Shropshire Magazine August 2024 by MNA_Media

OLYMPIC DREAM

County horse

oﬀ to games

BUILDING ALEGACY

Bringing dream designstolife

AGLASS ACT

Shiningalight on traditionalcraft

HOME SWEETHOME

ESTABLISHED 1950

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

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EDITOR

Vicki Jones vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk 01902 319851

FEATURE WRITERS

Heather Large heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Matthew Panter matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Andy Richardson andy.richardson@mnamedia.co.uk

Daniel Morris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL AND SOCIAL DIARY heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk 01902 319501

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamie Ricketts SteveLeath TimSturgess

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER

ClareWeaver clare.weaver@mnamedia.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT SALES

Alison Jukes alison.jukes@mnamedia.co.uk 01952 241339

James Owens

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DISTRIBUTION, SALES &SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 174064

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Jones, Alexander Clement, Stephen Crosland, Catherine Buckley

PUBLISHED BY MNA Media, Telford

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www.shropshiremagazine.com

FEATURES SELECTION

7Coverstory

As Garrison Sergeant Major, Andrew ‘Vern’Stokes has an important royal role in London. But Matthew Panter ﬁnds out about his love for Shropshireand his duties closer to home.

11 Aglass act

Heather Large meets the artist who has apassion for stained glass windows.

26 Interiors

Giveyour home alaid-back look with beach-inspired accessories.

35 Building alegacy

Turning aclient’sdream into reality is what architect Matt Spinks enjoys about his job. He chats to Matthew Panter

39 Sharing grief

AShropshireauthor is sharing her experiences of loss in anew book to help others. Heather Large discovers more.

43 Olympic dream

AShropshire-bred horse is oﬀ to the Paris Olympics. Matthew Panter reports.

47 In the frame

Catherine Buckley reveals howaShropshirephotography business is helping to capture precious family memories.

51 Arts&Minds

Heather Large meets the former teacher who has turned her love of art into anew therapy business to inspireothers.

55 Chekhovclassic

Daniel Morris chats to some of the team behind anew production coming to the county.

64 Food&Drink

Celebrity chef TomKerridge explains why using local produce is so important to him.

72 On the beat

Megan Jones chats to the actor who has been on the beat at a popular tourist attraction for 25 years, meeting generations of visitors as the local policeman.

87 Social scene

From business awards and charity lunches to anniversairies, we haveabumper social scene.

96 Travel

Get back to basics in north Wales, the Shropshirepub that oﬀers astaycation with a diﬀerence and get away to an island paradise.

102 Motoring

Jack Evans discovers if McLaren’s ArturaSpider can achievedrop-top excellence.

110 What’sOn

There’s abusy month ahead with ﬂowershows, music festivals, exhibitions and charity events.

HOME’S WHERE THE HEART IS FORVERN

GARRISON SERGEANT MAJORANDREW ‘VERN’ STOKES TELLS MATTHEW PANTER ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR SHROPSHIRE AND HIS HONOUR AT BEINGCHOSEN AS ADEPUTY LORD-LIEUTENANT

It’s amoment that gives Andrew ‘Vern’ Stokes butterflies in his stomach.

Youmight thinkithas something to do with nerves and anxiety for the recently-appointed Deputy LordLieutenant of Shropshire.

After all, the fact the eyes of the world are often on him –heisresponsible for delivering ceremonial aspects of royal events such as the coronation –would be enough to make anyone feel asense of trepidation.

But, actually,these butterflies are more surrounding that feeling of being in love –inthiscase with beautiful Shropshire.

The Garrison Sergeant Major may enjoy life surrounded by the incredible

history and grandeur of Horse Guards, in the beating heart of London.

Yet, home, they say,iswhere the heart is and there’s something about our beautiful county which always draws Vern andhis partner Sue back for aspot of relaxation from ahectic work life.

Aswitchfrom the parade ground to Shropshire is always enjoyable, says Vern, who was brought up in Madeley

“Sue and Ilove going back home,” he says. “My role in London can be fast and furious, non-stop. There’s alot of workat weekends and the Army hasn’t invented time off in lieu yet!

“So it is ahecticjob and when Ido get to go home to Shropshire, it’s an opportunity to recharge the batteries, catch up with family and enjoy thegreen

surroundings of Ironbridge Gorge. When Iamdriving home and Iget to the M54 and Ican see the beacon at the top of The Wrekin, in the distance, Idoget butterflies in my stomach.

“I really enjoy it and it’s achanceto be myself for atime, get clean air,visit friends and do some lovely walks across our incredible countryside.

“I meet people Ihaven’t seen for a long time and that’s always really nice.

“Sue and Itry to link in visits, if we can, to big events, such as the Shrewsbury Flower Show.Ienjoy those lovely local events and the chance to rekindle that community feeling Icrave when in London and adore when Iget home.

“I just thinkit’s important you have the opportunity to feel alittle bit of normality sometimes.

“When working, there can barely be enough time to reflect, but back in ShropshireIcan do that –recharge the batteries and power up with nice thoughts, ready to take on the next challenge.”

Given Vern’s love of his home county, recent news thathehad been appointed to the role of Deputy Lord-Lieutenant by the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner JP,must have been something of a special moment.

Vern, awarded the OBE last year for delivering the ceremonial aspects of the key royal events, says his new role is a ‘huge honour’.

Deputy Lord-Lieutenants are chosen from acrossShropshire to supportthe work of theLord-Lieutenant. With a history of serving the community and living in the local area, they assist in carrying outengagements and visits.

The number of deputies is determined by the size of the ceremonial county served –there are34inShropshire.

Recalling how the opportunity came about, Vern says:“Ihave aresponsibility to the Lord-Lieutenants in general across the country

“When they are appointed, by The King, they receive awonderful handbook of what they have to do.

“In that, it is explained they should see the Garrison Sergeant Major in his office in Whitehall and they receive abrief on how they must conduct themselves, such as how to wear the uniform.

“Two years ago, Anna came through to see me and we got chatting. She didn’t realise Iwas from Shropshire and didn’t know my links to the county

“She came to London to watch the night-time rehearsals for Her Majesty’s funeral with her family and attended the King’s coronation and we got to know each other well.

“She asked if Iwould consider becoming aDeputy Lord-Lieutenant, which Iwas absolutely delighted about.

“Having left my home county at 16, pretty swiftly after school, and serving abroad for 30 plus years, to be welcomed back with open arms and havethat accolade bestowed on me was really special.

“I see it as an important voluntary role because it’s an opportunity to add some value to the county and identify good causes that can be recognised.

“It is ahugehonour.Inthe military, it is usually former generals, admirals and air marshals who have this opportunity so to be recognised with my rank is extra special. Floreat Salopia –may Shropshire flourish.”

Away from idyllic Shropshire, it’s been another huge year for Vern.Aswe speak, he is focused on the state visit of the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, while also preparing for the state opening of Parliament.

That is something he reflects on as ‘a lovely occasion, steeped in history and part of our heritage’.

Vern has also beeninvolved in the delivery of D-DayCommemoration events such as in Portsmouth.

“It was an honour to meet D-Day veterans, it’s always pretty incredible,” he reflects.

“You never get tired of their stories. “They will always say they are not the heroes –‘the heroes are still in France’ –and they consider themselves lucky

“That’s an example of people putting others before themselves and that’s a lesson for all of us. It’s wonderful to speak to them and it’s always important to commemorate them in themost appropriate way we can.”

And, of course, the Garrison Sergeant Major also spearheaded the much anticipated annual spectacle –Trooping the Colour –tohonour King Charles’ official birthday

The special occasion saw the Princess of Wales attend her first Royal duty since the announcement in Marchthatshe was receiving treatment for cancer.

“It was areally lovely day,” said Vern. “I alwaysthink of the King’s Birthday Parade as the UK’s national day

“It’s aday when the whole country stops to watch. Ihave seen the BBC viewing figures and they got bigger and bigger throughout the live programme.

“I think it started off at 2.8 million and finished off at 4.8 million which,for a Saturday morning, is incredible.

“The highlights show was watched by almost three million and views on BBCiplayer reached almost 2.8 million. It is fantastic and it goes to show that a ceremonial activity thatisdeliveredlike that is importanttoour heritage and national identity.Itgoes into that sense of belonging and it’s special to be apart of that.

“It really is something special and it can be hard at times to describe the elation and the emotions and feelings you get when you are apart of something like that. It’s aculmination of eight weeks of hard work, where you have to balance it

properly so that people aren’t over trained or peak too early

“Everyone produced an excellent parade, despite the rain, and seeing the Princess of Wales, with the children as well, made the whole day alittle bit more special.”

It’s been another incredible period in the life of Vern,who joined the Army in 1988 at the age of 16 and went on to serve on operational tours across theglobe, including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. And he hopes his story, joining the team in Horse Guards in 2014 before taking over from Garrison Sergeant Major Billy Mott the following year,is one for young people to aspire to.

“The Army is the most incredible career where you will meet people who won’t just be friends but friends for life,” he says. “The longer you give the Army, the more opportunity it will give you and anything is possible.

“It’s awonderful vehicle for making young people into incredible people. It

gives opportunities. Youlivethrough a set of values and standards and they really do shape how you treat other people and how you think about decisions you are going to make. These skills stay with you for life, even if you stay in the Army for three or four years.

“My advice to anyone thinking about it is give it agoand do it because you will never regret it.”

PAGE 7: Vern Stokes at the Museum of Iron in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire; on duty

PAGE 8: Vern with friends Jason and Karen Pickin from Madeley; with partner Sue and dog Jack; receivingacertiﬁcate from LordLieutenant of ShropshireAnnaTurner JP

PAGE 9, CLOCKWISE FROM TOPLEFT: With his OBE; receivingthe honour from King Charles III; in The Mall (Picture: Sgt Chris Morgan)

ARTISTNATHALIE IS TOP OF THEGLASS

HEATHER LARGE TALKSTOANARTISAN ABOUT HER JOURNEY FROM THEPARIS SUBURBS TO WEM AND WHOSE PROJECTS INCLUDE CHURCHES, HERITAGESITES AND PRIVATECOMMISSIONS

Nathalie Liege has been fascinated by stained glass since an early age.

Her first encounter with the craft, while growing up in thesuburbs of Paris, left alasting impression.

“AtChristmas, an Italian man would sell little figurines made out of glass.He was making them in front of us and I was fascinated by the way he worked and sculpted the glass,” recalls Nathalie, who is now based in Wem.

“When Iwas ateenager,Itold my parents Iwanted to work in stained glass but they were worried about me doing it in Paris and thought it was too risky.”

Nathalie went on to practise fine art

and worked as aguideinboth the Musée d’Orsay andthe Modern Art Museum of the Pompidou Centre in Paris.

But her dream of working with stained glass never left her andin1995, now in her 20s, she moved to the UK to study stained glass art in Swansea andlater in Wrexham.

“Icame to the UK because Ihad read abook in alibrary in Paris about stained glass about students in Swansea and I found their methods and techniques very inspiring.” “Also, in France, at the time, some people didn’t believe it was ajob for women,” she adds.

Before leaving France, Nathalie was surprised to learn that she was following

in the footsteps of one of her ancestors.

“I told my granny Iwas going to do stained glass and she said ‘have Inever told you that my father worked in glass?’ I never knew,Iwas shocked.

“His name was Alexi Bouyer.He worked in the glazing industry in the 19th century and did stained glass. She gave me two pieces of glass he had blown and engraved,” she says.

Nathalie moved to Shropshire in 1998 and established what is now known as her Couleurlive Studio after being awarded The Journeyman’s Award by the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass.

Fortwo years,she was based in a studio at Coalport China Museum, Ironbridge and was mentored by Alfred Fisher

In 2001, her business moved to the English Bridge Workshop in Shrewsbury where it was located until November 2023.

Now Nathalie is settling intoalarger studio at the Old Creamery in Wem, where she works on projects for churches and heritage sites as well as public and private commissions.

She also runs stained glass painting courses for people who want to try their hand at atraditional craft. Her studio is

divided into different areas for different purposes suchasglass cutting, painting, kiln firing, engraving and églomisé as well as dedicated spaces for storing and displaying glass.

Each area has been named after someone important to Nathalie who has had apositive influence on her career

They include Jane Gray,a renowned Shropshirestained glass artist whose work can be seen in churches, chapels and homes throughout thecountry

“When Imoved to Shropshire, Jane was the first person to welcomeme. She also gave me some of her glass stocks when she was closing her studio,” explains Nathalie.

Chris Bird-Jones, her teacher and mentor at Wrexham University,isalso among those honoured along with Margaret Agnes Rope, who was one of the first female glass artists.

The many projects Nathalie has worked on over the years have included creating apermanent artwork inspired by Margaret Agnes Rope and the Shrewsbury Museum’s Hall of Rocks &Minerals collection.

The window,now on permanent display,was inspired by Margaret Agnes Rope’s Marga’s Baptistery Window at Shrewsbury Cathedral, hercontribution

to women in art and her fusion of the modern and spiritual.

Nathalie has also created artwork for the X-raydepartment waiting room at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt OrthopaedicHospital in Gobowen, Oswestry

Describing the project, shesays: “It was not adesigntotake patients to other horizons and forget the purpose of their medical visit, instead the client wished to honour the beauty of the human body and its beauty behind the outer skin and muscle layers. The design was based on X-rays and MRI images chosen by the client.”

She also dedicates time to private commissions and one of her recent projects involved creating awindow for a client who had spent many years working at PreesHeath nature reserve

When working on acommission, Nathalie, who also hand-paints glass, will spend understanding what her client wants and where the window will be situated. Back in her studio, Nathalie will create adesignincorporatingany colour and detail requests such as flowers.

Before starting work, she will show her customer her proposal to get their feedback and approval. She says: “The best reaction is when Ishow them my

proposal and alarge smile appears on their face.”

ForNathalie, the appeal of stained glass is how it creates beautiful patterns with light, which change throughout the day

“Every window Icreate is different and will look different every day.It’s alive,” she says.

“What Ilove the most is when I deliver awindow to the house of aclient and it’s fitted.

“Seeing the window with the light coming through in its setting is when it all makes sense. It’s very rewarding to see how much the client loves their window

“The joy is in delivering what they have asked for but I’m always disappointed that Idon’t gettosee it change at different times of the day.I would love to be alittle bird so Icouldsee howthe window changesduring theday,” adds Nathalie.

n Nathalie is running two-day traditional stained glass painting courses on July 27 and 28 and on September 28 and 29. Formore information, see www couleurlive.com

BARN CONVERSION IN PRETTY VILLAGE

Crescent Farm Barn is an attractive Grade II Listed barn conversion, with excellent modern family accommodation, nestled in the village of Waters Upton.

The property is on the market with Larch Property with an asking price of £650,000.

This superbly presented family home boasts sandstone and partial brick elevations, coupled with the timber structure, making this atruly eye-catching property.Itisa well-presented family home, with modern fixtures and fittings blending seamlessly with the period features such as exposed beams, sandstone walls and astone fireplace.

The accommodation is thoughtfully laid out over two ﬂoors. Off the entrance

hall is thedining room, which has been decorated to enhance the exposed sandstone walls and timberwork. Stone steps lead into the cottage-style kitchen which has acentral island, baseunits, pantry and integrated appliances.

Completing the downstairs accommodation is alarge living room with log-burner and double doors leading onto apatio area. Acloakroom with WC is also off the entrance hall.

The ﬁrst-ﬂoor accommodation consists of alarge master bedroom, with a dressing area and bathroom en-suite with feature sunken jacuzzi bath. There are two further double bedrooms and afamily bathroom

The majority of theproperty is surrounded by awalled garden. To the

side and rear is adriveway with parking area. There are two insulated and highspec timber-framed units, which are currently used as storage and aworkshop. The garden beneﬁtsfrom an electric vehicle charging point.Finally,there is adecked entertainment area, with ahot tubwhich can be included by separate negotiation.

The property is situated in adelightful rural location in Waters Upton which has various amenities, including a village shop. The nearby market towns of Wellington, Shrewsbury,Newport and Ellesmere offer an extensive variety of educational, recreational and leisure facilities.

The property is next door to an established livery yard.

Waters Upton, Telford

St Martins,Oswestry

Amostattractive, substantial family home, numerousagriculturalbuildings,scope for equestrianuse,set in about9acres.

Pontesbury,Shrewsbury

Long Lane,Telford

Amagnificent Grade II Listed country house with onebedroom annexe, excellent equestrianfacilities andinall about5.36 acres.

ARURALPROPERTY FULL OF POTENTIAL

Upper Grange Farm at Hinstock offers so much potential and exudes privacyand tranquility.

The property is on the market with Savills with aguide price of £1,350,000

The originalpart of this handsome farmhouse dates back to the 1700s and was extended in the 1900s. The current owners have updated the house, including double glazing and anew ground source heat pump heating andhot water system.

The house offers great family living with high ceilings andwellproportioned reception rooms, including the drawing room which has amultifuel burning stove and abay window

The dining room also has abay window and a fireplace. The entrance hall is beautifully decorated with Minton tiles and leads to the living kitchen, which has farmhouse-style units, an integrated dishwasher,a central island and afabulous larder.

The spaciousutility room provides further units and storage and has access to the storm porch/boot room. There is a bathroom with ajacuzzi bath and separate shower and aseparateplay room.

Off the landing is theprincipal bedroom, with an enclosed toilet and sink, afree-standing bath within the room

and fitted mirrored wardrobes. Bedroom two, is aspacious room which has adoor ready for abalcony,and external plumbing installed ready for an en-suite. The three further bedrooms are all doubles. There is aseparate family bathroom.

There are agood range of outbuildings including alarge steel portal framed shed and alarge Dutch barn Closer to the house is aseparateonebedroom annexe, which has akitchenette, abedroom/livingroomand aseparate shower room, and overlooks the pond.

The swimming pool is set within a brick outbuilding withaplant room and a

separate changing room with shower and WC. The gardens are mostly laid to lawn and wrap around the house. There is a vegetable patch and two summer houses.

Originally run as adairy farm, the land at Upper Grange Farm has not been grazed by livestock for over 20 years. The current owners have allowed theland to return to its naturalhabitat, whilst keeping it mown. The land is totally private, with no rights of wayacross meaning you are in your own idyll.

The property is situated approximately 1.3 miles from the village of Hinstock which has arange of amenities.

Afantastic opportunity

Oswestry, 5miles

Shropshire 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Village location Abeautiful home Development opportunity

Much Wenlock, 1mile

Peter Daborn Head of

Shropshire 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com Peter Daborn

Shrewsbury, 6miles Oswestry, 1mile

Peter Daborn Peter Daborn

Shropshire 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com Head

Knockin, Oswestry SY10

Homer, Much Wenlock TF13

Berrington, Shrewsbury SY5

SPACIOUS DETACHED ON ACOVETED PLOT

This exquisite four-bedroom detached residence was completed in 2021 and boasts a captivating and unique design, situated on an impressive landscaped plot in ahighly coveted village location with convenient local amenities and excellent road connections.

Avenue Barn in Allscott, Telford, is on the market with Mannleys for offers in the region of £700,000.

The property showcases remarkable design elements that offers flexible family accommodation and boasts an impressive epc rating A.

Upon entering the home, you are greeted by aremarkable reception hall featuring double-height ceilings and an impressive staircase with open galleried landings.

The ground floor also includes a stunning open-plan kitchen/dining/family room with partial-vaulted ceilings and bifold doors leadingtoaseparate garden room, which, in turn, opens up to the beautiful gardens.

Additional features on this level include agenerously-sized sitting room with alog burner and bifold doors, a utility room, and aground floor WC.

Ascending to the first floor,you’ll find the main bedroom with extensive fitted bedroom furniture, Juliet balcony and en-suite shower,along with three more bedrooms and afamily bathroom.

The property is equipped with air source heating, complemented by underfloor heating, a13kw solar panel system, extensive driveway parking, a spacious garage, and impeccably planned landscaped gardens.

Moreover,the current owners have a rental agreement for two acres of paddock land to thefront of the property.For further details please contact Mannleys.

OIRO: £950,000

Discover modernliving with this stunning four-bedroom detached family home in Allscott, Telford. Featuring afantastic plot,this residenceoffers spacious living areas including asitting room with log burner,open-plan kitchen/dining room with centralisland,and aconservatory overlooking landscaped gardens.Upstairs boasts amain bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, guest bedroom with en-suite, and twoadditional double bedrooms.Benefits include adouble garage,extensivedriveway, and excellentroad links.EPC TBC

6,CRESCENT ROAD TERNLODGE MYRTLE COTTAGE ALLSCOTT,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF65EB

TELFORD,SHROPSHIRE, TF13DN

OIRO: £650,000

Welcome to this stunning four-bedroom detached residence on CrescentRoad,Wellington. Featuring agrand reception hallway,spacious sitting and living rooms,and asuperbopenplan dining kitchen with bifold doors leading to landscaped gardens.The first flooroffers aluxurious main bedroom with en-suite, three additional bedrooms,and afamily bathroom. Benefits includeautility room, pantry, extensivedriveway parking,and agarage.Conveniently located near local amenities and Wellington Train Station. EPC E

TERNLODGE,TELFORD, TF66LQ

OIRO: £585,000

Positioned in the desirable village of Longdon-upon-tern, this 2300 sqftfour-bedroom detached bungalow is ahidden gem. It features alarge sitting room, separate dining room, breakfast kitchen, utilityroom, and flexible accommodation formodernliving.The property includes adouble garage, extensivedriveway, and beautifully maintained gardens With oil-firedcentral heating and double glazing,this home combines comfortand sustainability. EPCE

CRUDGINGTON GREEN, CRUDGINGTON,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE, TF66JY

OIRO: £750,000

Charming five-bedroom detached Duke of Sutherland cottage in Crudgington Green, Telford. Setona 1-acreplot with landscaped gardens and apaddock,thishome offers space, comfort, and natural beauty. Features include three reception rooms,aconservatory, breakfast kitchen, utilityroom, main bedroom with en-suite, and four additional bedrooms.Conveniently locatednear Crudgington PrimarySchool and excellentroad links.Enjoyvillage tranquillity with easy access to nearby towns.EPC D

UNIQUE RANGEOF EXCLUSIVEHOMES

The Sidings is aunique and exciting development of seven exclusive and contemporary homes.

The properties at The Sidings in Washford Road, Meole Village, Shrewsbury,are on the market with Miller Evans. Price on application

The stylish and imaginative construction will undoubtedly appeal to arange of generations. Modern designs incorporatespacious open-plan living flooded with natural light and embrace a fresh approach to the externaland internal detail.

Each house type has been skilfully planned to ensure generous living accommodation, each overlooking a newly landscaped and enclosed private garden.

The seven unique homes have been designed and created on redundant land in Meole Village adjacent to allotments and the infrequently used secondary rail line out of Shrewsbury.The nature and shape of the land has defined the significant elongated dwellings to emulate the details and character seen on historic railway sidings buildings, and as such,

striking brickwork details, rounded corners and deep window reveals are all prominent.

Performance in relation to airtightness, thermal values and heat retention, and acoustic resilience are at levels not normally achieved.

The kitchens of the three and fourbedroom houses boast Bosch appliances, modern high gloss units, with handfinished 32mm thick veined white granite worktops, while the master bedrooms are complemented withluxurious en-suite

shower rooms with large walk-in showers.

Parking is located in the under-croft of each house, with provision for EV charging and direct access into the utility; plus further privateparking at the end of each garden. The gardens are private spaces laid to lawn with large porcelain tiled patios.

The Sidings is situated on thefringe of Meole Village, with excellent village amenities, including village stores, church and frequent bus service to the nearby historic Shrewsbury town centre.

PERIOD COTTAGE IN POPULAR SPOT

Anoriginal period cottage, dating back to the 1800’s situated in one of Shrewsbury’s most popular residential areas with far-reaching rural views, has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Number 2, Robertsford Cottage, Preston Street, provides four bedrooms plus atwo-bedroom annex. This immaculately presented home is as pleasing viewed externally as it is a contemporary delight internally

It is located two miles from the town centre and asimilar distance to the main road network with links to the M54 and motorway network to the Midlands and north.

Location also caters for highly regarded schools close by including Prestfelde within walking distance, plus Shrewsbury School and ShrewsburyHigh School in the town. Shrewsbury College of Art and Technology is also within walking distance.

Awow factor is allowed when stepping from the hall to the open plan dining, kitchen and breakfast room, with bay window and French doors, thelatter onto asouth-facing terrace. Akitchen island is part of the contemporary kitchen equipped with all requirements including double ovens.

Demarcation of the diningareais achieved with oak floor and feature fireplace. From the dining area adoor leads into the generous lounge with wood burner and French doors to asecond terrace with thesame aspect. Autility completes the ground floor

On the first floor, the master suite comes with shower roomand balcony with French doors toenjoy the views. A furtherthree double bedrooms share a family bathroom.

The annexe comprises of an upside down, first floor kitchen living space –with twobedrooms and ashowerroom

on the ground floor.Ideal for guests, or for commercial rental income.

Balfours head of sales, Alistair Hilton comments: “This is arare opportunity to settle in one of Shrewsbury’s most popular residentialareas,with acharacter property which is exceptionally well presented.

“Externally within established gardens asummerhouse, greenhouse, purposebuilt dog kennel with run and tree-house must add significantly to itsappeal.”

Balfours are marketing 2Robertsford Cottage with aguide priceof£745,000, for more information call 01743 353511.

3Shorthill, Guide Price £335,000 LeaCross,Shropshire

3Shorthill is atwo /three-bedroom semi-detached,semi-rural cottage boasting enormous potentialtoimprove anddevelop, whilst benefitting from aworkshop, stables andpaddock.

Hamlet of Shorthill,Semi-RuralLocation, Paddock, Stables,Potential to Improve /Modernise /Develop, Freehold withVacant Possession, Close to Shrewsbury, Rural& Open Country Views,EPC: E

Chapel Cottage Guide Price £475,000 Brimfield,Ludlow, Herefordshire

ACharming Old-World Character Property Set within Lovely Gardens in aSought-After Location,Close to Ludlow.

Sitting /Dining Room withLog Burner,Kitchen /Breakfast Room withInglenook Fireplace & LogBurner,Two Double Bedrooms,Family Bathroom & Upstairs WC,Stunning Wrap Around Gardens,Stone Garden Store, LogShed, Off-Road Parking, LapsedPlanning Permission forTwo Further Bedrooms,EPC: C

2Upper Linney Guide Price £540,000 Ludlow, Shropshire

AThree Bedroom Townhouse set within Arguably One of the Most Sought-After Areas in LudlowwithViews Across the Town,The River andthe Countryside Beyond.

Grade II Listed Townhouse,StunningViews,Private Terrace & Garden, Kitchen /Breakfast Room /Family Room, Garden Room, Sitting /Family Room with180Â° Views,Three Bedrooms,Family Bathroom & Separate Downstairs ShowerRoom

3The Orchard Guide Price £525,000 Coreley, Ludlow, Shropshire

An Imposing Four /FiveBedroom FamilyHome withVersatile Accommodation in theVillage of CoreleywithViews of the Surrounding Countryside.

Detached Family Home, Sought-After Location, Close to theVillage of Coreley, ThreeReceptionRooms,Four /FiveBedrooms,Private Gardens & Terraces,StoreRoom /Home Office,Parking forSeveral Cars,EPC: D

PERFECTPLACE FOR SUMMERTIME LIVING

Imagine enjoying summertime in a luxurious, riverside apartment in the beautiful town of Shrewsbury.Old Coleham Court offersthe lifestyle you are looking for with contemporary, light-filled homes and acool, open-air courtyard.

Nestled in picturesque Coleham, with its village-like ambiance and independent shops and cafes, this exciting new residence is now sellingoff-plan and attracting significant interest from buyers.

Summer living in Coleham means packing apicnic and walking over Greyfriars Bridge into The Quarry Head to the grass lawns for frisbee, tennis or bowls. Or follow the river for paddleboards or rowing along the Severn.

Shrewsbury has avibrant summer social calendar with therenowned Shrewsbury Flower Show,historical and art trails, plus music events of all varieties. Open-air markets and pavement cafés bring the town centre to life.

Coleham enjoys cool summer vibes where you can escape the heat. Relax on the riverside terrace at the Coleham Tappub or pick up an ice cream from Gelateria, open until 8pm during the summer months, before returning to your luxury home in Old Coleham Court.

Old Coleham Court is the most exciting new residence in Shrewsbury

Designed by award-winning local developers SY Homes, this state-ofthe-art residential building features 43 penthouses, duplexes, and one and twobedroom apartments.

Exceptional architecture and

engineering elevate its riverside position. The curved frontage on two sides provides each apartment with aunique perspective. Cutting-edge technology and high-specification finishes are integrated into every home.

The eleven penthouses are the epitome of luxury with expansive living spaces and generous terraces with stunning views over Shrewsbury.The impressive floor-to-ceiling windows in every apartment fill rooms with natural

light. Interiors feature bespoke kitchens, lightingsystems and entertainment centres. Forthose seeking something extraordinary,the three duplexes boast cantilevered glass staircases.

At the heart of Old Coleham Court is the central courtyard, offering apeaceful retreat for all residents. Four select apartments have direct access to this serene outdoor space. The Mediterranean design will include olive trees, seating and beautiful tiling from Spanish brand Porcelanosa.

Above-ground residents’ parking boasts Automatic NumberPlate Recognition, allocated spaces and EV chargingpoints. Residents benefitfrom a welcoming lobby,key-less entry,and lift access to all floors.

Old Coleham Court is now selling off-plan. Since launching in June 2024, interest has been high and more than 20% of properties are already reserved. Potential buyers are encouraged to act swiftly

Book aviewing by calling 01743 403131 or emailing sharon@syhomes. co.uk. Our sales office is open by appointment only due to the active construction site.

Homes can be purchased off-plan with completion scheduled for 2025. Early buyers will have achoiceof finishes in kitchens, bedrooms, and flooring. Floor plans and pricing are available on our website at www.syhomes.co.uk

This summer,take the first step towards your dream home in Old Coleham Court, Shrewsbury

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ALAID-BACK LOOK FORTHE SUMMER

1 2 3

BRING ABEACHY,BOHEMIAN VIBE TOYOUR HOME WITH RELAXED, INFORMAL SETTINGS, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS.

Trends come and go, but when you want to channel bohemian chic, summer is the season to style it out.

Especially when it come to laid-back vibes, an eclectic mix of tactile textures –from rattan to ruffles –casual furnishings, loose linens and earthy hues for anatural aesthetic and look that’s effortless yet artfully curated.

Here’s what’s putting us in acarefree, easy-going frame of mind…

1. Desser Shanghai Wicker Rattan Chair,£225, Next

Awicker accent chair in an eyecatching sphere shape is asure way to enhance any space. Team with Moroccan

slippers tucked underneath for a70s vibe.

2. WovenJuteLantern –Medium, £31.50 (was £45), The White Company

Whether placed on terracotta tiles or sun-bleached floors, this jute lantern marries function with flair

3. NYX Chest of Drawers, Sandblasted Black, £665 (was £695), Barker and Stonehouse

Whether it’s adream holiday home or luxed-up living room, decorative storage solutions such as this rattan and black mango wood chest with brass hardware sets the scene for artisan pieces and collectibles.

4. Three Cloud White Miami Solar

Lanterns, £34.99, hanging; Medium Palma Solar Lantern with TruGlowCandle, £42.99, centre; Black Storm Battery Lantern, £14.99 (was £19.99), left,Lights4fun

When dusk settles, one of summer’s simple pleasures is sitting outside with ambient lighting to transform your greenery or outdoor space. Strings of solar lanterns make agreat focalpoint –and everything will look that much lovelier

5. Living Boho Throw,£32, SCS

These pom poms are right on point –and arethe ultimate styling tool to swaddle or hang.

6. Romance RuﬄeCottonBed LinenSet,from£40, single set to £70, King, FrenchBedroom

Every boho babe needs ruffled bedding in their world.

This relaxed, ‘tumbled effect’ feels right at home with arattan headboard, sisal rug and kimono robe draped on the foot of the bed.

7. Blush Pink 100 per cent Linen Loop TopCurtain, from £89, single, Secret Linen Store

The summer breeze makes me feel fine… easy on the eye,picture these

pretty,airy curtains billowing out with a breath of wind… and keeping your room cool.

8. Sonoma Green Stoneware Dinner Set, 16-Piece –4Settings, £75 (was £99) ProCook

An everyday essential, you can’t beat the combination of olive green with woven placemats for alaidback tablescape that’s bang up-to-date. Style with sea shells for abeachy theme.

9. Paciﬁc Malone Textured Square Design StonewareVase, £60, Next

Vases of natural dried pampas are amust–and this ceramic vessel will contrast beautifully with abundle of lavender

NEWBRANCHOPEN

Shrewsbury –MKM Building Supplies (MKM), the UK’s largest independent builder’s merchant, opened its 128th branch in Shrewsbury in April, creating 19 new jobs.

The new branch is led by Branch Director Patrick Chall, who is localto Shrewsbury and has vast experience in the building merchant industry.

Commenting on theopening, Mr Chall, whose career previously saw him work his way up through theranks at builders’ and plumbers’ merchant Boys and Boden, said: “I’ve lived in Shrewsbury for over 16 years now,it’sabeautiful town and one I’m happy to raise my children in –tohave the opportunity to lead abusiness in an area I love is areal privilege.

“Tolocals, we want to be the ‘big yellow building down the road’ and our customers can always expect us to be welcoming, helpful and provide the products and services they need.

“We’ll do more than just supply great products and give great service, we’ll also be actively upholding MKM’s well-known values to provide support community projects, and we’ve partnered with alocal charity,Little Rascals Foundation, and

we’re in discussions with local schools and grass roots sports clubs we hope to support, sponsor andadvocate for.”

With asubstantial covered warehouse, MKM Shrewsbury will supply tradespeople and the public with diversestock and product offerings from prestigious brands such as Dakea, Birtley,Unilin. Sodra imported carcassing and Vandersanden bricks. The branch will also house a stunning MKM kitchen andbathroom showroom, with state-of-the-art displays to inspire customers.

Mr Chall continued: “Ifit’s inspiration

LANDSCAPING SPECIALISTS

customers’ areafter, our kitchen and bathroom showroom is unlike anything you’ll find in any other builders’ merchants. Creative DIY-ers will be able to create mood boards, and it’s the perfect place for tradespeople to point their own customers to if they’re looking to influence their build plans.

“The team we’ve put in place is the best of the best –selected for their diversity of experience and knowledge. Everything we do will be aimed towards giving customers a great experience.

“Weaim to give trustworthy advice and help them achieve whatever it is they’re setting out to.We’ll offer same day and next day free delivery,designservices, cutting services and special materials enquires are welcomed too.

“Our expertise in plumbing and heating is second to none and our landscaping display is going to be areal hit for those looking to transform their outside spaces.

“I’d love trades and the public to drop in and experience all the new branch hasto offer –Ithink you’ll be impressed!”

MKM Shrewsbury is located at Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury,SY3 7ET

GARDENING

PRETTY PATIOS FOR SUMMER SOIRÉES

THIS MORNING GARDENING EXPERT DAISY PAYNE SHOWS HANNAH STEPHENSON SOME PLANTING IDEAS AND CUT FLOWERDISPLAYS

Ifyou’re thinking of hosting a summer garden party if the weather ever perks up, there are moneysaving ways you can make your patio look prettier on the day.

So saysDaisy Payne, ITV’s This Morning gardening expert, whose new bookStart Growing contains easy,budgetfriendly gardening projects for beginners.

Bag some bedding plants

Payne suggests investing in some instant colour bedding plants which come in an array of shades and can be low cost.

“They instantly add alovely feel to any space,” she says. “There areall sorts at this time of year –pansies, geraniums, and so many lovely colours to pack into pots.”

If you’re short on space, consider planting some hanging baskets, whichwill make the most of your vertical space, and if you don’t want bedding plants, think about replacing them with herbs to create ascented space and add flavour to your summer dishes, she adds.

Upcycle old furnitureand containers

“Don’t be afraid to upcycle items that could be used as pots –you can get quite creative with that. Going to car boot sales or upcycling furniture, like drawers from your house, can be great. It’s so cheap and adds character to space,” shesuggests.

Invest in an outdoor rug

“Outdoor rugs are really popular and trendy.Ifyour old patio slabs are annoying you and you haven’t got the time to pressure-wash them or treat them, you can get yourself areally colourful outdoor rug and cover up the eyesores,” she advises. “It lifts thespace you are in, particularly if you haven’t gone mad on planting.”

Create alow-cost water feature

“You can do this with really small containers with asolar-panelled water pump. It adds alovely feeling of relaxation

to aspace. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Youmay see one on sale at agarden centre or DIY store.”

You’ll need apot with no drainage holes, asmaller water-tight pot which fits inside the larger pot and asolar-panelled water pump placed in that. Place apot saucer with ahole in the centre that fits over the top of the pump (the trickle of water will come out of the hole), and stones to decorate around it.

Dress your patio table

“If you have agarden with flowers and want to put atable piece together,you can cut flowers from your own garden and add some evergreen sprigs to the display

“I had some cut dahlias and wildflowers grown from seed. It brings atable together when you are hosting. And flowers blooming now –roses and peonies –make abeautiful centrepiece, albeit peonies are very brief

“If you buy eucalyptus from your local florist and then dry it out, it canlast for years in adried form and makes abig impact.”

Create an ambience with garden lighting

Payne recommends solar-panelled festoon lighting potentially to be placed along fence posts, to remove the difficulty and cost of having electricity installed.

“You can also get some lovely spike lights. Ihave some down the pathway of my garden, which show off the silhouette of the garden as dusk falls.

“I love alantern for the table top or for hanging and Ihave alot of scented candles, which bring anice feel to the garden as the evening draws in and is useful for keeping some of the bugs away.”

Enjoyedible ﬂowers

Bring some botanicals to your summer drinks with ice cubes containing flowers, and some flowers such as violas and nasturtiums to add colour and flavour to your salads.

“Herbs also work

really well in drinks, including rosemary sprigs or mint.”

Savemoney on tools

Youdon’t need loads of tools to give your patio a floral boost, says Payne. If you have apatio or even abalcony garden which is likely to consist mostly of pots you might not need any tools at all.

“All you need to plant up in pots is agood peat-free compost andthe willingness to get your hands dirty.”

While awatering can might be useful, when you first startyou can always use jugs or beakers to hold water while you get to grips with things

n Start Growing by Daisy Payne is published by Ebury,priced £14.99.

HARDY PLANTS ARE GREATSURVIVORS

EXPERT BUYER TOMCOOK PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON SEVEN SPECIES THATARE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KILL

With summer socials high on the agenda, aheatwave, hopefully,and holiday season in full swing, chances are you’re spending more time away from home –and forsaking favourite houseplants for fun in the sun!

If you’re looking to luxe up your greenery,Tom Cook, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres, shares his top picks for fuss-free plant parenting…

1. Snakeplant (Sansevieria)

“The snake plant is apopular choice for houseplantlovers due to its lowmaintenance requirements,” highlights Cook. “It thrives in neglect, can tolerate low light levels and infrequent watering. Snake plants are also known for their air-purifying properties, so can help you create ahealthier homeenvironment, filtering out common toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.”

2. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera Deliciosa)

This lush, tropicalplant is known for its large, split leaves and adds awow factor to anyroom,heenthuses.

“Monsterahas aforgiving nature, tolerates neglect well and is surprisingly resilient –itprefers bright,indirect light and is perfect for forgetful waterers; or those with less natural light in their homes.”

3. Pothos plant (Epipremnum Aureum)

Also known as Devil’s Ivy,this is afast-growing vine that’s perfect for hanging baskets or trailing over shelves, says Cook.

“It’s loved by plant parents for its lush, heart-shaped foliage. But the real beauty of Pothos is unlike many finicky houseplants, it tolerates low light and infrequent watering. Even if you forget to water them occasionally,these tough plants bounce back fine.”

4. Cacti

“Cacti are amazing for beginners as their adaptation to harsh environments makes them incredibly resilient. Their thick, fleshy stems store water efficiently, allowing them to survive long periods between watering, mimicking thedry spells of their natural desert habitats. Cacti also don’t require much in terms of nutrients, making them tough customers.”

5. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is another lowmaintenance option that’s known for its glossy,dark green leaves, notes Cook.

“ZZ plants store water in underground tubers, actinglike mini reservoirs that keep them hydrated even during dry spells –soifyou forget to water occasionally,your ZZ plant will

keep on thriving. Plus, they’re happy with awide range of light conditions.”

6. Dragon tree (Dracaena fragrans)

The dragon tree is alow-maintenance star for forgetful plant owners, underlines Cook. “This architectural beauty boasts slow growth, meaning less repotting and feeding for you. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving when it comes to watering.”

7. Peace lily plant (Spathiphyllum)

“Peace lilies are known for their beautiful white flowers and air-purifying properties,” says Cook.

Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer consistently moist soil, he advises. “However,they’ll often tell you when they’re thirsty by drooping their elegant white ‘flowers’.”

Top: Cacti and succulents; below, from left:Snakeplant,Swiss cheese plant and Pothos plant

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MATT’S DESIGNS ON ALASTINGLEGACY

MATTHEW PANTER DISCOVERS HOW ATOP ARCHITECT FINDS JOY IN SEEING PROJECTS COME TO LIFE, WHETHER IN THE FORM OF AHOME EXTENSION, AHOSPITAL OR EVEN ANEW SCHOOL

Leaving alegacythroughyour occupation.It’s something many of us hope to achieve through work.

Medical workers can do so in saving lives, teachers in inspiring youngsters, farmers in helping feed the nation.

Most jobs offer the chance to do so in one way or another,nomatter howbig or small.

The joy for Matt Spinks is seeing the fruits of his labours in aphysical sense, by driving past some of the buildings he has helped design.

These can be anything from projects in healthcare, education or helping owners bring their dream homes to life

through thepower of creative design.

As an architect,Matt has now celebrated 20 years in his chosen career at Bridgnorth’s Johnson DesignPartnership (JDP).

He joined founder Vic Johnson in 2004 and has seen his career grow

The practice’s 10-strongteam recently sealed astring of new instructions which will see turnover pass £600,000 for the first time with the business having built areputation for delivering innovative projects.

In the last12months alone, JDP has been instructed on 150 jobs, with atotal project value of more than £50m.

“My brother Oliver and Iwere

always very artistic,” recalls Matt, as he reflects on his career path. “Oliver works in animation now but Iwent down a different path.

“I remember,atschool, how little things sparked my interest. Forexample, as aWolves fan, Idesigned anew entrance to the Molineux and created ascalemodel out of Acrylic Plastic.

“I decided to gain some work experience and although they didn’t use my drawings, Iwas given alive project to work on.

“I got excited and interested in it. After that, Iwentand did further work experience at the Alan Cotterill Practice, who were behind Molineux’s

redevelopment in the 1990s. Iwent to Portsmouth University to do adegree and continued my association with the practice duringmystudies

“I worked with them on projects for other football clubs –Reading, Oxford along with other interesting sports stadiums like greyhounds.

“It was really interesting and my dissertation was on football grounds, looking at disasters like Hillsborough and Bradford, what hadhappened and how you could improve stadium safety,looking at the future.

“When I finished my post-graduate diploma, Ifound myself with the choice of two different practices.

“Then my dad, Roy,got the Express&Star and saw an advert for a trainee architect in Bridgnorth at JDP

“There was something about working in Bridgnorth and the chance to learn from Vic and shape the business going forward that really appealed to me.

“My first project was one to remember –Upton Meadows Primary School. This was partly funded by the Prince’s Foundation and King Charles opened the school when it was completed. It was something that really appealed to me at the timeand it was not abad one to add to your fledgling CV.”

So how exactly does Matt focus on a project from day one?

“From the first enquiry,you go out and visit theproject,” he explains. “It could be adomestic project like anew house.

“So it’s then about information gathering. What’s the brief? How many bedrooms? Where’s the site? Is it on greenbelt or restricted land?

“If commissioned to do the work, we get ameasured survey.Wewould organise for asurveyor to measure the existing levels, elevations, sections etc.

“Then there is analysis –noise and surroundings and how thatimpacts on the design.

“Wethen create aseries of conceptual models, whether 3D or sketches andthen have that next meeting with the client to get some morefeedback on what they think.

“Asthings progress, the design gets more focused on what they are happy with but, at the same time, we have to take on board council planning policy constraints that the site might haveand whether it will havea knock-on effect when we submit to the council.

“Then you have the design freeze stage where you submit to the council which can take eight weeks or longer

“There are awhole host of consultees, from Highways to Ecologists and many more that may affect the process.

“All being well, if planning is approved, the next stage is to get building

regulations, where we look at the construction of theproject.

“Weliaise with structural engineers and consultants andput together all information and then go out to tender to a select list of contractors who priceupthe project.

“Along the way,weadvise people to have aquantity surveyor to cost the project so that, the more information you have, the more accurate the pricetomake sure nothing is missed.

“Wehave ameeting with the preferred contractor andclient about when they will start, how they will managethe process, health and safety,time and issues on materials. The contract is then set up and the project starts.

“Wecarry out monthly inspections and always liaise with the contractor.On practical completion, once the building inspector is happy,wesign it off.There is then asix to 12-month period after it is handed over,for snagging items that might crop up.

“The main point is that whether it is

asimple extension or acomplex project like ahospital, schemes are all treated the same. It can be a£50,000 extension or £10m school, we follow the same steps. Some can take longer but we need the same people and the same support.”

ForMatt, the rewards of his career are what make it so special.

“I love the variation,” he says. “Healthcare projectsare great, suchas ward refurbishments or atrainingfacility for doctors and surgeons.

“But Ilove the more personal projects too, for example, one for afamily with requirements such as they need to adapt a property for wheelchair access.

“When we get asked to do that, it’s making adifference to an individual and afamily and helping them has alot of meaning. Some clients become recurring and they actually become friends, which is nice. They keep in touch and you get invited to family gatherings so it shows you do something they appreciate.

“I just think it’s agreat job. It’s a weird feeling when you go from having

those initial discussions andthen seeing your designs come to fruition. It’snice to revisit abuildingand see the finished article.”

Matt would encourage ayoung person thinking about anew careerto consider becoming an architect but says it’s important to know qualifying is along process and also requires more thanjust creative flair

“It wasn’t until Istarted my degree that Ifound out how muchstuff is involved with architecture,” he said. “Yes, the fundamental partisthe drawing element of course but there’s alarge element of legal information to learn as well.

“The last part of my training was to do with contracts, dealing with planners, building regulations, health and safety and issuing instructions to contractors on site. So it was intense.

“You do design work and drawing but there’s also the paperwork side of it as well, which some people don’t realise. Youhave to prepare for the fact it is

seven years, minimum, training to be an architect but once you get your head into it and you are getting involved in projects and meeting other students, it does go quickly

“The paperwork and elements that come later on shouldn’t deter people.”

ForMatt, having experienced all the hard work to qualify,the future is bright.

He’s keen to build on the success of Johnson Design Partnership and the world is, quite literally,their oyster

“There were just the three of us at the start, but we have now grown into one of Shropshire’s leading independent architects, employing 10 people,” he reflects.

“The skills, experience and personalities we have now,really drive the culture of our business and I’m very proud to be part of this team.

“Weare currently at 150 projects at the moment and all at different stages, some just being handed over and amixture of education, healthcare and residential.

“Weare also in theearly stages of

talking about some potential opportunities out in Saudi Arabia.

“Shropshire and the UK remains where the bulk of our work will be but if something did happen, it would be exciting to be involved in exciting projects abroad.

“Over the years, we have done feasibility studies for afactory in Serbia and we have been out to Qatar and Abu Dhabi so we are not unfamiliar with working outside of the UK.

“In this job, you arealways looking forward to seeing what is around the corner.”

PAGE 35: Matt Spinks, right, with VicJohnson, founder of Johnson Design Partnership (JDP).

PAGE 36: Some of the projects the ﬁrm has worked on.

PAGE 37: Matt, left,with VicJohnson

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HELPING TO DEAL WITH A TRAGEDY

HELEN PUGH LOST HER SON TWO DAYS AFTER HE WASBORN. SHE TELLS HEATHER LARGE HOW SHE HAS USED THATGRIEF TO WRITE ABOOK THATHELPS OTHERS WHO ARE SUFFERING.

Losing ababy is undoubtedly one of the most difficult and painful things apersoncan go through.

It’s also asubject that is often shrouded in silence, leaving many parents feeling isolated in their grief.

Helen Pugh lost her son Matthew after he was born prematurely at 28 weeks. She spent two days with him before he passed away on January 25, 1990.

She was just 20 at the time and the heartbreaking experience of leaving the hospital without her baby has remained part of her life ever since.

Now,34years on,Helen, who lives in Shrewsbury,felt it was time to share her and Matthew’s story in the hope of offering solace and support to others walking asimilar path.

Matthew was born by emergency caesarean section, weighing 2lb, 13oz.

“He was on life support and needed surgery as his lungs were sticking together.Now they can give the mother an injection to help develop the lungs

during pregnancy,” explains Helen.

“The surgery was unsuccessful and Ihad to give my permission for the life support to be turned off.Matthew was handed to me and he passed away in my arms.

“Back then there wasn’tany support and people didn’t speak about it. Iwas given an information cardfor the charity Sands and that was it

“People would tell me ‘life goes on’ and ‘you can have another one’. It was a really difficult time. It’s taken me years to be able to talk aboutit. Younever forget –it’s engraved in your memory forever,” she says.

After speaking to someone who had recently been through asimilar experience, Helen realised that many people were still facing this profound loss without muchsupport.

“It was amazing that all these years on, not much hadchanged. There is some support out there but you have to know about it andyou have to go looking for it.

“It’s not talked about, even with

family and friends. People don’t know how to react and because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing, they don’t say anything.

“That means parents don’t get the chance to open up and talk about how they are feeling,” says Helen, who runs a consultancy firm supporting businesses and individuals in the property sector

Helen had always known that oneday she would write about her own loss, but she wanted to do so in away that could benefitother people suffering with grief

Her book ATiny Flower,Lent Not Given has three elements to it –there are personal narratives from Helen about her own loss, information to help and support parents and pages for parents to reflect and write their thoughts.

“The book therefore serves as a keepsake to their baby’s memory,” explains Helen.

The book includes advice on how parents can look after themselves during the grieving process and the early days following the loss of ababy.Helen says:

“It’s an empty place when you lose a baby.You’ve spent months preparing and getting excited and you walk out of the hospital with nothing except thepain.”

In the book, she has offered advice on navigating difficult situations parents may find themselves in themonths and years that follow

“It’s things like being asked ‘how many children do you have?’. Foryears, Istumbled over this question and still do for fear of making the person who has asked the question uncomfortable. I have two children and one “Angel baby”, is the correct answer in my mind. Iam amother to three children, one who has sadly passed away,” says Helen.

Her overriding aim is to provide solace and asense of community to others who have experienced similar losses and to help them feel less alone in their grief

“The purpose of this book is not to become awell-known author,the purpose of the book is for me to supportother people. Iknow how Ifeltand the support Iwould have like to have had back then,”

says Helen. In the future, she would like to run courses for employers so that they can better support employees who have experienced the loss of ababy

“I don’t think, as asociety,weare very good at talking about grief.Wetend to avoiddifficult subjects and the loss of ababy is avery delicate subject,” says Helen. “It should be easier to talk about it and get the support you need. It’s all about raising awareness and educating people.”

ATiny Flower Lent Not Given is available from booksellers including Amazon and Waterstones now.Helen is also curating care packages, available to order from her website.

They consist of acopy of the book along with abookmark, forget-me-not seeds to plant in memory of ababy,a pen to use with the book, ababy loss awareness pin, along with amemorial keyring, teabags and sleep spray to aid sleep. There is also asmall glass jar to keep alock of baby’s hair,a small jar of bath salts and alavender candle and a

keepsake teddy bear.It’spresented in floral keepsake box which can be used a memory box for the baby n To find out more, see www atinyflower.co.uk

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SADDLING UP FOR AN OLYMPIC DREAM

THE OWNERS OF ACOUNTY-BORN EVENTING THOROUGHBRED, COMPETING FOR THE BRAZILIAN TEAM IN THE OLYMPICS, TALK TO MATTHEW PANTER ABOUT THEIR PRIDE AT THE SELECTION

The Olympics are just around the corner,giving sports fans the opportunity to get behind the best of British.

Anation will cheer on its sporting heroes in ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ in the hope of seeing afair share of golden moments.

And for those of you living here in beautiful Shropshire, you might want to cast an eye over the Equestrian events.

While it will be an opportunity to, hopefully,celebrate some British success, you might also want to follow the fortunes of the Brazilian team for some county interest.

In the Brazilian ranks is Carlos Parro,

one of four riders chosen to represent his country in Paris.

And while you might not instantly be drawn to backing Brazil, the fact that Carlos –who is based in Malpas –isriding ahorse born and bred in Shropshire will capture the imagination of those in our county

Carlos is riding Safira, a12-year-old warmblood mare, owned by the rider and Juliet and John Chambers,who are based near Baschurch, Shropshire.

“It took me awhile to allow it to sink in that she has been selected for the Olympics,” says Juliet.

“I didn’t quite believe it until the official announcement was made and then

it suddenly became real for me.”

It’s been amemorable rise to Olympic hopeful for Safira, also called Katie.

She was the mare of elite stallion Spring’s Spirit. Her mother was originally bred by Sue Deas for her daughter and equestrian hopeful Laura.

However,Laura eventually joined the British Skeleton Bobsleigh team, where she tasted success, while ending her eventing career,

Sue kept Safira’s mother with Juliet and John and suggested it might be good for her to have afoal as she wasn’t yet to be ridden. She ran with Spring’s Spirit.

“A few weeks later we were having some of our mares scanned and we took Safira’s dam just in case,” recalls Juliet.

“Toour surprise she was in foal. Seeing those little legs dancing on the scanner was truly moving and she had Safira in February of 2012.

“She foaled at Shade Oak Studjust down the road, in Ellesmere, where all the other mares and foals just didn’t know what to make of her and her dam due to her colour and different appearance!”

Up to ayear,she wasjoint owned but Sue eventually gifted her half to John and Juliet.

As afoal, Safira was lightly shown at local shows including Minsterley and Oswestry where she won the champion foal class.

In 2015, as athree-year-old, she was used as ademo horse for the World Breeding Young Breeder Championships in Hartpury where, due to her good behaviour,she became a firmfavourite with all of the exhibitors.

She finished off the time at Hartpury by being presented at The British Breeding Futurity Young Horse

Evaluations, which identifies talented young sport horses. Juliet recalls howshe first spotted Safira’s potential.

“Welike to very lightly loose jump all of the young horses to assess their potential,” shesaid. “When Safira jumped we didn’t have any expectations and thought she was anicetype and would make averynice leisure horse.

“However we were taken aback at her style and technique and thought let’ssee how she goes under saddle.”

She competed in the British Eventing four-year-old classes and just missed out –by0.1 of apoint –onreachingthe Osberton International.

As a five-year-old she progressed well during the season with an amateur rider,gaining 68 foundation points and competed in the British Championships. Her progress continued as asix-year-old as she competed in international events.

“Towards the end of the season, we moved her to Carlos where he rode her in the six-year-old championship,” added Juliet.

Despite the hindrance of an injury and the challenges of Covid, the pair have not looked back since.

“In early September of last year,we had acall from Carlos to inform us Safira had been selected by trainer William FoxPitt and the Brazilian team for the Pan American Games in Chile,” Juliet says.

“Wewere delighted and alittle surprised that, from our tiny stud in Shropshire, one of our home-bred horses by our own stallion had been selected.”

Safira’s journey to Chile started on October 15 last year with the team of horses assembling at an equestrian centre near Oxford where final vet checks were completed before arriving in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

They then landed in Santiago, Chile where Safira was transferred the Military Cavalry School in Quillota for the competition.

“The competition was intense and the pressure on us as owners was something of asurprise,” Juliet reflects.

“For her to fail would mean the team

failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

“Safira produced averynice dressage test which meant she was in the top three of the team scores so her results would count. Next was the cross country and she did complete the course in the time, one of only six combinations to achieve this.”

Carlos and Safira went into the final showjumping phase with the USA were in gold position, Canada in silver and Brazil in third.

“Safira finished in 11th place with Brazil securingthe bronze,” Juliet remembers.

“After afew days off, Safira returned to UK and now she is ready to embark on her next journey in Paris.”

She left her base near Malpas on July 15 to assemble with the Brazilian team near Oxford for training before atraining camp in France.

“Weare very humbled that our little homebred Safira has made it to thebest sporting event in theworld,” said Juliet.

“Only 65 horses in the world are going to theOlympic Games and our Safira is one of them, so we feel really privileged. She has got such agood personality and we are looking forward to seeing her compete.

“I’ll probably be hiding behind the sofa as abag of nerves because it is incredibly nerve-wracking watching your horse compete, but we’re so proud.”

Page 43: Carlos and Safirainactionatthe PanAmerican Games. Page 44: Charlotte Menzies, head groom, walks with Safira; Safiraafew hours old with her mum and the Brazilian team and Page 45: Carlos with Safira, again at the Pan American Games.The pair will be flying out to compete in Paris.

FAMILYMEMORIES ARE PUTINFOCUS

CATHERINE BUCKLEY TALKS TO THECREATIVE ARTISTS WHOSE TALENT FOR CAPTURING SPECIAL MOMENTS ON CAMERA HAS ATTRACTED ATTENTION FROM AROUND THE WORLD

What started with two like-minded creatives and aconverted barn set in stunning Shropshire countryside has turned into athriving family portraiture business which is going strong two decades later.

In May 2004, photographer Sean Fairall and aschoolfriend, found an old dairy farm in Claverley which had been converted into industrial units, set in beautiful surrounds on the Shropshire/ Staffordshire border.

Sean, from Shrewsbury and now 42, trained to be aprofessional photographer at Stourbridge College, and after graduating went travelling round Alaska, where he was able to put his new skills to the test on the amazing vistas.

While he was exploring, acommercial photography studio in Dudley approached his former college and asked if there was an ex-student they would recommend and they put forward Sean, who jumped at the chance to train as commercial photographer

The company worked with some huge brands, including Walls ice cream, Cadbury’s and Banks’s Bitter and was the perfect training ground for the ambitious 23-year-old originally from Bridgnorth

But after afew years, Sean had the drive to open his own studioand linked up with school friend and graphic designer Ben Davies as they sought to bring something different to the field of photography

“The idea was to bring the skills and style from the commercial photography into family portraiture,” said Sean.

“Portraits at thetime were still very stuffy.Ifyou went for aportrait, it was very traditional and somewhat formal, but in the media, we were seeing bright poppy pictures.

“Ben and Iwanted to bring this arty style over to the pictures we were taking andcreate amuch more modern, contemporary,and engaging style. The kind of photographypeoplewanted to put on their walls, not just hide in an album.

“I also wanted to move away from wedding photography,which we had been doing all over the world, taking us to places such as San Diego, Germany, and Ibiza because luckily for us, people liked our style so much –itoffered them something fresh.

“So, we moved into the studio, branded as Emotion Studios, and expanded. By 2015 when my daughter Ruby was born andmyown life was getting much busier,Iwas winding the weddings down and focusing on family portraiture and pets’ portraiture became popular

“Our large rural studio is in beautiful location surrounded by fields,with plenty of parking so it’s great for families of all

ages, pregnant women, and new mums as they can park metres from our door, admire the stunning panoramic views right out to the Clee Hill before coming in for their bespoke portraituresession. There are horses and sheep grazing and it’s areal experience for people to come to us, relax and enjoy their time here,” he added.

From there, Emotion Studios evolved, taking on new photographers and broadening their range of photography to include newborn and babies, and makeovers and boudoir shoots (with an exclusively all-female team.)

“My wife Sam joined the business in around 2016/17 as studio manager,” said Sean. “Our son Henry was bornin 2019 and having our own family gave us amuchgreater depth of understanding towards the families we were shooting and what they were experiencing, which again, translates to the style of photos we can create.

“Wereally love our newborn shoots, and it was having our own children that really made us push this type of

photography.The images are just so incredibly precious and now we have our own specialist newborn photographer,” he added

“What makes us makes unique is some of our competitors areshooting fromtheir homes or garages, we offer a specially laid-out studio, accommodating up to 20 people. Our studio is also a great place for large family groups. These group photos havesuch agreat energy, and it is so special to be meet up to four generations of one family,” he said.

“Weinvest alot of money on training each year and pushing our photography forwards, ensuring it has aunique style. We create photographythat’s engaging, to be shown off and displayed in homes. We are especially proud of our wall frame art, and we work with aShropshire firm which hand-makes all our bespoke frames for our wall art,” he added.

“The pictures are high quality,sharp, punchy and the whole experience is very tailored with each photographer engaging with the family or individual before the shoot. We supply all the newborn props

and maternity clothing if required, and we always recommend colours and clothing as part of the pre-consultation process.

“We’ve developed anew pricecard which we feel has made our photography very achievable considering that people have these pictures for decades –they will outlive their TVs and sofas,” added Sean.

Families are invited back to view their photographs in acinema-style gallery suite around aweek after the shoot. Sam said the whole team really prided itself on being customer-focused and they don’t take it for granted that customers continue to share their amazing life moments them.

“Weare very fortunate that we’ve got to know so many Shropshire families through the years through so many milestones, from their graduations and engagements to newborn babies, christenings, generation shoots and their fur babies,” says Sam.

“Wehave been privileged to celebrate these personal moments and are so grateful that we get so much repeat and loyal custom meaning we can offer a really bespoke service. We have really

dedicated hard-working staff,some who have been with us over 15 years. ”

Sean agrees: “Weare proud of the business and that we have grown it from nothing. We survived the pandemic and post Covid challenges, and several recessions which have unfortunately shut alot of businesses down.

“I think our variety of photography skills, together with the stunning Shropshire location, really helps us, plus our team have always got asmile on their faces, enjoy meeting new customers and creating portraits that areabsolutely timeless.”

Just last year Sean expanded his business which now includes adedicated commercial photography studio for businesses in an old threshing barn at Pimley Manor in Shrewsbury

Sean creates room sets for product photography,interiors, and furniture under his commercial brand –Peach Photography.This new venture brings his commercial roots to nationwide clients.

“Werealise the power of photography and what it means to people. It’sa really

PAGES 47-49: Aselection of the team’s work.

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Samantha Fairall, Sean Fairall, Lynsey Northall and Julie Smith

special job and we’re excited to see what comes of the next 20 years,” he said.

n Visit www.emotionstudios.co.uk, email info@emotionstudios.co.uk or call, 01746 710128.

CONCENTRATING ARTS ANDMINDS

HEATHER LARGE MEETS AFORMER TEACHER WITH APASSION FOR ART WHO WASFEELING LOST UNTIL SHE DISCOVERED AJAPANESE LIFESTYLE CONCEPT –AND HAS NEVER BEEN HAPPIER

When artist andteacher Rachael Brown discovered ikigai, the Japanese concept of discovering your ‘reason for living’, it struck achord.

Having spent 30 years working in education,she was feeling lost and in need of anew direction.

Losing aclose friend had also made her want to re-evaluate what was importanttoher and how shewanted to spend her time.

“It made me realise life is for living and sometimes you have to take really drastic steps to make sure you are being happy

“I was working ridiculous hours. I wasn’t going out. Iwas losing myself in avery stressful environment. Sometimes

you have to jump off the wheel,” says Rachael, who lives in Telford.

When considering her next step, she used the philosophy of ikigai to consider what she loved and what she was good at.

“I was really inspired by ikigai. It asks you to think about what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for,” explains Rachael, who has previously worked at schools and Pupil Referral Units.

Keen to combine her love of teaching and working with children with her passion for art, she made the “brave decision” to leave the education world she knew behind and branch out on her own.

In March, she opened the Arts and Minds Therapeutic Centre based at The Stables in Weston Park, specialising in

theraputic art, cognitive and dialectical behaviour strategies and life-coaching.

“It’s avery tranquil and peaceful setting,” says Rachael, who lives in Hodnet.

As well as being aspace where she can create her own art, Rachael offers awide rangeofeducational, creative, therapeutic, personal and professional development workshops.

These include her Art Together sessions for adults and children which take place on Saturday afternoons at The Stables and bespoke art tuition for adults.

She also runs The Budding Artist Society art class for children aged 5-16 on Saturdays at Admaston House Community Centre in Telford.

Each session focuses on adifferent artist and style, ranging from Claude Monet to Frida Kahlo, and participants can explore their style, technique, use of colour and media before creating their own masterpiece based on the artist.

“The children show their parents their wonderful artwork and they are so proud of what they have done,” says Rachael.

Among the other workshops she offers are her ‘Transformational Talk’ life coaching sessions where she helps participants find their own ikigai and guides them through applying the concept to their own lives to make positive changes.

“I can help people who are feeling stuck in their life and support them through that change,” she says.

From September,Rachael will be

supporting children who are not engaging in education through her art therapy sessions andhelping them to understand and change their negative behaviour patterns.

She says art can benefitchildren who find it hard to express their feelings in words, making it challenging for them to communicate their emotions and cope with them.

“Art is great for self-expression. They can express their feelings and emotions through colours, textures and by using their hands whether they are using clay or paint or other materials they may never have worked with before,” explains Rachael.

She’s also added another string to her bow by co-organising Destination Wellbeing, an event which will take place on September 15, from 10am-3pm at The Moat House in Acton Trussell

It will include awide range of wellness activities including sound baths, yoga, breathwork, meditations, aromatherapy,acupuncture, holistic massage, reiki, and reflexology with talks and demonstrations on offer

Rachael has alsobeenable to devote more time to her own art and has recently created the Iconic Collection, aseries of bold and colourful portraits on aone metresquare canvas.

Her work is afusion of different influences including abstract expressionism, pop art, op art and stencil street art and her paintingsdepictmany famous faces including Amy Winehouse,

Rachael with some of her work on display which features famous faces including Amy Winehouse, Liam Gallagher,GeorgeMichael,David Beckhamand David Bowie. Photo:

Liam Gallagher,George Michael, David Beckham and David Bowie.

“I’ve poured my heart andsoul into this collection,” says Rachael, whose original paintings have been used to make printed tote bags.

“I love being able to getlost in my art. Ican be painting for hours and not really think about anything else.

“It’s all about freedom and expression and getting lost in something creative,” adds Rachael who accepts commissions for portraits.

Finding her ikigai and opening the Arts and Minds Therapeutic Centre has

been everything Rachael hoped for and much more.

“It was absolutely the best decision I have ever made. I’m 52 and Idon’t think I’ve ever been happier,” she says.

n Formore information, see www artsandmindscentre.co.uk, email rachael@ artsandmindscentre.co.uk or call Rachael on 07817365972.

Tickets for Destination Wellbeing are available from www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/destination-wellbeingtickets-931758333257

Thomas Miles

NEWFLAVOUR FOR CHERRYORCHARD

THEATRE STARS TALK TO DANIEL MORRIS ABOUT HOW THEY HAVE BROUGHT THE ANTON CHEKHOV CLASSIC UP TO DATE WITH AREVITALISED SCRIPT AND MODERN MUSIC

Afresh, new and exciting stage adaption of aclassic Russian drama is being brought to the county by Shropshire-based Here To ThereProductions.

Written by Anton Chekhov,The Cherry Orchard is adarkly humorous and dramatic piece of timeless theatre that now promises to have been brought bang up-to-date with arevitalised script as well as music from the modern day

With the Here To Thereproduction directed by Jasmine Arden-Brown, the story centres around awoman who fights to keep her family estate safe in the face of greed and commercialism. Despite its 1800s setting, it is sure to resonate with today’s audiences and capture people’s imagination.

Through acastof13professional actors in full RSC period costumes, along

with abeautiful setplus an immersive soundscape, the world of Russiainthe 19th century is set to be brought vividly to life.

With the play set to run from August 28 to September 14 at venues across Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, we caught up with Carl Walker –whose filmproduction company, Wild Edric Media, has produced its promotional videomaterial –and lead star Cassie Bancroft to find out more about whataudiences can expect.

“This mammoth production of The Cherry Orchard is very much on theback of asuccessful Here To Theretour earlier in the year of another classic, Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler,which went around five cities, including Manchester and Nottingham,” said Carl.

“That was very well received and as a

result of that, producer Andrew Whittle really wanted to do another mini tour,but this time bring aclassic back home.

“Just like Hedda, which is aclassic piece but can be sometimes alittle bit hard to penetrate for modern audiences, Andrew has done afantastic job in adapting the script. He has maintained the original storyline, and stayedwith the way it was set in terms of the 1800s, but has actually modernised the language and even introduced abit of amash-up of popular music as well. It’s really been brought up-to-date and made very,very accessible.”

Cassie, an alumnus of The Poor School whose debut was in the BBC’s Murdered By My Boyfriend and who has garnered numerous other stage and screen credits, is set to take on the lead role of Madame Lubov,whose childhood home

(including the titular cherry orchard) is under threat from property developers.

“She’s quite fun because she’s got abit of everything really,” said Cassie. “She’s a bit naughty,she likes to joke, but she also often comes from aplace of sadness.

“Her family is quite awealthy family –they’re quite entitled. But they’re likeable. They do everything that they shouldn’t do –everything that in theory would really irritate you as aviewer.But they do it in a way that you just can’t dislike them.

“Even in the way their servants are treated. That would be seen as quite a poor way to treat people, but it’s still somehow done in away that it’s hard to dislike the characters. So Ithink they’re all likeable, which Ithink in itself makes you care.

“By the time you get to the end of the story,you’re actually interested in where these people go and what happens to them.”

ForCassie, The Cherry Orchard is a wonderful classic, yet she is confident that Andrew Whittle’s version will keep the audience hooked just that little bit tighter

“I do think with alot of these plays, with the classics, they’ll have these big endings, but there’s often quite abig chunk in the middle where you kind of lose the audience,” she said.

“But this does keep it going. There’s

quite alot of comedy in it as well, so in between the drama, there’s laughs. So it kind of keeps the audience members engaged, really.”

With Shropshire-based Wild Edric Media on board, the promotional material for The Cherry Orchard has celebrated our picturesque historicallandscape. Trailers and teasers have been shot at Stokesay Court –asouth Shropshire jewel that, according to Carl, made for the perfect location.

“When the opportunity came up to shoot the trailer,wethought we really need somewhere that kind of looks like or gives an impression of amajestic house –ofLubov’s home –but that we could afford touse as alocation,” he said.

“And very kindly,Caroline Magnus, the owner of Stokesay Court, said ‘come and use Stokesay’. We haven’tused the main house, but we’ve used parts of the grounds, plus also one of the stables.

“Wespent aday with Cassie and the team, including astylist andalso adelightful young actor called Clara Moakes who was playing the young Madame Lubov.She hadn’t had any camera experience, but my goodness, she nailed it!

“It was wonderful using Stokesay, plus also, for me as a filmmaker,it’sgot alot of movie history because it was the

location for Atonement. So Ikind of felt like Iwas walking in the footsteps of other filmmakers, which was very,very exciting.”

The magic of Shropshire has certainly not been lost on Cassie either.Indeedit was apreviousexperience at one of the county’s most eminent theatres that made her so attracted to her role.

“I did atour in 2017 and it was a courtroom drama oppositeClive Mantle,” she said. “That was my first foray into the kind of full-scale theatres, if you like.

“Wewent to the TheatreSevern in Shrewsbury,and when The Cherry Orchard came up andIsaw that it was at Theatre Severn, Iwas like, ‘oh, yeah,

I’m going for it’. Ireally wanted to come back.”

The Cherry Orchard is set to feature across three theatres –The Swan Theatre in Worcester,Hereford Courtyard and Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury –for five performances at each venue. It will play at Theatre Severn from September 11 to 14.

Definitely one for the diary, Cassie cannot wait to bring this new interpretation of Chekhov’s classic work to town. “I’m really excited to get going, and Ithink generally this one will be really heart-warming for alot of people in the crowd,” she said.

n Tickets for The Cherry Orchard at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn can be purchased at www.theatresevern.co.uk/ shows/drama/the-cherry-orchard/

PAGE 43: Cassie Bancroft stars in The Cherry Orchardbeing staged by Shropshirebased HeretoThere Productions

PAGE 44: Promotional material for the production has been ﬁlmed at Stokesay Court in South Shropshire; Cassie being ﬁlmed for the trailers.

PAGE 45: Cassie in costume; young actress ClaraMoakesonset

MANDY’SNEW ROLE

FORMER HIGH SHERIFF BRINGS WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO CHARITY FOUNDATION AS TRUSTEE

Former High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant of the county,Mandy Thorn MBE DL, has joined the Shropshire Community Foundation as atrustee.

She will be joining the team which is developing the Foundation as along-term and sustainable source of independent funding for the county’s community organisations andcharities.

She initially joined the Foundation last year as an honorary trustee while she was High Sheriff of Shropshirebut has now accepted aseatonthe boardinher own right.

Mandy brings awealth of business expertise and experience to the team after working for large multi-national companies before joining her family care business.

She was afounder member of Shropshire Partners in Care, and a previous vice chair of the National Care Association as well as aformer chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership Board.

She is currently aschoolgovernor,

amemberof the ShrewsburyDrapers Company,anactiveRotarian and a member of her village’s parochial church council.

“I was very impressed by the work of the ShropshireCommunity Foundation during my year as an honorary trustee. I am very much looking forwardtohelping it build new partnerships to benefitall the community organisationsand charities that work so hard to support Shropshire people. The Foundation has launched

the Shropshire Investors in Community scheme to encourage businesses and individuals to donate into acollective charity fund. I’m very keen to help build this into avaluable source of funding for Shropshire’s community groups and charities,” she said.

Chair of the trustees, Selina Graham DL, said she was delighted to welcome Mandy to the team.

“Mandy has done awonderful job of supporting charities and community groups through her year as High Sheriff

“Her extensive business expertise will be invaluable to theFoundation in its work in generating funding through partnerships andmaking sure it goes to those mostinneed of support,” she said.

Shropshire Community Foundation brings together people who have money to givetothose who need support the most across Shropshire.

The foundation uses its expertise and knowledge to channel funds to the county’scharities and causes to make a significant impact on people’s lives.

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FOR 1DAY ONLY FRIDAY 30th AUGUST IN SHREWSBURY from 10.30 to 4.00 pm

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TOWN TOYSTORYA REAL FAMILYAFFAIR

MATTHEW PANTER MET THE OWNERS OF HAROLD’S TOYSHOP,ANINDEPENDENT BUSINESS IN CHURCH STRETTON THATTAKES PRIDE IN ITS UNIQUE AND TRADITIONAL OFFERINGS

IfSanta Claus decided to swap the north pole for Shropshireduringthe summer,itmight feel like something of abusman’s holiday

We do, after all, have the acclaimed Golden Bear Toys right on our doorstep in Telford. Britain’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer –Merrythought –isheadquartered in Ironbridge as well.

And the county is blessed with a number of fantastic independent toy shops too.

Among them is Harold’s ToyStore in Shrewsbury Road, Church Stretton, which opened up two years ago.

It’s afamily affair,run by Rachael Sankey and husband William. Son David works there too and his brother Daniel has previously Family is also at the heart of thename

–Harold was William’s father,who lived in Church Stretton all of his life.

Starting up in April 2022, bringing smiles to children’s faces is the name of the game, providing products with abit of adifference to those which families can pick up in the likes of The Entertainer or Smyths.

“Wewanted it to be more of a traditional toy shop,” says Rachael, reflecting on thebusiness.

“Weare not competing with the likes of The Entertainer because you can’t do that as they have much bigger economies of scale. But I’d like to think we offer more of an alternative. We have unique items and work with independent artists and game makers so we have thingsyou won’t get anywhere else.”

Among the gifts which Rachael is

proud to sell is something that, she says, brings asmile to all who enter the shop.

“Wehave some alpacas which are very fluffy and made from natural alpaca wool,” she reveals. “They are very beautiful and cheer everyone up. Youcan’t get them in major stores

“Ido love the fact we have unique items. It is very important to have shops that do offer something different.

“Wehave things that come from oneman-band makers, which is great because otherwise it would be just asea of Hasbro and Mattel.

“There’s nothing wrong with those kind of toys but it’s nice to have abit of variety and an alternativechoice.

“A lot of kids say ‘wow’when they come in and areamazed with the stuff they might not have seen before. That’s

the beauty of it and why it’s important for shops like ours and other ones in Church Stretton to keep going, otherwise it becomes the same thing everywhere. We stock things that people wouldn’t get in other shops ordinarily.”

One of the joys of running atoy shop is the fact you can pick and choose items you want to sell, giving you the chance to embrace the inner child in you.

“Weare going to get something special from Spain soon,” adds Rachael. “Wehave these handmade wooden puzzles arriving that you canmake six different insects out of

“Wefound them at the Nuremburg ToyFair and they are really beautiful. We do try to visit trade shows and we are always on the lookout for unusual stuff.”

Sustainability is also akey thing for the family.They look to sell quality products and ones that canlast for a lifetime.

Rachael says: “Welike to avoid plastic and toys that are over produced. We want things that area bit more sustainable, which is obviously abig buzzword.

“It’s great when you have atoy or a game that can last along time and can be handed down through generations, like Hornby trains

“It’s nice to have toys and games that you can call an heirloom –things that should be looked after and passed on,

rather than things that just gets thrown away.”

Rachel says Harold’s ToyShopisalso about trying to get people –young andold –touse their imagination.

“Weenjoy things that encourage imaginative play.That’s something that’s really important to us,” she says. “Welike toys that give people the chance to play together like circus skills products and outdoor games. The pull of the screen –a phone, console or television –can be abit too much nowadays so it’s nice to have toys and games that can take the kids away from that for awhile.”

And it’s not just children who can embrace the games.

“My family love Warhammer,” adds Rachael. “On Christmas Day last year,my sons and William were sat painting figures together.One son is 20 and another 18! It was such alovely thing to bring them all together

“Play,for me, is so important and it helps to keep the mind and your spirit young and healthy.Ithink that’s what Ilove about our shop, it has products which can bring positivity and put smiles on people’s faces.”

If Santa hasdecided to enjoy atrip to the county this summer,he won’tbeshort on additional gift ideas if he ventured down to Church Stretton for anose around the high street, that’s for sure.

AHELPINGHAND

FURNITURE CHARITY MARKS 30 YEARS OF GIVING ALIFELINE TO THOSESUFFERING HARDSHIP

Shrewsbury Furniture Scheme, one of the last remaining registered charities of its kind trading in Shropshire, will this month celebrate its 30th anniversary

The milestone has been achieved despite some difficult trading conditions over the years andits board of trustees remain confident that the independent furniture charitywillcontinue to provide aservicefor people experiencing financial hardship.

The scheme works on areferral basis which requires those in need of secondhand furniture and other household goods to obtain an authorised referral form from Social Services, Department of Works &Pensions or their local Housing Association to provide proof that they qualify

There are two avenues available for those low income families and disadvantaged people who qualify: the Shrewsbury Furniture Scheme warehouse at Unit 9b Hartleys Business Centre in Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury,and three bay window shop which opened 10 years ago at 28 Castle Street in the town centre to help support and sustain its charitable objectives.

Both the warehouse andshoprely on

ﬀ members hardatwork in the shop

volunteers and the scheme currently has five volunteers in the warehouse and five in the shop which has been aboon for people who find themselves destitute.

Very recently one such person, who did not want to be named, was asingle mother with a17year old daughter who only had afew pounds in her purse. She was in desperate need and the shop and warehouse provided asofa, curtains, bedding, pots and pans, awardrobe, chest of drawers, cooker and television. She is now volunteering as thanks for the support she received.

“Wegave her an immediate lifeline for which she was extremely grateful,” said

Jayney Lawley who manages the Castle Street shop and has been with the scheme for 10 years.

“Weare incredibly lucky with the quality of furniture, household appliances, china and bric-a-brac that people donate. We have areal mix of antique and modern items. People are very generous with their donations.”

And she added: “The scheme relies on volunteers withoutwhom it could not run in amillion years. These are reliable and lovely people and we would like to forge relationships with those from other associations who help the needy in the community.”

Prospective volunteers can contact Shrewsbury FurnitureScheme on 01743 246668 or email sfsshopshrewsbury@ gmail.com

Chair of trustees Willie Strachan paid tribute to the charity’s founder RayNunn, who died in 2013, as well as to staff,volunteers and fellow trustees without whom the scheme could not exist.

He added that more than 40,000 people had been assisted during the scheme’s 30 year-history

Acelebratory event will mark the 30th anniversary on August 14.

The furnitureschemewarehouse team left to right: Barrie Love,Dan Griﬃn, John Pritchard, Barry Steen, Katrina Hall, Margaret Bleakley and Carrie Woods

FOOD&DRINK

TOM’SSECRETSTO CULINARY SUCCESS

TOMKERRIDGE TALKSTO PRUDENCE WADE ABOUT PUTTING THESPOTLIGHT ON BRITISH PRODUCE

Tom Kerridge is keenly aware of the “huge responsibility”hehas as achef.Not just delivering acracking meal to diners, but paying proper respect to the people who came before him in the long process of getting food to the table.

“Asa chef,you’re the person thattakes care of the end result. If someone has taken ages to produce and grow carrots andbeetroot, or whether it’s animal husbandry,free-range chickens, cattle farming –all of that takes ahuge amount of time and focus,” Kerridge muses.

“When you become achef,you realise that you become the last touchpoint between them and the guests –and that’s ahuge responsibility.Sowhenyou go into akitchen, the moment we recognise that, then there’s an awful lot moreat stake, because we know we have ahuge responsibility here.”

Buckinghamshire-based Kerridge,50, hasspent much of hiscareer championing British produce, whether it’sinhis cookbooks or his many restaurants –one of which, the Hand and Flowers in Marlow,was the ﬁrstpub to win asecond Michelin star

He’s now on his 12th cookbook, aptly named TomKerridge Cooks Britain, a journey around the UK through produce and recipes –fromScottish strawberries down to Cornish clotted cream.

It’s accompanied by an ITV1 show of the same name which saw Kerridge travel the length and breadth of the country in a 1950s food truck, meeting different suppliers along the way

“The one thing I’ve always been focused on for 32 years being achef–I’ve always been about produce, and produce-led,” Kerridge notes.

“We’ve done cookbooks before that focus on dishes and dish styles, and The Hand &Flowers [Cookbook, published in 2020] was all about The Hand and

Flowers dishes, which is also focused on British produce. But actually,that’s avery complex cookbook with some Michelin-star-level cookery.Sothis is areal opportunity to visit producers and suppliers up and down the UK, and showcase what they do and make those ingredients the hero dishes.”

Kerridge actually more in the it do.”

With age, Kerridge has ally found he’s erring towards simplicity,adding: “I’ve got much morein habit now of calming down and making it a lot simpler to do.” And he’s appreciative how “food is abig part of our lifestyle”, which is “deﬁnitely”an improvement to when he was growing up.

But modern progress is also adoubleedged sword. “It’s funny,because we’re in aworld of recognising food and what we want to eat, and we understand much more about being health-conscious and aware of food –but we’re also in a world where we’re alot busier,” Kerridge explains.

ForKerridge, the key to success is the team you surround yourself with. Plus, now he’s got amuch healthier way to deal with stress, instead of falling back on the crutches of booze and overeating.

“I go to the gym –Iquitelike that escape, that space to go in, do something with your headphones on and lift some weights.”

n TomKerridge Cooks Britain by TomKerridgeispublished by Bloomsbury Absolute, priced £25. Photography by Cristian Barnett. Available now

GRILLED GOAT’S CHEESE SALAD

“Grilled goat’scheese and beets makea great duo in this sophisticated salad,” says TomKerridge.

“Pecan nuts and toasted baguette slices

oﬀer contrasting textures, and the salad leaves givefreshness and vibrancy. A colourful salad, packed with enormous ﬂavours, that works equally well as a starter or light meal.”

INGREDIENTS: SERVES TWO

2portions of log goat’scheese with rind (about 100g each)

1tsp thyme leaves

1tbsp runny honey

2tbsp extravirgin oliveoil

6thick slices of baguette

30g pecan nuts

Salt and freshly ground pepper

For the maple and mustarddressing:

2tbsp white wine vinegar

1tsp Dijon mustard

1tsp wholegrain mustard

1tbsp maple syrup

3tbsp extravirgin oliveoil

For the salad:

2cooked beetroots, cut into wedges

½ redonion, thinly sliced

2handfuls of salad leaves

Alarge handful of spinach leaves

METHOD:

Preheat the ovento 200°C/180°C Fan/

Gas 6. Line asmall baking tray with baking paper.Place the goat’scheese portions on the lined tray and sprinkle with the thyme leaves and alittle salt and pepper.Drizzle with the honey and one tablespoon extra virgin oliveoil.

Brush the baguette slices with one tablespoon extravirgin oliveoil and place on another baking tray with the pecans. Place the goat’scheese tray on ahigh shelf in the ovenand place the baguette and pecan tray on ashelf just below.

Bakefor 10 minutes, turning the baguette slices and pecans halfway through. Turn the ovengrill element on and cook for an extratwo minutes until the goat’s cheese slices aregolden brownontop. Take out the other tray as soon as the

CHICKEN TRAYBAKE WITH GARLIC AND CHERRY TOMATOES

“Nothing beats achicken traybakefor a quick and easy midweek meal,” says Tom.

“I use chicken thighs here, along with plenty of garlic and tomatoes. However, it’sthe sourdough (which soaks up all those glorious juices) and the delicious combination of herbs that will bring ataste of the Med to your British kitchen.”

INGREDIENTS: SERVES FOUR

8chicken thighs, bone in and skin on (1.5kgintotal)

3tbsp extravirgin oliveoil

3sprigs of oregano, leaves picked and roughly chopped

3sprigs of rosemary, leaves picked and roughly chopped

200g olivesourdough, cut into

2.5cm cubes

1garlic bulb, clovesseparated (but not peeled)

500g mixed redand yellow cherry tomatoes on-the-vine

100ml chicken stock

2handfuls of basil leaves

Salt and freshly ground pepper

baguette slices and pecans arewell coloured.

Meanwhile, preparethe salad. For the dressing, put all of the ingredients into a large bowl, whisk until smooth and season with salt and pepper.Pour half of the dressing into asmall serving bowl and set aside. Add the beetroot and onion to the dressing in the large bowl and leavetosoak up the ﬂavours.

When the baguette and goat’scheese are ready, add the salad leaves to the dressed beetroot and toss well. Divide the salad between two serving plates and tuck in the toasted baguettes slices.

Topwith the baked goat’scheese, scatter overthe pecans and serveatonce, with the bowl of dressing on the side.

METHOD:

Preheat the ovento 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas

6. Place the chicken thighs in ashallow roasting tray. Drizzle with half of the extra virgin oliveoil and season well with salt and pepper

Sprinkle with half of the chopped herbs and turn each chicken thigh over to coat well on both sides.

Rearrange the chicken so that all the thighs areskin side up. Place in the ovenand bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, drizzle the sourdough with the remaining extravirgin oliveoil and herbs and toss well to mix. Take the tray from the ovenand scatter the sourdough and garlic around the chicken. Return to the ovenfor 10 minutes.

Take out the tray again and tuck the cherry tomatoes around the chicken thighs. Pour overthe stock and place back in the oven for another 20 minutes.

Remove the tray from the oven and scatter overthe basil leaves. Let everyone help themselves to this very easy and supertasty traybake.

TASTE OF SUMMER ACROSS COUNTY

THE SHROPSHIRE GOOD FOOD TRAILISBACK ON THE MAP WITH SIX WEEKS OF TASTING THE BEST LOCAL PRODUCE

The Shropshire Good Food Trail is back and biggerthanever for summer 2024 with almost three times the locations and six weeks of mouth-watering offers highlighting the good food grown, made, sold and served across the county

The innovative Good Food Trail, which puts Shropshire’s top quality food producers firmly on the map, is this year celebrating the county’s abundance in the round-the-countyfoodie route.

The trail will guide both local people and visitorstoaround 150 venues and more than 4,000 food trail maps are being distributed around the county.The maps will be available at various tourism outlets, such as the Shrewsbury Market Hall, the ShropshireHills Discovery Centre, through Visit Telford as well as through the 150venues. The map can also be downloaded from the Shropshire Good Food Trail websiteatwww shropshiregoodfoodtrail.org

The Shropshire Good Food Trail map also includes discountsand offers from many of the host venues across the county

The fun and informative map and guide originally featured more than 50 venues growing, making, selling or serving the county’s finest and most sustainably produced food.

Now the Shropshire Good Food Partnership has expanded the tasty trail to more than 150 locations,increased the number of maps in circulation and has extended the event to take in the six weeks of the school summer holidays, running untilAugust 31.

It has also joined forces with Visit Telford and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape to highlight the Good Food Trail in every corner of the county

Daphne Du Cros, of the Shropshire Good Food Partnership team, said that the Good Food Trail aimed to highlight the many positives of buying good local produce.

“It supports the localeconomy, provides jobs and increasesthe amount of Good Food consumed. There are no downsides,” she said

This year’s Good Food Trail will include markets to promote avital part of Shropshire’s food economy and give an extra boost to the smaller scale local producers.

“The Shropshire Good Food Partnership is also grateful to Shropshire HillsNational Landscape for supporting this initiative through the DEFRA Farming in Protected Landscape Programme,” said Daphne.

Aspokesperson for Visit Telford, the official guide for allthe best places to eat,

drink, shop and explore in Telford, said they were proud to be working with the Shropshire Good Food Trail.

There will also be events held across the county over thesummershowcasing the delights of Shropshirefood and farming and providing opportunities to connect with nature and food production in Shropshire.

“The Good Food Trail aims to highlight smaller farms,shops and organisations that are great at producing but not great about shouting about it.We want local people and visitors to veer off the beaten track this summer with our Shropshire Good Food Trail and discover new hidden gems around the county,” said Daphne.

She added that the Shropshire Good Food Trail was anot-for-profitinitiative to help increase awareness and support of the local food economy

If you would like to sponsor the Shropshire Good Food Trail or make adonation please email hello@ shropshiregoodfood.org

Youcan get involved by following the Shropshire Good Food Trail on Facebook or Instagram(@shropshiregoodfood) or by visiting one or more of the venues.

Further information is available by visiting the website or by emailing hello@ shropshiregoodfood.org

Ruth Martin, of the ShropshireGood Food Partnership, with the map highlighting last year’s food trail

FIZZING WITH GIN

BE PREPARED TO GARNISHWHEN GEARING UP FOR G&T O’CLOCK, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

When you want to up your gin game, fruitinspired seasonal specials, zesty botanicals, and scented, floral expressions for refreshing deliciousness, with a fine balance of juniper are where it’s at.

To kick-start your gin journey,here’s what’s causing astir –and hitting those high notes…

1. Bathtub Gin Grapefruit &Rosemary, £33.95, 70cl, Ocado

Bathtub are putting their spin on gin with this seasonal special edition featuring zingy grapefruit andfragrant rosemary… the result is an exquisite balance of flavourswith enticing floral notes, touches of tingling orange peel, juniper taking the driving seat and herbal, citrusynotes rounding off the finish. Super refreshing.

2. James Gin American Mustard, £36.95, 70cl, James Gin

Cited as agin to get the tastebuds flowing and an ‘essence of America’s greatness’, fresh mustardseeds anddill pickles are at the heart of James May’s gin. The television presenter has taken inspiration from across the pond to craft this savoury gin which blends yellow mustardseeds, gherkin, juniper,coriander

seeds and cast of other botanicals to bring home agin to go with backyard BBQ cook outs. Just add ice and tonic

3. Warner’sRhubarb Gin, £38, 70cl, Warner’sDistillery

Ariot of rhubarb flavours, bursts of sweet and tangy rhubarb imbibe thoughts

of refreshing summer puddings, with plenty of punchy,fruity notes, acreamy earthy sweetness, balanced by citrus and spice. Trywith Mediterranean tonic and slice of juicy orange or lemon. Afantastic alternative to pink gin.

4. Rock Rose Gin Summer Edition, £39, 70cl, Dunnet Bay Distillers

Abunch of botanicals make up this summer cooler,with lemon balm and lemon thyme headlining, hints of elderflower making themselves known, plus pineapple, sage and meadowsweet. Like drinking in adelightful cottage garden, with agood measure of citrus keeping it bright and refreshing.

5. SolaroCapri Gin, £120, 70cl, Boutique Brands

Seeking to channel Capri in aglass, this gin is apostcard from Italy.The price may be eye-watering, but if agin can be utterly gorgeous, this is it. Meticulous attention is given to the handmade bottle, not to mention handpicked local botanicals including lemon blossom plucked from Capri’s highest peak, Monte Solaro, from where the gin takes its name. Smooth and aromatic with floral accents and burst of citrus over abase of red juniper berries define this top drop.

FIREDUP FORLIVE COOKINGEVENT

THE POPULAR LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL WILL THIS YEAR INCLUDE THE FIRST LIVE FIRE COOKING CHAMPIONSHIPS. ANDY RICHARDSON FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT IT

The nation’s finest BBQ’ers are busy getting ready for this year’s 30th annualLudlowFood Festival.

Kadai &Love Logs are thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the first ever British Live Fire Cooking Championships, apremier event celebrating the art and passion of live fire cooking.

The event will take place from September 13-15, at Ludlow Food Festival. The championship brings together the best chefs and cooking enthusiasts from across the country to compete in aseries of challenges that showcase their skills in live fire cooking. Attendees will also enjoy avariety of activities at the festival, including cooking demonstrations, tastings, and opportunities to learn from topexperts in the field.

The event will feature star judges from DJ BBQ, to star namesonthe panelsuch as Kate Humble andThe BeefyBoys. There will also be interactive demos so that visitors can engage with live demonstrations and learn tips and tricks from the best in the business.

Katie Edwards, spokeswoman for the Live Fire Cooking Championships, said: “The winner will not only be crowned the British Live Fire Cooking Champion, but will also receive agoldenticket to enter the World Food Championships in the USA, as well as getting their hands on many live fire goodies.

“Webelieve that the BritishLive Fire Cooking Championships will be a fantastic addition to theShropshire events calendar,drawing food lovers and families alike from the local community and beyond.”

The event will be one of many special activities to celebratethe 30th anniversary of the Ludlow Food Festival. The festival’s early years were characterised by apioneering spirit, with the Ludlow and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce embarking on an

uncharted venture. The idea was simple yet revolutionary –tocreate afestival that would showcase the area’s small food and drink producers while inviting visitors to explore Ludlow’s rich array of shops, restaurants,and pubs.

The gamble paid off,asthe festival quickly became amust-visit event for food lovers across the nation. The rest, as they say,ishistory

The festival was an immediate success thanks to the response from those same food and drink producers and suppliers –and theband of volunteer helpers who gathered to stage theevent. They had no instruction book; nothing like it had ever been tried before. But they were enthusiastic, committed, and imaginative –and willingtowork hard.

Equally importantly,they decided from the start that the event had to be fun as well, both for them and for those taking part, despite the underlying serious objective of promoting the businesses of the Marches and the area itself

At around the same time, Ludlow attracted top chefs like Shaun Hill who established his Merchant House restaurant in the town, David Wilson Lloyd (then at the Salwey Arms, Woofferton) and KenAdams (then of The Oaks in Ludlow now of the Waterdine, Llanfairwaterdine) and Frenchman Claude Bosi (initially at Overton Grange, then at his own restaurant Hibiscus). All were attracted by the abundanceof topquality produce in the area.

Others followed like Olivier Bossut (Dinham Hall, and subsequently at the Roebuck, Brimfield), Peter Gartell (originally at The Clive, Bromfield), Christopher Bradley (Mr Underhill’s), Wayne Vickerage (Overton Grange), Jane Malcolm (The Courtyard) and Jean Bourdeau (DeGreys, now at the Peacock near TenburyWells). The change of Hibiscus to La Bécasse welcomed to Ludlow the talented Head Chef,Will Holland, who achieved aMichelinstar in 2010.

These chefs, the town and its magnificent countryside also began to attract theattention of the national press and media until today it has become well known, and not just in Britain, as a centre of culinary excellence with alarge collection of restaurants in and around Ludlow and the wider area of the Welsh borders.

It’s not just top-quality restaurants, though. There’s an abundance of good independent food shops, butchers,bakers, farm shops –and,inshort, aroundhere we take real food seriously

The festival’s famed Sausage Trail became amagnet for 2,000 lovers of the British banger.Tothat has been added competitions for the Pork Pie of the Marches, Cake Competition, the Ludlow Sandwich, the Best New Product and more. There is alsothe Ale Trail, which attracts over 1,000 real ale drinkers exploring the pubs around the area.

The 1999 event saw visitor numbers practically double and that happened again

in 2000 when more than 12,000 paying customers visited the tented village in the castle. Astaggering record was reached in 2006, with 17,100 entering the castle during the three days, and the magic 20,000 figure was reached in 2007.

Since then, the festival hasgrown with the peak being achieved in 2010 with over 21,000 food lovers enjoying the event. The growth in numbers created an expansion in the team behind the event with the festival then employing two members of staff year-round to manage the events and the associated admin. The team of volunteers also grew,with over 120 taking partin2013; without this team the festival simply could not take place, so the town is forever in their debt and volunteers remain the backbone of festivals to this day

Many festival visitorsfeel compelled to come back throughout the year to enjoy other aspects of Ludlow and the Marches and the growth of tourisminthe town hashelped maintain the local independent

shops that are loved by tourists andlocals alike.

Aspokesperson for this year’s event said: “Since its humble beginnings in 1995, the Ludlow Marches Food &Drink Festival has blossomed into abeaconof culinary excellence, not justwithin the UK but recognised globally for its unique celebration of food and drink.

“Aswecelebrate our 30th year,weare filled with anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead. The Ludlow Marches Food &Drink Festival has always been more than just an event; it’s acommunity, amovement, and atestament to the power of collective passion for food and drink.

“Here’s to the next chapter,aswe continue to champion the abundance of quality food and drink, support our local producers, andbring together a community united by alove of culinary excellence.”

n Formore information and tickets visit www.ludlowfoodfestival.co.uk

TRYLIGHTER WHITES

WINES WITH LOWER ALCOHOL CAN STILL PACK AFLAVOUR PUNCH AND, WITH THE RECENT CHANGE IN ALCOHOL DUTY,CAN OFTEN BE EASIER ON THE PURSE TOO. TANNERS PURCHASING DIRECTOR STEPHEN CROSLAND PICKS OUT SOME OF HIS FAVOURITES FOR THE SUMMER.

Asa resultofthe government’s changes to thealcohol duty system last year,the level of duty is now charged on the alcohol level, making lower alcoholwines more attractive in price.

Therefore, many producers are looking at ways to reduce thealcohol level in wines, but this is difficult in sunnier climates and, as Iwas told very firmly by a South African winemaker,‘fiscal policies shouldn’t affect wine-making decisions!’ There are, however,many wines that fall naturally below the critical 11.5% level and these make delightful drinking, especially during the summer months.

Vidigal’s Vinho Verde2022 comes in at 9.5% and is afresh,lively wine for drinking young. Despite the name, Vinho Verde can come in avariety of styles including red! From ademarcated area in the north of Portugal, it’s ideal with the local seafood but also makes agreat aperitif.From the northwest of Romania comes the fabulous Paparuda Sauvignon Blanc, it has all theclass of amore premium wine without the price tag.

Exuberant and attractive, it is full of citrus and juicy tropical fruitﬂavours, whichcomes in at alight11% abv Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve 2022

is made at Sandridge Barton Vineyards on the banks of the River DartinDevon. Predominantly Madeleine Angevine, the English answer to Sauvignon Blanc, it has great aromatic intensity and elderﬂower ﬂavours with arefreshing 11% alcohol. This is afantastic English white that we recommend you seek out. If you are holidaying that way over the summer,you could always pop in for avineyard tour and tasting.

The classic region for lower alcohol wines is Germany’s Mosel Valley and Mosel Kabinett in particular.Here at Weingut Meulenhof,Stefan Justen

makes the wonderfully balanced Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett, Meulenhof, Mosel 2022, from the fruit of thefamous Erdener Treppchenvineyard with the acidity and sweetness coming together perfectly and citrus, peach and pear ﬂavours in abundance. At just 9.5%, this shows that lower alcohol doesn’t mean less ﬂavour.

Finally,wehave aTanners’ own label pair from Gascony made by the Beraut family at Domaine de Pellehaut near Montreal du Gers, southeast of Bordeaux. Alongside vines, they also farm cattle, Blonde d’Aquitaine breed, and grow cereals. They make the delicious Tanners Gascony White for us from amixture of grape varieties including Colombard, Sauvignon, Ugni Blanc and Chardonnay It’s fresh and fruity, packed full of citrus and ﬂoral notes.

Perfectly balanced, the freshness cuts into theexotically rich palate, preparing you well for the next glass and at just 10.5%, it’s the perfect summerwine. The second wine they make for us is Tanners French Rosé 2022 which comes in at 11%, it has that beautiful pale pink colour so beloved of rosé fans. Vibrant summer fruits nose and asoft strawberry ﬂavour mean one bottle isn’t enough!

AHIGHNOTEFOR SINGINGBOBBY

MEGAN JONES TALKSTOBLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN’S ROVING POLICEMAN ‘CONSTABLE JARRATT’, AKA ACTOR GUY ROWLAND, ABOUT HIS 25 YEARS ON THE LOCALBEAT

Blists Hill legend Guy Rowland is celebrating 25 years ofbeing the museum’s bobby on the beat.

Formany visitors to Blists Hill Victorian Town, the sight of the local bobby,‘Constable Jarrett’, will be as familiar as the fish and chip shop.

This year Guy,the man behind the uniform, is marking aquarter of acentury of keeping the locals –and visitors–in line at the popular attraction.

Over theyears Guy has wowed guests with his regular stints on the piano in the local pub, earning him areputation for being the town’s singing policeman.

But during his time at the living

museum, he’s done it all –from schoolmastertoarmy sergeant to “nasty piece of work” Bartholomew Bains, the local landowner

To celebratethe mammothmilestone, Guy spoke to us about his25years of service.

Before joining the Blists Hill family, Guy trained at the Birmingham Theatre School, before joining atheatre company run by Gill Jordan with fellow Blists Hill veteran, Robert Minshull.

Gill, who for 20 years worked as –among other things –the town’s formidableschool teacher,had approached the museum with the idea of an ‘on-site story’, similar to the structured

scenes popular in American museums

Eventually,the concept developed into what we see today –characters bringing the town to life by wandering the streets.

“The policeman was there from day one,” Guy explained.

“Weare well known for doing the sing-song in thepub –that came about purely by accident.

“The first day we were here, in typical British holiday weather style, it poured with rain all day

“One of the problems was all our scenes were outside and there wasn’t, at thatpoint, anywhere we could dodge inside to do the scenes.

“Gill noticed there was apiano in the pub –ofcourse,thatwent down so well. We’ve been doing it ever since.”

So after 25 years, what keeps Guy putting on the cape every morning?

“It’s always fresh. You’re dealing with different people every day.That is the excitement of it.

“I might be singing My Old Man Said Follow The Vanfor,Idon’t know,Imust have sung it thousands of times over the years, but you’re always getting different reactions because the people in here are different.

“Plus we keep doing different things.

“Like for instance this year we’ve got

the wonderful beach back again, so we’re goingtobedoing abit of ashowdown there so we’ve been learning new stuff for that. It keeps it all fresh.”

Looking to the future, 59-year-old Guy has no plans of putting down his whistle just yet.

“I don’t know whether I’ve got another 25 years, I’m not sure we could

stretch to an 85-year-old policeman,” he said.

“Of course, in 1900 you didn’t necessarily retire, alot of people just worked as long as they could not by 1906 when the Old Age Pensioncame in.

“AsBlists Hill constantly resets to 1900, it’s not inconceivable you would have apoliceman in his 70s!”

DOIREALLYHAVEACHOICEABOUTWHERE ILEAVEMYASSETSONMYDEATH?

WhilstitremainsthelawinEngland&Walesthat youarefreetoleaveyourassetstowhomyou like,thisissubjecttolawssuchastheInheritance (ProvisionforFamily&Dependants)Act1975.

The1975Actallowscertaincategoriesofpeople tobringaclaimagainstadeceased’sestatewhere reasonable inancialprovisionhasnotbeenmade forthemunderthatperson’swill(orevenwhen theyhavenowillatall).

Thismeansthecourtcanoverridethedeceased’s wishestoprovideforothersthattheyconsider thedeceasedshouldhavemadeprovisionforbut didnot

Thosewhomaybringaclaimunderthe1975Act arethedeceased’s:

•Formerorcurrentspouse/civilpartner;

•Cohabitee;

•Child;

•Someonewhowastreatedasachildofthe family(e.g.step-children);and

•Someonewhowasbeingmaintainedbythe Deceased.

Inaworldwhereapproximatelyoneinthreefamiliesinthe aredescribedas blended (deined asafamilythatconsistsoftwoadults,thechildor childrenthattheyhavehadtogether,andoneor morechildrenthattheyhavehadwithprevious partners)morecomplex inancialarrangements areusuallyrequiredwithinyourwilltoaccount fortheblendedfamily.

Thesecircumstanceshoweveroftenmeanthereis anincreasedchanceofaperson’swillbeingsubjecttochallenge;speciicallyunderthe1975Act. Whereaclaimisbroughtbyanycategoryofpersonssaveforaspouse/civilpartner,theClaimant isentitledtoclaimforreasonableprovision requiredfortheir inancialmaintenance.Wherea

claimisbroughtbyaspouse,theyareentitledto claimforprovisionwhichitwouldbereasonable inthecircumstancesforaspousetoreceive, whetherrequiredfortheirmaintenanceornot

Theconsequencebeingthatthesumableto beclaimedbyadisappointedspouseismuch greaterthanforotherclaimantsandthegeneral ruleisthattheywouldbeentitledto50%ofthe combinedestate.

Thiscancausesomedificultieswherethedeceased’sintentionwastoprovideforhischildren fromaseparaterelationship.

ThecaseofCunliffevFieldenin2006sawthe deceasedpassawayafteronly13monthsmarried tohisex-housekeeper

Thevalueoftheestatewas£1.4millionandthe widowhadbeenprovidedforonlybywayofa discretionarytrust,thepersonsentitledtomanagethattrustbeingthedeceased’sownfamily members.

Theresultofthewidow’sclaimunderthe1975 Actwasthatshewasprovidedwith£826,000 fromtheestate.

Inthe2021caseofHigginsvMorganandothers thedeceased’sadultstep-sonmadeaclaimon thedeceased’sestateworthjustunder£200,000 forprovisionasachildofthefamilywherethe estatehadpassedtothedeceased’scousins.

Theclaimantwasawarded£55,000fromthe estate.

Inthe2011caseofCattlevEvansacohabiteeof thedeceasedwasleftwithnoprovisionuponthe deceasedpassingandhisestatewenttohistwo childrenofapreviousrelationship.

Thecohabiteewasawardedthesumof£110000 ofthe£220,000estatetobeheldontrustforher beneitforherlifetime.

Ifyouwouldlikeadviceaboutcontestingawill,pleasecontactRebeccaBeaman,, Wills,TrustsandTaxSeniorAssociateSolicitoratAaron&Partnerson 01743294111|07977260310|rebecca.beaman@aaronandpartners.com

Thefactthattherearecountlessdifferentways inwhichafamilycanbestructuredmeansthatit isimportanttoseeklegaladvicewhenpreparing yourwillwherebyyouradvisorcanconsiderthe 1975Actandattempttominimisetheriskofyour estatebeingsubjecttosuchaclaimwhileensuing thegreatestchanceofyourestatepassinginline withyourexpressedwishes.

Ifyouthinkyoumaybeeligibletobringaclaim againstanestateitisimportantthatyouseek legaladviceassoonaspossibleowingtothere beingastricttimelimitforbringingaclaimunder the1975Actwhichis6monthsfromthedateof theGrantofProbate.

SHOW STEAMINGIN

MORE THAN 1,000 HISTORIC EXHIBITS ON DISPLAYFOR RETURN OF SHREWSBURY STEAM RALLY

Enjoy the sights,sound and the smell of steam at Shrewsbury Steam Rally

With over 1,000 exhibits attending each year,the Countyof Salop Steam Engine Society’s 2024 rally promises to delight visitorsto the beautiful setting of Onslow Park, Shrewsbury

The 2024 rally takes place on the August Bank Holiday,Sunday,August 25 and Monday,August 26.

Shrewsbury Steam Rally is ‘Shropshire’s Largest Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally’and is considered to be one of the best in the UK.

The event has avariety of highly-entertaining attractions that include the wonderful spectacle of working steam engines and beautifully preserved classic vehicles from yesteryear

annual family event. There is afull Arena Programme on both days, where spectators can enjoy moving convoys of historic commercial vehicles, including buses and ﬁre engines, vintage cycles, working horses, vintage tractors, preand post-World WarIIcars, classic motorcycles, and perambulators -with the Main Arena being the centrepiece of the event,

On each day,the ‘Grand Parade of Steam’ is ahighly-popular and majestic cavalcade of Showman’s engines, traction engines, Sentinel waggons, andsteam rollers. The parade showcases asuperb varietyoffabulously decorated steampowered vehicles that circle the arena set to nostalgic music and poetry–a memorable highlight of the two-day event –with aﬁnal ﬂurry of their whistles!

It is always an exciting spectacle that delights visitors at this popular

The rally covers 45 acres of beautiful parkland and plays host to displays of moving and static preserved commercial vehicles, that include lorries, buses, ﬁreengines, military vehicles and much more! The Olde Time Fair offers lots of traditional fun, with steam-powered rides for all. Finally there are some excellent miniature steam engines, ahighly popular Craft Marquee and six acres of trade stands.

The Golden Age of Victorian Farming proves ever-popular, and pride of place is the Working Field which welcomes both pre-1940 and post-1940 tractors, and ateam of beautiful shire horses, harvesting with reaper binders, chaff cutting and threshing box.

Full information is available from www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk and visitors can buy tickets online. Email info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk or call (01938) 570874.

QUARRYJEWEL IN COUNTY CROWN

ANDY RICHARDSON LOOKSATTHE HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY’S MAIN RECREATIONAL PARK WHICH IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND AND OFFERS SOME UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS FORVISITORS

One of the many joys of Shropshire is the number of free attractions that are open all year round.

Feware as popular or as well used as Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park. Averitablejewel in the crown, the county town’s main recreational park was created in 1719 andencompasses 29acres.

It is open to the general public 24 hours aday throughout the year including most public holidays. One of its most famous features is the picturesque Dingle flower garden, a tranquil space which hasseasonal floral displays all year round.

The River Severn runsthrough the parkland. The Quarry is used for various events throughout the year,including the well-known annual Shrewsbury Flower Show and Shrewsbury Fodd Festival

It has also been used as alive music venue with Jools Holland, Will Young,

D

TEP on your

OOR

S

and the Sugababes all gracing the stage and stars of the 1980s at the popular Let’s Rock Shrewsbury

The Quarry complex comprises amenity grass areas, children’s play area, swimming baths, hedges, shrub bed areas, feature ornamental rose beds, seasonal tubs, hanging baskets,memorial seats, plaques, and specimen trees.

The Quarry’s riverside setting and associated activities such as rowing, fishing and boat trips attract many visitors to the park. There are also several annual events, the largest being the Shrewsbury

Flower Show,which attractsmore than 200,000 people over atwo-day period in August each year and is the longest running event of its kind in the world.

Horticultural expertise and bedding displays are concentrated within the Dingle and provide a strong contrast to the open grass swards and lime tree avenues doniating the remaining landscape of the park.

The Quarry Park has been awarded numerous accolades over the years including the Heart of England in Bloom’s Horticultural Excellence Award in 2012 and Britain in Bloom Best Public Park Award in 2013.

Place to visit include:

Percy Thrower’sMemorial

The Dingle was PercyThrower’s personal garden, which hasbeen encapsulated inside the Quarry,although

it remains separatedbyits high hedges and fences around the perimeter.Inside theDingle, there are many little passages, allowing you to walk around

Kingsland Toll Bridge

The Kingsland Toll Bridge is constructed of iron on stone piers andhas asingle span of 212ft.Itwas opened in 1882 by the Kingsland Bridge Company Shrewsbury School also moved to Kingsland in this year,helping thearea to establish itself as awealthy Victorian suburb.

Bandstand

The bandstand was restored to its former glory in 2003 and officially opened for the 2004 Shrewsbury Flower Show It provides an attractive venue for small musical events.

WarMemorial

The Shropshire WarMemorial is a Grade II Listed Building. The figure, by AGWyon consistsof agranite plinth and columns carrying acanopy over abronze statue of St Michael with vast wings wearing armour

Play Area and Splash Pool

Shrewsbury Town Council invested £375,000 in anew play park at the existing children’s site in the Quarry and the

revamp has transformed the facilities into Darwin’s Islands of Adventure. The design incorporates traditional play equipment, fountains and water features.

The Quarry Lodge

The Quarry Lodge was once the home of PercyThrower wholived here from January 1946 until April 1974 and is now the home of the Shropshire Horticultural Society.The Society was founded in 1874 to promote the traditional sursuit of gardening.

Queen Mother’sGarden

The Queen Mother’s Garden was first laid out in 2002bystudentsfromWalford College and then Borough Council staff. It was financed by the Shropshire Star and has been maintained by the Quarry staff

Porthill Bridge

The bridge was built and presented to the town by the Shropshire Horticultural Society and the residents of Porthill & District in 1922.

Hercules

The statue is alead copy of the famous Farnese Hercules and was moved to its present position in the early 1800s.

n Formore information on the Quarry see www.shrewsburytowncouncil. gov.uk

ANTIQUES

MODERN DESIGN IS ON THERISE

Towards the end of the 19th century,artists, designers, architects and others in the creative world were looking at the coming of anew century with excitement and optimism, writes Alexander Clement –Asian Art and Watch Specialistat Halls Fine Art.

In Britain, Europe, Scandinavia and North America in particular,there was a feeling among the avant garde that anew direction was needed, abreak from the fussyand overly decorous styles of the Victorian era.

To those at the vanguard of modern art and design, too much emphasis had been given to historicist ornament: taking elements from the past and incorporating them into current decorative and applied arts. And all of history had been plundered for inspiration from the ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome and Egypt to the Gothic traditions of Northern Europe.

And so the early years of the 20th century were marked by aperiod of intense experimentation, as different methodologies and approaches were attempted. This resulted in anumber of groups and ‘schools’ of art and design including Constructivism in Russia,De Stijl in the Netherlands, Futurism in Italy and Expressionism and the Bauhaus in Germany

What eventually emerged from this hot bed of creative energy was the Modern Movement which, though regionally distinct, followed abroad agenda of stripping away historical ornament to reveal the essence of design that was fitfor the new century

Many believed that beauty could be found in an object that was designed with its function as the primary concern and that its form should follow this. These principles were applied to furniture, industrial design and architecture during the 1920s and 30s, while historicism remained astrong part of the melting pot along with emerging decorativestyles like Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

Such was the newness of Modernism at the time, and such was the strength of the spirit behind it, that manydesigns became classics that arestill made today and still look entirely modern. From this foundation, modern design continued

to evolve after theSecondWorld War, with manypractitioners still adhering to the ‘form follows function’ ethos as well as the absence of unnecessaryhistorical ornamentation.

In the post-war period, anew optimism was in the air,happily bolstered by apolitical climate which was much more favourable to Modernism. The new materials that had been eagerly adopted pre-war including tubular steel, aluminium and glass,continued to be prevalent but softened by the use of warm-coloured woods like teak and Brazilian rosewood. And the style seemed to find amuch wider receptive audience, becoming partofthe mainstream and entering therealms of mass production.

Firms like GPlan, Habitat and Hille were making furniture and fittings for the home, competing with emerging interest in Scandinavian designs from firms and makers like Dyrlund, Alvar Aalto, Domino Mobler and Eero Saarinen.

Interest in Modernism and post-war design has grown exponentially since the turn of the millennium. While original period designs by masters such as Le Corbusier,Marcel Breuer,Walter Gropius and Peter Behrens now realise many thousands of pounds at auction, later replicas of their designs are still affordable.

After many years in the unfashionable doldrums during the 1980s and90s, modern design is one of the fastest moving growth areas in the secondary market and so it’s perhaps agood time to re-assess that unloved teak sideboard or plywood lounge chair you have taking up space –itmight be aclassic design wortha small fortune.

TOP: Amid-20th century McIntosh teak sideboard, sold for £300 (+fees); Arne HovmandOlsen (1919-1989), ateak and steel lounge chair sold for £1000 (+fees); Olivier Mourgue Djinn sofa for Airborne, sold for £480 (+fees).

Freevaluationsofantiques,ﬁneartandjewellery everyweekbyourexperiencedteamofspecialists.

Tobookyourappointment:

01743 450 700

SOLD £4,400

PatekPhilippe: An18ctgoldhunterpocketwatch Date:Circa1890

POULTRY IS RULING ROOSTATAUCTION

Asingle owner collection of cockfighting pieces ruled the roost at TrevanionAuctioneers’ two-day June auction.

Day one was aspecialist sale dedicated to silver,jewellery and paintings, while day two saw awide range of antiques, furniture and collectables go under the hammer

Cock of the walk on day one were two oil on canvas portraits of fighting cocks by renowned British artist Herbert Atkinson (c1863-1936), one depicting asingle bird, the other apair

“Although well known as an artist, Atkinson was also an internationally renowned poultry judge and accomplished naturalist’ commented art valuer Simon Grover,‘his deep knowledge of poultry informed his painting, imbuing each picture with real character as well as anatomical accuracy

Both paintings were lovely examples of his work, and attracted international interest before the sale.”

The paintings were fiercely contested by phone and online bidders, but both sold in the end to buyers in the room. The single bird portrait made £5,500 plus fees, but was eclipsed by the double portrait, which raced away to £8,000 plus fees.

The rest of the collection also attracted strong interest, with agroup of enamel, wood and metal snuff boxes selling for £550 plus fees, asilver snuff box making £460 plus fees, and an unusual silver pocket watch with a cockfighting scene to the dial achieving £400 plus fees.

“Cockfightingwas banned in England and Wales in 1835, and in Scotland in 1895, and is obviously ahighly emotive subject, but pieces documenting the sport can be highly sought after,providing as they do aunique social historyofwhat used to be considered afashionable gentleman’s pastime,” said directorAshley Jones, ‘

As ever,jewellery was astrong performer at the auction, with a20th century old cut diamond solitaire ring selling for £7,000 plus fees. “Asthe name suggests, old cuts are one of theoldest cuts of diamond,” said Jewellery specialist Amelia Tomkinson. “They’re avery characterful hand cut dating from the

late 19th century,known for their large culet (meaning there’s no pointy bit at the bottom) and variation in facet size and symmetry.They’re very different from modern brilliant cut diamonds which show perfect symmetry.”

Also attracting strong interest was an unusual collection of stick pins. Buyers were particularly drawn to a19th century turquoise set bird stick pin, which sold for £2,800 plus fees, and avery unusual ‘lover’s eye’ example, which made £550 plus fees. In total the collection sold for over £4,000 plus fees. Day two was given aparticularly nostalgic feel by agroup of mid 20th century pedal cars, including a rare and highly collectable Austin J40in its original pale blue paint.

Valuer Ian Woodward was touched by the car’s story: “The J40 was built by disabled miners at afactory in the village of Tiryberth in South Wales from 1955 to 1971 under the auspices of BMC owner Lord Nuffield, owner of full size car maker BMC. They became known as the

‘Joy Car’or‘39 Junior Austin’, andthe story goes that they were made from the offcuts from the Austin factorytokeep costs down, but even so they were sold at the time for the hefty sum of £20. Of course that’s nothing compared to the £2,600 plus fees this example sold for even thoughitwas in barn-find condition.”

The Austin was joined by two racing cars, aRolls Royce andanAmerican army Jeep, and the collection made £4,200 plus fees in total.

“I was delighted with the outcome of our two-day June auction,” said Managing Partner Christina Trevanion. “Our specialist jewellery,silver and paintings sale saw somegreat results, as did the antiques, furniture andcollectables auction the following day.”

Trevanion Auctioneers will hold their next auction on September 11. The deadline for consignments is August 16. To book avaluation appointment please call 01948 800202.

The two cockﬁghting paintings by Herbert Atkinson and abirdstick pin which sold for £2,800

New headteacher for historic school

Jonathan Shaw will be headmaster

EllesmereCollege has announced the appointment of anew headmaster

Jonathan Shaw, currently head of the senior school of 600 pupils at King’sEly in Cambridgeshire, will takeupthe role from September

The father of two will move to Shropshirealongside his wife Katherine to begin the new role. His children are Amelia, 18, and William, 20.

He said: “It is an honour to havebeen appointed to lead EllesmereCollege from September 2025.

“During my recent visits to Ellesmere, Iwas particularly impressed by the school’scarefor the individual, the importance of the community and the sense of ambition for the future.

“It will be ahuge privilege to build upon the legacy of Brendan Wignall who led the school with such humility, kindness and wisdom.

“My wife, Katherine, and Iare looking forwardtomovingtoEllesmerewith our family next summer and being part of avery special community.”

Mr Shaw is agraduate of the University of Nottingham, ahistorian and has an MA in Leadership. His current school is aco-educational boarding school of 1,000 pupils in total.

He previously worked as a housemaster at Ardingly College Prep School ,was Vice-Principal of Pastoral at Elizabeth College in Guernsey and Head of Boarding at St Andrew’s, Turi in Kenya, wherehewas also Chair of Marketing.

In addition he has worked as an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) since 2013 and is a keen runner,occasional cyclist and social golfer

The appointment comes after the headmaster for the past 27 years

Brendan Wignall sadly died in January having lost his battle with cancer n For moreinformation visit www. ellesmere.com.

AdonationfromWynn Developments is gratefully

accepted by students Dylan and Megan.

DONATIONS FORSCHEME

Local organisationshave pledged their support for Derwen College’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme.

In 2014, Derwen College became Shropshire’s first educational facility to provide students with special educational needs and disabilities the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

In the time since, its dedicated team has celebrated 146 bronze awards, 116 silver awards, and 48 gold awards.

The college aims to make the award accessible to all students, regardless of income. The gold award costs over £1,000 per student. Students are asked to pay a contribution and the college fundraises to cover the shortfall.

Forthe 2023-24 students, the college was left with ahefty shortfall of over £10,000

Aspokesman said: “Since the inception of the college’s programme, we have had tremendous support from local Freemasonlodges, rotary clubs and charities. This year,again, we are delighted to say they have not let our students down and we have received some incredibly generous donations to support our students through the programme.

“Our thanks go to: Cae Glas Lodge, Fitzalan Lodge, Shropshire Masons Charitable Association, OswestryLions Club, Rotary Club of Oswestry Cambrian

and The Wynn Foundation.

“The college is incredibly grateful for the overwhelming amount of support given by each of these associations.

“In addition, there have been a number of grants awarded to assist with the cost of providing specialist kits and equipment to support the students as they work their way through different areas and levels of the award programme.

“Weare very grateful to both of the following organisations for their support: The Shropshire Youth Foundation and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Access Without Limits funding scheme.

“The Basil Houghton Memorial Trust has also been amajor supporter of the college and theDuke of Edinburgh’s Award programme since its inception with regular,life-changing donations to help our young people.

“It is thanks to the support of generous, kind individuals and organisations that our students have been able to access and experience the benefits of undertaking thechallenges the DofE Awards brings.

“Our students have been able to develop confidence and skills they would, previously,have only been able to dream about.”

n Visit www.derwen.ac.uk for more information

NURTURINGEXCELLENCE

Staff at St.Winefride’s IRCSPrimary School arethrilled to share the outstanding resultsofour recent ISI School Inspection Report, which underscores St. Winefride’s IRCSPrimary School’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

The report highlights our school’s dedication to promoting pupils’ wellbeing, creating acaring, unified, and joyous environment where every child flourishes.

Rooted in our inclusive Christian ethos,

instilled by our founder 155 years ago, we cultivate aculture of service, love, and respect, ensuring that each student feels valued, trusted, and respected.

At St.Winefride’s, we are proud to see our pupils grow into mature individuals with high levels of self-esteem, ready to embrace the challengesofthe next stage of their education

Our robust safeguarding culture ensures the safety and welfare of every child, providing parents with peace of mind.

Moreover,the report highlights that our school met every Standard of the Inspectorate, atestament to our dedication to providing quality education

As we celebrate this achievement, we invite families to join our vibrant community,where excellence is not just agoal but away of life. Together,let’s continue to nurturethe leaders of tomorrow and prepare them for abrightfuture ahead.

To find out more visit www.stwinefrides. com

SHARING PASSION FORHEALTHCARE

HEATHER LARGE MEETS THE MIDWIFE HELPING TO TRAINTHE NEXT GENERATION

Asa midwife for more than 13 years, Sarah Davies is using her real-world experience to prepare the next generation of healthcare workers.

Sarah haddecided to train as a midwife after having her two children and studied midwifery at the University of Wolverhampton.

Alongside apassion for healthcare, Sarah had always known that she wanted to teach in further education and went on to earn her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Edge Hill University

“Being amidwife prepares you well for teaching. It’s fast-paced and highpressured in lots of ways and there are lots of tangible skills,” says Sarah, who lives in Bridgnorth.

Initially teaching part-time alongside her job on the ward, Sarahprogressed her career and is now the Director of Health and Science at Telford College, where she studied herself

Sarah, who is still apractising midwife, registered with the Nursing and

Midwifery Council (NMC), oversees the department, which provides courses in health, socialcare and science for school leavers andadults as well as apprenticeships, TLevels and Access to Higher Education.

Her role also sees her work closely with the NHS, Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and higher education institutions (HEIs) to ensure TLevels respond to workforce needs and help to fill skill gaps within the healthcare industry

Sarah leads the NHS partnership,

which sets up work placements at healthcareproviders for students who first hone their practical skills in the college’s Clinical Skills Centre. Providing arealistic clinical environment, it includes two ‘skills rooms’ –afour-bed hospital ward, and atwo-bedmaternity environment.

Sarah says there has been an increase in demand for healthcare courses since the pandemic. “I think Covid had a big impact because when we were sat at home, it was the key workers who carried on working and were incredible at keeping the country running. It’s acareer you need to have apassion for but it’s a career for life,” she said.

Many of the college’s members of staff work within theNHS, combining their clinical expertise with teaching. Sarah is supporting The Department for Education’s Teach in FurtherEducation (FE) campaign which is calling on those with industry experience to teach in FE by sharing their skills and training the next generation of workers in their field.

n See www.teach-in-furthereducation.campaign.gov.uk

ShropshireMagazinewasawarded RegionalMagazineoftheYearatThe2023NewspaperAwards.

Inpickingupthisprestigiousaccolade,ShropshireMagazinewaspraisedasavibrantpublication,withits resilienceinachallengingmarketattributedtoits‘outstandingcontentanddesign’.Judgesalsostatedthat‘the ualit o ShropshireMagazinere ectsthebeaut o theShropshirecountr side’ Doyouhaveastoryorasocialeventtosharewithus?

EmailVickiJones,vickijones@mnamediacoukorHeatherLarge,heatherlarge@mnamediacouk Toadvertisewithusemailalisonjukes@shropshirestarcoukorcall01952241339

Couple'spassion fordyingartof clockrestoration

ARTS SOCIETYWREKINGOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Weston Park

The Arts Society Wrekincelebrated 50 years with over100 members and guests at Weston Park, its spiritual home.

The society formed in 1974 as Wrekin Decorativeand Fine Arts Society; it used to hold its monthly meetings in the stable block at Weston Park. Mary, Countess of Bradford, was its ﬁrst President.

At the celebration, the Presidency was handed on from David Cotterell to Rob Hubbleday.

Entertainment was provided by Bertie Pearce, an accredited Arts Society lecturer and ‘Gold Star’ magician who

travelled from Sussex. The guests included Liz Woods, National Chairman of The Arts Society, Joanne Porter and David Brown, both former Presidents, and the Chairmen of The Arts Societies Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and West Midlands.

The Arts Society Wrekin is nowa registered charity supporting Young Arts and local heritage projects. It holds its monthly meetings at RAF Cosford. For moreinformation see www. theartssocietywrekin.org.uk

Photos: TimJWRoberts

Liz Allan, Diana Wareing, Helen Hughes and TimFrost.

David Cotterell (past president), Paul Joseland (past president), Gerry Cotterell and Jane Joseland.

Lucy Harvey-Scholes, Terryand Nicky Lipscombe, Jill Robinson.

Bertie Pearce (speaker and magician) with Rob Hubbleday.

David Brown, Joanne Porter.

Gareth Williams (Curator at Weston Park) with Rob Hubbleday (nowPresident).

David Franklin,Liz Woods (National Chairman of The Arts Society), Jim Tranter

SHROPSHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS

International Centre, Telford

Rarebreeds preservationand equestrian specialist Stallion AI was crowned Shropshire’sCompany of the Year at a glittering night of celebration at Shropshire Chamber Business Awards at Telford’s International Centre. It also won the Trailblazer awardin recognition of its innovation.

Morethan 600 people were at the event to see all the winners revealed.Itwas a particularly good night for companies from Telfordand Shrewsbury, which dominated the prize categories this year Telford-based winners included best small business Chrisbeon Oﬃce Supplies, manufacturing and engineering winner Bridge Cheese, community champion The

Learning Community Trust, and Hadley Park House Hotel, which took the retail, leisure and hospitality award.

Elizabeth Wilkinson, known as the ‘Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant’ for her pioneering work raising the proﬁle of the learning diﬃculty, received the John Clayton Award.

Winners from Shrewsbury included best new business Lilakshop, outstanding business growth champion R1 Construction, eco awardwinner ArrowCounty Supplies, and Salop Leisurefor outstanding customer service.

Elsewhere, Maddie Hughes from Agritel of Oswestry, won the young business person award.

Photos: SteveLeath

Tullis Matson and Kate AshmorefromStallion AI Services Ltd with the Company of the Year award.

Best Small Business, sponsored by Azets, was Chrisbeon OﬃceSupplies

Host Carl Jones.

Diane Bennett and VickiCollis from Riverside Cabins

Mandy Thorn MBE with awardsponsor Hugh Strickland from Aaron &Partners.

At the roulette wheel

Bridge Cheese Ltd won the manufacturing award.

Salop Leisure’sEdGlover (Associate Director).

Start Tech and Brightstar Boxing.

The Outstanding Business Growth Awardwent to R1 Construction.

The John Clayton Awardwas won by Elizabeth Wilkinson MBE.

Young Business Person Maddie Hughes from Agritel Ltd.

Adam Corbett and Robert Ward from 7Video.

Dale Griﬃths, Lisa Biddulph, Jane Mort, Lucy Bordewey and John Smallman from Jesmonite .

Ali Christmas and Kayleigh Housden from KPI Recruiting.

From Barclays –Carl Beardon, Andy Buchan, Sarah Snape, Leon Broadhurst

FIZZ&FLOWERS EVENING Shrewsbury

Guests gathered for aFizz &Flowers evening in aid of The League of Friends of Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The event was held at Castle Gates House in Shrewsbury and raised £3,864 towards funding aSurgical Saturn Laser for the Fertility Unit.

Organising secretary for the League of Friends, Sue Hurdiss said: “This special new high-tech laser will allowthe Fertility Medical team, under Professor Jason Kasraie, to maximise the survival rate of frozen embryos and greatly improve the chances of patients achieving alivebirth.”

The League of Friends is always looking for new volunteers. Call Sue Hurdiss on 01743 261007 or email s.hurdiss@nhs.net

Photos: Phil Blagg Photography

Les Hurdiss, Jonathan Davies, Derek Skinner

Gilly Cooper,Cheri Draper

Rose Crocker,StuartMain, Bev Main.

Rachel Taylor,RichardHarris, fundraising chairman Sue Skinner. Alison and Bob Saunders.

Paul McLoughlin, Lizzie Turner,Sally Hobson, Fiona McLoughlin, Professor Shaughn O’Brien.

David Bone, Mary Rose Bone, Gillian Gregory.

Jo Spencer Jones, Sue Roberts, Sue Skinner,Alex Whittall, Tricia Wells, Carol Baxter,Chris Williams, Alison Holroyd.

Tony Whitehouse, Rebecca Whitehouse, Lara Worthington, Rachel Talton, Andrew Worthington.

SHREWSBURY LUNCHCLUB

ShadymoorFarm, Stapleton

Shrewsbury Lunch Club ventured out into the countryside to Upper Shadymoor Farm, Stapleton. Nearly 40 guests enjoyedamenucreated byOak Apple Catering, kindly hosted by Kevan and Joy Fox.

Guest speaker Tess Bailey-Sayer, child and adolescent psychotherapist, enlightened guests to the work of the Child Psychotherapy Charity, “Sea Change,” which is based in Shrewsbury.

Tessa revealed howtheir specialist team can help youngsters’ emotional distress and behavioural diﬃculties through services diﬃcult to access in the NHS. The event raised £455 for the Sea Change (www.scpsychotherapy.co.uk). The next lunch takes place on September 26, at The Wroxeter Hotel. For details, contact Sally Davies sallydavies365@ gmail.com

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

SaraJones and Sharon McLaughlin.

Anne Gee and Hilary Claytonsmith.

Beverly Main and Gail Denham.

JoyFox and Beverly Gill.

Margaret Birch and Sally Davies.

Jeanette Reaney, SaraJones, Davina Oakley, Kevan Fox, Amanda Bateman and Sharon McLaughlin.

Linda Hood, Jeanette Picken, Chris Gregg and BarbaraLockley.

SPRINGLUNCH Lingen Davies Cancer fund

Guests enjoyedaspring lunch and auction in aid of the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.

Organised by Lingen Davies Shrewsbury Committee, the wellattended event raised morethan £8,000 for the charity.

Committee member Caroline Francis said: “The marquee was in the beautiful setting of Lees Farm, Willington, by kind invitation of Chris and Chloe Mayer and Charlotte Everall, who celebrated her 40th birthday in the marquee the night before, to whom the committee areextremely grateful. 2024 is aspecial year forLingen Davies Cancer Fund as it is celebrating its 45th anniversary.”

Photos: Kate Wooldridge

William Brisbourne, Paul Johnson, Jennie Brisbourne, Ruth Griﬃths, Peter Griﬃths, Cheryl Higgins, David Higgins, Tracy Johnson.

DaveWright, Annabelle Dibble, Sue Jones, Freda Taylor,MarkDibble.

Pam Hayes-Warren, Joycelin Hoyland, Jane Williams, Aoife Findlay, Wendy Lloyd.

Seated –Val Stokes, Pete Stokes, Jane Woolley, Suzanne Millington, standing –NickWoolley, Roger Millington.

Maria Robinson, Hayley Ashcro ,Caroline Pearson, Lauren Frawley, Sarah Plant.

Dawn Lloyd, Charles Pratt, Angela Barton.

Stunning ﬂowers by White Wysteria of Whitchurch.

Hugh Pocock, TomDownes, DaveArthan.

Ben Angell-James, Jane Rushworth, Teresa Futter, Anna Angell-James, Annie Bean, TomDownes.

Standing –Lesley Chapman, Bryony Cromwell, Helen Knight, Emma Dyson, Sally Owen, seated –Hellen Spriggs, Barcha Hrobsha, Caroline Nelson.

Caroline Francis, Ruth Griﬃths.

Chloe Mayer,Chris Mayer,Charlotte Everall, Dawn Lloyd, Daron Lloyd.

BOOK LAUNCH Ludlow

Author Annie Garthwaite celebrated the launch of her new book, The King’sMother,atStLaurence’s Church, Ludlow.

It follows four mothers –Cecily Neville (who was mother to two kings of England –EdwardIVand RichardIII), Marguerite of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret Beaufort –asthey ﬁght for their sons during the Wars ofthe Roses.

Annie’s ﬁrst book, Cecily, which was published in 2021, was set during the early yearsofthe conﬂict and has recently been optioned for television by Just John Films.

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

Graham Hollox and Gillian Hollox.

Netty Nutt and Maggie Rogers.

Annie Garthwaite and Katy Lo us.

Marie Lansdell and Elizabeth Holley. Jocelyne Fildes, Maggie Rogers, Karen Derby, MikePreston and Pamala Preston.

Jane Easty and LauraHill

MichaelArnold and Sarah Nield.

Jane Usacka and Mog Giacomelli-Harris.

CENTENARY CELEBRATION Bicton &OxonWI

Bicton &Oxon WI celebrated their centenary in style with an a ernoon tea.

During the festivities, held at Severn Hospice’s cafe Refresh, the new centenary tablecloth was unveiled.

It was designed and embroidered by members, with ﬂags representing signiﬁcant events throughthe decades.

Bicton and District WI was founded in 1924 and met in the Four Crosses, Wingﬁeld Armsand Welsh Harp. It merged with Oxon in 1995.

Therehavebeen 19 presidents overthose 100 yearsand ﬁve past presidents –CarolBuxton, Jessica Pannett, Tricia Jones, Janis Crakeand Margaret Keighley –attended the event.

Current President SaraJohnson-Davies welcomed everyone to the celebration while Tricia gavethe toast and Janis and Margaret cut the beautiful centenary cakemade by Sara.

As well as members, guests attended from other local WIs to enjoyana ernoon tea with Prosecco.

Photos: TimSturgess

Ann Malpass,Tanya Barker,Tricia Jones, Rose Shantry,Mary Buckle.

June Kay ,Helen Nelson and Celia Owen.

Current President SaraJohnson-Davies.

Members enjoya ernoontea.

Members gather for a ernoon tea at the Severn Hospice in Bicton.

TRAVEL

BACK TO BASICS IN THE WILDERNESS

CLAIRE SPREADBURY AND HER HUSBAND ENJOY A REMOTE CABIN ESCAPE

Itfeels like I’m at arave with aﬂock of sheep. And let me tell you, they are having the timeoftheir lives. It’s 8.30pm and they are bleating the night away

I’ve come to one of Unyoked’s secluded cabins –anetwork of hideaways in epic natural locations –with my husband James. We are ofﬁcially offgridding in North Wales, but it feels like the middle of nowhere.

We parked the car about 500 metres away,onanorganic hill farm, next to a sign saying, ‘Park car here. Leave worries behind’. And that’s exactly what we intend to do.

Welsh mountain sheep stare at us, ushering their babies as we dodge piles of poo and push awheelbarrow loaded up with stuff over mossy green grass.

Rolling hills undulate in every direction, with views of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley –adesignated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

We walk through another gate before our cabin, Cadno, comes into view Twofold-up chairs and atable sit expectantly on the deck, overlooking a

fire pit, four tree trunk stools and alump hammer,balanced on ahunk of wood with alog-splitter.And beyond that lies forest, fields and fluffy white sheep. Lots of them. Inside the cabin, adouble bed sits beside two giant windows soaking up that view.Hot water bottles lay invitingly on top of asnuggly blanket and pine linen bedding, and the log fire is loaded up with wood.

Afull kitchen sits in the other corner, stocked with tea, coffee and asmall fridge, while the compost toilet and rain shower is housed in alittle bathroom, complete with ahow-to guide for any wild wee virgins.

We put the metal teapot on the stove and make acuppa, brewed with real tea

leaves provided in the cabin.

Iwatch James as he zips up his jacket, takes his tea and wanders towards the epic scenery,stopping to rest on agate and soak it all in. Thissort of escape is everything we need. Life is so hectic, juggling stressful jobs, abusy family life and everyone’s mental health uppers and downers. It frequently feels too much, and Ihave recently started craving amove to themiddle of nowhere.

James heads outside to startthe ﬁre for dinner.A squirrel sits on its hind legs, nibbling at snacks while watching the kindling being split and built intoa pyramid for the ﬂames to lick.

Iponder how tiny to make the cauliﬂower ﬂorets so they’ll cook on the skillet, before dousing them in olive oil, chilli powder,sriracha sauce, cumin and salt.

Iliberally splodge refried beans onto tortillas and top with grated cheese, pop on awire grill and heat in the ﬁrepit until it’s warm and melty

We sit, listening to the sounds of the forest, while drinking wine out of green tin cups, the same colourasthe windswept bushy pines surrounding our space. The trees stand tall like aged warriors, branches like Mr Tickle’s arms and leaves like Tina Turner’s hair.They

are warped, deformed and battered, survivors of the harsh Welsh weather,but very much still here to tell the tale.

Adigital guidebook provides all the information you need before, during and after your stay.And the next level detail is positively gorgeous –atiny In-field Guide and pencil is provided for each person, to help you melt into big fat nothingness on your stay

We lay on the bed noticing nature and talking, but also staying quiet. Unafraid of the silence, we are happy to just be Iwatch the darkness draw in through the windows as my eyelids become heavy Icount sheep as they bumble, one by one, through the field, bleating more quietly as if they know it’s time for bed. Ithink the rave must finally be over Digital detoxes aren’t essential here There is one plug socket in the cabin to charge aphone (but you will trip the fuse if you try to use ahairdryer).

However,even without trying, you’re likely to use your phone less. There is little reception, which definitely helps, but when you’ve stepped off the ladder of life and escaped to the world of nothingness, where watching thesteam rise from a hot mug of tea passes for entertainment, there’s less of alure to doom-scroll.

At home, Ioften notice my time

spent on social media is simply an escape. Scrolling to numb my brain, so Ican think about something other than everything Ineedtodoand deal with. Idon’t need to do that here. And it’s avery wonderful feeling indeed.

As afestival veteran, I’m fully versed in the wonders of compost toilets. ButI appreciate not everyone who comes here will feel the same.

As atoilet, it looks completely normal, but if you look down to where the bowl would be, there’s ahole straight through to the ground. Once you’ve usedthe toilet, you simply shake amini shovelof sawdust on the top and go on your merry way.Shut the lid to avoid the smells permeating the bathroom, but it’s barely stinky at all, Iwould say

We love awalk that ends up at apub, and manage to find enough reception to search for ‘pubs nearme’. Google lied about the ‘mostly flat’ terrain, we conclude, as our calves start to burn heading constantly downward in steep descent. Still, we’re out now,sowecrack on and eventually find The Phoenix, for a cold pint and abowl of cheesy chips.

As we make the ascent back up what might be the steepest continual track I’ve ever hiked, the sun beats down on my back as my 44-year-old hips trudge up

the hill like an aged old pendulum. The thought of sunshine back at the cabin,a beer,and the fire pit, keep us going until we finally find our camp again, smug that we’ve earned whatever delights we fancy cooking up this evening. The light picks out its chosen hills, transforming them from darkness into aglowing green. Ido nothing but let my senses take over

Imagine having the time to wait patiently for your tea leaves to brew for the most perfect morning cuppa, or grind your own coffee beans. Imagine cooking over a fire andforgetting what thetime is. Being woken only by the weather,as opposed to work worries.

Iwould argue every city slicker needs Unyoked in their life. Achancetostop and slow down. And to re-learn how to do absolutely nothing. It’s along lost skill we’ve all forgotten about.

Howtoplan your trip:

Two-nights in Cadno (and all other Unyoked cabins) is £154 (weeknights) and £179 (weekends). Unyoked cabins can be found in theSouth Downs, West Berkshire, Suffolk, North Norfolk, Wales (Black Mountains), North Wales and Exmoor.Visit www.unyoked.co.

DREAMHOLIDAY FORPUB LOVERS

Few things beat enjoying your favourite drink in asunny pub garden surrounded by friends and family,but now people can go one step further by renting an entire pub on their next staycation.

The Boar’s Head is a16thcentury pub and inn in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, with owner DarrenPrice transforming the building back in 2020 to keep the historic building in use and attract visitors to thearea.

Apint lover’s dream, The Boar’s Head sleeps 23 and is available to rent via Sykes Holiday Cottages. Darren has maintained the look and feel of a traditional pub, with exposed brick, roaring wood-burning stoves, and an allimportant bar which holidaymakers can help themselves to.

Adding to the atmosphere, the holiday let also has agames room complete with a darts board, Pac-Man machine, and pool table, with the garden area boasting ahottub, outdoor speaker,and seating area.

Pint pulling lessonsare also on offer for those looking to brush up on their skills. Guests can make full use of the pub’s commercial kitchen and its array of

appliances, from apanini press to dessert fridge, or call on Darren and his team to whip them up afull English breakfast.

The Boar’s Head has proven ahuge success with guests, securing atotal of 45 bookings for 2024 already via Sykes Holiday Cottages and generating an average annual revenue of £180,000.

Darren said: “I wanted to give something back to the local community with The Boar’s Head and it’s greattobe able to attract so many lovely people to the area who travel from far and wide to stay with us.

“Steeped in character as the oldest

pub in Bishop’s Castle, our unique property provides the complete holiday package, putting my 16 years’ hospitability experience to use to ensure every guest has the best possible time.

“Helping families and friends to make memories through holiday letting is so rewarding and having Sykes with me every step of the way has been adream

“Iuse them for my own staycations and they’ve been just as helpful on the other side!”

n Visit www.sykescottages.co.uk

POUR YOUR OWN PINT AT THE SHROPSHIRE PUB TRANSFORMED INTOAHOLIDAYLET

ARUM PARTYINAN ISLANDPARADISE

LAUREN TAYLOR DISCOVERS HOW TO HOLIDAYLIKE ACELEBRITY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S SECRET UNSPOILTISLAND SAONA STAR OF HIT NETFLIX SHOW LOVE IS BLIND

Abarman lobs the top off a pineapple, scoops out the fruit’s ﬂesh and blends with juice from afresh coconut, ice and a generous slosh of Dominican dark rum.

“This will be the freshest pina colada you’ve ever had,” enthuses my guide Martin, as it’s poured back into the pineapple rind as the vessel and presented with astraw from the shack on the sand.

The fruit has been picked this morning from the treesonthe small, remote island of Saona, just off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic –aspotsoidyllic it featured in both the Pirates Of The Caribbean and Blue Lagoon ﬁlms. The area is no stranger to thebig and small screen; my hotel –not far from here –was the setting for the romantic getaways in latest series of Netﬂix’s Love Is Blind.

Iwalk barefoot along the white powdery sand of Playa Isla Saona –cocktail pineapple in hand–shallow turquoise water lapping the shore, and can conﬁrm it is indeed the best pina colada

I’ve ever had –although the setting might have something to do with it.

This 110sq km paradise island, near the DominicanRepublic –acountry sandwiched between Cuba and Puerto Rico, and sharing aborder with Haiti

–ispart of the protected Cotubanamá National Park. It’s arelieftosee the natural beach lined thick with palm trees rather than luxury hotels.

Mano Juan is the only part of the island that’s inhabited by alocal community and afew smallboutique hotels. Until 1944, there was nothing here andthe beach is building-free for as far as the eye can see. Much of the rest of the island is made up of three lagoons and mangrove forest, featuring 539 different plants, 112 species of birds, manatees and it’s the DR’s most important turtlenesting site.

The country is famous for aspecies of starﬁsh commonly known as red cushion sea stars, which cangrow to awhooping 50cm, and agreat placeto spot them is Palmilla, a‘naturalswimming pool’, a short boat ride from Saona.

Our catamaran stops here so wecan step off into the surprisingly shallow chest-height water,despite being along way offshore, and I’m careful to avoid several starﬁsh on the seabed (although

Lauren Taylor relaxed at Saona island

harmless to humans,visitors shouldn’t disturb them). Thankfully the sea is so clear they’re impossible to miss.

It can all be done as aday trip (complete with rum flowing, music pumping and merengue dancing on board) best taken from Bayahibe village, an hour and aquarterbus ride from Punta Cana on the far east of the island.

At 18-33 degrees Celsius year round (average of 27) the DR is an ‘any time’ destination for beach lovers (although you’ll likely get aquick, tropical shower in May). There’s more tourism infrastructure than some of its Caribbean neighbours –soyou’ll have your pick of top and mid-range hotels along the shoreline of Punta Cana.

And at some 500km to the border, it feels far away from the gang violence currently causing unrest in Haiti. Martin is keen to stress, the DR andHaiti are “two very different countries with two very different cultures”.

Although best known to European holiday makers for its tropical beaches and luxe hotels, the DR has thriving industries in cigar making and sugarcane production.

Some of the clearest andoldest amber in the world is also found along its northern coastline. Prehistoric insects have been found fossilised inside, apparently inspiring scenes in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park.

Aconvenient 30-minute drive from Punta Cana airport is Grand Palladium Palace Hotel (one of three hotels by the same group with slightly differing names, sharing the same site and facilities) and TRS Turquesa –their adult-only offering. Flights are direct from London Heathrow, so the journey itself feels as easy as aninehour flight can be.

Beach day beds on the golden sand areperfect way to enjoythe beautiful weatherorcatch up with sleep after partying the night away

Fans of Love Is Blind mightrecognise the hotel’s facilities from series six of the show.After getting engaged, the five couples were whisked off for astay and memorable characters, including Clay and AD and Jimmy andChelsea, gathered for drinks on thefamous Bávaro beach, on which the hotel sits(astone’s throwfrom my room).

Uninterrupted for nearly 48km, it’s oneofthe longest beaches in the Caribbean (and the hotel takes up approximately 1km of it). Dusk is the ideal time to take astroll, the sky turning lilac as the sun dips behind tall coconut trees and fishermen replace the day’s sun worshippers. Although there is some sargassum,a type of brown algae,toavoid.

Aviewofthe beach is best enjoyed from atable outside Helios restaurant (part of TRS), where violinists play,and chefs serve up whole dorado or cook steak over an open grill, alongside abuffet of the best food Itry across the complex. The huge jamon leg sliced every morning (it is aSpanish hotel brand after all) at the breakfast spread is awelcome addition too.

Choice is the attraction here: there are 14 restaurants –both alacarte andbuffet style –aspart of the ‘unlimited food

experience’ (four are exclusive to TRS guests) and the drinks are always flowing with 25 bars –one of whichisopen24 hours.

“We’re committed to keeping you entertained and drunk,” says Melquis, one of the staff,with alaugh.

When choosing aCaribbean trip, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice, and Iask him what stands out here. “Jamaica, Aruba and Turksand Caicos all have the natural beauty too but the service and kindness of strangers, that’squite unique, that’s aDominican thing,” he says.

Luscious green manicured gardens weave around low rise blocks of rooms and six swimming pools –many complete with sunken loungers, swinging hammocks and in-water bars. The sports facilities –including tennis, pickle ball and mini golf –are popularand there’s areally wellequipped childcare club (from one to 12 years old), aservice that’s included in the all-inclusive price.

One Love Is Blind couple, Jonny and Amy,were filmed enjoying the Zentropia Palladium Spa (USD $35/£27.50 or included with atreatment) and it’s areal gem. Iwind away an afternoon here –after awonderful massage –hopping between the cold and hot pools, the

sauna and eucalyptussteam room and lounging on aday bed overlooking the pool. Through awalkway of greenery is asecluded section where three bowls offer different types clay to cover yourself in. Ichoose Australian pink clay,said to hydrate and balance stressed out skin, and let it work its magic for 10 minutes.

Later,Ijoin in abachata class –a type of Dominican music and dance that originated in the 1960s, rising to popularity in bars and brothels before it became accepted in the mainstream.

The enthusiastic staff make it fun and it’s difficult to get wrong –and as long as you can get over the fact that it’s pool-side and in full view of other guests. It’s agood example of no-one taking themselves too seriously here.

FACTFILE

Double roomsatthe Grand Palladium Palace Resort & Spastartfrom$126(£99) pernight.Doubletooms at TRS Turquesa startfrom$189(£149)per night, all inclusive. Visitpalladiumhotelgroup.com.

MOTORING

ELEGANT DROP-TOP AHOT PERFORMER

THE HYBRID ARTURA SPIDER HAS ALL MANNER OF GO FASTER TOUCHES AND THE MCLAREN PEDIGREE, BUT WHATDOTHEY COMBINE TO CREATE? JACK EVANS FINDSOUT.

McLaren is hot-footing it to update its entire range. Its 720S has been given apower boost and transformed into the 750S, while the cross-continent GT hasbeen updated into the GTS. TheArtura, which was only recently introduced, is also getting a freshen-up to coincide with the release of this model –the Artura Spider

Rather than just lopping off the roof,this Artura has been given arange of modiﬁcations and upgrades over the original car and they’ve been applied to all Artura models built from now on, too. We’ve been out to drive it in the south of France to see what’s what.

WHAT’S NEW?

The Artura was acar plagued with difﬁculties in its early stages, but McLaren has looked to ﬁnesse the formula with

both the Spider and the equivalent coupe. It’s not just acouple of visual tweaks, either; the hybrid powertrain has gained apower boost –more on thatlater –the transmission has been revised for faster shifts while the suspension anddamping has gained abig revision to make the Artura even sharper to drive than before.

At 1,560kg with ﬂuids, it’s incredibly light. It’s no mean feat, either,given the complex folding metal roof system that raises or lowers in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. Youcan even specify the roof with electrochromatic glass which can go opaque or transparent at thetouch of abutton.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

As before, the Artura uses a combination of V6 petrol power and an electric motor.However,McLaren has managed to squeeze some extra boost

from thatengine, bringing the Artura Spider’s total output to 690bhp, up from 671bhp previously.The good news is that if you’re an existing Artura owner, McLaren will upgrade your car to this power output for free.

Zero to 60mph comes in three seconds ﬂat while McLaren claims a top speed of 205mph. However,with an electric-only range of up to 21 miles, it’s still very usable in battery-powered mode and when combined with the petrol engine, McLaren claims that you could get up to 58.9mpg.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The Artura Spider instantly feels like amore focused affair than manyof its rivals. Pushing off under electric-only power,it’ssharp andtaught underneath though it does remarkably well to shrug off the worst of the potholes and road

imperfections. Increase the pace and the Artura Spider remains impressively ﬂat andlevel, darting through corners with increasing hunger.The V6 engine may not sound all that impressive –though better than the original Artura –but you can’t fault its effectiveness. Combined with the electric motor,this is onerapid drop-top.

It’s actually themore everyday driving situations where the McLaren particularly impresses, mind you. During aslog through some rush hour French trafﬁc, it felt as easy to manageasa conventional hatchback with an easy-to-judge throttle and agearbox which shifts intelligently ensuring that this is one supercar that you could use every day

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

McLaren models have always had quite asimilar approach styling-wise and there’s some of that carried through on the ArturaSpider.It’s still very much recognisable as one of the Woking brand’s cars, that’sfor sure, but it does what you want asupercar to do when it comes to looks –make an impact andturn heads. However,the details in the roof area are what make this car stand out. The buttresses are aparticular stand-out touch as they’re incorporated into theroll-over structurebut also incorporate aglazed section which makes it alittle easier to look out of the back. When theroof is

folded away,it’sall very neat and tidy while when it’s back in place the Spider is hard to pick out againstthe ‘standard’ Artura.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

It’s all very stripped-back inside the cabin of the Artuta. The materials are good, mind you, and while it’ll come as no surprise that this isn’t the most practical of cars, the two occupants do get adecent area to stretch out in while headroom isn’t bad when the roof is in place –and near-inﬁnite when it’s folded away

In terms of practicality,the Artura Spider does better than you might think for this type of car.The 160-litre boot in the nose of the car might be smaller than the boot you’d get in aHyundai i10 city car,but it’s deep, square and ideal for two soft weekend bags or some coats and jackets. Aweek’s worth of clothing for two people might be abit of astretch, mind you.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices for the Artura Spider start from £221,000. The main forward instrument cluster –which is framed by easy-to-use rocker controls for the various driver modes –isclear to use and can be conﬁgured to show different readouts. We’re still fond of McLaren’s approach to leave the steering wheel completely free

of any buttons. McLaren has equipped the Artura with the latest driver assistance systems, too.

VERDICT

While it can quickly play the full supercar role at the drop of ahat –it’ll just as easily transform intoadocile A-to-B drop-top that could be used for even the most mundane of journeys. While it might be nice to have atouch more ﬂamboyance from the engine note, you can’t fault how effective the car is.

McLarenArturaSpider

Priceastested:£221,000

Engine:Twin-turbochargedpetrolV6 withelectricmotor

Power:690bhp

0-60mph:30seconds

Maxspeed:205mph

MPG:58.9mpg

Emissions:108g/km

Electric-onlyrange:21miles

SUMMER IN FULL SWING

HEATHER

LARGE LOOKSBACK AT AUGUST IN YEARS GONE BY

August is atime for cricket, fetes and carnivals and picnics. Along as the weather is playing ball, summer is in full swing.

School children are enjoying abreak away fromthe classroom and cricket matches are taking place in parks and on village greens.

This selection of photographs gives a glimpse into daily life around the county during August in past decades.

They include asnapoffemale workers

from the Ever Ready factory,Dawley, taking part in acharity pram push in 1979, while the Band and Bugles of the Light Infantry School of Music were keeping the crowds entertained in 1982.

Players at Shrewsbury Town Football Club were taking part in weightlifting sessions as part of their pre-season training in 1960 and in 1968, seven-yearold Guy Mayer,of Betton, near Market Drayton, was having fun trying out the hovercraft built by his father

1979: Women from quality control at the Ever Ready factory, Dawley, on a charity pram push in August 1979. From left:Stephanie Stevendale; Kath Ball; Jo Sullivan in the pram; Ethel Martin; Carol Perkins in the pram; Ann Briggs and June Simpson.

1971: Construction work was under way on the site of the Brookside housing estate in TelfordinAugust 1971.

1979: Mayor of Shrewsbury Councillor Bernard Lingen helps put up afundraising target giant 13ft thermometer in The Square, Shrewsbury, on August 6, 1979. He had launched, in his mayoral year,anappeal to raise £1.25 million to build aCobaltunit for cancer treatment at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

1982: Guests were entertained last night when the Band and Bugles of the Light Infantry School of Music with the Band of the 3rdBattalion Light Infantry at the sounding retreatatSir John MooreBarracks, Shrewsbury, in August 1982.

1960: Players at Shrewsbury Town FootballClub were taking part in weightlifting sessions as part of their pre-season training.

1973: Shropshirewon theMinor Counties cricket final in August 1973. The opponents were Staffordshire. The match was played at London Road, Shrewsbury. ShropshireopenerDougSlade, who has such agoodseason for the county, is pictured driving through mid wicket during his innings of 40, which helped his side takethe first day’shonours

1965: Robert and Elizabeth Curtis outside their leaning home at Shrewsbury Town WallsinAugust. The scaﬀolding was in place for workmen giving the stone afacelift

1954: Aplate from HMAS (Her Majesty’sAustralian Ship) Shropshirewas presented to the Shrewsbury Corporation. Lady Wakeman, president of the ShropshireSociety in London, is pictured making the presentation to Alderman Ellis-Jones, Mayor of Shrewsbury in August 1954. Also pictured is Major-General LordBridgeman.

1968: Seven-year-old Guy Mayer,ofBetton, near Market Drayton, tries out his hovercraft at home in August 1968. The hovercraft was made by his father,MrPeter Mayer,who isrally organiser of the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain, and was poweredbya125cc motorcycle engine. It was ascaled-down model of the hovercraft which Mr Mayer was planning to build for himself.

1966: Forty-nine bullocks had anarrow escape during amorning storm in August 1966, when athunderbolt struck an ash tree in their ﬁeld near Edgmond shattering it and hurling branches overaradius of almost 100 yards. The tree, which was between 30 and 40 feet tall, stood in aﬁeld near Marsh Road, Edgmond. The tree was split three ways.

1957: The peaceful scene of 16th century LudfordHouse, Ludlow, was due to be interrupted with the arrival of antique collectors and dealers from all overthe country will gather therefor the two-day sale of the furnishings in August 1957. The home of the late Mr Henry Whitaker,aformer High Sheriﬀ of Shropshire, the entireestate has been sold to aproperty company.

BOOKS

FINAL FAREWELL TO TENNISON

AS HER FINAL PRIME SUSPECT BOOK IS RELEASED, ACCLAIMED AUTHOR LYNDA LA PLANTE REFLECTS ON ADRAMATIC FINALE FORAFAVOURITE TV DETECTIVE

How does acharacter that’s spanned years of awriter’s glittering career get given a send-off?

If you’re acclaimed author Lynda La Plante, then that famous character doesn’t go quietly.Our most famous female detective, Jane Tennison,isbeing sent on her Prime Suspect way,with La Plante’s ﬁnal Tennison crimeinstalment, Whole Life Sentence.

The ﬁnal book ends where Prime Suspect begins,with young Jane leading the murder squad and their hunt for aserial killer

Getting to know ‘young Jane’ has been 10-year endeavour for 81-year-old La Plante, given it’s acharacter she’s taken from her early 20s through to her late 30s.

“Every book on Jane Tennison, theyoung Jane Tennison, has taken her through every single problem to the age that Jane Tennison wasinPrime

Suspect,” explains the former actress from Liverpool. “So each book stood up by itself as astory as she went up in rank, and up in rank, and up in rank. And you know,the reason Ievenwrote the young Jane Tennison was because at an event, awoman said to me, ‘What was Jane Tennison like as ayoung girl?’ And Ihad no idea”.

BOOKCASE

In 1991, police drama Prime Suspect made its debut with Dame Helen Mirren as hard-edged Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. Prime Suspect, inspired by the experiences of ex-Flying ofﬁcer Jackie Malton, asensation for ITV, catapulting Dame Helen to international fame. Across its seven series, the show won six Baftas, the Edgar Allan PoeWriters’ Award and an Emmy for best mini-series. In 2015, La Plante brought back the detective in the ﬁrst of aseries of prequel novels as young Tennison, rewinding the Seventies as the eponymous 22-year-old newbie is drawn into her

ﬁrstmurder gone back

ﬁrst murder case. “I’d never goneback into what was she like. So it was very interesting to work on,” says La Plante.

“And it was nice to go through her personal life, her romances, her failures, and also, by the time this book comes out, she’s reached the level she’s been ﬁghting for,for her entire career.”

Career milestones aresomething La Plante has plenty of.InJanuary she was named as arecipient of the Diamond Dagger,the highest accolade from the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA). And come September her memoir Getting Away With Murder will be published.

Starting as agraduate of theRoyal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada), as an actress she appeared in anumber of classic TV series including The Professionals, The Sweeney and Minder.Her debut novel The Legacy was published in 1987 following her writing the1980s crime series Widows.

The farewell to Tennison isone the author ready to say though. “Because in the end, she’s lived with me for an awfully long time and the relief of moving on to other characters is good because it means that Ihave to keep on stretching myself over and over again to make something as good.”

n Whole Life Sentence by Lynda La Plante (Zaffre) is available now

The Long Water, Stef Penney, published by Quercus, £20. The Long Water focuses on atight-knit community situated in the remote north of Norway, wherethe lives of the residents aredeeply interwoven. The town is at the centreofswirling rumours andamedia frenzy when popular teenager,Daniel, goes missing during school-leavers’ celebrations. Thereisnoone in the town who is not impacted by his disappearance. It is atough to put down tale with brilliant pace that will leaveyou wanting more.

Breaking The Dark, Lisa Jewell, published by Century, £20. Set in New York, the story follows Jessica Jones, aformer superhero-turnedprivate investigator,grappling with her owndemons. She is approached by Amber Randall, a mother whose twin teenagers, Fox and Lark, returned from atripto the UK drastically changed. This case launches Jessica into adark and intricate investigation. The novelintegrates superherolore with the gritty realism of acrime thriller

Love Of My A erlife, Kirsty Greenwood, published by Penguin, £8.99.

A er death by microwaveburger, 27-year-old Delphie Bookham ﬁnds herself in the waiting room of thea erlife where she meets ‘the one’, in atwist that gives her asecond chance at life with just 10 days to ﬁnd him back on earth. The book uses afastpaced narrativetokeep the story compelling, exploring Delphie’s shi in attitude to discoverher love forlifeand the joys of letting people in.

The Architecture of Modern Empireby Arundhati Roy, published Penguin, £10.99.

Acollection of 12 interviews conducted with Roy, by writer and broadcaster David Barsamian, span out overtwo decades, from 2001 to the present. The duo explore war,technology, nationalism, truth, justice, freedom and more. And Roy’sinsights into her home country, India, arepoignant. There is also humour and wit from Roy. Youﬁnd yourself hanging on her every word.

REMEMBER WHEN

1. Lloyd George died

2. Labour’s Clement Attlee became the new Prime Minister

3. Celia Johnson and Trevor Howardstarred in Brief Encounter

4. George Orwell’s Animal Farm was published

1. The Summer Olympics were held in Berlin

2. Salvador Dali nearly suffocated while giving alecture in adiving suit

3. Edward VIII abdicated

4. Super liner the Queen Mary made her maiden voyage

1. The Beatles had three UK No. 1hit singles

2. Harpo Marx died

3. Sean Connery and Honor Blackman starred in Goldﬁnger

4. The Sun newspaper was published for the ﬁrst time

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

WHO… was manager of Manchester United from June 1969 to December1970?

WHAT… is aDenver boot?

WHERE… is the Pulkovo Space Observatory?

WHEN… was the Battle of Mirbat?

WHO… was the long-standing chairman of the Radio 4 panel game I’m Sorry IHaven’t AClue until 2008?

WHAT… is alarnax?

WHERE… in the Republic of Ireland is the town of Kells, famous for itsmonastery?

WHEN… was the comedian Ronnie Corbett born?

WHO… wrote the war poems Hohenlinden and Ye Mariners Of England?

WHAT… was the middle name of the late England Test cricketerFred Trueman?

WHERE… in Africa is the historic region of Tripolitania?

WHEN… did the British newspaper editor Hugh Cudlipp die?

WHO… did Joaquin Phoenix play in the ﬁlmGladiator?

WHAT… music hall entertainer became Lady Matilda Alice de Frece?

WHERE isthe island of Corregidor?

WHEN… did the author Edgar Rice Burroughs die?

WHO… was the PresidentofSri Lanka from 1978-89?

WHAT… is the twelfth letter of the Greek alphabet?

WHERE… in the US is the Kuskokwim River?

WHEN… did Cape Verde gain independence from Portugal?

WHO… created the comic strip Krazy Kat?

WHAT… country did Geir Haarde become Prime Minister of in 2006?

WHERE… is the mansion Mentmore Towers, built by Joseph Paxton?

WHEN… did the television soap opera Crossroads ﬁrst appear?

1. Frankie Goes To Hollywood were at No.1 in the UK for nine weeks with TwoTribes

2. The famine in Ethiopia reached ahorrifying scale

3. Eric Morecambe died

4. Britain had its longest-running industrial dispute when miners went on strike

1. British actress Emma Thompson was born

2. The Conservatives won theGeneralElection for the third time running

3. Rock Hudson and Doris Daystarredinthe ﬁlmPillow Talk

4. Liberace won £8,000 from the Daily Mirror for suggesting he was gay

1. Britain shivered in temperatures as low as -21°C.

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

2. Natalie Wood starred in the ﬁlmMiracle On 34th Street

3. David Bowie was born

4. Al Capone died

1. SMIRCH

A Astain. B Smile foolishly C Melting metal.

2. PETIOLE

A Three-stringed guitar B Leaf stalk. CHeavy great coat

3. MICKLE

A Not faithful. B Agreat quantity C Canal labourer

4. LEGATO

A Smooth B Give assistance. C Nimble.

5. HUMMEL

A To moisten. B Hornless. C Kind of cotton.

6. GLOMERATE

A Be miserable. B Darkening. C Gather into aball. THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

CROSSWORD

QUICK CLUES

Across

1. Collaborative (11)

9. Left out (7)

10. Pinafore (5)

11. Dullard (5)

12. Rift (7)

13. Motor (6)

15. Cower (6)

18. Train (7)

20. Foul (5)

22. Antelope (5)

23. Exhilaration (7)

24. Annihilate (11)

Down

2. Vegetable (5)

3. Model (7)

4. Diminish (6)

5. Vestige(5)

6. Interpretation (7)

7. Unmoved (4-7)

8. Autonomous (11)

14. Cakes (7)

16. Chorus (7)

17. Recover (6)

19. Elbow (5)

21. Wind (5)

CRYPTIC

CLUES

Across

1. Damaged things won in conflict? (6,2,3);

9. Where the writer takes adip? (7); 10. Evident on top of letter (5)

11. Some abhor development in the mob (5)

12. Satirical drawing depicting ring in box (7)

13. Exact satisfaction for trouble in Geneva (6)

15. It’s clear father needs temporary

An actress, Iwas born in North Carolina in 1987. Imet my husband on the set of aGreenDay music video. My films include The Upside Of Anger and Running With Scissors, and Iused to be engaged to the singer Marilyn Manson.

Amusician, Iwas born in London in 1980. Ihave been outspoken in the press, and once played bass guitar for the band The Libertines. Iamthe frontman of rock band Razorlight and used to date the actress Kirsten Dunst.

accommodation (6)

18. Description of current tally (7)

20. Projectile containing nut?(5)

22. The skill needed to sail them? (5)

23. Apriestassembled the buccaneers (7)

24. Unwisely manipulated tiny red lump (11)

Down

2. Stirring game by the fire? (5)

3. Beg rice from afrozen floater? (7)

WHAT’SMY NAME?

Washington Post and New York Herald Tribune. My fictional works include Iam Charlotte Simmons and The BonfireOf The Vanities.

4. Thus fancy material offers comfort (6)

5. It is taken by dancers and speakers (5)

6. Change one namefor a flower (7)

7. Have asuccessful strike? (5,1,5)

8. Don’t take abeating lying down? (5,2,4)

14. Call our former demand (7)

16. Loser galloped too (4-3)

17. Among the last up, Idid look silly! (6)

19. How extremists speak? (5)

21. Praise former lot being set up (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6

An author,Iwas born in Virginia in 1931. Ihavebeen ajournalist for the

An actor,Iwas born in Pembrokeshire in 1974. As ateenager,Istarredinthe 1987 children’s fantasy Mio In The Land Of Faraway.My film roles include

John Rolfe in The New World and the title role in Batman Begins.

ATVpresenter,Iwas born in Leeds in 1973. Since 2013 Ihave been a presenter for BBCSports Personality OfThe Year.Iused to be aprofessional gymnast andhave competed in the Commonwealth Games, andmyfather is the former football manager TerryYorath.

Amodel, Iwas born in Essex in 1971. Iam6’1” tall andIonce famously doubled the sales of awell-known lingerie brand. Imarried Rod Stewart in 2007, and we have two sons together

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 KEY WORD READING ACROSS FROM 8.

1. German man 2. Log boat 3. Conservative 4. Abominable snowman 5. Object of worship 6. Young sheep 7. Chime 8. Songbird 9. Slay 10. Turkishmonetary unit 11. Intentions 12. Potato 13. Fall in drops 14. Chrysalis 15. Inquires 16. Beach grains Key word clue: Girl’s name

1. Mulligatawny,say 2. Dowels 3. Painful 4. Resound 5. Hopdrying kiln 6. Chuck 7. Hare’s tail 8. Therefore 9. Lazy or slovenly person 10. Bee sound 11. Keen enjoyment 12. Group of three 13. Rowing blades 14. Scorch 15. Ridge of coral 16 Flutter Key word clue: Circus term

Ared scarf and amauve scarf comes to £20.92, amauve scarf and ablue scarf£22.94, whereas abluescarf and ared scarf costs £21.96.Whatare the individual prices?

Uncle Tobias is twice as old as Aunt Elizabeth was when he was as old as she is now Given that Aunt Elizabeth is ten years younger thanUncle Tobias, how old is Aunt Elizabeth?

“A 4-digit palindromic number?” Thomas repeated. “That’s anumber thatreads the same from right to left as it does from left to right?”

Cedrych smiled. “That’s right,” he replied. “But this one is just two less than twice aperfect square.”

What can that number be?

Twodifferent items cost £1.19 and 89p respectively Matthew and Romina spent exactly £100 on several of each item. How many items did they buy in total?

So they started, and in fact the boy ended up only £1 to the good. How many questions defeated him? 1 23 1 2 3

Stefan’s bookmark fell out of his book, andhewas unable to remember what page he had got to. He did, however, remember that he had passed page 800 already,and the total of all numbers below the pages the bookmarkwas between, was exactly the same as the total of the numbers abovethem. Given that the book was 1273 pages long, what were the page numbers of his ‘place’?

“Let’s see how smart you are,” said Roy.“I’ll give you 13 questions, and you’ll get £2 for every correct answer.But you pay me £3 for every wrong one.”

4 5 6

Joe nodded. “Okay,Dad, but it will cost you alot.”

1. Unwelcome plant 2. Diesel oil 3. Morally despicable 4. Simple 5. Three feet 6. Slimming plan 7. Written words 8. Period of militaryduty 9. Housetop 10. Make full 11. Luxuriant 12. Ring of light 13 Darts line 14. Verge 15. Recedes 16. Gracefully thin Key word clue: Sewing item

WHAT’SON

AUGUST

Burwarton Show takes place at the showground, Cleobury North.

It features awhole host of livestock –cattle, dairy cows, sheep and pigs plus asheep shearing competition. There will be aShetland Pony Grand National plus Twit Twoo Falconry Display

In addition, the show includes ahost of trade stands, plus ashopping arcade and food hall, offering an array of food, drink and ice cream. The popular showalso includes arange of competitive classes.

The showground is at WV16 6RP on the B4364 between Bridgnorth and Ludlow.Parking is free. Fortickets, go to burwartonshow.co.uk

1-2Madagascar JR is on the bill at Walker Theatre, Shrewsbury Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, those hilarious plotting penguins as they bound onto your stagein the musical adventure of alifetime.

The story follows all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in NewYork’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar

Tickets are £16fromwww theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/ madagascar-jr/

The Merry Wives of Windsor is on the bill at Shrewsbury Castle. Sir John Falstaff,everyone’s favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, hasfallen on

hard times. In order to fixhis finances, he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wisetohis wily ways, the ladies take the opportunitytopunish Falstaff by playing aseries of hilarious tricks on him...

Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on this classic comedy

People can take their own seats, or arrive earlier if they plan to sit on the grass or ablanket, to ensure space at thefront. Umbrellas are not permitted. Toilets will be available on-site. Tickets cost £8 to £16 from www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/ whatson/the-merry-wives-of-windsor/

9-10

Shrewsbury Flower Show returns to The Quarry this month

The flower show is renowned as one of the UK’s premier horticultural shows, attracting exhibitors from all over the country.Organised by the Shropshire Horticultural Society,it’snot just pansies, peonies and oversized parsnips –there’s live music fromTake That and Mumford &Sons tribute acts, afarmyard circus, a spectacular parachuting display from the RAFFalcons and, of course, the infamous fireworks.

Tickets and more information are available at www.shrewsburyflowershow org.uk

9-18

Shropshire’s successful flower field experience returns to Newportthis summer

The field has been meticulously planted by arobot and will be weeded by the same robot. Shropshire Festivalsare again turning it into avisitor attraction while the flowers are in bloom, with parking, an on-site café, seating under tipis, and toilets.

The flower field will be open daily between 10am –5pm, with morning or afternoon tickets available. Adog-friendly day was ahit in 2023 so dogs on leads are welcome on August 14 /17 and 18.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.shropshirepetalfields.co.uk.

11

Cyclists are gearing up for a popular charity bike ride with ascenic route from Oswestry’s Hope House children’s hospice to either Lake Vyrnwy or Lake Bala.

The Cycle Challenge 2024 starts and finishes at Hope House, in Morda, and has become afavourite on the annual cycling calendar.Hundreds of new and experienced cyclists are expected to join the event. They can choose to pedal a56mile route to Lake Vrynwy or a70-mile distance to Lake Bala.

Refreshments will be served at a halfway station, with an afternoon tea provided on return to Hope House. All cyclists will receive agoodie bag which includes aspecially designed handy water bottle. Entrants must be 16 and over and are encouraged to raise additional funds from sponsorship or asweepstake.

Exhibitors from all overthe country will be in the county when Shrewsbury FlowerShowreturns to The Quarry on August 9and 10, meanwhile cyclists will be gearing up for acharity bikeride in aid of Hope House Hospice on August 11, from the Oswestry hospice to LakeBala or LakeVrynwy

Shrewsbury Folk Festival combines astellar line-up of folk, world music and Americana and slick production with a“warm and welcoming” vibe between August 23 and 26, while family-friendly festival Camp Bestival returns to Weston Park from August 15 to 18.

Formore information visit www hopehouse.org.uk/cycle

11-13Calligraphy group

Shropshire Scribes is hosting anational exhibition at St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury.

The travelling exhibition is from the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society (CLAS), the national body for calligraphers.Itexists to promote the study,practice, and teaching of western calligraphy in all its forms, and to generate awareness and appreciation among the wider public.

The exhibition will showcase the work of calligraphers and lettering artists.

Shropshire Scribes is acalligraphy group with afull programme of events including workshops, talks, demonstrations, and exhibitions.

Peter Panisonthe bill at Shrewsbury Castle.

Following the success of The Wizard of Oz, multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre invite you to soar away to Neverland as they proudly bring their trademark energy to their most magical musical to date.

Get ready to think happy thoughts and flyhigh as the mischievous Peter embarks on an awfully big adventure, introducing Wendy Darling to the lost boys, the cheeky Tinkerbell, the hilarious Smee, and ahost of other exciting characters before facing the most feared villain of them all, the infamous Captain Hook.

Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and alaugh-aminute script, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the

family entertained throughout.

Tickets cost £7.50 to £15 from www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/peterpan/

15-18

Designed by families especially for families, Camp Bestival at Weston Park combines all the fun of afantastic family camping holiday with everything you’d expect from an idyllic and action-packed festival adventure.

The main stage line-up will feature Rick Astley,McFly,and Orbital on the opening night, followed by Paloma Faith, Jake Shears, and The Darkness, on the Saturday,with Faithless, Sara Cox, and Level 42 on the Sunday.There will also be sets from Gok Wan, Hak Baker,Say She She, Flowers Ov Love, The Magic Numbers, The K’s, Craig Charles, and Dick and Dom.

Tickets: Day tickets are £80, weekend camping tickets are £210, andbackstage weekend camping tickets are £474 Visit www.shropshire.campbestival.net/ weekend-tickets/

Following the release of his long-awaited book ‘The Klink’, Dutch fly fisherman Hans van Klinken is coming to England next month

His publishers, Merlin Unwin Books, will be hosting an evening in Ashford Carbonel Village Hall where he will present, and take you through the journey of his flytying career

Tickets are £10 to be pre-paid by phone (Merlin Unwin Books 01584 877456) and include aone-course meal, with the opportunity to meet the internationally acclaimed flytyer and buy a signed copy of his informative new book.

21The Female Collective will be holding an exhibition at Footprint Gallery in Jackfield running until September 1. The collective is aplatform for female and non-binary artists to shine aspotlight on their creative talents through curated shows across Shropshire and the Midlands.

Artists include painter Stephanie Eufemia, ceramic artist Olympia Walker, and sculptor Kat Preston. It’s aspace where all are welcome to support and champion the works of female artists.

Formore information, see www thefemaleartcollective.com

23-26

Shrewsbury Folk Festival combines a stellar line-up of folk, world music and Americana and slick production with a “warm and welcoming” vibe, making it one of the most sought-after tickets for August Bank Holiday weekend.

The festival, set on aglorious riverside site at the West MidlandShowground, boasts four open air and covered music stages, adance tent for ceilidhs, workshops and shows, dedicated festivalsin-a-festival to keep the kids and teens busy with music, dance, crafts, silent discos, circus skills and more. There are also workshops and activities for adults.

An artisan shopping arena, food village, real ale and cocktail barswith on-site camping and glamping top off the perfect festival experience. This year’s line-up features Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Elkie Brooks, Gangstagrass, Mary Black, Eric Bibb, Ward Thomas, Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Manran, Mary Gauthier,The Longest Johns, and Peatbog Faeries.

Tickets: Weekend tickets without camping are £191.47, while weekend

tickets with camping are £222.53. Day tickets are £66.47.

More details: www shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/

25&26

The Plant Fair returns to the Dorothy Clive Garden on the August Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday

The wonderful Dorothy Clive Gardens, near Market Drayton, are open at less than half the normal price, which includes entry to oneofthe best-loved plant fairsinthe region with ahost of top specialist nurseries coming from near and far.

The brilliant plant fair attracts a fabulous line-up of 24 nurseries and garden accessories so there’s sure to be something to set your summer garden ablaze with colour and add asparkle to a shady spot, plus lotsofexpertknowledge on hand to help you choose the best

plants to bring colour to your garden.

Explore the gardens, sitand relax in the many seating areas, and enjoy the tearoom’s home-baking on the terrace lawn, whilst enjoying the lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

This special event runs from 10am-5pm both days. Entry is just £5 for the gardens and plant fair.Free parking, dogs welcome. Please see www planthuntersfairs.co.uk for alist of nurseries attending.

31An enchanted charity ball is to be held at popular wedding venue Pimhill Barns at Harmer Hill.

The Secret Garden Ball will feature a band and disco as well as athree-course meal for guests who will be dressed in their best dresses and black tie.

The event is being organised by Lingen Davies Cancer Fund andaims to raise money for the ongoing workof

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 107-109

REMEMBER WHEN: 1.1945 2.1936 3.1964 4 1984 5.1959 6.1947

FOUR Ws::1 Wilf McGuinness; Awheelclamp; 19km south of St Petersburg, Russia; 1972 2 Humphrey Lyttelton; Acoffinmade of terracotta; Meath; 1930. 3.Thomas Campbell; Sewards; Libya; 1998.4.Commodus; VestaTilley; Manila Bay; 1950. 5.JRJayewardene; Mu; Alaska; 1975. 6 George Herriman; Iceland; Buckinghamshire; 1964.

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

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Cooperative; 9 Omitted; 10 Apron; 11 Dunce; 12 Crevice; 13 Engine; 15 Cringe; 18 Retinue; 20 Fetid; 22 Eland; 23 Elation; 24 Exterminate. Down: 2 Onion; 3 Pattern; 4 Reduce; 5 Trace; 6 Version; 7 Cold-hearted; 8 Independent; 14 Gateaux; 16 Refrain; 17 Redeem; 19 Nudge; 21 Twist. CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Spoils of

war; 9 Inkwell; 10 Overt; 11 Horde; 12 Cartoon; 13 Avenge; 15 Patent; 18 Account; 20 Shell; 22 Craft; 23 Pirates; 24 Imprudently Down: 2 Poker; 3 Iceberg; 4 Solace; 5 Floor; 6 Anemone; 7 Light amatch; 8 Stand to lose; 14 Exclaim; 16 Also-ran; 17 Stupid; 19 Utter; 21 Extol.

WHAT’S MY NAME?: 1.EvanRachel Wood 2 Johnny Borrell. 3.Tom Wolfe 4.Christian Bale 5 Gabby Logan 6.Penny Lancaster

WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Herr 2.Raft 3.Tory 4.Yeti 5 Idol 6.Lamb 7.Bell 8.Lark 9.Kill 10.Lira 11.Aims 12.Spud 13.Drip 14.Pupa 15.Asks 16.Sand Key word solution: LINDSAY

WORDSPIRAL 2: 1.Soup 2.Pegs 3.Sore 4.Echo 5 Oast 6.Toss 7.Scut 8.Thus 9.Slob 10.Buzz 11.Zest 12.Trio 13.Oars 14.Sear 15.Reef 16.Flap

Key word solution: TRAPEZE

WORDSPIRAL 3: 1.Weed 2.Derv 3.Vile 4.Easy 5 Yard 6.Diet 7.Text 8.Tour 9.Roof 10.Fill 11.Lush

the charity across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales.

Tickets are £65 per personand include asparkling drinks reception, three-course meal, live auction and entertainment. For more information or to buy tickets visit lingendavies.co.uk/secretgardenball.

31The Horse in Art 2024 exhibition takes place at The Rose Paterson Art Gallery,Weston Park, until October 1. An opportunity for art lovers and equestrian enthusiasts to celebrate the beauty of horses through art.

The SEA’s annual ‘Horse in Art’ exhibition showcases works by some of the UK’s most renowned and emerging equestrian artists, from the energy of horse racing, to the gentle peace of ponies at rest, the artists draw on personal experience to explore equestrian life and the relationship between humans and horses.

12.Halo 13.Oche 14.Edge 15.Ebbs 16.Slim Key word solution: THIMBLE

IMPOSSIPUZZLES: 1. Scarves £9.97, £10.95 and £11.99. 2.Aunt Elizabeth is 30 years old. 3.8448. 4 110 items. 5.Pages 900 and 901. 6.Joe failed on 5 questions.

The Horse in Art 2024 exhibition is on in The Rose Paterson Art Gallery at Weston Park from August 31, while an enchanted charity ball is to be held at popular wedding venue PimhillBarns, at Harmer Hill, on August 31 in aid of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund

MA GA ZI NE SU BS CR IP TI ON