt

White pepper,totaste

To garnish

4pickled walnuts, chopped

½cucumber,peeled and finely diced

1green apple, peeled and finely diced

1green pepper,peeled, deseeded and diced

buying in the cost-of-living crisis?

“Hake is definitely agood fish that’s cheaper,” says Outlaw,whose acclaimed restaurants include Outlaw’s New Road –where tasting menus cost £175 ahead –and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, both in Port Isaac, Cornwall.

He suggests also looking for megrim sole, also sold as Cornish sole. “Brill is a really good alternative to turbot, which is alittle more pricey.Crab is agood one. If you see ling, areallynice white fish, that’s agood one because it’s usually quite abig fish that you get –it’sfrom the cod family.”

Outlaw,who trained under legendary seafood chef Rick Stein, says it “baffles” him that as acountrywedon’t eat more fish.

“We’re not amassive fish-eating nation, which is very strange because A, we’re an island, and B, we’ve probably got the best variety of seafood of anybody –and probablythe best sustainable fishermen you can come across.

“Beyond fish and chips, it’s deemed as being quite posh.”

He’s on amission to make fish and seafood cooking more accessible to home cooks with his new book, Fish ForDinner,full of tips and advice to “demystify” fish –with abig focus on seasonal and sustainable shopping.

Buying vacuum-packed fillets from asupermarket may be how many of us buy fish, but from acost point of view,we may be getting it wrong. It’s often cheaper in the long run to buy whole fish, says Outlaw,who has appeared on the BBC’s

Great British Menu andSaturday Kitchen and counts Michelin-star chef Tom Brown as his protégé.

“You can guarantee freshness with a whole fish, whereas if it’s been filleted you can’t really see it. Ialways say whole fish is better,you get the bones which are perfect for astock or base of areallynice broth. It can give you two or three meals, if you just buy fillets you’rejust going to get that one meal.”

But he knows buying fish whole does concern alot of shoppers.

“The main thing people are worried

about is it being difficult [to fillet fish at home] and smelling of fish –but if you buy good fish it’snot smelly,itsmells of the sea which is quite anicesmell.”

His latest book includes step-by-step pictures demonstrating howtoprepare different types of whole fish, and it’s easier than we think, he says. “It’s just practice. Some are more difficult than others; a flat fish [like seabass] is pretty straightforward, but maybe butterflying a round fish is alittle bit more difficult.

“There was atime when Icouldn’t do it, but Idobelieve everyone can do it. People worry about making amistake and ruining the fish, but you can’t really ruin it.

1tbs tarragon, chopped

1tbs flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 6tbs oliveoil

Method

1. Mix together all the ingredients for the gazpacho the day beforeand leavethem to mingle. Coverand refrigerate.

2. The next day, place all the gazpacho ingredients in ablender or food processor and blend for two minutes until smooth.

Place asieveovera bowl and pass the gazpacho through it, using the back of a ladle or large spoon to squeeze as much through the sieveaspossible. Chill the

gazpacho and discardany debris in the sieve.

3. To preparethe crabmeat, pick through your crab, checking for any shell or cartilage to discard. Place the crabmeat in abowl, season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate.

4. Mix all the garnish ingredients together in abowland season with salt and pepper Set aside.

5. Beforeserving, chill four bowls for 30 minutes in the freezer.Toserve, divide the gazpacho between the chilled bowls and top with the crabmeat and agenerous spoonful of garnish. Serveimmediately.

“If you don’t get close enough to the bone and leave abit of meat on the carcass, justgoinwith aspoon anduse thatfor fishcakes or fish pies. You’re never going to waste anything. The best thing you can do is have ago.”

Hailing from Maidstone, Kent, Outlaw says he grew up not liking fish. “Asa kid I’d eat fish fingers or fish and chips, barely –I’d have to be convinced,” he laughs. After all, people change.“This is whyI’m agood person to talk about fish with.”

He worked in professional kitchens in London in his teens and “gravitated towards the fish area” before landing a job with Rick Stein in Padstow,Cornwall, aged 19, where he really learned his craft

Nathan Outlaw’ssousedred mulletwith grape and chickpea salad.

preparing and cooking every type of fish, under kitchen pressure.

“That’s when Istarted to really appreciate all the different species, the different textures, different seasons… What was sustainable and what wasn’t sustainable.”

Lots of people don’t think of fish as aseasonal ingredient, like fruit and vegetables, but Outlaw says “it’s ahuge seasonal thing”.

“That’s the basis of how we run the restaurants –the wayIcook fish is completely down to what’s been caught at thattime,” he adds. “I never put any demand on a fisherman or fishmonger that Ibuy from. We just take what’s best at that pointfor the market.”

It’s why so many of his recipes in the book are designed to be ‘multi-species’ and come with alistofalternative types of fish that will work justaswell. You’ll find crab andasparagus stuffed baked potatoes (that can also be made with smoked mackerel), spiced deep-fried gurnard (which can be made with any non-oily fish variety) and jerk John Dory with acoconutand pea salad (which can be made with gurnard, red mullet, sea robin, goatfish or lobster).

When it comes to shopping sustainably,wesimply need to ask more questions about where it’s come from

Grilled gurnardwrapped in pancetta

Alternativefish

Mackerel, bass, grey or redmullet, sea bass, goatfish

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

1gurnard, about 2kg, descaled gutted, filleted, pin-boned and trimmed

Zest of 1lemon

12 sage leaves

12 pancetta slices

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the parsnip mash

4large parsnips, unpeeled

4tbs rock salt

100g unsalted butter

100g Parmesan, grated

2tbs chives, chopped

For the lemon and sage butter

2tbs sage, chopped

1shallot, finely chopped

2garliccloves, finely chopped

Zest and juice of 1lemon

250g unsalted butter,softened

Method

1. Firstmakethe butter.Place the sage, shallot, garlic, lemon zest and juice in a

bowl. Add the softened butter and mix until evenly blended. Season to taste. Lay baking parchment on awork surface and spoon the butter onto it. Wrap the butter in the paper,rolling it into along sausage shape. This can be kept in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for amonth. Beforecooking the fish, cut the butter into thick slices; three per portion of fish.

2. Preheat the ovento180C. Place each whole parsnip on atablespoon pile of salt on an oventrayand cook for one hour,then set aside to cool. Then, carefully cut them lengthways and scoop the cooked flesh into abowl, keepingthe outside skin intact.

3. Mash the cooked parsnip with the butter, Parmesan and chives, taste and season with salt and pepper.Divide the parsnip mash between the parsnip shells, then slice each in half and lay them onto atray, ready to be reheated. To reheat, place them in the ovenfor 15 minutes.

4. To cook the gurnard, preheat the grill to amedium setting. Take the fish out of the fridge 30 minutes beforecooking as this will help you get agood even cook. Cut the two fillets in half to giveyou four equal portions and season with salt, pepper and the lemon zest. Place three sage leaves on the skin of each fillet and then wrap

and how it’s been caught. “If you’re in the UK, you want to make sure it’s British fish,” he says.

“If you’re lucky enough to have a good fishmonger in your town or village, ask how it was caught. Wasitnetted? Wasitline-caught? Where was it caught? The boat name is agood one to ask. That information is readily available to a fishmonger.”

One major mistake many home cooks make is overcooking the fish.“I’d say 8085% can be eaten raw,for astart, so you never need to worry about undercooking with any species that you haveathome. Even if it’s slightly undercooked, nothing’s going to happen,” says Outlaw. “It does seem the case that people err on the side of caution and overcook –and then unfortunately what happens is you probably have an experience that’s not great and it’s dry

“Fillets always cook very quickly –three of four minute id most fillets of fish ar already cooked.”

n Fish ForDinner by Nathan Outlaw is published by Kyle Books, priced £28. Photography by Kate Whitaker.

three slices of pancetta around each one, encasing the sage beneath the pancetta. Arrange the fish, skin-side up, on an oiled grill tray and place under the grill for six minutes. If the fish fillets arevery thick they may need another couple of minutes. Rest for two minutes on the hot tray and place three slices of butter on each fish fillet. Place back under the grill for two minutes. 5. To serve, warm four plates and lay two parsnip halves on each. Carefully lift the gurnardfromthe grill tray and place next to the parsnips. Shareany remaining butter between the plates and serveimmediately

WILD SIDE OF LUXURY CUISINE

FOR

The Shropshire-basedcatering business has no permanent outlet or fixed location so instead you will find the black and pink food trailer at anever-ending list of festivals, events andlocations across the county and further afield

Capturing their passion for local provenance, seasonality and great cooking, Wild Street Kitchen are on amission to make luxury ingredients such as venison as accessible as possible to as many diners as possible. Venison might be the mainstay of other menus but you will find adollop of wild garlic on the side and ahost of other veggie, fishy and meaty dishes all served in astreet food-style with some fine dining panache.

The vision of Wild Street Kitchen comes from Zachary Hermon and Warwick Kidd, two chefs with fine dining pedigrees, complete with Michelin Stars

and AA Rosettes. Zach and Warwick first met while working in thekitchen at a boutique hotel in theCotswolds. As their careers progressed they stayed in touch, both ending up in Shropshire.

The pandemic came along and just like for so many people in the hospitality industry it was agreat opportunity to re-evaluate. Theywanted to take venison, aleanmeatwith health benefits and a perception of being aluxury product, and make it accessible, something that everyone could enjoy.Street food was quickly identified as the best avenue to achievethis. The result has been a game-changer or,more specifically,The Game Changer,a venison burger that ‘meats’ all expectations. The meat is cold smoked to draw out additional flavour before being minced. Pancetta is mixed in, again to add flavour,add wild garlicaioli, pickles and cheese for the winning combo that has been going down atreat with the thousands of enthusiasts who have sampled the burger sinceits inception.

Talking to Zachand Warwick, it becomes clear of theimportance they place on their ingredients, doing the right thing by theanimal, using therightherbs, flowers, plants and fungi at the right time of year,using them freshand preserving them for use all year round. They want to forage, catch andstalk as much of the produce they need to bring that sense of place right on to the plate.

All the wild garlic they use is foraged by hand from arange of secret locations that include some serene landscapes in South Shropshire and others, well, less serene, located near retail parks andchain restaurants around Shrewsbury.Itall counts though. The wild garlic season is short andtheyserve alot of it at Wild Street Kitchen. It needs to last awhole

Warwick Kidd and Zachary Hermon.

THE LATEST STOP IN HIS SERIES SHOWCASING SHROPSHIRE’S FINEST FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCERS, ED THOMAS CATCHES UP WITH THE CULINARY INSPIRATIONS BEHIND WILD STREET KITCHEN

year of catering for street food lovers. Prepared and preserved, the wild garlic becomes mayos and sauces adding the final flourish to dishes such as the gamechanger burger and the venison filet.

The venison is also sourced locally.Zach and Warwick work with local hunters who stalk during the tightly defined season being careful to select the right animals. The hunters all place aheavy emphasis on conservation, doing what’s right for the animal, the herd, the land and the local ecosystem. These animals then produce the finest quality meat.

It’s then over to Warwick and Zach who control the whole butchery process from skinning through to the final cuts of meat. Respect, care and attention are the key watch words at this stage. The guys focus on the carcass as it is prepared and cut down to manageable cutswhich are then used to prepare the different dishes. There are some mainstays of the menu, but you will also find new dishes and specials appearing, having been dreamt up and refined by Zach who takes more of a lead on development and creativity

It’s down to Warwick to manage the logistics, source the produce and make sure the fridges are stocked ready to serve the public. Then they both meet, greet and cook for willing customers where ever they are turning up next.

While the Wild Street Kitchen is rapidly becoming famous for its venison dishes, you will also find fish on the

menu. All the fish is sourced from Cornish day boats and delivered fresh. The same care and attention goes into preparing fish and other seafood as it does the venison. The boatsand fishermen who catch the fish have thesame on sustainability as hunters. Youwill not nd bottom-trawled fish here,all the boats where Wild Street Kitchen fish comes from use sustainable practices steering clear of habitatdamaging approaches. Hand-hauled pots and line-caught fish are the of the day. As well as foraging themselves and working with likeminded professionals to stalk and catch the meat and fish, Zach and Warwick also work with small, organic growers all through the year.These growers employ

sustainable agricultural practices which helps to packasmuch natural flavour and goodness into the dishes as possible while also being wise with the environment. One suchsupplier is Wild Room, a nationwide network of foragers who sell hyper-seasonal produce that changes weekly.From seaweed to fungi these highly skilled foragers seek out hidden natural gems before picking and gathering them in asustainable way,only taking as much astheyneedand often less so the plants and widerecosystem can recover and regrow

Look out for Wild Street Kitchen at a festival, food event, holiday park or pub car park near you soon.

BRILLIANT REDSFOR BARBECUE SEASON

Whether it’s acasual cookout or bonzer barbecue, sizzling season is in full swing and now’s the time to stock up on essentials –not forgetting the wines.

After all, if you’ve been labouring over those tasty marinades and cooking techniques and whipping up super sides, you’ll want to make sure your drinks bring something to the table, too.

These lip-smacking reds will get the juices flowing while you flame the food…

TorreDeFerro Reserva 2019, Dão, Portugal, £7, Lidl

Defo one for your barbecue bucket list, there’s lots to love about this easy, approachable plummy red from Portugal’s famous Dão region. Aromasand flavours of floral damson fruit taste perfectly poised (especially at this price), with touches of red cherries and warm spice

lingering on the finish. Asmooth ride all the way,one for grilled lamb chops, chicken thighsand chargrilled veggies.

Waitrose Côtes du Rhône Villages

2020, France, £8, Waitrose

The definition of atop value red, this grenache blend and southern Rhône star is packed with the region’s rich black fruits. Delicious from the word go, the dark cherry,raspberry and herby character supported by hints of spice offers freshness on the finish –and enough structure to pair perfectly with all your favourite classicbarbecue dishes.

Co-op Irresistible Bio Bio Valley

Malbec 2021, Chile, £8, Co-op

Youknow you’re onto awinner with a Decanter silver medal winner at the 2022 World Wine Awards (90 to 94 points). Plush with impressive depth of flavour, scents of violets and savouryblack fruits

unfold with mouth-filling blackberry fruit balanced by adry,peppery note and hint of saddle leather.Bring on the steak.

TTD Western Australian Shiraz 2021, £8.50, Sainsbury’s Apalate primer,this smooth shiraz proves how Australia’s signature red grape wildly over-delivers with its sunny personality and sun-drenched juiciness. Think vivid blackberry notes and perfect parcel of spicy,sweet black fruits, raspberry notes and lingering velvety finish. Oneto complement the tenderness of awell marbled flat-iron steak.

Adnams Carmenère2021, Central Valley, Chile, £9, Adnams

This impressive own-label red is a crowd-pleasing fruit bomb lacedwith spiced cherries, bell pepper,herbs and smoke. Fabulously fruityand layered, secondary notes of earthy blueberries and blackberries are accompanied by hints of mocha with alasting, smoky finish. Versatile and food-friendly,it’syour go-to with flame-grilled meats, lamb, chicken and spicy sausages.

Southern Right Pinotage 2020, South Africa, £19.50, The Champagne Company

Aknockout red and beautiful introduction to South Africa’s signaturegrape. Pinotage hints at plummy flavours, with complex dark berry fruits, delicious ripeness and exotic spice, and you’ll be smitten from the first sip with this one. Awine to linger over until the last dying embers –if you can make it last that long!

IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR GRILL ON, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

DOTRY THIS AT HOME

ROAST RUMP OF CORNISH LAMB, PEAS ÀLAFRANÇAISE, ASPARAGUS &ROASTED POTATOES –SERVES 4

For the roasted potatoes

Summer is hereand thesegorgeous recipes from Michelin-starred chef Andreas Antona makethe most of the current season. Shropshireisacounty with plentiful supplies of lamb and new season cuts areavailable nowin the best local butchers. Twoofthese recipes from Chef Antona, of Simpsons, at Edgbaston, near Birmingham, use seasonal meat, while the dessert uses fabulous rhubarb, which is also in season and available locally.

650g Maris Piper potatoes

50ml oliveoil

50ml vegetable oil

Maldon salt

Preheat oven to 190C. Peel thepotatoes and cut into four even-sized pieces. Place the potatoes in apan and cover with cold, salted water.Bring to the boil over amediumheatand cook for about five to 10 minutes until tender.Drain and shake in acolander to rufflethe edges. Leave to stand for five minutes. Pour the oils into a roasting tin and place in the oven to heat up for five minutes. Remove the roasting tin from the oven and add the potatoes. Stir them to evenly coat in the oil. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning the potatoes two or three times during theroasting process. They should be crispy and adeep golden colour.Season with Maldon salt.

For the asparagus

20 asparagus spears, large

Place alarge pan of salted water on a medium heat and bring to the boil. Trim or snap off the woody ends of the asparagus. With avegetable peeler, careful peel off the outer layer about halfway up the spear.This will help to reduce the cooking time as thetough, fibrous part hasbeenremoved. Carefully place into the boiling water and blanch for three to four minutes or until just tender

Once cooked, remove the asparagus and place into ice water.Leave until cold. Remove from the ice water andplace onto adrainingtray.Cut theasparagus into 3cm pieces.

For the roast rump of lamb

4lamb rumps (about 300g each)

Vegetable oil

Maldon salt

Preheat the oven to 190C. Heat afrying panwith the oil and place the lamb rump fat side down. Once the fat is browned, sear the rest of the sides. Place on alined tray and roast for 15-20 minutes reaching acore temperature of 56C. Remove from the oven, cover with foil and leave to rest.

For the Peas alaFrançaise

80g bacon lardons

30g unsalted butter

½shallot, finely diced

200g garden peas or frozen peas

120ml chicken stock

Salt &pepper

1baby gem lettuce, leaves separated

Heat the butter in apan over amedium heat. Add the bacon and cook for acouple of minutes. There should be no colour on the bacon. Add the shallot and cook until soft. Stir in the peas and add the stock. Cover and reduce the heat to asimmer for two to three minutes. Season to taste and add the lettuce leaves. Cover and cook for two minutes until thelettuce is soft.

To finish

Pea shoots

Sherry vinegar

Cut the lamb rump in half and season. Spoon the peas into abowl and top with the lamb. Garnish with pea shoots, drizzle with warmed sherry vinegar andserve with the roasted potatoes.

Lamb kleftiko

Oliveoil

4lamb shanks

1onion, roughlychopped

1garlicclove,chopped

120ml port

10ml sherry vinegar

2rosemary sprigs

1bay leaf

1star anise

¼tsp white peppercorns

1tbsp coriander seeds

1litrechicken stock

3tbsp honey

Salt

Preheat the oven to 120C. In alarge casserole dish heat 2tbspofolive oil over amediumheatand add the onions and garlic. Cook until golden.

Add the sherry vinegar andport and cook until reduced by three quarters. Add the stock to the pan with the rosemary, bay leaf,star anise, peppercorns and coriander seeds. Bring to theboil and add in lamb. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Cover with afoil or alid and place in the oven for two to twoand ahalf hours or until themeatistender.Once cooked, remove the lamb from the pan,

cover and keep warm. To glaze, coat the lamb in olive oil and honey and place in a 180C oven. Continue to cook until crisp and golden brown. Strain thecooking liquid into aclean pan, boil it to asauce consistency and adjustthe seasoning.

Aromatic cous cous

130g cous cous

1tbsp oliveoil

200ml water

¼tsp salt

Bring the water,oil and salt to the boil and add in the cous cous. Cover with alid and remove from the heat. Leave for about five minutes and fluff with afork.

Tenderstem broccoli

12 tenderstem broccoli

Salt

Prepare an ice bath in alargebowl. Bring alarge pan of salted water to the boil. Reduce the heat to asimmer and add the broccoli, cooking for three to five minutes or until tender,then drain and plunge into the ice bath. Once cooled, drain andplace into abowl until required.

To finish

1tbsp oliveoil

½pomegranate, seeds removed 1tbsp lemonjuiceand zest of alemon

Mint, finely shredded

Parsley, finely shredded

Maldon salt

Cracked black pepper

Red wine sauce (recipes online)

Combine the cous cous with the olive oil, pomegranate seeds, lemon, mint, parsley and season tastewith salt and pepper

Place the lamb intoapan with the red wine sauce to glaze. Season to taste with salt and pepper

Heat alarge frying pan with olive oil over amedium heat. Add the broccoli and cook until slightly golden brown and hot. Place thecous cous on aplate and place the lamb on top. Place the broccoli next to the cous cousand serve with extra red wine sauce.

LAMB KLEFTIKO, AROMATIC COUS COUS, POMEGRANATE, PINE NUTS, MINT &PARSLEY, TENDERSTEM BROCCOLI, LAMB JUS –SERVES 4

Yorkshirerhubarb

8Yorkshirerhubarb sticks, peeled and cut to 3cm pieces

600ml water

300g caster sugar

1lemon, zested

1vanilla pod, split and deseeded

4star anise

½cinnamon stick

Place the rhubarb in abowl. In apan, bring the water,sugar,lemon zest, vanilla seeds and pod, star anise and cinnamon stick to the boil over medium heat. Pour the liquid over the rhubarb andcover with cling film. Leave to cool forabout 30 minutes or until tender

Once cooked, strain the rhubarb and set aside. Reserve the liquid for the gel.

Rhubarb gel

250ml rhubarb liquid (see above)

3sheets bronze leaf gelatine, bloomed

Bring the rhubarbliquid to the boil in a pan. Remove from the heat and whisk in the gelatine. Pour into atrayand set in the fridge. Once set, place in ablender and blend until smooth. Pass through a fine sieve and reserve until needed.

Ginger custard

300ml whole milk

300ml double cream

160g egg yolk

110g caster sugar

40g custardpowder

3tsp ground ginger

Pour the milk and cream in amediumpan and bring to the boil. In abowl, whisk the egg yolk, sugar,custard powder and ginger until just combined. Whilst whisking, gradually pour the milk and cream onto the egg yolk mixture. Once fully mixed, return to the pan and continuetocook until thickened and has come to the boil.

It is essentialtowhisk continuously as this will prevent theegg yolk from scrambling when introduced to the pan.

Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Transfer to abowl, cover with cling film lid and leave to cool slightly.Don’t leave it too long as this will completely set making it hard to layer in the glasses.

Vanilla cream

400ml double cream

30g caster sugar

1vanilla pod, split and deseeded

In alarge bowl, whip the double cream until it starts to thicken. Add the vanilla seeds and sugar.Continue to whip until soft peaks form. Place into apiping bag.

To finish

20g crystalised ginger,sliced

50g toasted almond flakes

20 sponge fingers

Ginger wine

Cut the sponge fingers in half and drop them into the ginger wine, turningover after acouple seconds to ensure they do not become soggy

Place these at the bottom of dessert glasses as the first layer.Add alayer of the poached rhubarb followed by the rhubarb gel. Pour in the next layer of warm ginger custard and set in thefridge.

Once set, pipe on the vanilla cream and smooth overwith ahot spoon. Top with crystalised ginger,almonds andafew slices of the poached rhubarb.

SUMMER ROSÉS

CHANNEL WARM WEATHER WITH THESE TOPDROPS, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Who can resist the silky style of aProvençal pink wine? While we’re seduced by the strawberry,peach and redcurrant flavours, it’s not always easy to pin down exactly what you’re tasting –apart from thefact it’s downright delicious. The perfect accompaniment to blue skies and sunshine, these premium rosés are far from run-of-the-mill, and will bring smiles with every sip…

The Adnams Selection Provence Rosé 2020, Coteaux D’Aix En Provence, France, £12, Adnams

If you still need aprod to the vineyards of Provence, this own-label is abrilliant introduction to the fragrant freshness these pretty pinks offer.Indeed, youcan almost sense the olive groves and lavender fields when you pour the wine.

Flowing with succulent red fruit flavours, it has abalancing acidity and charming, silky texture.

Pur Azur Côte de Provence Rosé 2022, France, £15.50, Amathus

This rosé is elegant, proving how the wines of Provence exhibit abeautiful fruity intensity contrary to the pale wash of colour

Pretty aromas of apricot, wild strawberry and florals cheer the first sip; then you’ll be smitten by its fruity midpalate of creamy peaches, strawberries and redcurrant, with amouth-watering finish.

MIP 2021 Classic Rosé Made In Provence, France,£15.50, Lea & Sandeman

Beautifully fresh, this is your quintessential Provençal pink to drink with salad Niçoise or prawns in garlic butter

Fragrant aromas of wild strawberries, citrus and white peach are flush, with citrusy accents riding on the rounded fruit, and awell-balanced acidity and touch of orange blossom on the finish.

AIX Rosé 2022, Coteaux D’Aix En Provence, France, £20, Selfridges

Another stunner,this tastes delightfully fresh and fragrant, with acaptivating mix of red berry fruits, stone fruits and cranberry taking the front seat.

Ripe peaches are flanked by atouch of pink grapefruit to add depth, with astreak of minerality keeping everything right on point.

Whispering Angel Rosé 2022, Côte de Provence, France, £24, Majestic

In aword: ethereal. This blushing beauty may be the poster girl for Provençal pinks, and it is the standard-bearer that nails it every time.

Perhaps it’s the exquisite bouquet of summer fruits with hints of rosepetals, or flavours of fleshy white peach which unfold on the rounded palate.

Whichever way you look at it, the silky long finish feels pure, fluidand softly refreshing.

Château Galoupet Cru Classé Rosé 2021, Provence, France, £46, Clos 19

Rich and showy,this is acomplex rosé with ahigher ABV(14%) than some others on offer

With layered and lifted aromas of florals, blossom and creamy fruit, it tastes of peaches and cream and apricot accents, with fine minerality adding texture and silkiness to the lasting finish.

EVERYTHING’S COMINGUP ROSÉS

BY TANNERS BUYER SIMON JONES

Itisthat time of year again when rosé takes centre stage, however sales throughout the year are muchmore consistent than they used to be.

When Istartedafew yearsago there was adefinite season for rosé sales which started in May and finished abruptly in September.These days sales are much more even, atestament to the vast improvements in quality we have seen over the last 30 years as well as achange in fashion and, who knows, perhaps celebrity endorsement has played its part too!

Rosé champagne never seems to be seasonal. Fuller flavoured than itswhite sibling, it is often drunk on its own, but makes afantastic foil to awide range of foods. It is one of the few rosés that can be made by blending asmall amount of red wine to white to give the colour,frowned on elsewhere. That said the venerable house of Laurent Perrier does it the “proper”way called saignée or bleeding in English –sounds unpleasant, but it isn’t! It just means asmall amount of colour

is allowed to “bleed” from the red grape skins into the juice whichgives its delicate rosé hue.

Provençal pinks

Equally in vogue today are thepale rosés from Provence, the elegant wines that fuel the French Riviera for locals and visitors alike. Celebrity has definitely played apart in its continued success –think Angelina and Kylie –as has thehuge investment ploughed into the region by large, wealthy champagne houses who have been buying up vineyards in the region with some alacrity.

Whispering Angel is one such and is the archetypal Provence rosé –soft, aromatic, crisp and wonderfully thirst quenching when it’s hot. Afew years ago we started to work with another estate, Domaine PeyBlanc, in Aix-en-Provence, afamilyowned estate since the 1930s. Youmay have attended our

spring tasting with producers and had the chance to try their super rosé and their excellent white -although Ishall be in trouble now for straying off the rosé message!

Of course ‘famous names’ come with apricebut the good news is there are plenty of alternatives both from France and further afield. Averyeasy swap would be to look elsewhere in the south of France. Very close isthe region of Bandol, principally known for its full-flavoured red wine, its rosés share many of the characteristics of Provence but with perhaps alittle more body Brother and sister team Céline and Jérôme Pascal craft asucculent rosé with flavours of peachand ripe citrus fruit at their family estate Le Galantin.

Elsewhere in the south look at Domaine de la Cendrillon (or Cinderella) in the Corbières

region of the Languedoc Roussillon, where the Joyeux family produce their super Minuit Rosé, from Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache; its delicate, floral aroma and zesty fruit are adelight, and it is organic too.

If you like checking off current trends and great value, then look no further than Piquepoul rosé from the excellent Foncalieu cooperative, based in Carcassonne. Beautiful pale rosé colour,tick; smart packaging, tick; from theüber-fashionable Picquepoul grape variety,tick; charming strawberry-scented fruit, tick; and great value, tick!

If you like your rosés to have alittle more colour and body,then don’t despair,wehave something for everyone. Tanners French Rosé from Gascony is a firm favourite with staffand customers alike. Based on Merlot and Cabernet, it

is full of summer fruit flavour and oh so drinkable.

Consider also the fabulous rosés of Tavel from the southern Rhône Valley,over the river from Châteauneufdu-Pape. Based on Grenache and Cinsault, this full-flavoured rosé is made by Domaine des Carabiniers following organic andbiodynamic principles, full of character, plenty of soft fruit but with great depth, it goes brilliantly with spicy dishes.

Beyond France

Youdon’t have to stay in France, of course, if you head over the border to northern Spain, here too they favour amore full-bodied approach to rosé production. In Somontano, Emma and

TomHolt, late of this parish, produce an unashamedly deep-coloured rosé under their Paso-Primero label from the Merlot variety.Full of flavour and character with awonderful mix of strawberry,redcurrant, and blackcurrant fruit but with enough freshness to keep you coming back for another glass.

Finally,a nod even further afield with the excellent value Paparuda Rosé from Philip and Elvira Cox who have been helping to put Romania on the vinous map of Europe. Made from alocal variety Feteasca Negra and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is acharmingsoft rosé thatisfruity, easy and keenly priced. Whatever your preference in style, flavour or budget, there are plenty of choices for you to enjoy this summer,whether dining al fresco in the sun or sheltering under the gazebo in adownpour,whilst the summer weather may not be reliable, at least the wine will not let you down.

Whatever your preference in style, flavour or budget, there areplenty of choices foryou to enjoythis summer

AMARQUE OF TRUE PASSION

For many they’re just ameans of getting from AtoB.For many others, they are life. As E. M. Forster said, one person with passion is better than 40 people merely interested –and cars and the motoring world inspire such passion worldwide like few other hobbies or pursuits.

From classics to concepts, automobile enthusiasm penetrates every corner of

the land, with motor shows and carclubs awonderful part of thefabric of the country

Yetevenamong the devoted, the passion of some stands head and shoulders abovethe rest, and it is always apleasure to find those individuals whose true love of motoringreally does drive them.

Recently,Shropshire has provided the stunning backdrop to ashort film that tells the storyof adriverfrom the county whose infatuation with Audi Quattros knows no bounds.

Darron Edwards, 56, from near Oswestry,owns four of the retro motors and takes one –arally car –for aspin as he waxes lyrical about them in one of online motoring magazine Influx’s latest video features.

He fell in love with the German car model while watchingTVathis grandparents’house in 1982, and the electrician and engineer has been gripped by them ever since.

“Michele Mouton was rallying a Quattro on World of Sport and I’d never seen one before,” said the Shropshire native in the film entitled Audi Quattro: Retro Presence.

“The sight and the sound, Isaw it and Iwas like ‘boom’, Iwas hooked. Fortyplus years later,I’m still hooked. I’ve got more than one because, with all thegood intent, Imeant to buy one anddoitup and sell it and make abit of money.Iput so much heart and soul into the car that I couldn’t partwith it. Then that happened

to the next one, and the one after that, and so on.

“The one in the film is one of my favourite versions of the Quattro. The very first day Igot it, that night Iwent outside in my pyjamas and sat in it, drinking acup oftea and justtaking in the smell. It’s something the Quattros have, that smell when you get in. It says retro to me, it says 80s. Icouldn’tpart with it, I couldn’t part with anyofthe others, to be honest –I’m keeping them!”

Mr Edwards bought his carsatthe turn of the millennium and hasgone on to set up aFacebook group aimed at helping owners keep their iconic vehicles in check. Ur Quattro Restoration now has more than 7,000 members.

“I do it out of love for the cars and to try and help people to save money and keep their cars on the roadultimately,” he said.

“I always describe driving one as feeling like aking. They’re not the fastest car in the world, they’re not the most

DANIEL MORRIS MEETS AMOTOR ENTHUSIAST WITH AN INFATUATION WITH AUDI QUATTROS

Audi Quattroenthusiast Darron Edwards

luxurious –but they’vegot areputation. As soon as you hit theloud pedal, everything happens. Youget pushed in the seat, there’s that woosh from the turbo and the growl from the five-cylinder [engine]. It’s something that’s very addictive when you’re driving one.

“They’re not too bad to work on actually,bytoday’s standards. Everything’s mechanical and quite low-tech, so it’s just acase of bolt-on and bolt-off,whereas with modern cars there’s obviously an issue with codes. There’s nothinglike that with the Quattro.

“It’d be like losing alimb; Icouldn’t let any of them go. As Isay,Idid with the best intention to buy the white one to sell it on.After doing the work on it, it drives so nice and you get in it; it’s got that smell, that Quattro smell.”

The video, which can also be viewed on Influx’s YouTube channel, has been viewed almost 150,000 times.

Phil Jameson, 57, also features in the film and is busy restoring some of his vehicles as well as being the historian of the Audi Quattro Owners Club.

“When Igot my first one, driving back, it was like no other experience in your life,” said the Wigan nativewho picked up his first Quattro from Carlisle in 1992.

“I kept looking in the mirrors at the flared arches behind me –Icouldn’t

‘They’renot the fastest car in the world, they’renot the most luxurious –but they’vegot a reputation’

believe Iwas actually driving this car.I got back and all Idid wasclean it for two weeks because this guy must have only ever washed it, never polished it. It was tornado red but it was almost going pink. After two weeks people thought I’d had it resprayed, it was that good.

“They had asmell in the interior.If

you could bottle that, you’d make alot of money because they smell like nothing else. The combined senses make it areally great experience.”

As Darron adds, helping to preserve the rare cars is aprivilege, and his love and passion for them shows no sign of ever abating. “I would think afairly accurate

estimate is that there’s about 400 of them left in the country.They are adying breed. If there are 400 left Iown oneper cent of what’s left in the country so Iama lucky lad.”

n Audi Quattro: RetroPresence can be viewed at www.youtube.com/@influxmag

Forall details please contact:

festival at

21-23 July 2023

Joinusfor our 30th Birthday celebrations to enjoy superb storytelling, music,workshops, and much more, in beautiful South Shropshire

Formoreinformation:

“Amazing music,wonderfulactivities,excellent!”

“Lovely atmosphere,beautiful landscape.”

“Great festival…there’snothing quitelike it!”

festival…there’snothing quite like it!”

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Artists appearing include: Adam Beresford-Brown, Andy HarropSmith, Angeline Morrison, Dan Serridge, The Daring Young Men, Gitân, Honor Giles and Helen Stewart, Jon Buckeridge,Jordan Campbell, Keith Donnellywith Lauren Smith, Linda Moylan, Liz Weir,Lucy Wells, Mart Van den Abbeele and Tom Van Outryve, Michael Harvey, Nell Phoenix Peter Chand, Pete Morton, PJ Roscoe, Sarah McQuaid, She Shanties, Taffy Thomas, Talis Kimberley,Tamar Eluned Williams, Tom Brown with Hopeless Maine, Transglobal Underground, Xanthe Gresham Knight, with more to be announced. Weekendand daytickets available, please seeour websitefor details

Our festival takes place in the stunninglybeautiful Hopton Court, set in 1,000 acresofcaptivating countryside, with fabulous views across the Shropshire landscape, providingamagicalsetting.

Hopton Court, CleoburyMortimer, Kidderminster DY14 0EF Cleobury Mortimer,

STEAMINGBACK TO ITSORIGINS

Ifyou have ever visited Telford Steam Railway,you are sure to have met many of its dedicated band of volunteers.

Whether it be the engine driver,guard, ticket inspector,catering staff or track worker,they all play avitalpart in keeping the line running.

In fact, theattraction, which operates over aportion of the Wellington and Severn Junction Railway (W&SJR), is entirely run by volunteers who cover every aspect of its activities.

Not only are they passionate about the work that they do but they are also ambitious as they are committed to extending the line and expanding the services for visitors.

In addition, this year,the railway, which is open on Sundays and Bank Holidays, from Easter to September,has launched alarger programme of events in abid to attract more passengers.

“It’s surprising how manypeople in Telford don’t know we exist,” says Richard Owen, the railway’s commercial director

HEATHER LARGE MEETS THE TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS DETERMINED TO TAKE THE TELFORD STEAM RAILWAYLINE BACK TO IRONBRIDGE BY EXTENDING SERVICES FOR PASSENGERS

Above,ontop of the train and inset, TelfordSteam Railway’scommercial director RichardOwen; below, driver Alan Binns from Norfolk.

THIS PAGE,CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT:

“We’re asmall railway but we have a grand plan –our ultimate aim is to take the railway back to Ironbridge.”

The railway first opened to the public as aheritage line in 1984, offering visitors aunique insight into the railway’s rich history as they take in the picturesque scenery along the route.

Aregular passenger timetable consists of adeparture from Spring Village north to Lawley Village and then back along the line to stop at Horsehay &Dawley.The train then repeats this journey in reverse, for around trip taking 50 minutes.

In addition to thestandard gauge running line, the railway also operates ashort 2ft (610mm)narrow gauge line adjacent to Horsehay Pool.

The Phoenix Model Engineering Society operates a5-inchminiature railway on the Spring Villagesite, as well as the railway’s shop and ticket office in Spring Village Station. Alarge model railway and the Furnaces’ Tearoom are situated at Horsehay &Dawley Station.

The ambitious Steaming to Ironbridge project would see steam trainsregularly returning to theIronbridge Gorge for the first time since 1966.

The first phase saw the completion of anew station at LawleyVillage and the next stage of the plans will seethe railway double in size from 1km in length to 2.25km with thetrack beingre-laid from Horsehay to Doseley by contractors with the help of volunteers.

This season the railway has many new special events planned, including several theatricaloneswhich areaimed especially at families and startedwith Alice’s Adventure to Wonderland over the Easter period.

On June 17, theattraction will be hosting an immersive Peaky Blindersthemed evening while on July 15 and 16 there will be plenty of swashbuckling entertainment for younger visitors who can follow adventures of the Darlings and Captain Hook on The Neverland Express.

The 1940sreturn to Telford Steam

Railway,from August 26-28, featuring re-enactment groups, classic vehicles, vintagestalls and live singing and dancing descending on theline, while on September 2and 3, therailway is taking part in the Horsehay Village Scarecrow Festival.

The Anything Goes Diesel Gala will be held on September 16 and 17, followed by the Mixed TrafficGala on September

30 and October 1, which brings the season to aclosebefore The Polar Express Train Ride returns in the run-up to Christmas

“We’re trying to attract as many people to the railway as we can by holding these special events, especially those with an emphasis on families. It also brings money into the area, for every £1 spent on a heritage railway,£2.80 is spent in the local economy.We’re very proud to be part of

Driver DaveAngell, from Telford; guardJosh Hall with Thomas Parry, aged nine; Anthony Hook, from Telford, looking after the rolling stock; Ben Hopkinson, 18, from Telford, in the TelfordSteam Railway shop; Irene Paynter and Lesley Williams running the tea room

the community,” says Richard, who has been volunteering for three and ahalf years.

Engineer Anthony Hook, aged 38, from Muxton, joined the team around 10 months ago and now looks after the rolling stock, ensuring locomotives are kept in good working order and preparing them for journeys.

He describes the railway as “one big family”and says he enjoys working alongside the other volunteers. “It doesn’t matter what your background is, everybody looks after everybody else,” he says.

One of the attractions of signing up as avolunteer was that he would be playing a role in keeping the skills used to maintain and run asteam railway alive for future generations.

“It’s something Ihad always wanted to do. Ifully believe it’s important for people to learn these skills because if we don’t learn them and pass them on, they will be lost.”

There are lots of volunteering opportunities for young people, those who have retired and even lots of parttime options for those who can only spare afew hourseach week.

The railway has around 189 members, of which around 25 per cent are active volunteers who work on site.

“Without volunteers and the members

CLOCKWISE FROM TOPLEFT: DaveWiles from Muxton and the Phoenix Model Engine Society; Anthony Hook in the workshop; Charlotte Barker from Shrewsbury; Andy Bowness and Jack Gavinsmith, 15, from Telford; ticket inspector John Ireland with Christopher Cooke, 5, Lyra Smith, 5, and Maddison Smith, 8; Joel Kirk, 16, from Telford; the steam railway locomotives in action; Ian Heighway, from Telford, getting ready for aboiler inspection; looking after the model railway is John Sergeant from Kidderminster Photos:SteveLeath

supporting us, we couldn’t do anything,” says Richard.

“Everyone tries their hand at different things. One day you might be working on the track or assisting with the locomotive maintenance, then thenext day you might be driving the train or working in the shop or cafe.

“For me that’s the exciting thing, there is so much variety and opportunity to learn new skills and try different things.

“I’m office-based during the week so it’s fantastic to do something where I’m predominantly working outdoors. It’s a friendly group, we’ve got ashared interest in railways and making Telford Steam Railway asuccess.”

The railway always welcomes new volunteers. Formore information about the railway’s event or volunteering, visit telfordsteamrailway.co.uk

ANTIQUES

ARTCOLLECTION MANAGEMENT: THE ARTOFSELLING AND VALUINGPRIVATE FINE ARTCOLLECTIONS

Halls Auctioneers are thrilled to announce the upcoming sale of the late Michael Berthoud Collection of H&R Daniel porcelain and pottery at our Fine Antique auction on September 20th.

Ceramics enthusiasts will recognize Berthoud’s name for his ground-breaking reference works, but perhaps lesserknown is his passion for the works of Henry &Richard Daniel’s porcelain and earthenware factory in Hanley,Stoke-onTrent.

Despite arelatively short lifespan of just twenty-four years, the H&R Daniel

factory produced some of the most exquisite porcelain of the era, surpassing even contemporaries like Minton and Spode. The Berthoud Collection features over 300 pieces, acquired over several decades with aloving and academic eye. The collection is oneof the largest private collections of H&R Daniel porcelain and earthenware in existence, with many pieces illustrated in Berthoud’s important book on the subject, published in 1980.

Managing and selling aprivate artcollection can be acomplex and daunting task. Formany collectors, their art collection is not only areflection of their taste and style but also represents asignificant investment. Often the excitement of an auction can instil one last feeling of pride and validation as well as providing asense of closure and finality for those who are preparedtolet go of their collection.

At Halls, we pride ourselves on successfully and sensitively handling single-owner privatecollections. Our past successes include selling asmall private collection of Boucheron jewelry for over £40,000 (+ Buyer’s Premium) andthe Edward Bell collection of David Bowie artwork for over £77,000 (+ Buyer’s Premium

The Michael Berthoud Collection is atestament to one man’s private passion for the exquisite works of H&R Daniel’s

porcelain and earthenware factory.Itis an auction not to be missed, with the potential to become areference work in its own right.

Upcoming Fine Art Valuation Events

Halls Auctioneers are running aseries of Fine Art Valuation Events across Shropshire and theWelsh Borders where you will have the opportunity to learn about the value and historyofyour objects or collections from some of the most renowned experts in the industry.

Fine Art &Antiques at Montgomery Town Hall, SY156PH –June 1, 10am2pm

Book &Manuscript at Halls in Shrewsbury,SY4 3DR–June 5, 9am-5pm

Stamp &Postal History at Halls in Shrewsbury,SY4 3DR–June 8, 9.30am4pm

Militaria &MilitaryHistory at Halls in Shrewsbury,SY4 3DR –June15, 10am-4pm

Fine Art &Antiques at WestonPark, TF11 8LE –June27, 10am-1pm

Antiques &Fine Art in Oswestry SY11 1RB –June 30, 10am-2pm

To discuss your collection or to book an appointment at one of our fine art valuation events please call 01743 450 700 or write to fineart@hallsgb.com or visit https://fineart.hallsgb.com/events/

A diamond necklace from the Boucheron collection sold for £15,000

David Bowie album cover artwork from the Edward Bell collection sold for £3,000

The Michael Berthoud Collection of H&R Daniel porcelain.

TIME FOR TEAAT TREVANION?

Bidders at Trevanion

Auctioneers’ most recent auction were all of a flutter when arare tea servicemade a record price.

From ancient coins to contemporary art and countryfurniture, the 845 lots in their Antique and Fine Art auction had something for everyone.

One of the top lots on auction day was an Aynsley butterfly-handled tea service which flew away to an Irishbidder for a fantastic £3,000. The coveted service dates from 1931 and is sought after by collectors across the globe for itsdelicacyand rarity

“On the whole, tea services don’t tend to sellfor much, and so it was adelightful surprise when this exquisite example flew into our saleroom,” says Managing Partner Christina Trevanion.

Founded in 1775 by John Aynsley in Lane End, Staffordshire, the 20thcentury saw Aynsley’s popularity soar as it became afavouredsupplier of the Britishroyal family,with both Queen Elizabeth II and

Diana Princess of Wales choosingAynsley china as wedding presents. The auction demonstrated that there is still astrong demand for good quality porcelain, with a Royal Crown Derby dinner service in the ‘Royal Antoinette’ pattern swiftly selling for £2,800.

ACheshire vendor was delighted with her auction results as a pair of impressive Chinese moon flasks exceeded their pre-sale estimate of £1,000-£2,000 to make £4,000. AsianArts valuer Ashley Jones saidofthe vases: “These were aparticularly nice example of their type, sought after because of their large proportions. The overall condition was very good and the decoration was appealing to specialist Chinese collectors.”

After aferociousonline bidding battle, the vases sold to asouth of England buyer

Jewellery continued to perform strongly at the auction with notable results for astunning6-carat Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring which made £4,000,

and aspinel and diamond cluster ring (below) which made £2,600.

Jewellery valuer Amelia Tomkinson FGAsaid: “It’s nicetosee spinels being recognised in their own right, they have long been overlooked in favour of the ruby,but they are abeautiful stone. In fact one of the most famous‘Rubies’ in the world, The Black Prince’s Ruby,which is mounted on the ImperialStateCrown at King Charles III’scoronation, is actually a spinel, not aruby!”

The auctioneers also reported strong prices in the furniture section, highlights of which included aConwy Valley dresser.Consigned to the auction by a Llangollen vendor,the handsome dresser with its original rack delighted cataloguer Ian Woodward: “The jointed construction of this particular dresser was of solid oak. This early,slow grown North Walian timber has awonderful density resulting in asubstantial piece of furniture, which was a great indicator of its age and authenticity.”

Bidders certainly agreed as they battled it out to secure the piece, before it finally sold for £2,000.

Of the auction, Christina said: “It was avery successful auction day for our vendors and buyers alike –and it’s great to see the market continuing to perform strongly acrossthe board. We have some particularly exciting auctions coming up over the next few months that we have been working hard curating, so watch this space.”

The auctioneers are currently consigning for their next Fine Art and Antique auction on August 2. Entries are invited for this auction until July 14. Valuation appointments can be madeby telephoning the auctioneers directly on 01948 800202.

Solid oak Conwy Valley dresser

Part of the Aynsley butterfly-handled tea service.

Apair of Chinese moon flasks.

ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS ON CAMPUS

Whether it’s full or parttime study,A Levels, an apprenticeship or a university-level course, North Shropshire College, Walford College and Ludlow Sixth Form College have you covered.

We offer an exciting and friendly environment for you to excel. The vast majority of our students progress into either higher education or employment, with the benefitoflearning from respected industry professionals. Our students consistently report high levels of satisfaction with their learning across all of our colleges.

Both North Shropshire College and Walford College offer abroad range of courses, including BTECs, apprenticeships and vocational

courses. Each is designed to enhance your skills and give you acompetitive edge in the job market.

North Shropshire College offers an exciting, modern campus with top-ofthe-range facilities including Scholars, our professional teaching restaurant, and Visage, our dedicated teaching hair &beauty salon. There are brand new facilities on the way this year for hair & beauty,science, plumbing and electrical too! Choose from awide range of subjects including business, childcare, health and social care, IT,uniformed public services and more.

Walford College is set in its own beautiful 220-hectare farm, close to Shrewsbury.Itboasts specialistfacilities to cater for over 80 species of animals,a fully equipped dairy,large equestrian centre

Or why not study in Hereford?

At our recently-refurbished Herefordshire College, based in Folly Lane, central Hereford, you can choose from brickwork, carpentry and furniture making,electrical and plumbing, music technology,motor vehicle, hair and beauty,hospitality and professional catering,sport, uniformed public services, higher education and more.

Interested in land-based study? Our 257-hectare mixed organic farm at Holme Lacy Collegeoffers agriculture, animal management, equine, blacksmithing, farriery,forestry and arboriculture.

Our rural crafts centre is home to the National School of Blacksmithing and the largest training-based forge in Europe.

n Ready to apply?

See the full list of courses for all of our Colleges or check out our open events at www.hlnsc.ac.uk

Still undecided? Why not contact Nicky,our student progression advisor, for professional advice on your next steps by emailing: n.stallwood@hlnsc.ac.uk

n Visit www.hlnsc.ac.uk

and impressive motor vehicle workshops. It offers high quality residential accommodation so students can live on campus.

Our prestigious Ludlow Sixth Form College offers awiderange of ALevels and vocational courses, including arts, humanities, maths, sciences, languages, sports and more. We offer all the facilitatingsubjects favoured by the UK’s elite Russell Group universities. We boast a98% success rate and are ranked in the top 3.5% of UK ALevel providers.

Vocational and BTEC courses

These offer amore career-focused alternative to ALevels while also allowing progression into higher education. Equivalent to three ALevels, these courses take apractical approach to developing essential knowledge and skills in the subject area. Courses range from Level 1foundation studies to Level 3 extended diplomas.

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn! An apprenticeship is apaid job with an accompanying skills development programme which allows the apprentice to gain technical knowledge and real onthe-job experience.

Herefordshire, Ludlow &North Shropshire College is rated good, with behaviours and attitudes rated ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted 2022).

Open events

North Shropshire College –Tuesday June 13, 5pm-7pm. Walford College –Saturday,June17, 10am-noon.

Something foreveryone

We offerover 300 courses across Herefordshireand Shropshireand areproud of ouroutstandingbehaviours and attitudes across all our Colleges (Ofsted 2022).

Areyou looking to developyour skills, learn anew hobbyorbecome an apprentice?

Youcan also utilise our dedicated children’snurseries, restaurants,hair and beauty salons during the week. Browse our wide range of ALevels, apprenticeships, land-based and vocational courses, including agriculture, arts,humanities, maths, sciences, languages, sports and more!

To find out moreabout the coursesweoffer across our eightsites,visit: www.hlnsc.ac.uk or telephone: 0800 032 1986

FULL-TIME & PART-TIME COURSES

HIGHER EDUCATION

DID YOUKNOW THAT WE TEACH OVER 10,000 PEOPLE AYEAR?

FURTHER EDUCATION

FREE ADULTCOURSES AVAILABLE!

WE OFFER 100S OF APPRENTICESHIPS ACROSS MOST SECTORS

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

FORCES FAMILIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

AYear 10 Student at Haberdashers’Adams was nominated as one of three finalists in the Young People’s Category of the Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2023

The Young People’s Award ‘recognises achild of someone who serves who has given their time and energy to the

betterment of theArmed Forces community’. The awards ceremony took place at the VictoryServices Club on Friday,April 27, hosted by actor Antony Cotton

Wings to the Past is an innovative project that uses archaeology and heritage projects to support personal resilience amongstRoyal Air Force personnel and their families. Archaeology offers aunique opportunity for personnel to spend time together,whilst learning new skills andlearning about the heritage of the location where they are posted.

James Watts (pictured left), now 15 years old, was the initial inspiration for the Wings to the Past programme and has looked after the website andsocial media since he was 13. He constantly ensures the programme keeps going and supports theteam in arranging theprojects.

“In 2018, Iattendedanexcavation with my mum,” says James. “She had been working away during theweek for several years and spending awhole week with her,onanarchaeological dig and discovering some amazing finds, really brought us together and,from this, Wings to the Past was born.

“I am in Year 10 now and support Wings to the Past at the weekends as Digital Manager.In2019, Iwas awarded runnerup as Young Archaeologist of theYear at theCouncil of British Archaeology’s awards ceremony in London.”

To date the programme hasgiven 60 RAFpersonnel and their families the chance to get involved in archaeology

Although James did not win on the night,the nomination recognised his amazing efforts as Digital Manager for Wings to the Past.

Expert, girl-centred pastoral care to give every pupil asense of belonging. Join us at our Open Day to find out how we educate girls for aworld without limits.

Open Day Saturday 30th September

All through, all girl ages 4-18 Girls first. Always.

GLOWINGREPORT FORPACKWOOD

Packwood is delighted to have been rated ‘excellent’ in all areas in its recent full inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Packwood -aco-educational prep school for pupils aged four to 13 –which is part of the ShrewsburySchool familywas praised for the quality of pupils’ academic development, their achievements and their personal development.

The inspection report noted that “pupils are excellent communicators who show outstanding skills” and that their “attitudes to learning show extremely high levels of perseverance and commitment in lessons”.

The pupils were also praised for being respectful and honest: “Pupils develop high levels of resilience, self-confidence and self-discipline, fostered by the values of sharing, being respectful andhonesty, as espoused in the ‘Packwood Way’ and the emphasis placed on these by the staff throughout the school.”

Packwood facilities are also shared with its pre-prep department Acorns, where children from reception, Year 1and Year 2are educated ahead of their move to theprep school.

The inspection report also commends Acorns, adding that pupils “demonstrate high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding, supported by the school’s wide-ranging integrated topic approach in the pre-prep.”

Headmaster of Packwood Rob Foxsaid: “Weare delighted at Packwood to receive such aglowing inspection report.

“The excellent feedback is testament to the hard work of our staff and to the dedication of our pupils, who showcase the best of

Packwood and all we strive for our children to be.”

Chair of the Prep School Committee, Marcus Moir added: “It’s wonderful to see our thriving school recognised for its excellent standards as it deserves.

“Packwood is afantastic school full of happy children enjoying their education and school life, and it’s very pleasing for all involved that this has been noted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.”

Packwood is part of the Shrewsbury School family and Leo Winkley,Headmaster at Shrewsbury has also commended Packwood on their achievement, saying: “Packwood’s excellent rating is agreatoutcome for the School and one which is thoroughly well-deserved.

“Weare delighted that the wonderful efforts of pupils, staff and the entire community at Packwood are acknowledged and celebrated in the report.”

HIGH SHERIFF INSTALLATION Leighton

The new High Sheriff of Shropshire, Mandy Thorn, has been installed at aceremony at St Mary’sChurch in Leighton.

Taking up the reins from Selina Graham, Mandy was joined by family, friends and officials to mark the start of her year in office

Throughout the next 12 months, she will be “shining alight” on the unsung heroes that makethe county’stowns and villages better places to liveand work and celebrating their valuable contribution. Mandy, who has been aDeputy Lieutenant of Shropshiresince 2019, said: “I am incredibly honoured and feel really privileged to takeon the role.”

The High Sheriff is the King’srepresentativeinthe county for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.The role involves attending keyeventsinthe calendar,as well as helping to promote local charities and organisations and supporting the Lord-Lieutenant.

Mandy Thorn, Mark Thorn.

St Marys Church, Leighton.

Honourary Judge Barry.

Dean Harris, former Sheriff

Reverend Andy Ackroyd, Christine Holmes, Mandy Thorn, Selina Graham, Sallie-Anne O’Byrne (Under Sheriff), Deputy Under Sheriff Bethan Davies.

Amanda Jillian Thorn MBE DL is declared the new High Sheriff of Shropshire.

LordLieutenant of ShropshireAnnaTurner

St Marys Church, Leighton.

Photos: SteveLeath

SECRETSUPPER

Shrewsbury

Some of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury helpedtoraise £5,942 for Self Help Africa, by taking part in asecret dining event.

Shrewsbury Secret Supper welcomed 240 guests to a drinks receptionatTanners Wines, before theyembarked on asafari dining experience, taking them to three ‘secret’ restaurants for amystery starter,main course and dessert. The event, which is held twice ayear,has raised over£65,000 for the charity since 2014. Based in Shrewsbury, Self Help Africa work across several countries in sub-Saharan Africa; supporting rural families to grow morefood, increase their income from farming activities and become self-sufficient.

Photos: SteveLeath

Ron Bedford, Mary Hands, Sylvia Bedford, Tony Hands.

Carolyn Bark ,L ine Knight, Penny Hopkins, Lindsay Evans.

Beth Heath from ShropshireFestivals, Jane Shaw.

Chloe Connolly, Zoe Paton.

Derick Cross from Tanners.

One of the groups arrives for astarter at Flame &Flute.

Tanners Wines was the starting point for a secret supper event raising money for charity.

EveYiend, Liz Evans, Tony Evans, Sarah Davies, Tony Davies, Mark Yiend.

Kate Vaughan, ClaireScott, Sarah Davies, Heather Freer,BethHeath.

TimLewis, Barrie Reynolds, Dan Laurens, Emma Reynolds, Rachel Asterley, Rick Asterley, Andy Yeomans, Emily Yeomans, Maz Lewis.

Starter at the Flame &Flute –smoked chicken and wild mushroom terrine.

Deanna Presland, Linda Watkin, Alan Presland, Peter Watkin.

DaveMackay, Susan Beesley,.

Alix Chidley-Uttley, from Tanners, serves Sophie Lewis and Alison McGowan.

Alix Chidley-Uttley, from Tanners, Jennifer Harrower, Steph Smith from Self Help Africa.

CENTENARY LUNCH

Shrewsbury

Supporters of Eyton Races got together for acelebratory lunch to mark the racecourse’s centenary year Guests were treatedtoatwo-course lunch by Twisted Lemon, wines from Tanners Winesand interesting talks by David Minton and Eric Windsoronthe history of Eyton and the point-to-point.

The centenary continued with the Easter Monday 100th race meeting taking place on the famous county course. The point-to-point at Eyton-On-Severn, seven miles from Shrewsbury, has arichhistory down the yearsattracting thousands of riders and race lovers to the event.

Photos: David Linney Photography

Duncan Hill, Joyce Jagger,David Jagger,Clair Hill.

Speaker David Minton.

John Swinnerton, Sam Bretell.

Eyton Races Centenary Lunch.

Will Kinsey, Angela Sykes, RichardBurton, Andrew Dalton, Hannah Burton.

Robin Morris, Lordand Lady Barnard.

David Minton, James Tanner

Rachel Onions, Jane Lampard, Nadine Budgen.

TimG Simon Craunk, Stev Brookshaw, Freda Taylor,John Preston, Bill Bromley.

TimGarton, Tinka Garton, John Wilson.

Jo Hepburn, Zena Brookshaw, Bill Foulkes, Dianna Foulkes.

ClareRowson, Eric Windsor,Shelia Crow.

Neil Gittins, Anna Turner,Roger Murphy.

Carly Sage, Heidi Brookshaw, Amee James.

MARTINE MCCUTCHEON: IT’S OK TO BE IMPERFECT

THE LOVE ACTUALLYSTARTALKS TO IMY BRIGHTY-POTTS ABOUT LISTENING TO HER BODY AND KNOWING WHEN ‘ENOUGH

After alifetime working in showbiz and years living with health issues including chronic fatigue syndrome, Martine McCutcheon knows the importanceof not overdoing things.

“I am abig believer in making sure you pace yourself,” says the actor and singer,46, best known for roles in BBC soap EastEnders and romcom Love Actually “My work can be intense, so Ilike to have some consistency in things –like walking the dogs and meditation.

“When Itake care of myself,everything else seems to fall into place. It is about having boundaries –the worldwill still turn if you have

your limits. Take time out, you can be imperfect,” she adds.

The London-born actor –who has an eight-year-old son, Rafferty,with her husband, singer-songwriter Jack McManus –has previously spoken out aboutbeing diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as ME) in 2011. The condition can cause extreme and debilitating tiredness, among other symptoms, and it’s something she’s needed to constantly manage.

McCutcheon also recalls times when her “intense” work schedule has taken a toll.

“When Idid Marple, it was really intense. Iremember nearly falling asleep in my lunch in my trailer.Iwas on my phone talking to management, and I realised Iwas absolutely shattered. Iwas in bedfor days after it finished,” she recalls of working on the mystery-drama series.

Martine McCutcheon and Hugh Grant in Love Actually.

IS ENOUGH’

“When you are filming there is such an intense schedule, you need to deliver within certain timeframes.”

She’s learned to recognise warning signs that it’s time to slow down. “I start to get really tired and get achy,soI know then that Ineed to not put anything else in the diary,and have arestand recharge.”

And when it comes to resting, it’s not just about quantity but making it “about quality”too. “And trust yourself,” she adds. “Knowing you have something to look forward to, abreakofsome kind makes life more pleasurable.”

McCutcheon has partnered with McVitie’s to try and encourage people at work to take regular short breaks –ifonly for acup oftea and abiscuit andchat.

Asurvey by the brand found 70% of workers take less than 15 minutes of breaks aday,with 47% saying they don’t have time for breaks because they’re so overloaded with meetings and emails.

Yet93% of British workers believe atea break is animportant partof the working day,and 76% feel their performance at work is impaired if they don’t take enough breaks.

McCutcheon agrees breaks are a vital partofworking life. “It helps with keeping your mental health good, keeping things healthy in abusy structured day If some people don’t take abreak [in the workplace], no one else will,” she adds.

McCutcheon has learned what helps her find tranquillity amid abusyschedule.

“It is making sure Iwork to my own routine, walk to the beat of my own drum, drink enough water,get enough sleep, take time to walk andmeditate. It’s saying no to jobs, but also being brave and saying yes. When Imake the time to do the thingsI love, to havetime with my family,itkeeps me really grounded.”

She says her husband helps herkeep a healthy balance.

“My husband is brilliant, because he is in the industry and behind the scenes, so he gets the nature of the industry and how it is all or nothing. He understands me as aperson,heisareally good moral compass and health compass for me. He is great at helping me say enough is enough.”

Since becoming amother eight years ago, her work has changed and she is now chasing new dreams.

“It is such an exciting time for me creatively,as Iamset to start working on apodcast about something Iamsuper passionate about and am also working on achildren’s book,” she shares.

“The inspiration has come from my own son –heiseight and so funny.He loves art and drawing and music. It’s just awhole newworld. Ihave always felt like astoryteller,be it my own words or someone else’s.”

n Martine McCutcheon has teamed up with biscuit brand McVitie’s to launch a campaign to reinstate adaily 15-minute tea break. To find out more, visit mcvities. co.uk/biscuitbreak

Martine McCutcheon and husband Jack McManus.

‘When Imakethe time to do the things Ilove,tohavetime with my family, it keeps me really grounded’

THEDOWNSIDETO LOWTESTOSTERONE

THE CHAMPION ROWER TALKSTO LISA SALMON ABOUT TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY,WHICH CAN CREEP UP ON MEN IN ANUMBER OF WAYS

When Sir Steve Redgrave started feeling tired, low and gaining weight around his middle, he put it down to getting older.But themost successful male rower in Olympic history (Redgrave won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games between 1984 and 2000) wasn’t just feeling the effects of age.

Afriend pointed out his symptoms could be due to low testosterone,and tests have since shown he has borderline testosterone deficiency

“Since retiring from rowing, I’ve experienced unexplained weight gain particularly around my belly,tiredness, and feeling low and abit depressed,” reveals Redgrave, 61. “It was only after speaking with afriend that Ilearned these could be signs of testosterone deficiency, rather than just signs of getting older

“Recent results show Ihave borderline deficiency.I’m working closely

with my doctor to find atreatment that will work for me to overcome these symptoms.”

The father-of-three, who retired from rowing in 2000, hadhis levels checked by digital health company Ted’s Health, which says testosterone deficiency can cause both physical and mental symptoms, including depression, fatigue and sexual dysfunction.

Low testosterone is also linked to type 2diabetes (which Redgrave also has), with studies suggesting men who have low testosterone are four times morelikely to develop it. Yet, many people are unaware of these links, or how low testosterone can affect people.

“I’ve been adiabetic for 26 years and know alot about it, but it wasn’t until quite recently that afriend of mine told me about testosterone and how it can affect diabetes,” says Redgrave, who has become an ambassador for Ted’s Health to

Sir SteveRedgrave andwife Ann; below, Steve (right) and Matthew Pinsent on their way to winning gold medal in the coxless pairs event at the 1996 Olympics.

help raise awareness of low testosterone, and particularly the role it can play in the early stages of type 2diabetes.

When Redgrave was diagnosed with diabetes in 1997, it was just ayear after he’d won his fourth Olympic gold –and he was aiming to win his fifth at the 2000 Sydney Games.

“I was an athlete at the time, and I carried on competing for thenext three years with diabetes,” he recalls. “I was one of the fittest people in the country, and then you’re told your body isn’t doing what it was doing before. Ihonestly thought my rowing career would be over at that point, and it wasn’t until Isaw the specialist and he said he saw no reason why Icouldn’t carry on doing my sport.

“There are certain areas in life you can’t follow when you’re diabetic, but you can still achieve most of your dreams,” he stresses.

Redgrave now has an insulin pump to help control his diabetes, and he puts his blood sugar levels in twice a day –compared with up to 10 times a day when he was competing. He says he eats what he wants “to adegree” these days, although it’s certainly far less than the 6,000-7,000 calories per day he was consuming during his Olympics days.

He’s also taking tablets to help improve his current health issues: “They’re trying to help with the tiredness and weight, and trying to give me more enthusiasm.”

He may also get testosterone support, which can either be through an injection which lasts for afew months, or by rubbing agel onto theskin. “If Ihave to go down that avenue, Ithink I’ll go for the injection, rather than adaily rub of gel –the injection would be alot more convenient for me,” he says.

He does still try to keep fittoo –and has an extra-special reason to maintain his fitness now,hehappily reveals.

“I generally try to keep fit– nothing compared to when Iwas an athlete, but I

try to eat healthily andlook after myself

My eldest daughter Natalie, who’s a doctor,ispregnant, so I’m going to be agrandfather in July,and Iwant to be healthy and fitfor thegrandchildren that are going to start coming along from now,” he shares.

“It’s my first grandchild, and I’m looking forward to being agrandfather. But it makes me feeel old!”

He admits he gooes through different phases with fitness b but says he’s “in a pretty good phase at t the moment” –exercising about thrree times aweek, doing plenty of statiicbiking in the gy g m and going out on thheroads as the weather improves. He also t tries to play golf at least once aweek –“and the way Iplay golf is not astraight walk, so Iget lots of stepsin on those days!”

And what about t rowing –does one of the world’s best-eveerrowers ever take to the water these dayss?

“Very rarely,” he e admits. “Tome, rowing was an activvity t of competing, from when Iwent t tomy comprehensive schoool here in Marlow.Ididn’t reaally enjoy the training overly.But Ienjoyed the success, andthe e harder you trained, the more suuccess you had.

“For most people, it’s about competing –even thhepeople taking the sportupquite late. There’s awhole circcuit and races for almost any age g group. Very few people do it as a leisurely activity,normally thhere’s a goal at theend of it.”

Redgrave admits he does miss the competition –“to adegree”.

He adds: “I’m not very good at relaxing. Idon’t miss the amount of training we did, but Imiss the camaraderie. It’s very much ateam sport.”

Steveafter winning gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

n Sir Steve Redgrave is an ambassador for Teds Health (tedshealth.com)

ANGELAHARTNETT: IALWAYSTHINK THE CUPISHALF FULL

THE DISH PODCAST HOST AND RESTAURATEUR TALKSTO ABI JACKSON ABOUT FAMILY, GOING WITH THE FLOW AND KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE WHEN IT COMES

TO SELF-CARE

You can have all the training and talent in the world –but as far asAngela Hartnett’s concerned, running a successful kitchen is about more than the food.

“It’s about how you treat one another,” says the chef,whose Mayfair restaurantMurano achieved aMichelin star within four months of opening.

“Atthe endofthe day,why should a kitchen be any different from normal day-to-day life?

“Just treat people properly, and you do that in life too,” adds Hartnett, 54, who also co-hosts the Waitrose &Partners podcast Dish with Nick Grimshaw

“You get what you put in.”

She knows that can be “difficult for people to do day-in-day-out, when they’re feeling tired and emotional and all the rest of it”. Forthe Kent-born chef however –who cut her teeth in the mid-90s at Aubergine, Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant

it’s agood aim to live by Hartnett, who lives in London with her husband, fellow chef Neil Borthwick, credits her Italian mother and grandmother for inspiring her deep love of food. Her father died when she was eight, after which she, along with her mother,brother and sister,moved to Essex to be closer to their grandparents –and she’s often talked about learning pasta skills from her Nonna, and the cherished family mealtimes they all shared.

But Hartnett studied history before deciding to pursue acooking as acareer,skipping catering college and instead learning on the job. When shesecured atrial atAubergine, her mostly male cohorts predicted she’d

last aweek or two at most. Sheended up working with Ramsay for 17 years –going on to join Marcus Wareing at Pétrus and bagging her first Michelin star at The Connaught in 2004.

She opened Murano in 2008 and is now one of the most high-profile women in the restaurant world.

ForHartnett though, it still boils down to the role food plays in bringingus together –something thatwas brought to the fore for many during the pandemic.

“It’s abit sad that it took apandemic for people to realise that, but yes,” she reflects. “I like to think people haven’t gone back to old habits [now], but then life and work and all the rest of it gets involved, so we’ll have to see how it goes.”

Sitting down to eat together every night might seem unrealistic for many people, “but if you can do it twice aweek, with your family or friends or whatever, then that’s really agood thing”, Hartnett adds.

It’s something that features in Dish, which recently returned for athird series.Each episode sees Hartnett and Grimshaw chatting with acelebrity guest, while Hartnett whips up adish in the background before they tuck in together

Hosting apodcastwas “never” something she thoughtshe woulddo, but she says it’s “fun” (there’s usually alot of laughing). So far,guests this series have included TV’s Rob Delaney and Alex Jones, with astring of other famous names on the cards. The recipes are all shared online too (waitrose.com/ dishrecipes) so listeners can recreate them.

Cooking isn’t always about making things fancy,though. “Atthe endofthe day,you can sit there and talk about Michelin stars until the cows come home, but we all need to eat –food is part of what keeps us alive. It’s about sustaining your body,and no truer aword was

said than ‘you are what you eat’,” says Hartnett. “And Ithink food shouldn’t be rushed, sitting down and eating slowly is a good thing, it helps your digestion.”

Hartnett is as refreshingly nononsense in her approach to wellbeing as she is with everything else.

“I try to walk as much as Ican, Idon’t eat loads of stuff that’s necessarily bad for you, but Idodrink. Idostuff thatmakes me happy.And if drinking wine and eating red meat makes me happy,that’s what I’m going to do,” she says, when asked what her self-care regime looks like. Although she doesn’t think we “need to eat meat every night”.

She says: “If I’m honest, Idon’t consciously sit there and go: I’m going to do ‘this’ for my wellbeing. Idon’t know whether it’s fortunate, but Isuppose my thing is, Ialwaysthink the cup is half full, rather than half empty.I’m always amore optimistic person than pessimistic.”

Where does she think this optimistic outlook comes from?

“I think it’s my upbringing. Idon’t think you can underestimate the influence of family and friends when you grow up. Iwas quite fortunate with good family connections, and Istill have [that],” says Hartnett, who lived with her sister Anne until relatively recently (they now live down the road from each other).

“Probably the biggest influence on my life is my family,they’re the people whose opinion Icare about more thananyone’s.”

Working in kitchens canbe“high pressure”, she agrees, but “I don’t think catering is any more pressured than alot of other industries,” Hartnett adds. “There are lots of things that are pressured, and it’s how you deal with it, how you work out what’s important. At the end of the day,we’re cooking food, we’re cooking carrot and apiece of lamb, you know,let’s get it in perspective. We’re not rocket scientists, we’re not brain surgeons, we’re not trying to curecancer.”

She says she’s more of atake life “as things come” person than agoal-setter

“I think sometimes there’s abit of fate involved, things that happen for a reason, and Ithink howyou make your decisions is partly fate. I’m not saying that your life’s planned out, and I’m sure that everyone can make changes. But Idon’t wake up and think: this is what we’re going to achieve.

“I like the fact that life is changeable and nimble, and you react to situations, because you can’t ever predict. Youdon’t know if tomorrow you’re not going to get run over by bus. Hopefully not –but you can plan forever,can’t you, but you just don’t know

“So, live in themoment, live your life,

do what you need to do,” says Hartnett. “And look after the people you care about.”

Co-hosts Angela Hartnett and Nick Grimshaw as series three of the Dish podcast begins; below, Angela being made an Officer of the Order of the British EmpirebyKingCharles IIIatWindsorCastle in November last year

n The new series of Dish, from Waitrose &Partners, hosted by Angela Harnett and Nick Grimshaw is available on all podcast providers

PINK POWER: HOWTOWEAR THE SEASON’S BIGGEST BEAUTYTREND

Eyes

Fierce fuchsia was the shade of choice at Paul &Joe in London, and Al Olivia in New York, where lids daubed with matte cream shadow you don’t have to choose such ab pink for your peepers.

“For atruly on-trend way to pink on the eyes, opt for abluetoned shade with asubtle satin finish, giving it more of a grown-up look,” says Jasmine de Souza, education manager at 3INA.

Cheeks

“Blush is already having amoment, with sales of blush palettes at Boots increasing by 113% last year,” says Vernon.

Pink was popping all over the summer catwalks, with makeup artists at thebig four fashion weeks jumping on the #Barbiecore bandwagon that has swept through the worlds of fashion and beauty.

“With the much-anticipated Barbie film starring Margot Robbie (above) due for release in July and Pantone announcing Viva Magenta as 2023’s Colour of the Year,it’s clearthat hotpink is in,” says Grace Vernon, head of global trends and cultural insightsatBoots andNo7 Beauty Company

“Look out for the iconic ‘Barbie ponytail’ alongside bright pink eyeshadow,blush and lipstick, and hot pink nails.”

Here’s how to try the rose-tinted trend from lids to lips…

EMBRACE YOUR INNER BARBIE GIRL THIS SEASON, SAYS KATIE WRIGHT blush, £64, Chantecaille.

“And with inspiration from TV shows such as Netflix’s Bridgerton, we predict this trend will be blowing up this season.”

At Chet Lo SS23, MACmake-up artist Terry Barber placed acid pink blush high up on the temples in an Eighties homage.

“Use asheer,buildable product that lets you gradually add intensity, without the fear of over-applying,” de Souza advises. “You can add layers of pink to reach desired look.”

“By patting thisshade all over the lid with your ring finger,you’ll get aseamless finish without the need for blending.”

Green Me duo eyeshadow, £11, Kiko

Sandler watercolour uge blusher,hot £16.50, Escentual.

Makeup by Mario soft pop blush stick, raspberry, £32, Sephora.

3INA cream eyeshadow, pink 363, £15, Superdrug.

Lips

Pink lips on the catwalks ran the gamut, from glossy bubblegum (at Vivienne Westwood)tofuchsia (Paul Costelloe) and matte magenta (Carolina Herrera).

During awards season, actors such as Florence Pugh and Kate Hudson have been opting for softer shades and satin finishes to match their pink ensembles. So, it’s your choice on intensity,just make sure it’s pink.

Nails

When it comes to selecting your summer nail polish,pale pinks are off table. Think bubblegum, raspberry, or shocking pink –the brighter better for an on-trend mani.

Florence Pugh attending the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Yves Saint Laurent Dessin du Regardwaterproof eyepencil arcade pink, £19.55, Escentual

IScream Nails I’m the Mary nail polish, £15, Spoiled Brat.

Mavala breathable mini nail polish, erevan, £5.44, Nail Polish Direct.

Hourglass Unlocked satin crème lipstick, reef 300, £37, Net-a-Porter

IF THESHOEFITS. ..

STEP INTOTHE NEW SEASON IN STYLE WITH THESE MUST-HAVEBUYS, SAYS KATIE WRIGHT

Practical and pretty –that’s how you could describe the shoes you’re going to be seeing everywhere this season.

Slip-on flats and supportive trainers are ideal for everyday wear,and even SS23’s trendiest heels are mid-height and sturdy –notottering required.

These are five key catwalk trends to know about…

Ballet slippers

Given the never-ending Noughties renaissance, it was only amatter of time before ballet pumps pirouetted back into fashion.

Sure enough,the round-toed flats adored by style icons Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Amy Winehouse in the early to mid-2000s are back on thecatwalks.

It started at Miu Miu AW23, with Todd’s, Simone Rocha and Balenciaga following suit.

Now,ballet pumps are all over the high street. Take your pick from neutral tones and bold colourways.

Pretty Ballerinas Rosario, £199.

Accessorize quilted bow ballerina flats, £22

Fisherman sandals

Models at The Row,Bottega Veneta andGabriela Hearst sashayed down the runway in woven sandals and flatforms in black, white and metallic leather

The cool girl’s footwear of choice for summer, fisherman sandals areahigh street staple –team yours with aslouchy suit or slinkymaxi skirt.

Mary Janes

Astepupfromballet flats, patent Mary heels another Noughties acomeback, as decreed Wickstead, Prada and

Remember how Carrie Bradshaw cooed over the stiletto-heeled Manolo Blahnik

Mary Janes in theVogue fashion closet in Sex And The City? This time around, MJs arewhole lot heftier –think block, flared or platform heels.

Backless loafers

The chunky loafers that have dominated planet fashion for the last year or so are making way for more summery styles. Take your cue from the likes of Saint Laurent, Hermes and The Row with a pair of minimalist mules in apale hue.

Running shoes

On the sportswear scene, trendsetters are moving away from ubiquitous all-white trainers andembracing ‘gorpcore’ designs intended for trail running and hiking.

In amultitude of colours, these Gen Zfaves don’t haveto match your outfit, andyou can pull on a pair even if all you’re running is errands.

John Lewis black dress, £79; John Lewis Lisbon leather caged fisherman sandals, black, £55.

Tu cream mock croc chain detail mule loafers, £17.

Puma Velophasis phased sneakers black-intense lavender,£120.

Allbirds women’s trail runners SWT limited edition hazy cobalt, £135.

Crew Clothing Evebackless loafer in nude, £69.

Dune London

Alenna nude patent block-heel

Mary Jane courts, £90.

Office Max Out Mary Jane platform courts, black patent, £55.

Oliver Bonas fisherman silver leather sandals, £69.50.

MAKE IT AMIDI

GET ON BOARD WITHTHIS VERSATILE TREND, SAYS KATIE WRIGHT

While some designers are still obsessed with the micro miniskirt trend, you may be relieved to learn midi hems are making areturn for summer

Amidi (or midaxi, where the hem lands slightly lower on thecalf) is a brilliant option for that transitional phase when summer hasn’t quite sprung,but you’re ready to switch up your style for the new season.

Team an A-line skirt with a fine knit rollneck or achunkyjumper and kneehigh boots for achic look.

Tryabit of ‘dopamine dressing’ by pairing abright printed skirt with tonal separates.

Swap jeans for adenim midi skirt and atee orstrappy top, adding statement trainers for alaid-back weekend look.

Here’s our pick of the most stylish midi skirts on thehigh street…

1. Threadbarewomen’s black abstract dot button down midi skirt, £30; 2. Tu pink satin midi skirt, £16, Sainsbury’s; 3. Monsoon pull-on denim midi skirt in sustainable cotton, £60; 4. Joe Browns Into The Rose Garden vintage skirt, £24; 5. Cotton Traders boho short-sleevecrochet trim top, £36; florachiffon tiered pull-on maxi skirt, £38; cutwork sandals, £29; 6. Roman red abstract spot pleated midi skirt, £35.

Dental Implant Treatment

by Jason Buglass

Struggling with alcohol issues? We areWith You

When John’swifeBrenda passed away 18 months ago, he turned to alcohol as acoping mechanism.

John, 67,has along and complexhistory with alcohol but experiencing the trauma of grief sawhis issues deepen. John’sGPreferred him to With YouShropshire- the local arm of anational charity thatprovides support to those struggling with drug and alcohol issues.

John has been using With You’s support services since January, to help him successfully manage his relationship with alcohol. But sadly,John is notalone.Over 40% of the service users that either referthemselves to With Youorhavebeen referred by their GP,are overthe ageof50. An in-depth report from Drink Wise AgeWelldetailed that age-relatedreasons forturning to alcohol areoften the most potent and difficult to combat alone, including dealing with retirement (40%), bereavement (26%), and achangein financial circumstances (18%).

The charity,which has acentre in Shrewsbury which runs free and confidential outreach services across the county,can be accessed via self-referral or referrals from GPs.

Scarlett Pryor,Recovery Worker at With YouShropshire, explains: “Manyofthe people over50 thatwesupport describe how their relationship with alcohol deepened followingsignificant lifestyle shifts.

“Our service provides practical support to those struggling with their alcohol consumption and helps them to reach their goals -whether it be full abstinence or reducing their intakeand reliance.”

Formoreinformation about support available, please contact:

srpinfo@wearewithyou.org.uk or visit www.wearewithyou.org. uk/services/shropshire

Shropshire Recovery Partnership

Cruises

Come with us as we board the Borealisfor our 2023

Scenic Isles of Scotland

26th June2023

8Nights All Inclusive

Cabin Types (Based on two people sharing)

Interior Rooms (GradeI)- £1569 Per Person

Ocean View (GradeE)- £1788 PerPerson

Superior Ocean View (Grade B) - £2144Per Person

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

Scenic IrishIsles &Cities of Ireland

27th July2023

8NightsAll Inclusive

Cabin Types (Based on two people sharing)

InteriorRooms (Grade I) - £1529 Per Person

Ocean View (Grade E) - £1789 Per Person

SuperiorOcean View (Grade B) - £2234 PerPerson

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

Bank Holiday Escapes to Scenic Scotland

26th August 2023

5Nights All Inclusive

Cabin Types (Based on two people sharing)

Interior Rooms (GradeI)- £859 Per Person

Ocean View (GradeE)- £992 Per Person

Superior Ocean View (Grade B) - £1289Per Person

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

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

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

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

SKY HIGH LUXURY IN THE BIGAPPLE

START SPREADING THE NEWS –THERE’S ANEW KID ON THE BLOCK IN NEW YORK. SARAH MARSHALL CHECKS IN

Standing tall and proud on Broadway,just a short stroll from the lights and razzmatazz of Times Square, is the Big Apple’s most anticipated hotel opening of the year.

So new the scarlet red paint is barely dry, Virgin Hotels has landed on West 30thStreetwith alevel of fanfare and exuberance to be expected from Sir Richard Branson

During the opening ceremony,there’s astreetside singsong from aBroadway star,performances by unspeakably bendy contortionists and aparty for 1,000 people. Yet despite the stiff competition, there was only ever going to be one star of the show.The world’s most famous billionaire is onhand to cut the ribbon and officially launch the latest jewel in his empire, and the seventh property in his fast-expanding collection of city hotels that already includes Miami, Nashville, Chicago, Edinburgh and Glasgow

But this, in many ways, is the big one. New York is not aplace that does things by halves –and nor does its hotels With expectations high, the pressure was on to deliver a property that’s every bit as modern, quirky,surprising and slick as the city it calls home, while maintaining the playful charm and cheekiness Virgin has long been known for

Of course, this isn’t Branson’s first bite of the Big Apple Back in 1984 and the proud custodian of aleased 747 jumbo jet, he launched Virgin Atlantic, with the very first flight taking off bound for New York.

Fast forward several years and the eccentric entrepreneur was back, this time driving atank into awall of Coca-Cola cans in the middle of Times Square to mark the launch of Virgin Cola. Despite the bold and headline-grabbing publicity stunt, the drink failed to fizz, but his love affair with New York has stood thetestof time.

So, has the new Virgin New York been worth the wait?

Branson’s homage to New York

Dominating the minimalist lobby is the ‘Where’s Richard?’ mural by Californian artist Nigel Sussman, with thebig boss hidden somewhere within abusy Where’s Wally-esque scene that depicts the Virgin story.Even the toppled cola cans feature.

The hotel’s 460 rooms –or‘chambers’ –are spread across 39 floorsof agleaming, purpose-built tower located in the upand-coming NoMad neighbourhood (named so because it’s north of Madison Square Park). Those feeling plush can book the penthouse suite, dubbed Richard’s Flat, which spans the35thand 36th floors,but guests are well-catered for whatever their room category

‘Chambers’ are generously sized –by New York standards at least –and feature custom-made beds with apadded seat built-in to the bottom left-hand corner This is, apparently,so business meetings can take place moreefficiently –but there’s little time to ponder what HR would say about that because the city views pressing against the floor-to-ceiling windows are more than alittledistracting.

Across the room and on the other side of asliding door (complete with peep hole) is abathroom of white marble, back-lit mirrors and awalk-in shower

There are flashes of Virgin-red everywhere, from the shower head to the miniature Smeg fridge that stands in as the mini bar.The scarlet theme continues throughout the hotel, from the striking spiral staircase on the third floor to the centrepiece grand piano that acts as a backdrop for live DJs and nightly jazz.

Bedroom suite in the Virgin New York

Aview of the EmpireState building from the pool deck in the new Virgin New York hotel.

Morethan simply aplace to sleep

Keen to become adestination for hedonistic New Yorkers as well as outof-towners, the hotel will soon open an as-yet-unnamed fine dining Italian-meetsLatin restaurant, headed by celebrated chef Freddy Vargas. Until then, its vibey Everdene space fills the void nicely

There are cosy corners for hushed brunches, floral armchairs for coffees and chats, adecadent crimson-coloured cocktail lounge for apre-dinner espresso martini and astriking dining space from which to enjoy dishes such as Nantucket Bay scallops and flat iron steak with black garlic jus.

Fancy something sweet for afters? Head out to the wraparound terrace and savour the sight of the Empire State Building, almost close enough to touch, dazzling in all its art deco splendour.It simply doesn’t get much better than that.

FROM TOP:

The Virgin-red colour theme in the Virgin New York hotel; the vibey Everdene bar area; ‘Where’sRichard?’ mural in the lobby.

FACTFILE

VirginAtlanticHolidays (virginholidays com) offersthree nights’room-only accommodation at VirginHotelsNew York City from £861 perperson, including flights from Heathrow Formoreinformationabout the destination, visitnycgo.com

THE PASSION OF APURE BLOOD

JACK EVANS TEST DRIVES THE FERRARI PUROSANGUE

Sohere we have it –the Ferrari Purosangue. It’s acar that was shrouded in mystery for many a year,with aquestionsurrounding whether or not it would even make it into production.

But here it is, arriving as Ferrari’s first four-door,four-seater model.

Designed to offer the space and versatility that people can’t get from other Ferrari models –yet whiledelivering the same razor-sharp performanceand agility –the Purosanguehas been absolutely loaded with go-faster technology and a host of innovations. We’ve been driving it to see how they all work.

Ferrari downright refuses to call the Purosangue an SUV,instead placing it alongside its historic range of 2+2 models, albeit with adecent slug more space in the back. But there’s no denying that it’ll be seen by many potentialbuyers alongside cars like the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX707 –though the Purosangue commands amuch higher price tag than those models.

Awealth of lightweight materials

and clever building processes have also ensured that thePurosangue is lighter than its previous four-seater models, even though it’s larger.It’s fair to say that even though the Purosanguelooks relatively compact in the pictures, it’s avery large car in the metal.

Youmight be expecting that in the time of electrification, you’d be finding some battery-assisted, turbocharged engine setup underneath the Purosangue’s bonnet. Not in the slightest. Burbling away is amid-front-mounted 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12, with 715bhp and 716Nm of torque there to access at a moment’s notice.

The Purosangue is four-wheel-drive, too, with the gearbox mounted at the rear and aspecial ‘Power Transfer Unit’ positioned ahead of the engine to provide near-perfect weight distribution. Zero to 60mph? That’ll take just 3.1 seconds while flat-out the Purosangue will manage 193mph.

Efficiency,naturally,isn’t the best –with 16.3mpg being claimed. Drive alittle harder and it wouldn’t be hard to push

that into single figures. Emissions are also high at393g/km CO2.

As we’ve touched upon, the Purosangue is alarge car so it canfeel a little intimidating, to begin with. It’s also much lower down than you mightexpect, so you do get the sensation of sitting ‘in’ the car rather than ‘on’ as you do in other ‘conventional’ performance SUVs. But it’s no trouble getting up to speed with the Purosangue thanks to aspot-ondriving position with loads of adjustability

Then there’s the engine. There’s certainly acountdown on naturallyaspirated behemoths like the Ferrari V12,but it’s an absolute joy to behold. Responsive and sharp –and not to mention hugely characterful in sound –it’s arealdelight and, when coupled with the sharp, agile steering, makes for an experience you’ll get from no other car of this size. Even the ride quality is good, helped no end by the superbly complex active suspension system which works to keep body roll in check while also managingtosuppress bumps and road imperfections.

The Purosangue definitely takes styling cues from otherFerrari models but blends all of these attributes together in avery different way.Aswe’ve mentioned it’s far lower than your ‘traditional SUV’ but also hasthose trademark Ferrari elements of along bonnet and ashort, sharp rear end.

The front lights look ultrasleek, too, while the light units at the back play closer to the ones you’ll find on the Roma. There are aerodynamic elements at play throughout the car,too, with clever inlets on the front wheel arches, for example, helping to channel air to ‘seal’ the front wheels in and make things as slippery as possible.

The Purosangue is adedicated four-seater –there’snooption to have an extra chair placed in themiddle of the second row.But that does mean that those sitting in the rear have got plenty of space to stretch out and relax, with the ‘proper’sports car rear seatsproviding ample support. They can be folded flat, too, extending the Purosangue’s boot space. Plus, access to the rear is excellent

courtesy of theforward-hinged doors which not only work well, but provide some real theatre too.

The material quality is, as you might expect, very good. But it’s the ergonomics and space that we find to be very impressive. Ouronly gripe here is with the large screen placed in front of the passenger –itcontrols media functions and can display performance data, but it can’t be used to input adestination into the navigation, which is one of the things that’d be really handy for someone travelling alongside the driver to be able to do.

At just over £313,000, the Purosangue is one of the most expensive cars of its type in the market today.Infact, with options, you could probably startheading towards the £400,000 marker,making this an extremely ‘premium’ option. The interior feels decidedly special, with the main screen ahead of the driver showing ahuge array of data andfeatures. The Purosangue relies on smartphone mirroring for navigation,too, but trying to operate Apple CarPlay–which is

FACTFILE FerrariPurosangue

Priceastested:£313,120

Engine:Naturally-aspirated65-litre V12

Power:715bhp

Torque:716Nm

0-60mph:31seconds

Topspeed:193mph

Economy:16.3mpg

CO2emissions:393g/km

primarily designed to be accessed via touch controls –with thebuttons on the steering wheel can prove abit frustrating.

Those in the backget theirown dedicated heating and ventilation controls accessed via acool rotary dial, too, and there’s the same thing for thosepeople in the front. Having proper heating controls is much easier than them being located within the main screen’s menus, too.

It’s almostfrustratingly hard to find fault with the Purosangue. Yes, it’s expensive and yes, it’s far from efficient, but as aproper driving experience –and one which allows you to bring passengers along for the ride in –it’sremarkable. That V12 engine may not be long for the new car market, but while it’s here it remains one of the great characters in motoring.

Against thecurrent crop of performance SUVs, the Purosangue is easily the most agile and engaging,yet it can deliver this while also having the flip side of acomfortable and relaxing driving experience. It’s an impressive thing indeed.

SHEARJOY AT THERETURN OF SUMMER

BY HEATHER LARGE

June is the month that contains the longest day of the year,known as the summer solstice. It’s theresult of the North Pole being tilted closest to the sun, resulting in the longest number of daylight hours in the northern hemisphere.

The sun also reaches the highest point in the sky,making the shortest day of the year –knownasthe winter solstice, feel a like adistantmemory

It marksthe arrival of longer,warmer summer days.

This selection of photos gives a glimpse into daily life around Shropshire during the month of June in past decades.

They include young farmers showing off their sheep shearing skills in acompetition at West Midland Showground in Shrewsbury in 1961,and female pipers from Aberdeen who were appearing at the Shrewsbury Summer Show in 1967.

Meanwhile, in June 1964, Bishop’s Castle was embroiled in abattle to save its independence and Lieutenant Colonel Robert Shebbeare was retiring from his position as governorofShrewsbury’s prison, The Dana.

Physical fitness was the theme of the Shrewsbury Summer ShowinJune 1967, and no better way to display this was the performance by Junior Soldiers from the Light Infantry Brigade depot at Shrewsbury who put on a first class showfor the hundreds of watching public at the small arena.

Akit inspection at the Drill Hall, Coleham, Shrewsbury, on June 18, 1977. With the Territorial Army squad areRSM Tony Lynn (left)and Sergeant Bob Hanson, both from battalion headquarters.

Five-year-old EdwardFoster,fromBridgnorth, takes interest in the efforts of young farmer Gordon Morgan, from Ludlow, who finished third in the sheep shearing contest at the Shropshire Young FarmersRally held at the West Midland Showground on June 5, 1961.

In 1964, Bishop’sCastle was embroiled in abattletosaveits independence. This delegation arrived at the Shirehall in Shrewsbury in June that year to carry its message to the opening of aboundary review inquiry. Holding the banner is Bishop’sCastle deputy mayor,CouncillorWH Jarvis, and his daughter

Shrewsbury Catholics kneel as the Blessed Sacrament is carried beforethem on June 5, 1958. It was the first time since the Reformation that the procession had taken place in the town.

Workers laying part of the gas grid extension from Sedgley to Shrewsbury in June 1965. This section was near Pattingham.

Boat racesonthe River Severn at Shrewsbury School Speech Day on June 2, 1978.

Keeping aclose watch on their sandwiches areyoungsters of Coton Mount Infants School, Shrewsbury, who had aparadeofhungry ducks and geese to contend with during their picnic on avisit to Acton Scott Working Farm Museum, near Church Stretton in 1985.

Female pipers from Aberdeen were relaxing on the banks of the Severn during abreak from the Shrewsbury Summer ShowonJune 26, 1967.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Shebbeareonthe day of his retirement as governor of Shrewsbury prison, in 1970.

Women serving meals to the KSLI at Shrewsbury Barracks on June 28, 1939

Connected care

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3 En-suite bedrooms and suites available

3 High performance rating with CQC

FOUR WS SUDOKU

REMEMBER WHEN

1. TV pioneer John Logie Baird died

2. King Umberto II of Italy abdicated after just 34 days on the throne

3. Boxer FreddieMills was beaten by Gus Lesnevich

4. Bread rationing started due to poor wheat crop

1. Blondie had ahugehit single with Heart Of Glass

2. TV comedy Not The Nine O’Clock News made its debut

3. Sir Anthony Blunt was exposed as aspy for the Russians

4. Mother Teresawas awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

1. EastEnders was first broadcast

2. Coca-Cola changedthe drink’s formula, prompting public outcry in the US

3. Madonna had her first UK No.1 single with Into The Groove

4. Boris Becker won Wimbledon at the age of 17

1. Film star Lillian Gish died

2. Irvine Welsh’s first novel, Trainspotting, is published

3. Abill to privatise British Rail came into law

4. Suede released their self-titled debut album

1. Laurence Olivier died

2. Timothy Dalton was James Bond for the second and last time in Licence To Kill

3. NenehCherry released her debut album RawLike Sushi

4. The Berlin Wall fell

1. TomStoppard’s play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead made its debut at the Old Vic

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

2. Elvis Presleymarried Priscilla Beaulieu

3. Vivien Leigh and Brian Epstein died

4.

QE2

WHO… launched the film and television production company DreamWorks SKG in 1994?

WHAT… was the title of Madonna’s twelfth UK No.1 single? WHERE… in Scotland is the Savings Banks Museum?

WHEN… did the western film director John Ford die?

WHO… wrote the play On theShore of the Wide World?

WHAT… does Mardi Gras literally mean?

WHERE… did Michael Langrish succeed Hewlett Thompson as Bishop in 2000?

WHEN… did the film Lady and the Tramp receive its premiere?

WHO… co-founded the computer manufacturer Apple?

WHAT… nationality is former tennis player Nicolas Massu?

WHERE… was the scientist Sir Humphry Davy born in 1778? WHEN… did John Wesley,a leader of the Methodist movement, die?

WHO… scored two goals for Manchester United in the 2006 League Cup Final?

WHAT… is the book by Michael Baigent, Henry Lincoln and Richard Leigh that was the subject of acopyright case in the High Court in 2006?

WHERE… in Europe is the royal residence of Drottningholm Palace?

WHEN… did The Honeycombs have the UK No. 1single Have I The Right?

WHO… is the cricketer who captained England in two test matches in 2008?

WHAT… country got one gold medal and no others at the 2014 Winter Olympics?

WHERE… in Europe is the Urnes stave church, aUNESCOWorld Heritage Site?

WHEN… did Peter Falk first appear on TV as Lt. Columbo?

1 2 3 4 5 6

WHO… was runner-up in the 2005 US Open golf tournament?

WHAT… football club did singer RobbieWilliams buy shares in?

WHERE… in South America is the Inca ruin of Machu Picchu? WHEN… did Little Polveir win the Aintree Grand National?

WORDWISE

THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

1. KIRBEH

A Leather bottle for holding water

B Imperial crest of Japan. C State of displeasure or anger

2. MANTILLA

A Sweetsherry B Genus of insect. C Asmall mantle.

3. OBSECRATE

A Beseech. B Dedicate to an unknown god. C To blur

4. PEDETENTOUS

A Stalk-like. B Proceeding slowly. C Liable to corns or bunions.

5. RAMPART

A Sturdy fence or wall. B Tumble-down fort.

C Flat-topped defensive mound.

6. SCALLION

A Rascal. B Onion with asmall bulb. C Askin disease.

The

was launched at Clydebank

CROSSWORD

QUICK CLUES

Across

1. Domination (11)

9. Encroach (7)

10. Proposer (5)

11. Unstained (5)

12. Remote (7)

13. Haughty (6)

15. Show (6)

18. Representative (7)

20. Consumed (5)

22. Smell (5)

23. Origin (7)

24. Unrelenting (11)

Down

2. Release (5)

3. Chronicle (7)

4. Avaricious (6)

5. Seasons (5)

6. Forestall (7)

7. Distribution (11)

8. Fragility (11)

14. Upbraid (7)

16. Everlasting (7)

17. Lines up (6)

19. Freight(5)

21. Trials (5)

CRYPTIC CLUES

Across

1. When out of bed, on the way to showing enterprise (2-3-6)

9. Again go over right to create new pattern (7)

10. Bring up loss of head in extolment (5)

11. Note in dreadful sad song (5)

12. Arum one could inspire with love! (7)

13. Precisioninshow on ice typically shown (6)

15. Iran by,being highly intelligent (6)

18. Tradesman who reaches the depths? (7)

20. Break up, but keep quiet about graduates (5)

22. Bit of polish in your brush leaves it lustrous (5)

23. Scenery not bad, and weather continuing fine (3,4)

24. The price of admission is charm plus professional charge (8,3)

Down

2. Presumably he came to dislike cockerels! (5)

3. Perhapsenter as least distant (7)

4. 150 always intelligent (6)

5. She has mother taking up thetune(5)

6. Capital maybe in aBiro (7)

7. Commercial correspondence? (7,4)

8. Almost finished with new leader arriving before time (6,5)

14. Wariness of auction arrangement (7)

16. To steerasa favour (7)

17. Is near reform, having got up (6)

19. The one who takes the lot (5)

21. Aship’strack makes vigilant (5)

1 2 3 4

An actor,Iwas born in New York in 1967. Imade my feature film debut in 1991, in the little known Triple Bogey on aPar Five Hole. My better-known films include Magnolia, Boogie Nights and Along Came Polly, and in March 2006 Iwon an Oscar for my portrayal of the writer Truman Capote in the filmCapote.

Achildren’s author,Iwas born in Bath in 1945. Iwas the most borrowed author in Britishlibraries between 2002 and 2006 and have sold more than 35 million copies of my books in the UK. Iamthe author of Double Act and Girls in Love and the creator of the popular character Tracy Beaker

WHAT’SMY NAME?

ATVand radiopresenter,Iwas born in Reading in 1965. Istarted my career as aradio DJ, and have worked for Virgin Radio and BRMB. My morning talk show was axed in 2019.

An athlete, Iwas born in Swindon in 1981. The people in my home town held acanoe race to raise £4,000 for me to compete at aprofessional level. Iwon asilver medal in the Skeleton Bobsleigh at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

5

Apolitician, Iwas born in London in 1940. Inspired by my rock idol, Ichanged my name in the 1960s and became known for my horrorthemed stage shows with my band, The Savages. In the1980s Ifounded the Official Monster Raving LoonyParty and contested more than 40 elections during my career

An actress, Iwas born in Missouri in 1911. My real name was Harlean Carpenter,but when asked MGM gave my surname as ‘Carpentier’because it sounded more glamorous. During my brief career Iwas thestar of films including Saratoga and The Public Enemy.Idied in 1937, aged just 26.

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. Throw of dice 2. Lighting device 3. Go by 4. Not hard

5. Small branch 6. Hereditary unit 7. Revise 8. Musical instrument 9. Eagerly expectant 10. Spiritual guide

11. Employs 12. Hare’s tail 13. At that time 14. Signals agreement

15. Rebuff 16. Greek letter

Key word clue: Medical term

1. Shove 2. Vestibule 3. Lower limbs 4. Largebag

5. Considerate 6. Romantic appointment 7. Engrave

8. Bird of prey 9. Make woollens 10. Mountain lake

11. Organ of smell 12. Makes mistakes 13. Smoke and fog

14. Grasp 15. Jetty 16. Hazard

Key word clue: Surname

Tomwas checking the invoice. “Talk about inflation,” he explained, pointing to the entry.“Remember? We imported one about twelve years ago, from thesame firm. Now it’s three times what it was.”

“Worse than that!” Kenchuckled. “It’s actually one penny more than three times, but it is afunny price. If you interchange the pounds andpennies of what it was, you get what it is now.”

What was theold price?

“Welcome to our new house,” Bob exclaimed, greeting his friend at the front door.“Inever thought you’d remember our number.”

Eddie smiled. “You said it was on the odd number side, and that all the odd numbers aboveyours totalled 1111.”

What was thenumber?

“There go the three Jones lads,” said Joe. “They always seem to be wearing yellow or green.”

“Eddie, Adam and Chris. Yesthey do have athing about those two colours,” Susan told him.

“Adam wears green if,and only if,Eddie is in yellow,and you never see Chris and Eddie both in green. That’s Chris or Adam in the yellow jacket, but they wouldn’t both wear yellow.”

1 2 3 4

Which of theboys wouldbeingreen that day?

“Are these the plates from Dellers Itold you about?” asked John, inspecting the floral pattern. Betty replied, “I looked at those, but these are exactly the same except for price. They were at Haskins, and 14 pence each cheaper.Iwould’ve spend the exact same at Dellers, £13.65, but gotten two fewer plates for my money.”

2 3

1. Whip 2. Fifty per cent 3. Jumping insect 4. Particle of matter

5. Animal flesh as food 6. Horse’s gait 7. Upper-class person

8. Datum 9. Cash register 10. Permits 11. Self-satisfied 12. Objective 13. Use one’s eyes 14. Chess piece 15. Sport 16. Cultivate land

Key word clue: Former name of Taiwan

ANSWERS ON PAGE 128

2If you think you know classical music, then think again. Comedy string quartet Graffiti Classics aim to burst the boundaries of the traditional string quartet with their all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy show,which comes to The Silvester Horne Institute in Church Stretton.Audiences should expect a classical concert, gypsy-folk romp, opera, stand-up comedy,and abrilliant dance show all rolled into one.

The show is suitable for ages7+. Tickets are £15 for adults and £7.50 for children from artsalive.co.uk

Until-Jun4

Park Hall Countryside Experience is going prehistoric with Jurassic Week from May27. Goats, rabbits, ponies, sheep and guinea pigs are going to be joined by Dora the Dino, who will meet and greet visitors every day.There will also be walkabouts with the newly born baby dinos.

Richard Powell, joint owner-director at Park Hall, said: “All you budding palaeontologists and archaeologists, come and join us this half term for some Jurassic fun. Youcan take part in afantasticfossil dig, and choose your favourite fossil to take home with you.”

Access to theextensive indoorand outdoor play areas, barrel train rides, tractor rides, animals, role play village, sand and water play,music room, trenches and science area is included in the ticket price.

Advance online tickets are£2cheaper than on the gate. Fortickets go to at www parkhallfarm.co.uk

4The Marches Choir of Bishop’s Castle will join forces with the More Singers of Church Stretton to present Coronation Rejoicing!, acelebration of the coronation of King Charles III, in the Regency-style ballroom at Walcot Hall, Lydbury North.

The concert will feature avariety of celebratory and high-spirited music, including aselection of Handel’s Coronation Anthems, from Zadok the Priest, with its famous musical setting of “long live the king”, to the uplifting anthem The King Shall Rejoice. The choir will also perform Regina Coeli, Mozart’s wonderfully inspiring and celebratory motet, as well as Purcell’s Celebrate this Festival. The concert will include avariety of solos, duets and more

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 (children and students free) and are available by calling 01588 650315 or via www.ticketsource.co.uk, and can also be purchased from choir members or on the night at the venue.

4Visitors arebeing given anew chance to walk through history at Weston Park. Head gardener Martin Gee will bring more than 200 years of family history to the guided walks through the stunning grounds.

Martin, whosefamily has lived and worked on the estate since 1802, will guide visitors on the Fabulous Follies Walk. Each walk lasts around two hours and takes in all the glory of Capability Brown’s stunning creation, from the rare Pleasure Ground of Temple Wood to the expansive views from the Knoll Tower 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/

Aseries of tours of the house itself have also been unveiled –with asuitably regal theme to reflect this coronation year

The Behind the Scenes Tours will give visitors apeak into some of the royal secrets of the Bradford family,including who was Master of the HorsetoQueen Victoria, which royal honeymooned at Weston and why Queen Mary was such a frequent house guest.

Taking place on June 11 and 25 at 2pm, each tour is conducted by Weston’s knowledgeable volunteer guides and explores areas of the house that arenot normally open to visitors.

Formore details visit https://westonpark.com/behind-the-scenes-tour/ Tours cost £20per person and include admission to the house, park and gardens.

7Jack Carroll brings Walking Funnyto Bridgnorth’s Theatre On The Steps this month.

The Britain’s Got Talent runner-up, Jack is also thestar of BBC’sLiveatthe Apollo and QI and Sky sitcom Trollied. He also featured in the award-winning movie Eaten by Lions and he’s returning to the stage in this new stand-upshow

Tickets £1. Visit www.theatreonthe steps.co.uk/product/jack-carroll

The PreenFamily History Study Group are holding their annual meeting in Bridgnorth. The meeting starts at 10am at Low Town Community Hall, Severn Street, Bridgnorth.

Philip Davies, PreenFamily History Study Group Chairman, said: “The day is open to anyone interested in or connected

Marches Choir will perform acoronationcelebration at Walcot Hall; Weston Park head gardener Martin Gee.

by their genealogy to the Preensurname. It is agreat opportunity for all Preens to come and enjoy achatabout their family history and the Preenfamily in general.”

This will be followed by the AGM, lunch, agroup photocall for members, and afternoon activities. Information is available from www.preen.org.uk

Music for aSummer’s Evening” is aconcert of choral and instrumental music by Shrewsbury School Community Choir and musicians from the School at 7.30pm in the Abbey Church, Shrewsbury,conducted by Richard Stafford. The programme includes pieces by Gabriel Faure, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi, John Rutter andErikEsenvalds.Tickets are £15 (£8for under-25s) in advance from TicketSource or £17 on thedoor.Doors open 6.45pm. The concert is promoted by Shropshire Charity Concerts, regdcharity no.1191258. 11

Spend an hilarious and uplifting evening with British designer, bestselling author and Great Pottery Throw Down judge, Keith Brymer Jones, as he shares stories of life in front of and behind the potter’s wheel. He is joined in conversation by his wife, actor Marj Hogarth, who will guide Keith through tales from his life and career,from designing ceramic ranges for top retailers to throwing in his studio in Whitstable. Keith will also give an on-stage demo at his pottery wheel and share his advice.

Keith Brymer Jones –Life, Clay, and Everything –isatTheatreSevern, Shrewsbury.Tickets: £27-£37

Visit www.theatresevern.co.uk

14

ITV’S Emma Kennypresents The Serial Killer Next Door,taking ticket holders on ajourney looking at what ingredients of possibilityleadto body counts by killers like TedBundy, John Wayne Gacy,Jeffrey Dahmer and John Paul Knowles. What creates aserial killer,and could anything haveprevented their potential being activated, or were they simply born to kill?

Emma specialises in victimology, but she is mostly known in the media for presenting crime shows including Britain’s Darkest Taboos, Lady Killers, and The Killer in My Family Venue is Telford’s Oakengates Theatre and tickets cost £22.50.

Visit www.telfordtheatre.com

16Jen Brister’s show,The Optimist, comes to Shrewsbury’s Walker Theatre. If Jen has learned anything in the past 18 months, it’s that she’s no good in acrisis. Has the pandemic changed her for the better or is she the sameold pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? I think we all know the answer to that.Let’s just hope she canmake it funny

Tickets cost £17. Visit www. theatresevern.co.uk for details.

16&30

The free lunch-hour concert series at St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury,continue this month.Concerts begin at 12.30pm with an organ recital by Jonathan Hope of Gloucester Cathedral on June 15, followed by acello recital by Corinne Frost on June 30. Full listings at www stchadschurchshrewsbury.com

23An Evening and ALittle Bit of a Morning with Mark Steel comes to Telford’s Oakengates Theatre.

Mark has so much to yell about. There’s the modern world in which you spend so long trying to work out iTunes, that it’s easier to form aband and learn the songs. Then there’s the crazy story of Mark being brought up in aworkingclass street in Kent,to discover his natural father was amillionaire backgammon player who was best mates with Lord Lucan.

This is stand-up, so whatever has happened in the room, in the town or in the world that day will almost certainly be in the show

Tickets cost £18.50. Visit www telfordtheatre.com

23Everest has long captured the imagination of mountaineers and adventurers as the pinnacle of climbing, simply the highest point on the planet that ‘must be reached’. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first successful summit, Kenton Cool, the 16x summit non-Sherpa world record-holder,has created ashow to take audiences on afascinating journey through the history of the highs and lows of summit attempts on one of the world’s most magnificent mountains

Kenton Cool –Everest, the Untold Story –comes to the Walker Theatre, Shrewsbury.Tickets £20. Visit www. theatresevern.co.uk

24TwoShrewsbury-based choirs, Shrewsbury Choral and Shrewsbury Cantata Choir have joined forces and will be performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah at Shrewsbury

Park Hall Countryside Experience is going prehistoric with Jurassic Week;DrMartin-Charles-Cook, SCS musical director,willlead the Shrewsbury Festival Chorus at Shrewsbury Abbey.

Abbey at 7.30pm, led by conductor and musical director Dr Martin Charles Cook. The Shrewsbury Festival Chorus will be accompanied by the Shrewsbury Sinfonia, led by Ann Tuplin and soloists, soprano Eleanor Jane Moran, alto Bethan Langford, tenor William Smith and bass Peter Edge.

Tickets available at shrewsburychoral. org.uk/buytickets, www shrewsburychoral.org.uk, www shrewsburycantatachoir.org.uk, or from Pengwern Books, Fish Street, Shrewsbury, or by calling 01743 232236.

24-25

Shrewsbury’s thriving food scene will be celebrated at its award-winning food festival. The Quarry will be transformed into afoodie destination filled with hundreds of food and drink stalls, street food trucks, bars, chef stages andcookalong schools. To mark thefestival’s 10-

year anniversary,a new logo and website have been launched.

Toplocal chefs are getting booked for The Shire Collection’s Cook Along Tent andThe Shropshire Distillery Talks and Demonstrations Stage, including Stuart Collins, Anna Christoforou, Suki Pantal, James Sherwin, Carla Ernst and Ben Hall. Joining them will be multi-Michelin star and 5/5 AA Rosette-winning chef, JeanChristophe Novelli.

Festival Head Chef,Chris Burt, will be running the Cook Along Tent, fresh from his return to The Peach Tree Budding chefs can cook with the pros at their own workstations, and feast on their dishes at the end. There will also be a kids’ cookery school.

Shrewsbury Food Festival’slive music stage hosts local bands playing old favourites, while the family entertainment stage showcases local musical theatre performances from Get Your Wigle On.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 123-125

REMEMBER WHEN: 1.1946. 2.1979. 3.1985. 4.1993. 5.1989. 6.1967.

FOUR Ws: 1.Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg; Sorry; Ruthwell, Dumfries; 1973. 2.Simon Stephens; FatTuesday; Exeter,Devon; 1955. 3.Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne; Chilean; Penzance, Cornwall; 1791. 4.Wayne Rooney; The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail; Sweden; 1964. 5.Kevin Pietersen; Slovakia; Norway; 1968. 6.Tiger Woods; Port Vale F.C.; Peru; 1989.

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

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS:

Across: 1 Subjugation; 9 Intrude; 10 Mover; 11 Clean;

12 Distant; 13 Lordly; 15 Reveal; 18 Typical; 20 Eaten;

22 Odour; 23 Genesis; 24 Remorseless. Down: 2 Untie;

3 Journal; 4 Greedy; 5 Times; 6 Obviate; 7 Circulation;

8 Brittleness; 14 Reprove; 16 Eternal; 17 Aligns; 19 Cargo; 21 Tests.

CRYPTICSOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Up-and-coming;

9 Retrace; 10 Raise; 11 Dirge; 12 Enamour; 13 Nicety;

There is also aField to Fork area dedicated to providing education onthe food and agriculture sectors with interactive activities, STEM challenges, farm animals and agricultural machinery.Four-legged friends get in on the fun too,with the Dogs Trust providing adog creche so their owners can enjoy an hour of shopping. Visit www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk for details.

30An Intimate Evening with Simon &Oscarfrom Ocean Colour Scene comes to Telford’s Oakengates Theatre this month. Enjoy acoustic performances of all the big hitsand anthems with singer Simon Fowler and percussionist Oscar Harrison. Fans can look forward to The Riverboat Song,The Circle, Traveller’s Tune,Hundred Mile High City and The Day We Caught The Train. Tickets cost£29.50. Visit www telfordtheatre.com

15 Brainy; 18 Plumber; 20 Smash; 22 Shiny; 23 Setfair; 24 Entrance fee. Down: 2 Peter; 3 Nearest; 4 Clever; 5 Maria; 6 Nairobi; 7 Trading post; 8 Nearly there; 14 Caution; 16 Rosette; 17 Arisen; 19 Buyer; 21 Awake.

WHAT’S MY NAME?: 1.Philip Seymour Hoffman. 2.Jacqueline Wilson 3.Jeremy Kyle. 4.Shelley Rudman.

5.David Edward Sutch (Screaming Lord Sutch).

6.Jean Harlow WORDSPIRAL

Shrewsbury Food Festival returns to The Quarry on the weekendof June 24-25; Oscar Harrison and Simon Fowler of Ocean Colour Scene.