Shropshire Magazine July 2024

Epic race aids appeal

COUNTY COLLAGES

ESTABLISHED 1950

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

The ShropshireMagazine has acontrolled, selected distribution in Shropshiretowns, and is available for sale from many retail outlets and by subscription

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

james.owens@jpress.co.uk 01952 241754

DISTRIBUTION, SALES &SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 174064

CONTRIBUTORS

Christina Albon, Bill McCarthy, Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley

PUBLISHED BY MNA Media, Telford

PRINTED BY

Precision Colour Printing, Halesfield, Telford

www.shropshiremagazine.com

FEATURES SELECTION

7Inmemory of Peggy

Matthew Panter chats to the mum who laced up her running shoes for a10k run to raisemoney for the hospice who helped to carefor her baby daughter

11 Ice cream dream

Amother and daughter team are using the milk from their family farm in athrivingice cream business that is going from strength to strength. Heather Large finds out more.

28 Interiors

Be beside the seaside all year round with the pick of the accessories with anautical flavour this summer

39 Coverstory

Heather Large meets the former nurse who has turned her hobby of creating collages of her favourite county scenes into abusiness.

43 Club celebration

Newport Photographic Club is marking 40 yearsofcapturing stunning images from across the region and beyond. Matthew Panter looks back.

47 Royal muse

Author Annie Garthwaite has revisited the tale of aroyal mother with acounty link for her second book. She talks to Heather Large about her inspiration.

51 Aplace to gather

Andy Richardson finds out about aproject that is providing aspace forgroups to meet and creatives to sharetheir skills

55 Pacific challenge

Daniel Morris chats to the man who has fulfilled alifelong dream of taking part in an iconic sailing race, and has helped alocal charity at the same time.

63 Bring out the barbecue

Andy Richardson meets the Telford man with apassion for all things barbecue, while Heather Large discovers howbarbecue rubs arebig business.

75 Traquil haven

Andy Richardson reveals how Comer Woods, near Dudmaston, is the ideal place for apeaceful walk in the countryside.

86 Social scene

Winners gather for awards night, county groups honoured, Townswomen’s Guildmembers celebrate and High Sheriff Brian Welti reflects on abusymonth.

95 Travel

Sophie Goodall explores the countryside beyond the boundaries of Italy’scapital city Rome and Sarah Marshall visits aluxury private island.

100 Motoring

The new Mercedes Cabriolet is put through its paces.

102 Nostalgia

Heather Large looks back at the lazy days of summer across the county in yearsgone by.

107 Puzzles

Put your brain cells to the test with our selection of quizzes, crosswords and puzzles.

110 What’son

From theatredates to music festivals, comedy shows to art exhibitions, there’splenty going on across the county this month.

MUMON ARUN IN MEMORY OF PEGGY

EARLIER THIS YEAR,BETH ROBERTS LOST HER BABY DAUGHTER PEGGY TO ARARE CONDITION. SHE TELLS MATTHEW PANTER WHY SHE HAS TAKEN ON A10K CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT HOPE HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE WHICH PROVIDED SO MUCH SUPPORT DURING PEGGY’S SHORT LIFE.

Itwas amoment of peace and serenity at the most devastating of times. Beth Roberts and Henry Gregory should have been enjoying one of the happiest times of their life.

But instead, they were faced with the heartbreaking passing of their beautiful little daughter Peggy,who died at just 11-and-a-half weeks old.

It was duringthis distressing time that Hope House Hospice stepped in to offer the care and support the whole family needed. Support which will never be forgotten.

“Wemassively appreciate Hope House and everything they have done for us,” says Beth. “Without them Ithink we would have been lost to be honest.

“From the moment we realised we were dealing with palliative care, we knew we didn’t want Peggy to die in hospital.

“Her whole life had been in hospital. We got Peggy over to Hope House on March 26 where she passed away peacefully in my arms, just under an hour afterbeing taken off the ventilator

“Wedidn’t want very much: we wanted to see her face, as she’d always had lots of tubes and we’d not seen her face properly her whole life; we wanted to hold her; and we wanted to take her outside.

“She was only alive for an hour.Itwas ashort amount of time but we felt lucky to have all the things we’d wished for during that short time at Hope House.

“Wewere sat outside in the sunshine, listening to the birds. Peggy’s grandparents were there, and (son) Rupert was playing in the gardens.

“That whole week the weather had been awful, but the sun came out for Peggy’s moment. It was tranquil, and calm. Ijustthought:‘You’ve had such a rough life but we’re going to give you this little moment of calm.’ It was very,very special.”

It’s amoment which will, of course, live with the family forever and so will the support of Hope House.

An acknowledgement of their work is why Beth, from Shrewsbury,has signed up for her very first 10K run in memory of her precious baby daughter,who never made it home. She will be backed by a team from the Shrewsbury Coffeehouse.

Beth has already raised an incredible £12,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospice since signing up to therun, which is on July 7. The donations are spurring her on through training up and down the hills of Shropshire. And when she’s really struggling, it’s thoughts of little Peggy that keep her going.

Peggy’s short life was spent almost entirely in hospital. From the moment she was born it was clear that this would be a very different journey to the one that Beth and partner Henry had experienced with

their son Rupert two years earlier

“Throughout my pregnancy, everything seemed fine,” says Beth. “I was eventually induced aweek early and we welcomed our baby girl Peggy into the world.”

However,Peggy wasn’t breathing properly and midwives were concerned.

“Assoon as she was born, the medical crash team was called in,” remembers Beth. “Wethought we weren’t going to be taking our baby home.”

Peggy was stabilised, however she needed support to breathe, could not tolerate milk and could not feed. She would spend the rest of her life in intensive care. Peggy was diagnosed with an incredibly rare genetic mutation.

“Her brain never really developed. She could make eye contact, and was calmer and happier when we were there, but she couldn’t smile. We spent alot of time going to and fro from Shrewsbury to hospital in Birmingham to spend time with her.She was even able to come off the ventilator for three or four weeks. We

knew she would never get better,but she was doing so well.”

It was then that Peggy suffered a cardiac arrest.

“Wegot aphone call and were told she needed to go back on the ventilator. Nobody explicitly said it to us, but we knew that once she was back on she wouldn’t come off.Wewere heartbroken. Afew days later, we were told that we had to start palliativecare.”

It was at that point that Hope House provided support. The family were able to spend time in thehospice’s Snowflake Suite, aspecial room where families can bring their child after they’ve died, and can saygoodbye in their own time and in their own way.

“The Snowflake Suite was incredible,” Beth added. “It gave us allthe opportunity to hold and cuddle her free from wires.”

Through Peggy’s life and death, runninghas become afocus for Beth, who started as soon as she could after her six-week health check.

“I’m not arunner at all,”she said.

“After Peggy was born, Ineeded to keep busy and do something. Istarted Couch to 5k. Then decided to push myself to do a10k, and saw Icould sign up for Hope House.

“Running has given me afocus. During her lifetime we spent six days out of seven in hospital. Runninggave me head space to process things in my head, or sometimes just not to think of anything. Since she’s died, it’s given me a reason to getout of thehouse.”

Beth has been blown away by the support she’s received from sponsors as well as family and friends who are joining her in the 10k.

“We’ve already raised £12,000. It’s unbelievable. Over 200 people have donated which shows howmany people care for us, and for Peggy

“When the running gets tough, Ithink of all the sponsors, but mainly Ipicture Peggy.She was areal mix between feisty and chilled.

“She was always very happy and content in her cot, or having cuddles but

she knew what she liked and didn’t like.

“She had started to develop a wonderful personality.Ithink of her all the time, and she’s pushing me on. I always think, if Peggy can do 11 weeks of life barely being able to breathe and not being able to feed, then Ican do this run. She is amassive inspiration –the biggest inspiration there is.”

To sponsor Beth, please visit www hopehouse.org.uk/run-for-peggy

If you’d like to learn more about raising and donating money in memory of aloved one please visit www.hopehouse. org.uk/givinginmemory

PAGE 7: Beth prepares for her 10k run.

PAGE 8: Beth with apictureofher beloved daughter Peggy.

PAGE 9: Top: Beth with her sister-in-law Livi Topple and Coffeehouse staff who arealso running 10k: Jazzy Shipp, Henry McGowen, Abby Ford, Anika Saxton, TomMcKittrick. Below: Dad Henry, Beth and Peggy in hospital

Careand support for achild’sfamily

Hope House Children’s Hospices provide specialist nursing careand support to morethan 750 children, and their families at Hope House in Oswestry and Ty Gobaith in Conwy.

Adedicated team supports families from diagnosis, throughout the lifetime of their child and beyond.

At the end of achild’s life,staff are theretomakesuretheir final moments areascomfortable as possible and that their family says goodbyeintheir own way and in their owntime. The team is also theretocomfort families and offer bereavement support.

It costs £7.5 million every year to run services. Approximately two month’s income comes from statutory sources and for the other 10 months of the year thehospices aredependent on public support.

SHROPSHIREFAMILYLAWYERSWELCOME FAMILYLAWREFORM

Earlierthisyeartherewasa changeintherequirementsfor anyonemakinganapplication totheFamilyCourts.TheCourt hasalwaysencouragedpartiesto usenon-courtdisputeresolution proceduressuchasmediation, collaborativelaw,orarbitration asawayofresolvingthedispute betweenthem.However,itisnow compulsoryforpartiestocomplete aform(calledaFM5)setting outtheirviewsonusingnoncourtdisputeresolution.Anyone whounreasonablyrefusestotry resolvingtheirfamilylawdispute outsidecourtproceedingscould bepunishedbyhavingtopaythe otherperson’scosts.Theideais thatthecourtsshouldonlybe dealingwiththemostcomplexor high-conlictcases Whatiscollaborativelaw?

Inthecollaborativeprocess, clientsandtheircollaboratively trainedlawyerssignanagreement, promisingtohavenocontested courtproceedingsduringthe

retainer.Theyallthenmeet todiscussissuestogetherina respectfulandopenmanner.The aimisthattheseparatedcouple reachafairsettlementand ind solutionsthatmeettheneedsof thewholefamily.

Theteamworkapproachextends tonon-lawyerprofessionals,sothe couplecanbeneitfromabespoke teamsupportingthem.Thesecan include inancialprofessionalsto assistwith inancialorpension issues,orspecialistcounselling supporttohelpwiththechallenges ofco-parentingafterseparation. Whatarethebe e its?

Costsaregenerallymuchless thancontestedproceedings,and resolutionisusuallymuchfaster Progresscanbemadeoveramatter ofhourswithinacollaborative meeting,ratherwaitingmonthsfor acourthearing.

Theemotionalbeneitsinclude inalisingmattersoutsideof theglareandscrutinyofcourt proceedings.

Separatedparentsremain connectedbytheirchildren andwilloftencontinuetobein eachother’slivesformanyyears. Resolvingissuesina non-adversarialwayallows themtoprioritisetheirparenting relationship.

AtAaron&Partnersweoffer allformsofnon-courtdispute resolution,includingMediation.

ICECREAMDREAM TEAMISA WINNER

HEATHER LARGE DISCOVERS HOW LAURA AND JEANETTE POWELL TURNED MILK PRODUCED ON THEIR FAMILYFARM INTOASWEET TREATSERVED AT VENUES ACROSS THE COUNTY

Mmmm, ice cream! It’s perfect for cooling us down on ahot summer’s day or for accompanying abowl of apple crumble during the cooler months.

Whether it’s the classic taste of vanilla, sweet strawberry or chocolatechip, it’s the perfect treat at any time of theyear.

Tempting our tastebuds with their wide range of handmade ice creams and non-dairy sorbets are mother and daughter team Jeanette and LauraPowell. Their ice cream is made using milk from their family farm, near Ludlow, along with double cream from Mawley Town Farm, near Cleobury Mortimer

Laura’s Delicious Dairy started serving up the sweet treat in December 2021 and now supplies wholesale as well as farm shops, pubs, village shops and restaurants across Shropshire.

Laura and Jeanette also run an ice cream parlour,located in the car park of The Boyne Arms in Burwarton, and their products are stocked at self-servicecafe,

Picture: David Thomas

The Vending Hut, inChurch Stretton and at Ludlow Farm Shop. They can also be found serving scoops to visitors at shows and events around the county.

Laura juggles the business with working four days on the family farm and it was her passion for farming that helped to inspire her to start making ice cream.

“I’ve always enjoyed farming andI’ve always enjoyed good food and cooking. Ialways wanted to put the two together and produce dairy products straight from the farm.

“I’m not acheeselover so it was never going to be cheese. Ice cream seemed to be the perfect fitand there wasn’t anyone else making ice cream in our area,” she explains.

In 2018, Laura graduated from the University of Chester’s Reaseheath College with a first class honours degree in food science and business management.

During her studies, she specialised in dairy and chose to write her dissertation on the production of ice cream.

Laura was keen to put her learning into practice and after aslight delay due to the Covid pandemic, they got the business off the ground in December 2021.

Since then the company has gone from strength to strength,establishing itself on the county’s culinary map.

All of the ice cream is handmade in small batches usingfresh milkfrom the farm’s herd of 150 Holstein Friesian cows.

The cows are milked by robotic milking machines, which were installed in 2018, and have the opportunity to graze for six months of the year

Arable crops including wheat, corn and barley are grown on the farm, which has been in the family for more than 100 years, to feed the herd.

To beginwith, the ice cream was made on site but production hassince moved to aspecially-converted garage at Laura’s home near Minsterley

Once they were up and running supplying wholesale farm shops, pubs and other small businesses, they started taking atrailer to events, ranging in size from Burwarton Show,which attracts thousands of visitors, to small school fairs, village fetes and weddings.

By August 2023,Laura and Jeanette, who are supported in their business by Laura’s dad Robert and her partner Dan, felt it was time to open their own ice cream parlour

They offer scoops in cones, milkshakes, hot and cold drinks and cakes and customers can also purchase 500ml and one-litre tubs of ice cream to take home.

They make around 16 core flavours of ice cream including double chocolate, salted caramel, very vanilla,raspberry ripple, rum and raisin and honeycomb along with seasonal specials

“Wetry to stickto traditional flavours but we also do seasonal specials andwe always have lots of ideas for new flavours. There is nothing you can’tmake with ice cream, thepossibilities are endless,” says Laura, aged 27.

“AtChristmas, we’ve made marzipan stollen; mincepie,and Irish coffee, at Easter we’ve made Mini Egg, and for summer,we’ve got peach melba; and white chocolate and cherry,” says Laura.

Laura’s favourite flavour is raspberry ripple while Jeanette’s is rum andraisin.

“I’ve always enjoyed the combination of dried fruit and ice cream,” says Jeanette, 64.

They also make non-dairy sorbets to cater for people with allergies and vegans, with flavours including forest fruit and mandarin.

Their products contain only natural colourings and flavourings to compliment the creaminess of the fresh milk and cream.

When it comes to testingrecipes for new flavours, Laura says it’s always a balancingact to ensure they get aperfect product.

“Our ice cream is very creamy because of the fresh milk anddouble cream so

we never want to take away from that. We want to add anice flavour but not too much so the creaminess of the ice cream still comes through. There’s alot of trial and error –and taste testing,” she explains.

As well as attracting lots of new and regular customers, their ice cream has also received recognition from the Good Taste Awards with their double chocolate and coffee flavours both awarded one-star awards.

Looking forward, Laura andJeanette are committed to maintaining their high standards, providing service with apersonal touch and welcoming more

visitors to their ice cream parlour

“Wewould like to continue to grow but we don’t want to become massive. We do everything ourselves and that means we can provide agood quality product with agood level of service that people want to keep coming back to,” says Laura

n The ice cream parlourisopen from 12-5pm Friday to Sunday as well as on Bank Holiday Mondays. For more information including updates on opening times and new flavours, see www.laurasdeliciousdairy.co.uk or www facebook.com/laurasdeliciousdairy

STYLISH NEW-BUILD HASLOTSOFSPACE

One of Shrewsbury’s finest newbuild family residences, Calcot House in London Road, Shrewsbury,has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Radiating contemporary style and appeal, this super spacious seven-bedroom home is meticulouslydesigned for 21st century living.

Approached via adriveway, the parking forecourt is laid to pavers, framed by lawn and mature trees. An open arched porch draws the eye, beyond is aspacious entrance hall, wherefireplace flames provide an instant welcome. All principal rooms are off the reception, together with adownstairs cloakroom.

The hub of the house is an extravagant 66-square metrekitchen diner,complete with dual islands/ breakfast bar.A streamline finish offers an uncluttered appearance to diners with table space overlooking the garden via bifold doors. Similar bi-folds arefound in the adjacent snug, reached through apair of sliding doors, to the opposite side of the snug asecond pair open to thelounge. Here, in classic form, athird pair of bi-

folds balance the property’s rear elevation and maximise enjoyment of the private garden.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales and partner at Balfours, comments:“The design of Calcot House hasclassic appeal, while achieving acontemporary vision and lifestyle opportunity.”

The lounge and snug each have a beating heart by way of agas fireplace. A study off the hall and aboot room and utility,accessed via theside door and linking to thedouble garage, complete ground floor accommodation.

Astatement staircase takes you to four en-suite bedrooms on the first floor, including the master suite with luxurious bath and shower,plus his and her walkin wardrobes. A fifth en-suite room is accessed from the boot room. Twomore bedrooms are on the second floor,each of generous proportions, plus walk-in wardrobes and shared bathroom.

Alistair adds: “This is aturnkey property the like of which is rare to find in such an accessible location. Just 1.5 miles from the town centre, less to the major road network to the Midlands and the Northwest. There is an excellent choice of state and private schools.

“Calcot House is one of those classics which delivers in all ways, right down to its eye-catching archwindows and render work which complements the brick build. Viewing is amust.”

Balfours is marketingCalcot House with aguide price of £1,600,000. For more information call 01743 353511.

Serendipity£595,000 Seifton, Ludlow, Shropshire

Astunning three-bedroom barn conversion withauxiliary guest accommodation situated in an idyllic ruralsetting. Character Property,Stunning Views,Three Bedrooms, En-Suite Guest Accommodation, Approximately 0.3 Acres(0.12 Ha), Open-Plan Kitchen /Breakfast Room /Living Room,OakFramed Garden Room, TwoWorkshops /Sheds,GardenswithTerraces,EPC: E

The Mill Guide price £825,000 Wykey, Ruyton XI Towns,Shropshire

Acharming andwell-presented barn conversion,set in approximately 4.9 Acres(1.9 Ha)ofgardens,paddockand orchard, with flexible accommodation andequestrianfacilities. RuralSetting,4.9 Acres(1.9 Ha), Close ProximitytoOswestry& Shrewsbury, Double Garage /Workshop, Four Bedrooms,Kitchen /Breakfast Room, ThreeReception Rooms,EquestrianFacilities,Freehold,EPC: D

Calcot House Guide price £1,600,000 Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Arguably the finest new build family residence in South Shrewsbury, exuding style andcharm through design and accommodation.

SevenBedroom House,Modern Features forGenerous Accommodation, Close to ShrewsburyTownCentre,Ground Floor Underfloor Heating,Dual-Island Kitchen, Landscaped Gardens &Double Garage,Freehold,EPC: C

The Farmyard –Plots 1-3 £625,000-£775,000 Grafton, Shropshire

An exclusivedevelopment of threenew build properties, in theruralsetting of Grafton,all unique andthoughtfully designed withspace to liveand grow.

Thoughtfully Designed New Build Homes,Four and Five Bedrooms, Semi-RuralHamlet Location, Generous Living Spaces,High Spec Finishings,Freehold,EPC: TBC

ResidentialDevelopment Site Guide price £1,300,000

Llandrindod Wells,Powys

Planning permission has been granted for amixed residentialdevelopment of up to 50 dwellings,including associated access roads andother works (P/2013/0444 and 19/1891/REM).

Development Opportunity, Mixed Residential, Situated in Llandrindod Wells, Planning Granted forUpTo50Dwellings,Accessible Location, Freehold

Pentre Wern Farm Guide price £2,350,000 Gobowen, Oswestry, Shropshire

Pentre Wern offers an exciting opportunitytoacquirea substantialblockofproductivepastureland andresidential development,totalling approximately 137.07 acres(55.47 ha), available as awhole or in lots.

RuralSetting,Pastureland withArable Potential, Four Bed Farmhouse Needing Renovation Including Paddock, SevenLots, Excellent Road & Rail Links, TraditionalFarmBuildings (Planning Consent forFiveResidentialUnits),Set In 137.07 acres(55.47 Ha), Freehold

Brithdir Guide price £550,000 Buttington, Welshpool,Powys

An extremely versatile family home in asemi-rural location,withwell-balanced accommodation andtruly enchanting private garden.

RuralSetting,Far Reaching Views,Close ProximitytoWelshpool,Well Maintained Gardens,One Ground Floor Bedroom, ThreeFurther Bedrooms,Two Offices & Workshop, Four Bathrooms,Gas CentralHeating,Freehold,EPC: D

Guide price £750,000

Acharming three-bedroom cottage,withanannexe set in approximately 0.61 acres(0.25 ha)ofgardens withstunning countryside views.

Sough-After Idyllic Location, High Specification, Period Features,Three Bedrooms,Living Room, Kitchen /Dining Room, Annex /Studio /Home Office,PotentialMulti-GenerationalFamily Living /HolidayLet /Airbnb, EPC: E

AN ELEGANT COUNTRYHOUSE

Upton Grange is abeautifully presented country house set in classical gardens and grounds of about 17 acres, with additional outbuildings and stabling.

Situated on the edge and within walking distance of Waters Upton, the property is on the market with Savills with aguide price of £2,500,000.

The property is in aprivate location and set well back from asmall country lane. It is, however,highly accessible to the A442 and equidistant between Shrewsbury and Newport.

Upton Grange is an elegant and beautifully presented country house believed to be built in 1849. The front elevation is double-fronted with two large wisteria-clad bays extending to the first floor.The house combines both elegance and the practicalities required for modern-day living.

To the side of the house is the front door with apedimented portico. This opens into the welcoming entrance hall with decorative tiled flooring, providing access to thereception rooms including the elegant morning room with alarge bay with sash windows, afireplace with marble hearth and carved wood, nineteenth century chimney piece and a French door to the terrace.

Double doors from the entrance hall, lead into the drawing room which is equally as elegant, with French doorsand an open fire. The dining room overlooks the greenhouse lawn and terrace.

The kitchen breakfast is alovely light room. The floor is laid with quarry tiles and the kitchen was fittedbyRoundhouse in 2015. The floor and base units are a beautiful duck egg blue. Steps lead down to asmaller utility room which leads into alarger utility room. There is aroom used as awine store, aseparate boot room and alarge cellar

Off the hall, astaircase leads to the first floor landing where the principal bedroom has built-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom which connects to afurther bedroomwhich is used as a dressing room. Bedroom two is aguest room with an en-suite bathroom.

There are afurther two double bedrooms, both with en-suite shower rooms, and afamily bathroom.The second floor hasbeen converted into a further spacious double bedroom.Beyond this is aspacious games room

Themain garden area is principally

lawned with abeautiful beech tree and shrubbery beyond. This leads on to a further compartment with apleached lime avenue, which leads to alavender walk and abothy

There are lawns to three sides with a vegetable garden protected by anatural hedge behind. Arelatively new and wellstocked greenhouse with apeach treeis in the ‘greenhouse lawn’ and terrace. A wonderful feature is the cutting garden which provides an explosion of colour and scent. Afabulous outdoor area offers relaxed summer entertaining. Adjacent is an integral covered barbecue. The property has the benefit of three access ways.

Upton Grange hasanextensive range of principally traditional outbuildings. There is apaddock situated behind the stables. The whole of the land extends to about 17 acres, five acres of which is let on an annual tenancy to alocal farmer

Outstanding potential

Hinstock, Market Drayton, TF9

Newport 8miles

Offering awideselection of versatile outbuildings, including asix bedroom farmhouse, secondary accommodation, indoor swimming pool, paddock, equestrian facilities, pasture land.

Freehold |Council Tax Band =G|EPC Rating =C

Peter Daborn

Head of Residential Shropshire 01952 239 500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Eco credentials

Wem, Shrewsbury, SY4

Shrewsbury 13 miles

Aprivately gated modern home, offering 4bedrooms,3reception rooms, atriple garage and awrap round garden.

Freehold |Council

Peter Daborn

Head of Residential Shropshire 01952 239 500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Beautifully presented

Eardington, Bridgnorth WV16

Bridgnorth 2.4 miles

Alifestyle period property with amodernextension, offering the outside in, with outbuildings and gardens. Abeautifully presented 4bedroom home,large oak framed barn, workshop, garage and an EV charging point.

Peter Daborn

Head of Residential Shropshire 01952 239 500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Characterful home

Candy, Oswestry, SY10

Oswestry 2.9 miles

Dating back to the 1800s, this is acharminghome within your own idyll, surrounded by nature. 4bedrooms ,3receptions, aworkshop, and acarport.

Peter Daborn

Head of Residential Shropshire 01952 239 500 peter.daborn@savills.com

EXCEPTIONAL HOME IN POPULAR VILLAGE

Welcome to atruly exceptional property in the sought-after village of Waters Upton, Shropshire.

Hawick House is on the market with Prestige by Mannleys for offers in the region of £700,000.

This outstanding self-build home boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms, andahost of luxuriousfeaturesthatwill leave you enchanted.

As you step through thefront door, you are greeted by astunning floor-toceiling oak-framed glazed reception hall. This captivating space is illuminated by natural light, creatingawarm and inviting atmosphere. The bespoke oak staircase showcases the craftsmanship and attention to detail that sets this home apart. The sitting room is aplace of tranquilityand relaxation, with its vaulted ceiling and

feature double-sidedlog burner.Bifold doorsopen onto the well-manicured garden. Complete with acentral island and bifold doors, the breakfast-kitchen is floodedwith light, creating the perfect setting for amorning coffee or family gatherings. The ground floor also features aversatilebedroom/home office, autility room, and aconvenient WC.

Upstairs, the main bedroom awaits, complete with awalk-in wardrobe, an ensuite shower room, and aJulietbalcony Twoadditional double bedrooms, afamily bathroom, and alovely galleried landing complete the first floor

The detached garage provides ample parking space and includes auseful store room. The driveway allows for easy parking, while the established landscaped gardens offer beautiful outdoor spaces to relax and unwind.

No detail has been overlooked in

this exquisite property.With gas central heating and underfloor heating on the ground floor,you can enjoy comfort and warmth throughoutthe year.Solar panels provide an eco-friendly energy source, reducing your carbon footprint.

Conveniently located in Waters Upton, this home offers easy access to local amenities, attractive countryside, and the nearby market town of Newport.

With additional gated parking for a caravan or motorhome, this property is perfect for those seeking alifestyle that embraces both luxury and practicality.If you are looking for atruly exceptional home in an idyllic village location, then look no further.Thisself-build property combines elegance, comfort, and style, offering atruly unrivaled living experience.

Don’t miss theopportunity to make this house your dream home.

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF:

£1,150,000 EPC B

Discover refined living in this stunning six-bedroom executive home in Horton, Shropshire. With greataccess to Telfordand Newport, it features a33ftopen plan kitchen, dining,and family room with bifold doors,separate family room, sitting room, and dining room. Themain bedroom boasts abalcony, en-suite, and dressing room. Additional highlights include afeatureoak and glass staircase,games room, landscaped gardens,and alarge detached double garage.Experience luxuryand comfortinapicturesque village setting

HORTON,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF66DT TELFORD,SHROPSHIRE, TF66HU

OIRO: £699,000 EPC E

Experienceluxuryinthis stunning five-bedroom detached home in the sought-aftervillage of Crudgington, Telford. Featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining,and family room with bifold doors,amain bedroom with aJuliet balcony, and ample parking via an electric gatedentrance. Enjoy leisurewith a40ftgarage/workshop,garden room/gym, and beautifully landscapedgardens perfect foralfresco dining.With greatroad links and local amenities,this exceptional home offersstyle andfunctionality.

OIRO:£495,000

Stunning and exclusiveluxurydevelopmentofjust eightdetached bungalows and dormer bungalows.21Aldermead is asuperbly spacious threebedroomdetachedbungalowanditoffersextremelyflexibleliving accommodation this comprises Lshaped entrancehallway,kitchen/ dining room/sitting room with vaulted ceilings with LED recessed mood lighting &featurecentral island,sitting room area with French doors to the gardens,main bedroom with en-suiteshowerand French doors to the rear garden, guest bedroom/sitting room, thirdbedroom and a separate bathroom with bath and separate shower.

CLOSE,ADMASTON,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF50DD EDGMOND, NEWPORT, SHROPSHIRE, TF10 8JG

OFFERSOVER:£595,000 EPC D

Welcome to your dream home in prestigious Bayley Hills,Edgmond This beautifully presented4/5 bedroom detached house offers spacious living areas,a brightsitting room, adining room, a conservatory,and abreakfast kitchen. Features include aground floor bedroom/office,three upstairs bedrooms,anen-suite, afamily bathroom, agarage,and driveway parking.Enjoythe enclosed rear garden and excellentconnectivitytoNewportand Telford. Move-in ready with no upward chain.

PROPERTY ENJOYS STUNNINGVIEWS

The Old Carriage House, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury,isonthe market with Miller Evans for offers in the region of £650,000

This deceptively spacious fourbedroom barn conversation is presented throughout to an exacting standard and provides spacious, well-planned family accommodation arranged over two floors with many character features.

The accommodation briefly comprises: entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility,inner hall, study,lounge, four bedrooms all with en-suites.

The property also benefits from ample parking, neatly kept landscaped rear garden, large externalstore room and stunning countryside views.

Little Lyth is amuchsought-after area close to Shrewsbury,surrounded by beautiful countryside with an abundance of nearby walks. The villages of Longden, Anscroft and Hook-A-Gate are all nearby.The vibrant town centreof Shrewsbury boasts many fashionable bars and restaurants, Theatre Severn and the Shrewsbury railway station.

Hiding Barn, Baschurch

£700,000

Aprestigious developmentofjust three large barnconversions set in large plots overlooking open countryside on the outskirts of Baschurch. Thebarns areset in an area steeped in historyand legend.Theyare next to the privately owned BerthPooland iron age hill fort thatissaid to have belonged to the Welsh King Cynddylan. Hiding Barnisa spacious and well-appointedfourbedroom barnconversion with an impressiveopen-plan living area providing awonderful entertaining spacewith awealth of exposed beams.The further accommodation includes; entrancehall,cloakroom, utility, living room and dining kitchen, inner hall leading to master bedroom with walk in wardrobe and en-suiteshowerroom, three further bedrooms and family bathroom. Along private driveway leads to adouble garage and provides ample parking.There aregardens to three sides of the property, twobeing walled and laid to lawns with patio areas and vegetable garden. Brick outbuildings ideal forstorage.The frontgarden enjoying superboutlooks over opencountryside Hiding Barnislocatedinthe popular village of Baschurch, close to excellentlocal amenities and enjoys open countryside viewstothe frontwith manywalks nearby.Baschurch is approximately 8miles north west of Shrewsbury.

TheHawthorns,Belle Vue£750,000

This imposing six bedroom property provides well-proportioned accommodation with rooms of pleasing dimensions.The property,which has been much loved, is well maintained and presentedthroughouttoanexacting standardand brieflycomprises; entrancehall,cloakroom, tworeception rooms,breakfast room, kitchen, utilitytothe ground floor.Three bedrooms,en-suite, and bathroom to the first floor.Three further bedrooms,showerroom and large storeareatothe second floor.Useful basementand former coach house

Theaccommodation benefits from gas firedcentral heating and no upward chain. Theproperty is situatedina quiet cul-de-sac,inthis popular and soughtafter residential area, well placed within reach of excellentamenities including local shops,schools in both the state and private sector, the nearby town centre boasts awealth of fashionable bars and restaurants,boutique style shops,the TheatreSevernand Quarry Park and Dingle Gardens

AN IMPRESSIVE RURAL RESIDENCE

Long Lane Farm is amagnificent Grade II Listed, six-bedroom country house, with aonebedroom annexe and excellent equestrian facilities.

The property,near Telford, is on the market with Larch Property with an asking price of £1,100,000.

Long Lane Farm is asubstantial and impressive family house which was purchased by the current owner 40 years ago and has been renovated and restored to ahigh standard over the intervening years.

The handsome façade sets the scene for the wonderful interior with each floor having exceptional ceiling height, with large windows flooding the house with natural light.

Internally the house is well presented with numerous period features. The living room features an antique slate fire surround with acream enamel wood burner and the walls and ceiling are finished with decorative plaster mouldings and ceiling rose.

The living room and dining room are furnished with solid light oak flooring. The kitchen/breakfast room features handmade solid oak units and incorporates aRangemaster cooker, integrated dishwasher and fridge.

The layout is extremely flexible, with the house at present being split into two adjoining wings (the northand south

wings) each with separate kitchen and bathrooms, with access between on the ground and first floors.

In brief,the accommodation includes: front and rear entrance halls, two reception rooms and agym, astudy, storage room and basement, two kitchen/ breakfast rooms, utilityroom and separate WC. There are six bedrooms, one ensuite, family bathroom andshower room.

There is aone-bedroom flat/annexe above garaging and atraditional brick outbuilding with five monarch stablesand atack room with WC. There is a20m by 40m floodlit equestrian arena, securelarge modern barn, garaging and various storage rooms. The landscaped gardens, orchard and paddock land amount to about5.36 acres in all.

Long Lane Farm is strategically located on the northern side of Telford, ensuring excellent commuter access to the M54 via Junction 6. Proximity to Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham adds to the property’s allure, along with reliable rail services from Wellington and Shrewsbury

The house enjoys aclose proximity to several reputable schools, including Prestfelde, Old Hall, Birchfield, and Packwood Haugh for prep schools, and Shrewsbury School, Wrekin College, Shrewsbury High School, Thomas Telford, and Adams Grammar for secondary education.

Residential, Rural&EquestrianProperty Specialists

Cruckton, Shrewsbury

An impressive4-bed barnconversion, newly developed to ahighstandard,located on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.

Largekitchen/living/diner |Lounge |Masterensuite |Family bathroom| Lawned garden |Rural yetaccessiblelocation |Finished to the highest standards |EPC rating C

Asking Price: £599,000

St Martins,Oswestry

Amostattractive, substantial familyhome, numerousagricultural buildings,scope for equestrianuse,set in about9acres.

4-bedrooms |Openplanfamily living space|Periodfeatures throughout| Galleriedentrancehall |Drawing room |Sitting/dining room |Landscaped gardens |EPC rating D

Asking Price: £925,000

LeaCross,Shrewsbury

Adelightful 4/5 bedroom period propertywith maturegardens andoutbuildingsall set within 1.4 acresofgarden andpaddocks.

Idyllicperiodproperty|Open-plankitchen/diner |Dining room Sitting Room|Conservatory|Scope forre-configuration |Summer house |Large outbuilding &stabling |Noupwardchain |EPC rating D

Asking Price: £650,000

Long Lane,Telford

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

6-bedrooms |Flexiblelayout ideal formultigenerational living |Separate annexe| Traditional brick outbuilding withstables |20m x40m foodlit menage |Large STPoutbuilding Landscapedgardens |EPC exempt

Asking Price: £1,100,000

LIVE THE LIFESTYLE

Imagine living in abrand-new,lightfilled, contemporary home in the beautiful town of Shrewsbury With unique, considered architectureand aconvenient, idyllic location, the new Old Coleham Court promises an unparalleled living experience with amix of penthouses, duplex, one and two-bedroom apartments.

New homes in Old Coleham Court are now for sale off-plan to discerning buyers. With amuch-anticipated launch in June, over 20% of properties are now reserved in this exceptional new residence.

Located in picturesque Coleham with its village-like ambianceand independent shops and cafes, Old Coleham Court is just astone’s throwfrom the heart of Shrewsbury.Stroll acrossthe pedestrian Greyfriars Bridge for riverside walks and the famous Quarry,ideal forthose seeking aserene environment and fresh air

If arts,culture and adiverse social scene are what you crave, thetheatres, galleries, bars and pubs, restaurants and shops in Shrewsbury’s vibrant town centre offer awealth of opportunity.The close proximity to Shrewsbury rail station will appeal to commuters to Birmingham, Manchester and London.

Excellent schools in both sectors are close by,including Shrewsbury Colleges’ English Bridge campus,the art and sports facilities of The Shrewsbury School, and the recently inspected ‘Outstanding’ Coleham Primary School.

Old Coleham Court is elevated by its exceptional architecture and engineering. The curved building with frontage on two sides gives every apartment aunique view.Cutting-edge technology andhighspecification finishes are integrated, while floor-to-ceiling windows fill roomswith natural light.

The eleven penthouses with generous roof terraces are unrivalled in Shrewsbury.Glass balustrades ensure the stunning views remain uninterrupted, providing aperfect setting for relaxation or entertaining guests.A testament to elegance, interiors feature bespoke kitchens, lighting systems and entertainment centres.

Forthose seeking something extraordinary,three duplex apartments boast cantilevered glass staircases.

The central courtyard is integral to Old Coleham Court and offers a peaceful retreat for all residents. Four

select apartments have direct access to this tranquil outdoor space. Residents of Old Coleham Court will benefitfrom stateof-the-art technology including ANPRsecure parking (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), allocated EV charging points, key-less entry,and lift access to all floors. Residents’ parking is raised above ground level.

With interest high, potential buyers are encouraged to act swiftly.Book a viewing by calling 01743 403131 or emailing sharon@syhomes.co.uk. The sales office is open by appointment only due to the active construction site

Homes can be purchased off-plan with completion scheduled for 2025. Floor plans and pricing are available on request. Early buyers will have achoice of finishes in kitchens, bedrooms and flooring.

SY Homes is afamily-run business and known for award-winning developments at Albury Place and Lord Hill Gardens on Abbey Foregate. Our uniqueapproach focuses on transforming brownfield sites into desirable new communities. We believe in pushing the boundaries of design and innovating with construction methods and the latest technology.Our talented and experienced management team consistently demonstrates the vision and flair to develop attractive and sustainable communities.

n Formore information, visit www syhomes.co.uk

AluxuryresidenceunlikeanyotherinShrewsbury.

•Elevenpenthouseswithroofterraces

•Threeduplexwithcantileveredglassstaircases

•Fourapartmentsopentothecentralcourtyard

•Sixone-bedroomapartments

•21two-bedroomapartments

OurSalesOfficeisnowopenbyappointment.

CallSharonon01743403131

oremailsharon@syhomes.co.uk

www.syhomes.co.uk

SEASIDESTYLES ARE NAUTICAL AND NICE

THE SUMMER IS THE TIME TO CHANNEL YOUR INNER BEACHCOMBER, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS.

Asthe song goes, ‘I do like to be beside the seaside…’ But if you are based alittle further inland and want to create acoastal connection with your decor instead, this array of virbrant ,nauticalthemed accessories work just as well for casual, resort-like vibes.

1. Scraffito Outdoor Cushion Collection: Crab On White Outdoor Cushion, from £49.99, Fish On White Outdoor Cushion, from £49.99, rest of items from a selection, Perkins &Morley Outdoor cushions make agreat centrepiece, especially when you scatter

them amongst rustic furnishings, natural timber and picnic baskets

2. 17cm Seashell Ceramic Flower Jug, £14.99, Tenovus Cancer Care

With starfish and seashells, this stylish jug is sure to make astatement with bunches of fresh summer blooms.

3. Hudson Blue Grey Stripe Cotton Duvet Cover, from £70 (Single), Hudson Stripe Cotton Bed Linen Pillowcase, £25, The Fine Cotton Company

With anod to New England style décor and airy accents, this cotton bedding with woven stripe twill is bound to please.

4. Vitamin Sea (Tutti Frutti)

Typography Art Print –Unframed, from £18 (15 x20cm), rest of items from aselection, Beach House Art

An easy,decorativeway to evoke the beneficial and therapeutic benefits of living nearthe sea, this poster with complementary artwork is right on point.

5. Sky Blue And White Edwardian Deckchair with Canopy and Footstool, £275, The Stripes Company

An emblem of seaside holidays, this vintage style deckchair with canopy to shade you speaks of laid-back waterfront living.

6. Faux Standing Shell –White, £50, Cox& Cox

Modish and eye-catching with its spiral textured design, this standing shell enhances the coastal aesthetic.

7. FlipFlop Beach Bag, £44, Basket Basket

Abrilliant styling tool, raffiabaskets make aperfect focal point and can be hung from ahook next to astraw hat.

8. St Eval Coastal Collection Tin Candles: Sea Salt, Samphire& Sage, Sea Mist, £14.65 each, St Eval

Inspired by the Cornish coastline, these fragrant candles evoke the

revitalizing scent of sea air andcoastal herbs.

9. Striped Beach Towels, Hot Pink, Bright Blue, Turquoise& Yellow, £9.99 each, H&M Home

These fun towels with beachside inspired hues make you want to grabyour cossie and splash into the sea.

10. Starfish Print Cushion, reduced to £10.49 (was £14.99), (45 x45cm), Dobbies Garden Centres

Fashioned with astarfish print, this cushion works like adream with layered blues and crisp whites.

Brunslow Farmhouse, LydburyNorth, SY78AD Offers Over: £700,000

BrunslowFarmhouse offers arare opportunityto acquire a substantial residence,set in approximately4.37 acres, with commanding views of the surroundingcountryside. The original building has origins backtothe 1600's, before asignificant front extensionwas added in the 1930's creating the attractivehouse that, up until recentyears, wasa thrivingbed and breakfast.

EPC Rating: TBC Council Tax: Band DTenure: Freehold

The Engine House, Crows Nest, Snailbeach, SY50LU Guide: £750,000

With origins dating back to the early-19th century, this Grade II listed engine house, with an attached chimney, was tastefully converted, in 1988, into afive-bedroom house. The property sits in large gardens, holding aprime position in the popular location of Crows Nest, Snailbeach, The Engine House has awealth of characterfeatures including exposed brickwork, beams and trusses, an impressive original square base chimney, and an twin-tube Lancashire version boiler, making an impressive centrepiece as you enter the property.

EPC Rating: ECouncil Tax: Band FTenure: Freehold

Old Farmhouse, Haughton, Shrewsbury, SY4 4GB Guide: £895,000

The Old Farmhouse is abeautifully presented family home on agenerous 0.6 acre plot, within five miles of the historic market town of Shrewsbury. The site includes generous gardens, ample parking, acar port and two outbuildings ideal for conversion (subject to planning).

EPC Rating: FCouncil Tax: Band FTenure: Freehold

Top Farm House Knockin, Oswestry, SY10 8HN Guide: £999,995

Top Farm house is a17th century, GradeIIlisted farmhouse boasting character in abundance, nestledinthe idyllic Shropshire countryside in the villageofKnockin. Top Farm House has six bedroomslaid overthree floors, with ensuites bathrooms, galleried landings and spacious living areas. There are two self contained barns currently used as holidays lets, but also ideal for family accommodation. Externally thereisparking areas for the house and accommodation's,and adjoining paddock of approximately 1.3 acres with steelconstructed outbuilding.

EPC Rating: FCouncil Tax: Exempt Tenure: Freehold

GARDENING

CREATE AFARM TO PLATECOOKSPACE

GARDENERS’ WORLD’S ADAM FROST WILL BE COOKING UP ASTORM THIS SUMMER AFTER CREATING AFARM TO PLATE GARDEN. HANNAH STEPHENSON DISCOVERS MORE.

This summer,BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost has been surrounding himself with edibles after creating the headline show garden, ‘The Chef ’s Table’, at BBCGardeners’ World Live at Birmingham’sNEC.

The designer and plantsman says it was aself-indulgent project because he loves cooking. “I probably was that kid that when Ileft school, they said you could be agardener,ora chef or join the army.”

Over the years he has come across many chefs and cooks who have taken up the farm to plate ethos and he’ll be welcoming guest chefs including James Martin to cook in the outdoor space he has created.

Here he offers tips and tricks about how to create your own farm to plate space.

1. Work out your preferredspot

“Working out where you’re drawn to in your garden. If you’ve got alittle spot that you love to go and sit but also how are you going to use your garden?”

2. Think about interplanting

“I always feel that people who venture into veg gardening either fall in love with it, or they get frustrated because it doesn’t quite work first time, or they haven’t necessarily got the space just to grow veg by itself

“This garden is all about interplanting.

Youwon’t necessarily tell thatit’s purely aveg garden, as it will interplant the vegetables, the herbs and the ornamentals all in one space.”

Frost’s garden will feature alayer of both fruit and ornamental trees. “The premise is thatI’vefound some old apple trees which will go in the centre of the plot, then aselection of other edibles and ornamentals. There will be asecond layer of shrubs mixed in with fruit.

“I’ve found that if you interplant in gardens, your garden won’t take as much water as astandard veg garden.”

3. Flip your choices

“Wegrow ornamental and edible currants andornamental and edible rhubarb. Think about flipping from

ornamental to edibles and you’ll find that it can still look beautiful in an ornamental setting.

“A lot of herbs are really beautiful to look at, like sweet cicely,which is about to come into flower.Ithas alovely aniseed scent and can be used to sweeten rhubarb instead of using sugar

“We have masses of lovage in our gardens with acelery-type flavour which is good for alot of meals. But there’s a smaller one called Scottish lovage, which has alovely umbellifer flower on it.

“Then you have sorrels. Youmight have anormal green sorrel that we use for fish or stews, but there’s also asilver sorrel which has alovely silvery variegated leaf which becomes areally good front-ofborder plant. It’s justlooking at herbs in a slightly different way.”

4. Consider fruit trees

“If you think about fruit trees, we don’t always necessarily consider that we’ve got enough room. But there’s a whole array of fruit that you can grow fanned against walls or in containers on patios.

“You can grow them as little stepovers, which are tiny dwarf fruit with a T-bar on top of them and they go on the edge of aborder.Sothere’s an awful lot

more fruit that looks ornamental because of the way that it’s pruned or looked after.”

5. Makethe most of the prettiest veg

“You can use leaf beet, with wonderful different coloured leaf beets, different coloured beetroots and carrots. There are some wonderful squashes, awhole array of courgettes, and fennels. They’ve all got interesting foliage so if you think about interplanting thosewith some of the flowering plants, from late primulas to astrantias and salvias.This wonderful foliage gives you points of relief.”

6. Create ‘picking’ paths

Instead of having afull widthpath, put in apath 40-50cm across to give you enough space to access the plot but which is softened by the planting, he suggests.

If you have gravel, let herbs seed into it, including borage.

7. Don’t alienate the cook

The whole principle of the Chef ’s Garden is that the person cookingis looking out on to the table.

“You could build alittle bench and sit the barbecue next to it, making the surrounding area more inviting.”

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

the right productfor your space.

HELP HERBS THRIVE

AWARD WINNING HERB GROWER, JEKKA MCVICAR, OFFERS HANNAH STEPHENSON SOME EXPERT ADVICE ON SUCCESSFUL TECHNIQUES TO REAR SEEDLINGS.

Ifyou’ve had mixed success with herbs, there may be some simple growing techniques that could turn your failures into triumphs.

Internationally renowned herb grower Jekka McVicar,winner of 62 RHS gold medals, offers the following tips, which may make all the difference.

1. Always water in the morning

“People tend to water when they come in from work and if you send your seedlings or your young plants to bed wet, and the temperatures drop, they’ll suffer It’s best to water before you go to work.”

2. Check your soil

If you are growing herbs in heavy soil, add grit or well rotted compost to open it up, she advises, as most herbs like freedraining soil.

3. Don’t forget to prune

“People are always worried about pruning rosemary,but you should prune it after flowering to stop it getting woody But stay within thegreen, don’t cutinto the woody bit. That way,you’ll keep it bushy,and the same with lavender.

“Wecut back one eighth in the eighth month for lavenders like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’, the angustifolias. It gets

the plant to regenerate, protects it for the winter.” She suggestscutting back oregano after flowering. Thymes should be cut back after flowering to stop them getting woody

4. Sharpen tools

“It’s really essential to keep your plant healthy and productive that you keep your tools sharp and clean, so you don’t spread disease. When you use ablunt tool, you shatter the stem, then thewater gets into the stem and you can lose the crown of your plant.”

5. Invest in agood watering can

“Buy one where you can turn the rose up or down, so if you’ve sown seedlings, you will water with the rose up. If your plant is mature and you want to water, you turn the rose down. If you’ve got apot you want to water,take the rose off and water the soil in the pot.”

6. Feed on Fridays

“If you’ve aherb in a container and you’re using standard potting compost with food in it, the nutrients last about eight weeks. After that, your container plant is living on water and your

love. So you need to feed it. McVicar uses aseaweed-based feed rather than a nitrogen-based one.

7. Use the right compost

“I find it better to sow theseeds using aseed compost, because it’s lower in nutrients than amulti-purpose. Iuse a potting compost for growing my plants Youget abetterresult.IfI’m using herbs for cutting and picking, like salad herbs such as rocket and mustards, we give it a mulch of my (homemade) compost.”

8. Pick basil leaves from the top

Always pick basil from the topof the plant, not the sides, she advises. It will make the plant branch out and you’ll get new leaves.

9. Sowsome herbs in autumn

“The best time to sow parsley,coriander and chervil is September because the soil is warm and there’s moisture around it, and parsley will germinate within days,” she says.

n 100 Herbs To Grow by Jekka McVicar is published by Quadrille, priced £30. Available now

GARDEN CENTRE

•Vegetable &tomatoplants

•New varieties of basket plants

•Summer bedding plants

•Herbaceous perennials

•Trees, roses& shrubs

•Composts, garden tools&equipment

•Solar Lights

•Gifts

•Birdfood

FOLLOWUSON:

GAYLE FRAMES NEW COLLAGE CAREER

AFORMER NURSE TELLS HEATHER LARGE HOWHER PASSIONAND EXPERTISE WITH COLOURFUL PAPER CREATIONS OPENED UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR HER AFTERRETIREMENT

From market towns to historical landmarks, Gayle Fitzpatrick loves recreating them all through her colourful and quirky collages.

As aregisteredschool nurse for Shropshire Healthcare Trust, shespent alot of timedriving around Shropshire, admiring the county’s many market towns and villages.

Gayle, who is amemberof Bridgnorth Camera Club, loves photographing their historical and architectural treasures.

She had dabbled in collage when she was younger andafter retiring from

nursing two years ago, aged 55, Gayle picked up the hobby again.

“I’m always out andabout taking photographs for the camera club –Shropshire has so many fabulous buildings and so much history

“I really love this county and Iloved travelling around it for my job, Isaw so many wonderful places. My husband and Iare always visiting different towns in our 1974 2CV,who we call Claude.

“I startedmaking collages, based on some of my favourite photos, and I realised that when photographed, the

images lend themselves to be turned into greetings cards andprints,” explains Gayle.

Her work is now on display in businesses in Bridgnorth andher cards and prints are also stocked by Our Green Shop in Waterloo Terrace, which specialises in local products.

“Our Green Shop couldn’t havebeen more supportive,” says Gayle, who spent 38 years in nursing. “I took in some of my cards and they said they would be happy to stock and sell them for me. Iwas really pleased that they liked my work enough to have it in their shop,itwas ahuge compliment.”

Some of the Bridgnorth landmarks featured in her work include the Town Hall, Bishop Percy’sHouse, The Cliff Railway,StMary’s Church, the Severn Valley Railway and My little Wedding Shop in Castle Terrace.

Gaye has also made collages of towns such as Ironbridge, Much Wenlock, Ludlow,Shrewsbury and Bishop’sCastle.

All of her creations aremade using small pieces of paper cut out from recycled magazines, including copies of Shropshire Magazine.

They can take hours to complete because she has to spend time leafing through pages to find pages with the perfect colours and patterns she needs to recreate the scene in her pictures.

“Shropshire Magazine is great because Iuse the property pages whenever Ineed brickwork, Iuse Vogue for anything floral and the magazines tend to have alot of watches, which Iuse for clockfaces in clock towers and Iuse a2CV magazine for people. Sometimes Ican find what I’m looking for straight away,other times it can take me awhile to find it. Ilove it when I find the right thing that’s perfect for the collage,” says Gayle.

Although Gayle bases her collages on real photographs, sheisn’t afraid to give them her own, unique twist.

“I never know what I’m going to end up with when Istart. They have arustic style and Iuse artistic license. It doesn’t always have to look exactly how it looks in the real world –Ilike to add my own touches if Ithink it will add something to the picture.

“I’ve made acollage of Bishop’s Castle, which is where Imet my husband, Nick. It’s agorgeous town and Ichose to set the picture at carnival time.

“I also like to add words to thecollage if it’s relevant. In my collage of the Iron Bridge, I’ve added the words River Severn, Coalbrookdale, Abraham Darby and 1779 –the date the bridge was built.I like adding people because that gives it an element of 3D,” she explains.

Once acollage is completed, Gayle covers it in alayer of PVAglue to hold all the pieces in place and likes to display

them in frames she has found in charity shops.

As well as towns and buildings, Gayle likes to createpet portraits for herself and other people.

“I like capturing apet’s character.I have acollage of my cat Florence from when she was akitten and used to pull wonderful, cheeky faces. I’ve done pet pictures for friends too,” she says.

Gayle, who is taking on commissions to create images of buildings,shops,cafes and pets, loves immersing herself in her collages.

“It is very relaxing. Youare in your own little world for abit and can switch offfrom everything that’s happening in the world.

“You don’t have to thinkabout anything else. Ilove everything about it, Ienjoy flicking through the magazines looking for the bits Ineed, Ilike putting them together and creating the finished collage.

“It’s addictive –Ifeel quite lost when I finish one. But it doesn’t take me long to think of what I’m going to do for the next one,” adds Gayle.

n Gayle’s cards and prints are sold in Our Green Shop in Waterloo Terrace, Bridgnorth. She can be contacted about commissions by email fitzdangle@aol. com

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PHOTOCLUB’S40TH BIRTHDAY IN FOCUS

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS MEMBERS OF APHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY,MARKING ASPECIAL DATE, AND WHO CONTINUE TO PUT THE BEAUTY OF SHROPSHIRE AND FURTHER AFIELD IN THE FRAME

Have you got acamera? Well you’re in the perfect place. Shropshire, blessed with spectacular scenery,beautiful towns and stunning architecture, is a county where many of us love to grab our cameras or phones to take pictures.

Members of one club have been doing just that, capturing wonderful local sights as well as those from the UK and across the globe, since 1984.

Newport Photographic Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, having been set up by Jim Strachan, who sadly passed away at Christmas 2023.

Three of the originalattendees at the first meeting –Graham Burns, Bryan Lloyd and Alastair Taylor –are still members of the club.

The club has grown spectacularly since then, reaching –atits peak –some 100 members. Some 200-300 people with

apassion for photography have passed through its doors at one time or another

Numbers currently stand at more than 80 and, in alandmark year,the club is keen to attract more members.

It offers acomprehensive programme of competitions, workshops andpractical evenings, plus visiting speakers and social events.

“There’s something very special about photography,” says committee member Howard Broadbent. “Some people love it because it’s arecord. Yougo on holiday,take pictures and put them in an album, something to always look back on.

“Others see photography as an artistic medium and the chance to express themselves.

“They treat it like painting, or any other class, and it’s ahobby which they spend lots of time on. We have people at

An atmospheric pictureofayoung child is called Arran, by Rob Gormley, and is one of the thousands of pictures taken by Newport Photographic Club

10K Runner at the Mill, by John Ridgway

the club who take pictures for fun and those who take it more seriously and enter international competitions. That’s the beauty of it, photography can deliver whatever you want it to.”

The inaugural meeting was held in the offices of the Newport Advertiser in February 1984. The handwritten minutes of that meeting still survive.

“Jim Strachan thought it would be agood idea to have aphotographic club in Newport,” adds Howard. “He put something in the paper asking people to come along to ameeting and about 14 people signed up and expressed an interest.

“The club was formed and they started meeting in people’s homes. After the first meetings, the club had anumber of venues including the grammar school,

Early Bumble Bee by Ian Rowley

Feeding Time by Norman O’Neill

Filling the moulds by Norman O’Neill

Three of aKindbyAndy Brooks

Been Round The Block One or TwicebyJohn Ridgway

The Greek TheatreTaormina, by EdwardKosinski

the Baptist Hall and, of course, Harper Adams University,where we arenow

“It has been wonderful journey so far People come along because they want to get abit more out of their photography and take better pictures

“Some may later leave –two or three years down the line –when they feel they have learnt what they need to but other people will then come in. We welcome anyone, from absolute beginner to the experienced enthusiast.

“Weeven have people who take photographs on their phones now.That’s the thing –mobiles are now almost like acamera that makes calls as opposed to a phone which takes pictures. Thequality is incredible.”

The club is planning anumber of events this year to celebrate the

anniversary.They have, for example, created aset of mugs for members.

Members have also staged a continuous slide show at TheHub in Newport and adisplay at the Guildhall as part of 40th anniversary celebrations.

“Wewant to make areal thing of it,” adds Howard. “Wehave held a number of competitions and our keynote speaker of the season –Mark Sisson –is an internationally recognised wildlife photographer who lives locally in Newport.

“He will be live on stage to share his images and experience of the Falkland Islands and the stories behind his latest book –Wild Islands: The Nature of the Falklands.”

Mark’s talk starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 23 andfor more

information and to book tickets,visit www.newportphotoclub.com. The club also wants to hear from past members of the club, who are invited to contact the club secretary via Secretary@ newportphotoclub.com in order to join the celebrations.

Anyone who would like to get involved with Newport Photographic Club can visit every Tuesdayat7.30pm at Weston Hall at Harper Adams University. More details are available on the website.

The club is affiliated to The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) through its membership of The Midlands Counties Photographic Federation (MCPF). Members that wish to enter images into MCPF’s MidPhot Competition are supported with an entry subsidy

Kestrel With Kill by Andy Brooks

Stairs or Lift by Phil Danby

Taking abreak is an industrial sceneby HowardBroadbent

Whetheryou’recelebrating a specialoccasionorremembering aloved one- we’reheretohelp.

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ROYALTALES OF A LUST FORPOWER

HEATHER LARGE TALKS TO BUSINESSWOMAN TURNED AUTHOR ANNIE GARTHWAITE WHOSE NOVELS PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON AMBITIOUS MOTHERS IN THE WARS OF THEROSES ERA

How far will amother go to protect her child? That is just one of the questions author Annie Garthwaite pondered while writing her latest historical novel set during atumultuous time in England –The Wars of the Roses.

Her book was inspired by adesireto tell not just thestory of Cecily Neville, who was mother to two kings of England –Edward IV and Richard III –but also of other women who played integral roles in shaping this period of our nation’s history

Her first book, Cecily,which was published in 2021, was set during the early years of the conflict andnow her second novel, The King’s Mother,delves even deeper into Cecily’s world.

Along with Cecily,who was the Duchess of York and spent much of her married life in Ludlow,the book re-imagines the lives of Marguerite of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret Beaufort.

“Shakespeare saw these women as peripheral and amale-dominated historical tradition has played down the parts they played,” explains Annie, who lives near Bridgnorth.

“But, make no mistake, whether driven by fear,ambition or sheer determination to preserve their families, they shaped the progress and outcome of these most savagewars.

“The action opens in 1461 as firstborn Edwardascends England’s throne –king by rightand conquest –18years old and unstoppable.

“Ashis mother,his champion and his fiercest defender,Cecily has achieved the apotheosis of power.But to win acrown is not to keep it.

“Asbrother turns against brother and trusted cousins turn treacherous, three other mothers –Marguerite, Elizabeth and Margaret –rise up to fight for their sons,” she adds.

Annie’s deep interest in this period

of history first began when she was a teenager at school, encouraged by her teacher,Keith Hill, who passed on text books and novels for her to read.

She found them endlessly fascinating but it was the women’s stories that stood out to Annie the most, especially that of Cecily,who saw her family rise to great heights and fall.

After leaving school, history remained apassion for Annie and she promised herself that one day she would tell Cecily’s story. To make her dream become

areality,in2017, Annie, who had been running her own marketing and corporate communications business, retired early and enrolled on an creative writing MA course at Warwick University

By the end of the two-year course, she had completed her debut novel and went on to secure apublishing deal with Viking.

Cecily was ‘Book of the Year’for Waterstones and independent book shops and has recently been optioned for television by Just John Films.

Immediately after finishing work on the novel, Annie began writing The King’sMother,published on July 11.

“I always knew Iwanted to write the two stories,” says Annie. “The first book was astory of onewoman. In this book there are four women –four mothers –who areall super intelligent and absolutely devoted to their children.

“Of the four women, Cecily and Margaret are the most alike and are unlikely friends throughout the book. I think they see themselves in each other The book is about maternal ferocity and what you would do when the chips are down,” she explains.

History is often as much about what we don’t know as it is about what we do and Annie, who has carried out extensive research, believes her book can offer a fresh perspective on events that have

puzzled historians for years. She added: “By focusing on what these women wanted, suffered, knew and did, it offers afresh take on some of Englishhistory’s most perplexing mysteries: WasEdward IV’s marriage bigamous and his children bastards?

“Why did he order his brother George’s execution? And did Richard III, the youngest of Cecily’s boys, murder his way to the throne? The women were there. They know the truth,” she explains.

To celebratethe launch of The King’s Mother,Annie is speaking at events around the country

Among them is avisit to Raby Castle in County Durham, which was Cecily’s childhood home and Southwark Cathedral in London, which would have been known by all the women in her book.

She is also paying avisit to the Church of St Mary’s &All Saints in Fotheringhay where Cecily,her husbandRichard Duke of York, her son Edmund –killed in the same battle as his father –and several of her babies lost in infancy,were buried.

Annie will be taking part in the 10th anniversary celebrations at the The King Richard III Visitor CentreinLeicester, which marks the spot where the body of Cecily’s most famous son was found Over the next few months, Annie will

be hitting the road with 35 events booked in her diary,but she says she wouldn’t have it any other way

“It’s exciting.After spending so long writing the books by myself,Ilove being able to talk about Cecily,Marguerite, Elizabeth and Margaret with people.

“It has been the most thrilling three years of my life. So much has happened since Cecily and Ihave met so many wonderful and interesting people,” she says.

While there have been many enjoyable moments for Annie, she says one in particular really warmed her heart.

“I was in Whitley Bay,inthe north east of England, signing books at the back of abookshop so they could sell signed copies.

“A womancame over and asked if I had written Cecily.Itold her Ihad and shecalled her husband over.

“He was ahistory teacher in Cambridge and was teaching the Wars of the Roses in his A-level class

“He said he had been struggling to get the girls interested in the subject. It was easier with the boys because there was lots of battles and bloodshed, but the girls weren’t keen.

“He said ‘I gave them all copies of Cecily and now Ican’t get them to talk about anything but theWars of the Roses’.

“Everything has come afull circle because it was my history teachers giving me novels that made me fall in love with history

“And the couple were only visiting so it’s incredible that we were all there at the same time.

“Of all of the wonderful thingsthat have happened, that is the one Ivalue the most,” she says.

n Annie’s novel, The King’s Mother, will be published by Penguin Viking on July 11, available from bookshops and the usual online retailers. Visit linktr.ee/ thekingsmother to pre-order acopy.

Annie will be talking about The King’s Mother at events around the country throughout summer and autumn, including, in Shropshire, at Castle Books Ludlow on July 17; Booka Books Bridgnorth on July 23 and Booka Books Oswestry on July 24. Fordetails ofthese events and others go to www. annniegarthwaite.com/events.

PAGE 47: Annie Garthwaite with her new book, The King’sMother

PAGE 48, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: Southwark Cathedral; King RichardIII Visitor Centreand Raby Castle.

BOTTOM: Cecily; RichardII; PAGE 49: Annie with her debut novel, Cecily, pictured at LudlowCastle.

GIVINGCREATIVES APLACE TO GATHER

ANDY RICHARDSON MEETS THE DRIVING FORCES BEHIND APROJECT DESIGNED TO BE BOTH A HOME FORTHE ARTS AND AWORK SPACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN CONNECT ANDNETWORK

For decades, south Shropshire has been synonymous with the arts. Ahome for writers and artists, musicians and poets, it’s been abase for the creativearts, while also providing arange of events thathelp to boost the local economy

That’s been true for such towns as Ludlow,ofcourse,which benefited from amulti-decade arts festival, which boasts the town’s Assembly Rooms, andwhich hasanumber of successful and aspiring workers in the creative industries.

It’s also been true for other towns, most notably the ever-bohemian Bishop’s Castle, where many creatives congregate and work.

Anew arts organisation, Gather, is bringing those workers together by providing spaces to work, opportunities to network, and aplatform to promote talents and events.

The brainchild of Annabelle Brousse de Gersigny amd her partner,Matt Wade, it’s run successfully since it launched

this spring. Annabelle and Matt have an impressive pedigree. In Anabelle’s case, she worked in arts management, particularly in the non-profitsector,while also working at Phaidon Pressinarts publishing.

Prior to moving to Ludlow,around eight years ago, she worked in Abu Dhabi on the internationally-acclaimed Louvre and Guggenheim projects.

She is proud of the work that has helped to establish Gather in Ludlow and optimistic that she and Matt will be able to realise their vision of creating avibrant, co-work space over coming years, allied to opportunities for thosewho wish to perform, create art, or improve their skills.

Gather is allied to their business Hundred House Coffee, an ethical roastery that’s dazzled the media and impressed the tastebuds of many locals since its formation.

Annabelle says: “You can think of Gather as being the arts wing of what we do. We opened our doors in March and there was simultaneously alot of local support as well as some pushback. Idon’t think people quite understood what we were attempting to do, and that’s why some were unsure.”

So let’s explain.

Gather is next to the town’s hospital in abuilding that’s much-loved by locals. During the day,there’s aco-work space, so people who need to hot desk, organise meetings, or collaborate with others, can book space and work there.

The vibe changesduring the evening, when avariety of culturalevents take place.

The panoply of activities is wide and diverse, from life drawing through to youth programmes, where opportunities are conferred to youngsters, for instance, who want to learn how to programme their own games.

The organisation is looking to get Arts Council funding and resources from other organisations that can help to support it.

Gather has asubscription model, so people pay £170 for three monthsin order to work in its many spaces. That gives them a30per centdiscount on activities in the space, while also giving them access to an A3 scanner and printer, acommunity kiln, and manyother resources that are essential to home workers and creative workers.

The timing of the project could barely be better.Inthe post-Covid world, people not only spend less time working in formal office settings, they also want to re-establish bonds with others following a period in which they were alienated from co-workers.

Gather assists by allowing those who work from home to use its spaces on a part-time basis, so that they can network and enjoy all-important human contact with others.

Annabelle says: “The co-workers who use the space have very varied backgrounds. We have aFrench teacher, for instance, who does all of her admin here and who also uses one of the rooms to teach. We have people who work in HR and we have asurveyor

“There are anumberof writers, textile artists, apainter,and all manner of others who find the space can help their work.

“Creativity isn’t exclusive. One of the objectives of Gather is to break down barriers and provide awelcoming environment. There may be people who are not professionals in aparticular field

–like writing –but who wish to become apart of the wider industry.Weprovide alot of ways in which people can make connections and establish bonds.”

Gather is setting the bar for contemporary rural culture. It’s providing awelcoming space for people who wish to work, collaborate, or innovate.

Annabelle adds: “It slices through Ludlow as atourist space. It provides a really direct message for people that if you’re living rurally and working from home then we might be for them. Most people have workspaces at home, but they can change things up quickly.They might not always want to be at home. They might find it beneficial to have achange of scenery or to be in aspace with likeminded workers.

“It’s important that people have a chance to connect with others andyou’d be amazed by the people who come in.

“Werecently had awriting workshop and 35 people signed up. Some were writers, some were professionals in PR and marketing, and others were also part of the wider network. We are able to welcome people from across the region –fromShrewsbury down to Hereford –and are establishing ourselves as acreative hub.”

The space is used by people of all ages. There are artists who attend life drawing classes and youngsters who want to develop their skills as programmers, so that they can develop their own computer games.

Annabelle says: “It’s aboutbringing people together.Wedoacreative networking night here once amonth. We have two hosts who know everyone and who introduce people to one another.I would have shied away from networking events in London or the Middle East, when Ilived there, but people like being introduced in agentle and relaxed way

“The workshops and clubs have been surprisingly popular.Ithought it would be amuch harder push to fill these spaces, but people are coming out in droves.

“They can fitusinaround their other activities –for instance, the school run –and get involved in our workshops and educational programmes, or our studios.”

The future is brightfor the organisation as it looks to bring together arange of talents –particularly thosewho are pleased to Gather

n More details are available at: https:// morethanacowork.com/

Timetable of events at Gather

The new monthly Gather Round/ CreativeNetworking (free of charge) events takeplace on July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16. Visit www.morethanacowork.com/ products/gather-round-creativenetworking for moredetails.

Details of all the regular clubs can be found herewww.morethanacowork. com/collections/clubs

Other workshops include:

n Riso Printing Workshop on July 6

n Writing Workshop, from September 3

n Animation Workshop from September 21

n Illustration Workshop, September 28

n Writing workshop with Liz Hyder, from October 5

n Florist Workshops from September 19 to November 21

Open air theatre at Shrewsburycastle

TheMerry Wivesof Windsor

Princess Picnic

ALL ABOARD FOR EPIC YACHTRACE

DANIEL MORRIS SPOKE WITH MARK PERKINS WHOSE 25 YEAR DREAM CAMETRUE WHEN HE TOOK PART IN AROUND THE WORLD CHALLENGE AND RAISED CASH FOR ACANCERCHARITY

For most of us, the ‘trip of alifetime’ would involve a bountiful supply of sun, seaand sangria, and plenty of relaxation. Forover two decades however,one Shropshire resident had had his eye on a far more exhausting yet exhilarating and impressive odyssey

In an incredible feat of endurance and perseverance, Mark Perkinssuccessfully completed the gruelling sixth leg of the Clipper Round the World sea race earlier this year.

Mark, 55, of Tilstock, hadbeen harbouring his dream of taking on the challenge for 25 years, and finally,in2024, it was time to take the plunge.

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, the Clipper Round the World challenge offers would-be sailors the chance to circumnavigate the globe by yacht. Though naturally,for many,this is a mammoth undertaking that would take an unrealistic amount of time out of their busy lives. As such, the option is there to sign up for asingle leg of the journey –far more realistic for most, yet still with the thrill of the challenge.

Not wanting to shy away from any graft or senseofachievement, Mark opted for leg six –the famously gruelling trans-North Pacificleg, taking him from Qingdao in China, to Seattle in the United States.

An ex-Royal Navy man, Mark of course had experience on the water,and as ayachtsman had been on two one-week sailing trips in the past. These, however, involved docking each night and were replete with luxuries including showers. The Clipper Round the World race was to be adifferentbeast entirely.

“The first part took about 12 days,” said Mark. “That was quite physical because we were sailing againstthe wind and the tide. Seasickness was aproblem at thebeginning, but after about three days Igot over that. The next part of the leg took us from theChinese coast across the PacifictoSeattle. This was alot longer –30 days at sea. That was atough one!”

Mark’s Navy background prepared him somewhat, yet before he took the challenge on there was trainingtobe done.

“That started about two years ago,” he said. “Four lots of one-week training sessions. The first one is very basictosee if you like it or not, then you go on to the next stage. On week two you spend time at sea overnight– cooking, getting used to the boat and what to expect. The third week is more sailing techniques, then the fourth week is meeting your crew, the skipper and the first mate, going over everything you’ve done over the past three weeks.”

Ready and raring to go, Mark finally departed for Hong Kong at the end of

February this year,before aferry ride to mainland China to begin his challenge. Wanting to do more than tick something off his bucket list however,Mark took the opportunity to use his participation in the race to raise money for alocalcause.

“I took the opportunity to raisefunds for Lingen Davies Cancer Fund as they do great work across Shropshire and beyond,” he said. “I know afew people who have hadtouse their services, and they do fantastic work that deserves support.”

So, with acrew of around 20 assembled, Mark’s boat departed the Chinese coast –competing against 11 rival yachts –with aview to land in Seattle at the end of April. Conditions were expected to be fierce, and all participants would need their wits, stamina and guile about them.

“On the second part –the 30-day stretch –wewere at a45degree angle for 12 days solid,” remembers Mark. “That was physically hard and emotionally hard.

“For me that was probably the hardest part because Ijust couldn’t get much sleep. It used to take us half an hour to get undressed and get dressed, and we were doing watches so what you had of sleep was basically between three hours and (if you were lucky) four hours. Stuff was banging around and the noise was, of

course, loud. Ithink Iactuallyfell asleep once before my head hit the pillow –I was that tired.

“That was the hardest thing. Youdo lose alot of weight as well –Ilost two stone. It’s agood diet programme if you really want to go for it! Everybody on the boat loses weight.”

Despite any hardships though, crew moraleonMark’s yacht remained strong throughout.

“The camaraderie was fantastic,” he said. “There were no issues with the crew at all. We all got on,weall did our stuff We had some really good chefs on board as well, which really helped! Although we all lost weight, the food was fantastic.”

During the race Mark’s contact with the outside world had been minimal –limited to only one email aday,with no images. The father-of-three’s family and supporters were however able to keep track of his progress via the Clipper Round the World website.

“So many people said they were following me on the race viewer on the website,” said Mark, who raised £400. “They probably had abetterideaofwhere Iwas than Idid! And the finish was tense. We camethirdonthe second race, yet between third and 10th place there were only 45 minutes.”

Finally landing in Seattle after a

job very well done, Mark’s feeling was predictable. “I was just relieved, but so glad that Ihad done it,” he said. “It had been in the back of my mind for over 20 years. The reaction when Igot home was great as well –everybody was so proud of what I’d done and it was wonderful.”

Suffice to say, representatives of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund wereamong those in awe of Mark’s determination throughout the challenge.

Helen Knight, head of fundraising at the charity, said: “This is an incredible challenge. We are delighted he has chosen to support the vital services we offer for those affected by cancer.”

‘Incredible’ it certainly was, and back on dry land, Mark has now had the opportunity to relax and reflect on his experience. When asked the obvious question of whether or not he would attempt the gargantuanfeat again, Mark’s reply is one that we can all doff our caps to.

“I’d never say never but maybe just not for awhile!”

n Forinformation on the challenge, visitwww.clipperroundtheworld.com

n To find out more about Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, visit www lingendavies.co.uk

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MUSICALDELIGHT

WALTERS LOOKS AHEAD TO THE CORVEDALE FESTIVAL IN SOUTH SHROPSHIRE

Ina world where the arts in general are constantly struggling to survive, with vital grants and other financial support drying up, the efforts of individuals to stem the drought are to be welcomed.

And it’s not just alittle effort here and there for many of these people who are so passionate about their interests, it is ahugecommitment to keeping the arts pumping away strongly.And never more so than in rural areas where venues and sheer distances are often barriers.

In south Shropshire, striving to keep music and other arts ‘alive’ areRuth and Paul Henley,who set up the Corvedale Festival, taking place in September

Ruth is acelebrated cellist andPaul aformer opera singer who now works as acomposer.They live in the beautiful Corvedale and have harnessed their knowledge, some beautiful churches as venues and links to international musicians to create thenot-for-profit festival.

Paul, who is Artistic Director,said: “I would like to say ‘thank you’ to all those people who have helped, and are helping, to make the festivals happen –itreally is ateam effort and, as our motto says, ‘International in Scope –Local in Feel’ –a festival for the wider community andfor Corvedale.

“The principles that formed the foundation of the first festival remain. Firstly,toprovide work for musicians and other artistswho are trying to earn a

living in averydifficult artistic climate. Secondly,tobring quality art and artists to the local area and encourage asense of community through the involvement of local people. Thirdly,tonurture abelief in the value and importance of the arts for society

“There is aprofound need for the arts and for us to show gratitude for what the arts bring to society.The Corvedale Festival is an opportunity to do that andto be enriched thereby.

“Benjamin Britten said of music ‘it does not exist until it is performed’. Music is widely and quickly available outside the concert hall these days, in the form of recordings anddigital technology, but ironically,Ibelieve it is becoming devalued because of that. Ifeel that the most profound experience of music can come only through live performance. By

attending concertsyou are playing your part in enabling music to exist.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the classical music industry in this country is in crisis. As such, your support of this festival is deeply valued. The arts are not a luxury –theyare essential.”

Centred around the Jarualda Quartet as Artists-in-Residence, the festival is set for September 20 to 28.Concerts take place at anumber of locations at lunchtimes and evenings, including St Michael’s Church in Munslow,StPeter’s Church in Diddlebury,All SaintsChurch in Culmington, and anumber of village halls.

As well as the quartet, there will be other musical delights with acellist, flautist andrecorder player among others and astunning event –anevening of opera with the‘Gala Singers’ and ‘The Corvedale Festival Opera Ensemble’. There’s also abig plus in your ticket price –aglass of wine or soft drink in the evening concert intervals and at lunchtime you get alight lunch.

Running alongside these musical delights will be an art exhibition, craft workshop andwhat promises to be an amusing and informative conversation ‘Overture and Beginners, Please’ between two friends who have awealth of experience both behind the scenes andin the spotlight of West End plays, theatre and opera companies.

n Full details and how to book tickets can be found at www.corvedalefestival.org

SHARON

BIRTHDAY HONOURS AROYAL SURPRISE

MEET THE COMMUNITY HEROES WHOSE SELFLESS WORK HAS BEEN RECOGNISED IN THE KING’S BIRTHDAYHONOURS

ATelford man who was instrumental in helping people fleeing Afghanistan has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Gareth Michael Niblett hasbeen granted the Order of the BritishEmpire for his work in the Incident andCrisis Response team at the Department for Work and Pensions andhis services to benefitand pension provision.

The 40-year-old, who works for the Jobcentre in Shrewsbury,helpedafter the withdrawal of western forces.

“I was part of Operation Warm Welcome where 15,000 Afghans were evacuated in 2021,” he explained.

“I spent about 18 months helping them settle all over the country including finding them hotels and places to stay.I’ve also led anumber of responses to resolve international issues, such as helping state pensioners overseas resolve payments.”

But he said he never expected to be named in the King’s Birthday Honours list in June.

“It was acomplete shock. When I opened the envelope in May it was areal shock and ahuge honourtoberecognised for the work that Ido,” he said.

He also managed to keep the news quiet for five weeks, even from his partner

“It said in theletter ‘in the strictest confidence’ so Ihave not told anybody, not even my partner.She and alot of people were in for ashock.”

AShropshireRotarian was left speechless when aletter from the Palace landed on her doormat.

Robyn Mary Davies, 70, who is the District Governor and leader of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, was named aMember of the Order of the British Empire for her services to young people and the community in Telford.

In her role as District Governor of 52 Rotary clubs in theMidlands, Mrs Davies MBE has developed and led the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) scheme in her area and mentored and young people in avariety of disciplines.

Over severaldecades she has also contributed to the successful growth and development of many young people, but it all started when she has organised Rotary’s Young Musician events as she is an accomplished musician.

Her dedication to charity work has also involved many years of work helping the homeless and vulnerable in the Telford area. As amember of the Salvation Army for 20 years, she has also spent most Christmas days serving dinner to the isolated and vulnerable in Telford.

“The leadership project takes place in August when we look to find young people who are possibly going to be leaders and we put them on a five-day courseleading teams,” she explained. “These young people aged 16-17 are our

potential leaders of tomorrow.Leadership in the community is particularly important and it is very rewarding work –but it is not just me, there is ateam of people.”

She is expected to receive her MBE from either the King, Queen, Prince of Wales or the Princess Royal later in the year but said she has had to keep it asecret from all but her husband Trevor.

“I was speechless when Igot theletter five weeks ago,” she said. “It has been very difficult to keep it quiet, especially when my sister picks up the phone.”

Jenny Wynn is normally responsible for recommending county residents for honours –but this time round she finds herself being recognised by the King.

Mrs Wynn, who lives near Shifnal, received the OBE in recognition of her public service and charitable support.

Appointed as the county’s Vice LordLieutenant in 2021, Mrs Wynn previously worked for the probation service for 20 years. After finishing as asenior manager

Jenny Wynn has been honoured with an OBE in recognitionofher public serviceand charitable support

with the service in 2000,Mrs Wynn and her husband set up the firm TTC, which has become the country’s leading provider of training for those who commit speeding, drink driving or other road offences.

After selling the company Mrs Wynn and her husband set up the Wynn Foundation, acharity that gives grants to individuals and organisations, predominantly in Shropshire. Since 2018 it has given more than £400,000 to groups across the county

Part of her role as Vice LordLieutenant sees as the chairmanofthe county’shonours panel, which submits residents for royal recognition. Butthe award of the OBE hasseen the tables turned, with Mrs Wynn herself being the one to receive the recognition. Shesaid: “Tobehonest we had had just come back from holiday and it was the last letter in apile of post that Iopened and Icould not believe it. Iwas so shocked, it is something that happens to other people.”

ABridgnorthman who founded the town’s annual walk, which has gone on to raise hundreds of thousands for charity over the last five decades, has also been recognised for his services to his home town. Robert Vincent Davies was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) following decades of service to his local community

The 74-year-old has been avolunteer trustee at the BridgnorthHousing Trust Charityfor 39 years and its chairman for 36.

This organisation owns 72 properties around the town which are rented to local people and Mr Davies has the responsibility for ensuringthe management of the charityand itsassets. However,his services to Bridgnorth started in 1967 when he was just 16 and became founder member of the Bridgnorth Walk Committee.

He volunteered for more than 20 years and helped the 22-mile event to go from strength to strength. The walk,

which is now run by the Bridgnorth Lions, has raised hundreds of thousands for charity over the last 55 years.

He said: “I was born in Bridgnorth and Ihave alot of affection for it, so I got involved with things Iwas passionate about.

“The Bridgnorth Walk started when the local curate wanted to arrange awalk to Shropshire’s highest peak, which is Clee Hill and he asked me to go along and we formed acommittee. Iremember the first event raised about £1,200 but it has now gone on over the years and raises a hundred thousand ayear.”

Bishop’s Castle’s Heather Keates, Chief Executive Officer of Community Money Advice, is awarded the OBE for services to debt advice.

As well as the five county residents named in the list there is one facethat will be instantly recognisable to the people of Shropshire in the shape of TV presenter Nick Owen, who receives an MBE for services to broadcasting.

Top, clockwise areRobyn Davies, who received an MBE, Nick Owen, also MBE, Robert Davies, awarded the BEM and Gareth Niblett, who received an OBE

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Being awarded an Outstanding rating forthe second time is atestamenttothe hardwork, dedication, and passion of everyone involved with NewChapters Fostercare.The directors express their deepestgratitude to our incredible foster carers, who arethe heartand soul of our agency.Their selflessness and commitmentin opening their homes and heartstochildren in needisnothingshort of heroic. Theyprovide a stable and loving environmentfor children who have experienced trauma and loss, helping themnot just recover, but thrive

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We alsoextend our sincere appreciation to our amazing staff,who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of our agency.Whether it’s recruitment,training, or matching children withthe right foster carers,their passion for what we do sets us apartand makes us an ‘Outstanding’ team

ABIG Thank YouToThe Children! Lastly,wewanttothank the children who are, and have been in ourcare. Theyare the reason we do whatwedo.Their resilience,courage, and determination inspires us every day.

Despite facing unimaginable challenges theycontinue to thrive and grow into amazing individuals.

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MASTER OF THEART OF THE BARBECUE

AS THE WEATHER WARMSUP–HOPEFULLY– ANDY RICHARDSON MEETS ROSS DAVIS WHO HAS DEVELOPED APASSION FOR OUTDOOR COOKING AND SHARES HIS FAVOURITE RECIPES AND TIPS

July and August are the two biggest months for barbecue enthusiasts

Those are the months when the sun is usually shining, the weather is warm, the rain is less likely to fall –well, sometimes –and there’sgreat fun to be had by enjoying the best of summer

Ross Davis, 30, from Telford, is an engineer by trade, and apassionate barbecuer

He started in 2020, when he moved into his new home, andspent the Covid lockdowns cooking in the back garden.

He hooked into online cooking communities andsoon found out how much fun could be had by smoking, grilling, and baking over hotcoals.

His five tips for Shropshire Magazine readers are easy:

Ross says: “A –Don’t blow the budget when you’re starting out. If you enjoy cooking on something cheap you’ll enjoy it even more when you spend more later Start slow and build up.

“B –Find acommunity.Take advice. Get support. It’s averypositive group of people and they’re very supportive.

“C –Use good ingredients, and that includes the coal. Youshould treat coal as an ingredient. If you buy the self-lighting stuff with fuel on it, it taints your food and is not very pleasant. Use good fuel, make sure it’s good quality charcoal.

“D –Everybody needs an accessory

and the go-to is adigital temperature probe. Over-cooked meat is not enjoyable, whether that’s over fire or in the kitchen. Cook to asafe temperature and don’t overcook.

“E –Dowhat you enjoy.Don’t think it has to be for everyone else’s sake, make sure you’ve having fun.”

Ross has personal favourites and enjoys cooking chicken yakatori, a Japanese-style dish. “It’s about preparing chicken carefully,skewering it and cooking it over binochan (very hot Japanese charcoal). It’s abouttaking chicken to another level.

“I also love cooking asteak sandwich. Idoreallyenjoy arib eyeand Ilike to

cook them medium rare. They’re best when they are nice and thick, so you get some good juicy meat. Ireally enjoy cooking the skirt, at the moment. It’s a cheaper cut, half the price of rib eye but very,very flavourful.

“My other go-to is chicken wings. They are very cost effective. People love them and it’s very easy to mix up flavours and do abig variety for people. Wings are agreat socialfood.”

Ross recommends following experts on social media to see what they’re up to.

“Cooking outdoors isn’t as simpleas cooking indoors. But the same rules apply –you should buy quality ingredients and treat them with respect. Take time to learn what you’re cooking on. Planning means everything. Do prep beforehand.”

Ross’s tips aren’t the only ones barbecuers should follow –and here are eight more, to make sure you get the best from the summer

1. Only use grills outside

It may be tempting to setupyour barbecue grill inside of your open garage or under acovered balcony,but propane and gas, charcoal grills are strictly designed for outdoor use where there is plenty of ventilation. Any combustible materials that surround or hang over the grill when it’s in use can catch fire easily and quickly.Make sure that the area over top and around your grill is clear and unobstructed.

2. Place your grill away from your home

Barbecue grills areoften placed just outside the back door or on the back deck against arailing. Youshould avoidplacing your grill in these areas because it can pose apotential fire hazard. Grills that are placed too close to the house or other wood structures can heat up adjacent materials and cause a fire to start. Be sure to keep your grill at least 10 feet from your home or other structures.

3. Makesureyourgrill is located on a flat, level surface

Grills that areplaced on slopes or other uneven surfaces can tip over easily and cause a fire. Make sure thatyour grill is set up on astable surface suchasa concrete pad so that it remains level while cooking food.

4. Check your grill for leaks

If you store your grill inside during the winter months, it’s important to check it over thoroughly when grilling season begins. Aleak in the gas lines can cause propane or natural gas to build up inside the barbecue when the lid is closed. Check the gas lines to make sure that they are free of leaks before using your grill, and always open the lid of your barbecue before lighting.

5. Always clean your grill after use

Barbecuing regularly causes grease to build up on the grill plates and collect inside the grease tray.Ifnot cleaned, the build-up can then act as fuel and catch fire while the grill is in use.

Clean your charcoal or gas grill after each use with agrill brush and empty the grease tray when it begins to fill up.

6. Never leaveyour barbecue grill unattended while in use

Never leave the grill unattended while you are cooking food. Youshould never walk away from your barbecue while it’s in use. Barbecues use high heat and open flames to cook food, andwhenleft unattended can become asafety and fire hazard. If you must leave the grill, ask another adult to watchthe grill for you.

7. Wear appropriate clothing

Articles of clothing that have long sleeves or pieces thatdangle over the grill can catch fire easily when too close to an open flame.

When grilling food, wear clothing that won’t interfere with the cooking process and make sure that any apron strings are tied back away from your front

If apiece of clothing does catch fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames quickly

8. Keep aspray bottle with water on hand

It’s common for grills to flare up as fat drips from meat as it cooks,and this can cause asection of the grill to remain on fire as it burns away

If left alone, the flames will continue to burn and cause excess smoke to billow out from under the lid.

Keep aspray bottle filled with water beside your grill so that you can quickly extinguish smaller flames before they spread.

9. Keep afire extinguisher close by

In the event that a fire does break out, follow these tips on and ensure you have Fire Spray which is within easy reach of you to use.

It is simpletouse, just point and spray to extinguish the fire.

Following these charcoal and gas grill safety tips and having the right protection will help you and your family enjoy asafe grilling season all summerlong.

FIRE UP THE GRILL IN RAIN OR SHINE

HEATHER LARGE MEETS RUSSELL GILL OF THE RUSTY BBQ COMPANY,WHICH SPECIALISES IN SEASONINGS. HE SAYS OUTDOOR COOKING SHOULD BE AN ALL-YEAR-ROUND EXPERIENCE.

Ifyou think barbecues are just for the summer season, think again! Come rain or shine, Russell Gill can be found grilling awide variety of vegetables and meats in his outdoorkitchen.

“There’s asaying ‘BBQ 365’. We barbecue all year round. We put turkeys on the barbecue at Christmas. Youdon’t need to wait for the sun to come out to get barbecuing,” he says.

Russell and his wife Steph, who live in Shrewsbury,make rubs and seasonings inspired by their favourite cuisines from around the world.

“The business was abit of an accident,” he explains. “I had always enjoyed entertaining family and friends and had always enjoyed cooking outside.

“I used to experiment with flavours for barbecues and friends would ask to take home abit of the spice mix.”

His guests were so impressed with his

creations thattheyencouragedhim to try selling them.

The Rusty BBQ Company was founded in 2015 and has won multiple one and two gold star Great Taste awards.

And in 2023 it became the first British BBQ rub and seasonings producer to win the coveted three-star award.

At the moment, they have 20 different products in their range including Cherry Cola Sweet Wing and Rib Dust, Herby Garlic Butter and Chile Verde.

Many of the rubs have been influenced by their travels such as Korean Gochujang, Sri Lankan Roasted Curry Rub &Seasoning and SouthAfrican Braai Rub &Seasoning. Every product is made by hand by Russell and Steph who are passionate about creating rubs and seasonings that are full of delicate but complex flavours.

Where possible, they source ingredients from local and British producers. Their herbs such as rosemary, oregano and wild garlic are grown in Scotland. Formore exotic ingredients such as the chillies that they use in their

blends, they work with asmall network of independent cooperatives overseas while their paprikas are bought directly from small farmers and producers nestled in the hills of Hungary

Russell enjoys experimenting with different ingredients to create aproduct that evokes memories of afavourite dish –ordrink.

“I always do it in reverse and start with the end result of what I’m trying to achieve,” he explains. “It’s important to consider how the flavours will change as the meat cooks under heat,” he adds.

The 42-year-old is particularly proud of his fresh and zingy IPABBQ rub, which includes fresh British Admiral Hops because it required alot of trial and error to balance the flavours correctly

“It took ayearand half to develop and get it right. It was alabouroflove,” he says.

The couple have astrongfocus on sustainability and all of their products are packaged in either recyclable, recycled or biodegradable packaging.

The Rusty BBQ Company’s products, which work equally well with meat, fish or vegetables, are stocked in shops, butchers, and farm shops across the UK.

The couple also work with some leading British BBQ brands to create their own white-label rubs.

During the summer months, they can also be found at shows and events

such as Shrewsbury Food Festival.Aswell as promoting barbecues all year round, Russell also likes to encourage people to experiment with their cooking.

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” he says.

“The key is not to be afraid to get out there. Experiment with flavours, experiment with meats and vegetables.

“There is no reason why you can’t put the things you would normally put in the oven on the barbecue. I’vebaked bread and Yorkshire puddings before,” Russell reveals.

He admits his ideal family meal would involve spatchcocking achicken on the barbecue along with grilled vegetables such as tenderstem broccoli and cauliflower.“Agood balance of meat and veggies,” he says.

In support of Mental Health awareness, Russell and Steph donate 10 per cent of all profits to mental health charities

“Wewant to ensure that anyone who may be struggling with mental wellbeing knows there is acommunity there to support them,” says Russell. “Webelieve getting outside, cooking with family and friends, having that experience is really positive for mental health.”

n Formore information, visit therustybbqco.com or follow facebook. com/TheRustyBBQco or therustybbqco on Instagram

RED HOTFOR BBQS

FOR SUMMER EVENINGS COOKING OVER CHARCOAL, REDS CAN BE AGREATALTERNATIVE, WRITES TANNERS’ CHRISTINA ALBON

With summer in full swing and the 50 days of rains (hopefully) long gone, one starts to imagine evenings and weekends in the garden cooking over charcoal, or gas if that’s your bag.

Whilst we usually look to white and roséwines for these occasions, you must not forget about red!

The wines suggested below will pair wonderfully with butterflied leg of lamb, rare ribeye steaks with Chimichurri, or, now its courgette season, charred chili and feta courgettes, amongst other traditional barbecue fare. They are also ideal for satisfying acrowd where the drinks need to shine and keep the conversation flowing.

Lighter reds with lower tannins are ideal for lunchtime gatherings, and often work well slightly chilled too –fruity, fragrant Loire Cabernet Franc is my go-to here. More perfumed and fresher than its descendants, Merlot andCabernet Sauvignon, the wines from this variety are packed full of summer fruits

Château de la Roulerie is agreat, smalldomaine run by Philippe and Marie Germain, who promote freshness and elegance in their Anjou Cabernet Franc. It has aromatic red fruits on the nose with asoft palatefull of raspberry and plum flavours, and afresh juicy finish, which is

perfect after 30 minutes in thefridge. Moving over to Italy,accomplished winemaker Oronzo Alò started his winery in Basilicata, the wild, sparsely populated state that occupies the ‘instep’ of Italy’s boot-shaped South, on theslopes of extinct volcano, Monte Vulture, in 2003. His Terradegli Eventi is made from one of southern Italy’s indigenous varieties, Aglianico, which is excellent with lamb. Juicer and richer than the Anjou, this will undoubtedly appeal to the masses and the 25% Sangiovese in the blend lightens the body just enough to savour it in the sunshine.

Heartier reds can also be appreciated

with the smoky depth of barbecued fare.

Situated in Stellenbosch’s Devon Valley,Clos Malverne is abeautiful 27-hectare property, their hand-picked Basket PressMerlotwould make an ideal accompaniment to the aforementioned ribeye steak. This soft, ripe and full wine is packed full of red fruits with asmoky complexity and hints of star anise.

Finally,wemust mention the Aussies who are renowned for firing up the barbie, where no gathering would be complete without abottle of GSM.

Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are three Rhône grape varieties that have excelled in the warm, dry air of South Australia and when blended together the sum is most definitely greater than theparts.

Our pick is from Grounded Cru, which was set up by the suitably Aussie named Jacko and Joffa, their’s is from the slightly cooler McLaren Vale and shows alovely mix of red and black fruits, floral hints and adelicious spice character.

Well balanced and rich without being over-powering, it offers a fine elegant finish.

From France to Australia, theclassic wine regions to the more modern, red wines are suretomake agreat addition to your summer soirées this year and often provide that crucial drinkability factor, whether served with food or not.

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POPTHOSE CORKS

SHARES FANTASTIC FIZZESFOR SUMMER SOIRÉES

Champagne may be the bling of bubbles, but when it comes to happiness in aglass,part of the allure of aglass of fizz is the silky mousse, steady stream of sparkle falling into flutes –and smiles all round.

1. Corte Molino Prosecco Extra Dry NV,Italy, Co-op, in-store

Corte Molino was voted ‘Best Prosecco 2024’ at the Good Housekeeping Institute and praised for its ‘flavours of ripe pear,peaches and lemon,’ supported by the perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness.

2. Graham Beck Rosé Brut, Western Cape, South Africa, Waitrose

Cap Classique is South Africa’s premium sparkling wine –this award-

winning producer’s rosé stands out for its elegance, complexity and balance. With gorgeous strawberry-scented aromas, fresh red berries with limey notes and silky,texture,ideal for garden parties.

3. Roche Lacour Crémant De Limoux Brut 2020, France, Laithwaites

Abeauty… not bargain bubbles, but with its rounded, biscuity notes, ripe stone fruits, think peach, pear and lemon tart with fine line of acidity,it’sbang on the money and looks the part.Delish.

4. Simonnet-FebvreBrut Crémant De Bourgogne, Burgundy, France, Tesco

Another cracking good crémant, this Burgundy blonde offers ayeasty complexity with zesty lemony aromas

with hintsof honeysuckle and nutty nuances. Very stylish and harmonious.

5. Co-op Irresistible Eight Acres Sparkling Rosé NV,Kent, England, Co-op, in-store

Even if you’re new to English sparkling wines, you’ll have no difficulty loving this own-label rosé made by famed producer Balfour Hush Heath. Think lifted florals, red berry led flavours and lasting freshness.

6. Jansz Premium Cuvée NV, Tasmania, Australia, Waitrose Cellar

You’ll be bowled over by its fragrant, nutty aromas with delicate overtones of honeysuckle and citrus, with fresh stone fruits, notes of nougat, acreamy complexity and flourish of a finish.

SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

HUGH’S30-A-WEEK

RECIPEFOR HEALTH

RIVER COTTAGE AND TV CHEF HUGH FEARNLEY WHITTINGSTALL TALKS TO LAUREN TAYLOR ABOUT INCREASING DIVERSITY IN OUR DIETS AND WHY HE’SEATING MORE PLANTS THAN EVER

It’s becomepart of the national conscience to eat ‘five-a-day’but recent research is now suggesting that adifferent approach is better –to eat 30 different plants aweek.

“Five-a-day hasn’t transformed the health of the nation,”says TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Even people who do eat five fruits and vegetables aday are “often eating the same ones over and over again”. But it’s become clear how important diversity of plants is in our diets.

Dr TimSpector,professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, has led the recommendation, after conducting research for the American and British Gut Projects of 11,000 people’s eating habits. It showed those who ate 30 or more different plants per week had more diverse gut microbiomes than those who ate 10 or less.

“It’s afantastic way of nurturing the diversity of your gut biome, which we know more and more makes afantastic contribution to our overall health, to our immunity to lowering our risks of heart disease, of diabetes of some cancers, and boosting our mental health,”the 59-yearold says.

“People who are eating the most plants have the best health outcomes.

“I’ve always enjoyed my veg but as I’ve gotten older,and alittle bit more interested in looking after myself,Ihave been motivated to find lots more fun and delicious ways to cook veg.”

And 30 might not be as challenging as it sounds –whenyou consider thatpulses, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, all count towards your total number

So how do you reach the heights of 30 plants aweekinpractice?

1. Shop wisely

“Don’t just rush out andbuy awhole lot that you’re not familiar with,” he warns. “The key reminder here is that it is not 30 fresh vegetables. So alot of your plants are coming from thestore cupboard–tinned pulses arecompletely fine.

“A simpletin of butter beans or chickpeas and lentils, that’s all good stuff.It’s just been cooked. We’ve been [preserving food] for centuries and those things remain very healthy,they deliver a

COURGETTE, HONEY AND LEMON CAKE

Ingredients (Makes 8–10 slices)

350g coarsely grated courgettes (about 2 medium)

½tsp fine salt

150g wholemeal spelt flour

100g fine plain wholemeal flour

100g ground almonds or hazelnuts

½tsp bicarbonate soda

1tsp baking powder

30g poppy seeds (optional)

125ml rapeseed or coconut oil

50g so light brownsugar

30g honey

3mediumeggs

Finely grated zest and juice of 2lemons

4sprigs of thyme, leaves picked and chopped (optional)

50ml milk

For the lemon drizzle:

Finely grated zest and juice of 1lemon

1tbsp honey

20g caster sugar

Method:

Preheat the ovento 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4and line a1kg (2lb)loaf tin with baking paper

Tipthe grated courgettes into afinemeshed sieveset over abowl. Sprinkle with the salt and toss through (it will draw out moisturefromthe veg). Leavetodrain for 20 minutes or so, then press the courgettes

huge amount of goodness and fibre.”

His new book, How to Eat 30 Plants aWeek: 100 recipes to boost your health and energy,has atick list of 220 plant ideas. There’s nothing on it that’s “weird and wacky and unfamiliar”, he notes.

2. Makeminor adjustments

“Remind yourself there’s awhole bunch of plant foods that actually you really like but for whatever reason, [out of] sheer habit it’s totally fallen off your radar,orfallen off your shopping list,” he says.

Forinstance, “Buy butter beans if you only buy kidney beans –that’s kind

with the back of aspoon to get rid of abit morewater

In abowl, mix together the flours, ground nuts, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and poppy seeds if using. Set aside. In alarge bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar and honey. Beat in the eggs, one by one, then stir in the grated courgettes, lemon zest and juice, and the thyme if using. Nowgently fold in the flour mixture, alternately with the milk. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bakefor 45–50 minutes until golden and risen. While the cakeis in the oven, makethe lemon drizzle. In asmall bowl, lightly mix the lemon zest and juice with the honey and sugar to combine without dissolving the sugar

As soon as you takethe cakefromthe oven, spoon the lemon drizzle overthe surface. Leaveinthe tin for 10 minutes then transfer it to awirerack and allowto cool completely beforeslicing and serving.

of mental adjustments that you make. Just go shopping with awider pair of eyes, casting around for things that are slightly different to what you’d be having normally.”

If you like peanut butter,try almond butter,hesuggests –“It’sadifferent plant, it’s good for you.”

3. Use breakfast as an opportunity for plants

Many of us are creatures of habit when it comes to breakfast, but according to Fearnley-Whittingstall, the morning is an absolutely wasted opportunity not to pack more plants into your day

“I like fruit and nuts for breakfast,” says Fearnley-Whittingstall. “Or alittle compote of fruit with yoghurt sprinkled over.” The fatty,fibrous nuts slow down any sugarspike from the fruit so they’re perfect together

He recommends making your porridge multigrain –with barley or spelt flakes, along with quinoa, flaxseeds and chia seeds cooked into it. In his book there’s a‘porridge loaf ’, amix of dried fruit, nuts andseeds andperfect for grabbing aslice on the go, and ‘lunchbox overnight oats’ that’s packed with carrot, pear, nuts and seeds.

4. Makeveg exciting

Before FearnleyWhittingstall’sfamily moved from London to afarmhouse with a beautiful veg garden when he was achild in the Seventies, he too was eating boiled

peas and carrots as asimple (if boring) accompaniment to meals. “My dad, from that point on, became akeen veg grower and he still is,” he says, reminiscing about times in the garden picking peas straight from the pods as aseven-year-old.

“We’ve all got abit better at is recognising that you can use thesame techniques to make vegetables exciting that you use to make meat or fish exciting.

“You can burn vegetables on a barbecue and they become delicious, or roasted in the oven –and Idon’t just mean parsnips, potatoes and the old carrot, Imean, brassicassprouts and fennel. And even little gem lettuces can be barbecued, cut them in half or quarters and you put them on the barbecue to get a char then trickle them in oliveoil.”

He also recommends counting your plants at first, or every other week. “When Istarted doing it, Iwas counting all the time,” he says, now though it’s become automatic, and simply part of his diet.

“It’s really about just resetting the way we’re doing things to embraceplants,” says Fearnley-Whittingstall, who went vegetarian for six months adecadeorso ago.

“So even though I’mstill an omnivore, getting meat and fish out of the way for those six months shifted my axis in terms of the way Icook, and it did it permanently I’m much more thrifty around meat now.”

n How to eat 30 Plants aWeek by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is published by Bloomsbury,priced £25.

CREAMY ROAST CAULIFLOWER AND CASHEW SOUP

Ingredients: Serves four

100g cashew nuts

1.2–1.5 litres hot vegetable stock

1large cauliflower(about 1.5kg), trimmed and cut into small florets, leaves kept 2leeks, trimmed and cut into chunks

1large onion, roughly chopped

3celery sticks, roughly chopped

1tsp cumin seeds

2tbspoil or melted fat

5sprigsofthyme, leaves picked

Sea salt and black pepper

Garlic oil topping:

3tbspextravirgin oliveoil

2garlic cloves, finely sliced 2tbspsunfloweror pumpkin seeds (or mix)

Apinch of dried chilli flakes

To finish:

Asmall handful of chives and/or parsley

Method:

Put the cashews into abowl, pour on 1.2 litres hot stock and leavetosoak for at least an hour.Preheat the ovento 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5.

Put the cauliflowerfloretsintoalarge roasting tray, along with their roughly chopped leaves (if they’reingood nick). Add all the other vegand thecumin seeds. Add the oil or fat, season well with salt and pepper and toss the vegtocoat lightly. Transfer the roasting tray to the ovenand roast for 20–25 minutes until all the vegare tender and golden.

In the meantime, makethe topping. Put the extravirgin oliveoil into asmall saucepan with the garlic, seeds, chilli flakes anda pinch of salt. Place overa medium heat and heat gently for just aminuteortwo until the garlic starts to turn pale golden. Immediately takeoff theheat and pour the garlicky oil into abowl. Leavetoinfuse until the soup is ready.

Scrape the contents of the roasting tray into ajug blender,add the thyme leaves and tip in the cashew nuts, along with their soaking liquor.Blitz until smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan and reheat gently, without boiling. (Or you can blitz the soup directly in asaucepan, using astick blender, as you reheat it.) Either way, add adash morestock to thin the soup alittle if it seems too thick.

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ATRANQUILHAVEN

There are many quiet corners of Shropshire that areundiscovered and that lend themselves to great walks.

Afour-mile route near through Dudmaston’s Comer Woods, taking in Seggy Pool, is one. It is an easy hike, that’s great for any fitness level, with easily accessible paths and is suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the tour is right beside aparking compound, while there are many highlights along theroute, including the well-known ‘Curly Wurly’ tree, so-named because it is twisted and bent.

The woods themselves are beautiful through summer,where abundant leaf growth andactivity from wildlife make them amagical place to visit.

Seggy Pool is afurther highlight, offering abreak from the woodland, while the nearby Wall Pool is also abreath of fresh air.Both offer immaculate views and genuine tranquility

The paths are clearly marked and are part of anetwork of circulartrails beginning in Comer Woods that take you throughwoodland, countryside and farmland.

Look out for plants and wildlife as

you explore the woods. Listen out for birdsong and see if you can spot animal tracks.

The Café in Comer Woods serves takeaway hot and cold drinks, snacks, light meals and cakes. Outdoor seating is available on the terrace with some covered seating in Heath Barn.

Covering 457acres of Dudmaston’s 3,000-acre estate, Comer Woods is a working woodland for nature, people and wildlife. Forestry and woodland management, which saved the whole estate from financial ruin in the20th

century, is still an importantpart of the work today.

Open every day,all year round, there are paths for walking, running and cycling to suit all abilities. Three pools, named Brim, Seggy and Wall, offer an opportunity to pause, reflect and watch out for wildlife on the water.Connect the trails to venture out of Comer Woods and further onto this large estate.

Comer Woods, Dudmaston, is on the side of the A442 between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster near Quatford. Parking is at thecountryside car parks in Comer Woods (WV15 6QJ), Hampton Loade (WV15 6HD) and the Sawmill (WV15 6QW) which are open every day,all year round except for Christmas Day.For the Sawmill car park, take the lane opposite the main entrance for Dudmaston Hall, pass The Holt andthe carpark will be on your right. Parking is free for National Trustmembers. Pleasescan your membership card at themachine (parking chargesapply for non-members).

Follow the footpath from the Sawmill car park into Comer Woods. Please note there is no safepedestrian access from DudmastonHall.

Pictures: National Trust Images, Chris Lacey

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLORES THE WOODLAND AT COMER WOODS, NEAR DUDMASTON

RICH LANDSCAPES AN INSPIRATION

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLORES OUR COUNTY THATHAS STUNNING SCENERY AND GEODIVERSITY,FROM LAKES AND PASTURELANDS TO GAUNT MOORLANDS AND ROLLING HILLS

Ifyou’re travelling from the north, the landscape gently rolls andundulates. The fields stretchfor miles, revealing lush pasture where cows graze. Further west,atEllesmere, the land is dotted with lakes. The retreating glaciers of the last ice age were responsible for North Shropshire’s many meres and mosses. The Mere at Ellesmere is the largest of them all and offers a great location to explore the mainly flat trails. Visitors can take in the views of the mere, the ancient Motte and Bailey,and nineteenth-century aristocratic buildings that line the shore.

DOORSTEP on your

bridgehead in Wales and roars out to the sea.

Heading towards the centre of the county,Shrewsbury reveals its imperious majesty.A town rich in history,itis encircled by the mighty River Severn, one of the nation’s great lakes, which has a

Further east, Bridgnorth is all sandstone and cliffs. Asettlement filled with natural beauty and boasting stupendous architecture, it remains a favourite for day-trippers andlocals alike.

And then the south of the county offers immense drama. The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty

offers steepling hills andplunging valleys. There is abundant and the opportunity to get away from it all. The Stiperstones, further west, and the settlements of Bishop’s Castle and Clun, provide aslower pace of life, where creativity and agriculture mix.

Along the county’s southern border,near Ludlow and across to Cleobury Mortimer,there are huge hills and acastle, woodlands and streams, tight-knit communities and asense of timemoving more slowly

Shropshire, it’s fair to say, hasgot it all. It has one of the richest and most varied landscapes any of the English counties. Offering adiverse range of scenery: from the lakes and rolling pasturelands around Ellesmere in the north, to the gaunt moorlands of the Clee

Hills, with their stark industrial ruins, in the south; the densely wooded scarps of Wenlock Edge; or the straight, sandy lanes of the north-eastern heathlands, with their large arable fields and ‘big skies’.

Shropshire’s countryside has inspired, and continues to enthuse, generations of writers, poets andartists, whose works have in turn shaped our perceptionsof the county’slandscape.

Shropshire’s landscape has been shaped by abroad range of factors. No other area of equivalent size in the UK exhibits the samedegree of geological variation.

It’s alandscape that Shropshire Council is apt to promote. “This ‘geodiversity’has in turn givenrise to acomplex arrayofsoils and arange of different landforms. The county’secology is correspondingly varied.

“In terms of its historical development, Shropshire straddles the boundary between what the landscape historian Oliver Rackham terms the ‘ancient countryside’ of western England and the ‘highland zone’ landscapes that predominate in Wales, northern England and Scotland. Inevitably,these broad, national classifications mask two detailed local distinctiveness.

“Many of the more fertile soils have been cultivated since later prehistory,and have apresent-day character that has been

deeply influenced by the gradual, informal enclosure of the medieval open fields between the 14th and 17th centuries.”

Shropshire’s landscape is theresult of remarkable geology,which is unequalled in any area of comparable size in Britain, or indeed the world. The hills, crags, scarps and valleys form this distinctive character

No single hill or range stands out as the dominant feature. The Long Mynd, Stiperstones, Wenlock Edge, Wrekin, Clun and Clee Hills all owe their distinctive character to the rock type. The underlying geology also determines land use, patterns of settlement, and exploitation of minerals.

The area has astrongsouth-west to north-east trend in faulting and folding of the rocks, with many ridges being aligned in this direction. There is also evidence of glacial and periglacial processes, such as moraines, stone stripes and river capture, along with more recent features such as river terraces.

Twocenturies ago the pioneers of geological science, notably Roderick Murchison and Charles Lapworth, made many important discoveries in the Shropshire Hills. The local place names they gave to the geological formations are today adopted worldwidefor rocks of the same age, like Caradoc, Wenlock,Ludlow, Onnian, and Sheinwoodian.

In the Clee Hills, leached brown soils over Silurian, Devonian and Carboniferous rocks support pastoral farming. In the Clun Forest, the freedraining acid brown soils that have formed over Silurian siltstones are mostly grazed, but capable of arable production in some areas. Richer alluvial silts and clays have alimited extent in the river valleys.

The Stiperstones ridge is awild and atmospheric landscape and aNational Nature Reserve, thanks to its special geology

It is home to the commonlizard and common frog and local birdlife includes red grouse, red kite, skylark, raven and stonechat.

There’s well used public access and, besides the birds and reptiles, you can watch out for magnificent green hairstreak butterflies and emperor moths.

The Shropshire Wildlife Trustis responsible for the management of anumber of other nature reserves throughout the Shropshire Hills and each of these has special qualities that canbe enjoyed by visitors.

With remarkable diversityand character,Shropshire had alandscape that inspires and offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to immerseinreal beauty

OFFERINGSUPPORT FORNEW MOTHERS

HEATHER LARGE MEETS MAEVE BRIAR, WHO, INSPIRED BY HER OWN EXPERIENCES AND JOURNEY INTOMOTHERHOOD, DECIDED SHE WANTED TO HELP OTHERS BY BECOMING ADOULA

Although the word ‘doula’ may still be unfamiliar to some, the role they play has been avital one for centuries.

Doulas are an extra support and advocate during pregnancy,labour and in the early months after childbirth.

Maeve Briar,who lives near Bridgnorth, has been working as a doula since June 2023, inspired by her own experiences and journey into motherhood.

“I barely saw the same midwife or medical professional from one appointment to the next and during the births themselves Ididn’t know or recognise the midwives appointed to

me,” Maeve explains. “I know we are incredibly lucky in this country to have the NHS and the midwives we do but having astranger care for you at one of the most vulnerable times of your life can be difficult.

“In my opinion, it’s not particularly conducive to relaxing, feeling safe or advocating for yourself.Iknew I wanted to support families through this incredible, personal, life-changing experience to facilitate the best possible birth for that family.”

Encouraging and informing parentsto-be to make informed decisions around pregnancy,birth andearly parenting is a large part of the role of the doula.

“I am exceptionally proud to work as acertified doula,” says mother of two Maeve.

“A doula differs from amidwife as midwives are medically trained. Adoula supportswomen and families through the child-bearing year; we provide information along with practical and emotional support.

“A doula’s support can be multifaceted including antenatal information, birth plansupport, appointment attendance, signposting, birth presence, advocacyand postnatal support.I look to support families holistically,offering individualised and continuous care.

“I find it important to supportall members of afamily.Iencourage the whole birth team to get involved.

“Doulas are nothing new,women have been supporting women through childbirth for thousands of years.

“A doula does not have to be ‘trained’ in any way,there is no official register or training required to work as adoula.

“However,Idecided to become certified through awonderful organisation called Conscious Birthing.”

ForMaeve, aged 34, there is no typical day in her professional life.

“Every day Itry to keep on top of

any new research in the field of birth work, promote myself on social media and spread information thatmay be of interest.

“I may then spend time researching information for aparticular family or as I offer free connection calls Imay speak to afamilyover Zoom to see if we are agood fitfor each other

“I may visit awoman on her pregnancy journey to offer antenatal support or offer guidance in writing her birth plans.

“I also keep in contact with all the families over WhatsApp so may have a message or two to reply to,” she explains.

Being adoula and supporting parents offers plenty of job satisfaction.

“One of my favouriteofferings as a doula is organising mama blessings. A mama blessing is apre-birth celebration focusing on mama. It nurtures her connection to the women in her life and allows us to surround her with love, support, joy and strength.

“A mama blessing is acelebration that will be remembered for ever and it is a privilege to organise these for families.

“Some part of my day may be preparing for amama blessing, for example writing notes and affirmations,

foraging or buying flowers for flower crowns or keeping in contact with guests,” says Maeve.

She has recently startedmaking gift boxes for expectant and new parents, which include vegan and palm oil-free items such as snack bars, herbal and fruity teabags, arose quartz gemstone and lip balm among acouple of other things

Although there has been arising number of people employing doulas, Maeve fears that manywomen may rule it out due to the perceived cost.

“The most challenging part of being a doula is knowing thatfor some people it seems financially impossible to access the support. However,Iurge anyone wanting support from adoula to get in contact Many doulas, including myself,are happy to discuss payment and even offer skill swaps,” she says.

Maeve would advise anyone considering working as adoula to follow their dream.

“Being adoula is so fulfilling; I struggle to even label it work –it’sa calling, and Ifeel so proud to be abirth worker,” she says.

Formore information, visit maevebriardoula.co.uk or search Maeve Briar Doula on Facebook.

MaeveB

ANTIQUES

PINNINGHOPES ON BROOCH REVIVAL

Asjewellery specialist at Halls Fine Art Auctioneers in Shrewsbury,Ioften getasked about current trends within the market and what’s selling well, writes Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley

There are of course some pieces and styles that never really go out of fashion, such as the striking geometric motifs of the Art Deco period, the delicate sinuous forms of the Art Nouveau movement or the always popular solitaire diamond ring.

It’s easy to pick numerous types of jewellery pieces, designers or eras that sell well, commanding fierce competition when offered on the open market, amuch more challenging question though is when I’m asked what doesn’t make it onto everyone’s wish list.

There is of course no definitive answer,weall have different tastes; however,I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been told by clients that they’re selling afamily brooch as they just ‘aren’t in fashion anymore’ or that they’ll happily wear granny’s old engagement ring, but not her once treasured pin.

Although not apersonal opinion, I can’t dispute that as ageneral rule they do seem to be the least desirable pieces in vendors’ inherited jewellery boxes. It’s difficult to know when this attitude to brooches started to gain momentum but for decades there seems to have been a reduced enthusiasm for brooches, pins and clips compared to rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Over the past year or two, however, I’ve noticed agradual shift in regards to people’s opinions of brooches and there has certainly been an increase on social media and in pop culture of them being celebrated.

Brooches and pins are ahugely diverse form of adornment. The volume of choice in relation to design, material, age, size and cost is vast. Ican guarantee that there’s abrooch outthere to suit everybudget and style. Whether it be anovelty example of an animal, a quirky object, an abstractform, asimple gemstone cluster or astatement diamond set piece, abroochcan be used as the perfect accessory to express personal style. It’s also worth noting, that despite the historical fashion to do so, they don’t have to be worn on your coat lapel or top Pinning them on atrouserpocket, ahat

or even your handbag are great ways to customise your look and it’s something that can be achieved for asurprisingly smallamount of money.Yes, you can of course spend thousands of pounds on a piece if you have the funds and desire, but there are so many silver,gold and precious stone-set examples that can be picked up for less than £100 or even £50 pounds if you have the patienceand time to look.

Interest in the brooch and pin market is definitely growing and whether you’re

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOPLEFT: An 18ct gold duck brooch by Boucheron, sold for £1,900; Adiamond andblue enamel flowerbrooch by Boucheron, sold for £6,500; An 18ct gold GeorgJensen ‘Splash’ brooch, sold for £900; An emerald and enamel brooch in the form of afairground lion carousel, sold for £340; An early 20th century seed pearl brooch, sold for £90.

looking to invest in anew piece of jewellery or thinking of selling in order to take advantage of this revival, Halls host regular auctions of jewellery and silver that always include an array of eclectic pieces.

n Contact Maryanne LinekerMobberley on 01743 450700oremail maryanne@hallsgb.com to discuss buying at future sales or consignment opportunities for the upcoming specialist auctions.

DISCOVER THE TRUE VALUE OF YOUR POSSESSIONS

Freevaluationsofantiques,fineartandjewellery byourexperiencedteamofspecialists.

Tobookyourappointment:

01743450 700

SOLD £5,400

AnexamplefromCURTIS,William, TheBotanicalMagazineorFlower-GardenDisplayed, 42volsboundin10

COINS CAUSE ASTIR

Asingle-owner collection of coins andmedallions amassed over alifetimeofdedicated collecting caused ahugestir at Trevanion Auctioneers’ May 22 auction.

The collection was considered so special that it was given its own exclusive auction despite comprising only 178lots. “A collection like this seldom comes to the auction market and as such, it was a pleasure and aprivilege to have been given the opportunity to offer it for sale,” said Managing Partner Christina Trevanion “Assoon as we saw the quality and scale of the collection, we knew that the only way to do it justice was to treatitasa complete auctioninits own right.”

Using an external consultant and its own specialists, the auction house spenta month carefully examining every coin in the collection, the majority of whichwere solidgold, and were delighted to discover that many of them were of ‘proof ’quality “Proof coins are the highest quality examples amint can produce,” explains Associate Director Ashley Jones.

“They’re struck using hand-finished dies to ensure that the images produced on the metal are flawless, and are produced in very small quantities as aresult. Once struck, proof coins are usually encapsulated in aprotectivecase to eliminate the risk of accidental damage –asaresult they attract premium prices well in excess of their metal value.”

The auction caught the interest of collectors as soon as the catalogue was released, and absentee bids began coming in immediately

“Having spent over amonth working on the collection, it was thrilling to see bids coming in from all over theworld so quickly,” said jewellery specialist Amelia Tomkinson, who assisted in cataloguing the collection.

“By the time auction day arrived, we’d received bids on almostevery lotwithin the auction, which is quite extraordinary.”

The top selling lot of the day was a George VOfficial Specimen Set dated 1911, which comprised aQuintuple Sovereign, aDouble Sovereign, aFull Sovereign, aHalf Sovereign, aHalf Crown, aFlorin, aShilling,a Sixpence, aFourpence, aThreepence, aTwo Pence anda One Penny, all within abeautiful red Moroccan leather gilt tooled fitted case.

Sought after by collectors online

and on the phone, the set finally sold for £14,000plus fees. This was closely followed by aGeorge VI Official Specimen Set dated 1937, which sold for £12,000plus fees. Other highlights included an Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Gold Proof Coin Set dated 2002, which made £7,000 plusfees, and aGeorge V–Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign milestones of Her Majesty’s reign set, which sold for £5,500 plusfees.

In addition to coins, medallions also proved to be very popular on theday, as aVictorian Diamond Jubilee 1897 official gold medal sold for £5,000 plus fees. Beautifully depicting portraits of Queen Victoria by GW de Saulles, after the portraits by TBrockand WWyon, the medallion was presented within

its original leather case and was hotly contested by online bidders before being sold to anorth of England collector

All but five of the lots found new homes, giving the auction an unsoldrate of less than three per cent.

“Wewere delighted with the auction results,” said Christina. “A three per cent unsoldrate is fantastic, as is the £1,200 average lot value we achieved for our vendor.Itgoes to show thatnew to themarket single-owner collections can attract huge interest and maximise potential value when sold at auction.”

Trevanion Auctioneers will hold their next fine art andantiques auction on Wednesday,July 31.

To book avaluation appointment, please call 01948 800202.

English festival returns to school

Aspoken English festival has returned to Shropshirewith students from a number of schools across the county battling it out in abid to havethe last word.

The Viva Voce Spoken English Festival, which was held for the first-time last year,saw pupils from The Corbet School in Baschurch and Lakelands Academy in EllesmereheadtoEllesmereCollege, which hosted and took part in the competition.

Zoe Fisher,who will be taking over as Head of English at EllesmereCollege from September,set up the competition alongside current Head of English Daniel Bottom.

She said: “Wewanted to promote and celebrate the powerofspoken language and we aredelighted with howthe event is developing.

“The level of competition this year was of the highest standardand in each category of poetry recital, dramatic reading and presentation of an issue, the judging panel was impressed by the depth of research and quality of speech demonstrated by the performers.

“Congratulations to all the winners and all participants, we arealready looking forwardtonext year’s event, when we hope to expand the numbers who can attend the festival and encourage more schools to takepart.”

Nina Fisher,who is in year 10 Ellesmere College, won the poetry recitation competition.

New for this year was the Trefanenko Cup, named after the College’s current Head Girl Oksana Trefanenko. Oksana joined College in September 2022 as aUkrainian Scholar and the cup was introduced as away to recogniseher courage, academic flair and warm personality. This year’s winner was Francesca Widdon from The Corbet School.

Any schools interested in participating next year should email Zoe on zoe. fisher@ellesmere.com

Graham Guest is moving to takeonarole with the Department for Education

PRINCIPAL IS MOVINGON

The principal of acounty college has confirmed his departureat the end of this academic year, and reflected on “seven fantastic years”.

Telford College’s principal and chief executive Graham Guest will be leaving the college to take on anew role supporting the education sector at a national level.

As he prepares to leave Telford College he said he will do so “filled with pride, and so many terrificmemories”.

“When Iarrived in 2017, my job was to oversee the merger of Telford College of Arts and Technology and New College Telford to form the Telford College we have today,” he said.

“I was under no illusion about the scale of the challenge. Ofsted had highlighted both colleges as underperforming, and finances were in amess. So I’m incredibly proud to be leaving behind an organisation which is now officially rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with a growing list of achievements which pave the way for Outstanding recognition.

“That’s not just down to me of course; it’s thanks to the amazing, loyal and incredibly hard-working staff we have at Telford College, starting with my highly

skilled and talented deputy chief executive Janet Stephens.”

Mr Guest will be taking on anew role withthe Department for Education. He said: “Together,weare always stronger –and that’s whyI’ve devoted so much time at Telford College to strengthening partnerships with the local community

“I’ve had terrificsupportfrom senior officers at Telford &Wrekin Council, Telford Business Board’s directors, and the head teachers at our local schools –and it is reaping real rewards

“Weare now working closely with the University of Warwick on several innovative projects, and last month it was revealed that KeeleUniversity will be having apresence at Telford College, creating aworld of new possibilities.

“The college will also be opening the doors of its new digital and maths skills hub at Station Quarter in September, marking the start of an exciting new era.”

He added: “Employers are crying out for top talent, and our job is to make sure that the people of Telford have the skills to meet their needs.

“It’s the role of further education to show everyone, whatever their age or background, that they are welcome.”

Nina Fisher gets heraward

SOCIAL SCENE

CLIMBINGOUT AWARDS Mercure

telford Hotel

Shropshirecharity, Climbing Out, held their biennial charity ball in April at the MercureTelfordCentreHotel.

Nearly 200 guests gathered for a masquerade ball, dinner and awards night. They celebrated the achievements of people who haveattended their outdoor mental wellbeing programmes, which help adults move their lives forwardfollowing atrauma. Past participants, sponsors and supporters gathered for the event which was run by ShropshireFestivals. Climbing Out founder,Kelda Wood MBE hosted the event alongside DaveCourteen from the Shrewsbury Club. Funds were raised through apromise auction of unique prizes, and guests danced the night away to Fee Fee &The Sentiments.

Photos supplied

Turning Life Around winner Scott Stevenson with sponsors Rebecca Cumblidge and Kelly Hodgetts, from Aico.

Roots to Grow,Wings to Fly winner Jenni Gray with sponsor Stuart Danks, from DMOS People.

Mr Kip Special Awardwinner Rich Edward.

Acknowledgement Awards -Presented by Diane Crowe from Reconomy, with winners Jamie Detheridge, Kayla Preece, Dean Welton Wall, and John Atkinson.

One of the progression awardwinners Martyn Hirst with sponsor Beth Heath, from ShropshireFestivals.

Commendation winners Cloe Thunder and Jasmine Humphries, with sponsor Mark Harris from The Business Company.

Outstanding Contribution winner TimViner with sponsor from Paterson Insurance Brokers.

Special Recognition Awardwinner Katelyn Hood with sponsor Elizabeth Wilkinson MBE from The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant.

Resilience Awardwinner Nichola Gristock with sponsor Sophie Price from Fodens Solicitors.

Beth Heath, Kelda Wood MBE, ClareWells.

Outstanding Achievement Award, from le :Sponsor Richard Hughes from Chrisbeon, winners Gary Shaw and Hannah McKewen, and sponsor Craig Hughes from Chrisbeon.

LUDLOW CANCER SUPPORTGROUP

Acommunity group in Ludlowcelebrated arecent awardfromthe Princess Royal with aspecial buffet lunch.

LudlowCancer Support Group was given aKing’sAwardfor Voluntary Service during Princess Anne’s visit toMuch Wenlock in April.

Around 60 members and guests, including Anna Turner,the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, and several Deputy Lieutenants, joined the group for abuffet lunchinThe Parish Room at St. Peter’sChurch.

The group received the awardfor offering asafe, supportivespace for sufferers and the bereaved to meet, laugh and socialise.

Photos: SteveLeath

Rosemary Wood, HowardGoslyn, Erica Garner with the LordLieutenant Anna Turner

Greg Farley andAngela Hodgkins. Greg’slate wife Joan Farley was oneofthe group’sfounders.

The LordLieutenant presents a certificate to HowardGoslyn.

Sybil Marsh and Carol Williamson.

Marguerita Rogers and Sally Ford.

Graham Cheshirefrom LudlowGolf Club.

Bob Wallis and Ruth Downes.

Sue Powell, Mark Rogers from Teme Valley Insurance, and Malcolm Weaver from LudlowGolf Club.

Gaynor Wells and Goff Berry.

Deputy Lieutenant Selena Graham.

Geraldine Smith, David Watson Jones and Phil Sadler

LordLieutenant Anna Turner

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

HolidayInn,Telford

Ladies from around Shropshiregathered at The Holiday Inn in Telfordtocelebrate International Women’s Day and 95 yearsof the Townswomen’sGuild. They enjoyedalunch followedbyentertainment from Paul Ray. The first Townswomen’s Guild was formed in Hayward’sHeath, quickly followedbyBurnt Oak, Moulsecoomb and Romsey –by the end of the year 26 Guilds had been formed. Today, thereare nearly 500 Guilds throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Townswomen areencouraged to haveideas and views, develop new skills, campaign on various issues, support each other,makenew friends and above allhavefun.

Photos: TimSturgess

Liz Metcalfe and Pat Jones.

Sheila Knowles and Jean Martin.

June Purchase, Judith Lowe and Judith Nelson.

Margo Brotherton and Alison Harris.

Joan Bright, Heather Leach and SandraWalgate.

Members of the Shifnal guild.

Celebrating 95 years of The Townswomen’s Guild.

Joyce Humphreys and Liz Metcalfe.

JoyClayton and Paula Holden MBE.

Chris Corfield and Carol Roberts.

Members of the Madeley guild.

Judith Gwatkin, Innes Jones and Ann Adams.

Mary Roberts and Paula Holden.

Ladies celebrate International Day and 95 years of Townswomen’s Guild.

HIGHSHERIFF’S DIARY

Brian Welti

It’sanother month in and visits and events keep arriving in abundance in my inbox. The variety of requests is quite staggering and adds to the privilege of the role,visiting such amazing people who givesomuch of their time to volunteer and help others.

Visits included Mayor-making ceremonies, a service commemorating the 80th anniversary of the ShropshireYeomanry’sinvolvement at the Battle of Monte Cassino and presenting the Brightstar awards at aremarkable organisation run by Joe Lockley and his team.

On May 23, Ijoined with the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Mrs Pat Churchward, at Willowdene, to present their awards to over 60 graduates. Willowdene is also supported by corporate volunteers and, on the day, Aico from Oswestry, helped out.

Also, in May, Iwas asked to attend a‘thank you event’ for volunteers of the Shropshire

Domestic Abuse Service. Sally Cooke, who had been volunteering for SDAS for 15 years, was averyworthy recipient of aHigh Sheriff Award. Iwas askedtoattend the opening of the exhibition in the Shrewsbury Museum about Shrewsbury’sTownCrier of 40 years, Martin Wood, and help him unveil abeautiful portrait done by local artist Jakob Gourley. Ipresented Martin with my second High Sheriff’s award. Othervisits included aNewport Cottage Care event, ShropshireNFU Lunch with RABI, BEM Investitures, Ironbridge reception, Domestic Violence Seminar Kidderminster,Appleby Cheese event, SaveSparcPool Bishop’sCastle, Abbeyfield CareHomeand the Shropshire County Show.

If the next 10 months continue likethe first two, Iam avery privileged person to be able to meet and thank such amazing people.

Photos supplied

On avisit to AbbeyField CareHome.

At the swearing in of the PCC with John Campion, Charles Moyle (High Sheriff of Worcestershire) and Alex Murray.

At the commeration of the 80th anniversary of the battle of Monte Cassino at Shrewsbury Castle.

Brian with Joe Lockley.

Dementia Day at Shrewsbury Town FC.

Brian on avisit to Willowdene with home founders Matt and John and the High Sheriff of Hereford, Patricia Churchward.

Portrait artist Jacob Gourley with Shrewsbury Town Crier Martin Wood and the High Sheriff of ShropshireBrian Welti JP

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino.

Brian with Sally Cooke.

At Appleby Cheese alongside David Lee, chair of ShropshireRABI.

SHROPSHIRE CONTACT CENTRES

Shrewsbury

Team members from ShropshireContact Centres were presented with the King’s Awardfor VoluntaryService by Anna Turner, Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire.

The event took place at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust in Shrewsbury in honour of the achievement, which is the highest awarda local voluntary group can receiveinthe UK. ShropshireContact Centres was recognised for enabling contact between children and parents a er afamily breakdown during very emotional times.

The organisation has three volunteer-run centres –located in Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Wellington, Telford–thataim to provide afriendly, safe andneutral environment wherechildren can meet aparent or other family members they might not otherwise see. When on duty, volunteers provide toys, serverefreshmentsand welcomeparents and children. They need to be able to listen to children or adults who may be under stress, without judging, advising or taking sides.

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

Lord-Lieutenant Anna Turner,Pat Barrow and Valerie Collard.

Lord-Lieutenant Anna Turner at ShropshireWildlife TrustinShrewsbury.

Judy Mitchell.

Katherine Garnier DL.

Lord-Lieutenant Anna Turner at ShropshireWildlife TrustinShrewsbury.

TRAVEL

WHEN IN ROME ... SEE THECOUNTRY

VILLAGES, VINEYARDS AND VOLCANIC LAKES SOPHIE GOODALL ESCAPES THE CROWDS BY EXPLORING THE DELIGHTS BEYOND THE CAPITAL’SBORDERS IN THE CASTELLI ROMANI

Afig tree, dropping with fruit, ruffles in the breeze. My guide, Federica, points and cries:

“The typical Roman breakfast –focaccia, hamand fig!It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty.But these figs are unlike anything you would get in England.”

And neither are the views.

Avast turquoise lake stretches out below me, fringed by dark green Mediterranean pines. From my vantage point, high up in the hills, Ican just make out tiny paddle boarders on the surface of the water.Inthe distance, the pale blue Mediterranean Sea twinkles.

As for the Roman breakfast –weare only astone’s throw away from the Italian capital. I’m in the picturesque town of Nemi, one of several medieval villages making up the Castelli Romani region, which sits within the crater of the ancient volcano Vulcano Laziale.

It’s situated on the southern lip of Rome –only 22km from the city centre, made accessible by adirect train service that speeds through the Lazio countryside in just under half an hour

An escape from the city

While the Eternal City is packed with iconic attractions and abustling atmosphere, the idea of extending my city break by acouple of days to take in calming vistas of winding hillside trails, chestnut treesand quaint villages was simply too inviting.

With its high altitude and wide open spaces, this sunny region hasits own refreshingly cool microclimate, making Castelli Romani apopular holiday

destination for Romans –including several popes, who once had asummer residence here in Castel Gandolfo.

While I’m content to meander down cobbled side streets, soaking up the sunshine with agelato in hand, Isoon realise there is much to discover behind the facade of these quiet villages with their deserted town squares.

Community identity

Nemi, for example, is avision of paint-peeled, sun-bleached buildings with wooden shutters and terracotta tiles –but its prettiest attraction by far is its vast lake at the bottom of the valley

It’s adraw for holidaymakers wanting to relax by the shore, but its banks serve afar greater purposefor the town. The mineral-rich soil is perfect for growing tiny wild strawberries that have become synonymous with Nemi.

So beloved are these pint-sized fruits, residents throw astrawberry festival each year.Onthe first Sunday of June, women don traditional costume to host parades. Celebrations culminate with fireworks over the lake. Marco, my tour guide, tells

me that Castelli Romani residents have such adeep affinity with their hometowns –everyone believes theirs’ is the best –that each community has its own identity

Neighbouring town Ariccia takes great pride in its porchetta, ajoint of slowroasted pork sliced wafer-thin.

Ariccia is home to the fraschetta, a rustic restaurant typical of the Castelli Romani region. IheadtoOsteria N.1, where Idevour aplatter of juicy and tender porchetta, served with apple slices, olives, and ricotta doused in honey.

As I finish my plate, Irealise how wrong Iwas to expect my diet in Italy to consist only of pizza and pasta. YetIwas not wrong to expect plenty of wine. This region’s volcanic soil isn’t just fertile for strawberries –it’salsogreat for growing grapes.

Verdant vineyards

At Tenimenti Leone, an organic winery outside Lanuvio, the Alban Hills protect vines from the cold, while cool winds from the coast regulate hot temperatures making production high.

Grape pickers have alot of ground to cover; the 72-hectare estate features 11 vineyards. Nativevarieties bellone, malvasia puntinata and cesanese aremade under the Roma DOC and Lazio IGP designations, and as partofmy tourof the vineyard (from €35/£30pp) I’m lucky enough to sample wines made from these blends.

One of them, Core, is afruity,fresh and herbal white wine, and adelicious accompaniment to bread dunked in

Tenimenti Leone’s own-grown olive oil.

Foryears, the winery was afruit and vegfarm ran by monks, who stored their produce in ancient caves underground.

Ancient architecture

From caves to churches, Castelli Romani is an area renowned for its ancient architecture.

The picturesque town of Castel Gandolfo, by Lake Albano, is ashrine to the work of Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Piazza della Libertà, the town’s main square, is the perfect place to sitatan outdoor cafe and sip an espresso.

Iwatch villagers hop off their bicycles and stop to drink from the fountain, before heading to the large church of Collegiata di S. Tommaso da Villanova

looming over the square. Inside, in typical Bernini style, it’s amarvel of whitearches gilded in gold and colourful religious artworks.

Roman holiday

But it’s not just these villages that bear Bernini’s work. He also turned his hand to some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Spanish Steps, St Peter’s Basilica, and the TreviFountain.

Witnessing these awe-inspiring, historical works of art is enough reason to book atriptoRome.

But it’s true that the hot spotscan become breathlessly jammed with throngs of tourists –especiallyduring the peak summer season.

Visiting in spring and autumn is ideal –being suretoavoid religious holidays.

Shoulder season also ensures you won’t be avictim of the searing heat gripping hold of southern Europe in July and August. Even in mid-May,ata steady 26C, things are getting toasty

But by following in the footsteps of Italy’s many wise popes, aheavenly, hillside destination awaits.

FACTFILE

ITAAirways(ita-airways com) operateanew nonstoproute between Rome–FiumicinoAirport(FCO) to London City Airport(LCY),withbusinessclass available.Flights also available from Manchester, Bristol, Newcastleand Glasgow.

The cobbled streets, sun-bleached houses and quaint shops at the medieval village of Nemi and the sprawling fields of grapes at the Tenimenti Leone winery

LUXURYLIVINGON APRIVATEISLAND

SARAH MARSHALL PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE NORTHERN SPANISH REGION OF GALICIA, AN AREA THATISSTEEPED IN MARITIME NOSTALGIA AND CELEBRATES LOCAL TRADITIONS

Hoisted by crane from the salty depths of Galicia’s cold, nutrient-rich Atlantic waters, arope weighs heavy with clusters of mussels jangling like castanets.

Eager to sample his latest harvest, Xindo Amado releases ahandfulofthe jet-blackshells and offers them to me. Crusted in salt crystals and strands of seaweed, they smell deliciously of the ocean.

Five hundred ropes are suspended from Xindo’s batea, awooden grid-like platform floating in an estuary close to the Spanish mainland, collectively providing anursery for theregion’s prized shellfish which areharvested only once ayear. There are around 3,000 of these structures floating in Galicia’s waters, all

family-owned for several generations and guarded with pride.

“Westruggle to compete with the mass production of farms in China and Chile,” Xindo tells me, revealing 20 of his world-class mussels earn just €1.30/£1 at market, but this is very much alabour of love. The ocean has always been a source of life for populations living in the northwest of Spain, aregion steeped in tradition and characterised by emerald hills, Romanesque terracotta churches and earthy Celtic roots. Brinywater flows like blood through their veins.

The area is best known for cathedral city Santiago de Compostela, the final stop for thousands of pilgrims taking one of the many Camino routes inspired by the story of St James whose body was

carried by his followers from Jerusalem to present-day Galicia. But as temperatures soar in southern Europe, making many parts of the Med unbearable in July and August, more holidaymakers are turning their attentions to coastlines in the north.

Although rocky,rugged and slightly rough around the edges, there is aproduct with some polish here: ACreba, northern Europe’s first luxury private island retreat.

“My grandfather bought this island 50 years ago,” Jose Penastells me, as we sit in apatio loungedining on mussels from Xindo’s batea, afew minutes’ boat ride away

“It was arock with no trees. It cost him the price of asmall car.”

Five decades later,the place –only 1km in diameter –looks unrecognisable.

Umbrella pine trees shade pathways littered with giant pinecones and two resident donkeys graze on glistening green lawns.

In the centre, at the very top of the island, is the family’s former home, now a12-person property available for private hire, fully staffed and serviced with two motorboats and asailing vessel to explore the surrounding area.

Jose’s grandfather,Emilio, aself-made man who launched the family’s empire of supermarkets, restaurants and hotels in Spain and Tenerife,originally used the island as aretreat, finding solace in the simple practise of farming fruitsand vegetables.

Despite being less than an hour’s car and boat ride from Santiago airport, A Creba feels remarkably remote. Gazing out at the sea, ahazegathering on the horizon, Icould easily believe Iwas somewhere far more exotic. Sightings of dolphins porpoising close by add to the sense of far-flung wilderness.

“This is aplace forpeople who want something different, people who have adifferent mindset,” continues Jose, pouring acrisp glassofAlbarino –one of the many excellent local wines stocked in the kitchen.

At roughly £650 per night, based on 12 sharing, it’s easily the priciest property in the area –but Jose argues it’s also the

best. The opportunity to eat, drink, play and sleep on your own private island is also exceptional.

Farfrom stuffy and stiff,A Creba is extremely homely –guests are invited to take snacks from tuck cupboards in the kitchen and an outdoor grill quickly becomes the focus for lively parrillas of sizzling meats and fish served on along wooden bench. If ocean dips are too bracing, aheatedoutdoor pool andJacuzzi provide awelcoming alternative. But wherever you are on the property,sights, sounds and tastes of the sea arenever far away

In the patio area, atraditional fishing vessel has been transformed into acoffee table; above the doorway hangs awhale bone reclaimed from the sea. Inside, rooms are decorated with maritime memorabilia –from wooden rudders to navigational instruments once used in a submarine.

The closest translation for ACreba is flotsam –items unintentionally lost and accidentally found.

“All of this was originally from Galicia,” says Jose. “Now it’s been returned home.”

The piece with perhaps the oddest backstory is amirror hanging in the main lounge, made with shattered glass from Santiago’s cathedral. In 2004, Brazilian football player Ronaldinho was in town to

film an advert when he misjudged ashot and broke awindow

The recycled decoration certainly sparks good dinner party conversation, but it also exemplifies the emphasis on sustainability at ACreba’s heart. Although two generators provide a back-up, most power is generatedbya wind turbine, solar panels and biomass burners. Minimising the carbon footprint, food largely comes from the local area, including eggs laid by chickens on a neighbouring farm.

Living on an island does, after all, demand adegree of resourcefulness.

Whether battening down the hatches as astorm rolls in or basking in the sunshine along agranite boulder sea wall, depending on yourself (with alittle discreet help from others) can be the greatest luxury of all.

FACTFILE

Stays startfrom €9,200/£7832per night forthe entire island (sleepingupto12) with aminimumof twonights, includingfull-boarddining, localairporttransfers,non-motorised watersportsand dailyhousekeeping. Visit acrebaisland.comfor more details andbookinginformation.

STYLISH NEWMERC GETS ITSTOP OFF

THE C CLASS AND CLK CABRIOLETSWERE ABYWORD FOR HI TECH AND LUXURYOPEN TOP CRUISING CAN THE CLE KEEP UP THATREPUTATION? CAMERON RICHARDS FINDS OUT

The CLE replaces the C-Class coupe and now Mercedes has decided to chop the roof off it to make it attractive to those who want the wind in the hair experience.

Essentially aforerunner to the old C-Class Cabriolet, the CLE Cabriolet is directly competing with the convertible versions of the BMW 4-Series andAudi A5.

Designed to offer four-seater luxury with the ability to travel longer distances, Mercedes has created the CLE Cabriolet to be refined, comfortable and above all, engaging to drive. That’s the intention, anyway,which is why we’ve headed to sunny Tenerife tosee what it’s all about.

What’snew?

TheCabriolet version of the CLE, like the coupe model, has anew exterior design with amore curved and swooping body compared with the C-Class models it replaces, while alonger wheelbase –with an extra 164mm over its predecessor

–aims to make the interior more spacious for everyone aboard.

The fabric hood has been designed to stand up to the very harshest of weather. This is down to an insulated multi-layered soft top, which canbe operated at speeds of up to 37mph and takes 20 seconds to be lowered and raised. Plus, anew and improved ‘AirCap’ system locatedinthe top frame of thewindscreen allows the air to flowover the car at greater height to reduce drag and wind noise.

What’sunder the bonnet?

Arange of engines are onoffer for the CLE Cabriolet including two 2.0-litre in-line four cylinders in the CLE200 and CLE300. A2.0-litrediesel, meanwhile, is found on the CLE220 Dand the top-ofthe-line CLE450 comes with a3.0-litre in-line six petrol.

Mild-hybrid technology comes as standard on all versions to help improve efficiency,economy and CO2 emissions

Our test car was the CLE300 which

came with a2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder that produces 261bhp and 400Nm of torque –with emissions and fuel economy figures of 167g/km of CO2 and 38.2mpg. Mercedes quotes a0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds, too.

What’sitliketodrive?

We drove the predicted best-seller, which was theCLE300 and although the power is plentiful, it’s let down by a hesitant automatic gearbox and steering that lacks feel. That said, standard-fit fourwheel-drive helped inspire confidence in the bends and will certainly be awelcome attribute back in thewet and wild UK.

However,there is no denying that the CLE is aheavy car –weighinginat 1,985kg. So on atwisty road, it feels alittle bit out of its comfort zone, with thecar wallowing when exiting acorner

Thankfully,the CLE fits the role of the comfortable cruiser well with the suspension doing agreatjob of absorbing any lumps and bumps in theroad.

Combine that with an engine which is quiet and sedate at speed and you have adrop-top which feels well-suited to sweeping bends in the sun.

Howdoes it look?

To our eyes at least, the CLE Cabriolet is avery elegant and svelte-looking car with lots of free-flowing lines. Although similar to the coupe version, the CLE will definitely go down well for those who want to pose on the citystreets.

The design of the CLE is nothing out of the ordinary with other Mercedes aesthetics and that’s no bad thingasit keeps the firm’s traditional image of class and luxury all rolled into one.

The new design makes the new car more modern and the rear tail lights that mergeinto therear hatch area are anice touch. It’s just ashame thatMercedes still designs fake-looking exhaust tailpipe exits at the rear which makes the car look cheap.

What’sitlikeinside?

Inside the CLE there are plenty of good points, with soft plastics used throughout andthe infotainment screen was clear and easy to use. It can even be angled towards the driver further when in direct sunlight.

The space in the back was good with an ample amount of legroom and headroom wasn’t too bad with theroof up.

Boot space was also impressive at 385

litres –which is the same as the BMW 4-Series and five litres more than the Audi A5.

One good point to make is the climate control settings are always present on the infotainment display

They may not have the mechanical feel of direct buttons, but it’s an improvement instead of burying them into the infotainment display and ensures that you can quickly and easily adjust the temperature inside the car

Furthermore, other standard features of the new CLE include the tried and tested Mercedes’ AirScarf allowing warm air to blow onto the necks of the passengers to keep them warm in colder months.

What’sthe spec like?

The CLE Cabriolet is available in four different flavours for British buyers with the entry-level AMG Line starting at £53,030 and rising to £61,280 for the Premier Edition.

The car we drove was the equivalent of the UK specced AMG Line Premium whichstarts at £58,780.

As standard it features ambient lighting, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, keyless entry and start, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, asports steering wheel with Nappa leather andblind spot monitoring.

Verdict

The CLE Cabriolet was not designed

to be aBroad basher or atrack day toy for the driving enthusiast. Instead, it’s been set up to be arelaxing cruiser for those sunny road trips down to the south of France. It also hasusable back seats and abigger boot than the Audi A5 cabriolet making it practical and agenuine fourseater

Also, thanks to standard mild-hybrid technology,the CLE Cabriolet will be a lot cheaper to run than the old C-Class Cabriolet.

The drop-top version of the CLE is still agreat choicefor those wanting a usable yet premium four-seater cabriolet with that three-pointed star pedigree.

Price:£58,750

Engine:30-litrein-linesix-cylinder

Power:261bhp

0-60mph:45seconds

Maxspeed:155mph

Torque:400Nm

MPG:382mpg

Emissions:167g/km

MAKERS NOSTALGIA

LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

HEATHER LARGE PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE MONTH OF JULY–A TIME OF COLOUR, CARNIVALS AND FILM

Schools are breaking up, summer days are long –and hopefully warm –and gardens areawash with colourful flowers. July is also agreat month for getting outin the countryside and also enjoying the abundance of carnivals and fetes taking place in villages andtowns throughout the county

We delved into our archives to find snapshots of daily life duringthe month of July.They include aphotograph of members of the London Bible College

passing through Shropshire on their annual summer trek in 1956.

Meanwhile, plans had been drawn up for an ambitious new £100,0000 swimming complex in Alveley in 1975.

The cast of Antony and Cleopatra were getting ready to perform in the grounds of Ludlow Castle in 1983

And actor John Cleese was on location near Ludlow in July 1985 for his latest screen comedy role in Clockwise, which also featured scenes shot in Much Wenlock.

1983: An informal sherry party was held in the grounds of LudlowCastle when Friends of the Festival had the opportunity to meet members of the cast of Antony and CleopatrainJuly 1983. From left,Carol Walker (play director’swife),Councillor Dilys Poole (mayor of Ludlow) and members of the cast, Lois Baxter,Kit Jackson and Paul Shelley.

1969: Three Shrewsbury teenagers went in at the deep end as the temperatureclimbed in July 1969. Having watched many youngsters stealing aswim in the Shirehall ornamental pool, the girls crept nearer and nearer.Suddenly they were hitbyadivertedfountain and were drenched. Jo Showell, Denise Waddington and Bridget Cooper arrived home soaking wet.

1956: Members of the London Bible College passed along the Shrewsbury bypass. They were on their annual summer trek, this time from Chester to Bristol, making 16 stops on the way to preach.

1976: Jackie Egerton, 12, of Platt Mill Farm,Ruyton-XI-Towns, with her champion Jacob sheep ramatOswestry ShowonJuly 30.

1985: All eyes were on the spectacular displays at Shawbury Air Showin July wherethe highlight was the Red Arrows. Unfortunately, gusty winds grounded the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

1979: The Bridgnorth It’sAKnockout squad which beat the French twin town of Thiers. The squad had narrowly failed to find aplace inthe European It’sAKnockout game earlier in the year and then accepted an invitation to play its twin town. The Shropshireteamwon by 80 points to 63.

1985: Actor John Cleese studies his lines surrounded by cows and rolling fields near Ludlow in July wherehewas on location for his latest screen comedy role inClockwise. Much Wenlock wasalsoheavily featured in the film, as areparts of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Children

during

1975: Plans had been drawn up for anew £100,0000 swimming complex in Alveley. It was to be created on the site of pool that had been closed down at Fenn Green. Behind the plans were owner Mrs C.B. Wright and architectural consultant surveyor Mr Roger Fox.

for

1962: Astley Abbotts School, near Bridgnorth, closed in July because so few children lived in the area. Most of the children were to move to St Leonard’sSchool, Bridgnorth. Headmistress Miss Eleanor Teece, whowas retiring, and Miss Frances Cox, gaveone of the last lessons.

1962: In the shadows of late afternoon, artist Mr.W.H.C. Twist, ofNewport, paints by the Old Butter Cross in the village centreatMuch Wenlock.

1985: Mr Ray Matthews, of Much Wenlock, with children andparents who enjoyedtrips on his miniaturetractionengine at Chelmarsh Fete in July.

1976:

at Bellan House School in Oswestry headed outdoors

lessons

the heatwaveofthatyear. Classteacher Miss M. Jones took the youngsters into Cae Glas Park for areading lesson with thehelp of Samantha Shaw.

BOOKS PHILLIPA’SNOVEL FORMOFESCAPISM

HEATHER LARGE TALKS TO ABEST SELLING AUTHOR ABOUT THE TWIST IN THE PLOT OF HER LATEST BOOK

Whether they are set against the backdrop of the Cornish coast or the mountains and fells of the Lake District, Phillipa Ashley’s books help readers to escape from their everyday lives.

And the best-selling author’s latest novel, Second Chance Summer,promises to be no exception.

It tells the storyofLily Harper,who is spending the summer at aremote retreat on the Isles of Scilly but is itching to get back to civilisation –and her business.

Slowing down simply isn’t in Lily’s vocabulary,and so she quickly clashes with the gorgeous but dour Sam who runs theretreat.

Just as Lily is about to give up and leave, she is involved in an accident that changes her perspective on everything.

“Her obituary is released prematurely and she doesn’t like what she reads, explains, Phillipa, who was born in Brownhills and now lives near Lichfield. “She decides to rewrite it by changing her life.”

The idea for the book was partly sparked by reading an article about a mistake made by newspaper that ran along obituary of Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite, when in fact it was his brother that haddied.

“He was called the ‘merchant of death’ and he didn’t like it.

“He didn’t want to be remembered that way so he established the Nobel Prize.

“When Ilooked into it, Idiscovered it happens to lots of people. It’s happened to people like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus more recently,” explains Phillipa.

When the mother of one visited the Isles of Scilly on holiday last year,she knew she had found the perfect setting for the story that was forming in her head.

Although Phillipa has always been awriter,having

worked as afreelance journalist and copywriter,she admits she hasn’t always wanted to be anovelist.

But while watching the BBCcostume drama North &South in 2005, she was inspired to write her own version.

As she shared her writingonfan fiction forums, Phillipa realised how much she enjoyed creating characters and plots.

It led to her writing her first novel, Decent Exposure, aromantic comedy set in the Lake District, was published in October 2006.

It won the RNA New Writers Award and was made into aTVmovie called Twelve Men of Christmas which aired on the Lifetime channel in December 2009.

Since then more than 30 of Phillipa’s books

have been published, selling more than amillion copies, and many have been translated into different languages including German, Thai, Turkish, Bulgarian, Italian andRussian.

“I feel really lucky.Some of my friends are retiring and the idea fills me with absolute horror because I’m really enjoying myself,” says Phillipa.

Another enjoyable aspect of her work is interacting with her readers through bookshop events and social media.

Fans of her novels tell her that they relish the escapism they offer as well as their uplifting storylines.

“It was duringthe pandemic that I really realised how much books mean to people. Novels and books were the only form of entertainment not affected by the lockdown.”

n Second Chance Summer,published by Penguin, is available now.For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ PhillipaAshleyAuthor

PENELOPE’S STORY OF ASUPERMODEL

SIXTIES ICON RETURNS TO CATWALK AND DEBUNKS THE ‘AUSTIN POWERS IDEA’ OF THE ERA

Penelope Tree says being a feminist was “completely not a thing” back when she worked as asupermodel in the Sixties.

With her otherworldly look, American-born Tree was discovered as a teenager and swiftly became akey face of London’s Swinging Sixties. She crashed out of the fashion industry in her 20s after developing severe late-onset acne, and has largely kept out of the spotlight since then.

Now 74 years old, Tree is feeling reflective, thinking back to her time in the fashion industry.“Feminism was in such early days that it wasn’t even widely integrated,” she says of the 1960s.

“Being afeminist was completely not athing, whereas now,Ithink girls have alot more sense of their own worth.”

Tree is revisiting her past through aslightly unusual vehicle –rather than going down the tried and tested route of amemoir,she’s written awork of fiction. Piece Of My Heart follows teenager Ari, whose alien-like looks catch the attention

of the fashion industry –she becomes amodel,has aturbulent relationship with an older photographer,and her career comes to an abrupt end when she develops painful adult acne.

If alot of that sounds remarkably familiar,thereare plenty of strains that echo Tree’s own life, but she’s keen to highlight thatit’s not strictly autobiographical. She grew up in New York, for one –not astately English home like Ari –and many of the characters are composites of real people rather than being based on individuals.

BOOKCASE

The Heart In Winter by Kevin Barry, £16.99

Kevin Barry’sfirst novel set in the United States takes us to Butte, Montana, in 1891. Amid the hordes of Irish miners is Tom Rourke, who roams from bar to bar beforeheading on to the opium dens and brothels. That is until he falls in love with anewly-married mail-order bride, Polly Gillespie, and his romantic ideas lead him and his new beau to elope in search of California. At parts violent, touching, and funny, Barry’stale is unpredictable at every turn.

But still, the similarities are there, with Tree explaining: “It was something Ireally wanted talk about and write about for along time. Ithink it was quite an important thing for me to do, it crystallised alot of feelings that Ihad about whole time –feeling had been such a of losses and failures.”

Hey, Zoey by Sarah Crossan, priced £16.99

Reliving such a painful time “put me through alot of emotion”, Tree admits,while ultimately calling the writing process “cathartic”.

She wasn’t the

From the first paragraph you know that Hey, Zoey is going to be something special. Dolores’ relationship with husband David is becoming strained –whenone day she uncovers asecret. That secret comes in the form of Zoey, an animatronic sex doll she finds inthe garage. The book is awell-paced journey into what makes Dolores tick. Both dark and foreboding, yet light and moving, Sarah Crossan embraces silence on the page and never overstates the obvious.

The Road To The Country by Chigozie Obioma, £16.99

only one undergoing changes in the 1970s –Tree says it was happening on awider societal level too. “It really went alot darker,” she says of the end of the Sixties.

Not that the 1960s were as rosyasyou might think –something Tree wanted to make clear in Piece Of My Heart. “People have an Austin Powers idea of how the Sixties were –and if you’re aliving human being, afeeling human being, this was avery mixed time, certainly for girls and women.”

Tree spentdecades out of the limelight –moving to Australia, having two children, discovering Buddhism –before returning to the UK in 1998, now living in the southeastofEngland. Tree hastentatively returned to modelling, returning to the runway for aFendi show in 2020, and appearinginVivienne Westwood’s spring/summer 2024 campaign alongside Naomi Campbell earlier this year.While she’s enjoying dipping her toe back into the world of fashion, Tree hasalways wanted to be awriter–and publishing her first novel is abig step forward for her n Piece Of My Heart by Penelope Tree is published by Moonflower Publishing, priced £18.99. Available now

For his latest book, Nigerian writer Obioma looks back to the Biafran Warinthe lateSixties. The book starts with Kunle –ashy andreclusiveuniversity student –looking for his brother Tunde, when he finds himself accidentally in the thick of the brutal fighting. Obioma powerfully reveals the brutality of war,and while it can be quite dense and heavy reading,there’sthreads of humanity, love andredemption throughout.

White Terror: ATrue Story Of Murder, Bombings And Germany’sFar

Right by Jacob Kushner,£25

White Terror reads like athriller as it charts the terrorist campaign waged by three neo-Nazis in Germany at the start of the millennium, and the policing failures that allowedthem to evadecapturefor adecade. But it is also astark warning about what happens when the authorities do not takecrimes against aminority group seriously.

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

2. Billy Elliot was ahit at the cinema

3. Protesters blockaded the UK’s oil refineries

4. The Queen Mother celebrated her 100th birthday

1. Swimmer Mark Spitz won seven Olympic gold medals

2. British Asians were expelled from Uganda

3. DonnyOsmond told the world about his Puppy Love

4. Jon Voight and Burt Reynolds starred in Deliverance

1. Ronnie and Reggie Kray were found guilty of murder

WHO… was born Charles Hardin Holley in 1936?

WHAT… nationality is the actor Mads Mikkelsen?

WHERE… in Africa are the cities of Safi and Kenitra?

WHEN… wasthe actor Kit Harington born?

WHO… were the original residents of the Hollywood mansion Pickfair?

WHAT… fish is the subject of the book AFish Caught In Time by Samantha Weinberg?

WHERE… was singer George Michael born in 1963?

WHEN… was Catherine Zeta-Jones born?

WHO… won aGolden Globe award as New Star of the Year in aMotion Picture for the 1982 filmButterfly?

WHAT… is thename of the Ian Fleming novel which features the character Vesper Lynd?

WHERE… did Mount Pelee erupt in 1902, destroying the city of Saint-Pierre?

WHEN… did the jazz-art-rock band Burlesque release thealbum Acupuncture?

1. Eminem released his third album The Marshall Mathers LP

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

2. John Lennon and Yoko Ono turned their honeymoon into a‘bed-in’ for peace

3. George Lazenby starred as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

4. Judy Garland died

1. Beatlemania gripped the United States

2. Audrey Hepburn starred in My Fair Lady

3. Cole Porter died

4. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton married for the firsttime

1. Frank Sinatra died

2. Manic Street Preachers released the album This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours

3. Viagra was made available in theUnitedStates

4. Prince Charles celebrated his 50th birthday

1. Buddy Holly died

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

2. The British Motor Corporation launched the Mini

3. John McEnroe was born

4. Henry Cooper won his first Heavyweight title

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WHERE… in South America is Cayenne the capital city?

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WHERE… in Europe are the towns of Chia and Cala Gonone? WHEN… was Shirin Ebadi awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

WHO… released albums Mellow Gold and Sea Change? WHAT… Nobel Prize did Luis Alvarez win in 1968? WHERE… in Germany is the Brandenburg Gate? WHEN… was the actor Dudley Sutton born?

THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

PROGENITOR

A Detachabletapeworm joint. B Large jaw C Ancestor

COMMEASURE

A Resemble. B Equal in measure. C By royal command.

JABOT

A Frill of lace. B Hindu high priest. C Long-toed swamp bird

SECANT

A Alinethat intersects acurve B Withdraw acomment or remark. C Pruningshears.

VOMER

A Abdominal rupture. B Twisted nerve. C Bone in the skull.

CROSSWORD

QUICK CLUES

Across:

1. Stitched (4)

3. Wretched(8)

9. Renew (7)

10. Tine (5)

11. Carrying out (12)

13. Contaminate (6)

15. Fatal (6)

17. Foreboding (12)

20. Indian garment (5)

21. Wander (7)

22. Curiosity (8)

23. Region (4)

Down:

1. Angelic (8)

2. Biscuit (5)

4. On land (6)

5. Suppositional (12)

6. Double (7)

7. Cautious (4)

8. Echo (12)

12. Extreme excitement (8)

14. Enraged (7)

16. Spite (6)

18. Senior (5)

19. Paradise (4)

CRYPTIC

CLUES

Across:

1. European standard bearer (4)

3. See 9Across

9, 23Ac &3Ac. Make atour of the firm and attend to personal affairs (2,5,4,8)

10. Awkwardly bears aweapon (5)

11. What drummers about to retire do (4,1,7)

13. One may become an agricultural freeholder (6)

15. Is the French writer acutely conscious of this? (6)

17 &19Dn Not given the benefitofawarm reception (4,3,2,3,4)

Awriter,Iwas born in Cardiff in 1916. Iwas married to the actress Patricia Neal for thirty years. My autobiographical works include Going Solo, and my popular novels for children include Matilda and The Enormous Crocodile.

Atelevision presenter,Iwas born in Dumfries in 1955. Ihavepresented Radio 4’s The World At One and the television arts programme The Late Show.Icurrently co-present Newsnight on BBC2.

20. An exhortation to friends –theymay appear in the ring (5)

21. Man who is engaged about the end of the session to provide the wherewithal (7)

22. Bandage covering the body (8)

23. See 9Across Down:

1. They hold up the train on the way to the match (8)

2. Fasten up atrailingplant (5)

4. In avarietyof tunes one dispenses with the strings (6)

WHAT’SMY NAME?

service in Cuba, Iwas investigated by the US government for violating a commercial embargo. My well-known documentary films include Bowling For Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11.

5. Orders teaching before the start of school (12)

6. Welcome amining engineer returning with atool used for drilling (7)

7. Notices apalindrome (4)

8. Near thecapital of Belgium, partisans to get mixed up with Napoleon’s men (12)

12. Increases some inclination (8)

14. Performmajor work in the theatre? (7)

16. Bird showin’ shortness of breath (6)

18. Saw amusical group on therise(5)

19. See 17 Across

1 2 3 4 5 6

Adirector,Iwas born in Michigan in 1954. After filming thehealth

Asinger,Iwas born in Reykjavik in 1965. Ihave belonged to several bands, including Spit and Snot and the Sugarcubes. My hit singles include Hyperballad and It’s Oh So Quiet, and

my most recent album is entitled Fossora, released in 2022.

An actor,Iwas born in Germany in 1955. Istarred in the US TV series Moonlighting. Ihave five children, named Rumer,Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn, and in 2000 Ireceived an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in aComedy Series for my appearance in Friends.

An actress, Iwas borninOntario in 1973. Iwas married the British actor John Light for four years. I rose to fame in the US TV series Party Of Five, and my films include Scream and Churchill: The Hollywood Years.

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. Biblical ship builder 2. Perceivesound 3. Encircle 4. Sudden blast of wind 5. Furniturewood 6. Lock openers 7. Simmered dish 8. Sobbed 9. Team trip 10. Wetweather 11. Hitler supporter 12. Greek letter 13. Dull pain 14. Makes mistakes 15. Croon 16. Wayofwalking

Key word clue: Fish type

1 23 1 2 3 4 5 6

1. Unable to hear 2. Nourish 3. Romantic appointment 4. Mix of style and vigour 5. Fingertip cover 6. Molten volcanic rock 7. Male voice 8. Portent 9. Tidy 10. Amphibian 11. Sullen 12. Ladder section 13. Present 14. Let know 15. Floor covering 16. Dolts Key word clue: Football term

The committee voted for three candidates. Susanna got two thirds of the votes, Elizabeth got aquarterand Emilia got the remaining threevotes. How many voted?

Seven years ago, Nathaniel was exactly seven times as old as his nephew Bartholomew.Five years ago, Nathaniel was only five times as old as Bartholomew How old is Bartholomew?

Iamthinkingofasix-digit number.Ifyou move its first pair of digits and put them after the others, you get precisely double the number Given that the first digit is 1and thelast digit is 7, what is the number Iamthinking of?

Atriangular plot of land contained atree which stood 14 metres from each side. Given thattwo of the sides of the triangle were 50 and 78 metres respectively,what was the length of the third side?

The sum of the ages of Maria and her two little children comes to 44, and the product of the three ages is 444. How old is Maria?

Jodie is twice as old as James would be if Jodie were half as old as James would be if Jodie were half as old as James would be if Jodie were half as old as James is. They are both in theirtwenties, and we have of course taken ages in complete years. How old is Jodie?

1. White cooking fat 2. Daybreak 3. Tailed amphibian 4. Row,rank 5. Govern 6. Always 7. Wealthy 8. Cause pain to 9. Gratuities 10. Lather 11. Smack 12. Tablet 13. Plant part 14. Money reserve 15. Flat circular object 16. Type of fish Key word clue: Musician

WHAT’SON

JULY

4

Canadian indie-folk music band The Fugitives make along-awaited return to the UK this summer with aconcert at St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury,aspart of athree-week tour

Based in Vancouver,they bring brilliant musicianship, top-notch songwriting, complex vocal harmonies and afunny,uplifting vibe to their live performances.

Described as ‘the missing link between Leonard Cohen and The Pogues’, they’ve received numerous nominations from theCanadian Folk Music Awards, as well as aJUNO –the Canadian version of aGRAMMY

Since their last visit in 2017, theband have recorded anew albumentitled No Help Coming, which will be on sale at their concerts.

Tickets for The Fugitives concert at St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury, are £16 from www.wegottickets.com/ TheFugitivesShrewsbury

5&6

AlderFest returns to Alderford Lake, near Whitchurch, on July 5and 6. Friday Night’s Dance Anthems features all the biggest dance floor bangers from the 90s and 00s. Ultrabeat is joined on the line-up by 90s dance legends Phats and Small and Kevin and Perry. Radio 1DJScott Mills will finish off the night with aset full of 90s and 00s dance anthems.

AJ and Curtis Pritchard are back for their third year of presenting AlderFest and will be hosting the entire weekend.

Saturday headliners SClub areset to

bringtheir infectious energy and timeless hits. They are joined on the bill by Example, Boyzlife and Atomic Kitten.

To buy tickets visit www.alderfest.com

6Brewood Jubilee Hall hosts Brewood Singers’ Summer Concert entitled ‘Singing in Summer’totake place in the Jubilee Hall commencing at 7.30pm.

The special guests at this concert will be the male acappella choir,Cor Bach Choir from North Staffordshire, who in 2022 were the winners of the ‘Midlands Choir of the Year’atthe Lichfield Festival. Formed in 2018, as agroup wishing to ‘do something different’, somewhat away from the traditional male voice choir singing within which most of us were schooled.

The Brewood Singers choir was formed over 50 years ago and is aSATB choir of around 40 people who enjoy singing and performing. They sing harmonic arrangements of songs from film, theatre, pop and also light traditional choir music and perform in avariety of venues including churches, garden centres, village halls,etc. Just some of the popular titles to be performed on the night include Thank you for theMusic, Make YouFeel My Love, Million Dreams plus, And So It Goes (Billy Joel), Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Bring your own nibbles, as there will be alicensed bar in the hall offering aselection of drinks, so thatyou can sit back and let the choir entertain you with aprogramme of light, popular music. There will be araffle, proceeds

from which will support the Alzheimer’s Society

The tickets cost just £10 each and are available from choir members, the choir’s website at www.brewoodsingers.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0790 069 3754.

9/10

After the hugely successful Him and Me Tour,the nation’sfavourite double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, are back with their brand new live tour –Together!

Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton and Giovanni will bring morefun, more dance, more song, andeven more entertainment. The show will be a mesmerising experience for all ages, showcasing the duo’s incredible talents and irresistible chemistry on stage. With acollection of breathtaking routines, innovative choreography,and aseamless blend of traditional and contemporary dance styles, plus musicaltheatre,fans are guaranteed an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Fortickets costing £37-£54, visit www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/ anton-giovanni-2024/

10

Shropshire’s rural theatre company,Pentabus, has another act in its50th birthday celebrations.

On Wednesday,July 10, the charity will be holding aTheatre Promenade Supper

There are alimited number of tickets

Alderfest returns to AlderfordLakenear Whitchurch on July 5&6, when Curtis Pritchardwill host alongside brother AJ. Strictly star Anton Du Bekejoins Giovanni Pernice for their livetour Together at TheatreSevernonJuly 9&10.

for the event andorganisers expect it to sell out. The night will start at Pentabus’ new home at Ludlow Assembly Rooms for acomplimentaryglass of fizz, courtesy of Tanners, andsomelive entertainment. Attendees will be dividedintothree smaller groups where they will walk between three Ludlow venues for a starter,main course, anddessert.

Kin Kitchen, CSONS, andBill’s Kitchen will provide each group with a course before they walk to thenext venue.

Along with delicious food, entertainment will include Zoe Hanna May who grew up in Shropshire and whose career took off when she appeared on the BBC’sThe Voice UK.

The Theatre Promenade Supper is taking place in Ludlow.Tobook your place visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ pentabus

11-14The 2024 Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (SICF) runs from 11 to 14 with a flagship gala show taking place at Theatre Severn on Sunday,July 14.

It is always the icing on the cake for this hugely popular event. However, the festival encompasses araft of other venues around the town including Albert &Co, Frankville, The Loft at The Old Post Office, Henry Tudor Inn, The Old Market Hall and RadBeer,and all manner of comedians namely Dom HattonWoods, Scott Bennett, Dave Twentyman, Dean Coughlin, Ignacio Lopez, TezIlyaz, Josh Jones, James Cook, Freddy Quinne, Jenny Hart, Michael Odewale, Rob

Mulholland, Harriet Dyer and Michelle Shaughnessy

SICF’s nominated charity for 2024 is Severn Hospice and it will be donating money based on ticket sales to the organisation. There will also be an opportunity for audiences to make a personal contribution at all thefestival performances.

Tickets for the various shows are available to view and book online here: www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/ shrewsburyinternationalcomedyfestival/ or through the Theatre Severn box office 01743 281281.

12

Rhythm of the Dance returns to the UK with anew production as part of its 25th Anniversary global tour Fans can join ajourney through Ireland’s history from the ancient, rich in legend and myth, to the modern, urban Ireland that we seetoday,bursting with talent.

Featuring world-class musicians who play live on stage, star vocalists singing live and world-champion dancers, the show is acompletely captivating twohour experience of pulsating rhythms performed at lightning speed with slick choreography

Visit www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/ whatson/rhythm-of-the-dance/ for £35 tickets.

13

The UK’s biggest andbestloved retro festival will return to Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park.

This year’s Let’s Rock Shrewsbury

will feature such big names as Squeeze and Bananarama. Other artists on the bill include Martin Kemp, with aDJ set, Go West, NikKershaw,Kim Appleby,and Altered Images.

The gates open at 11am with the festival starting at midday and finishing at 10:30pm –times may vary

Tickets cost £39-£63 from www letsrockshrewsbury.com/

13

Telford Stamp Fair takes place between 10am and 2pm at the Belmont Community Hall, Wellington, Telford, TF1 1HJ.

The hall is off the far side of the free TanBank car parkfrom the entrance in TanBank.

The free fair offers agood range of stamps, postcards andcoins, with items bought andsold. Accessories will also be for sale. See material before buying and talk to thedealers. Freshlycooked light refreshments available.

Forany enquiries, call Richard Camp on 01952405458.

14

The Cuan Wildlife Rescue Open Day &Dog Show takes place from 10am to 5pm.

This is the one day of the year when you’ll get the opportunity to see behind the scenes at one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the UK and see wildlife being cared for by the Wildlife Care Assistants.

There is lots to see and do, with a FunDog Show organised by Telford PetServices,craft stalls, charity stalls,

Bananarama will be among acts gracing the stage at Let’sRockShrewsbury in The Quarry on July 13, while Scott Bennett will be appearing at Henry Tudor Inn in Shrewsbury on July 13 and Albert &CoonJuly 14 as part of the 2024 Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival.

games, raffle, tombolas, bouncy castles, face painting and balloon modelling by Fantasy Castles, food and drink stalls,ice cream van –and much more.

There is entertainment in the marquee, including belly dancing, line dancing and aukulele workshop.

Entry is just £5 per person –under 10’s go free!

The centre is based in Stretton Road, Much Wenlock,Shropshire, TF13 6DD.

14

Exactly 15 years since mega UK boy band JLS first shot to No1 with their debut single Beat Again,the London boys play aspecial one-off mega summer outdoor showatThe Quarry, Shrewsbury

After wowing audiences on their 18-date UK arena tour in theautumn, the Brit Award-winning pop phenomenons bring all the hits, energy,and charisma of the arena tour,but with the added freedom of the open air.It’ll be the JLS

stars under the magic of astarry night. With astring of chart hits behind them including Beat Again, Everybody In Love, She Makes Me Wanna, One Shot and Love YouMore, this special show in Shrewsbury will bring all the live excitement, acrobatic vivacity and JLS sparkle that’s become the band’s signature performance.

Tickets are £52.50 from www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/jls/

19&20

The Art Group at Wellington Methodist Church recently enjoyed an inspiring watercolour workshop with one of Britain’s leading painters Charles Evans, all in preparation for their summer exhibition at the church on July 19 and 20 from 10am till 3pm both days.

Refreshments, including homemade cakes, will be served at the exhibition with the usual coffee morning on Saturday Entrance is free.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 107-109

REMEMBER WHEN: 1.2000, 2.1972, 3.1969, 4.1964, 5 1998, 6.1959.

FOUR Ws: 1.Buddy Holly; Danish; Morocco; 1986. 2 Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford; Coelacanth; London; 1969. 3.Pia Zadora; Casino Royale; Martinique; 4.1977. Billie Joe Armstrong; The Gambia; French Guiana; 1995. 5.Dom Mintoff; Popol Vuh; Sardinia; 2003. 6.Beck; Nobel Prizein Physics; Berlin; 1933.

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

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Sewn; 3 Pathetic; 9 Refresh; 10 Prong; 11 Perpetration; 13 Infect; 15 Deadly; 17 Presentiment; 20 Dhoti; 21 Meander; 22 Nosiness; 23 Area.

Down: 1 Seraphic; 2 Wafer; 4 Ashore; 5 Hypothetical; 6 Twofold; 7 Cagy; 8 Repercussion; 12 Hysteria; 14 Furious; 16 Animus; 18 Elder; 19 Eden.

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Pole; 3 Business; 9 Go about; 10 Sabre; 11 Beat aretreat; 13 Yeoman; 15 Accent; 17

26

The Three Inch Fools take The Secret DiaryofHenry VIII and The Comedy of Errors to Acton Scott Hall at 7pm.

The Three Inch Fools, known for their contemporary spin on the traditional touring troupe, will tour twonew shows. These rowdy reimaginings of historical greats will see the Fools use their fastpaced, physical storytelling style with uproarious music-making at its heart. Brand new work The Secret Diary of Henry VIII, provides an essential guide on how to keep your head in the Tudor Court.

The Fools will also bring their unique twist to The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s shortest –and wildest –comedy.The Play That Goes Wrong’s Sean Turner directs this farcical tale of long-losttwins, hysterical misunderstandings,and endless mishaps Formore details visit www.threeinchfools. com/upcoming-performances/

Left out in the; 20 Opals; 21 Finance; 22 Dressing; 23 One’s. Down: 1 Pageboys; 2 Liana; 4 Unties; 5 Instructions; 6 Embrace; 7 Sees; 8 Bonapartists; 12 Steepens; 14 Operate; 16 Puffin; 18 Tenon; 19 Cold.

WHAT’S MY NAME?: 1.Roald Dahl. 2.KirstyWark. 3 Michael Moore. 4.Bjork (Gudmundsdottir). 5.Bruce Willis. 6 Neve Campbell.

WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Noah 2.Hear 3.Ring 4.Gust 5.Teak 6.Keys 7.Stew 8.Wept 9.Tour 10.Rain 11.Nazi 12.Iota 13 Ache 14.Errs 15.Sing 16.Gait

Key word solution:WHITING

WORDSPIRAL 2: 1.Deaf 2.Feed 3.Date 4.Elan 5.Nail 6 Lava 7.Alto 8.Omen 9.Neat 10.Toad 11.Dour 12.Rung 13 Gift 14.Tell 15.Lino 16.Oafs

Key word solution: OFFSIDE

WORDSPIRAL 3: 1.Lard 2.Dawn 3.Newt 4.Tier 5.Rule 6 Ever 7.Rich 8.Hurt 9.Tips 10.Suds 11.Slap 12.Pill 13.Leaf 14.Fund 15.Disc 16.Carp

Key word solution: HARPIST

IMPOSSIPUZZLES: 1.36. 2

.20years

The Three Inch Fools bring The Secret Diary of Henry VIII and The Comedy of Errors to Acton Scott Hall on July 26, while on July 14 JLS will be performing in aspecial one-off outdoor showinThe Quarry Park in Shrewsbury.

TheHoly Bible,although largely neglected at presentcertainly does contain amessage of hope for the futurebeyond the presentdistress It does tell us of this unprecedentedtrouble “Men’s hearts failingthem forfear, and forlooking after thosethingswhich arecomingonthe earth. ” Luke 21v26

However, in John 14v3 Jesusgavethe assurance to his disciples “I will come again. .” He will return to end man’sruleand setupthe Kingdom of Godand establish true peace on earth Forenquirespleasewrite to Christian Household c/o 14 Main Street, Bradmore, Nottingham,