Shropshire Magazine June 2024

SECRET GARDENS

Gatesopeningfor annual event

STATELY RENOVATION

Designer gives historichallafacelift

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Theatre group marksmilestone

BUSINESS BLOOMING

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

DISTRIBUTION, SALES &SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 174064

CONTRIBUTORS

Ed Thomas, John Shone, Dani Wozencroft, Simon Jones, Bill McCarthy

PUBLISHED BY

MNA Media, Telford

PRINTED BY

Precision Colour Printing, Halesfield, Telford

www.shropshiremagazine.com

FEATURES SELECTION

7Stately renovation

Heather Large meets the interior designer who has turned her clients’ dreams into reality at acounty mansion.

11

Theatremilestone

Pentabus Theatrehas been entertaining audiences for 50 years. Matthew Panter finds out moreabout the group’sstory.

26 Interiors

Toptips to help you style up your outside space ready for some al fresco dining.

33 Coverstory

As British flowers become more popular, Heather Large chats to aflowerfarmer whose business is blooming.

39

FlowerFestival

Matthew Panter finds out about aflowerfestival to mark horticultralist ClaireAustin’s 25 years in business.

43

Secret gardens

Heather Large discovers what delights areinstoreatanannual open gardens event.

47 Charity celebration

The Lingen Davies Cancer Fund marks 45 years of caring for people across the region.

51 Village history

Heather Large meets the team of volunteers who are preserving their village history for futuregenerations.

55 Tales of Wild Edric

Daniel Morris talks to the county author who has turned his interest in an historical figure into aliterary career

59 Royal guest

Princess Anne meets volunteers carrying on the work of charity founders Eglantyne Jebb and Dorothy Buxton.

63 Master of marmalade

Andy Richardson chats to a Shropshire-born marmalade maker whose hobby has earned him aworld title and acontract with atop store.

66 Man on amission

Ed Thomas meets the chef with apassion for local produce.

88 Social Scene

High Sheriff Brian Welti begins his year in office, ladies gather for afundraiser and restaurants host asecret supper night.

97 Magical Maldives

Sarah Marshall visits the Indian Ocean paradise that has been attracting Brits for 50 years.

110 What’sOn

From concerts to food festivals, open gardens to theatreshows, thereisplenty going on around the county this June.

MANSION GETS AN EXPERT MAKEOVER

HEATHER LARGE MEETS SHROPSHIRE-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER LUCINDAMARTINWHO HAS COMBINED CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY TO GIVE 18TH CENTURY BERWICK HOUSE ANEW LOOK

Built in 1731, Berwick House been been loved by the same family for six generations.

This grand Grade II* listed Georgian-Victorian mansion in Shrewsbury has been undergoing a transformation so it can be enjoyed for many more years to come.

Shropshire-based interior designer Lucinda Martin has been helping owner Will Angell-James andhis wife Kassidy to renovate and redecorate the property as a family home –and also as an occasional venue for weddings and celebratory events.

Lucinda, who has designed and managed an extensive portfolio of projects, ranging from stately homes to city pied-à-terres, has relished the opportunity to make their vision for Berwick House areality

Combining classic and contemporary design, she hasrefreshed more than 20 rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms and common rooms such as the dining room, library,double drawing room and billiard room.

Lucinda, who grew up near Oswestry, began work around 18 months ago but was already somewhat familiar with the house although she had never stepped foot inside.

“I had known about Berwick House for alongtime. We have asmall

holding and horses. Iused to compete in side saddle and hunters classes at the showground, which is part of the Berwick estate,” she explains.

After attending Thomas Adams School in Wemand Shrewsbury High School, Lucinda studied history of art at the University of Nottingham.

She went on to gain aMerit in Architectural Interior Design from the Inchbald School of Design in London.

Her mentor was Caroline Lawson of Chelsea Decorators, which has offices in Baschurch and in London.

An advisor to the National Trust,

Caroline helped Lucinda to build on her knowledge of classical design and historical architecture, standing her in good stead for the project at Berwick House.

Since setting up her own Shropshire interior design practice, Lucinda Martin Interior Design, the 31-year-old has also worked on the restoration of alate 18th Century Georgian Grade II listed mansion on the edge of Richmond Park.

Other projects include contemporary style homes in Kent andHertfordshire, as well as the renovation and interiors of a compact London pied-à-terre.

Lucinda was delighted when she was commissioned by the Angell-James family to carry out the redecoration of their substantial stately home.

“This is adream jobwhere Ihave enormous scope for designing so many individual rooms and injecting the colour and asometimes quirky style the clients have asked for,while respecting the classical architecture and bones of the historic building,”she explains.

The original Georgian facade of Berwick House and the U-shaped stable block were designed by eminent Frances Smith of Warwick for the owner Thomas Powys.

The house as it stands today had later Victorian ‘improvements’. In 1875, it was bought by James Watson, aBirmingham

cheese merchant. He established one of the earliest herds of Jersey cattle on the Berwick estate which are still there today

In 1877, he employed Frank Barlow Osborn and Alfred Reading who made the Victorian alterations to the south-west facade as well as some elements of the South-east facade and the portecochere.

Since then, the house has passed down the female line to the present day Angell-James family –Will is the second son.

Before starting work, Lucinda spent time to getting to know the property including its layout and history as well as her clients’ plans for the house

“It’s averyimpressive house from the outside. Idid alittle bit of research before Iwent. It’s partly Georgian and partly Victorian so Ihad to get my head around which bits were which,” she explains.

“I don’t think the interiors had been touched for the last 100 years so there was alot to do.

“I had adiscussion with the clients to understand how they wanted to use the rooms, what they loved about the rooms and what they wanted to alter or change,” adds Lucinda.

To help give the family an idea of what the redecorated rooms could look like, she produced concept images and also talked through options for soft furnishings and window treatments.

Priding herself on her attention to detail, Lucinda has adedicated upholstery and soft furnishings workroom studio to enable her to provide abespoke service.

Her designs also incorporated existing antiques and paintings within the house that had been collected by family members through the decades.

The project has also included the creation of new rooms, working with architect William Flint, to make the property more suitable for 21st century living.

“There were only three bathrooms between 17 bedrooms so we spent time carefully putting in en-suites,” she says

ForLucinda, it’s been very satisfying and rewarding to watch all of the different elements come together to give the rooms anew lease of life.

“I’ve thoroughlyenjoyed it and the clients have been fantastic to work for,” she says.

“I think one of wonderful things about being an interior designer is that the jobs are so varied –and so arethe clients.

“What we do as interior designers is also very varied. One day we might be putting together fabric samples andthe next day we might be sourcing apair of antique sideboards, driving to antique houses and speaking to trade supplies.

“Seeing something through from the initial idea to it coming to life and seeing

how happy the clients are with it when it’s done is brilliant.

“I take great pleasure helping clients create homes which suit their lifestyle with asympathetic approach to historic houses. Ilove achallenge!”

Berwick House, which sits within 3,000 acres of farmland, can be hired on an exclusive-use basis for weddings, events and parties.

“It’s such an amazing building for people in Shrewsbury,and Shropshire as awhole, to have accessto,” says Lucinda. “There are alot of impressive houses around but you don’t always get to see inside them unless they belong to the National Trust. We’re very lucky in this county,” she adds.

n Formore information, seewww lmid.co.uk and www.berwick-house.com

Page 8: Berwick House, near Shrewsbury; Lucinda at work

Page 9: Clockwise from top left:, Berwick Hallway; the family bathroom; the principal bedroom overlooking Berwick gardens; the principal bedroom.

Photos: Lucy Rebecca Photography

CURTAIN’S UP FOR 50THANNIVERSARY

MATTHEW PANTER PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON THEATRE GROUP PENTABUS AS IT CELEBRATES ITS HALF CENTURY AND PREPARES ATOPICAL NEW MUSICAL TO HELP MARK THE MILESTONE

It’s ayearthat–quiterightly –couldn’t go unmarked.

Rural theatrecompany Pentabus, based in Shropshire, headed into 2024 ready to celebrate its 50th year

Over five decades, Pentabus has produced more than 300 new plays, supported 120 playwrights and reached over half-a-million audience members. It’s little wonder,then, that The Guardian once described it as ‘one of British theatre’s unsungtreasures’.

Now,in2024, the stage was set to celebrate amagnificent milestone and when you have made areal difference to communities, it’s important to do so.

So how do you mark such agolden moment in your history? Aparty would be great, of course, and yet it feels like 50 years needs something more.

It is an opportune moment to reflect

on the past but also look towards an exciting future.

It’s that future which hasprompted the start of anew journey –with themove to anew home.

Pentabus’ move to the recently refurbished Ludlow Assembly Rooms places the organisation in the centre of the rural market town. After 40 years

on the farm estate at the Old School House in Bromfield, the move will give Pentabus along-term home and make the organisation more accessible to artists and audiences alike with good public transport links.

The group is hoping, with the Assembly Rooms, to provide adedicated libraryand hang-out space specially created by the award-nominated designer Charlie Cridlan.

And yet the move also allows the organisation to remain rooted in the local rural community,which is where its heart lies –bringing communities and young people together and taking outstanding contemporary productions with sectorleading creative teams directly to isolated people, as well as platforming rural stories in urban settings.

Artistic director Elle While took her

post during the pandemic and said: “I feel privileged to be leading Pentabus through its 50th year,with its extraordinary history of taking theatre to some of the hardest to reach places and elevating voicesthat are so often unheard.

“We’ve embarked on this special year and it feels fitting to mark our 50th with a move to be the resident theatre company of the Ludlow Assembly Rooms.”

“The entire team is thrilled to make the Assembly Rooms our new home, it really is awonderful thing,” adds Verity Overs-Morrell, executive director

“Wehad been at the Old School House for 40 years so it’s been amission to move all of that history from one building to another,sorting out all the archiving and packingitaway.

“Wehave had abrillianttime at the Old School House. It has been a wonderful journey but we feel it will be much more beneficial to be in the centre of atown and more in the public eye.

“The warmth we received during our recent production of Driftwood and our Young Writers showcases at thevenue was truly heartening so we eagerly look forward to having more audiences be a part of Pentabus. We are out there and we just want more and more people in Shropshire to know the great work we are doing.”

Pentabus –the name –isderived from the five counties around Shropshire (penta) –and bus as that was the mode of transport used to tour,with the group going into schools and village halls.

It is always new shows andstories that aretold and put on nationally

Pentabus also excels at finding and nurturing new talent andhave hosted Writers in Residences since 2014.

These playwrights have gone on to be commissioned by the Birmingham Rep, Bristol Old Vic, Hampstead Theatre, HighTide, Manchester Royal Exchange, Nottingham Playhouse, Royal Court, The Bush, and the National Theatre.

The theatre group also champions people of all ages to explore their talent with particular emphasis on developing pathways into careers in the creative industries for those under-represented, and people who live rurally under 30.

As aresult, audiences can look forward to Seen by Pentabus Young Writers on June 15-16. Seen showcases new short plays written by eight emerging writers from the Borders and the West Midlands on Pentabus’ flagship Local Young Writers Programme, performed at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

It is described as afunny,honest and vibrant celebration of diverse voices, exploring their unique perspectives on the world.

Then Pentabus will look forward to Make Good, anew musical three years

in the making that tells the storyofthe Post Office Scandal. The group will coproduce it with NewPerspectives.

“It’s imperative to tell these stories so they don’t happen again,” says Verity. “MakeGood is our big 50thanniversary show and we are looking forward to getting it out across the country.”

Based on abook by Jeanie O’Hare with music and lyrics by Jim Fortune, the show will tour in the autumn with dates and venues to be announced in the coming months. Elle, who has directed Driftwood, One Of Them Ones andIdyll for Pentabus, will now turnher hand to this production. And she believes there’s no more fitting play for Pentabus to be involved with during its 50th year

“When Jeanie approached me with the idea of making amusical inspired by the stories of the wrongly accused subpostmasters, Iknewthiswas aPentabus story,” she adds. “Their campaign started in avillage hall and it feels apt that Pentabus and New Perspectives intend to take this heroic storyback into the villages and kind of community spaces where this fightback began.”

An important story is, you sense, in safe hands with Pentabus. And, talking of stories, the theatre group’s own story is one that is set to go on and on in its new home.

As part of the anniversary year,they

have launched acampaigntosign up 50 businesses who will make aone-off donation to support their work producing new plays made with and for isolated rural communities with the least engagement in the arts.

Tanners Wine Merchant is the first business to sign up for the 50th anniversary campaign. The family-run business is an independent shipper of estate wines. Chairman James Tanner said: “Weare delighted to be part of Pentabus’ campaign to sign up 50 new businesses in their 50thyear.Ata time when funding in the arts hasdeclined, it’s

important to support the organisations that are keeping the sector thriving.”

Pentabus is looking for more businesses to donate aone-off contribution of £500 towards the company’s work. In recognition of support, they will acknowledge each business in their printed play texts, which have both local and national distribution.

Businesses will be credited online and in their programmes for shows as well as on awall of supporter fame which will be on display at Ludlow Assembly Rooms. They will also be invited to their 50th birthday events and receive aVIP invite to their touring showlater in the year

If you are interested in supporting Pentabus, contact Cerin Mills at cerin@ pentabus.co.uk

n To find out more about becoming a ‘friend’ of Pentabus and for tickets to see MakeGood, visit www.pentabus.co.uk

PAGE 11: Members of the Pentabus team.

PAGE 12&13: Images from the group’s recent productions, including Driftwood by TimFoley and WhereDoWeGoFromHere by Pentabus Young Writers; MakeGood is the group’snextproduction.

Photos: Andrew Billington

STUNNINGHOUSE IN POPULAR SPOT

This stunning five-bedroom Georgian-style detached residence combines classic elegance with modern comfort.

Situated in the desirable Spa Crescent, Telford, the house has been meticulously designed to offer luxury,space and a convenient location. It is on the market with Prestige by Mannleys foroffers in the region of £825,000.

As you approach the property,you’ll immediately notice the exceptional curb appeal and the beautifully landscaped gardens that surround it. The driveway provides ample parking space, and there is adouble garage with an electric door.

The property’s spacious layout provides aperfect flow,ideal forboth entertaining and everyday living. It boasts three reception rooms, including asitting room, afamily room, and adining room, aspacious breakfast kitchen, utility room and aground floor wc.

Upstairs, you’ll find the main bedroom, complete with an en-suite

bathroom and adressing area. The design is both elegant and functional, creating atranquil retreat within your own home. The four further bedrooms all feature fitted wardrobes. The family bathroom is equipped with modern fixtures and fittings, ensuring comfort and convenience for the whole family

Throughout the house, the attention to detail is evident. The property benefits from gas central heating and double glazing, ensuring warmth and energy efficiency

Every property within the crescent holds an identical stake in theverdant expanse stretching before them, referred to as Westminster Green.

The location of this property is truly fantastic. Situated in ahighly sought-after development, you’ll have access to great local amenities nearby,including schools, shops, and recreationalfacilities. The excellent road links make commuting a breeze, allowing for easy access to other parts of Telford and beyond.

In conclusion, this magnificent detached residence offers the perfect blend of luxury,space, and convenience. With its stunning design, outstanding landscaping, and sought-after location, this property is sure to impress. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this house your dream home –aninspection is essential to fully appreciate the many merits it has to offer

Contact Prestige by Mannleys today to arrange aviewing and start your journey towards living in the lap of luxury

Welcome

pool

Immaculate 5-bed detached executivehome in Market Drayton. Featuring an open plan kitchen/dining/family

with acentral island,spacious

with bifold

to landscaped gardens,and

and

bedroom with walkin wardrobe and en-suite, guest bedroom with en-suite, and three double bedrooms with afamily bathroom. Convenientutilityroom, WC, and ample parking.Enjoylowmaintenancegardens and nearby amenities

Experienceluxuryliving in this new build home in RedLake, Shropshire. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious reception area, this property blends style,comfort, and functionality perfectly Situated in a small development with excellent local amenities and convenientroad links,convenienceisassured The open plan kitchen/dining/family room is a showstopper, complementedbyalarge sitting room.With agarage,driveway, and landscaped garden, this property offers both comfortand luxury.

Discover fine living in this stunning 4-bedroom detached house in prime Edgmond,Newport. Featuring an open plan kitchen/dining/ family room, main bedroom with en-suite, guest bedroom with en-suite, and twogenerous bedrooms with afamily bathroom. Enjoyaprivate gatedplot with parking and landscaped gardens Personalise finishes and fixtures.Completion in August 2024 with a10-year warranty.ConvenienttoNewportTownCentreamenities

EDWARDIAN DELIGHT

This particularly well-appointed, much improved and attractively presented, Edwardian, fivebedroomed family residence is on the market with Miller Evans.

The semi-detached home in North Hermitage, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury,has an asking price of £650,000

This delightful home provides well planned and well proportioned accommodation throughout.

Situated in abrilliant location on alovely street, just ashortwalk from Coleham, with its fantastic and varied range of amenities and outstanding primary school, you are also only afew minutes’ walk to the town centre.

Sympathetic attention to the Edwardian aesthetic means that the

original character of this home is retained with details such as separate reception rooms and William Morris wallpaper in the garden room,hall, landing and bedroom two.

The kitchen and breakfast room benefitfrom morning light and are bright and airy.These arethe only rooms that don’t have the original fireplace. There is apassive solar system for the provision of hot water via panels on the south facing roof.Gas central heating throughout.

Apanelled entrancedoor with decorative leaded lights to theentrance hall, off which is the sitting room which has abay window to thefront. The dining room/gardenroom boasts polished woodblock floor and glazed Frenchdoors onto the garden to the rear

There is abreakfast room and apantry

The kitchen has arange of bespoke handbuilt units with granite working surfaces and integrated appliances. There is also a utility room and downstairs WC.

From the entrance hall, stairs rise to the landing which features astained glass window commissioned by the current owners. Off the landing are three bedrooms and aspacious shower room. A further staircase risesto the second floor where there aretwo morebedrooms.

Outside, there is atimber garage. The propertyisset behind an ornamental dwarf wall with decorative wroughtiron railings.A gateway allows access to the rear south-facingwalled garden which features two patio areas, well-stocked borders, lawned area and apotting shed.

Atruly immaculate,much improved and well appointed, superior,detached four/five bedroom family residencesituatedinthis popular and desirable location on the westernfringe of the towncentre, close to excellentamenities and popular schools.The accommodation, which is presentedtoanexacting standardbythe present owners,brieflycomprises; entrancehall,cloakroom, study,dining room, superbopen-plan living room/kitchen with bi-folding doors to agarden room, utility. Master bedroom with en-suiteshowerroom, three further bedrooms and family bathroom. Double garage with asuperbstudio/family room above. Ample parking and agood sized well maintained rear garden. Bowbrook

Astunning,truly immaculate,and much improved townhouse with well-proportioned accommodation arranged over three floors brieflycomprising; entrancehall, cloakroom, utility, dining room opening into superbkitchen with centralisland unitand integrated appliances.First floor sitting room with opening to reading room and bathroom. Master bedroom with en-suiteshowerroomand twofurther bedrooms to the second floor.The property benefits from acourtyard garden and two allocatedparking spaces and is situatedina prime fringe of townlocation, within walking distanceofdistanceall the major towncentrethoroughfares,fashionable bars and restaurants,boutique style shops,theatreSevern, the Shrewsburyrailway station and ashort walk to the renowned Quarry Park and Dingle Gardens.

CHARMINGHOME IN IDYLLICAREA

Rowbrook Farm is acharming country propertydating back to about 1764, situated in a beautiful part of Shropshire with expansive views towards the Shropshire Hills.

It is on themarket with Savills with a guide price of £1,100,000

The beautifully presented property, which is south facing, has been in the same ownership for over 25 years and has been thoughtfully renovated and updated.

The main house has aspacious living room with parquet flooring, awood burner and double doors onto the patio and gardens. There is a floor hatch, which provides access to the ventilated cellar below.The ‘honey’room, is now asnug/ family room and was once used to store honey

The farmhouse-style kitchen and dining space is the heart of thehome, with base units, atwo-oven oil AGA, tiled flooring, granite worktops and aseparate traditional pantry.There is autility room and separate WC with aboot/boiler room.

The entrance hallway hasa staircase rising to the first floor and landing area. There is adouble bedroom overlooking the gardens and paddock land. The principal bedroom has an en-suite shower room. There is afamily bathroom and a further two double bedrooms.

Set in about 8.78 acres, Rowbrook Farm has some very useful outbuildings, including the steel-framed building with roller shutter doors, aseparate office, separate workshop, aWCand kitchenette

area. There is also aDutch barn, a traditional sandstonebuilding, atimber frame carport andastable block consisting of eight boxes.

Approached via agated private drive, Rowbrook Farm has an orchard, formal gardens and avegetablepatch to theside.

The Rowbrook bubbles through the wood at the bottom of the land. The pasture land is separated into paddocks

with timber and wire fencing, and water troughs.

Rowbrook Farm is situated on the edge of the small village of Ryton, commanding magnificent southerly views over The Lawley,Caer Caradoc and the Stretton Hills beyond. Ryton is atraditional villagewith afriendly community that hosts many activities based around the church hall and pub.

Hinstock, Shropshire, TF9

Clun, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7

Betton, Shropshire, TF9

Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4

Peter Daborn Peter Daborn

CONVERTED BARN IN PRETTY HAMLET

Abeautifully presented stone barn conversion in the pretty hamlet of Great Ness, eight and ahalf miles north of Shrewsbury,has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Alistair Hilton, Head of Sales at Balfours, explains: “Oak House was built in the early 19 th centurytoserviceGreat Ness House.

“This lovely local sandstone barn was listed grade II in the 20th century and ultimately has undergone ametamorphic transformation in the 21st century

“The hallway offers adownstairs cloakroom and one of two staircases. You will find doors to the rear of the house and to the lounge, where the focal point

is abeautifully designed stone fireplace, with log stores to each side. Glazing is dual aspect, including Frenchdoors to the terrace.”

He continues: “Tothe opposite side of the hall is thedining room –made very special by a‘skeletal open wall’ of original exposed timbers to asecond feature staircase where aunique feel is achieved with sandstone and curves.

“Onwards this character property provides utility,study and generous sized kitchen, breakfast room, boasting a vaulted ceiling, arrow slitwindows and engineered Oak flooringamongst its assets.”

The main staircase leads to the master bedroom, with en-suite shower room and

fitted wardrobes, asecond bedroom also benefits from fitted wardrobes.

Twofurther bedrooms and afamily bathroom are to be found via the second staircase.

Beyond the terrace apath leads to the garden, predominantly laid to lawn, with specimen fruit trees and avegetable plot. The whole is anchored by four magnificent Oak trees.

Return to the approach and a courtyard provides space for four carsand adouble garage.

Nesscliffe offers the renowned Three Pigeons pub and aprimaryschool. Access to Nesscliffe bypass is just five minutes away.Balfours is marketing Oak House with aguide price of £585,000.

CefnBugeilyn,aWelshlonghousesituatedrurally,boasts opencountryviews,alargebarn,additionaldwellingand 37.30acres(15.10ha)ofgrazingandamenitywoodland.

CountrysideViews,RuralLocation,CharacterfulProperty, SixBedrooms, Acres Ha,TripleGarage,O ce Space,EPC:D

AcharmingstonebuiltEdwardianhousewhichhasbeen extendedtoprovideamodernandcontemporaryfamily livingspaceextendingontoadelightfulprivatemature garden.

FiveBedroomFamilyHome,MeoleVillageLocation,ThreeStoreys, ManyOriginalFeatures,Kitchen/FamilyRoomExtension,Garden CabinWithElectric,MaturePrivateGarden,O -RoadParking,EPC:E

Aspaciousandlight,recentlyrefurbished, vebedroomfamily homefeaturingopenplanlivingandawraparoundgarden, locatedWestofShrewsbury.

CompleteRenovation,Chain-FreeSale,Open-PlanKitchen/Dining/ LivingRoom,FiveBedrooms,DownstairsBedroomwithEn-Suite, Wrap-AroundGarden,DoubleGarage,AmpleParking,EPC:C

Arguablyoneofthemostsought afterprivateresidences inClunwithviewstowardsthecastle,theriverandthe countrysidebeyond.

StunningViews,WalkingDistancetoClunCentre,LargeGardens, SittingRoomwithGasFireplace,Kitchen/BreakfastRoom,Dining Room,Three/FourBedrooms/HomeO ce,SecondKitchen/ tility, PotentialAnnexe/AuxiliaryAccommodation,EPC:E

SUBSTANTIALAND VERSATILE HOUSE

Woodside Farm is awell presented, substantial family home with scope for equestrian use set in around nine acres.

The property,just outside St Martin’s near Oswestry,isonthe market with Larch Property with an asking priceof £925,000.

The current owners have undertaken an extensive and sympathetic extension and renovation scheme, with anoexpense spared mantra evident throughout. The crisp modern fixtures and fittings blend seamlessly with the more period looking features.

The accommodation is thoughtfully laid out over two floors and is ideal for modern family living. The ground floor has an impressive galleried entrance hall, adual aspect drawing room, and ahuge open plan space incorporating the large kitchen breakfast room which is open to the sittingroom with space for adining room table. Off the kitchen lies the WC and good-sized utility room.

Ascending the oak staircase to the first floor, thereisagenerously proportioned landing, off which arethe principal bedroom with en-suite shower room, two double bedrooms, asingle bedroom and the family bathroom.

Pretty mature landscaped

gardens encompass the house and are predominantly laid to lawn, with some raised beds, well stocked herbaceous borders, with an orchardarea. There is a beautiful rose arbour,with alarge stone terrace ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The land is split into three paddocks with amixture of hedge and post arail fencing dividing them up. The grazable

land equates to approximately eight acres. The property has anumerous useful agricultural outbuildings that have scope for aplethora of uses including equestrian, subject to the necessary consents being obtained.

The property is just amile from the popular village of St Martins which enjoys afull rangeofamenities.

Cruckton, Shrewsbury

An impressive4-bedroom barnconversion with vast spaceand light throughout, part of an exclusive development.

Newlydeveloped |Finished to the highest of standards|Parking for up to four cars |Secure, private gardens |Two further 4-bed barn conversions available on thedevelopment |EPC rating C

Asking Price: £595,000

LeaCross,Shrewsbury

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

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

Asking Price: £700,000

Cruckton, Shrewsbury

An impressive4-bed barnconversion,newly developed to ahighstandard, locatedonthe outskirts of Shrewsbury.

Largekitchen/living/diner |Lounge|Master ensuite |Family bathroom|Lawnedgarden |Rural yetaccessible location|Finished to the highest standards|EPC rating C

Asking Price: £599,000

Grinshill, Shrewsbury

An excellent opportunitytoacquirearange of farm buildings with planning permission granted for seven residential units.

Traditional brick andtimber-builtfarmbuildings |Development opportunity |Stunningviews |Accessiblelocation |Approx. 1.6 acre plot|Planning Ref: 23/00943/LBC OIEO: £1,200,000

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.

DININGINTHE GREATOUTDOORS

WARMER DAYS MEAN AFOCUS ON AL FRESCO FURNISHINGS, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS.

You’ve only got to step outside to know there’s something in the air… namely the beauty of springtime blossom encouraging you to spruce up your outdoor space. Even moresoifthe bank holiday weekends were the catalyst for cleaning, sweeping and scrubbing down your bijou balcony,princely patio or terrace garden.

And with thoughts turning to outdoor entertaining, chances areyou’ve noted what was looking alittle tired, potential seating area previously overlooked and renewed passion for enjoying the open air

Summer refresh, here we come…

1. JYSK Garden Bench UGILT W130 xD35 Hardwood, £99.99

Abrilliant styling tool you can build on, nothing beats agarden bench for seating with benefits.

2. Animals Of The Savannah Picnic Bag, £47.50, Melamine Bowls, £9.50 each, Beakers, £7.50 each, Side Plate, £8.50 each, rest of

items from aselection, Sophie Allport

Even if you don’t have far to ferry your drinks and serveware, this safarithemed cooler bag and matching melamine sets the mood for escapism and outdoor adventures.

3. M&S Collection Melbourne Garden Egg Chair,Natural, £349, Marks &Spencer

Achair for unwinding in, this trendy egg shape is one to cushion you in style.

4. Rowlinson Outdoor Multi Functional Wooden BBQ Servery, £275, Next

An outdoor space-saving solution, this serving station will reignite the thrill of the grill with its hooks, adjustable shelving and rust-resistant zinc-coated worktop.

5. Forest Greens Artificial Living Wall, Green, from £120, (100cm), Blooming Artificial

If you can’t wait for your natural ferns and flowers to flourish, this faux forest greenery not only imbibes acalming sense of wellbeing, but will beautify any open space.

6. Exotic Birds Botanical Outdoor Cushion, Pink &Green,£19.95 each, Annabel James

Fora quick fix, these pretty scatter cushions with spoonbill bird print depict a flight of fancy

7. JYSK Garden Table DAGSVAD W90 xL190, £229.99; Garden

Chair ILDERHUSE Black, £99.99 each

This Scandi-inspired gardeen table with contemporary metal wickker seating sets the scene for all manner of summer tablescapees and laid-back brunches.

8. M&S Collection PembrokeFirepit, £249, Lois Corner Sofa Set, £449, Cotton Embroidered Bolster Cushion with Linen, Black Mix, £29.50, Marks &Spencer

When it comes to sundowners and snacks, you can’t beat the heat of areal flame. This firepit stands out

for its spark guard (no worry of flying ash if the wind picks up), and comes with an a ash container and poker.A rattan corneersofa and striking cushion commpletes the look.

9. CoreConnect 5m 10 Warm White Connectable Festoon Lights, £26.99, Lights4fun

When dusk falls, mood-enhancing brightness from festoon bulbs draped across your b balcony wall or tablescape c creates an ambient glow… making everything look t that much lovelier

A C A A A A A

Onceawillhasbeenexecutedand storedawaysafely,wehopethatthe carefulconsiderationanddetailed planningthathasgoneintoits preparationwillmeanthat,forthose weleavebehind,ouraffairswillbe simpletomanage.

Itisimportantthough,havingmade thissigniicantstep,toreviewawill onaregularbasistomakesurethat itcontinuestorelectyourpersonal circumstancesaccurately Commontriggersforreviewingyour affairsare:

1.Changesinthefamily

Themake-upofyourfamilymay change,andthiscouldaffectawill thatwasdrawnupseveralyears before.Thebeginningandending ofmarriages,thebirthsofchildren/ grandchildrenaswellasthedesire toplanforfuturegenerations,canall haveanimpactonhowyoumaywant tostructureyouraffairsandeven causeunintendedconsequencesfor the inaldistributionofyourassets.

2.Bereavementand health problems

Thelossofalovedone,particularlyif youareinvolvedinobtainingprobate fortheirestate,isafrequenttrigger toreviewingone’sownaffairs.In practicalterms,ifyouhavemade giftsinyourwilltosomeonewho

hassincediedorisinillhealth,you maywanttoconsiderwhetherthat giftshouldgotosomeoneelseas,if theyhadchildrenoftheirown,itmay notalwayspasstothosechildren automatically.

.Changes to your inan es assetsand ir umstan es Ifyouhavemovedhouse,bought anotherproperty,soldyourbusiness orperhapshadanunexpected windfall,wewouldrecommendthat youreviewyourwilltoconsider whetherthearrangementsthat youhavemadearestillrelevant, proportionateandcapableofbeing achieved.Thisisparticularlysoif youmoveabroadorpurchaseassets overseas.

4.Avoidingfuturedisputes

Unfortunately,tensionscanariseinany family,anditisimportanttoensure that,ifthisisthecase,theprovisions ofyourwilldonotaddfueltothe ire. orexample,whereaparenthas given inancialassistancetooneof theirchildrentoallowthemtosetup abusinessorbuytheir irsthome,and itisnotclearwhethertheassistance wasaloan,agift,oranadvanceon theirinheritance.Anupdatedwill couldclarifythisandensurethatany existingtensionsorpotentialforfuture disputesafteryourdeath areminimised.

5.Changesinthelaw

Reviewingyourwillisagood opportunitytoreviewtheinheritance taxpositionofyourestate.Aspartof this,youwouldwanttoensurethat anyhistorictaxplanningwhichyou mayhaveundertakencontinuesto betaxeficientandthatitstillmeets yourobjectivesgenerally.Areview ofyourwillwouldensurethatitis wordedinawaythatsecuresthe maximumbeneitsforyourestate. fyouwouldli eadvi e

GARDENING

BRINGA LITTLE JOY INTO THE GARDEN

CHELSEA DESIGNER PENELOPE WALKER LOOKSATTAKING THE INTERIORS DOPAMINE-DECOR TREND OUTDOORS AT THE RHS FLOWER SHOW HANNAH STEPHENSON FINDS OUT MORE

Weall know how much better being in abeautiful garden can make us feel, but there are ways to bring even more joy to your open space.

So says Penelope Walker,who is creating her first show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year called The Panathlon Joy Garden, which features joy in all its forms, be it plants, landscaping or structure.

She aims to bring theinteriors dopamine décor trend –filling your home with colours andfurniture that bring you joy –tothe garden.

“When we think about the word joy, it’s not necessarily loud, it’s morekind of quiet and uplifting, which makes you feel happy.”

To create amore joyful garden, Walker suggests:

Keep it natural

“The most important thing is keeping it quite organic,” says Walker.“In our show garden there’s agentlywinding path

and absolutely no straight lines in the garden whatsoever.

“Even the terrain is all mounded, and we’ve some really unusual trees.”

Scrap geometry and straight lines and formality to keep it natural, she suggests.

Makeitplayful

“Having surprisingly quirky,playful features is something that people can think about. So just because it’s not mainstream, if you like it, you can look at clever ways to introduce different design ideas.

“For instance, the plane trees(in the show garden) have got beautiful, unusual curved stems, the rear boundary has traditionally panelling but then we’ve created these 3D panels which kind of wave backwards and forwards but also up and down and they interact with one another.It’s quirky and is meant to givea feeling of being uplifted.”

Furniture can also be playful, she suggests. “It might be anything that is abit tactile or something surprising.”

Think about colour

“Don’t be afraid to use colour.You can use quite vibrant colours if you want to. Idon’t generally use harsh primary colours (like bright yellows or reds)but

think about pastel shades which can soften it down. Youcan use lots of colours, it’s about keeping it harmonious in terms of how those colours blend into each other.”

Youcan incorporate white, alight and reflective colour,asa way to introduce light or give agarden agood senseof energy with amore uplifting feel, she advises.

If you are focusing on containers, try to be consistent in style and colour so it is not too jarring visually

“In the same way that you wouldn’t paint your living room wall four different colours andthen put a fifth colourinto your dining room table, think about using those tips that you would use inside outside to havethat consistency.”

Emphasise abundance

“This involves lots of planting and try to create more abundancebyincreasing the squaremeterage of the area within the garden, which might come back to having mounded terrain.

“If you have abudget to buy,say,50 or 100plants, it will be much better to buy fewer varieties but moreofthe same plant so the colours give amuch stronger impact because there’s abigger group of them,” sheadvises.

“Mounded terrain doesn’t need to be big bold lumps of earth, you can mound your terrain up 2ft or so, which brings the plants much closer to eyelevel, which is going to make you feel surrounded by nature and surrounded by planting,” she says.

Consider repeat planting

Don’t necessarily think in terms of block planting, but larger groups of planting will create more of avisual impact. Repetitive planting –repeating particular groups of plants throughout the garden –will create acohesive whole and agood use of colour,she suggests.

Don’t be afraid of using brightpops of colour to stand outamong the crowd and make you smile.

“If we are taking in alot of information visually,it’sreally confusing for our brain and it can feel busy and tiring –the opposite of joyful.

“In having repetition, you are quite literally reducing the stimulus that your brain has to take in at one point, which means you naturally feel calmer and the whole scheme feels more harmonious and more balanced.”

Plants which aregood for repetitive planting to create calm include those with larger leaves, such as hostas, but you might include playful plants suchas lollipop-flowered alliums, she suggests.

Prove your personality

What brings some people joy,like bright colours and energy,may not appeal to those who like acalmer outside environment, so don’t be afraid to break rules, she says.

“But it’s not just aboutpromoting a sense of calm, it’s about promoting that unexpected smile which will help you nail that joyful feeling.”

FLORISTRYBUSINESS ISINFULLBLOOM

HEATHER LARGE MEETS SHROPSHIRE FLOWER FARMER AMANDA WILLIAMS TO DISCOVER HOW ARTISAN GROWERS ARE HELPING TO LEAD ABRITISH REVIVAL IN CUT FLOWERS

It’s hard to beat abouquet of freshly-picked flowers for adding a wonderful burst of colour and scent to your home.

And when it comes to buying these wonderful blooms, more and more of us are turning to growers on our doorstep.

Up and down the country,artisan flower growers are spearheading arevival inBritish cut flowers.

From creating floral designs and bouquets for special occasions to supplying independent florists, they are championing seasonality and sustainability

And Shropshire is no exception, with an ever-increasing number of flower growers tending to plots around the county.

They include Amanda Williams who grows long-lasting, scented flowers for seasonal bouquets andweddings on her micro-flower farm in Market Drayton.

Formany years, gardening and flower arranging has been her green therapy, helping to clear her mind and inspire her creativity

Her floristry business began 15 years ago when Amanda agreed to provide flowers for afriend’s wedding.

This encouraged her to learn more about sustainable floristry and to devote more time and space to cut flower growing on aplot of land by her home in Market Drayton.

Since then Gardener’s Cottage Floristry has continued to evolve andnow provides flowers for all occasions both big and small.

“I have my beautiful mum, Janet, to thank for my love of flowers. She would always have avase of garden flowers on the kitchen table so that we could delight in their beauty close up,” says Amanda, who spent 30 years working for the NHS as atherapist

“It’s always fascinated me that so many beautiful flowers can be grown from such tiny seeds.”

It has taken time and patience to learn what grows best in her soil and what will last well in the vase.

She has also devoted time to learning as much as she can from seasoned gardeners and two books that have proven invaluable are From Seed to Bloom by Milli Proust andThe Flower Farmer’s Year by Georgie Newbery

“I would say that my trademark is a wild, bohemian style. Itry to grow flowers that are difficult to find in the shops but last well in the vase.

“I grow amix of perennials, biennials and annuals adding foliage, herbs, grasses and seed pods to give aromantic, country garden feel,” explains Amanda.

Forthe spring, she likes to grow sweet-smelling narcissi, ranunculus, anemone, double tulips in an array

of colours, star-covered allium and glamorous peonies.

Her summer blooms include tall spires of delphinium, fox gloves, verbascum,antirrhinum (alsoknown as snapdragons),frilly ammi majus and scabiosa, delicate corn flowers, nigella (Love in aMist) andCatananche (Cupid’s Dart) which are aptly named to be included in bridal flowers.

During the summer months, Amanda is busy creating wedding bouquets as well as providing buckets of flowers for ‘do-ityourself ’brides and flower arrangers.

“It’s getting really busy because the picking season is kicking off.Most mornings I’m getting up quite early to pick flowers becauseit’salways better to pick flowers early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler,” says Amanda, who is supported by her husband Lee.

“The first thing Idointhe morning is look at the weather.Whenwehad alot of wind, Iwas staking up the peonies. They usually start flowering around the middle to end of May and the picking season lasts for about four to six weeks.

“They are aglamorous and muchloved flower so Idon’t wanttolose them in the wind. Igrow alot of peonies because Ihavea lot of returning customers who like them. One of my

favourites is bowl of beauty; it’s very stunning and very fragrant.”

Forthe past few weeks Amanda has been planting seedlings and seeds to ensure acontinuous supply of blooms throughout the coming months.

“It’s time for planting out all of the things that Ihave been nurturing in the greenhouse since February-time. Itry to geta good variety of focal flowers and filler flowers. It’s also warm enough to sow seeds straight into the ground so Ican

have successive flowers rather than aglut They don’t like to dry out so they need watering unless we have rain.

“I have alovely wedding in July and the bride loves purple and mauve. I’m growing mauve cornflowers and have been planting seeds every fortnight to make sure Ihave enoughatthe right time,” she explains.

In addition to “watching theweather like ahawk”, her daily duties include watering, using rainwater collected in a water butt, weeding and feeding.

Amanda prefers to use environmentally-friendly fertilisers such as nettle and borage tea. “If you soak the leaves in water,itmakes apowerful fertiliser,” she says. “I also use ashes from our woodburner and organic seaweed.”

When it comes to pest control, Amanda also prefers natural options. “We have aresident hedgehog in our garden so he keeps on top of the slug population. If I’ve got tender plants, Isprinkle coffee grounds mixed with water around the plants -slugs don’t like water.”

At this time of year,her diaryisalso full of wedding planning appointments. “I have initial meetingswith brides for 2025 and Icatch up with my brides for this year to sort out things like how they want their bouquet to be tied. Ialsovisit

venues because if it’s avenue I’m not familiar with, Iliketoknow where Ican place and hang flowers. It’s alovely thing to do, we’ve got some beautiful venues in Shropshire.

“If it’s abig wedding, my sister Melanie helps and she keeps me calm. We have lots of fun when we work together and hopefully that joy shows in the flowers,” she says.

ForAmanda, being able to share the flowers she has grown and nurtured in her own garden with others is very rewarding.

“What drives me is the joy it creates, it never ceases to amaze me. It’s wonderful to be able to grow flowers that make people so happy

“There is aquote that IlovebyJohn Harrigan: Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower,” explains Amanda.

Amanda is amember of Flowers From The Farm,which championsartisan growers of seasonal British grown cut flowers.

The organisation also runs British Flowers Week,anannual campaign shining aspotlight on the cut flower industry.This year the theme of the

event, which takes place from June 3-9, is Igniting the Passion for British Cut Flowers and it aims to raise the profile of growers, wholesalers and the florists who work with UK-grown flowers

Amanda, who will be selling bouquets and posies at her gate throughout the week, is keen to dispel the myths surrounding British flowers.

“People seem to think that because they are British,they will be delicate and not last long. Ihave done alot of experimenting to find out what lasts. They will last aweek to 10 days and they don’t need flower food as long as you keep the vase clean,” shesays.

“I had some lovely feedback from a new customer who was surprised at how long they lasted and how different they are to what you get in some shops.

“British flowers don’t just look beautiful, they also smell beautiful and they keep the scent.”

n Formore information about cut flowers, see www.facebook. com/LaVieEnFleurs or to find your nearest flower farm visit www flowersfromthefarm.co.uk

•Vegetable &tomatoplants

•New varieties of basket plants

•Summer bedding plants

•Herbaceous perennials

•Trees, roses&shrubs

•Composts,garden tools&equipment

•Solar Lights

•Gifts

•Birdfood

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FLOWER FESTIVAL TO MARK 25YEARS

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS CLAIRE AUSTIN, DAUGHTER OF ROSE BREEDER DAVID, WHOSE NURSERY IS HOLDING ATHREE-DAY CELEBRATION WITH STARS OF THE HORTICULTURAL WORLD

Anappreciation of the garden.

It comes to many of us at one stage of life or another

It might have been during those halcyon days of childhood. A luscious green lawn could provide awarm and welcoming open space, where we played with friends.

Youmight have ahecticwork life and, so, thegarden provides aplace of escape for atime, away from the stresses and strains of business. Or you may have now reached retirement, relishing the chance to create abeautiful haven to sit and relax in, whiling away the hours as you listen to birds singing.

ForClaire Austin,anappreciation and love of the garden has always been there.

After all, she is daughter of the worldfamous rose breeder,David Austin,and

joined her father’s nursery in 1983,which then consisted largely of peonies and irises.

When David Austin’s English roses launched that same year to great acclaim at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show,becoming the business focus, Claire volunteered to take on the perennial collection.

“My ‘apprenticeship’ lasted for 15 years,” explained Claire. “By which time Ihad written and designed enough catalogues and grown enough perennials to feel confident enough to establishmy own nursery.”

And so, in 1999, Claire founded her independent plant nursery –Claire Austin HardyPlants – first in Shropshire and currently based at White Hopton Farm in the Welsh Borders.

Now to mark the 25th anniversary

of her award-winning perennials nursery near Sarn, Powys, she has decide to host ‘A CelebrationofFlowers’ –a five-day programme of ticketed talks, workshops and National Garden Scheme open days from June 10-14. Three days of talks will be followed by two NGS open days.

The event will include, amongst other things, Claire’s own talk about her career,called ‘25 years, four locations, six gardens’.

She runs her peat-free nursery with husband, Ric Kenwood, where they have developed amuch-photographed perennial garden and hold the National Collection of Herbaceous Peonies and the National Collection of Bearded Irises.

Their nursery exhibits at RHS shows at both Malvern and Chelsea have been awarded Gold and Claire has twoself-

published books –‘Peonies’ and ‘Claire Austin’s Book of Perennials’.

“Running anursery is never boring, that’s the one thingyou can say,” says Claire, an award-winning nurserywoman, garden writer,RHS CouncilMember and aleading authority on herbaceous perennials, peonies, bearded irises.

“It can be hard at times when you are doing monotonous things but it is always different and changes with the seasons.

“The thing about gardening is thatit gives people alot of pleasure. It’s ahappy occupation. It doesn’t matter if you have afull garden, abalcony or apot, growing things makes you smile and it’s just a reallyworthwhile thing to do.

“There are so many facets to it, it tells us alot about life, the environment, about people and culture.

“There’s something for everyone of any age group in gardening and so Iam looking forward to sharing my passion with others.”

The exciting line-up of speakers will also feature Shropshire-based garden historian Advolly Richmond on Monday, June 10.

Garden photographer Joe Wainwright and flower farmer Rachel Siegfried, of Green &Gorgeous, will attend on

Tuesday,June 11. And environmentalist Professor Chris Baines and garden designer Chris Beardshaw on Wednesday, June 12, when local artist, Amanda Hillier, will also be hosting nature-inspired printmaking classes in the gardens.

“Weare hoping for agood response and hopefully there will be enthusiasm for it, locally,” says Claire.

“Wesuddenly realised we were 25 years old and so we thought it would be really nice to have three days where we can actually celebrate perennials and everything we do.

“So that’s what we will do. We will have arustic marquee down below the garden, in asmall field in abeautiful location, with an ancientoak in it.

“We’ll be able to open up the marquee so people can hear the speakers and I think it will be areallyenjoyable few days.

“It’s great to have Advolly speaking with me on the first day and we’ll be able to talk about plants and what they have meant to people over the years, what are good ones to grow

“On the second day,itwill be more practical –what you candowith flowers in the garden –for example, you can photograph them, or use them as cut flowers.The speakers reflect the idea that

you can enjoy them through the lens or make wonderful arrangements with them.

“The Thursday is about the plants themselves. Chris Baines was one of the first gardeners to recognise in abook how important agarden is to wildlife, so he has alot of enthusiasm for that. He will be followed by Chris Beardshaw,who uses perennials in abeautiful way.”

Talk attendees will also be able to enjoy adelicious lunch of local and artisan produce in thegardens and have the chance to buy books signed by the authors, explore Claire’s private gardens and the fields of the NationalCollection of Herbaceous Peonies and to buy plants direct from the mail-order nursery

“Hopefully it brings together interesting people and talent,” addsClaire. “AsIsay,Iwant to share apassion for gardening.

“It’s ingrained in me and I’ll never stop. There’s so much moretolearn and Istill have theenthusiasm Ihavealways had.”

n Tickets for all the events across the five days of ‘A Celebration of Flowers’ can be purchased at www.claireaustinhardyplants.co.uk.

Event Programme

n Monday,June 10

Morning –ClaireAustin –‘25 years, 4locations, 6gardens’.

Afternoon –Advolly Richmond –‘AShort HistoryofFlowers’: Advolly is aplants, gardens and social historian based in Shropshire. She is aChampion for the Royal Botanic Gardens Kewand a member of the Garden Media Guild. She lectures and writes on avariety of subjects from the 16thcentury through to the early 20th century

n Tuesday,June 11

Morning –Joe Wainwright –‘Photographing the Garden’: Joe is an award-winning professional garden photographer whose images appear regularly in magazines such as RHS The Garden, The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Country Living andGarden News.

Afternoon –Rachel Siegfried of Green &Gorgeous –‘Perennials as Cut Flowers’: Rachel is one of the world’s leading flower farmers and the author of the bestselling book ‘The Cut Flower Sourcebook: exceptional perennials and woody plants for cutting’.

n Wednesday,June 12

Morning and afternoon –Amanda Hillier –‘Printmaking workshops’: Amanda is an artist living andworking in the Ironbridge Gorge creating illustrative artwork, limited edition linoprints and mixed mediawork inspired by natureand landscape. Places on Amanda’s workshops are limited to just 10 people per two-hour session, during which you will produce aone colour decorative lino print. All materials will be provided.

Morning –Professor Chris Baines –‘Wildlife Gardening and Nature Recovery’: Chris hasbeen aleading champion of wildlife gardening for more than 40 years. He first created a‘Rich Habitat Garden’ on BBCGardeners’ World in 1979 and his BBCfilm ‘Bluetits and Bumblebee’s first inspired viewers to garden with nature back in 1985.

Afternoon –Chris Beardshaw –‘Designing with Perennials’: Celebrated Designer,Plantsman and Broadcaster, Chris has over 40 years’ experience in the horticultural world. Many will know Chris from his long broadcasting career which includes BBC2 television hit series such as Gardeners’ World, Hidden Gardens and The Flying Gardener

Amanda Hillier

Professor Chris Baines

Rachel Siegfried

Chris Beardshaw

Advolly Richmond

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SHARING SECRETS OF GARDENGEMS

HEATHER LARGE DISCOVERS THE DELIGHTS THATAWAIT VISITORS TO ASELECTION OF LUDLOW’S FINEST GARDENS WHICH WILL OPEN AS PART OF AN ANNUAL TOWN FUNDRAISER

Lawns are having a final trim, flower beds are being weeded and hedges pruned ahead of one of the most popular events in Ludlow’s calendar

Every year,the gates to horticultural heavens throughout the town are opened for Secret Gardens, an annual fundraiser for Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

The event, which offers the chance to explore aselection of diverse gardens, regularly attracts hundreds of visitors from Shropshire as well as further afield.

Tengardens, including some new ones and some firm favourites, in Linney, Castle Street, Old Street, Broad Street, Mill Street and Camp Lane will be available to explore on Sunday,June 16.

Among those welcoming visitors to

their garden will be Max and Miriam Balmewho moved into their house in Mill Street five years ago.

“The garden is best in the rose season, but we try to develop asuccession. Early on snowdrops and crocus, then narcissi are followed by tulips, and forget me not. Then bluebells, kamassia and fruit blossoms predominate,” they say

A10-foot high curved wall separates the west courtyard, home to Gunnera, tree ferns and other ferns and potted plants, from the main garden.

Abrick path takes visitors through arose arch, clad in jasmine, roses and clematis. Continuing along thewinding path, atree fern is followed by abed of blackand green bananas sitting at the start of the curved south-facing bed backed by

the ten foot wall, with nectarine, peach and figinterspersed with clematis.

The path winds past 30ft of green housing, facing cordon grown apples, and views out over Whitcliffe Common can be found.

Passing the second greenhouse, a lawn opens up with apatio with table and chairs. Roses and an apricot and cherry grow along the high wall to the summer house. There are water features to each side of the lawn.

The garden opens into alarge L-shape, at the top of which is the raised white garden, bounded by iceberg rose, tamarisk and sweet peas. Below the white garden is the fruit garden where raspberry, strawberry,blueberry blackberry,wine berry and figare separated from the white

garden by apond with awater feature made of pottery bowls.

The path, now grass, winds down to the pottery studio, kiln room and glaze shed. There is also awild flower garden and vegetable garden. Adding a splash of colour are viburnum, cornus, tree peonies, hibiscuscus, plum trees, perennial geraniums, roses and budleia.

“The perennial herbaceous plants predominate in midsummer, finishing with michelmas raises and Japanese anemones.

“Wehave many shrubs flowering through the seasons. The potted garden in the west courtyard keeps flowering through winter,a huge Daphne flowers from November to March filling the air with scent, followed by skimmia in the east courtyard,” say Max and Miriam

The couple will be selling pottery and, after the cost of materials and firing, will be donating the proceeds to the Assembly Rooms.

Anew additionfor this year is the garden at Kin Kitchen, afamily-run cafe in Old Street.

The business opened to customers in November 2021 but work on revamping the garden began in summer 2020.

As soon as thefamily got the keys to the premises, they began clearing the enormous amount of weeds.

They were delighted to find interesting mature trees and plants as well as two greenhouses.

It also became clear that the garden was asun trap andwould be perfect for cafe diners on warm days.

“It had amazing potential for akitchen garden as well as agarden for seating,” says Janet Morris, who runs the cafe with her son, Joel Finch.

They added patio slabs which would form acafe seating area as well as afence for privacy.

By the time the cafe opened, the garden was flourishing with the greenhouses, raised beds and fruit trees providing avariety of produce for the venue’s menu. Amore recent addition has been an oak pergola.

Janet tends to the flower beds while Joel is in charge of looking after the fresh produce.

“Our friend Ian has been very helpful, keeping the garden neat and tidy.Weare so busy in the kitchen thatwedon’t get to weed and water as much as we want to. The garden is immaculate thanks to Ian,” she says.

Jean Draycott, who has lived in Brand Lane for more than 20 years, is opening her garden for asecond time.

“It faces southsoit’s full of sunshine, which is unusual for Ludlow,” she says.

Her garden is divided into two areas; aformal area with ayew hedgeand awild section with avegetable patch.

Ensuring the plants always look their best and the weeds are kept under control is her gardener Peter Houghton.

“Peter is absolutely superb. He’s in charge. IhelpPeter as best Ican. Ilove gardens and Ilove flowers butI’m not much of agardener.”

The garden features ahugevariety of annuals and perennials as well as herbaceous borders.

Fruit trees, including damsons, apples and pears, provide abountiful supply of produce as does the vegetable patchwhere awide range of crops grow,such as beans, cabbages and salads.

Jean says she was pleased to support the Open Garden events again and enjoys showing people around her garden.

“It’s alovely garden and Ilike to share it,” sheadds.

Secret Gardens was launched in 1990 by LARFE (Ludlow Assembly Rooms FundraisingEvents) to raise money for the lively arts,community and entertainment centre which runs as an independent charity

LARFE is asmall team of eight, supported by more than 60 volunteers helping with stewarding, manning stalls and cake-making.

Secret Gardens is the centre’s biggest single fundraiser,regularly bringing in between £8,000 and £11,000.

“141 different gardens have been opened since the startofthisfundraising

event now in its 34th year,” says Cy Jones BEM, who has been head of the event’s organising team for virtually its entire history

Teaand homemade cakes, ice creams, Prosecco and plants will be available in selected gardens during the event, supported by Bill’s Kitchen, which is open from 9am until 3pm on the day

Tickets, which include amap and give entry to all the gardens, cost £10. Entrance for accompanied under-12s is free.

The event runs from 12pm until 6pm. Tickets are available from the box office at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Castle Street,

by calling 01584878141 or online at ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

Tickets are also available at the gardens, cash only

PAGE 44: Kin Kitchen Cafe &Garden; Brand House, Brand Lane; 23 Mill Street.

PAGE 45: Jean Draycott and Head Gardner

PAGE 43: Max and Miriam Balme in their garden at 23 Mill Street, Ludlow.

Peter Houghton at Brand House, Ludlow; Janet Morris and Joel Finch at Kin Kitchen Cafe &Garden.

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CELEBRATING45 YEARSOFCARING

AS LINGEN DAVIES CANCER FUND MARKS 45 YEARS OF MAKING ADIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF COUNTY PEOPLE, DANI WOZENCROFT LOOKSATITS HISTORY AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Lingen Davies Cancer Fund is this year marking 45 years of making apositive difference to those impacted by cancer throughout theregion.

The long-standing charity is established in the hearts andminds of those in Shropshire andMid Wales –and whileitishoped people won’t need its support, sadly many do, with many more knowing someone that has been through treatment at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre.

The charity began in 1979 when Shrewsbury mayor Bernard Lingen and accountant Frank Davies aimedto create aradiotherapy department at theRoyal Shrewsbury Hospital.

And they did –raising £1.25m to open the Cobalt Unit and Cancer Ward in

1982 –bringing radiotherapy services to the people of Shropshire for the first time, reducing the need to travel into the West Midlandsfor treatment.

The charity has goneontofund and support awide range of facilities and services –itdeveloped a£3.2m Cancer Centre, raised £470,000tobuild the specialised Children’s Cancer Rainbow Unit where aparent can stay with their child overnight, funded the Hamar

Centre for counselling, therapy and support groups, raised £750,000 towards the Linear Accelerator machine(LINAC) –used to deliver radiotherapy to patients as part of their treatment, expanded with acharitable base in Newtown, Powys, and much more besides.

Impact on people

More than 100,000 people have had their cancer treatment and care improved as adirect impact of the work andappeals of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund

Naomi Atkin, Lingen Davies CEO, said: “This charity exists to enhance and improve thesituation for anyone affected by cancer,weare incredibly proud of the impact we have had.

“Having radiotherapy services in

Shropshire changed everything for people going through cancertreatment andour focus has never strayed from that –we want to keep making their lives more comfortable and as easy as possible.

“Before Lingen Davies, patients had to travel to the West Midlands or Manchester to access cancer services.”

Campaigns

In 2019, to markits 40th anniversary, Lingen Davies launched one of its biggest campaigns to date –the RubyAppeal to raise £1.25m. This money was used to invest in kit to help local health services provide ‘above and beyond’ treatment to patients. Specialist staff were recruited and support projects launched for patients in the community

Trustees have built on that focus by launching services and support to the wider community –helping people before cancer,aswell as during and after treatment. The LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service is dedicated to helping the wider community have agreater understanding of cancer and the Cancer Champions project was established to recruit volunteers who are trained to hold everyday conversations with their peers about cancer –helping to raise awareness and drive up early diagnosis levels.

The charityalso funds projects to support patients during treatment and rehabilitation. iCan Cancer Rehabilitation, run by health partners Lifestyle Fitness, has so far benefitted more than 600 patients in over two years and is free to access. Thoseimpacted by cancer can also take advantage of free monthly legal clinics run by Shropshire law firms in the HamarCentre.

Lingen Davies has helped fund cooling caps to prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy,funded the distribution of 1,000 radar keys allowing patients access to disabled toilets, funded eight televisions for isolation rooms on the Oncology Ward at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and much more. It also funds holistic therapies, free yoga, knee support, agrossing station, autocontouring software, wig vouchers and Surface Guided Radiotherapy –a relatively new technology that has wide-ranging benefits for cancer patients including, removing theneedfor permanent tattoos.

Focus on awareness and support

Cancer Research UK statistics show one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime and Lingen Davies is generating awareness of how people can reduce their risk.

Naomi added: “Wehave always wanted people to know the importance of attending cancer screenings, recognise

worrying signs and symptoms, and know where to turn for support.

“Weare incredibly proud of the services andprojects we have funded, conversations we havestarted and people we have helped over 45 years.

“Of course, none of this could be done without the wonderful donations and Iwould like to say abig thank you to everyone who has played arole in the continued support and growth of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund!”

Fundraising and donations

Athriving events schedule includes activities such as aColour Run in Shrewsbury,Telford and Newtown, the Titty Trail in Craven Arms,skydives and the monthly cycling event Networking on TwoWheels.

In fact, corporate sponsors have brought in an estimated £70,000 ayear But it is not just big businesses that are making amajor difference –the people of Shropshire, Telford &Wrekin, and Mid Wales do too.

Many people fundraise through

the London Marathon, the Newtown 10k, the London to Paris cycle ride, the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon –orother sporting challenges. But it doesn’t have to be physical –others donate to Lingen Davies Cancer Fund in lieu of birthday presents, through promise auctions, fundraising dinners, dancing events and much more.

Naomi added: “Weare so thankful for the donations from both businesses and people in the communities we serve.

“Weare committed to supporting people affected by cancer and can only do this because of the commitment people have to us, every donation makes abig difference to the lives of those impacted by cancer.”

The future

After 45 years of support and development, Lingen Davies shows no sign of slowing down and to celebrate its anniversary the charity is holding ahost of events for the community to get involved with.

The Lingen Davies team will be in Shrewsbury Square on June 5and

Southwater,Telford on June 15 where anyone can pop along and find out more about the charity,cancer awareness information,and the events on offer AGin and Jazz event is being held at Shoothill House, Ford, on June 9and a‘45 for 45’ fundraising campaign is on offer for fundraisers to help raise £45,000.

n To get involved visit www lingendavies.co.uk.

PAGE 47: Members of the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund team.

PAGE 48, CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP: Clinical staff from the centrewerejoined by Mandy Thorn (the then High Sheriff of Shropshire) and other staff from cancer support services at an open day; Lingen Davies CEO Naomi Atkin; Members of the team; Lingen Davies Cancer Champions.

PAGE 49, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Lingen Davies Cancer Centre; founders BernardLingen and FrankDavies; the CT scanner at the centre.

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PRESERVATION OF A VILLAGE’SHISTORY

HEATHER LARGE MEETS GEOFF BUTTERS WHO HAS BUILTUPATREASURETROVE OF VILLAGE HISTORY OVER 50 YEARS THATHAS NOW BEEN PRESERVED WITH THE HELP OF VOLUNTEERS

From photographs, postcards and newspaper clippings to handwritten letters, minutes and maps, Geoff Butter has spent 50 years collecting anything he could find about the village where he was born and raised.

His fascination with local history began when he was ateenager andsince then he has continued to save items of interest relating to Adderley,near Market Drayton.

In recent years, he has becomeknown as the man to go to with any queries relating to the village’s past and numerous residents have also donated books and documents to his collection.

Now,this treasure trove of thousands of items has been preserved for future generations thanks to the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund andateam of dedicated volunteers.

Geoff ’s collection started with old

family photographs but expanded to also include anything relating to Adderley

“I got more and more interested in Adderley’s history and whenever Icame across anything about Adderley,Iwould save it and put it in abox in the house,” says the 68-year-old.

Over the years, he has carried out

his own research into thesmall village’s history,unearthing little-known facts such as Adderley once rivalling Market Drayton in size and importance as it lay on akey route for thetransportation of salt andother goods.

It also had amainline railway station onthe line from Nantwich to Market Drayton andevenhad its own steam train –The Adderley

As he gathered more and more information, Geoff progressed from using aback bedroom to building ashed in the garden to house the thousands of documents he had collected.

“It got to the point where Ididn’t know what to do with it. Ididn’t want it to be lost or destroyed after Iwas gone so Ilet it be known that Iwas looking for someone else to take it on,” he explains.

Paul and ValNash, who havelived in the village,which in 2021 had a population of 450, for eight years, were

taken aback by the size of the collection.

“His garden shed was filled to the gunwales with photos, filingcabinets and folders. The first folder Ipicked up was full of photos of people going back as much as 50 years.

“I sat there thinking we need to save this. Geoff had already said he wanted it to go to the village,” says Val.

Paul decided to approach the Heritage Lottery Fund andsubmitted an outline proposal for aproject to preserve the archive and make it accessible to the community

“It was obvious that Geoff had something very special here,” he says.

After being invited to submit afull bidfor funding, the couple held an open event for residents to learn more about their mission and following interest from attendees formed acommittee/working group.

Hours of painstaking work followed and after afull application for funding was submitted, the group was awarded £47,000 to create awebsite which has a catalogue of digital copies of the many photographs, maps, press articles, minutes and historical artefacts in the collection.

“Weare so grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for seeing the value and potential of this collection,” says Val, who is chair of the project group.

All of the original documents have been preserved at the Shropshire Archives in Shrewsbury and can be accessed through them.

“They agreed to scan and copy all the thousands items and provide them in the correct format for thewebsite –the cost of this is funded from our grant,” explains Val.

Geoff,who spent alot of his working life as afactory operative at Palthorpes in Market Drayton, is delighted by the success of the Adderley Heritage Project.

“I’m chuffed because now Iknow everything is safe and it’s not going to disappear

“I’m really pleased that theHeritage Lottery Fund thought it was aworthwhile project and that there has been so much interest in it. Paul and Valhavebeen so enthusiastic and everyone has worked so hard,” he says.

“It’s been avery meaningful and heartfelt thing to do and it’s really captured people’s imagination,” addsVal.

Part of the Adderley Heritage project is anew walking trail which takes in seven key sites in the village and, at each one, there is an information board explaining its history and significance.

They include Raven House on Station Road, which was aconvalescent hospital for officers who were serving in theFirst World War. Photographs, paintings and poems by these men are preserved as part of the collection.

Another key point is the siteof Adderley Hall, built twice, but now demolished, which was originally the family home of the Corbet family,who became one of the most powerful and richest of the landed gentry in Shropshire.

Aboard has also been placed on the railway bridge, detailing the history of the station, The station was built by the Nantwich and Market Drayton Railway,thanks to supportfrom National Highways.

“Weare delighted to support this heritage walking trail andverypleased that one of our historical bridges is included on it,” says Rich Marshall, responsible director for HistoricalRailways Estate.

“Welook after more than 3,100 historical railway structures across the UK and this is agreat opportunity to highlight the bridge as an important reminder of the area’sindustrialpast as well as being part of awell-used community walking route.”

Adderley Heritage also plans to collect oral histories from local people about their livesand memories of the village.

“Wewill be training agroupof volunteers to record oral histories. These are the stories that are passed down to their children and grandchildren,” says Val.

The group will also be working with Adderley CE Primary School and Siobhan Talbott, Reader in Early Modern History in theSchool of Humanities at Keele University,todevelop National Curriculum materials focused on an aspect of the history of Adderley

“They will be looking at an aspect of Adderley’s history and developing curriculum materials for theschool that will also be available to all schools nationally,” says Val.

Volunteers are keen to hear from anyone who has information, stories, documents or artefacts that they wish to share.

“The website has been built in a way that means we can keep adding to it over time and hopefully build abigger collection

“If anyone is willing to share memories or information that they think may help us in our quest to save the heritage of our community, we would love to hear from them,” says Val.

People can either visit

adderleyheritage.co.uk or,if they don’t have internet access, contactVal on 07814 071 254.

PAGE 51: Valand Paul Nash at St Peters Church in Adderley.

PAGE 52, CLOCKWISE FROM TOPLEFT: Raven House in 1917-1927; apicturefrom the collection; soldiers pictured at Raven House when it was amilitaryhospital; soldiers working on the land; the Jamesons (owners of Hawksmoor Farm); Adderley Station in 1962.

PAGE 53: Owner of Raven House Fiona Crompton with local historian Geoff Butter, Valand Paul Nash, at Raven House; Valand Paul at the old sundial at St Peter’sChurch.

AUTHORONTRAIL OF WILD EDRIC

DANIEL MORRIS MEETS COUNTY AUTHOR MICHAEL HANDS WHOSE INTEREST IN AN INTRIGUING FIGURE FROM SHROPSHIRE’S PAST HASLED TO ALITERARY CAREER LATER IN LIFE

History’s wonderful tapestry inspires creativity.Oscarwinning film-makers repeatedly harness it as a source for their greatest work, playwrights have mined its richesfor hundreds of years, and novelists delve into the intrigue of the past to fashion tales that will bewitch and grip even the most immovable of readers.

Our county’s own history boils over with inspirational momentsand enchanting figures. Forone writer,a certain chapter and individual havegiven birth to alater-in-life literary career

An author who has created aseries of novels based on one of Shropshire’s most intriguing historical figures, Michael Hands is proud of his ownpersonal roots in the county

“I was born in Shrewsbury in the ‘Year of the Three Kings, 1936, andhave found myself unintentionally writing about the only other year that Iknow of when three kings ruled England –1066,” hesaid Michael has created asaga based on the life and exploits of Eadric Silvaticus –also known as ‘Eadric the Wild’, or more commonly ‘Wild Edric’.

An 11th century Anglo-Saxon magnate with holdings in Shropshire and Herefordshire, Wild Edric was akey

figure in leading English resistance to the Norman Conquest.

Having refused to submit to William the Conqueror,Edric spent the years immediately following the Battle of Hastings stirringuptrouble for our land’s new Norman rulers, until he was eventually brought to heel in 1070. Before this however,hehad burned thetown of Shrewsbury,besieged its castle, and also attempted an assault on Hereford.

Suffice to say,his story is acolourful one, and has been perfect for Michael to adapt and dramatise into awonderful fivenovelrun

However,for Michael, now 88, writing hasalwayscome with its own personal challenges. “I am dyslexic,” he said, “which is acondition that was not widely recognised during my youth.

“Asa child Ifound it impossible to read out loud and was condemned to the rear of the class where Icould be seen but not heard. My parents sent me to a Shrewsbury convent, to no avail, as the nuns could not deal with me and Iwas asked to leave (expelled) at the age of five or six. Iwas then sent to aboarding school where the teachers were recently de-mobbed Army officers who had fought in the Second World War. They were, to say the least, strict.”

Eadric Silvaticus –also known as ‘Eadric the Wild’, or morecommonly ‘Wild Edric’

Leaving school at the age of 14, Michael’s path through life –and ultimately into the world of literature –has been an interesting one.

“Asmymother was afriend of Percy Thrower’swife, Ifound myself working in Shrewsbury’s Dingle and Quarry where one of my first jobs was to help in planting the lime trees which now shade the avenue towards Shrewsbury swimming baths.

“My family moved to Clun, and Ihad asummer job on afarmcalled ‘LlanEdric’ –which Ithink means ‘Church of Edric’ –and it was there, whilst working with amaster thatcher,that Iwas told some of the stories and fables about Wild Edric that had been passed down through the ages to the present day.”

After having been called up at the age of 18, Michael completed his National Service, spending time in Germany.Upon leaving the armed forces, he returned to Shropshire for asomewhat quieter pace of existence.

It would still be awhile thoughbefore his tales of Wild Edric would be put down on paper

“I applied for and landed ajob as a gamekeeper for the Earl of Shrewsbury athis estate, Ingestre, near Stafford,” said Michael.

“Following this, Iworked for many years in insurance and finance, where I worked in the Shropshire area, until work took me to Essex and then to the east end of London where Iworked as amanager for amajor bank.

“I retired some 20 years ago andmy wife and Ibought three derelict cottages in Bucknell, which we renovated.

“Wediscovered that the stream which ran through the bottom of our garden was the very same stream thathad its source on the farm where Ihad worked as aboy.”

It was not long nowbefore Michael’s Wild Edric saga began to take form.

“I had time to spare,and began writing, at firstmerely to put down on paper avivid dream that had pursued me through the years. IfeltIneeded to write it down in black and white, so Ibegan.

“I had no knowledge of computers, but afriendly villager,who was called Eric, helped me and encouraged me to name my hero after him. My boyhood stories were recalled and ‘Eric’ became ‘Edric’.”

Upon purchasing acopy of the Domesday Book, Michael began to learn in earnest about the real Wild Edric, and began building his writing around his exploits.

“I have now written five books, mostly

about Edric, but alsoone abouthis only known son, Aelnoth,” said Michael.

Michael’s Wild Edric saga –The Shieldwall, The Broken Shield, Aelnoth, The Red King, and The Warrior King –iswritten as an epic, but with the unrelenting pace of aseries of thrillers.

With the story beginning in Edric’s youth, Michael’s hero sets out to avenge the death of his family at the hands of maraudering Welshmen before the actions of anew enemy awaken Edric’s true destiny

With the saga following Edric through the Norman Conquest and into anew era, the story takes the reader into aworld where conflict is thekey to survivaland the making of war is the only hope of finding peace.

“Savagery is rife, passion runs high, but courage, wisdom and nobility of spirit still win out in theend,” said Michael.

Foranyone with alove of historical drama and, indeed, acuriosity to learn about some of our region’s most daring souls from ages past, Michael’s saga is surely for you.

n Michael Hands’ Wild Edric saga can be purchased through Amazon.

WALK WITH AVIEW

HAUGHMOND HILL OFFERS BOTH GENTLE OR DEMANDING ROUTES, SAYS ANDY RICHARDSON

Haughmond Hill is alarge woodland that is very popular with dog walkers and visitors wanting easy walks with nice views.

It has manyrough paths,two surfaced trails and agood car park. There area number of paths, including The Corbett Trail, a1.3km circular trail on abroad, hard-surfaced path. There are plenty of benches around the trail where you can sit and enjoy the wood. In one or two places, the gradient is steep for short distances. We recommend that you follow the route in aclockwise direction.

The Bardon Trail is a1.3 km linear trail that passes the Quarry viewpoint. There are plenty of benches around the trail where you can sit and enjoy the wood.

There is a25-metrelong, steep incline to the Quarry viewpoint. Both trails are challengingfor unassisted wheelchair users.

Getting there from Shrewsbury is easy,bytaking A519 to Heathgates roundabout then B5062 Sundorne Road

to cross A49 towards Roden. Take the next right after passingHaughmond Abbey on the left. The car park is on right after 400 metres.

The hill itself is covered by woodland for the most part, althoughthere is an open cast quarry for stone aggregates. Its proximity to the town of Shrewsbury has meant that it hasbecome something of a forest park, with guided paths, carparking and picnic areas maintained in places. The rocky summit overlooks countryside and Shrewsbury itself

Haughmond Hill is made up of ancient turbidite sediments from the late Precambrian era which once cascaded off the edge of acontinent into the ocean that surrounded it.

The villages of Uffington and Upton Magna lie below and the B5062, Shrewsbury to Newport road, runs through the northern half of the woodland.

Deer can be found in the woods, which are mixed deciduous/coniferous and are to some extent used for forestry to this day.The hill has several connections

with the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. Queen Eleanor’s Bower is asmall enclosure on the hill from which the wife of Henry IV of England supposedly watched the battle’s progress (although neither of his wives were named Eleanor).

Finally,the “bosky hill” mentioned in Act VScene iofShakespeare’s Henry IV part 1isalmost certainly Haughmond, which looms to the east of the battlefield:

‘How bloodily the sun begins to peer

Above yon bosky hill?

The day looks pale

At his distemperature.’

Once walkers have completed their hike, they can enjoy refreshments at afamily-run cafe. The menu offers nutritious and delicious homemade refreshments which aremade to order

The cafe sources products from local businesses and their cakesare free from artificial flavourings and even homemade jam from their ownhome-grown fruit.

All of the takeaway cups, plates and cutlery are fully compostable and biodegradable and can be disposed of in ordinary waste or home composting.

ROYALSPOTLIGHT ON CHARITYICONS

ON HER RECENT VISIT,PRINCESS ANNE FOUND OUT ALL ABOUT THE WORK OFELLESMERE SISTERS EGLANTYNE JEBB AND DOROTHY BUXTON WHO FOUNDED SAVETHE CHILDREN

You’d imagine Eglantyne Jebb and Dorothy Buxton would be beaming with pride if they were alive today to see the incredible work making adifference to so many lives.

The Ellesmere-born sisters launched Save the Children in 1919 to help feed starving children in Germanyand Austria at theend of World War1

Since then, the charity has gone on to work wonders to support those in need. It operates in 115 countries and is one of the world’s largest international relief agencies, providing food, medicine and educational support, while safeguarding children’s rights.

And it all began in Ellesmere. The Shropshire town has, itself, been one of those places where ateamofvolunteers have worked with tremendous passion to ensure the legacy of the charity’s work goes on.

They are, undoubtedly,a group of

people who deserve the royal seal of approval.

It was fittingthenthat the region’s fantastic Save the Children volunteers received recognition when they were visited by Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal, Patron of Save the Children, thanked long-serving fundraising volunteers who gathered at the birthplace of the charity’s founders –The Lyth.

Her Royal Highness was greeted by Deputy Lieutenant for Shropshire, Major General John Crackett and Save the Children’s Humanitarian Director, Gareth Owen on her visit.

She was welcomed into the Grade 2-listed house by the current occupant, Elantyne’s great-great nephew,Richard, his wife, Professor Susan Jebb OBE, and their son Felix. Also in attendance was Corinna Jebb, whose late husband, Lionel, was agreat-nephew of Eglantyne and Dorothy

Mrs Jebb started the local branch from the family home, The Lyth, on the outskirts of Ellesmere in July 1968 with Sheila Griffith from aneighbouring farm. They are now the only surviving original members and both ladies were presented to the Princess Royal at the start of her afternoon visit to Ellesmere.

Branch secretary Jean Ferries, aretired teacher,also attended and said it was a perfect opportunity to bang the drum of all the incredible work the branch does.

“You name it, we’ve done it,” said Jean, discussing the work of the branch.

Over the years, they have organised a wide variety of fundraising events, ranging from coffee mornings to rummage sales, sponsored walks, quiz nights, cheese and wine evenings, concerts andbarn dances.

“The Ellesmere community has been very generous towards Save the Children and we like to think that Eglantyne and Dorothy would be very proud of the support that’s been given by the town where they were born and enjoyed a happy,fulfilling childhood.

“It’s involved alot of hard work over the years, but it’s been alot of fun.”

Princess Anne heard from the family about their recent visit to Geneva when

Eglantyne’s remains were transferred from amunicipal cemetery to anew resting place, known as the Cemetery of Kings where she now lies among 350 well-known figures who have played a significant role in the city’s history

The religious service and civic ceremony was part of events to mark the centenary of the Geneva Declaration of the the Rights of theChild, drafted by Eglantyne and adopted by the League of Nations in 1924, It is now enshrined in a United Nations Convention on children’s rights.

Local historian Alison Utting, who

has researched the Jebb family history and gives regular talks on the subject, joined Richard in showing the Princess documents from the family archives.

Ellesmere Library assistant Sally Poynton showed the Princess adisplay of illustrations of Eglantyne which will feature in anew booklet which will be published locally in September to coincide with the anniversary of the Geneva Declaration.

Her Royal Highness also met Abi-Lou Foster,the current Jebb Scholar at nearby Ellesmere College and presented her with acopy of “The Woman who Saved the Children”, signed by Eglantyne’s awardwinning biographer,Clare Mulley

The sixth-form scholarship was established in 2019 by the college’s late headmaster,Brendan Wignall in honour of Eglantyne and is offered to students demonstrating selfless support to the community through volunteering and fundraising.

“The Princess was so interested in hearing about all the things we’ve been doing,” said Jean. “She spent so much time with us. It was so lovely to have her in the house where Eglantyne and Dorothy were born, and she really seemed

to be enjoyed spending time with us and with Richard and his family.”

Afterwards The Princess Royal was driven about amile to the Jebb Memorial garden overlooking the Mere at Ellesmere. The Jebb Garden was created five years ago by the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative, as part of acommunity arts project, part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund andArts Council, England to celebrate Save the Children’s centenary

The Princess Royal was welcomed by Deputy Lieutenant for Shropshire Diana Flint and other civic dignitaries and was also greeted by children from Criftins and Cockshutt CofE primary schools singing asong of welcome. They were joined by pupils from Ellesmere Primary School and Welshampton CofE School in an educational exercise related to Eglantyne, the work of Save the Children and the Rights of the Child.

The sculpture group’s education lead, Juliet Shone, explained how ideas put forward by children during lessons and art workshops hadhelped inspire some of the artworks that havebeen created during the garden project.

Artistic co-ordinator TrudiGraham escorted The Princess Royal around the

garden and Sculpture group chairman, Len Graham said: “We’re proud and grateful that The Princess Royal has found time in her busy schedule to accept our invitation to visit the Jebb Garden. This has been awide-ranging project, involving all sectors of the community.Everyone who has contributed should rightly feel proud to receive this recognition.

“AsPatron, The Princess has been adedicated, hard-working supporter of Save the Children over more than 50 years. We hope this visit will help to raise awareness of the vital work that the charity carries out around theworld, and also remind everyone that it all began here in Ellesmere –thanks to the humanity and vision of two determined sisters with astrongsocial conscience.”

Their incredible work will certainly not be forgotten in Shropshire and though numbers have diminished, the Save the Children branch committee in Ellesmere remains totally committed.

Several thousand pounds has, for example, been donated to an appeal for Ukraine after the brutal Russian invasion two years ago.

“Our members are getting on in years now,” Jean concluded.

“But we’re determined to keep the branch going. We hope the Princess Royal’s visit will inspire younger volunteers to come forward and support us, especially as Her Royal Highness herself works so hard herself for the charity.”

With such ahigh-profile supporter and the strength and passion of branch members, there’s little doubt Ellesmere will continue to deliver on its mission to help young people.

PAGE 59: The Princess Royal with Ellesmere SculptureInitiativechairman Len Graham; Eglantyne Jebb.

PAGE 60: The Princess unveils aplaque.

PAGE 61: Welshampton CofE Primary School pupils Mia Dimelowand Emily O’Conner present aposy as Deputy Lieutenant Diana Flint looks on; Richard, Susan and Felix Jebb showthe Princess the archives; meeting branch co-founder Sheila Griffith watched by Jean Ferries and Lynn Bartley; chatting to the crowd.

Pictures: Jamie Rickets and Ken Done at The Lyth, Ellesmere

THE MASTER OF MARMALADE

ANDY RICHARDSON MEETS THE MAN WHO BEGAN MAKING JAM FROM FRUIT IN HIS GARDEN AS AHOBBY AND NOW HIS MARMALADEHAS BEEN CROWNED AS THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Hestarted it as ahobby Shropshire-born Stephen Snead had an abundance of fruit in his garden during the summer and wanted to make sure it didn’t go to waste.

So he started making jam. And then he began to make marmalade. Little did he imagine that within seven years he’d be crowned the best on theplanet –with his recipes stocked by Fortnum and Mason.

But the accountant who was bornin Wellington has come along way since beginning his food-based hobby

“I began about six or seven years ago. Istarted off making jam with fruit from the garden.

“Wemoved from Shropshire to Berrington, just outside Tenbury Wells, in 2016, and there was aplentiful supply of fruit in thegarden. Istarted offmaking jam to use the surplus fruit. Then Isaw afew recipes for marmalade and gave that ago. Istarted entering my jam and marmalade in competitions and found I was quite good at it.”

So good at it, in fact, that Stephen is the 2024winnerinthe World Marmalade Awards.His fruit-based preserves are better than those made by competitors from across the UK, Europe, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, the USA, andCanada.

Usually,judges are able to select one jar of marmalade that is the best in the world –but when Stephen entered the competition, they couldn’t choose between the top two.

“And both of them were mine,” he laughs.

The winning jarswere Stephen’s Seville orange, lime, and red chilli marmalade, and adelicious lime marmalade with crème de cacao. The awards were held near Penrith, in Cumbria, and he defeated competitors from around the globe.

Stephen says: “It really all started because of the garden. We had gooseberries, raspberries, damsons, and blackcurrants and didn’t know what to do with the surplus, so Iturned them into jam.

“I have no food background at all. But since Istarted, I’vebeen on acourse or two and since having success I’vestarted doing judging at country shows as well.

“The secrets to agood marmalade are well-balanced flavours and getting ingredients that work well together.It’s about getting areally good set that’s neither runny nor so firm that you need a knife to cut through it.

“Marmalade needs to have alittle bit of awobble to it. Youwant nice tender

peel, too, that’s not chewy and that’s distributed through the jar,not just at the top or the bottom.”

Adding the right amount of sugaris important, as well.

“Seville oranges are bitter and so it’s about balancing that with the sugar.Ifyou start to add alcohol or chilli, you have to have the right amount and not overpower the flavour of the fruit. There’s nothing special about the type of sugar, it’s just ordinary granulated sugar.What makes it set is all the science with the pectin contained within the fruit.”

By profession, Stephen is an accountant though moving to the countryside has led to achange of career He runs two self-catering holiday cottages –which gives him more time to make marmalades and jams.

He doesn’t trade at all –just makes homemade jars for friends and family “Winning the World Marmalade Award means Fortnum andMason will take my winning recipe and produce it under their own label.

“It’s literally for friends andfamily, usually.I’ve given afew jars to people we’ve had come and stayed at the holiday lets but Ihaven’t sold any of it commercially.That might be something that Ilook towards in the future. I

definitely want to continue to make really interesting marmalades. What Ireally enjoy is thinking about thosedifferent flavour combinations.”

Stephen’s pastime is something that keeps him occupied throughout the year While people tend to associate marmalade with winter and the citrus harvest, there are supplies around the year

“It’s great on toast, but it also works in the afternoon with teacakes. There are marmalades, the chilli one is agood example, that can also sit on acheeseboard because it works well with savoury.I like to think about how it can be used in different ways. Fortnums used some of my food-pairing suggestions on its website, for instance.”

Stephen enjoys visiting summer shows and passing on his knowledge and expertise. He continues to judge competitions and is keen that people don’t waste fruit if they have asurplus in their garden.

“I love writing and comingup with recipes and tips on making good marmalade and Imight look to sell afew jars locally,asa limited edition. Idon’t see myself turning into aproduction unit. Ilike making on asmall scale and experimenting with the flavours.

“The area around south Shropshire,

and Worcestershire and Herefordshire is incredible for fruit –the quality is amazing, particularly for making jam. If you go out and pick the fruit you can have it in the jar within an hour.There’s nothing quite like ahomemade preserve. It does taste different to anything that’s commercially produced. It’s wonderful. We rely on alot of the citrus that comes in from other countries but there’s still some really good quality available from the UK.”

It’s not just Stephen’s morning toast that is lifted by his award-winning varieties. “You can use marmalade as a glaze on meat dishes. Youcan alsouse the chilli one with cheese on toast and it gives it abit of sweetness and akick, areallift. If you’re making adrizzle cake then you can make asyrup with the lime and crème de cacao one.

Stephen was born in Wellington, near Telford, and was in Shropshire until he went to university.His rootsremain in the county and his parents andother family members live in the area, with many around Red Lake, in Telford.

“I think Idid aweek’s work experience in the Shropshire Star in the 1980 –and now my marmalade has made me the headline, rather than thestorywriter.”

CHEF MARCUS IS A MANONA MISSION

ED THOMAS WENT TO MEET AFAMILIAR FACE FROMNOT ONLYTHE COUNTY’S FOOD SCENE, BUT ALSO OFF THE TV –CHEF MARCUSBEAN –TOFIND OUT ABOUT HISPASSION FOR PRODUCE

What becomes clear soon after sitting down with Marcus Bean is how much of aman on amission he is. His storyiscompelling and one where things keep coming back to people and enthusing them about food.

The diners in his pub, people in the audiences of his demos, fellow presenters and television viewers and guests at his events. All these people are left with a sense of his passion for great food.

Quality ingredients and produce are important to Marcus, and so is showcasing Shropshire. Marcus explained that Shropshire hasalways been ahub of amazing artisan producers and creative businesses and he hasbeen lucky enough to be able to support new and established businesses across the county such as Sytch Farm Studios, producers of one of akind ceramics andbespoke hardwood boards and tables and Paso-Primero and their wines that are inspired by Shropshire.

Not to mention suppliers of produce such as local venison.

With the exception of time away spent studying sound engineering, Shropshire has been Marcus’ home his whole adult life. From the family pub to his own pub and then amove to the south of Shrewsbury,close to the Brompton Cookery School which he opened in 2013 with his wife Jenny

Over 25,000 people attended courses at Brompton over tenyears. Courses ranged from the very basics to British Bar Snacks, to stocks and sauces andTapas. Something for all skill levels to come and learn before heading home to try out their new repertoire on their family and friends. The last course at Brompton took place in April.

If 25,000 satisfied customers does not say something about aknack and passion for sharing food knowledge and stories, I’m not sure what does.

What makes thecookery school all

the more interesting is that Marcus is a self-taught chef.Sprung into the kitchen by necessity he never looked back. Marcus and Jenny took on apub in 2005, not long after Marcus was in thekitchen full-time and rapidly gaining alocal reputation Practising before and after service backed up by lots of reading and watching meant that more and more diners and drinkers came through the door.Itwasn’t long before an opportunity to apply for aTV cooking show came along.

All of asudden Marcus was in a studio for two weeks of intensive filming at the end of which he won the contest and became Iron Chef UK in 2010. This was the first time Marcus hadcooked professionally outside of his own kitchen and it was in front of the cameras for a television audience.

Since then, Marcus has steadily increased his TV and live events profile. Venturing from thesmall events to big events, then from the smaller stages to

the very biggest of stages with the largest audiences. By now Marcus was appearing on the bill alongside many of the culinary world’s most recognised faces such as Michel Roux Jr,James Martin and cooking royalty Mary Berry

Youwon’t just find Marcus showcasing recipes, he also hosts and presents stages, most notably at the BBC Good Food shows that take place around the country throughout the year.Inrecent years he has featured alongside Nadiya Hussain andthe Hairy Bikers.

During this progression to the biggest stages and from demo chef to host, Marcus has always been mindful of place and of Shropshire so he has also been a regular at local events such as the Ludlow Food Festival

Shropshire has clearly given alot to Marcus and he’s been keen to give back taking on patronages andvoluntary positions at Ludlow Food Festival and charitieslike the ShrewsburyArk,where he cooks for theclients and volunteers at Christmas.

He has also worked with groups like the Shrewsbury Food Hub which highlight the need to reduce food waste and use surplus food to provide sustainable and nutritious meals.

With Brompton having now closed its doors, Marcus and Jennyare now refocusing themselves to offer private dining and events experiences, as well as consultancy services. This work has included arange of pop-up food outlets developed in conjunction with major

brands including the likes of Havana Club, Land Rover and the National Trust. There have also been trips to places like Monaco to support hospitality catering operations for the Grand Prix.

Coming soon, we can expect to see more of Marcus being beamed in to our living rooms. He is an established regular on ITV’s This Morning, having struck up rapport with presenters such as Alison Hammond and Ben Shepard.

He’s also appeared on Good Food Channels shows such as Market Kitchen, Channel 4’s What’s Cooking and ITV’s new children’s cookery show MunchBox. TV work has even bought chef Ainsley Harriott to Shropshire to meet Marcus’ chickens and to showcase some Shropshire produce.

Now asummer of demos, abook launch and more TV work awaits. The demos will take Marcus to food festivals, horticultural events and shows up and down the county and even on to the high seas!

Youwill also be able to catch him more locally

n Marcus’ new book ‘TheGood Chicken Cookbook: Over 100 Delicious and Sustainable Recipes’ is published in July 2024.

THIS PAGE,ABOVE: On the This Morning set and with some of the celebrities he has worked with, including: Ainsley Harriott, Michel Roux Jr,NadiyaHussain and James Martin

MIXED EMOTIONS FORBIKERS’ BOOK

PRUDENCE WADE SHARES SOME SIMPLE AND HEALTHY MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED RECIPES FROM ‘THE HAIRY DIETERS’ FAST &FRESH’ COOKBOOK BY SI KING AND THE LATE DAVE MYERS

Anew cookbook from the Hairy Bikers tends to be amoment of celebration, but this release feels abit different. At the end of February,Dave Myers, one half of the cooking duo, died aged 66 following abattle with cancer.Ina statement on social media, co-starSiKingsaid he “will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half alifetime”.

The duo had been cooking together,

Blueberry Cheesecake

writing recipes and filming TV shows since their 2004 debut, The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook.

Their latest cookbook, The Hairy Dieters’ Fast &Fresh, was developed and written before Myers’ death.

Si King writing on Instagram:“Dave and Iloved working on this book last year, we are incredibly proud of it and we hope you enjoy it.”

The recipes are inspired by

Ingredients: Serves eight

100g granola (with no added sugar)

25g butter

150g cream cheese

125g buttermilk

1tbsp honey

25g icing sugar

Zest and juice of 1lime

Pinch of salt

200g blueberries

Method:

Line adeep15centimetre-diameter cake tin with baking parchment. Preheat the ovento180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4.

Put the granola into afood processor and blitz until it’swell broken down. It doesn’t havetobefine crumbs, though –it’sgood

ingredients of the Mediterranean, with dishes including ared pepper salad with feta, black bean soup, spinach and halloumi curry,and beef ragu with mushrooms.

n The cookbook Hairy Dieters’ Fast &Fresh by Si King andDave Myers is published by Seven Dials, priced £18.99. Photography by Andrew Hayes-Watkins. Available now

to havesome texture. Melt the butter,add the granola and stir to combine, then press the mixtureinto the prepared tin. Bake for 15 minutes until the granola is lightly coloured, then remove from the ovenand leavetocool.

Put the cream cheese into abowland beat until smooth. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the blueberries, and mix well. Sprinkle the blueberries over the granola base and pour the cream cheese mixtureoverthe top. Smooth the mixture out as much as you can, then drop the tin on your work surface acouple of times to get rid of any air bubbles.

Leavethe cheesecakeinthe fridge for several hours, or overnight, until set and well chilled beforeslicing and serving.

Pulled Chicken Tacos

Ingredients: Makes 12

1tbsp oliveoil

2medium redonions, cut into slim wedges

2red peppers, sliced into strips

3garlic cloves, finely chopped

2tsp chipotle paste

1tbsp tomato purée

2cooked chicken breasts, pulled into long strips

Salt and black pepper

For the spice mix (or use 1tbsp of taco seasoning):

½tsp dried oregano

½tsp ground cumin

½tsp ground coriander

½tsp garlic powder

½tsp ground cinnamon

½tsp ground allspice

To serve:

2avocados

Zest and juice of 1lime

Asmall bunch of coriander,finely chopped

12 corn tortillas

2tbsp finely chopped pickled jalapeños (optional)

Method:

If making the spice mix, combine all the ingredients and stir well, then set aside.

Heat the oil in alarge sauté pan and add the

onions and peppers. Sauté overa high heat until they arestarting to brownand just al dente. Stir in the garlic and sprinkle over the spice mix.

Whisk the chipotle paste and tomato purée with 150 mililitres of water and pour it over the vegetables. Add the chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper.Bring to

Stuffed Aubergines with Lamb and Chickpeas

Ingredients: Serves 4

4medium aubergines

2tbsp oliveoil

300g lamb mince

1onion, finely chopped

1red pepper,diced

2garlic cloves, finely chopped

1tbsp ras-el-hanout

1tsp dried mint

400g can of chickpeas, drained

200g chopped tomatoes (canned arefine)

Zest and juice of ½ lemon

Salt and black pepper

For the topping (optional):

100g halloumi, coarsely grated

Leaves from asmall bunch parsley, finely chopped

1preserved lemon, very finely chopped

Method:

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

6. Cut the aubergines in half lengthways, then use asharp knife to scorecrosshatching through the flesh of each half.

Brush the aubergines with oliveoil and season with salt.

Place the aubergines in acouple of roasting tins and roast them in the oven for 35–40 minutes until lightly browned and fairly so but not completely tender

Meanwhile, cook the filling. Heat afrying

the boil and simmer,uncovered, until the liquid has reduced.

Peel and dice the avocados, then toss them with half ateaspoon of salt, the lime zest and juice and the coriander

Warm the tortillas and load them with the chicken. Topwith avocado and the jalapeños, if you want extraheat.

pan and add the lamb mince. Let it sear on the underside beforebreaking it up and browning it all over –itwill start rendering out fat very quickly. When the base of the pan is coated with some of the fat, add the onion and redpepper and sauté over amedium heat for fiveminutes. Stir in the garlic, ras-el-hanout and mint, then season with salt and pepper

Add the chickpeas and tomatoes along with 200 millilitres of water,then bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer, uncovered, until everything is tender and the sauce has reduced.

Scoop out the flesh from the aubergines,

leaving arelatively thick layer behind –about half acentimetre. Roughly chop the scooped-out flesh and add it to the lamb, together with the lemon zest and juice. Cook for afurther fiveminutes, then taste a little of the mixtureto check the seasoning and adjust as necessary.

Spoon the fillinginto the aubergines. If using the topping, mix the halloumi with two-thirds of the parsley and all of the preserved lemon and sprinkle over the top of the aubergines. Put the aubergines back in the ovenfor another 10 minutes until piping hot, then servesprinkled with the remaining chopped parsley.

DRINK PINK THIS SUMMER!

WITH THE BARBIE FILM BREAKING BOX OFFICE RECORDS, THE WORLD HAS BECOME ABIT MORE PINK AND TANNERS’ SIMON JONES SAYS UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PINK AT YOUR PERIL!

The days when rosés were an afterthought or only for summer are long gone and today there are some seriously good examples across the vinous globe.

The recent trend has been to buy based on colour,orlack of it, which can be ashame as thishas ledto many innocuous pale examples with little depth or character.More interesting wines can be found when the winemaker increases the time the juice has in contact with the skins before fermentation, giving more body,flavour and, naturally,more colour

At the Massaya winery in the Lebanon the Ghosn brothers, Sami and Ramzi, produce an excellent, characterful rosé from Cinsault grapes. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness, it has delicate redcurrant fruit with citrus notes and along finish.

The Spanish too traditionally favoured adarker rosé (or rosado in this partofthe world), our new arrival from Castillo de Monjardin in Navarra is made mainly from Garnacha (aka Grenache) harvested at night to keep everything cool and fresh, it has awonderfully berry-scented mouthful.

Further west, in the Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) region, Bagordi are doing similar things with organically grown Garnacha producing adry,crisp

rosé, full of summer pudding fruit, following along cool maceration.

Across the border in France, the Joyeux family,atDomaine de la Cendrillon, also makeasuper,organically grown rosé from Cinsaultand Grenache (Noir and Gris) in the Corbières region. It has an attractive hibiscus-scented aroma and acrisp, citrus finish which is perfect with seafood.

We mustn’t forget ashout-outfor our own Tanners French Rosé made at Domaine de Pellehaut in the Gers region, from agreat mix of the region’s different varieties including Merlot, Cabernet, Tannat,Syrah, Malbec, and Pinot Noir, which offers great character at an excellent price.

Forthose who are looking for apaler rosé, don’t worry we have araft of those

too, including theuber-fashionable Piquepoul rosé,fromvineyardsnear to Béziers, which is abargain and great with seafood or even Asian cuisine.

If Provence is your thing, then Pey Blanc’s No 1Roséisamazing value compared to many from this lauded region; floral, citrusand packed with red fruit flavour,itisthe epitome of summer sipping. If you fancy ataste of Provence without the price tag, their Cyprès Rosé, grown in vineyards slightly further afield, provides much of the pleasure and character at an accessible price.

Last but by no means least, don’t forget thefizz!Can-Xa Rosé Cava comes from the Penedès region of north-east Spain and is made from 100%Pinot Noir.Itspends just under ayearonlees to retain its vibrant fruit, with plenty of strawberry and raspberry character before afresh,clean finish, it is great on its own or with abarbecue.

If you want to push the boat out, then there is always the iconic Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne Brut, which by contrast spends an impressive five years ageing that delivers afine,complex, elegant wine with red cherry fruit andahint of structure providing body to the finish.

Whichever you choose, we hope you enjoy channelling your inner Barbie or Kenthis summer!

WINESTODELIVER ASUMMERYZING

WITH AFLURRY OFNEW VINTAGE RELEASES AND LISTINGS OFFERING SOMETHING FOR ALL TASTES – THESE ARE SOME OF THE FINEST TOBUY RIGHT NOW,SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

They say warm weather wines bring you closer to aplace in the sun, so now’s the time to refresh the wine rack.

Or better still, pop afew bottles in the fridge for when the mood takes you, summer socials call for afun,fresh white; or something to open on impulse and wash down with seafood or seasonal veggies. Here’s how to put the zing into your glass…

n Graffigna Genuine Collection Pinot Grigio 2022, Argentina, Sainsbury’s

An ace Argentinian –think super fresh and super delicious. Delightful floral aromas lead to amouth-watering palate with waves of fresh peaches, pear and

touch of tingling citrusy acidity, finishing crisp, lively and bright as can be.

n Athlon Limited Edition Assyrtiko 2023, Greece, Aldi, in-store

Cruising along the Mediterranean and you’ll be hard pushed not to come across anice bucket with abottle of assyrtiko chilling nicely.Greece’s headlining white grape, this citrusy whitedisplays delightful stone fruit flavours with a characteristic salinenote.

n Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling 2022, Marlborough, New Zealand, Waitrose Aprettywhite that won’t disappoint, this New World riesling more than delivers with its lifted aromas of lime, florals and citrus, leading to snappy,

citrus-driven flavours framed by mandarin, with amoreish, mouthwatering finish.

n Specially Selected Bowler &Brolly England White Cuvee 2022, Limited Edition, Aldi, in-store

Amust-tryifyou’re new to English still wines, there’s an elderflower edge to this bright white, with subtle pear,melon and appley nuances coming into play.Dry, fragrant and refreshing.

n De Martino Estate Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Chile, Virgin Wines

Acracker from Chile, this walks the line between grassy and herbal notes, with tropical pineapple and punchy,peachy flavours; not to mention fresh acidity and

MAKE THE MOST OF ASPARAGUS

ENJOY THE DELICATE GREEN VEGETABLE WHILE THE SEASON LASTS, SAYS

Ina few short weeks, local asparagus will disappear from our shelves.

Shropshire farmers grow the crop, while there are other, exceptional growers in nearby counties –as well as slightly further afield in the Wye Valley.Local asparagus cropsbenefit from sandy soils and auniquemicroclimate, which encourages the stems to develop a deep flavour and brilliant green colour Labour-intensive to grow,asparagus are the young shoots of acultivated lily plant. They’re considered to be one of the delicacies of the vegetable world, with aprice tagtomatch, and have adistinct, intense savoury flavour.Sprue is the term for young, very slender asparagus.

While French asparagus is purple, the British and American varieties are green. In contrast, Spanish, and much Dutch asparagus, is white because it’sgrown beneath the soil and cut just as the tips emerge.

All types pack anutritious punch, with high levels of vitamins Aand C, potassium, iron and calcium.

This delicate green vegetable is at its best in spring andearly summer.It’s also at its best as soon as its picked –sonow’s the time to make the most of it, before it’s

replaced by crops grown overseas, which lack the flavour andfreshness enjoyed by local supplies.

Forthose who want their own supply, they can grow asparagus spearsfrom crowns. Asparagus is along-term crop, with plants lasting up to 20 years.

Aspokesman for the Royal Horticultural Society said: “They are usually grown from crowns, or one-yearold dormant plants, but can also be grown from seed. They need asheltered site with free-draining soil, ideally in abed just for asparagus. If you’re lucky enough to already have an established asparagus bed, then little maintenance is required, apart from weeding, mulching andcutting back in autumn.

ANDY RICHARDSON

“Planting anew asparagus bed is an investment that will pay off in delicious harvestsfor years to come, but some initial patience is required. It’s best to let new plants get established for afew years before you cut your first spears.”

Asparagus is harvested for about eight weeks in spring and early summer, when little else is cropping, making it all the more special. Asparagusspears are also quite expensive to buy,soare well worthgrowing if you have the space. An established plant should produceabout 10 spears per season.

After the harvesting period, shoots should be left to growinto tall ferny plants over the rest of the summer.Then simply cut them downtothe ground in autumn, and they will re-sprout in spring, ready for harvestingagain.

The British Asparagus Season officially started on April 23 and ends on June 21 –though supplies are usually around for alittle while after

Youcan pick up British asparagus in all major supermarkets when the season is in full swing.

Youcan also find it in greengrocers, farm shops, markets and from lots of regional growers.

RICH HISTORYOF MEDIEVALMANOR

ANDY RICHARDSON REVEALS THE FASCINATING STORY OF AN ANCIENT CASTLE, THATHAS NOW BECOME AMAGNET FOR TOURISTS, AND THE NOBLEMAN AND TRADER WHO BUILTIT

The remarkable heritage of Shropshire is among the many reasons for its popularity.It’s possible to enjoy yesterday,through the incredible buildings and geography that provide much of the county’s character

The geology of Shropshire, for instance, helps to explainmany of its natural features. The countyistruly spectacular.The variety of geology in the Shropshire Hills 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 rocktype. The underlying geology also determines land use, patterns of settlement, and exploitation of minerals.

The county’sbuilt heritage is just

DOORSTEP on your

as jaw-dropping.NearCraven Arms, at Stokesay,isthe remarkable Stokesay Castle.

It is the finest and best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Visitors can discover the great hall, which has been unchanged for over 700 years. There are other ways to get awindow into adifferent world, like spotting characters carved in the timbers of the 17th-century gatehouse or climbing to the top of afairy-tale tower for breathtaking views of the Shropshire Hills. Stokesay Castle was constructed

at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow,who at the time wasone of the richest men in England. It remains atreasure, bypassed by time, one of the best placestovisit in England to experience what medieval life was like. Today the castle hasbeen carefullyrestored and there is plenty to do there on afamily day out.

Among many must-see features are stunning views from thegable windows of the great hall, the beautifully carved overmantel within the solar,and a tearoom that serves delicious lunches and cakes while also offering beautiful views over the Shropshire countryside.

The great hall is spectacular.The fine timber roof and staircase, with treads cut from whole tree trunks, all show the same carpenters’ mark from 1291. Visitorscan gaze through the hugeshuttered gable windows which let light flood in and frame stunning views of the Shropshire countryside. The north tower stands

to one side of the hall. The original medieval tiled floor and remains of awall painting inside provide aglimpse into Stokesay’s past life as ahome.

Inside the solar,or privateapartment block, visitors will discover abeautifully ornate overmantel carved with fruit, flowers and figures. Once brightly coloured, it still has traces of the original red, green and gold paint. Thetwo-storey solar hasone of the few post-medieval alterations to the castle, having been refashioned in the 17th century into a fine panelled chamber

Stokesay’s tall south tower is the most castle-like partofthe site, self-contained and reached by adefensible stairway The shape of the tower,a lobed octagon, is cunningly designed so that from the outside it looks like afortified gatehouse.

As visitors walk through the 17thcentury,timber-framed gatehouse into Stokesay,they can take amoment to admire the beautifully ornatecarvings in its frame. Look closely and they may spot Adam and Eve, an angel, and the Stokesay Dragon.

With idyllic views of the Shropshire Hills, Stokesay Castle’s tearoom offers arange of sandwiches, light bites, cakes and bakes featuring local and seasonal produce. After abusy day exploring the castle, day-trippers can take some time out and get areal taste of the area, with recipes inspired by traditional Shropshire fare. The tearoom’s log burner gives it acosy cottage feel, and there’s plenty of

outdoor seating to enjoy aspot of summer sunshine.

Outside, there is also awalled garden and moat walk.

The walled garden is planted in a cottage style and designed to enhance the Edwardian feel of the space. This garden features amix of herbaceous perennial plants and shrubs as well as Hydrangeas and Aster,Philadelphus (mock orange), lavenders, and old variety roses.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Stokesay is its history,which comes alive.

There was asettlement at Stokesay at the time of Domesday Book (1086), and probably amanorial building on the site of the castle by the early 1260s. Almost everything visible there today,however, was constructed in the 1280s andearly 1290s. The wool merchant Laurence, who

had become one of the richest men in England, bought the manor in 1281, and set about building an outstanding home there shortly afterwards. The work was probably largely completed by 1291, when Laurence obtained alicence to crenellate –or fortify –his house.

In building his house, Laurence was taking advantage of the newly established peace on the Welsh border,following Edward I’s conquest of Wales in 1284. But the late 13th century was nonetheless a period of increasing activity by bands of thieves. Stokesay struck abalance between security and awish to demonstrate his taste, wealth and importance.

At the same time Stokesay,then as now,had an unobtrusive quality probably intended to reassure the Welsh Marcher lords that this new arrival represented no challenge to themselves.

Laurence drowned in 1294while shipping wool to the Low Countries. But his descendants put down roots and remained lords of Stokesay until 1498, living as country squires and enjoying a respected position among the gentry of Shropshire. Laurence’s son William may have had to attend to the final details of his father’s work on the castle, while grandson Sir Laurence Ludlow suffered arrest by the king for apparently failing in his duties as atax collector.

Such stories come alive in the remarkable property,which welcomes visitors daily and is one of thecounty’s stand-out attractions.

CURTAIN GOES UP ON THESYNDICATE

POPULAR COMEDY DRAMA SERIES, WRITTEN BY ‘TITAN OF TV’ KAYMELLOR AND ADAPTED FOR STAGE BY HER DAUGHTER GAYNOR FAYE, IS COMING TO SHREWSBURY’S THEATRE SEVERN

The Syndicate was afamily affair long before it blasted onto the box in 2012 with ahost of famous faces amongst the cast.

Written and produced by “titan of TV” Kay Mellor,her daughter Gaynor Faye was the series script editor

“I just knew that it was going to be a hit because she captured the brothers, the family,the whole arena of what winning the lottery and such asubstantial amount of money brings to people –boththe good and the not so good!” Gaynor said.

“Mymum wrote for people, not accolades. The people who watch her shows, those are the people she relates to, the people she championed and admired. She encapsulates them and shows what it is to be anormal every day person.

“Attimes it’s funny,attimes it’s dramatic or moving, but the key thing is that everyone can see themselves in her characters and that’swhy people love her work.”

With acast including stars like

Timothy Spall and Joanna Page, The Syndicate was ahuge hit when it aired on BBCOne andwent on to enjoy success with three more series.

The first series has now been adapted for the stagebyKay in what was her final venture into theatre before her untimely death two years ago. And the showis

coming to Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn from June 18 to 22.

Kay had already asked Gaynor to codirect the project with her,and now the actress is going it alone in amovethat she confesses has been rather daunting.

Gaynor says: “Mum’s shoes arebig ones to fill, but Iunderstand what her vision was for this production because Ihave been by her side from the very beginning. I’m excited for everyone to see it.”

Adding to the family feel of The Syndicate is the news that Gaynor’s son, Oliver Anthony,has joined the cast in the role of Jamie. He believes having three generations of one family involved in the show brings aunique experience for audiences: “There’s real heart to this show,there’s alot of love for it, it just feels special.

“Kay had been mentoring me for the last four years, she knew how hard the industry can be and said she saw potential in me. She took me under her wing and

really helped me learn the business both in front of the camera and behind.

“Tonow be involved with the stage show,and Gaynor,mymum, directing it too, it just feels special. Ihave so many wonderful memories of my grandmother, every day beside her was adream.”

The Syndicate tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat.

Will ashare of thejackpot make their dreams come trueortheir nightmares a reality? One thing’sfor certain, the win of alifetime will change the lives, loves and relationships of the syndicate members forever

Such is the success of Kay’s writing that her stories have become ahit on the stage as well as the screen with the hugely successful stage adaptions Fat Friends –The Musical andBand of Gold, which, like The Syndicate, were also collaborations between Kay’s company Rollem and theatreproducer,Josh Andrews.

Foractresses Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent, thechance to work on a Kay Mellor production was too good an

opportunity to miss. Brooke, who became ahousehold name playing Sophie Webster in the ITV soap Coronation Street from 2004 to 2019,says landing the role of Amy was areal thrill: “I’vekind of taken astep back to have my two boys so this is my return to acting and I’m so excited.

“I loveKay’s work, it’s so real and there’s such asense of warmnorthern humour that Ijust adore.”

Meanwhile Samantha was looking for anew challenge after recently leaving her hugely successful role as Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale, where she entertained fans on and off over the last 26 years.

Talking about her role as kind-hearted worker Denise, the 52-year-old says: “A lot of people are only used to seeing me as Bernice, who is this glamorous person and Denise is the polar opposite! She’s a bit on the frumpy side, life hasn’t been so good to her,she’s just totally different to Bernice which is so lovely to play

“I think Kay’s writing is so good, she’s able to create real stories andwonderful characters that people can relate to and reflect how ordinary people live.”

Samantha and Brooke are veteransof

drama having navigated the fast pace of soap-land for years, so taking to the stage in front of alive audience should be a walk in the park.

Mum-of-two Brooke, 31 laughs: “No, of course I’ll be nervous! “But theway Ideal with it is just to think there’s no point worrying now,Ineed to justwait until I’m on stage and then be nervous and face the fear anyway!”

Samantha agrees: “It’s been 14 years since I’ve done aplay so Iamfeeling nervous but Ithink if you weren’t nervous you might not care.

“Just to hear the reaction from the audience and have that shared experience, there’s nothing like it.”

n Fortickets to the Shrewsbury show visit www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/ whatson/the-syndicate

PAGE 70: Samantha Giles as Denise, Oliver Anthony as Jamie and Benedict Shaw as Stuart; inset: director Gaynor Faye

PAGE 71: Samantha Giles and Oliver Anthony; Benedict Shaw and Jerome Ngonad as dectectiveNewall;BrookeVincent as Amy.

NICKYOFFERINGA CALL TO THEBARRE

HEATHER LARGE FINDS OUT HOWAPHYSIOTHERAPIST IS USING ARANGE OF FITNESS REGIMES FOR BOTH SPORTS INJURY REHABILITATION AND TO IMPROVE GENERAL WELLBEING

Asa physiotherapist Nicky Tipton helps to gether patients on the road to recovery

Now,Nicky,who has worked with injured athletes with The English Institute of Sport, has taken her work a step further

She has opened Studio Barre in Shrewsbury,offering fitness classes that aredesigned to not only support rehabilitation but also help to prevent the onset of common aches, pains, and injuries.

Barre is alow-impact full-body workout that blends ballet, pilates, stretching and sculpting exercises.

It has roots in the work of Lotte Berk, aGerman dancer andchoreographer who developed the technique in the 1950s to aid recovery from aback injury.

Nicky,who has been involved in sport

all of her life, has been aphysiotherapist since qualifying from KeeleUniversity witha First Class honours degree in 2001.

Since then she has worked in avariety of environments including elite sport and private practice, most recently in her own clinic.

Adesire to play alarger part in patients’ recovery –aswellasa love of dance and fitness –were among the driving factors behind Studio Barre.

“I think Iwas getting alittle bit frustrated at not being able to support clients through their rehabilitation,” says Nicky.“They would come to me with an injury and Iwould setthem up with exercises to do.

“I always wanted to help people through their rehabilitation abit more thoroughly.Ialso wanted to help people before they got injured rather than seeing them further down the line. I’ve danced

all my life. It’s something I’ve always loved doing and Ithoughtitcould be adapted for rehabilitation,” she explains.

Nicky is trained in pilates, ballet barre and as apre andpost-natal barre instructor.She also has post-graduate qualifications in pregnancy and post-natal physiotherapy,female pelvic health and menopause (peri and post).

Barre exercises can strengthen the core and also improve posture, balance and coordination.

“It ties together all of the best bits of yoga, pilates andfunctional exercises,” says Nicky.

Studio Barre, which opened in February,offers arange of classes designed to suit all levels and abilities.

“The techniques include exercises incorporating the ballet barre and props such as light hand weights.

“Wehave areally wide variety of

people who come to classes from super fit athletes all the way though to people with various different conditions.

“Wecan basically work around anything and work to find asolution for any sort of rehabilitative needs people may have,” explains Nicky

“We’ve had people come to classes with various injuries who said ‘I know I need to exercise but Idon’t know how to do it safely’.

“With me being aphysiotherapist, it gives people the confidence to exercise because they know Ican adapt it and make it suitable.”

Barre classes can also be beneficial for people who enjoy different sports from running to swimmingbecauseit can strengthen muscles that often getleft behind in traditional workouts.

“Wehave people who are doing marathon training, triathlons and cross fit.

“It’s something you can add on to another sport you do,” says Nicky

She describes Studio Barre, which also offers yoga and qigong sessions, as Shrewsbury’s ‘best kept secret’ because barre is not as well known as other workouts.

“A lot of people don’t completely know what barre is. Until they try aclass, people don’t know what to expect.”

ForNicky,helping herstudentstoget themost out of their workout –and enjoy themselves at the sametime –isvery rewarding.

“It doesn’t feel like ajob,” she says. “I love teaching and Ilovehelping people withtheir rehabilitation and fitness.”

n Formore information on what Nicky has to offer,see www studiobarre.co.uk or facebook.com/ studiobarreshrewsbury

CERAMICMAGIC ANTIQUES

Halls’ Auctioneers Ceramics sale on June 26 includes alarge single-owner collection by much-favoured contemporary ceramicist Lorna Bailey.This substantial collection of over 250 individual pieces was lovingly collected over many years by aShropshire couple and will now be sold as 40 different lots estimated between £40-£150 each.

Stoke-on-Trent potter Bailey’s colour palette is often compared to that of Clarice Cliff ’s, who similarly favoured bold and vibrant designs. After studying Ceramics at Stoke-on-Trent College (formerly Burslem School of Art), Bailey subsequently joined her father’s business, LBJ Ceramics, where she quickly carved out aniche market for her distinctive series of designs.

At the heart of this collection are Bailey’s whimsical cat models, brimming with playful charm. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or anewcomer, you’ll find treasures rangingfromlimited editions with certificates to larger group lots, perfect for starting or expanding your collection.

Elsewhere, the sale includes some ‘grotesque’ models of birds –a contemporary and much brighter play on the earlier concepts introduced by the likes of late nineteenth-century English ceramicists such as the Martin Brothers. These colourful pieces are infused with distinctiveand vibrant colour palettes reminiscent of the fashions seen in theArt Deco period of the 1920s and early 1930s.

The scope of variety of her work also means that there is muchtosee and collect for those with whom her work finds favour –beitanangular sculptural jug, an amusing feline companion or a

characterful bird model. To add to the delight, many of the animal models are named, which only serves to add to the sense of personality imbued in them.

Lorna Bailey retired from the ceramics industry in 2005, leaving behind adedicated Collector’s Club and afanbase well beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. Prices for her works have increased in value since then, defying market trends observed in other sectors of theindustry

Afurther advantage is that nearly all

of the models are in pristine condition, having been lovingly displayed at the vendor’s family home in dedicated display cabinets.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of ceramic history. Contact Caroline Dennard at 01743 450 700 or email caroline@hallsgb.com to learn more about this captivating collection or to discuss consignment opportunities for the upcoming specialistceramicsauctions.

Join the sale on June 26 and let the bidding begin.

Freevaluationsofantiques,fineartandjewellery byourexperiencedteamofspecialists.

ABRACELETTHAT’S FITFOR APRINCESS

Jewellery fitfor aprincess was at the heart of TrevanionAuctioneers’ April auction.

The star of the show was an early 20th century diamond set bracelet made for Russian Princess Irena Obolensky (1917-1996).

The bracelet dated to the early 1920’s, adecade which revolutionised jewellery design and perfectly illustrated in the piece sold at TrevanionAuctioneers in their April auction.

Jewellery valuer Amelia Tomkinson said: “The 1920s was areally important era in jewellery design across Europe, following the end of World WarI,the decade saw increasing technological advances. The roaring twenties saw women wearing more simple, streamlined designs, and their jewellery had to match. In this new decade, jewellery was stripped back to minimal, geometric shapes, it is no wonder that Princess Obolensky,a society beauty,had abracelet that epitomisedthe glamour andsophistication of the era.”

The total diamond weight was estimated at twenty carats butwas not marked, and so the maker of this unique piece remains amystery.However, Managing Partner at the firm of auctioneers Christina Trevanionhad her suspicions.

“There is adistinct Persianinfluence to this exquisite bracelet,” commented Christina. “Its strong repeated geometric and buckle-link motifs were borrowed from across Mughal, Persian and Chinese decorative arts,and formed akey element of Cartier’s style vocabulary in the Art Deco era when the bracelet was made.”

Consigned by aStaffordshire vendor, the auctioneer’s pre-sale estimate for the bracelet was £12,000-£18,000, and it proved to be very popular with bidders across theglobe. After alengthy bidding battle between telephone bidders, the piece eventually sold for £10,000 aboveits higher pre-sale estimate finally settling at £28,000 plus fees.

Of thesale, Christina added: “I am utterly delighted that we achieved such afantastic result for our vendor, Amelia’s careful research and exquisite photography,combined with our network of global bidders, ensured that we achieved the best possible price for our client.” The auction swiftly moved from 1920s Russian royalty to 1920s Welsh aristocracy when aportrait of

Daisy Williams-Wynn, wife of Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, was offered by the auctioneers. The work waspainted by renowned Royal and society portrait artist SirOswald Birley (1880-1952).

“Birley was afavourite artist of the Royal family,painting highly regarded portraits of monarchs from George Vto Elizabeth II, as well as hugely influential figures like Winston Churchill and Mahatma Ghandi,” commented paintings valuer Simon Grover The Daisy Williams-Wynn portrait was commissioned as awedding present from members of theWynnstay Hunt and was completed in 1921. It sold to aprivate collector for £5,000plus fees.

At the other end of the spectrum (or plectrum), a single owner collection of classic guitars also caused astiri the saleroom.

Larrivee model LV09 acoustic guitar, which made £1,700 plusfees. In total the collection sold for £12,000 plus fees.

Other auction highlights included an early 20th centuryLundand Blockley 18ct yellow gold half hunter chiming pocket watch with an unusual enamel crest reading ‘Vive ut vivas’(live that you may live), which sold for £3,000 plus fees, and an 18thcentury French Louis ormulu mounted rosewood bombe commode, believed to be by renowned maker JeanFrancois Coulon, which sold for £2,400 plus fees.

“The Shropshire vendor was a musician who took great care of his prized collection of instruments,” said valuer Ian Woodward. “They were all in excellent condition and sounded beautiful.”

Topofthe pops was an Americanmade 1997 Gibson Les Paul custom electric guitar,which sold for £2,200 plus fees, closely followed by aCanadian Jean

“April has been a wonderful month for us,” commented Christina Trevanion. “Tohave had the opportunity to handle and be entrusted with such importantpieces of jewellery, works of art and furniture is truly an honour,and I’m delighted the auction was such asuccess for our sellers across the board, it proves that the UK auction market remainsstrong and vibrant, which bodes well for thefuture.”

Trevanion Auctioneers will hold their next auction on June 26, the consignment deadline for which is June 7. To book avaluation appointment, please call Trevanion Auctioneers on 01948800202.

An early 20th century diamond set bracelet made for Russian Princess Irena Obolensky; inset: a portrait of Daisy Williams-Wynn by renowned artist Sir Oswald Birley

College opens site in Saudi Arabia

EllesmereCollegeRiyadh

AShropshireschool has doubled its representation in the Middle East by preparing to open asecondsiteoffering state of the art education –and athird will soon follow.

EllesmereCollegewill see EllesmereCollege Riyadh in Saudi Arabia open to its first pupils in September 2024 –one year sincethe opening ofEllesmereMuscat in the capital city of Oman.

It will be followedthisyear by anew site in Doha, Qatar,which isnearing completion.

The latest site in the capital of Saudi Arabia caters for local and international students and has opened in partnership with the Glory &Princeton International Schools Group –a group that started in 2003 and nowowns and operates 15 schools across the region.

Vicky Pritt-Roberts, Acting Head of Ellesmere College, said: “Working with apartner likethe Glory Group, who understand the Ellesmere philosophy, means that we can deliver academic excellence within an inclusive and nurturing community, that engages in abroad rangeofextracurricular activities in order to enhance personal growth.

“Weshould not forget that this growing international portfolio was the vision of our late headmaster,Brendan Wignall, who was determined to see his work in this area flourish.”

Nick Pettingale, Director of International Development at EllesmereCollege, said opening asiteinRiyadh is afantastic addition to EllesmereCollege’sgrowing international portfolio.

He said: “Together EllesmereCollegeand the Glory Group recognise that education is ashared responsibility between family and school and we highly value thepartnership that we build between our staff and our families.”

EllesmereCollegeisinvolved in setting standards and providing governance and oversight for all sites –and is indiscussion with several other partners looking to expand the EllesmereCollegefamily of schools into other territories around the world.

For moreinformation about Ellesmere College visit www.ellesmere.com and for moreinformationabout EllesmereCollege Riyadh visit www.ellesmerecollegeriyadh. com

NEWHEAD FOR HISTORIC SCHOOL

The new headmaster of awellknown Herefordshire private school has atrack record of success at oneof the UK’s newest independent schools.

Andrew Allman, from Shrewsbury, who will take over as headmaster at historic Lucton School, founded in 1708, in September,has seen pupil numbers more than double at co-educational Myddelton College, in Denbigh, in North Wales since he took over in 2019.

He had joined Myddelton College, which only openedin 2016, two years earlier as deputy headmaster,but he leaves aschoolwith over 360 students including 96 boarders from Europe, Africa, South America, China and India.

He went on to Durham University where he gained aBAinTheologyand a Masters in Education before joining the staff of Barnard Castle School in County Durham.

He then joined Myddelton College which had re-opened in 2016 in the buildings formerly occupied by Howell’s School for Girls which had closed in 2013.

The 44-year-old father of two has led the school through theCovid pandemic, overseen the opening of a new prep school on the school campus, introduced an extensive outdoor learning programme and seen Myddelton College pick up prestigious awards at the annual Independent Schools Awards.

Andrew went to Shrewsbury School, one of the country’s leading private schools, which has produced Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine and Monty Python star and travel show presenter Michael Palin.

Myddelton gained plaudits for the way it negotiated the difficulties of lockdown with the school providing afull programme ofonline lessons for its students, many of them living abroad during lockdown and including lessons for the junior school pupils.

Andrew said: “I don’t believe a school should be an exam factory –my aim is always to provide awell-rounded education and give all pupils abreadth of opportunities, indoors and outdoors, including the chance to work with and form bonds with people and countries all over the world.

“My aim at Myddelton College was to develop acalm, kind, happy school where pupils have mutual respect and can thrive and reach their goals and thatwill be my ambition for Lucton School.”

Forinformation e-mail admissions@ luctonschool.org or go to https://www luctonschool.org/

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SOCIAL SCENE

HIGH SHERIFF’SDIARY Brian Welti

Icannot believehow quickly my first month as the new High Sheriff of Shropshirehas passed. My declaration was held at Shrewsbury Crown Court on April 5inthe presence of His Honour Judge Barrie and Mrs Christine Holmes JP who, as amagistrate presided overthe swearing in ceremony.

The formality of the handing overfromthe last High Sheriff to the new one is firmly laid down in law and the ceremony quite formal, all managed and overseen by my Under-Sheriff Mrs Sallie-Anne O’Byrne who together with the High Sheriff’s Chaplain were also sworn in by Mrs Christine Holmes JP Friends, family, and Shropshiredignitaries lead by His Majesty’sLordLieutenant for Shropshirewerepresent

My first visit, to attend the Bishop’sCastle and Clun Charity Bed Push on April 7was postponed, soI had to wait until the 11th to attend the ShropshireBusiness Festival at WrekinCollege.

Thanks to Beth Heath for inviting me and how useful it was to meet so many Shropshire organisations in one place. Useful contacts were made and some futurevisits organised. April saw me attending 14 visits and events from cutting the ribbon at the Shropshire Artisan Showcase in the Darwin Centre

to presenting the awards and opening the Wolverhampton Society of Artists Spring Exhibition at Weston Park

Aparticular highlight was attending the Telford& Wrekin Policing Area Commendation and Awards Evening, hearing about some of the selfless acts our police carry out every day. Congratulations to all the recipients. And of course, Iwas honoured to meet The Princess Royal on her visit to Ellesmeretocelebrate Eglantine Jebb, the co-founder of the Savethe Children Fund.

Visits in May haveincluded ShropshireSuicide Prevention Action Group Meeting, Shrewsbury Business Festival at WrekinCollege, Powys High Sheriff Installation, StaffordshireCrown Court Trinity OpeningEvent, Shropshire Artisan Showcase Event, WMP Telford Commendation Awards, ShropshireFarmers RABI Committee Meeting, Shropshire Community Foundation Meeting, Royal Visit to Ellesmere,Kings Awards for Voluntary Service Meeting, ShropshireCommunity Foundation Inaugural dinner,Soldiers of ShropshireReception at Shrewsbury Castle, Wolverhampton Society of Artists at Weston Park and B4 Shropshire–CEO’s& Leaders Event.

Pictures: Supplied

The ShropshireBusiness Festival with Beth Heath.

At ShropshireArtisanShowcase.

At theInstallation Ceremony at Shrewsbury CrownCourt.

StaffordshireCourt opening with fellowHigh Sheriffs.

The Soldiers of ShropshireReception with Sir Algernon Heber-Percy

With the Wolverhampton Society of Artists.

Flowershowmembers includingshowground manager

SHROPSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Love PLants, Emstrey

Members of ShropshireHorticultural Society, which organises the famous Shrewsbury FlowerShow, enjoyedaVIP tour of one of the county’sleading plant businesses recently.

Around 50 guests, including celebrity gardener Camilla BassettSmith, attended the special event organised at Love Plants, a specialist plant centrewhich is partofSalop Leisure’sEmstrey headquarters in Shrewsbury.

Camilla,atelevision horticulturist who presents alongside Alan Titchmarsh on ITV’sLoveYour Weekend 2020, will be attending this year’s Shrewsbury FlowerShowonAugust 9and 10

To find out moreabout this year’s Shrewsbury FlowerShowvisit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

Pictures: Supplied

Salop Leisurechairman Tony Bywater,MargaretThrower, celebrity gardener Camilla Bassett-Smith and Salop Leisure managing director Mark Bebb.

Leanne Garvey (right), Shropshire Horticultural Society chair with Love Plants general manager TomPountney and Camilla Bassett-Smith.

Chris Chew, Rebecca Chew and Josh Garvey.

Stella Pugh and Samantha Thompson.

James and Jenny Donaghy, Geoff and Linda Black.

Rebecca and Tony Whitehouse.

Rhys Rowlands, Helen Hookeand TerryJones.

Stuart Craddock and trade stand secretary Donna Hamer.

SECRET SUPPER FOR SELFHELP AFRICA Shrewsbury

Restaurants in Shrewsbury helped to raise £7,372 for Self Help Africa on the tenth anniversary of apopular charity dining event, sponsored by local law firm Aaron &Partners.

Shrewsbury Secret Supper welcomed 240 guests to adrinks receptionat Tanners Wines, beforetakingthem on asafari dining experience and visiting three ‘secret’ restaurantsfor amystery starter,main course and dessert.

The event, which is held twice ayear, has raised over £125,000 for the charity since 2014.

Guests enjoyedcourses at Terrace, Number Four,Loopy Shrew, Beefy Boys, CSONS and Rhubarb at Draper’sHall.

Pictures: Jamie Ricketts

Timothy and Alison Wood.

Adam Neath, Jayne Neath, Sam Minter and Phill Mann.

Shrewsbury Secret Supper starting at Tanners Wines in Shrewsbury organised by Self Help Africa.

Sam Anderson, Jan Ashley, ClaireWraith and Lisa Jeffries.

Luke Evans, Matthew Oakes, Charlotte Oakes and Emily Pearce.

Alison Davies and BarbaraMarsland.

Kelvin Wase and Annabel Pitt.

David Finch, Emma Finch, Enid Smith and Ian Finch.

Alwena Edwards and Nicki Higgins.

Barry Davies and Sheila Davies.

Sponsors Lynda Richards (Aaron and Partners), Mark Turner (Aaron and Partners), Millie Guest (Tanners), Alex Chidley-Uttley (Tanners) and Steph Smith (Self Help Africa).

Sarah Pearson, RichardPearson and Catherine Bright.

Zoe Sonsino, Michelle Cavanagh and Katheryn Poli.

NSPCC LADIES NIGHT Shrewsbury

The Shrewsbury fundraising branch of the NSPCC hosted aladies night at Riverbank Bar &Restaurant.

Joint-chair Karen Miller and Jacqui Williams said the event was a “resounding success”, raising £2,437 from ticket sales and araffle. They added the night was “filled with flowingfizz, delightful canapés, and fabulous conversations”.

Karen and Jacqui expressed gratitude to all the local companies who donated raffleprizes, with special recognition to local supporters manager Bobbie from The Riverbank Bar &Restaurant, Jackie Gurden and Suzzane Evans for their generous contributions.

Photos: SteveLeath

Mandy Armstrong, Julie Otter,Karen Miller,Jacqui Williams, Caroline Lincoln.

Wendy Whitelaw and Wendy Wilding.

Sarah Coggins and Vanessa Davis.

Naomi Nicholas and Jan Evans.

VivEdwards and Loraine Humphreys.

Jackie Corfield, SaraHughes, Sandy Williams, Megan Arnold. Anne Symons, Magdalena Skierski and Lorraine Brindley.

Jacqui Williams and Karen Miller –Joint Chairs of the branch.

Sarah Myerscough and Jan Elms.

Caroline Lincoln and Mandy Armstrong, looking a er the raffle.

ARTSHACKEXHIBITION

TheBear

StepsGallery

Acelebration to mark ArtShack’sfirst group exhibition took place at The Bear Steps Art Gallery in Shrewsbury.

It featured the work of participants of ArtShack’sregular Get Creativeart sessions which givepeople the chance to try their hand at awide range of techniques in avariety of media.

ArtShack, based at Berwick Wharf, near Attingham Park, also offers focussed workshops taught by artists that specialise in different techniques and mediums.

Futuresessions include the Japanese mending technique of sashiko with artist Donna Lear on June 22 and an introduction to working with pastels with artist Paul Holmes on June 29.

For moreinformation,see www.myartshack.co.uk or email info@ myartshack.co.uk

Pictures:Tim Sturgess

ArtShack’sfirst public exhibition at The Bear Steps Art Gallery.

Maggie Allmark.

Sally Serpell and SandraWinterbottom.

Samuel Johnson-Squire.

Lynda Lowe and Jane Pritchard.

Paula Eardley and Angela Roberts.

Katarina Chandler,Gemma Simister and Eunice Lamak.

Chech Rowland.

BRIDGNORTH

Annual walk

Bridgnorth’srecord-breaking annual walk returned last month with hundreds of walkers and runners taking to the streets. Around athousand people took on the gruelling challenge this year –arecordfor the Bridgnorth event that has been taking place in the town for morethan 50 years. Hundreds lined the streets of High Town to cheeronthose taking part too, as the May 6 event was greeted by glorious sunshine. The annual walk, which has been held since 1967, was taken overbycharity groupthe Bridgnorth Lions in 2017.

In recent years, afull marathon event along with asenior, junior and family walk have been added to the original 22-mile (35km) challenge that includes the energy-sapping climb up BrownClee Hill.

The Lions said this year’s event is the biggest yetwith nearly athousand people taking on either the walk, marathon or family events.

The group is raising money for their chosen charity –Hope House –but many of the runners and walkers aretakingonthe Bridgnorth Walk forindividual good causes –last year morethan £80,000 was raised by the event.

Pictures: Jamie Ricketts

This is acarehome with adifference,the calibreofcarestaff is extremelyhigh andtheir compassionand empathytowardsresidents areexemplary.Fromthe home manager down thereisawarm genuine welcomeand nothing is too much trouble. Daughter of resident, Carehome.co.uk review

ENDURINGMAGIC OF THE MALDIVES

SARAH MARSHALL DISCOVERS THATBAROS ONE OF THE FIRST RESORTS TO OPEN IN THE INDIAN OCEAN PARADISE OF THE MALDIVES IS STILL LEADING THE WAYHALF ACENTURY ON

Among the nearly 200 pictureperfect resorts in the Maldives, Baros is the stuff of legend.

Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary,itwelcomed its first guests in December 1973and wasjust the third hotel to open (after Kurumba andBandos) as the islandnation took the very first tentative steps on ajourney that would see it become one of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Before then, this chain of 1,192 lowlying tropical islands sprinkled across the Indian Ocean barely registered aflicker on the international stage

Most wereuninhabited, with the rest home to small villages of up to a few hundred people. So cut off,infact, the only means to contact the rest of the world was to send aMorse code message to the embassy in Sri Lanka.

Word slowly started to spread of aparadise of epic proportions but the Maldives, back then at least, was not the luxury haven it is today.The first people

to appreciate the beauty of Baros were an intrepid bunch of divers who hadtojump into the water from Maldivian dhonis (traditional boats) and wade ashore.

They stayed in barrack-style huts of palm leaf walls, sand floors and coconut thatched roofs, andslept on repurposed bunkbeds made from metal frames and mattresses stuffed with coconut fibre.

Fresh water –the biggest luxuryofall –arrived in buckets. Air conditioning? Forget it.

Days were spent diving and spearfishing (now banned); the nights barbecuing under the stars and dancing in the shallows.

But these people weren’t the first to spend time on the island; in the late 18th century it was presented by Sultan Hassan Nooraddeen as agift to the indigenous Giraavaru people who swiftly used it as a place to harvest coconuts.

The Robinson Crusoe experience remains at Baros, to adegree at least. Located in the North Male Atoll, an easy 25-minute speedboat journey from the airport and capital Male, theisland’s story is one of evolution rather than radical change.

Things progressed in the 1980s in the form of upgraded rooms made from coral stone walls, cemented floors and curtained showers.

Overwater villas –now emblematic

of the Maldives –arrived in 1992 andthe rest,astheysay,ishistory

The heart of the island is Sails, the breezy bar designed to replicate a traditional Maldivian house with acentral living area surrounded by verandas all around. Think tall bar stools, swinging day beds, cosy corners, canvas sails on the ceiling and live music most evenings, the bar itself overlooks asandy coconut grove filled with dozens of shady palms –anod to theisland’s past as acoconut plantation.

Meanwhile upstairs there’s alounge dedicated to local history and culture, with 400-year-old maps, ancient clothing and native musicalinstruments among the exhibits.

Afew stepsawayisthe beach, with sand as soft as silk and the sea lapping ashore with barely awhisper

Luxury,of course, is an ever-evolving concept and that is especially true when it comes to travel.

As tastes change and new trends emerge, the needs and wants of travellers shift, meaning hotels must always be one step ahead in order to remain relevant, and in adestination as saturated as the Maldives it’s even more important.

Some properties have introduced underwater villas and spas the size of villages. Kagi Resort (kagimaldives.com), for example, pushes the boundaries. The chic and laid-back 50-room resort hasjust unveiled the first pickleball court in the Maldives, hoping to attract the growing

Page 97: The beach at Baros and The Lighthouse Restaurant. This page: the resort is packed with greenery; the Serenity Spa at Baros; overwater villas.

number of people taking up the sport.

Despite being unrivalled when it comes to history and heritage, Baros does not rely on its pedigree. Small enough to walk around in less time it takes to drink aglass of champagne, the island is car-free and quiet and takes arefreshing oldschool approach to what aholiday should deliver

The 75 villas –amix of overwater and beachfront –are kitted out with private pools and custom-made furniture crafted from locally sourced tropical timber

In the spa, Balinese therapists soothe away worries and knotted muscles while French and local chefs serve up dishes at the fine-diningThe Lighthouse restaurant, while nurse sharks patrol the waters beneath.

The Maldives is all about the sea and Baros is blessed with one of the best house reefs to be found. Resident dive guide Maria had asuccessfulcareer in IT in aprevious life, but ditched Microsoft and her native Czech Republic for an altogether different path. “I cameon holiday and have been here ever since,” she smiles. “The marine life is like nowhere else.”

She has apoint. Divers, snorkellers and ‘pier-pointers’ are in for atreat Curiousbut harmless black-tip reef sharks are easily spotted from the shore, as are rays and the resident turtles.

Further afield these waters arehome to playful spinner dolphins, whale sharks

and giant manta raysthat glide along like something out of asci-fifilm.

Whether at seaoronland, Baros is special for visitors and locals alike. Ibrahim Afzal –orAppu as everyone knows him –isthe island’s longestserving employee having joined at the age of 16. Now,some 36 years later,hehas worked his way up the ranks and holds the senior position of laundry manager within the housekeeping department.

“I was nervous arriving here because it was my first time leaving my family But everyone was very friendly and after a couple of days Iadjusted,”hesays.

“Baros was very different back then. Our facilities were much more simple,”

he laughs. “I remember one evening a guest turned up at the bar in the middle of the night because his bed had collapsed.”

It’s safe to say there’s no chance of that happening today

FACTFILE

Baros (baros.com) offers double roomsfrom£509 pernight VirginAtlantic(virginatlantic.com) flys from London Heathrow to Male from £802 return.

This page: Nurse sharks swimming at Baros resort; relaxing with adrink on asandbar at the resort.

SLEEK C40ADDSA TOUCH OF CLASS

THE VOLVO CLEVERLYCOMBINES THE OLD AND NEW,COMPLEMENTING THE EXISTING ELECTRIC XC40 AND DELIVERS HAIR-RAISING PERFORMANCE, SAYS JACK EVANS

It’s been abig period of transition for Volvo lately.Ithas already laid out plans for 50 per cent of its vehicle mix to be electric by 2025, moving to 100 per cent by 2030.

Just recently,itproduced its last diesel-powered XC90, marking the end of an era for the big –and popular –sevenseater

To achieve these goals, however,it needs to increase the number of electric vehicles it sells and this car –the C40 –isone of the ways in which Volvo is bumping up its presence in the EV segment. But what is it like to drive and does it bring the usual Volvo standard of build quality inside? We’ve been finding out.

What’snew?

TheC40 is, essentially,a sleeker and more aerodynamic version of Volvo’s XC40 SUV.Unlike the XC40, however,

the C40 can’t be purchased with a standard mild-hybrid petrol engine, with only electric setups being available in this strikingly styled model.

It’s worth noting that sinceour test, Volvo has renamed its smaller SUVs. The C40, therefore, will now be known as the EC40, while the XC40 will go under the moniker EX40 instead. It doesn’t change the powertrains underneath, however,but ties it closer to new models like the EX30 and EX90.

What’sunder the bonnet?

Volvo offers avariety of motor setups with the C40, depending on what you want from your next EV.Ifoutright range is what you’re after,then the single motor, extended range version will likely be your best choice as it bringsupto345.4 miles from acharge, while the same motor canbehad with asmaller battery –and alower cost –but will drop that range

down to 299.5 miles. We’re in the most powerful version, which uses atwinmotor setup with one mounted on each axle. As aresult,itcan go from0-60mph in asports car-scaring 4.5 seconds yet it’ll still return up to 339.9 miles combined, according to Volvo. Hook up to aDC rapid charger and a10to80per cent topup could be conducted in as little as 28 minutes, too.

What’sitliketodrive?

The C40 offers apleasingly relaxed driving experience when you want it. Smooth and refined, it’s only interrupted by larger potholes which do upset the experience but it’s all, largely,kept comfortable and quiet. Particularly at motorway speeds, the C40 remains superbly hushed, while the lack of any engine noise only helps that.

It does feel heavy,mind you, particularly in sharper bends, but with

such immense propulsion behind it, this added bulk doesn’t stop the C40 from feeling very fast in astraight line. Slowerspeed work isn’t too tricky,either,though the C40’s slim rear glass andlarge pillars make rear-ward visibility quite poor

Howdoes it look?

As we’ve mentioned, the C40 is a somewhat sleeker take on the standard XC40 recipe. It’s amove we’ve seen used across the motoring industry, with cars like the X4 being amore streamlined version of BMW’s X3, while Audi’s Sportbackrange takes acoupeinspired approach to the look of its more conventional SUVs.

It all works well with the C40, too, and gives it atouch more character than the standard XC40. The only drawback is that visibility; it’s far harder to look out rear-wards than in the regular XC40 and this can make parking alittle trickier than it needs to be, despite the variety of cameras fitted as standard.

What’sitlikeinside?

Volvo’s usually excellent build quality is present and correct in the C40, with lots of solid materials used throughout. The overall fitment is great, too, and like the Swedish estate cars of old, the C40’s interior feels built to last. Volvo went leather-free in all of its electric cars in 2021 and, with its high-quality wool

interior you don’t miss the lack of leather in here.

When it comes to practicality,the C40 is about right. There’s a413-litre boot and though it’s square and easy to access, it is smaller than the 452-litre boot you’d get in the XC40. There is, however,a handy ‘frunk’ under the bonnet and this provides agreat area to store the charging cables. It’s particularly handy when it’s been raining and the cables are wet, as it means you don’t have to put them in the boot with your belongings.

What’sthe spec like?

All versions of the C40 come pleasantly well-equipped. It’s certainly not acheap car –the now-EC40-badged car starts from£50,487, but standard features include afixedpanoramic roof, an efficiency-boosting heat pump anda full Google-powered infotainment system which features built-in apps like Google Maps and Google Play Store –it’ll also update wireless over the air,too.

Youcan step up to Ultra grade –priced from £55,480 –and this will add an upgraded Harmon Kardon premium sound system, brighter Pixel LED headlights and afull 360-degree camera which definitely helps when parking.

Verdict

The C40 feels like awell-balanced mixture of new and old-school Volvo

touches. It’s got an intuitive interior with plenty of high-end touches.

In addition, it’s all brought together with asturdy level of build quality that you’d expect from this Swedish manufacturer

This twin-motor version certainly brings some hair-raising performance.

And while this does make things exciting the first time that you step on the throttle, we’d be inclined to recommend the standard single-motor version as the additional range it brings will come in handier than the extra boost away from the lights.

Price:£55,527

Engine:Twinelectricmotors

Power:402bhp

0-60mph:45mph

Maxspeed:112mph

Range:3399miles

Maxchargespeed:250kW

NOSTALGIA

1984: Anew guesthouse was opened at Ludlowand the first guests for ameal werecastand production staff of the BBC television series Blott on the Landscape being filmed in LudlowinJune 1984. Some of them areseen wishing the proprietor,Kenneth Clinton (right) success.

1989: Stuart Murray, 15, and Jonathan Young, 14, in the town’s car park, were among Ludlow teenagers rallying supportfor their ‘threatened’ past-time of skateboarding. The youngsters were organising apetition after councillors proposed a bylaw to curb the past-time in June 1989.

June 30, 1978. Seen beforesetting off from Bridgnorth are, from left:Katheryn Davies (12), Adrian Morris (13), Miss Alison Roose, and Simon Butler

JUNE ACROSS THE DECADES

HEATHER LARGE TAKES ANOSTALGIC LOOK BACK AT HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED OVER THE LONG DAYS OFSUMMER

June is agreatmonth for getting outdoors, enjoying festivals and making themost of the longer, warmer days.

This selection of photos gives a glimpse into daily life around Shropshire during the month of June in past decades.

They include preparations for celebrations taking place to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and work going on behind the scenes ahead of Ludlow Festival

In 1969, residents in Broseley were left shocked after awall collapsed during heavy downpour,taking with it part of a garden and in 1984, Ludlow welcomed the filming crew and cast of BBCTV series Blott On TheLandscape.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher made asurprise visit to Edgmond 1989. She had lunch at Edgmond village hall and also went to Harper Adams Agricultural College.

1989: This picturefromthe Newport Advertiser shows Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who was taking a‘grandmotherly interest’ in youngsters and parents gathered in Edgmond’sShrewsburyRoad on June 7, 1989. She had lunch at Edgmond village hall and also went to Harper Adams Agricultural College.

1969: This was the scene after 50ft of wall collapsed, taking with it achunk of garden belonging to Mr Bryan Francis, of Park View, Broseley. The whole neighbourhood was awakened by the ‘terrific crash’, he said. The wall, which had only been built six yearsearlier,collapsed after heavy rain. The picture shows Mr Francisand the wall on June 6, 1969.

1978: Children and teachers from Oldbury Wells School, Bridgnorth, were setting out for asix-day educational holiday in Brittany, France, on

(14).

1979: Six pupils from LudlowSchool were clambering overthe Long Mynd while being filmed for aTVshowcalled We’reGoing Places in June 1979.

1975: Adedicationservice for the restored memorial plaque in the VillageHall, Alveley, was held on June 21, 1975. Unveiling the plaque is Miss M. Marsh, sister of the late Colonel Marsh, founder of the Alveley Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

1979: The South ShropshireMorrisDancers, who were giving displays across the county, braveshowers at Northgate, Bridgnorth, on June 2,

1962: BarbaraNoakes and son Richardfound a quietspot by the Moat House at Orleton Hall in Wellington when they visited the annual garden party for the Shropshirehomebound and disabled. And Richardalso found time to reflect on his reflectionduring the visit on June 30, 1962.

1985: Philip Davis, LudlowFestival Council member,was in his 26th year of helping to set up the staging at the LudlowCastle ahead of LudlowFestival on June 7, 1985. The festival was due to open with Shakespeare’sThe

1977: Beauty queen Helen Butler seemed happy enough with this monkey business on June 2, 1977, which was all in agoodcause –topublicise Shrewsbury’sjubilee celebrations. Helen, from Shrewsbury, was to ride in style as carnival queen in aRolls-Royce Silver Shadow.

for

1979.

Tempest. Mr Davis is pictured with the scissors lift which helped to provide special effects for the production.

1972: This swan carved in wood had been land-locked in agarden near Oswestry

100 yearsbyJune 1972. The swan, owned by Mrs Freda Hughes,ofMount Houses, Chirk Bank, was areplica of amodel made for the prow of aLiverpool boat. It was made by the nephew of the man who built the houses.

BOOKS

ENJOYING BEAUTY ON YOUR DOORSTEP

HEATHER LARGE CHATS TO AUTHOR AND MUSICIAN JO JUKES WHO HASPUBLISHED HER SECOND BOOK

Our county is full of diverse landscapes that arerich in wildlife and natural features.

But author Jo Jukes believes we don’t always have to travel far to discover the “every day little wonders” of nature.

She has published Finding Beauty –A Year of Nature Outside Your Door.Itis amonthly chronicle of naturesightings, poetry,photographs, herbal recipes and Jo’s experiences while out walking daily on the many footpaths around her home on Wenlock Edge.

It follows her first book, Finding Home –Journeys with the Hillforts of Shropshire, which saw her visiting dozens of Iron Age settlements dotted around Shropshire. Walking the county’s hills and visiting settlements gave her acomforting feeling of home and adeeperconnection to the landscape.

Forher secondbook, she decided to stay closer to home. “I still wanted that connection to land and place and it felt appropriate to see what was on my doorstep and what Icould reach by foot,” explains Jo, who lives with her husband Andy

“The main aim of the book was to share the little moments of beauty that really createa bond to alandscape and to give practical ways to build that connection to the place you find yourself living in.”

The seeds of the book were sown back in January 2021 when Jo began writing monthly articles for the Wenlock Herald about nature in the Old Cemetery

“The articles for the Herald had a word limit but Ifound Iwas writing much more each month to incorporate my walks up there and also my daily walks around the town and so Ibegan charting the changes of the seasons in detail,” she explains.

At the same time, Jo was part of aproject called ‘Library to Lane’ which looked at three prominent local Shropshire women who had explored

the history,folklore and landscape here a hundred years ago. They were Charlotte Burne, author of ‘Shropshire Folklore’, Georgina Jackson who compiled the Shropshire Word-book and notes for Shropshire Folklore andthe poet/novelist Mary Webb who lived in Much Wenlock Jo, who is part of Twelve Artisans Collective, alsostarted making weekly nature-noticing videos to share what people could see at different times of the year.“Iwanted it to be accessible for people who could no longer access the outdoors due to age, mobility or different health issues. Iwas also writing in a sensory way that allowed people to get afeeling of what it was like and provide access to nature which Ibelieve is so important for ourhealth,”she explains.

Alongside her books, Jo, who is working with musician Rick Wilson, has also written songs about her connection to the landscape, nature andher family history.She has now recorded two albums; Weaving the World and The

Ancestor in Me. “I never intended to do this but it’s been areallyjoyful and wonderful thing to come into my life,” says Jo.

The pair will be performing on June 28 at 7.30pm at theHermon Arts Chapel in Oswestry,and Jo is also doing abook talk with songs as part of the Ludlow Fringe FestivalonSaturday,July 13, at 6pm at Castle Bookshops SecretGarden. Finding Beauty –AYear of Nature Outside Your Door is available from etsy.com/shop/WolfwordsShop, Castle Bookshop in Ludlow,Burway Books and Entertaining Elephants in Church Stretton, Booka in Oswestry and Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery,The Bolthole in Ironbridge, Much WenlockMuseum, The Guildhall and The Simple Life Unwrapped.

Her albums are available on jojukes. bandcamp.com/merch

n Formore information about Jo’s work, see jojukes.wordpress.com or jojukesandrickwilson.com

Author and musician Jo Jukes from Much Wenlock

DAVID STEPSOUT WITHALOVESTORY

AUTHOR TALKSABOUT HIS

NEW BOOK AND DEALING WITH ENDLESS ANXIETY AND INSOMNIA

It’s 20 years sincehis debut novel Starter ForTen launched David Nicholls’ hugely successful career as abestselling novelist and screenwriter,followed by top romantic tales including One Dayand Us,which were adapted for screen.

The recent Netflix adaptation of One Day,starring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as friends-to-lovers Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew,has once again thrust the shyauthor into the spotlight and, in thenicest possible way, you get the feeling he’d rather be on a long walk than rambling on about what makes him tick.

In fact, theidea for his latest novel, YouAre Here –alove story in which two very different characters form afriendship on the Coast to Coast walk across northern England –was sparked partly by his love of solitary walks.

Nicholls,57, does them to alleviate anxiety and think clearly,leaving hisart historian partner Hannah and their two children, Max, 18, and Romy, 16, at home in north London. He likes to do 25-mile treks, Hannah prefers to go slower and admire thescenery,he explains.

“I love being outdoors and solitude. Being by myself is a personal conscious decision, something Ineed to do every

now and then justtothink of ideas and work out what Iwant to write, anddestress.”

The walking is therapeutic for Nicholls, who has suffered anxiety and insomnia for much of his life. His success hasn’t made the anxiety worse –it’s just always been there, he says simply

“I findthe lead-up to publication very stressful. Ialways worry if it (the book) is as good as it can be, howpeople will respond to it, whether people will buy it.”

He shouldn’t fret. He may have written just six novels in 20 years, but they’ve all been bestsellers. His fourth, Us –about aman trying to save his 20-year marriage by embarking on the holiday of alifetime with his wife and son –was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction and Nicholls wrote the TV adaptation starring TomHollander and Saskia Reeves.

He has contributed to the ITV series Cold Feet,written the screenplays for the movie adaptations of his books Starter For Tenand OneDay (which starred Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess), and adaptations of FarFrom The Madding Crowd and the TV drama Patrick Melrose, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

BOOKCASE

James by Percival Everett is published in hardback by Mantle, £20.

James is apowerful retelling of The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, from the slaveJim’s perspective. It broadly follows the same Bildungsroman storyline as the original, but this version puts Jim’sstory front and centre, showing the brutal reality of being aslavethat isn’t reallyrepresented in Twain’s satire. It’sanextremely sharp novelfromBookershortlisted Percival Everett.

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, published in hardback by Viking, £20

YouAre Here centres on two lonely strangers –Marnie, acopy editor aged 38, and geography teacher Michael, 42, both with

their share of emotional baggage –who are brought together by awellmeaning mutual friend to embark on the windswept, rain-lashed Coast to Coast walk across northern England. Gradually,despite the driving rain and soggy clothing, they develop agentle, warm friendship, opening up about their lives, the loves lost, the paths they chose, as they make their way towards the end of their journey –and towards new beginnings.

“Once ayear Igoonlong walks.I’d always wanted to write about walking and find away to put it intoabook. So many things happen to you. Iliked the idea of using it as the setting for alove story.”

He says YouAre the most grown-up he’s written.

“It’s the one I’ve tried to polish. I’m writing about characters their 20s or teenagers in this one, I’m writing about grown-ups with grown-up emotions and flaws.”

n YouAre Here by David Nicholls is published by Sceptre, £20.

Luzia Cotado is a scullion in the new capital of Madrid, whereshe toils away in the kitchen, longing for astep up in life. The only glimmer of hope she has is her magic, which she uses sparingly. When the socially ambitious mistress of the household discovers her powers, Luzia’slifetakes adifferentturn. The story movesatpace, with characters who captivate as you’re drawn into the weboftheir lives.

The Amendments by Niamh Mulvey is published in hardback by Picador,£16.99. Niamh Mulvey’s debut novelhas asharp premise –sandwiched between the consequences of the introduction of the Eighth Amendment in the 1980s and its repeal around six yearsago when the Irish public said yesto changes on abortion law. The work explores howwomen, Nell, whose partner Adrienne is expecting a child, her mother Dolores, and religious group member Martina, grappled with cultural changes.

Knife: Meditations A er An Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie, published by Jonathan Cape, £20

Sir Salman Rushdie was le with life-changing injuries, including losing sight in one eye, following aviolent knife attack ahead of him delivering alectureatthe Chautauqua Institution in August 2022. In his new book, Sir Salman recounts his experience of the nearfatal incident and the a ermath It is aseeringly honest account.

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

REMEMBER WHEN

1. Buster Keaton died

2. George Harrison married Pattie Boyd

3. The Moors murderers were sentenced to life imprisonment

4. South African PM Hendrik Verwoerd wasassassinated

1. Shirley Heights won the Derby

2. Princess Margaret sought adivorce from the Earl Snowdon

3. Former Italian premier Aldo Moro was murdered by a group of Red Brigades

4. Argentina won football’s World Cup

1. Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden married the Prime Minister’s niece, Clarissa

2. The winter Olympics took place in Oslo

WORDWISE 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 8 9 6 7 4 7 9 8 2

3. Oxford won the Boat Race in extreme weather conditions

4. Israel’s first President Chaim Weizmann died

1. Glasgow Rangers won the Cup Winners’ Cup

2. 118 people died in acrash at Heathrow Airport

3. US President Richard Nixon was re-elected

4. Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather was released

1. Sir John Betjeman died

2. Torvill and Dean won the Olympic gold for ice dancing

3. WPC Yvonne Fletcher was shot dead outside the Libyan Embassy

4. Bill Murray andSigourney Weaver starred in Ghostbusters

1. Soviet PremierGeorgy Malenkov resigned

2. Albert Einstein died

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

3. Donald Campbell set anew world water speed record of 202.32mph

4. Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita was published in Paris

WHO…wrote the novel Mr Midshipman Easy?

WHAT…sort of creature is Sciurus vulgaris?

WHERE…in Africa is the city of Oran?

WHEN…was the actress Julie Walters born?

WHO…won golf ’s Mercedes Championships for the third consecutive time in January 2006?

WHAT…is the country that lies due east of Laos?

WHERE…is the Prime Meridian located?

WHEN…did Catherine of Aragon marry Henry VIIIof England?

WHO…replaced Giovanni Trapattoni as the Republic of Ireland’s manager?

WHAT…is the name of the Charles Dickens novel that features the character Noah Claypole?

WHERE…in Europe are the cities of Ventspilsand Valmiera?

WHEN…was the former US Vice PresidentDan Quayle born?

WHO…wrote the television drama series Boys From The Blackstuff?

WHAT…is the state capital of Indiana, US?

WHERE…in Africa are the towns of Marsabit and Garissa?

WHEN…did the actor Charlie Sheen marry actress Denise Richards?

WHO…starred as thefictional artist Bradley Morahan in Michael Powell’s film Age Of Consent?

WHAT…was the approximate percentage of white people in the US according to the 2010 census –62, 72,82or 92?

WHERE…were the 1968 summer Olympic Games held? WHEN…was the actor Sean Connery born?

WHO…did actor Russell Crowe marry in 2003? WHAT…sport is Jelle Klaasen associated with? WHERE…is the Ranfurly Shield the domestic Rugby Union competition? WHEN…did the Reign of Terror end in France?

A Type of mushroom B Large bell C Bell ringer THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

1. GRAVEN

A Strongly fixed B Rounded stones C Coward

2. FISTULA

A Bone in the arm B Rustle C Narrow duct

3. FISSILE

A Readily split B Dark passage C State treasury

4. DIVEST

A List of contents B Break up C Deprive of

5. COLIBRI

A Italian dish BHummingbird CNaughty child

6. CHANTERELLE

CROSSWORD

QUICK CLUES

Across 1. Profane (11)

9. Sketch (7)

10. Nut (5)

11. Terror (5)

12. Lament (7)

13. Beginning (6)

15. Roadway (6)

18. Finger joint (7)

20. Bingo (5)

22. Elbow (5)

23. Pacify (7)

24. Intending good (4-7)

Down

2. Slender (5)

3. Axle (7)

4. Noticed (6)

5. Tree (5)

6. Anointment (7)

7. Handsome (4-7)

8. Embryonic (11)

14. Roll (7)

16. Crook (7)

17. Folk (6)

19. Toll (5)

21. Coach (5)

CRYPTIC CLUES

Across

1. Amitecannot causeinfection anyhow (11)

9. It’s nominally capitalised (7)

10. Flower girl in Shakespeare play (5)

11. Scour the bush country (5)

12. Anoted lack of agreement (7)

13. Move quickly when the heats are rearranged before the end of the competition (6)

15. More benevolent juveniles in Germany (6)

18 &20Ac. High-rise conurbations? (5-2,5)

20. See 18 Across

An actress, Iwas born in Minnesota in 1982. Istarred in the US TV series 7th Heaven, anddated fellow actor Chris Evans on-and-off for several years. Imarried Justin Timberlake in 2012,and my films include Elizabethtown and The Illusionist.

22. Protective clothing with strings attached? (5)

23. The expression of ahard-faced expert (7)

24. Single knocker,we’re told (11) Down

2. One found inside variety of rose willow (5)

3. Cover that prevents damage to the sewer (7)

4. Mother with another female complaint (6)

5. One visitor takes in West Indian island (5)

WHAT’SMY NAME?

6. Aword with adouble meaning (7)

7. Fail to take an opportunity,asnaval defaulters may do (4,3,4)

8. In serious difficulties with herds spread all over the place (4-7)

14. This stops the rider from being footloose (7)

16. One with aLatin derivation! (7)

17. Ventpegtoleave in dilapidated pits (6)

19. Beat and verve required for the dance (5)

21. Demand payment for some of the complex activities (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6

Apainter,Iwas born in Normandy in 1877. After experimenting with post-impressionism and cubism, I became known as aFauvist and developed the style known as stenographic. My works include Hommage AMozart and Regatta At Cowes.

An actor,Iwas born in Hong Kong in 1954. In my early career Iwas known as Chan Yuen Lung. Iam known for kung fu andaction films, starring in Shanghai Knights and Rush Hour

Asinger,Iwas born in Texasin 1984. My debut album was entitled Autobiography and my biggest hit in the UK was Pieces Of Me in 2004. My

older sister Jessica is also asinger

Acomedian and TV presenter,Iwas born in Surrey in 1959. Istarted my career as The Joan Collins Fanclub accompanied by my dog Fanny,and am often aguest on Radio 4’s Just AMinute. I finished third in the second series of Strictly Come Dancingand won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.

An author,Iwas born in Dublin in 1981. My father is aprominent politician and my sister is married to amemberof Westlife. My debut novel, PS, ILove You, reached Number Onein the bestsellers.

WORDSPIRALS IMPOSSIPUZZLES

“What are you doing with my new insurance policy?” Sam asked.

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. Asks for food or money 2. Auction 3. Exposition, in short 4. Pig sound 5. Ship’s structural element 6. Young sheep 7. Greek letter 8. Land measure 9. Always 10. Hurry 11. Group of cattle 12. Prima donna 13. Ventilates 14. Shock 15. Arrests 16. Smack

Key word clue: Native American

1. Explosive device 2. To polish 3. Having alevelsurface 4. Rip ahole in 5. Genuine 6. Cooking fat 7. Deposit as rubbish 8. Pool of still water 9. Expensive 10. Shabby clothing 11. Lather 12. Snow runners 13. Black marketer 14. Look at 15. Volition 16. Lacking fat

Key word clue: Musician type

Gareth smiled. “Nothing, Dad,” he replied. “It’s the serial number.It’s just one less than twice the squareofits last three digits. Isn’t that something?”

It certainly made the number unique, but what exactly was it?

“How old am I?” Jess asked.

“I’vegot no idea,” replied Tommy “Well, you can figure it out yourself,” his aunt told him.

“I’m justone year older than eight times thetotal of the two digits of my age.”

How old was she?

Santiagolooked down over the boy’s shoulder.“That’s my new licence number,” he said. “What’s theidea?”

“I foundsomething about it, Dad,” Matias replied. “If you add three times the square of its last three digits to its other three, you get the number again.”

But what was that number?

“How do you like the new job?” asked Maggie. “It must be quite achange after abig city school.”

“It’s certainly that,with only 348 pupils in all,” replied Nathan. “There are 231 younger than twelve, but 165older than ten.”

How many were aged 11 years?

When Aaron was as old as Lilly was when Aaron was twice as old as Lilly was when Aaron was half as old as Lilly is now,Lilly was just athird as old as Aaron will be when Lilly is two years younger than Aaron is now We have of course taken ages in completed years. Aaron is in his fifties, so how old is Lilly? 1 23 1 2 3 4 5

1. Vessel forcut flowers 2. Compass point 3. Team trip 4. Space 5. Masculine 6. Water jug 7. Ridge of coral 8. Tuna,say 9. Vestibule 10. Long steady stride 11. Heroic 12. Onboard personnel 13. Small forest 14. Perishes 15 Eyelid swelling 16. Make mistakes

Key word clue: Surname

WHAT’SON

JUNE

1

Stereosonics described themselves as the UK’s best tribute band to the mighty Stereophonics. They will be appearing at Bridgnorth’s Theatre On The Steps.

Afantastic live band, fans can expect an evening packed with all the hits and anthems including ‘Dakota’, ‘Maybe Tomorrow’, ‘Local Boy in The Photograph’, ‘Just Looking’, ‘The Bartender and The Thief ’, ‘Handbags And Gladrags’ and many more.

For£20 tickets visit www theatreonthesteps.co.uk

4

New cowork and events space Gather in Ludlow,are delighted to welcome James and Tilla Waters from 6pm to 8pm. James and Tilla Waters are award-winning studio potters based in Carmarthenshire, Wales. They will talk to guests abouttheir partnership, one that combines James’s making skills with Tilla’s love of colour and design.

James and Tilla met each other during their apprenticeship with Rupert Spira in Bishop’s Castle and set up their own pottery brand in 2002. Tickets are £10 a ticket from www.morethanacowork.com

7Enjoy An Audience with John Sergeant at Ludlow Assembly Rooms. John is the former Chief Political Correspondent for the BBCfrom 1992 to 2000 and ITN’s Political Editor from 2000 until 2002.

His award-winning career as a political journalist has seen him interview big political hitters like Prime Ministers

Margaret Thatcher,John Major,and Tony Blair.Inrecent years though John has returned to his first love of light entertainment and can be seen regularly on programmes like The One Show,Have IGot News ForYou, QI, Room 101, and the News Quiz, and of course there were those appearances on Strictly

For£25 tickets visit www.ludlow assemblyrooms.co.uk

8&9 Plant Hunters’ Fairs return to the wonderful Hodnet Hall Gardens with thousands of plants from someof the country’s most respected nurseries.

There are over 60 acres of breathtaking gardens to enjoy with grand vistas, intimate secluded areas, lakes, woodland walks, flower borders, roses, peonies and a walled kitchen garden.

The entry price for the gardens and plant fair of just £5 for adults (children under 16, free) is aspecial discount from the normal garden entry price.

Refreshments available. Dogs on leads are very welcome. Please see www planthuntersfairs.co.uk

10

Allie Bailey has spent the past decade running ultramarathons and sinking beers in every corner of the world. In Running Won’t SaveYou, at The Walker Theatre in Shrewsbury,she gives afrank, shocking and, at times, darkly funny account of what it was like to be afunctioning alcoholic and depressive, what ultra-running hastaught her and what she’s now teaching other people.

Tickets cost £19 and are available from www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/ allie-bailey/

13

Join Lexi from Little &Wild, guiding you through asummer of natural dyeing at events space Gather in Ludlow.You may think of natural dye colours as muddy and dull, but there are some fantastic hues from pink to bright yellow.Learn everything you need to know to grow andharvest for natural dyeing.

Each session is 2.5 hours and starts at 5.30pm at Gather in Ludlow.Visit www morethanacowork.com

14

Shropshire Music Trustwill be celebrating its 40th anniversary by hosting agala concert at St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury

The main performance will be by Ex Cathedra, hailed as one of Britain’s very best choirs by the New York Times. This world-class vocal ensemble leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing and has for more than 50 years produced highly-acclaimed concerts and participatory projects.

There will be other guest performers and the evening promises to be one of enchantingmusic andsurprises. For tickets visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ booking/category/RdiEJKhzXNnT

15

After asold-out tour across the UK and Europe in 2023, Celine –My Heart Will Go On is back for 2024

Lexi from Little&Wild florists will be guiding you through the process of natural dyeing at events space Gather in LudlowonJune 13, while you can enjoy an audience with veteranjournalistJohn Sergeant on June 7atLudlowAssemblyRooms

ShropshireMusic Trust will celebrate its 40th anniversary with agala concert featuring choir Ex CathedraatStChad’sChurchinShrewsbury on June 14 and on June 15 West End performer Chris Key will star in ANight At The West End’ in aid of homeless charity The Shrewsbury Ark at Prestfelde School

bigger and better than ever.The concert at The Walker Theatre in Shrewsburyisa stunning celebration of the music and one of one of the greatest singers of our time.

Starring Alexandra Darby as seen on ITV –This Morning and an outstanding live band, the audience are taken on a magical ride through four decades of hits that include: The Power Of Love, It’s All Coming Back To Me Now,I’m Alive,All By Myself,Because YouLoved Me, My Heart Will Go On and many more…

Tickets cost £28 from www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/ celine-my-heart-will-go-on/

15

‘A Night At The West End’ is being staged at Prestfelde School theatre to raise much-needed funds for the Shropshirehomeless charity,The Shrewsbury Ark.

Professional actors from West End shows such as Les Mis, Mamma Mia, West Side Story and Billy Elliott will be performing at Prestfelde School Theatre to raise funds to support The Ark which has supported homeless people in the county since 1971.

Headlined by accomplished theatre professional Chris Key, renowned for his roles in iconic productions suchasLes Miserables, The Beautiful Game and Jerry Springer the Opera,Chris brings awealth of talent and experience to this show.Also performing is his equally talented wife, Lucy Key, best known for her portrayal in London of Maria in West Side Story.

Joining them is the gifted Jessie Hart, fresh from her captivating performance as Eponine in the West End, and Erika Ann Deacan, renowned for her portrayal of Donna in the Mamma Mia UK World Tour.

As well as aglass of wine in the

interval, there’s also achance to bid for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experinces at aWest End show.For tickets, visit www. ticketsource.co.ukand search‘ANight at the West End’

15Much Wenlock Male Voice Choir is holding acharity concert featuring soloist Bass-Baritone Piran Legg at Shrewsbury Abbey

The event will raise money equally for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire and Shrewsbury Abbey (Parish of the Holy Cross).

The doors will open at 6.45pm and the concert will start at 7.30pm with a short interval with refreshments being provided by The Shed/Olitory Kitchen. Tickets are £12 each in advance, £14 on the door on the night subject to availability.Tickets can be booked online at macmillan-org.enthuse.com/cf/ muchwenlockmalevoicechoirconcert or bought from Shrewsbury Abbey directly

22

Welshpool Music Club has invited The Welsh Chamber Orchestra to perform a‘Gala Concert’ in Welshpool Methodist Churchon Saturday,June 22 at 3pm.

The concert, entitled ‘A Little Night Music,’ features music by Mozart,Tchaikovsky,AlexMills (‘Love Lullabies’ –anew piece) Borodin and Haydn. Alex Mills has agreed to talk to the audience about his music.

The orchestrainvites accompanied children to attend their rehearsal from approximately 11 am on Saturday morning. They can attend the afternoon concert for £5.

The concert is supported by several Welshpool businesses including Frank

Lloyd (Gentlemen’s outfitters) and Walnut (ladies clothing). Tickets are available at £15 each from Welshpool Jewellers 01938 552234 and from Alan Caunce on 01938 578777

23

TopUKvocal harmony group and original X-Factor stars G4 celebrate adouble decade in the limelight with aspectacular anniversary show at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.

Their unique blend of classical training alongside apioneering approach to popular classics has seen G4 hailed as the ‘Kings of Popera’ and earned them a legion of loyal fans all over the world.

Hear the breathtakingnew tracks from their hotly-anticipated 20th Anniversary studio album, alongside the most popular G4 hits, such as their exhilarating rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody,haunting version of Radiohead’s Creep as well as the heartstopping Nessun Dorma

For£29.50tickets, visit www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/g420th-anniversary-tour/

29&30

Shrewsbury Food Festival returns to The Quarry park. Promising ahost of foodie, family fun, some of the region’s best producers and chefs will serve up fine food and drink.

The chef line-up for the Talks and Demos Stage and Monks Chef School will be led by Festival Head Chef, Chris Burt. He will be joined by Marc Wilkinson from Fraiche, Carla Ernst and Ben Hall from The Walrus, Stuart Collins from Docket Restaurant, and James Sherwin from Wild Shropshire, to name but afew.The Kids Cookery

School is also back by popular demand. The family entertainment bandstand will showcase some of Get Your Wigle On’s stars, along with the Ludlow Concert Band. Shrewsbury Morris Dancers will be performing on Saturday,June 29.

As always there will be an entire field of free kids’ activities in the Adcote School Kids Area, with some new inflatable additions from AJS Bouncy Castles this year

Tickets are cheaper in advance from www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

29&30Shropshire charity, Community Resource is delighted to announce the return of its popular open gardens event, which this year is expanding!

Open Gardens Wellington is raising money to supportlocal charity, Community Resource and their work helping people and communities across the county facing difficulties.

This year’s line-up features 14 private

gardens, plus the kitchen garden at the Wellington Orbit, the secret garden at Wellington Train Station and new for 2024, Oakwood ShireLiving and Wrockwardine Allotment Society.The National Trust’sSunnycroft, is also giving exclusive access to Open Gardens ticket holders for the weekend.

Entry wristbands and trail maps can be purchased via the Eventbrite page at opengardenswellington2024.eventbrite. co.uk

30

Shropshire’s Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, together with Cheshire branch, are hosting a Midsummer Lunch at Cholmondeley Castle.

The captivating, Sir Johnny Scott, is guest speaker,with introduction by GWCT National chairman, Sir Jim Paice.

The finale, an auction of exclusive items under the gavel of the renowned Bernie Hutchinson, will raise muchneeded funds for the highly influential

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 107-109

REMEMBER WHEN: 1 1966, 2.1978, 3.1952, 4 1972, 5.1984, 6.1955

FOUR Ws: 1.Captain Frederick Marryat; Red squirrel; Algeria; 1950. 2.Stuart Appleby; Vietnam; Royal Greenwich Observatory,London; 1509. 3 Martin O’Neill; Oliver Twist; Latvia; 1947 4.Alan Bleasdale; Indianapolis; Kenya; 2002. 5.James Mason; 72 percent; Mexico City; 1930. 6.Danielle Spencer; Darts; New Zealand; July,1794.

WORDWISE: 1.A, 2.C, 3.A, 4.C, 5.B, 6.A

CROSSWORD: Quick Solutions: Across: 1 Blasphemous; 9 Outline; 10 Pecan; 11 Dread; 12 Elegise; 13 Outset; 15 Avenue; 18 Knuckle; 20 Lotto; 22 Nudge; 23 Placate; 24 Wellmeaning. Down: 2 Lithe; 3 Spindle; 4 Heeded; 5 Maple; 6 Unction; 7 Good-looking; 8 Undeveloped; 14 Trundle; 16 Villain; 17 People; 19 Knell; 21 Train. Cryptic Solutions: Across: 1 Contaminate; 9 Initial; 10 Viola; 11 Scrub; 12 Discord; 13 Hasten; 15 Kinder;

18 Built-up; 20 Areas; 22 Apron; 23 Grimace; 24 Opportunity Down: 2 Osier; 3 Thimble; 4 Malady; 5 Nevis; 6 Twofold; 7 Miss the boat; 8 Hard-pressed; 14 Stirrup; 16 Italian; 17 Spigot; 19 Tango; 21 Exact.

WHAT’S MY NAME? 1.Jessica Biel, 2.Raoul Dufy, 3.Jackie Chan, 4.Ashlee Simpson, 5.Julian Clary, 6 Cecelia Ahern.

WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Begs 2.Sale 3.Expo 4.Oink 5 Keel 6.Lamb 7.Beta 8.Acre 9.Ever 10.Rush 11.Herd 12.Diva 13.Airs 14.Stun 15.Nabs 16.Slap

Key word solution: ARAPAHO

WORDSPIRAL 2: 1.Bomb 2.Buff 3.Flat 4.Tear

5.Real 6.Lard 7.Dump 8.Pond 9.Dear 10.Rags 11

Suds 12.Skis 13.Spiv 14.View 15.Will 16.Lean

Key word solution: PIANIST

WORDSPIRAL 3: 1.Vase 2.East 3.Tour 4.Room 5

Male 6.Ewer 7.Reef 8.Fish 9.Hall 10.Lope 11.Epic 12.Crew 13.Wood 14.Dies 15.Stye 16.Errs

Key word solution: FORSTER

and invaluable scientificwork of the GWCT.For further information details www.gwct.org.uk/midsummerlunch

30

The Marches Choir,together with opera singers from Aberystwyth, will present aconcert performance of excerpts from Georges Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ in the ballroom at Walcot Hall, Lydbury North.

The opera is full of exuberant melodies, with emotions running high, thanks to its depiction of love, obsession, jealousy and pride. This thrilling opera with its sparkling music will be set in the magnificent surroundings of Walcot Hall Ballroom, aperfect setting for awonderful evening of musical entertainment!

The concert will start at 7.30pm, and tickets, £15(children and students free), are available by calling 07779 314609 or online via www.ticketsource.co.uk, from choir members or on the night at the venue.

IMPOSSIPUZZLES: 1.The serial number was 1755937. 2.Jess was 41 years old. 3.The licence number was 560432. 4.48pupils. 5.Lilly 48 years (Aaron 55).

Windy Ridge, Little Wenlock, is one of the 14 private gardens open to view at Open Gardens –Wellington on June 29 &30, while overthe same weekend Shrewsbury Food Festival in The Quarry park, Shrewsbury, will featureachef line-up including festival head chef Chris Burt

THE SHR OP SHIRE MA GAZINE