Shropshire Magazine May 2024

ROYAL VISITOR

QueenCamilla in county

SWEET SENSATIONS

Creations are icingonthe cake

MENTAL HEALTH MISSION

Marathon challengefor youngfarmer

READY TO SERVE

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

TimThursfield

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

Caroline Jones, Megan Jones, Ed Thomas, Robert Boutflower, Bill McCarthy PUBLISHED

Ayoung farmer tells Matthew Panter why he is on amission to raise awareness about mental health challenges.

CONTENTS

47 Royal visit

Crowds gathered to welcome Queen Consort Camilla on her recent visit to the county.

51 Wonder of Walcot

Matthew Panter visits the mansion offering awarm welcome to both newlyweds and the local community.

54 Second-hand style

Designer Had Davies has made it her mission to givesecondhand material anew lease of life.

Heather Large finds out more.

57 Sweet creations

Heather Large chats to the group of ladies getting creative with all things icing.

60 Apiece of cake

Young baker Imogen Kelly has turned her lockdown hobby into aprofitable business. She chats to Matthew Panter

70 Soap star

Molly Hooper has got the sweet smell of sucess after her soap-making business took off, writes Heather Large.

88 Social scene

Local businesses gather for a fun event at acounty school and the work of the Not Forgotten charity is highlighted at alunch get-together

100 Motoring

Bill McCarthy puts the electric Genesis G80 through its paces.

110 What’son

From theatreshows to charity walks, music recitals to an annual regatta, there’splenty going on across the county.

BRIAN ON AHIGH WITH ROYALROLE

THE NEW HIGH SHERIFF OF SHROPSHIRE TALKS TO MATTHEW PANTER ABOUT HIS IMMENSE PRIDE IN THE ROLE AND OF HIS CAREER AS ABUSINESSMAN AND RETAINED FIREFIGHTER

October 7, 2020. It was a date Brian Welti will always remember with afeeling of immense pride and anticipation.

It was the start of ajourney which has brought him to another special point in a life which has already been fulfilling and one which is now set to bring even greater rewards.

“I recall vividly receiving aphone call from Dean Harris, who was the High Sheriff of the ceremonial county of Shropshire from 2020-21.

“I can remember the date and always will, because Dean was calling to inform me that Ihad been nominated for the role of High Sheriff.”

Surprised and hugely honoured, Brian took time to ponder the conversation overnight, considering the role and its responsibilities.

“Having thought about it, Ispoke to Dean again and said: ‘Yes. It’s ahuge honour.Thank you for asking me!’”

It was the start of alengthy process, of deliberations and checks prior to office.

It hasnow resulted in him taking on the prestigious role, onewhichissteeped in history

The office of High Sheriff is nonpolitical and unpaid. No part of aHigh Sheriff ’s expenses fall on the public purse. It is aroyal appointment, made at the Privy Council by the Sovereign, where the custom of the monarch ‘pricking’ the appointee’s name with abodkin is perpetuated.

The modern word for sheriff,which means keeper or chief of the county,is derived from the Anglo Saxon words ‘Shire-Reeve’.

The Shire-Reeve, in the days of King Alfred the Great of England, in 871, was responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing the king’s orders.

Today there are 55 High Sheriffs serving counties of England and Wales each year and, while duties of the role have evolved over time, supporting the Crown and the judiciary remain central elements of the position today

At the heart of the role is the opportunity to serve and give something back, which Brian has already achieved in various guises during arewarding life to date.

“I want to make adifference by listening, networking, highlighting, connecting, supporting and, most importantly,thanking those who give so much to the ceremonial county of Shropshire,” Brian says as he now begins his year in office.

“It is an amazing honour andIneedto make the most of it,” he adds. “I want to make adifference in my own way.Every High Sheriff makes adifference.

“There’s no question about thatand

no one is better or worse than the one before. But we all fulfilthe role very differently because you all have different interests, so that’s only natural.”

Interests are something which Brian, who lives in Ellesmere, has always had in abundance.

He was amemberofthe Retained Fire Service and finally retired last August after 35 years, serving in Shrewsbury,Wem and, from 2007-2023, in Baschurch, with 12 years as Watch Manager

“This is something Ihave always been very proud of and enjoyed from the moment Ijoined to the time Ileft,” Brian says.

“I miss it greatly,not only the variety, unpredictability and unexpected nature of being a firefighter but alsothe people and the camaraderie. It gave me abuzz and a huge amount of satisfaction because you are part of acrew, helping people.”

Brian was also invited to be a Governor at Oswestry School in 2013, becoming Chair of the Finance and General Purposes committee and then Estates committee. He’s still there today

He became amagistrate in November 2007, sittingatShrewsbury, Oswestry and Market Drayton. That evolved to sitting at Telford court and occasionally Kidderminster,although he can’t sit for a year while fulfilling the High Sheriff role.

“I’d like to think we can, while

making sure justiceisserved, alsoprovide words of wisdom and advice to get people back on the straight and narrow so they never go to court again,” he adds.

Brian was also co-opted to join Baschurch Parish Council in 2018 and became chairman in 2021. He stood down in September as he is not allowed to be involved in political activities during and for six months prior to taking on the High Sheriff role.

With voluntary work, on top of his business –Woodfield Events Management Ltd –you wonder quite how he manages

to fitso much into 24 hours aday and how he has achieved such agreat amount with so many organisations during his life.

Hobbies such as acanal boat and vintage cars are on the back burner for atime. And yet it’s the fact he has lived such arich and rewarding life, supporting so many,which makes him aperfect fitfor the role.

Despite career success in various forms, he remains humble and says: “I would like to think Ican mix with and talk and relate to anyone.”

Youget that impression from chatting

to him andhehopes the fact he is relatable will ensure he can help awide variety of groups and organisations within the ceremonial county of Shropshire.

Born just outside Bedford, Brian moved to Shropshire in 2002 to help his brother Stephen build and develop the Welti Club, which hassince become the Shrewsbury Club. Stephen hadmoved to the county–Bronygarth –in1979 with their mother Pam, who herself set up Brookside Country Club.

“People still ask me now if I’m Pam Welti’s son or Steve Welti’s brother,” says Brian, reflecting on his family’s strong association with Shropshire.

Family,incidentally,issomething which is extremely important to Brian. He hasthree children and four grandchildren. Rebecca, 35, ashow manager for RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival ismarried to Freddie, with new born son Alfie.

Tom, 33, who lives in Whittington, works at Cholmondley and Houghton Estates and has apartner Emma and children, Oscar,nine, Luna, seven, and Raffy, five, while Sam, 30, is an Investment Portfolio Manager who lives with partner Niamh in Edinburgh.

“Family means alot to me,” Brian reflects. “They have all done very well and Iamvery proud of them. They are very supportiveofmeand especially with me undertaking this office.”

Invitations are already coming in thick and fast to attend groups for general

visits or opening ceremonies, as well as speaking at functions. And he is already focused on helping specificcauses.

Farming, for example, has been akey part of his life. He attended Shuttleworth Agricultural College from 1978-1981 and was president of the Student Union, meeting the then Prince Charles. Brian was involved in farm management from 1981-2002, which evolved into estate management in 1995.

He managed the Old Warden Estate, Bedfordshire, hosting the CLA Game Fair in 2001, which introduced him to the world of events.

“I grew up next to afarm, where I spent all of my childhood, and that is where Igot my interest in agriculture,” he says. “So Iwant to support RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution).

“I want to do all Ican to help them. Shropshire is very rural and agricultural and because of my own interest in farming, Ifeltitwas something Iwanted to home in on.

“If you have apersonal interest, it drives you and it’s easier to talk about. Ihave an empathy for the farming community.RABI supports awhole range of people within the community,of all ages, helping them cope with issues such as the loneliness of working on afarm. I want to emphasise their work. Iwantto raise awareness of the issues faced by the farming and rural communities which are often hidden or misunderstood.

“I am also supporting the Shropshire

Community Foundation, Alzheimer’s Research –which my mother died from seven years ago –the Firefighters Charity, due to my links with the emergency services and the High Sheriff ’s national charity Crimebeat.

“I want to raisethe profile of the emergency services, both blue light and voluntary,and to focus on The Red Cross, St John Ambulance, West Mercia Search and Rescue, Street Pastors and more. There are also incredible organisations who help reduce youth crime. There are just so many brilliant volunteers. This county and society would not operate without avoluntary sector.The amount of time people give voluntarily is nothing short of incredible. Iwant it to be part of my mission to find them and recognise and thank them.”

Having been avolunteer himself,you can be assured Brian will do his upmost to ensure he shouts from the rooftops about the work of as manyof the county’s unsung heroes as possible.

PAGE 8:

Brian Welti with outgoing High Sheriff Mandy Thorn; with fellowHigh Sheriff’s Douglas Wright, Rajvinder Kaur Gill and Charles Moyle

PAGE 9: Grandchildren Luna, Raffyand Oscar

PAGE 10: Brian with his family. Picture: Russell Davies

OPEN DOORS OFFER FORLOVERSOFART

HEATHER LARGE MEETS ACREATIVE GROUP WHO ARE SHOWCASING THEIR WORK WITH A SERIES OF ART TRAIL EXHIBITIONS NEXT MONTH ACROSS 11 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Before any piece of artwork is put on display in agallery or takes of pride of place in someone’s home, alot of hard work happens behind the scenes.

More often than not this creative process takes place without an audience inside the privacyofanartist’s studio or workshop.

Every year,Borderland Visual Arts, a network of more than70artists living in and around Oswestry,gives visitors arare glimpse inside the workspaces of some of its members.

Working in arange of art disciplines, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography,metalwork, ceramics and textiles, these artists will throw open the doors for their popular Open Studios andArt Trail event during

the weekends of June 8and 9and June 15 and 16. This year there are 27 members taking partin11different locations in Oswestry and the surrounding villages such as Cefn-Mawr and Pen-y-bont.

Running alongside the event will be two group shows which are on display at the Willow Gallery from May 4until June 22 and at Oswestry Library from May 4 until June 24.

Among the studios opening for the event will be those at The Factory,based at the Cambrian Buildings in Coney Green, which are home to artistsincluding Sara Piper Heap, who makes small scale mixed metal sculptures and jewellery

The former secondary school teacher found her passion for the craft while studying jewellery and metal work at Glyndwr University,Wrexham.

“I love the creativity.People will ask me ‘where do you get your inspiration from?’ And the honest answer is Ireally don’t know

“I often start work without knowing how it’s going to end. Imight have apiece knocking around for afew monthsuntil I think of what I’m going to do with it.

“What is lovely about The Factory is that there are other creative people there and it’s good to be part of acommunity,” explains Sara.

She is looking forward to theOpen Studios event because she says it’s an opportunity to meet different people and get feedback on her work.

“The precursor to the Open Studios is the annual clean-up. This will be the best the studios will look. It’s good to get feedback from the public on your work

because you often don’t get to hear it.

“You might have work in ashopora gallery and have afew sales but as artists we can feel abit insecure and worry about what people actually think.

“When people come to the studios, you can hear what people are saying and it can be very positive and it’s nice to know people are interested.

“It always surprises me how far people travel to visit the studios. Some people come year in, year out,” says Sara.

Also based at The Factory is Emma Sherry,a semi-abstract contemporary artist working in mixed media and collage.

Emma started her art career as a graphic designer after completing her degree in Cheltenham.

She started her own design company, which expanded into more technical

areas, and, after afew years,found herself running alarge website and software development company

Keen to get back to her creative roots, Emma startedher career as a fine artist.

Describing her work, she says: “Focussing on both landscape and still-life, Iuse bright colours, textures and collage in my work allowing the unexpected to happen and creating asense of movement and energy.”

Printmaker Maggie Furmanek, who is inspired by patterns and textures, will be giving demonstrations of lino-printing during the event.

“Seed heads feature heavily in my work and nature is abig influence,” she says.

Also at The Factory is John Bolton, who works in paint, mainly acrylic

and print; Carys Sanders who works in lino print; andJohn Shackell, who uses watercolour,acrylics, gouache, line drawing and inks.

Visitors to The Willow Gallery will be able to meet three artists, including Judith Harrison who works in mixed media and print, andGraeme Storey who specialises in landscape and seascape paintings, and Sandra Thomas who works in mixed media and watercolours.

Describing her work, Sandra says: “What I’mafter in my work is sense of place, the atmosphere, the feel. Ilike to work on site using charcoal, watercolour, acrylic, inks or whatever else Ithink might do the trick.”

Textile artist Alison Holt, who specialises in freehand machine stitching, will also be opening The Garden Studio in Oakhurst Road.

Using abasic Bernina sewing machine and just two stitches –straightstitch and zig-zag –she makes embroidered

pictures of landscapes, seascapes, flowers and garden scenes, influenced by the Shropshire-Wales border near Oswestry where she lives, and by her travels.

There will be the chance to meet four artists at Ashfield Studio, including sculptor Judy Greaves. She says: “I work in stone, making sculpture suitable for both large and small spaces, inside and out. Some are abstract and some figurative, usually based on natural forms.”

Also based at Ashfield are David Bannister who works with acrylics and oils; Louise Diggle, who produces abstract and semi-abstract landscapes inspired largely by walks around the Ceiriog and Dee Valleys; and printmaker Jacqui Dodds.

Other studios opening for the event include The Poplars, Gwern-y-brenin; Russell Street Studios, Cefn Mawr

The full list of studios and amap an be found in the Art Trail leaflets which on

offer at various locations throughoutthe town, including at the Willow Gallery

The event will run from 10am until 5pm during the weekends of June 8and 9 and June 15 and16.

n Formore information, visit borderlandvisualarts.com

PAGE 12: Artists Emma Sherry, SaraPiper Heap, John Bolton and Maggie Furmanek; Carys Sanders works on alinoprint

PAGE 13: SaraPiper-Heap making small scale mixed metal sculptures and jewellery; John Bolton gets creative; Maggie Furmanek works on aprint

PAGE 14: Emma Sherry at The Factory; Maggie Furmanek shows off some of her artwork; SaraPiper Heap makes small scale mixed metal sculptures and jewellery.

Residential, Rural&EquestrianProperty Specialists

Cruckton, Shrewsbury

An impressive, 4-bedroom barnconversion with vast spaceand light throughout, part of an exclusive development on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. 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 TBC

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 Sittingroom| Conservatory |Scope forre-configuration |Summer house |Large outbuilding &stabling |Noupwardchain |EPC rating D

Asking Price: £700,000

Cruckton, Shrewsbury

An immaculatelypresented,4-bedroom barn conversionwith alink attachedannexeand secure gardens,completion due June 2024.

Largekitchen/living/diner |Utility |Lounge |Masterensuite

Twodoublebedrooms |Family bathroom|1-bed annexe

Ruralyet accessible location |EPC rating TBC

Asking Price: £615,000

Grinshill, Shrewsbury

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

Traditionalbrick andtimber-built farm buildings |Development opportunity|Stunning views| Accessible location |Approx. 1.6 acre plot|Planning Ref: 23/00943/LBC

OIEO: £1,200,000

BUILDINGOFFERS UNIQUE AMBIANCE

One of Shrewsbury’s fine Grade II* Listed Georgian buildings is on the market for the first time in more than 80 years.

Windsor House is nestled just off the main High Street, overlookingStMary’s Church, the River Severn and Shropshire Hills. Built in 1768, it uniquely retains much of its original fine Georgian interior including asplendid oak staircase, oak panelling and ornate ceiling cornicing.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours, explains: “The accommodation comprises of 18 rooms arranged over five storeys and is currently let to anumber of different businesses who enjoy high quality serviced office accommodation in the building with shared reception area, board room andassociated facilities.”

Windsor House also benefits fromone of the fastest broadband connections in the town centre having adedicated fibre optic line delivering up to 100/100 Mb speeds.

The property offers asound and flexible investment opportunity with its existing rental income stream plus it has boundless potential for those seeking a distinctly special ambiance: Whether that is commercial or residential, from asingle

home, perhaps with consultancy rooms, to high-end apartments or boutique hotel. True to itsera theprincipal rooms, which account for more than half,are of generous proportions of 20 to 30 square metres.

“Its assets are many, but not least its discrete vantage point, hardly a minute’s walk from the High Street, with river walks, the Quarry Park. There is an excellent selection of schools, train station, plus of course excellent independent shops and restaurants all within walking distance,” Alistair adds.

Balfours is marketing Windsor House with aguide price of offers in excess of £800,000. Call 01743 353511.

Sunnymead, Guideprice £815,000 ChurchStretton,Shropshire

A1930sArtsandCraftsstyle,detached,familyhome. Sunnymeadissetwithinitsowngardensandislocated atthefootofCardingMillValley.

AONBLocation,Four/FiveBedrooms,LoungeandSnug,Large Garden,Garage,SweepingDriveway,Summerhouse,EPC:D

BrynglasHallFarm, Guideprice £450,000 Welshpool,Powys

Auniquedevelopment,lifestyleorbusinessopportunity, comprisingofaGradeIIListedManorHousewith outbuildingssetin12.5acres(5.05ha).

StunningLocation,Smallholding/Equestrian,GradeIIListed, InNeedofRenovation,TraditionalBuildings,DutchBarns, Development/Refurbishment/ConversionOpportunity

1TheBarns, Guideprice £535,000 Whitchurch,Shropshire

Asympatheticallyrenovated,fourbedroom,barnconversion inaruralsettingwithfar-reachingcountrysideviews.

NewlyFittedKitchen,DownstairsWCandShowerRoom,Master withEnSuite,ThreeFurtherBedrooms,LargeRearGarden, ThreeCarParkingSpaces,EPCC

8ColumnHouseGardens, Guideprice £485,000 Shrewsbury,Shropshire

Amodern,threestorey,fourbedroomhomefeaturing spaciousaccommodation,open-planlivingandgarden, locatedinadesirablearea.

ModernTownhouse,PrivateCommunity,EdgeofTown,Georgian Style,LowMaintenanceGarden,FourBedrooms,AmpleParking, ThreeStoreys,EPC:B

ELEGANT HOME IN PRETTY VILLAGE

This elegant family home, which is beautifully presented throughout and finished to an exacting standard, is set in approximately 1.15 acres.

Beckbury House, in the picturesque village of Beckbury near Shifnal, dates back to the Georgian era and has been skilfully extended over the years. It is on the market with Savills for offers in the region of £1,225,000.

Apanelled front door opens into the elegant double aspect drawing room with afeature stone fireplace and granite hearth. The dining room boastsa white painted Adams style fireplace and marble hearth and glazed doors into thestylish family living kitchen, with afull range

of hand-crafted cabinetry with granite worktops, acentral islandand double oven oil fired Aga andanarray of Neff appliances. Adjoining the kitchen is a laundry room and the well-appointed cloakroom.

Adoor from the kitchen opens into an Atrium with adoor leading to further accommodation which could provide the basis for self-contained living with a sitting room with awood burningstove An inner hall leads to awellappointed bathroom, astaircase rises from the inner hall to the first floor with adouble bedroom with avaulted ceiling and a further bedroom.

In the principal part of the house a staircase leads from the drawing room

to alanding off which is the principal suite with fitted furniture andanen-suite bathroom. Bedrooms two and three are doubles. There is awell-appointed family bathroom and separate shower room. There is also acellar

Beckbury House stands behind a well screened frontage with agravelled driveway providing ample off-street parking. Wooden double gates lead to a gravelled courtyard. There is adetached brick and tile studio with double glazed windows and central heating.

Beyond the courtyard and studio is the delightful rear garden. The garden has adelightfulopen aspect to the rear and a five-bar wooden gate opens into the paddock with astable block.

WELL-PRESENTED BUNGALOW

Thisimmaculate and wellappointed superior,detached, bungalow residence in Shrewsbury is on the market with Miller Evans.

The three-bedroom, detached bungalow in Carnforth Close, Shrewsbury,ispresented throughout to an exacting standard andprovides well-planned and well-proportioned accommodation throughout with rooms of pleasing dimensions.

Offers in the region of £550,000 are being sought.

There is aspacious entrance hall leading to an inner reception hall, good sized lounge/dining room, well-appointed

kitchen with integrated appliances, utility room, master bedroom with built-in bedroom furniture with aluxuriously appointed en-suite shower room, bedroom two with patio doors to agarden room, bedroom three and superbly appointed modern family bathroom.

The bungalow benefits from gas-fired central heating and double glazing and is situated in an exclusive and secluded culde-sac position in this popular residential area, close to excellent local amenities, including shops and schools, while also being well placed within easy reach of the Shrewsbury by-pass with M54 link to the West Midlands.

The property is divided and screened

from the road by ahost of established shrubs and trees and approached over asweeping tarmacadam drive with forecourt providing ample parking space, serving the garageand theproperty’s reception area.

The gardens to the front and side are neatly kept and laid to lawn. There is a particularly attractive landscaped and well stocked south-facingreargarden with a paved patio and terraced area, extensive and neatly kept lawn with shapedfloral and shrubbery borders and avariety of inset specimen trees.

The whole is well enclosed on all sides and providing an attractive setting for the residents.

BeckburyCottage,London Road

£695,000

Aparticularly well appointed, much improved and extended,detached four bedroom cottage providing well planned and well proportioned accommodation throughout to include; spacious entrancehall,bathroom, sitting room, study,large open-plan kitchen/dining room with glazed doors to the rear garden, master bedroom with door to luxuriously appointedJack and Jill bathroom, three further bedrooms.The property benefits from gas firedcentral heating and double glazing. Theproperty occupies an enviable,secluded location and is convenientlyplaced within reach of excellentamenities,including the nearby towncentrewith its many boutique style shops,fashionable bars and restaurants,the TheatreSevernand Quarry Park,and popular schools

MountStreet,Shrewsbury£550,000

This imposing,four bedroomsemi-detached residenceispresentedthroughout to an exacting standardand has beenmuch improved by the current owners to provide well planned and well proportioned accommodation which is arranged overthree floors and includes; entrancehall,cloakroom, dining room, sitting room, kitchen and garden room to the ground floor.Master bedroomwith en suiteshowerroom, second bedroom and bathroom to the first floor.Two further bedrooms with wardrobes to the second floor.The property benefits from an enclosed rear garden and agarage and occupies an enviable position in the ever popular and much soughtafter residential area of Mountfields,wellplaced within walking distancetothe nearby towncentrewith its manyfashionable bars and restaurants,coffee shops,boutique style shops,TheatreSevernand the reveredQuarryParkand Dingle Gardens

APEACEFUL IDYLL

Own apiece of picturesque country living with this remarkable detached farmhouse nestled in the North Shropshire countryside.

Boasting three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and three reception rooms, this property offers aharmonious blend of traditional charm and rural living. It is on the market with Prestige by Mannleys for offers in the region of £1,500,000

Situated on an expansive five-acre plot, this farmhouse presentsa unique opportunity to acquire aready-made business. The property comes complete with eight tenanted barns, providing adesirable annual income of £65,100. Beyond the potential for generating impressive rental income, the farmhouse itself showcases captivating character and timeless design.

The spacious living areas are ideal for family gatherings or entertaining guests with lounge and dining room with exposed beams. There is awell-appointed farmhouse kitchen and acosy breakfast area, making it the heart of the home.

Upstairs, the property offers three generously-sized bedrooms, all exuding a sense of tranquillity and comfort. Wake up to the sun’s gentle rays peering through the windows, illuminating your private sanctuary,there is also abathroom and attic space that could be used as further accommodation.

Outside, the farmhouse shines in all its glory.The vast land surrounding the property is aparadise waitingtobe explored. With five acres at your disposal, indulge in your favourite outdoor activities.

Highfields Farm presents the perfect

backdrop for apeaceful and fulfilling lifestyle. This sought-after location offers an harmoniousblend of rural beauty and convenience. Immerse yourself in the warmth and charm of the local community,while still benefiting from easy access to theamenities of nearby town of Wem.

With excellent transportlinks and proximity to schools, shopping centres, and leisure facilities, this farmhouse is ideally positioned for modern living. Enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside without sacrificing urban convenience. Don’t miss this golden opportunityto own acaptivating property and invest in asuccessful business venture. Embrace the scenic beauty of Highfields Farm and embark on alife where serenity and prosperity coexist. Contact Prestige by Mannleys today to arrange aviewing.

OIRO£750,000 EPC D

Discover acharming 4-bedroom period property in asoughtafterarea, blending classic charmwith modernconvenience. Ferniehurst boasts flexible family accommodation with a spacious layout including twoliving rooms and an office.The heartofthe home is its stunning open plan kitchen/dining/ family room. Upstairs, find four well-appointedbedrooms Outside,enjoylarge established gardens,drivewayparking, and useful outbuildings.Previous planning approval fora detached dwelling has lapsed

OIRO£525,000

“The Old Smithy”in apicturesque village setting offers versatile family living spaces Downstairs features an inviting entrance, cozy sitting room with alog-burning stove,charming breakfast kitchen, spacious living/dining room, convenient utility, and ground floor shower room. Upstairs, find amain bedroom with wc/dressing room, twodouble bedrooms, and a family bathroom. Enjoy the tranquil lifestyle close to amenities. Expansiverear garden with patio spaces,fruit trees,and greenhouses.Barn/garage offers storage with solar panel system.

Discover this enchanting Grade II listed barnconversion dating back to the 17th Century, nestled in Cressage village. With modernupdatesincluding abespoke kitchen andstylish bathrooms,itseamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporaryluxury. Enjoy three spacious rooms downstairs,three beamed bedrooms upstairs,and a stunning mezzanine landing.Outside,a fabulous garden with asun terrace, ample parking,and adetached garage with potential forahome office or games room awaits

OIRO£650,000

“The Poppies,”an executiveDetached House,boasts stunning views of rolling fields and the distantWrekin. Itsspacious interior features alounge with an Inglenook fireplace, open plan kitchen/dining room, and aground floor wc. Upstairs,the Main Bedroom suite offers built-in wardrobes and an En-suiteWet Room, while three additional Bedrooms shareamodernBathroom. Enjoyunderfloor heating,double glazing,and solar panels.Outside, find extensive lawned gardens,apatio,and aDetached Double Garage

AGEORGIAN GEM

Garn is aGrade II* listed country house encompassed by the compelling charm of its own private grounds totalling 146 acres.

The property is principally of early Georgian classical style, with mid-17th Century and late Victorian elements. Garn presents arare opportunity for apurchaser to acquire amanageable estate with scope for renovation and development.

The house is set within 12 acresof gardens and grounds andincludes two cottages and an extensive range of traditional outbuildings dating from 1746.The buildings comprise astable block, cartshed, two substantial long barns and former stone kennels. They have awealth of traditional features and offer conversion potential

subject to gaining the necessary planning and listed building consents.

The house has retained its fine original interior details with ground and first floor oak panelled rooms and ornate plastered ceilings. The ground floor comprises an impressive entrance hall which leads onto

the principal rooms including aperiod dining room, oak parlour with 17thcentury panelling and alibrary with far-reaching views over the grounds andthe Clwydian Range. Upstairs there are five principal bedrooms with afurther six former bedrooms on the second floor.

The surrounding land comprises of 83 acres of good quality grassland and 51 acres of mixed and ancient woodland running down to the Afon Meirchion.

Garn is located to the north of the village of Henllan, Denbigh, and is within easy reach of the A55, Chester and beyond.

Carter Jonas ismarketing the property as freehold and is confident that Garn offers prospective purchasers an opportunity to reimagine the estate and drive it towards a new future.

Garn, Henllan, Denbigh

Historic country house in idyllic setting.

Arareopportunity to acquire an elegant country house set in 146 acres (59hectares)of parkland and woodland with twocottages and an impressive range of traditional stone barns and stabling.

Guide price£2,500,000

Shrewsbury

01743295444

ralph.collins@carterjonas.co.uk

charlene.sussums-lewis@ carterjonas.co.uk

SERENEGREEN FOR ATRANQUIL HOME

FROM SOFT SAGE TO LUSH LEAFYDESIGNS, TO BREATH NEWLIFEINTOYOURDECOR THIS SEASON WHY NOT GO FOR GREEN AT HOME, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Ifyou long for asense of being at one with nature, greencould be your goto hue this month.

And if you’re looking to give your interiors aquick refresh and switch things up as the seasons change, there really is no more suitable shade than serene green.

Whether you want to create atranquil scheme to sink into at the end of the day, or breathe new life into your decor for chilled-out get-togethers, here aresome of our top picks…

1. Totally Tropical Table Runner, £25, Totally Tropical Pack of 4 Placemats, £25, and Perfect Pineapple Pack of 4Napkins, £15 (items from aselection), Joe Browns

We’ve gone Tropiloco over this exotic tableware collection, with its lush palm

leaves, verdant vegetation and prize pineapples to signal salsa dishes.

2. Graphical Green Gallery Wall –featuring: Il Giardino Dei Sapori Poster (30 x40cm), Green Colour Blocks Poster (30 x40cm), Van Gogh –River Bank In Springtime Poster (50 x70cm), with Dark Oak Frames, currently £113.94 (was £146.65), Desenio

Afavourite for feel-good vibes, colour drenching aroom in the same green accents and creating agallery wall themed to botanical plants is afast route to style and positive energy

3. Cosy Soft Shaggy Rug in Teddy Olive, £70,Dunelm

When you want to super-size your comfort levels, nothing beats asoft shaggy rug to pad around on.

4. Portloe WovenGingham Green Duvet Cover&Pillowcase Set, from £30-£50, Dunelm Agreen gingham check has lots to offer,especially when teamed with co-ordinating solids and matching curtains, against abackdrop of bleached wood and mini olive trees for adreamy, Mediterranean ambiance. Made from 100% washed cotton.

5. Nina Campbell Walton Sofa in Springtime Leaves Green, £799, Next

The focal point of every living room, this striking sofa –inapretty, airy pattern featuring green sprigs and ferns –will breathe new life, enliven your space, and welcome you with open arms after along day

6. John Lewis ANYDAYPebble Side Table in Bowling Green, £35, John Lewis

Asimple side table may not be a trendsetter,but this green one guarantees function with flair

7. Manual Beech Wood Pepper Mill in Fern Green (available soon), and Boreal Manual Beech Wood Salt Mill in Sage Green, £44.99 each, Peugeot Saveurs

Aswanky salt mill and plush pepper mill to spice up your spring tablescape. We’re in –and these soft shades will complement any kitchen style.

8. Nina Campbell Set of 4Meadow PastaBowls, Green, £45, Next

This eye-catching stoneware with glossy green glaze will make everything look that much lovelier… thinkcreamy

spinach pasta sauce for small soirées.

9. Green‘Poppies’ 30cm Straight EmpirePrinted Cotton Shade by Ellen Merchant, £51 (lamp from a selection), Pooky

Even if you think you’re lighting is spot on, the longer,balmy days ahead call for astylish table lamp to highlight all your details and decos.

10. John Lewis ANYDAYSpindle Desk in Bowling Green, £159.20, and ANYDAYWhistler Dining Chair in Bowling Green, £99, John Lewis

Whether you’re in thethroes of a spring clean and reorganising your WFH space, or introducing acosycorner aesthetic for managing life admin and hobbies, this bijoux desk will make it all abreeze.

GIVE YOUR GARDEN POTS OF COLOUR

It’s safe to saythat gardener,teacher, nurserywoman and broadcaster Sarah Raven loves pots. She says they’re essential to the character of the one-and-a-half acre garden at her home, PerchHillinEast Sussex, which is also the base of her garden school –and over the years, she and her team have trialled thousands of container plants, working out design rules for planting combinations inthe process.

Now,she’s shared her knowledge in abeautiful new book, AYear Full of Pots, which covers potsfor every season and palette, from bulb lasagnes to jungle joy,climbers and insect-friendly combinations.

The most common mistake gardeners make is picking up random plants in garden centres which they think look pretty,but they don’t have adesign in mind, she observes.

“I’m very strict. Ijustgive you the recipes and Isay,ignore them at your peril. It’s like if you know what you are

cooking for supper,you buy the right amount of food and don’t forget anything. It’s the same with creating apot garden when you are doing the changeover from spring to summer.”

Here are some of Raven’s top tips for perfecting your pot game…

Colour palettes

Raven uses four colour palettes for her pots.

1. Dark and rich –“Iuse crimsons and mahogany,deeppurple and bronzes.” They suck up the light andshe thinksof them as the velvet colours you envelop yourself in. They might include deep red dahlias, or tulips in shades of burnt orange and almost black.

“The dark and rich have to be in quite awell-lit place because otherwise they can form abit of ablack hole and be a bit on the sombre side,” she adds. “They need to be front of border or front of yard space, and be quite well lit, or backlit or planted with something sharp in colour

behind them, like aeuphorbia,sothey are highlighted.”

2. Boiled-sweet brilliant –“This includes really radiant, stained glass colours,” she explains, incorporating blackcurrant, strawberry,raspberry, orange, lemon, lime and cobalt blue. It might feature everything from zingy orange gerberas to raspberry red tulips and acid green euphorbias

“I use this in one particular partof the garden that Iwalk through alot and Iwant it to be stimulating and cheerful. Again, it needs good sunlight.”

3. Softand warm –“Icall these the cashmere jersey colours, so it’s pastel but in the warm palette.” Think peach, milky coffee, ivory,faded coral and apricot.

“I love this palette in spring, particularly in my rose garden because the rose foliage when it first emerges in spring is copper and bronze and it really is beautiful with either the dark and rich or the soft and warm (colours) growing through it with potsoftulips.”

4. Softand cool –“These include mauves and pale blues.” Blue-pinks, primrose yellows and off-whites which get paler until you reach the pure white flower,could also feature.

“I tend to stick with onepalette. Itend to grow three ingredients in abigger size pot together,orifthey’re smaller pots, I’d have them in three neighbouring pots,” she says. “These arefantastic for shining a torch into dark areas, so we have those all the way along the north face of our barn. We usethis palette out into theview,so

where we have agarden that tumbles off into the distance, Iwould always use the soft and cool. It’s very calm.”

Choosing plants

Raven likens her choice of plants to wedding attendees –the bride, the bridesmaid and the gatecrasher

“I’d go for what Icall my bride, which is the dominant, most sumptuous one, then Iwould go for the bridesmaid, which is the same colour as the bride but alittle more recessive, and more background. Finally,Iwould use abit of colour contrast for the gatecrasher,but often sticking to the same palette, so I might use orange and orange for thebride and bridesmaid and blue or purple for the gatecrasher

“Or if it was in dark and rich palette, Imight use crimson (bride), crimson (bridesmaid) and then abronze as the gatecrasher.Ialways usetwo-thirdsto three-quarters of one colour and athird or quarter of another colour Gatecrasher is not as dominant as theothers. Ithink of it as asqueeze of lemon over smoked salmon.”

Looking ahead to summer

“With summer pots, it’s not just about colour –it’s also about howthey behave and grow.Obviously

you’ve got to be really careful to combine things that have similar vigour,” says Raven. “You can’t, for instance, grow something that’s quite delicate, like a fuchsia, next to something really stronggrowing, like apetunia.Rather like the bride, Ihave athriller in terms of form. The filler is like the bridesmaid, so it fills (the space around) the big flowers.

“So Imight have Dahlia ‘Molly Raven’ as my thriller,and then aZinnia ‘Queeny Red Lime’ as my filler and then go for something tall, whichIcall the pillar,something like athunbergia, which is aclimber.”

Howmanyplants do you need for apot?

“Wereally cram things in, planting almost half the distance that we would in the garden. Forinstance, in a30cmpot we plant 30 tulips. Youhave to look after them much more but you get incredible impact very quickly.”

Youhave to water plants which are crammed into pots more and feed them more than you would if there weren’t as many plants in the containers, she agrees. It’s important to deadhead frequently,too.

n AYear Full Of Pots: Container Flowers ForAll Seasons by Sarah Raven is published by Bloomsbury, priced £25.

HIGH LIFE WITH A BALCONYGARDEN

IF YOUHAVENOTIME TO TEND YOUR HIGH RISE PLANTS, GARDENING INFLUENCER PATRICK VERNUCCIO HAS SOME ANSWERS FOR YOU

Ifyou lead abusy life, have abalcony which you want to transform with veggies and fruits but don’t know where to start, Instagram and TikTok influencer Patrick Vernuccio, aka @ TheFrenchieGardener,may be able to help.

Half French,half Italian andthen living in Berlin, he began his gardening journey five years ago as acomplete novice, with just one pot.

He bought afew packets of seeds and tried to grow vegetables on his fifth- floor balcony,sharing his results on social media, which has led to anew career inspiring urban dwellers on how to make use of their outdoor space.

“A lot of people say they would love to grow their own food and thattheyhave abalcony full of plants but don’t have the time and that is abarrier for sure, but it is possible to select specific varieties that will require less time for planting and less maintenance,” says the engaging influencer,who left his marketing jobs at PlayStation and Netflix to become afulltime urbangardener and content creator

Now he shares some time-saving tips for the busy balcony gardener in his new book, Tomatoes &BasilOnThe 5th Floor

Forbalcony gardeners with limited time, he suggests:

n Plan before planting: This will save you an enormous amountoftime, so you don’t end up putting sunlovers in the shade, or plants which like heavy soil in gravel gardens.

“Analyse your place. If you’ve just moved in, ask your neighbours to give you an idea of how much sun you’ll get in your place.”

n Invest in aquality potting soil:The priority is to invest in organic pottingsoil mixed with compost and it will last many seasons, he says.

n Focus on short-growth cycle plants: These grow in two to three months and are easy to start from seeds or from seedlings that you canbuy in garden centres, such as lettuce, radishes –which are one of the easiest to start off with and you can sow them directly into the pots or raised bed.”

n Split supermarket herbs: If you don’t have time to sow,but want fresh herbs to last, you could split up your supermarket plants and repot them.

“Supermarket basil looks so fresh but after aweek it’s wilted and you don’t think you have green fingers. But if you just divide the plant into five chunks of basil and repot them individually into pots you should have lots of basil. The same goes for mint, which is extremely easy to propagate in water.”

n Makewatering easier: Youcould invest in alittle water pump, connected by drip hoses which have tiny holes that drip water into the soil to water your pots. Some pumps are fuelled by solar energy

“I place big buckets of reused household water outside (you could also do it if you have

awater butt), place the pump in them and programme when the pump will distribute water accordingtomyplants’ watering needs.”

n Go for dwarf tomatoes: “If you don’t havemuch time, maybe Iwould say avoid growing tomatoes, because they are the divas of the garden. If you have one tiny thing that is not going in the right direction, theplants will suffer

“However,if you want to grow tomatoes, grow smaller ones, dwarf tomatoes, which areeasier.You won’t end up with aplant that is 2m high. It will be 40-50cm high and you don’t need a huge space for them. Youcan even grow them on awindowsill or trail them.” He recommends the varieties ‘Gourmandise Yellow’and ‘Tiny Tim’.

It takes less time to tend dwarf tomatoes, he says, although you will need to feed and water them regularly.“But the growth cycle is so much shorter.”

n Grow perennials in pots “Phacelia is one of my favourite plants and among the easiest to grow.Just put 20 seeds in apot or awindowplanter and it grows by itself,will reseed itself in the same pot andwill regrow again. It’s great for bees and biodiversity.”

n Tomatoes &Basil on the 5thFloor by Patrick Vernuccio is published by DK, priced £14.99. Available now

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HARNESSINGTHE POWEROF YOGA

HEATHER LARGE MEETS AYOGA INSTRUCTOR WHO SAYS THE ANCIENT ART IS MORE THAN POSES AND HAS THE ABILITY TO CONNECT COMMUNITIES AND AID WELLBEING

For Jenna Blair,there is more to yoga than what takes place on the mat.

She believes the ancient form of gentle exercise has the power to connect people and communities.

Through yoga, Jenna is bringing people together in abid to reduce isolation and improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Last year,she wasawardedlottery funding to provide more than 600 people with access to yoga classes and wellbeing workshops, including sessions for people living with cancer,people living with dementia and carers.

Now she is aspearheading anew project called Create &Connect and will work with ateamoflocal creatives

and fellow yoga teachers, to offer introductions to journalling,painting, crafting, sound therapy,aswell as yoga sessions.

“When we think of yoga we think of what we do on the yoga mat like Downward-Facing Dog but the word yoga loosly translates as ‘connection’.

“Through this work we will be taking yoga off the mat and connecting with the community,” explains Jenna, who has a studio in Belle Vue, Shrewsbury

The project, which combines creativity and wellbeing, has been awarded a£22,000 grant by Arts Council England (ACE).

“I am hugely passionate about the power that both creative practices and yoga can have on our lives –the

two are so connected and help us to find opportunities for self-expression, relaxation and mindfulness, as well as being invaluable in supporting our wellbeing,” says Jenna.

“The scale of the funding means we’ll be able to offer abreadth of enriching creative experiences thatsupport people’s wellbeing, as well as helping to develop new skills.

“Through this generous funding, we’ll be able to reach more people than we’ve been able to reach before, specifically for those most in need or who wouldn’t ordinarily have access, thanks to Arts Council England.”

The funded workshops will take place at Jenna Blair Yoga in Belle VueRoad and will also be offered in other venues in

communities across Shropshire.

Jenna’s team will also be working with charities including Shropshire Mind as well as Headway,a charity supporting people living with brain injuries.

They are hoping to reach people who would otherwise not have access to such activities.

These include refugees, people experiencing physical and mental health challenges, as well as many other groups of people such as young carers and those experiencing homelessness.

Jenna’s love of yoga, which hasbeen proven to increase strength, flexibility and balance and can be beneficial for people with aches and pains, depression and stress, began in 2017.

She qualified as ayoga teacher in 2019

and launched her business in 2021 when she left her job in the property sector

Jenna has also been awarded funding of £1,780 from the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund to enable those impacted by cancer in our community to access free yoga and Tai-Chi.

Having run run these kinds of sessions before, Jenna says they can be a huge benefittopeople, in more than just a physical way

“Some of the sessions we have previously offered have been specifically for people living with cancer,gentle yoga and TaiChi classes that focussed on mindful movement, breath work, finding stillness and peace, and also offered a sense of community

“What really struck me was that cancer

wasn’t spoken about but there was areal understanding that people had ashared experience.

“I’m often asked about cancer-specific sessions, people feel comfortable knowing others understand.

“It can be alittle daunting trying something new but Iwould encourage people to give it ago– the team likes to have aconversation before any class to help build the confidence of those attending,” she explains.

Lingen Davies have funded 24 sessions in Shrewsbury to begin with, with aview to rolling them outfurther across the region.

Combining gentle yoga and TaiChi, they will be open to everyone impacted by cancer

The funding has been agreed through the Lingen Davies’ small grants applications process –available for anyone looking to run services and support to benefitthose impacted by cancer

Jenna’s studio currently offers afull programme including 23 classes aweek for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including specificchildren and mumsand baby classes, chair yoga and specialist yoga workshops.

“You can see the transformation in people even after just 45 minutes of yoga,” she says.

“Even if that’s the only tiny slice of peace and calm in their lives, it’s fantastic to see.

“Wedon’t make people do anything they don’t want to. We’re here to guide but it’s down to the individual to do what feels right and rest when it’s calledfor –it’s gentle, inclusive, andkind.

“Weoffer variations on moves, we can accommodate those who might just want to do yoga from achair andweencourage people to listen to their body

“Yoga can provide little sparkles of peace, it has an amazing array of physical benefits and can improve bone density, muscle strength, circulation,lung capacity,mobility, flexibility,balance, and functional movement.

“And on top of that yoga has enormous holistic benefits, it’s good for the body,the mind and thesoul.”

The full programme of Create & Connect activities can be found on www. jennablairyoga.com and across Jenna Blair Yoga’s social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

n Formore information about the Lingen Davies-funded sessions, call 07812 596609 or email enquiries@ Jennablairyoga.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL CARE HOME OPENS

Bluebell View,a beautiful new care home in Oswestry,isofficially opening its doors to the local communitythis spring.

Abright and beautiful home

Taking inspiration from the unique architecture in Oswestry town centre, just half amile down the road, Bluebell View offers high quality residential, nursing and dementia care across three beautiful communities.

As apurpose-built care home, Bluebell View has stylish decor with bright and

spacious lounges, relaxing reading rooms, sociable cafe bar areas and picturesque private, landscaped courtyard gardens.

Also, as anew home Bluebell View is kinder on the environment too, meeting modern eco-friendly building and design standards!

Akind, caring team

But what makesBluebell View really special is its kind, caring team. As part of the HC-One family of homes, it is aplace where kindness means caring for people by taking the time to get to know and

understand them as aperson so they can have the best possible qualityoflife even as their needs change

Our wonderful care team is led by Home Manager Michelle Middleton

Price who has over 20 years of healthcare experience. Together they make sure everyone living in Bluebell View has the kindest care every moment of every day

n To find out more about this beautiful, kind and caring home, speak to one of Bluebell Views professional careadvisors today on 01691 592100

Caring With Kindness

Bluebell View is abeautiful carehome forpeople who need residential, nursing or residential dementia care.

It’sa place wherekindness is morethan aword; it’sabeliefthat caring foryou means caring about you, guided by a heartfelt desiretosupportyou to live better each moment of everyday

At Bluebell View youwillbesupported by ateamofhighlyskilled care professionals whilst enjoying time withyourfriends andfamilyinour modern,purpose built home

To learn moreabout living at our beautiful home and howwecan help you, please contact one of our experienced professional CareAdvisors. 01691592100 |hc-one.co.uk/bluebell-view

ON PARADE WITH MILITARYMODELS

AS THE ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY APPROACHES, DANIEL MORRIS TALKSTOTHE ENTHUSIASTS WHO HAVE ORGANISEDASPECTACULAR DISPLAYOFWARTIME VEHICLES FOR ASPECIAL EVENT

With the 80th anniversary of the D-Daylandings this summer,itistime –more than ever –toreflect on one of history’s most important chapters.

This month, avariety of Second World Warmemorabilia –along with arange of spectacular military vehicles –isset to go on display at aspecial anniversary event here in the county

The Abbey Station Visitor Centre in Shrewsbury will be hosting the exhibition on Saturday and Sunday,May 4and 5, to commemorate the building’s roleasanAir Raid Precaution (ARP) post, during the conflict.

As part of the weekend, the centre will have displays of original ARP cycles,

uniforms, historic military vehicles and more.

The building’s roleasanARP post would have required it to direct fire and rescue services to anyincident during the Second World War.

The trustees of Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust, whichrunsthe building, said they have been fortunate to have the assistance of local collector and Second World Warenthusiast, Nick Holden, for the event, who has lent some pieces for display

“This particular collection of military memorabilia has probably taken me about 10-15 years to put together,” said Mr Holden. “I’ve been collecting military vehicles and motorbikes for 40-odd years.

I’ve been in the military vehicle club for 50 years this year –Ijoined in 1974. Time flies!

“In the last 10 or 15 years my interests went more to the home front and civil defence, and Istarted putting acollection together.Luckily,I’ve got the space to house it all.”

Artefacts on loan from Mr Holden include an original Shropshire & Montgomery Railway lamp, an unrestored 1930s Hercules ARPmilitary bicycle, a1947 Mercury Army bicycle, and aRoyal Enfield Second World War Dispatch/Airborne motorcycle.

“They call that a‘flying flea’,” he said. “It was the type of lightweight motorbike that was dropped at Arnhem, used by the paratroopers.

“The Hercules ARP military bicycle Ipicked up down in London. The guy found it in his next door neighbour’s Anderson shelter when he died. They were going to chuck it away,soI bought it. Hopefully people will enjoy seeing it.”

Trust director and committee member David Morris has been planning the event with Mr Holden and Pip Robinson of the Shropshire &Border Counties Area Military Vehicle Trust.

He said:“We are keen to tell people about the use of the Abbey Station building as an ARP post during the Second World Warperiod.

“Weknow that Shrewsbury’s ARP HQ was situated in the Grade II Listed Claremont Buildings overlooking Shrewsbury’s Quarry,but very little is known about the ARP’s useof the trust’s building in Abbey Foregate, during this period of time.

“Wehope to gather moreinformation about the building during thewar period. Abbey Station was re-opened to service the line which the WarDepartment had re-laid, which took staff and armaments to the large camp at Nesscliffe.

“This small railway played an important role in the ‘big picture’ of winning the war,with 200 million tons of ammunition transported to and from the Nesscliffe Central Ammunition Depot.

“Abbey Station will play host to what promises to be asplendid exhibition of Second World Warmemorabilia, to commemorate what must have been the busiest time for our railway.”

Pip Robinson, of the Shropshire & Border Counties Area Military Vehicle Trust, said: “Weare aiming to have a variety of about adozen historic military vehicles attending on the Sunday,and they range from aVWKubelwagen 181, an Austin Champ and aWillys Jeep to a Land Rover FFR,Ford CMP lorry,and a Land Rover Air Portable.”

Mr Morris added: “Working with Nick we are intending to recreate the atmosphere of the period, by transforming

the inside of the Station Building intoan ARP depot, with appropriate memorabilia, which will include mannequins wearing ‘authentic clothing of the period’; artefacts from locations along theoriginalline, display material, and historic military vehicles from theShropshire&Border Counties Area Military Vehicle Trust parked alongside the Abbey Station.”

The event certainly represents arare opportunity for people to get an up-close peek at Mr Holden’s collection, which is not often on display to the general public.

“I will always show friends around quite happily,and Idid recently lend some stuff to alocal school that was doing athing on World WarII,” he said. “My

next door neighbour is ateaching assistant there and asked if she could borrow some things, so Ilent her one of the guard mannequins with all of the paraphernalia and it went down well. Hopefully it will hit the same spot at the Abbey Station.”

And for those who are inspired by the event to start their own collection, Mr Holden hopes Lady Luck is on their side.

“You just have to go around the militaria shows, and occasionally –though not very often these days –you may find the odd snippet at car boot sales,” he said. “It’s just acase of going round the sales andgetting lucky.”

Fornow,enthusiasts from around the county will be looking forward to a

fun weekend exploring the past, and as Mr Morris relates, this is exactly what is promised.

“Wecertainly intend it to be afunfilled trip down memory lane, which will be entirely free to all of our visitors.”

PAGE 39: Pip Robinson, of the Shropshire and Border Counties Military Vehicle Trust; an ARP bicycle

PAGE 40: Mrs Jane Holden with the ShropshireHomeGuardcollection;other items that will be on show

PAGE 41: Jane Holden with an ARP gas rattle; DaveEdgewith his VW Kubelwagen 181; An ARP warden uniform

TOM’SIRONWILL TO HELP OTHERS

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS ASTUDENT WHO HAS OVERCOME ADVERSITY AND IS NOW TAKING ON AGRUELLING TRIATHLON TO SUPPORTMENTAL HEALTH IN THE FARMING COMMUNITY

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.

The quotation from artist and author Vivian Greene is one which resonates with TomYork.

The Harper Adams University student, 21, had to cope with the heartbreak of losing his mumJanet, when he was just five.

Life’s challenges –hewas diagnosed with ADHD last year –have since led Tomtobattle through his own mental health difficulties.

Thankfully,hesays, his mindset has changed and he has come out of theother side and emerged stronger

“I don’t want to dwell on the darkness, but the light that emerges from it,” he says.

Now he’s focused on using his own experiences to help others, including those within the farming community, which he is apart of

Having worked on farms and in the wider agricultural industry alongside his studies, he says he can understandhow the ‘highest highs and the lowest lows’ experienced by the sector can take their toll on aperson’s psychological wellbeing.

As aresult, he wantstoraise awareness of mental health and urge people to remember they are not alone.

He has, therefore, opened up on his own mental health challenges butalso volunteers for The Farming Community Network. FCN is avoluntary organisation and charity that aimstoimprove the health and wellbeing of people in farming and provide support at times of difficulty and change.

The charity has more than 300 volunteers from across the agricultural sector

To supporttheir work, Tomhas taken on anew challenge which is demanding both mentally and physically

On June 30,Tom will compete in agruelling ‘Ultimate Triathlon.’ The challenge, often referred to as an ‘Ironman’, comprises a2.4-mile open water swim, a122-milebike ride, and a26.2-mile run, andtakes place in Ellesmere –with athletes expected to take 10-18 hours to reachthe finish line.

Just reading the description is enough

to leave you sweating and out of breath and, incredibly,Tom has never competed in an Ironman before.

But he believes taking on themost gruelling of challenges is away of highlighting the challenges of mental health in farming and beyond.

“Wecan turn the tide on mental health struggles, one stroke, one pedal,

and one step at atime,” has been a message he has tried to focus on during his training.

“I wanted to do apersonalchallenge anda few people mentioned marathon or half marathon,” Tomsays. “I am an active person and so Ithought ‘what could I do that might provide atoughphysical and mental struggle?’. Ihad heard people

talk about doing atriathlon and Ironman events but Ihad never had to do anything longer thana football match. Thathas been the extent of endurance.

“When Isaid Iwas considering doing an Ironman, family and friends said ‘do ahalf Ironman’. But Ijust thought: ‘You know what, Iwill prove you wrong and I’ll do afull distance one’. Isigned up the next day and got into training.

“It’s been tough but that’s exactly what Iwanted it to be. Iwanted to try something that would challengeme. This triathlon is my canvas to paint astory of triumph over adversity,a narrative that screams ‘you can push through’.”

Tomisanexample of someone who has been able to ‘push through’ and overcome the negative thoughts he has faced.

The death of his mother when he was young, he admits now,was something he didn’t accept properly

“I was quite naive and dismissive over the way it affected me growing up,” he says. “I put on abrave face anddidn’t speak to anyone about my feelings. Ijust told myselfI wasfine and Icould cope with it on my own.

“That trauma caused my ADHD with abig symptom being emotional dysregulation, struggling to cope and handle things under different emotions. It comes with its pros and cons –whenI am happy Iamthe happiest person in the world.

“But, then, on the other side of it, hearing bad news or someone telling you you are not good enough, it feels like the end of the world. So Ihavefaced this rollercoaster throughout life so far.”

BSc(Hons) Agri-business student Tomsays that it has been his time on farming placement and while at university where he faced low points in his life which, he says, is why he is determined to champion the importance of mental health support in theagriculturalindustry Astudy by Farm Safety Foundation released in February revealed poor mental health among farmers and agricultural workers is of growing concern.

In asample of 450 farmers under the age of 40, some 95 per cent told the charity that poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing the industry today

Sharing his experiences, Tomreflects: “I studied agriculture at Reaseheath College and we had to do aplacement for our second year

“I moved three hours away from home at 17. Iwas ambitious at the time and thought it would be great –freedom, work and afull time wage.

“It was great for the firstfew months but as winter rolled out, suddenly getting out and about was happening less and less.

“Work on the farm became

monotonous and Istarted to focus on bad things going on. Iwould dwell on being three hours away from home, spending weekends on my own in acaravan. I didn’t really have many friends.

“It sent me to one of the lowest points Ihave been at. It’s sadwhenIlook back because, at 17, you should be out spending time with friends and meeting new people and socialising.

“But on your own, with your own thoughts, your mind can go to horrible places and Iwouldn’t wish that on anyone. Ialso recall, on placement, the pressures my two bosses were under during one of the wettest autumns.

“They had abusiness to worry about and farming is not the most profitable industry to work in.

“Farming has low gross margins at the best of times and one external factor can send abusiness into ruins. So the pressures they face are immense and that’s why farming is afocus of my fundraising.”

Tomalso faced some difficult times while at university with new social pressures and experiences. Going out drinking would exacerbate problems rather than sparking enjoyment.

And then his friendship group at Harper Adams University was rocked by the devastation of losing one of their own

to suicide. The tragedy made Tomrealise he had to act on his ownmental health challenges andseekhelp at the university

“If I’d realised how much help was available, Iwould have reached out much sooner,” he said.

“Now Iwant to encourage others to talk and Ihope by doing this Ironman I can do that.

“I believe that the awareness you spread is as valuable, if not more so, than the money you raise.”

He has already raised more than £3,000 after setting a£500target and said: “Every time Iupdate the balance to see how much hasbeen raised, my jaw drops. Iamexcited to see where it gets to.”

Tomwill be cheered on by dad Rob, sister Sarah, stepmum Emma and step sisters Erin and Daisy when he competes

in the summer event. And he says his father’s support has been an important part of his journey to overcoming his own demons.

“I always remember when at my lowest point on placement, my dad said: ‘Nothing lastsforever and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel’.

“It stuck with me and Ihave replayed that in my head. There will be atime when things get better

“I remember when Iwenthome from placement, Iwas proud Ihad got through it but also realised my dad was right.

“I wish more people would understand thatand give it achance to come true. No issue is worth losing a life over and Iwant to help people realise that.”

Youcan sponsor Tomonhis Ironman

challenge by visiting justgiving.com/ campaign/tom-york-ultimate-triathlon

Anyone in need of support can visit samaritans.org or call Samaritans on 116 123, with alistening service 24 hours a day

Youcan also find support at fcn.org. uk, yellowwellies.org, papyrus-uk.org/ and mind.org.uk

43:

PAGE

TomYork out training for the Ironman challenge

PAGE 44: Tomatwork in the farming industry

PAGE 45: The FarmingCommunity Network offers help and support

SUN SHININGFOR A ROYALWALKABOUT

MEGAN JONES TALKED TO SOMEOFTHE THOUSANDS OF TRADERS AND WELL-WISHERS WHO LINED THE STREETS OF SHREWSBURY TO CATCHAGLIMPSE OF QUEEN CAMILLA ON HER VISIT

The clouds parted, the sun came out andthe crowds were up to five deep surrounding Shrewsbury’s Square as Queen Camilla visited the county town.

Her Majesty spent about 50 minutes at the farmers’ market last month speaking to many of the organisers and traders in front of onlookers.

Thousands lined the streets to catch aglimpse of Camilla during her second visit to the county since Charles became King in 2022. Some passed on gifts, including messages of support for the Princess of Wales following her cancer announcement and apicture of Camilla and King Charles.

Neil Hasley and his son Shane, 10, from Ketley,parked their campervan in Frankwell car parkovernight to seethe Queen. Shane got to shake hands. “I feel very honoured,” he said.

Accompanied by the music of Shrewsbury Brass Band she moved under the Old Market Hall where shesigned a visitors’book that had also been signed by Queen Elizabeth in 1952. Camilla was accompanied by town clerk Helen Ball.

Market organisers Stuart and Jenny Jones described meeting Her Majesty as a “tremendous honour”, while Sibu Balan, an artist from Shrewsbury handed over a pencil drawing of the royal couple. The 41-year-old said: “I can’t express how it feels, it is apreciousmoment.”

Federica Bernardi, of Truly Teas, handed atea blend named after Camilla. “She’s very nice, avery normal person,” she said.

Nisa Mendez, of Lilly Mskincare and soap products, was told that her wares “smelt amazing”.

“It was an eperience Iwill never forget,” she said.

There were nothing but good wishes from the massive crowds that turned out to meet the Queen and she spent aconsiderable amount of time in the Square talking to members of thepublic and farmers’ market stallholders. The Queen met two sisters holding posters with the poignant words “send our love to Kate”.

When the Queen came across them during her walkabout she stopped to say hello to Harriet, 10, and Lois Waterston, aged six, who handed over posters the pair had made the day before, decorated with starsand hearts.

During her visit to the town, Queen Camilla also visited the Old Market Hall and one of the region’smost spectacular restoration projects at the Flaxmill Maltings in Ditherington, which opened in 2022after a£28m regeneration.

Back in March last year,she visited Telford Town Centre to meet the public and volunteer groups in Southwater, as well as unveiling astone for Telford Veterans’ Trail and aplaque.

PAGE 47: Crowds lined the streets to welcome the Queen Consort.

PAGE 48: Camilla meets Lisa Harris and her dog Lottie; with town dignitaries; signing the visitor’sbook.

PAGE 49: Camilla meets ShropshireSalumi’s Bea and Will Macken;ayoung fan in the crowd; Rowton Vineyard’sZoe andMelissa Evans; Lalita Kumari from Telford; Sam and ClaireBarker,

PAGE 50: Artist Sibu Balam, from Shrewsbury, presents the picturetoCamilla; meeting local people; at Shrewsbury’s Flaxmill

Pictures: SteveLeath

STATELYWONDER OF WALCOT HALL

MATTHEW PANTER TAKESINTHE SPLENDOUR OF AMANSION THATISAHUB OF ACTIVITY AND WHERE THE OWNERS HAVE OPENED THEIR DOORS TO SUPPORT THE WIDER COMMUNITY

The squadron of geese, flying in perfect harmony over the rolling countryside above gave an endorsing honk as Iheaded down the long drive to Walcot Hall.

Amajestic swan alsoseemed to whole-heartedly approve of the beautiful grounds as it entered the glistening lake before gliding across the water in front of the Georgian country house, in Lydbury North, near Bishop’s Castle.

The drive to the historic property had allowed me to witness just asmall measure of the pretty surroundings of Walcot Hall but Iquickly understood why it has been opening for the National Gardens Scheme for 97 years.

Walcot opens for twodays over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend –on the Sunday and Monday –but that’s

just afraction of what goes on at the stunning venue. It has become ahive of activity over the years with seasonal events for families and avenue hosting dream weddings, significant birthdays, anniversaries, school proms and so much more.

It’s agreat place for astaycation too –there are 12 self-catering holiday cottages and 10 glamping ‘hidden treasures’ dotted around the estate. The accommodation varies from the traditionaltothe unique; a tin chapel tucked away in the arboretum, yurts and shepherds huts.

Walcot Hall is also set to host the 20th anniversary of the Walcot Hall Opera. Regents Opera’s production of Don Giovanni takes place on June 7-8 and proceeds will go to the Lydbury North Church Roof Fund

Walcot Hall’sowner Lucinda Parish

The opera could be the perfect opportunity to sing from the rooftop about how much Walcot Hall has to offer.

Internally,impressive architecture and awide collection of artwork provide agreat deal of character while, externally, the hall is surrounded by greenery –gorgeous trees and flowers offer splashes of colour

“There’s so muchhistory here and so much we want to shout about,” enthuses Estate Manager Emma Hockly.“We are trying to push alot more of our incredible events. We recently held an Easter Trail around the grounds and set up tables for crafts in our glorious Ballroom (built in 1800). We held aHalloween trail last October too. There is lotstodiscover and it is agreat place for children to run around and explore.

“Weoffer the venue to local groups and the community at times too. We have aSchool Leaver’s Prom here for those at Bishop’s Castle High School.

“That’s really great for the kids because we have aprivate driveand they can make their entry usingall sorts of different types of transport. We have had horses, golf buggies, sports cars and even tractors, making it amemorable occasion. They then enjoy afantastic night, in a venue steeped in history.”

A flavour of that history includes the fact Walcot, as aplace name, is thought to be Saxon in origin, derived from Wald –a forest, and Cote –adwelling place.

The hall was originally atimberframed house built in the 1400s but in 1764 Lord Clive of India commissioned Sir William Chambers to redesign the house. On Clive’s death, thehall and estate –thensome 80,000 acres –passed to his son Edward, who later becamethe Earl of Powis. Walcot Hall remained with the Clive family for 170 years.

In 1929, the Powis family,who had alternated their residence between Walcot and Powis Castle, decided to put the hall up for sale or demolition.

The hall was saved thanks to its purchase by Mr Ernest Stevens of Judge Enamel Ware, Brierley Hill, in 1933. His two sons, Noel and Ronald, lived at Walcot and spent alot of money on amajor refurbishment, both externally and internally,bringing it into the 20th century.They opened up the house internally,building afantastic cantilevered staircase with huge rooflights above and a massive bow window.They also installed astate-of-the-art plumbing system, most of which is still in use to this day

In 1957, it was purchased by the Woodbine Parish family and remains in their possession today and it’s that family feeling that makes the venue so unique.

Lucinda Parish, who owns theHall with her husband of 26 years, Robin, said: “Welove Walcot and enjoy it as afamily

home. Our children –Arthur,George, Nancy and Eddie –have all grown up here. But we also like to shareitwith anyone who wants to come here andget married, or to have aparty.Wehave a great team who work at Walcot and they enjoy looking after our guests.”

It’s the fact it is afamily home which gives the hall much of its charm and warmth andthat aspect, Emma says, makes it aperfect and unique location for awedding. Youcan getmarried anywhere in the beautiful gardens, including a stunning arboretum, first created in the early 1800s by Edward Clive.

The ballroom is an impressive sight –abrightly coloured room with chandeliers, astatement fireplace, bar area, and even apiano. It is aspecial location to seat guests for ameal. And the hall provides awonderful space, including asweeping staircase for abride’s special moment, as well as awhole mix of antiques and paintings for guests to look at before the ceremony gets under way

“You will not find anything like this place,” says Emma, with boundless enthusiasm. “It is completely unique. There’s abit of everything here and because it’s afamily home, it’s not just white walls and aprescribed day where you have to have this, or that.Couples planning awedding can come here with a blank canvas.

“It is ready to suit people who have their own vision of what they want from their important day

“The whole site is licensed and people can get married in avariety of locations, including the arboretum.They havethe freedom to make their special occasion into whatever they wish.”

Lucinda adds: “If you wanted to get married here, you have got the most amazing view outside and we guarantee couples will love the eclectic furnishings and rustic romance of the rambling estate, as well as the mass of curiosities that will certainly get guests talking.”

Speaking to both Lucinda and Emma,

their pride and passion in relation to Walcot Hall shines through. But the most clear thing is that Walcot Hall, despite its grandeur,isnot an imposing, stuffy venue. It’s awelcoming one.

“Welivehere as afamily and we do alot for the wider community,” adds Lucinda. “Ludlow Assembly Rooms, for example, will be putting on an event here this year and will not have to pay for the hire of the room. We try, as afamily,to give alot back. It’s essentialtowork with the community around you and we would like to think we are approachable.

“Weown the village pub, The Powis Arms, at the entrance to Walcot, and we enjoy going there, chatting to people and meeting friends for ameal. Iam churchwarden of the local church too, so Iaminvolved with the local community.”

The Parish family enjoy opening their doors to those who want to delight in the wonders of Walcot Hall andare keen to welcome more visitors in the years to come.

GIVINGMATERIAL A NEWLEASE OF LIFE

HEATHER LARGE MEETS THE YOUNG FASHION DESIGNER WHO IS CREATING BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES OUT OF SECOND-HAND MATERIAL AND NATURAL FIBRE FABRICS

Style and sustainabilitygohand in hand for Had Davies who brings old materials back to life. In her garden studio, the young fashion designer uses a combination of second hand and natural fibre fabrics to create arange of clothing and accessories.

Her commitment to the environment means that the 22-year-old ensures there is anever any waste –even the tiniest scraps of fabric are used to make something new

“The textile industry is one of the biggest polluters out of everything. The problem with creating clothing and accessories is that if you buy ametre of fabric there will always be abit of it that you don’t use,” says Had, who lives in Shrewsbury

“I make sure Iuse every bit of fabric

Ihave. Since Istarted the brand, Ihave never thrown away any fabric. Iwork even the smallest pieces of fabric into different pieces,” she explains.

While Had was studying for A-levels in fine art, graphic design and photographs at Ludlow College in 2019, she launched an Etsy shop selling linocut prints and pin badges.

Had taught herself how to design patterns which could be printed onto fabric. “I thought I’d like to make something from that. My nan taught me to knit when Iwas achild but Ihad never learned how to sew

“One of my friends taught me the very basics and Ipicked the rest up by watching tutorials online,” she says.

Pencil cases and tote bags were among her first creationsand she started to sell items to make space for new pieces.

“It was afun thing to do with my sparetime, Ijust enjoyed making things. I was making more than Ihad space to keep and Istarted to sell them because Ididn’t need them,” explains Had.

After leaving college in 2020, she launched her first clothing collection and since then the business, which she took full-time in January 2021, has continued to grow

Her pieces, which are all made by hand, are stocked in anumber of shops around the country and in 2022,her products were also stocked in John Lewis as part of the Curated Makers Pop-Up shop.

Had loves looking for fabric in second-hand stores and charity shops and also uses natural fibre fabrics such as cotton, bamboo and linen, which are sourced as locally as possible.

“I make sure that everything Ibuy that is new is made from natural fibres,” she says.

Anything with bright colours, fun prints, floral patterns and gingham is likely to attract her attention and all of her designs are created with the aim of bringing fun to every day life.

When it comes to deciding what to make, Had lets the size and style of the material guide her creativity

“If I’ve only got asmall piece of fabric, there aren’t so many possibilities, it might become ahair scrunchie. If I’ve got abigger piece of fabric, then it’s what comes to me when Ilook at it. Imight look at the fabric and think thatisperfect for adress or it would make the perfect top.

“If it’s a floaty fabric thatlends itself more to apiece of clothing, andifit’s something abit more structural, then it’s a bag or an outerwear piece,” she explains.

Had also uses techniques such as patchworking to combine small scraps of material to create new fabrics and she loves the challenge of working them into

designs. “Sometimes Ihave atiny piece of something and have to think howto incorporate into adesignsoitdoesn’t look like scraps of materials thrown together,” she explains.

The designer enjoys having this “freedom to be creative” and experimenting with new ideas, fabrics and designs.

“Even though I’m making the same items, Iget to make something different whether it’s adifferent colour combination or working with anew fabric,” she explains.

Had’s clothing, bagsand accessories can be purchased online and also at stockists, including theshop at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery and Little Twidlets in Ludlow

n Formore information,visit www haddavies.co.uk or follow @haddavies on Instagram.

CREATINGART IS A SWEET SENSATION

HEATHER LARGE MEETS MEMBERS OF AGROUP OF CAKE DECORATORS WHO HONE THEIR SKILLS WITHALL THINGS SUGAR AND HAVE GONE ON TO SCOOPATOP NATIONAL AWARD

From spring flowers to seasonal decorations, their delicate creations are both beautiful and edible.

Members of the Shropshire Branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild meet every week to hone their skills with all things sugar

The British Sugarcraft Guild was established in 1981, with the motto ‘my craft is my art’, by agroup of enthusiastic cake decoratorswho shared alove for the art of sugarcraft.

Anon-profitorganisation, it is dedicated to the promotion of cake decorating and sugarcraft and members include hobby cake makers, home bakers, specialist retailers, manufacturers and renowned professionals.

The Guild organises activities such as demonstration days, residential skills schools, exhibitions and trips to cake shows.

The Shropshire branch was established in 1986 and currently has around 15 members who attend sessions at Wellington Methodist Church.

Each get-together startswith a demonstration by founder member and experienced cake decorator Brenda Poyser

“I talk to the group to find out what they would like to do and Idemonstrate the different steps for them. We’ve been making been making baskets of spring flowers and sugar eggs.

“Everybody has their own take on it and will do it slightly differently.They

might have their own ideas and just use elements of what they have been shown,” says Brenda, who previously taughtcake decorating at Telford College of Arts & Technology

Sugarcraft techniques involve shaping, moulding, and sculpting sugar-based materials, such as fondant and modelling chocolate.

Food colouring, dusting powders, and edible paints can then be added to the pieces to bring them to life with realistic finishes.

“It’s got such alot of different aspects to it,” says Brenda. “You can be really creative. It’s very relaxing, you can sit down and easily spend afew hours doing it and not realise how much time has passed. It’s also alovely thing to be able to do if you’ve got children and grandchildren,” she adds.

Julie Platzer,from Hodnet, joined the branch 10 years ago. “I loved making cakes and when Ihad my daughter I wanted to make her birthday cakes.

“I tried to make the decorations but they didn’t turn out very well. Idecided I wanted to learn how to do it properly and Ihad the time to come to the meetings,” she explains.

Now,making realistic-looking flowers out of sugarpaste is incredibly satisfying. “I have learned so much about flowers from doing this. Youwill look at real flowers differently because you have made them out of sugar,” says Julie.

She also enjoys the social side to the group with members enjoying achat and acuppa as they work on theirlatest creations. “It’s agood support group. Everybody helps each other out,” says Julie.

Grandmother of four Susan Grant, from Muxton, also started attended meetings around 10 years ago and is the group’s treasurer

She describes sugarcraft as being “therapeutic” and loves experimenting with new ideas and gifting her creations to her family and friends. “The grandchildren always get acake and they drop alot of hints about what cake they would like.

“I give family and friends aChristmas cake for apresent or cakes for their birthdays. Sugarcraft was something Ihad always had an interest in so when Iretired Ihad the time to do it,” says Susan.

Marion Davies has been amember of the group for more than 20 years and loves creating spring flowers suchas snowdrops, daffodils and tulips.

“It’s avery enjoyable hobby and gives me something creative to do in my spare time. It’s also away of making new friends –I’ve met some lovely people by coming to the classes,” she says.

Last year,the groupattended the British Sugarcraft Guild’s 2023 Sugarcraft

and Cake Gala, which took place in Solihull and included demonstrations, mini workshops for adults and children and competitions for individuals and branches.

The event’s theme was Time To Celebrate and the Shropshire Branch worked together on asugarcraft display titled: ACelebration FitFor AKing.

They were delighted to take home asilver awardfor their creation which paid homage to the King’s loveofthe environment.

“It was agroup project and everybody worked really hard. Ithink everyone was happy to receive silver,” says Brenda.

Kathleen Turner,from Brookside, Telford, was also highly commended for her basket of handmade flowers.

“Sugarcraft is sucharelaxing thing to do. There is no stress with it. Youcan be as creative as you want to be. Even if a flower doesn’t grow in aparticular colour, you can make it any colouryou want. It’s surprising howmany different things you can do,” she says.

The group is always on thelookout for new members and caters for absolute beginners as well as those with some experience.

“When someone new starts, who doesn’t have any previous experience, we will start at theverybeginning so they don’t need to worry about not knowing how to do anything. We will support them and they will be able to make something straight away,” says Brenda.

The Shropshire Branch of the

Sugarcraft Guild meets on Wednesday mornings from 10am-12pm at Wellington Methodist Church. Meetings take place in 10-week blocks. Anyone interested in joining can contact Julie Platzer on 07454731708.

n Formore information about the British Sugarcraft Guild, visit bsguk.org

PAGE 57: Kathleen Turner from Brookside.

PAGE 58: Julie Platzer from Hodnet; Jenny Morris-New from Knighton; Susan Grant from Muxton.

PAGE 59: Tutor Brenda Poyser,centre, with just some of the class; some of the sugarcraft creations

IMOGEN’S BUSINESS IS APIECE OF CAKE

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS YOUNG SHROPSHIRE BUSINESSWOMAN IMOGEN KELLYWHO HAS TURNED HER LOCKDOWN PASSIONFOR BAKING SWEET TREATS INTOATHRIVING BUSINESS

You havetolove ahighstreet success story don’t you?

Independents have, after all, had so much to contend with including Brexit challenges, rising energy bills, acost-of-living crisis and a global pandemic.

Trying times, indeed, but on occasions we’ve also heard how such challenges, like Covid, have inspired people and changed the course of aperson’s life.

Imogen Kelly,24, is acase in point. It was during the first lockdown of 2020 that her talent for baking fully came to the fore, and, she says: ‘mycake journey began’. It ultimately persuaded her to change her careerpath from teaching.

Teaching’s loss hasbeen the sweettoothed, cake-loving community’s gain. Her first shop–Immi’s Cakes and Bakes, in her home town of Newport –isthriving, gaining awide reputation

for delicious treats and selling out most weekends.

Imogen says baking has always been apassion but shestarted to take things seriously during the pandemic while studying at University of Warwick.

“It’s all happened very quickly,” she said. “I set it up during lockdown, literally from my mum (Hazel) and dad’s (Tim) home in 2020. Iwas at university doing Education Studies to become aprimary school teacher and was writing my dissertation in my third year.But Ihave always baked with family and friends and Ijust needed adistraction during that time. Ibakedmy mum abirthday cake and posted apicture on Facebook.

“I started to get messages from people asking if Icould make them one. That’show it started –from apicture on Facebook.

“I set up Immi’s Cakes and Bakes

on Instagram too and it went really well. If it wasn’t for lockdown, Iwould have gone into teaching. Idid graduate and I still have my degree to fall back on but I finished university and went into this full-time.”

Imogen, who won acontract to bake 22,000 cookies for thePolar Express at the Telford Steam Railway two Christmases ago, was ‘lost for words’ after securing her first shop in St Mary’s Street last year.It was, she said ‘a dream come true’ and she has not looked back.

“It has been extremely busy,” she reflects. “I thought January and February would be quiet but it has been heaving.

“Wehave been selling out nearly every week with queues out of the door so Ican’t thank people enough. It’s going extremely well and Iamveryhappy.”

The shop is currently open on Fridays and Saturdays but Imogen spends the rest

of the week creating celebration cakes and baking for wholesale. It is hard work but very rewarding, at the same time, she says.

“Last Friday,Ispent 20 hours at the shop but that’s thekind of sacrifice you have to make when you have got asmall business,” she says.

“Wehave asmall team for the amount of cakes we churn out, but you have to just keep going with it.

“You do have to work crazy hours to achieve your goals, but we havea passion for what we do. Ienjoy it andNewport is great. There’s alot of support amongst the traders and we all try to compliment each other to be honest. Ialways sayit’s nice to support your fellow local businesses because we are all in the same boat. Having thesupport of thetown has also been really lovely.”

That special customer support, though, has widened. Imogen is gaining quite areputation.

“It’s great because Ihavebeen getting people come from further afield too, whether that’s Stafford, Cannock or the other side of Telford,” she says.

“It’s out of the way for some but they have been travelling to see me and that’s flattering.

“Someone even came from Surrey to Shropshire and we were on their list of places to go one weekend.”

Her cakes are even being tasted on another continent, shereveals, thanks to

Green Fields Farm Shop, to whom she supplies cakes.

“They send our brownies and rocky roads off to the British Armyand they have been sent to teams working on projects in Kenya,”she reveals. “So our cakes are going there at the minute which is really cool!”

Such success means Imogen has her sights set on future expansion both with her shop and further afield, one day

“In the future, I’dlove to expand,” she said. “My dream was always to have this shop in Newport NowIhave it, Iam always thinking ‘what’s next?’

“I’d also love to seeexpansioninto other towns within the Telford and Shropshire area. Who knows, Icould look further afield when Iamabit older.”

And the teaching skills she achieved while doing her degree are also unlikely to go to waste, Imogen says.

“I have been doing workshops and baking classes recently,with people one to one and have some coming up this year,” she said. “People can come in, learn to bake and create things.

“I’d like to introduce children’s workshops and parties where they can come in and decorate cakes, or do baking. So I’d still be using those teaching skills. Those skills are always there to fall back on but Ihave no regretsabout choosing baking. It’s my passion and I’m loving every minute of it.”

KEITH AMASTEROF THE COFFEEBEANS

ED THOMAS WENT IN SEARCH OF ACAFFEINE FIX, AND CAME ACROSS ANEW SPECIALITY ROASTERY BLENDING EXCITING COMBINATIONS WITH SUSTAINABILITY ALSO IN MIND

Inthe UK we drink 98 million cups of coffee aday,it’sabooming industry that is worth more than £2billion to the national economy each year,its big business

The majority of the coffee consumed in our homes and offices is supermarket purchased and when we get home we simply add boiling water

The public however are increasingly savvy and conscious shoppers. We want to know where our products come from, how they’ve been produced and what environmental impact they have had.

This, combined with agrowing interest in coffee, brewing methods and the creation of amorerefined and artisanal coffee experience means that speciality coffee now accounts for 23 per cent of all cups served in UK coffee shops.

There is no one definition of speciality coffee, but it can be considered that it’s about taking the highest quality green coffee beans, roasting them to their full flavour potential and then brewing the coffee also to maximise the

flavour potential. Maximising the flavour potential is exactly what Shropshire-based speciality roastery Darwin Coffee seek to achieve. At Darwin they want to bring customers great, single source speciality roasted coffees. They want to ensure the coffee farmers benefitdirectly from the selling of their beans, creating positive impact on their lives, the lives of their families and the communities they live in. All done in acarbon conscious way with sustainability in mind.

Darwin Coffee is the brainchild of Keith Corden, who set thebusiness up with his wife Jenny in 2023.

Keith has been aspeciality coffee drinker for years and took theplunge, investing in aroasting machineand started the business having studied at the London School of Coffee.

An engineer by profession, Keith is not only acoffee aficionado, but he fully understands and appreciates the process and science of what makes agreatcup of coffee.

The process of enjoying your cup of

coffee starts all theway back on the coffee farm. Keith only sells single source coffees sourced in afair way for the growers and farmers in far flung and exotic locations such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Youwill find details down to the individual farm when thebeans were grown on Keith’s website.

Along with details of how the beans have been washed and handled, Keith sources green coffee beans through a speciality coffee merchants. Arriving in traditionalhessian sacks, the coffees offer flavour profiles ranging from bright, tropical and fruity,torich chocolate and caramel.

Then comes the roasting process. Keith uses aDeidrich coffee roasting machine to achieve the perfect roast. Each coffeeisroasted to aunique profile to enhance the depth and character of flavour and to suit particular extraction methods.

The green beans are poured in to the pre-warmed roaster.The room

temperature beans are warmed and dried before then beginning to take on colour The colouring phase is called the Maillard Zone, how far the browning is taken depends on the variety of bean and the desired flavour profile. This is where the individual roaster’s skill comes in to it, askill developed through practise, trial and error.Keith explained that he learns something every time he switches the roasting machine on.

Keith is looking for even temperature increases in thedrum of the roaster,he takes the beans up to first crack, but never as far as second crackwhich is where most mass market coffees are roasted to.

First crack is when the beans have achieved alight roast andyou know when it is happening because you hear the crack. The sound of the crack is not unlike the sound of making popcorn.

Once the desired roast has been met its time to cool down. The freshly roasted beans are dropped out of the drum on to acooling tray and from there its time to grind. The grind is important depending on the brewing method you prefer.For Espresso you want a fine grind, Turkish coffee would be even finer.Then for pour over filter coffee, amedium grind would be usual and you would probably go for a courser grind for aFrench press.

That said, experimenting with your preferred brewing techniques is abig part of the fun of exploring speciality coffee. There are countless gadgets and accessories all designed to help you achieve the perfect brew

After grinding, it’s time for packaging before the coffee finds its way to cafés and kitchens ready to the consumed. Keith advises brewing your coffee in as short atime as possible after grinding but he also recognises that isn’t always practical, what is most important is that you keep the coffee in an airtight container.Darwin Coffeecomes in aresealable pouch which does just that. Then if you areenjoying acup or two aday you will use up the coffee in arelatively short period anyway He also says storing your ground coffee in the fridge could do more harm than good with the coffee likely to be tarnished by other odours in the fridge.

Most of the Darwin range is caffeinated, but there are also decaf coffees available. Coffee beans are usually decaffeinated using chemical solvents, but Keith only uses decaffeinated coffees that have been processed using theCO2 method.

This method might take longer and cost more, but it is kinder to the environment and to the drinker,with some jurisdictions such as California considering banning the chemical methods.

By considering the sustainability of the growing and processing of the beans, at Darwin Coffee they are doing their best to bring this rightthrough the lifecycle of the coffee by doing local deliveries by bike!

So next time you switch the kettle on to make acoffee, there is lots to think about!

Coffee entrepreneur Keith Corden at Darwin Coffee. Images by Bryce Corden @Ice EyeMedia

DYNAMICDUO HAS RECIPEFOR SUCCESS

ANDY RICHARDSON REVEALS THE AMBITIOUS TEAM WHO HAS TAKEN OVER THE REINS AT A POPULAR RESTAURANT

Chef Ivan Tisdall-Downes and business partner Imogen Davis, the duo behind the Native restaurant brand, have announced their planstoopen at the Netherwood Estate on the Worcestershire/Herefordshire border,on the former Pensonssite.

Scheduled to launch on May 22, the new Native at Pensonswill showcase their diligent, hyper-sustainable menu style. The grounds of the Netherwood Estate, tended by ateam of gardeners, farmers and foragers, will supply many of the ingredients showcased on the menus

The 32-cover restaurant with rooms also features a14-seat private dining room on the upper level.

There will be three menus –four courses at £65pp, seven courses for £105pp, and aSunday lunch three-course offering at £45pp. (Vegetarian andvegan options will be available at all levels.)

Highlights include: Nasturtium Taco (Lamb Tartar &Oyster Leaf), Regeneration Risotto (Heritage Grains, Cover Crops &Lincolnshire Poacher), Toasted Hay Campaillou (Woodruff Butter,Chicken LiverParfait &Apple Chutney; Native Charcuterie), The Oak Pool (Chalk Stream Trout, Lapsang Dashi, Tempura, Crayfish), Herdwick Lamb (Wye Valley Asparagus &Black Garlic), Rhubarb &Rosemary Trifle (Meadowsweet Custard &Freeze-dried Raspberries), and Artichoke Mille-feuille (Jerusalem Artichoke Ice Cream &White Chocolate).

And for Sunday lunch –Roast White Park Hereford Beef (with Tuscan Kale, Yorkshire Pudding, RoastPotatoes, Baked Carrots &Cauliflower Cheese)

Among key local suppliers,the following play avital role in the restaurant’s menu development:

Meat: Huntsman Court Farm (in the WyeValley,for traditionally reared breeds such as Longhorncattle, Middle White Pigs and Ryeland Sheep), and The Shropshire Boar Company (for Wild Boar which arereared on the Shropshire woodlands).

Fruit &Vegetables: WyeValley Produce for asparagus, rhubarb and blueberries; Moorcourt FruitFarm for strawberries, raspberries and cherries in the Herefordshire countryside; and, also in Herefordshire, Tuston Market Garden, for arangeof produce on their eight-acre organic farm.

Dairy: Mawley Milk for fresh milk and cream from their high welfare Holstein, Ayrshire and Short Horncattle.

Grains: Gilchesters Organicsprovide nutritious and delicious flours, using their age-old stone milling process.

The wine and cocktail lists echothe ethos of the food menus, with afocus on organic, biodynamic, natural and lowintervention wines, withbottles from £35 (by the glass £6.50).

Kombuchas and rich, foraged teas are also offered, alongside Butty Batch beer from WyeValley Brewery

On the cocktail front, two of the favoured apéritifs will be theNative Negroni andMeadowsweet Sour

Guests will be welcome to wander through the restaurant’s courtyard and kitchen garden and greenhouses.

Native at Pensonshas two boutique bedrooms in the main building, as well as access to additional accommodation from the Netherwood Estate (info on www netherwoodestate.co.uk/holiday-lets).

London-born Ivan met Imogen, originally from Northamptonshire, at universityinBrighton, and they started their collaboration with markets, street food and pop-ups more than adecade ago.

They are dedicated to achieving azero waste kitchen practice and to cooking only sustainable, ultra-seasonable produce.

Their Native restaurant journey has taken them to establishments in Neal’s Yard, Borough Market, Osea Island, and most recently (until December 2023) at

Ivan Tisdall-Downes and Imogen Davis says sustainability is important for their business

Brown’s in Mayfair.Ivanappeared on Great British Menu (series 15) in 2020, representing London andthe South East Aborn hunter-gatherer,Imogen grew up on arural farm and became fascinated with nature and foraging wild food, plucking and skinning, as well as overseeing her family’s falconry business and managing the infamous Rufus the hawk. She drives the Native business with her incredible palate for wild British food and her determined sustainability actions and goals.

Mostly self-trained, Ivan worked at River CottageHQinDevon as aCommis Chef (2014) and did achefstage at Blue Hill Farm at Stone BarnsinNew York (2017).

Native was initially launched in 2016 in Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden –and created abit of areputation for foraging and wild cooking (including, at times, incorporating items suchassquirrel, ants

and hogweed in the menus which went viral). The restaurant moved to Borough Market on Southwark Street in 2018 until Covid lockdown, and then shifted to Osea Island in Essex in September 2020 for three months, operating until the second lockdown.

Native at Pensons is located on the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border, halfway between Bromyard and Tenbury Wells (on the B214). Pensonsoriginally opened five years ago, with head chef Lee Westcott, who achieved aMichelin star but moved back to London after ayear

He was succeeded by Chris Simpson, who led the kitchen from 2019 (and retained the Michelin star); the restaurant closed in December 2023, citing economic pressures.

The 1500-acre Netherwood Estate is owned by Peta Darnley and her family –its natural agriculture beauty features arable crops, apple orchards, grazing

sheep, seasonal activities, and charming holiday let accommodation. (http://www netherwoodestate.co.uk/holiday-lets)

Nativeisbacked by Hestia Hospitality plc, anew investment vehicle in hospitality led by Andrew Fishwick, who commented: “I am thrilled that Native is the first project that Hestia is announcing, with more plans in the pipeline.

“I have known Ivan andImogen since the very beginning of Native, and have admired and supported them throughout, so to bring them into the Hestia fold is both apersonal andprofessional delight.”

Website: www.nativerestaurant.co.uk

Reservations: 01885 410333, or Email: reservations@eatnative.co.uk

Opening hours: Lunch ThursdaySunday Noon-2pm; Sunday Noon-4pm; Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5pm-9pm

Instagram: @eatnative @ivanJD @ imogendavis X: @eatnativeuk @IvanJD @imogendavisx

FEASTFULLOF FUN AT FOOD FESTIVAL

The award-winning Shrewsbury Food Festivalreturns to the town’s Quarry park on June 29 and 30.

It has been named the Festivalof the Year at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2024for the foodie, family fun it provides, where theregion’s best producers andchefs will serve up fine food and drink.

The chef line-up for theTalks and Demos Stageand Monks Chef School will be led by FestivalHead 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, andJames Sherwin from Wild Shropshire, to name but afew.The Kids Cookery School is also back by popular demand.

The organisers at Shropshire Festivals pridethemselves on only accepting quality food and drink producers and making sure there’s awide choiceof products.

Youcan pick up award-winning handmade farmhouse cheese from Bexton Cheese, cool down with locally made treats from the Shropshire Ice Cream Company,enjoy healthy brownies and blondies from Skinny Slabs or Portuguese tarts from The Sunrise Patisserie, and for

the first timeyou will be able to pick up a bottle of Shrewsbury Gin.

In total, there will be around 200 independent stalls offering quality food and drink, and homeware and garden items in the Cornovii Developments Home and Gardens Area.

The festival is all about supporting local, and that extends to the Live Music Stage with aselection of top bands from the Midlands. Acts include Two Blank Pages, Ego Friendly,Dirty Rockin Scoundrels, and GrooveDynamite.

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 the Saturday.As always there will be an entire field of free kids’ activities in the Adcote School Kids Area.

The Reconomy Field to Fork area will continue to educatevisitors on the food and farming sectors.

Beth Heath, Director of Funat Shropshire Festivals, said: “Come along and support an event which is all about championing local, with aday of non-stop fun.”

n Tickets are cheaper in advance from www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

CHEERS TO COCKTAILS

THESE STYLISH SERVES LOOK AS GOOD AS THEY TASTE, SAYS SAM WYLIE HARRIS

Thirsty for something to perk up your palate?

When it comes to rustling up acocktail, seasonal serves with thoughtsofthe great outdoors are just the ticket –with enticing flavour profiles, from fresh and crisp, to asense of sweetness to balance that sour

Here’s what we’re shaking up and steeped in springtime newness…

1. Monkey Shoulder CoreBlimey

Arich, blended malt which delivers rich, fruity notes, Monkey Shoulder ScotchWhisky(£31, 70cl, Waitrose) works well in all manner of cocktails

Ingredients: 30ml Monkey Shoulder, 15ml Cointreau, Appletiser.Mint sprig and apple slice for garnish.

Method: Add Monkey Shoulder and Cointreau into awine glass filled with ice. Stir slowly,top with Appletiser and garnish with fresh mint sprig and slice of apple.

2. Hendrick’sGrand Cabaret Royale

Anew addition to Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret

Limited Edition Gin (£30.95, 70cl, House of Malt) features stone fruit flavours for added depth, with enticing nuances of sweet herbs amongthe botanicals.

Ingredients: 30ml Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, 30ml cranberryjuice, 15ml lime juice, 15ml simple syrup, champagne

or sparkling wine. Cucumber Slice and orange peel for garnish.

Method: Add gin, juices and syrup to aballoon glass.Stir slowly,top with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with acucumber slice and orange peel. And there you have it!

3. Kavka Estate Negroni

Cited as bold, distinctive and silky smooth, Polish Kavka Estate Vodka (£29, 70cl, Threshers) makes for adelicious twist on this classic cocktail.

Ingredients: 50ml Kavka Estate Vodka, 40ml sweet vermouth,40mlCampari Bitters. Orange peel for garnish.

Method: Fill arock glass with ice. Add the ingredients, sir slowly and garnish with orange peel.

4. The Dubliner Irish Capel Street Sour

With some toothsome honeycomb and caramel in the mix, The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur,Whiskey and Honeycomb (£25.25, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange) promises asmoothride all the way

Ingredients: 50ml The Dubliner

Irish Whiskey Liqueur,Whiskey and Honeycomb, 25ml lime juice, 15ml demerara sugar syrup 2:1,1dash Angostura Bitters. Mint leaf to garnish.

Method: Half-fill acocktail shaker with ice: Add the ingredients and shake vigorously.Strain into aNick &Nora glass, garnish with amintleaf (gently slap the mint leaf first to release the oils and aromas), squeeze the lime wedge and add to the drink.

CHILE’S JUSTCOOL

ONCE DESCRIBED AS ‘THE VOLVO OF THE WINE INDUSTRY’, FOR CREATING SAFE, BORING PLONK, ROBERT BOUTFLOWER ARGUES FOR ANEW LOOK AT THIS SOUTH AMERICAN STALWART

Iwas having aconversation recently with acustomer who wanted anice, full-bodied red wine for around £20.

Isaid, “What about something from Chile?” “Oh no,” he replied, “something more exciting than that…”

Sadly this is thestarting point for many of us, areluctance to consider Chilean wines as anything more than safe. Safe flavours, not much complexity.Well, we need to look again.

In my corner,for his ‘vinous volteface’, is TimAtkin MW,erstwhile wine journalist for The Guardian who once described Chile as, “the Volvo of the wine industry”, and now admits that it has taken him along time to live it down. He is now the loudest champion of modern Chilean wines, his annual report uncovering “innovation and daring winemaking, diversity and quality as good as anywhere in the world”.

Let’s explode acouple of myths. The first is that French word,‘terroir’which means the wine has asense of place and uniqueness, and the general feeling that Chilean wines have been missing this.

While the massproducers are delighted by bland, uniform, risk-free flavouring for the supermarket drinker, many smaller growers arenow seeking out corners where the vineyard sites bring an individuality to the wine.

Chile has plenty of sites in different

valleys which can all generate unique terroir.You’ll get some idea of this by inspecting the labels for ‘valleys’, which may encompass alarge area such as Colchagua, but within each there lie a myriad of corners to explore. This is the direction modern Chile is headed.

The other point that gets forgotten is the variability of vintages in South America. TimAtkin points out that 2016, for example, was eight times wetter in the Maipo Alta than2020. This factor has to affect thestyle and flavour of any fine wine and offers you the chance to

try different vintages against each other exactly like Europe.

Exciting new ventures then to look out for in these 21st century wineries, much of it to do with innovation, exploration, exuberance and flair, while keeping the trademark value and drinkability.Let’s start with theregion closest to Santiago, that of Maipo. One of the first valleys to be planted with red varieties, it has become amajor source of great, cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with free-draining, gravelly soils, not that dissimilartothe Médoc in Bordeaux. First up is the staple Chilean Merlot, where it’s worthputting the Santa Ema Select TerroirMerlot up againstany good value AOCBordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur for comparison. Friendly,warm and round, you’ll find it copes well with the competition as does the Tanners Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon which comesout of theColchagua Valley, the next valley to the south. Our own label is fantastic everyday drinking with smooth,round flavours of blackcurrants held together by soft, ripe tannins. And while you think of comparisons, aword on Carmenère, an old Bordeaux variety that Chile has taken to its heart.

Originally mistaken for Merlot, there’s aleafyfreshness that you’ll find in those made in cooler locations, like the Cucao ReservaEspecialCarmenère.

Whetheryou’recelebrating aspecialoccasionor rememberingalovedonewe’reheretohelp.

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BOOMINSALES FOR SOAP STAR MOLLY

HEATHER LARGE MEETS AN ENTREPRENEUR WHO STARTED CREATING HAND-MADE PRODUCTS DURING THE PANDEMIC AND NOW HAS ATHRIVING BUSINESS SUPPLYING MARKETS AND SHOPS

The craft of soap making is enjoying aresurgence as more people turn to handmade bars as away to carefor their skin naturally and sustainably

Molly Hooper runs Wrekin Soap, whichstarted as alockdown hobby and has developed into athriving home-based business. She can regularly be found at markets around the county selling her products, which are also stocked in a number of shops.

“I’ve always liked soap, Iwould much rather abar of soap than ashowergel in aplastic container,” says the 40-year-old, who lives in Wellington.

“I have lovely memories about soap. My sister and Iwould have around body shop soap in our stockings, mine would always be lemongrass and my sister’s lavender

“My grandad had soap on arope. My favourites were always Pears clear soap or

coal tar soap. During 2021 restrictions, Iwas trying to keep myself busy,Igot myself ameltand pour soapmaking kit from hobbycraft.

“This is where you microwave aready made soap base and add your fragrance. That kept me occupied for afew hours and then soon afterIwas ordering raw ingredients to make it myself.”

Molly threw herself into learning everything she could by reading lots of books and watching online tutorials.

“I experimented for awhole year creating what Ithoughtwas the perfect bar of soap. Isharedthemwith family and friends and then following their feedback looked into the legality of getting them assessed and ready to sell,” she said.

Each soap recipe has to be assessed and signed off by achemist to ensure it complies with UK andEUregulations.

“My first stall was in June 2022 in a pub 150 metres from my house. Iwas so

nervous all Iwanted to do was make £20 back to cover my table.

“It was the best day everyone gave such lovely feedback and Iwas so relieved,” says Molly

Wrekin Soap currently offers 17 soap varieties, which have all been given aunique name inspired by their ingredients.

They include Pirate which includes Bay West Indies, lime, patchouli and dried peppermint.

“It smells abit like rum,” says Molly “I try to give them abit of atheme and it gives them an identity,” she explains.

When it comes to choosing fragrances, her main goal has always been to “create the best smelling bar of soap”.

“When making my firstbatches of soap it was heartbreaking that they did not smell as good as Ihad hoped. But Iwas just using asingle essential oil for ascent,” the mother of two recalls.

“So Ilearned about anchoring smells. This is where you use abase essential oil along with amiddle note to help the scent stay

“For example the Lemongrass-Hopper soap haslemongrasswhich is the main scent, but then Ihave added cedarwood to help the lemongrass scent stick and then added lemon too as atop note to make it more zesty

“I wanted to make sure there is something for everyone so there is areally good variety of scents.

“Gentleman’s lavender is lovely.It’s lavender,with patchouli to add depth and anchor the scent, andclove to addspice. To me it has quite aVictorian scent,it’s lovely,” explains Molly,who works as a recycling officer

To make her soap, she melts oils and butters –coconut oil, shea butter,cocoa butter,olive oil, sweet almond oil and castor oil –together in abig saucepan.

“I like this because Ipretend I’m a witch with alovely cauldron filled with a potion! Lyeisthenadded which changes

the oil into soap. Essential oils are then added for fragrance.

“Some oils behave really well and others you have to say aprayer to the soap gods before stirring them in. Rose geranium is terrifying, it sets up so so fast.

“They are poured into loaf moulds and then any decoration added. It has to be kept warm so Isnuggle it up super cosy in our hostess trolley and leave it alone for 24 hours.

“After that Icut it into bars using my giant soap cutter made from guitarstrings and it’s left to cure for about six weeks,” she explains.

All of the packaging has been designed and created using eco-friendly cardboard packaging and tissue paper made with 100% recycled content by Molly

“I love making something that puts asmile on people’s faces. It looks nice it smells nice and it’s atreat. When people tell me it looks and smells great it makes me feel wonderful.

“I love how some people pick up the soap to smell and others put their hands

behind their back like Liam Gallagher when he sings and turninto asmelling hovercraft.

“When most people walk past the stall they say ‘ooooohhhhh soap’ and that never gets boring,” she says.

Molly holds pop-up stalls at Wellington Market and Newport Craft and Makers Market and, as anew member of Made In Shropshire, will be attending many events during the year

“Markets are such cool places. I love the smells, the sounds,the hustle and bustle. It’s great meeting other stallholders, artists and makers who are so talented and learning from them,” says Molly

In the future, she will be introducing eight new soaps and further developing her range of products

Wrekin Soap is stocked at The Little Green Pantry and Bath Bombs by JC, both in Wellington.

Products can also be ordered from www.wrekinsoap.co.uk, with Molly offering free delivery to TF1 postcodes.

MARKET TOWN HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLAINS WHY APICTURESQUE TOWN AND ITS HISTORIC PRIORY,SITUATED CLOSE TO WENLOCK EDGE, DRAWS SO MANY VISITORS IN SPRING AND SUMMER

It’s the town that inspired the modern Olympic Games. And Much Wenlockoffers so much variety that it’s no wonder it’s amagnet for tourists. Whether it’s visitors from the county,orfrom further afield, spring and summer are the months when the population booms, when hotels and restaurants are full, and where shops do aroaring trade.

And that’s no surprise. Much Wenlock boasts acombination of apicturesque market town, with plenty of independent traders, as well as astunning Priory, which stands on the fringeofthe town, in addition to the breath-taking Wenlock Edge, which remains one of Shropshire’s stand-out features.

Indeed, WenlockEdge is as good a place as any to start, when visiting. From circular walks to admire the surrounding views, to anatural play trail to keep the little ones amused, it offers an abundance of activities.

The meadows fill with avariety of stunning colours. Walkers can find

pyramidal orchids, purple vetch, devil’sbit scabious, bird’s-foot trefoil, lady’s bedstraw and more. Butterflies feed on those beautiful wildflowers on warm days, including meadow brown, little skipper, marbled white and ringlet. Volunteers walk in the meadows every week from April to September,collecting data on the species and numbers present which goes into the nationalrecording scheme.

As summer progresses, through June and July,visitors cansee lots of purple spikes on the verge. Those are southern marsh orchids andare notoriously difficult to identify with confidence because they vary greatly in appearance,

with flowers ranging from dark to pale pink and markings varying considerably.Toadd to the confusion, they hybridise with other Dactyloriza species such as common spotted orchid. Southern marshorchids are often thought of as acoastal species, but they do grow inland in damp meadows and on riverbanks.

Lots of beautiful common spotted orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsia) flower on WenlockEdge in June and can stay in bloom until August. They’re very distinctive and named for their leaves, which are green with purplish oval spots and grow in arosette at ground level.

The common spotted is the most common of all UK orchids because it grows in calcareous to neutral soils and in lots of different habitats including woodland, roadside verges, hedgerows, old quarries, sand dunes and marshes.

Also flowering in June and July are pyramidal orchids (Anacamptis pyramidalis). This species is named for its pyramid-shaped cluster of flowers, ranging from bright to pale pink, but

confusion can arise becausethe flower becomes more cylindrical as it develops. Youcan see lots of those orchids in Ippikin’s meadow

Nearer to the town centre, are the tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory, which stand in apicturesque setting on the fringe of the town. The English Heritage property is an Anglo-Saxon monastery and was founded in about 680 by King Merewalh of Mercia, whose abbess daughter Milburge was hailed as asaint. Her relics were miraculously rediscovered here in 1101,attractingboth pilgrims and prosperity to the priory By then Wenlock had been refounded by the Normans as apriory of Cluniac monks. It is the impressive remains of this medieval priory which survive today,everywhere reflecting the Cluniac love of elaborate decoration. Parts of the great 13th century church still stand high.

The Norman chapter house, built around 1140asthe “business” centre of the monastery,was where the monks and the prior met each morning to discuss

affairs, and administer punishments for disobedience.

Today,visitors can still see much of its elaborate stone carving, with interlocking round arches on multiple carved columns, and don’t miss the grotesque head, humorously carved in the lintel of the doorway

In the cloister garden, there is time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the topiary-filled views, which are set against the backdrop of the complete infirmary wing, converted into amansion after the priory’s dissolution and is still aprivate residence today

Make sure you see the most unusual octagonal lavabo, the huge water vessel built around 1220 and used by monks to wash their hands before eating in the nearby refectory

No visit to Much Wenlock iscomplete without checking in on the historyof Dr.William PennyBrookes (1809-95), originator of the still-continuing Wenlock Olympian Games, amajor inspiration for the modern International Olympics.

Penny Brookes was the founder of

the Much Wenlock Olympian Games, an early influence on the thinking of Pierre de Coubertin towards the revival of the Olympics. Brookes was adoctor who was educated at various schools in Shropshire, and began his study of medicine at Guy’s and St. Thomas’s Hospitals in London in about 1827. He finished his studies in Paris and Padua, returning to Much Wenlock in1831 to carry on the general practice of medicine which his father had started. He founded the National Olympian Association in 1865, the forerunner of the British Olympic Association.

Brookes was an invited dignitary to Coubertin’s SorbonneCongress of 1894 that founded the Modern Olympic Games, but he was unable to attend because of illness. He and Coubertin corresponded frequently and Brookes had Coubertin visit the Much Wenlock Olympian Games in October 1890.

In 1881, Brookes was the first person who proposed that international Olympian Games be staged again, to be held in Athens

VICTORIA PUTS SKILLSINTOFOCUS

HEATHER LARGE MEETS THE WOMAN WHO IS SHARING HER LOVE OF NATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHY WITH OTHERS IN ANEW WORKSHOP AT APOPULAR NATIONAL TRUST SITE

Ihaven’t looked at the world in the same way since Ifirst picked up a camera,” says Victoria Elsmore. Through her lens, the master photographer loves capturing thenatural world in all its beauty.Now,she is combining apassion for the outdoors with sharing her photographyskills by running workshops at one of her favourite beauty spots –Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury “Attingham is where Igotoimmerse myself in nature,” says Victoria, who has been working as aprofessional photographer for 15 years, andruns Hedgerow Media.

“Attingham means such alot to me. It helps me with my mental health. I have adeep appreciation for the nature that’s there and for what the rangers do to manage the landscape andhabitats.”

It was duringa visit to the National Trust site that Victoria was inspired to set up her photography workshops.

“There was some light that fell on a nettle and Ithoughtthat light will never fall on that nettle in the same way again. Ithoughtthere was value in me helping people to see that,” she explains.

Before becoming atrained photographer,Victoria studied creative writing with the Open University and

then went on to study animal behaviour and welfare at Harper Adams University As part of the course, she studied wildlife conservation, farming systems, ecology and wild and domestic animal behaviour She then went on to qualify as aMaster Photographer with The MPA.

Her collaboration with Attingham Park has seen her offer two workshops. The second of which –onthe artof photography and wellbeing –takes place on May 4.

The workshop is amorning class teaching skillsincomposition and light “It is aimed at any camera user; from camera phone to DSLR andisagreat introduction to producing better imagery and using light and the world around you to create beautiful photographs,”explains

Victoria. “Our workshops aim to build a communityand to teachskills in seeing and appreciating the world around us. Photography is abrilliant medium for this as it involves looking for light, colour, texture, lines, framing to namejust afew things,” sheadds.

As the founder and creative director of Hedgerow Media, Victoria is currently using her creative skills to produce visual content for rural businesses, conservation charities and businesses within the pet industry.She is hosting a“kind” headshots day and rural business networking event on June24, from 10am until 1pm.

“SME’s and single employee businesses will be able to book in for aprofilephotograph and headshot photograph either for themselves or their whole team and know that 30 per cent of their fee will be passed to the Shropshire Wildlife Trusttosupport their projects supporting our wildlife and conservation in the county.

“The event will be hosted at The Shropshire Wildlife Trust’ssite and there will be networking opportunities for those that attend throughout the day,” concludes Victoria.

n To findout more visit www hedgerowmedia.com

AMAGICAL FOREST

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLORES AWOODLANDTHATOFFERS SOMETHING FOREVERYONE.

Shropshire is blessed with great walks. Though the county is equally fortunate to be surrounded by agreen and pleasant hinterland, where walkers can enjoy the great outdoors –particularly at this time of year,when spring has sprung, when the weather is improving, and when wild flowers are in abundance.

Wyre Forest and its surrounding woodlands are fantastic places to enjoy the fresh air and and have fun outdoors. There are three waymarked walking trails to explore, or you can head out into the wider forest using the network of public rightsofway and forest roads.

The Arboretum Walking Trail is Wyre Forest’s longest trail, at 3.2 miles, which takes people down Cardiac Hill, under the Go Ape Zip Lines into aquieter area of the forest. Visitors can explore the mixed woodland, forest pools and an arboretum, where they can discover a variety of treespecies and learn about the Whitty Pear.Sections of the trail are steep, unsurfaced or have exposed roots which can become muddy,making it unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The Giants Trail is 1.9miles and walkers can head out on awide forest road, then astone-surfacedtrail which becomes narrower and flatter.The trail takes people past the arboretum, before slowly descending into the ‘Valley of the Giants’ where large Douglas Firstand tall. Whilst walkers cantake apushchair around the trail, please notesome sections are steep and it’s not suitable for wheelchairs.

The Easy Access Trail is 0.7miles. Aspokesperson for Forestry England said: “Home to our family activity trail which changes annually,follow the stone surfaced path, through mixed woodland, past our forest pond and sculptures. There are plenty of benches to relax along the way.It’s relatively flat and suitable for mobility scooters and pushchairs, however there is asteeper uphill section near the end.”

Wyre Forest operates aforest code, to keep people safe and make sure the forest is protected:

n Protect and respect wildlife, plants and trees.

n Guard against all risks of fire.

n Keep dogs under control and clean up after them.

n Take your litter home.

n Make no unnecessary noise.

n Take only memories away

n The forest is for everyone.

As well as walking trails, Wyre Forest has three running trails, which are 1km, 3km, and 5km.

The 5km trail presents achallenge with steeper incline and decline gradients. The spokesperson for Forestry England said: “Based on hard-standing forest roads and paths, this loop will take you furthest into the forest. As you pass Park Pool and start the climb uphill you will pass one of our SSSIs(Site of Special Scientific Interest) where, through the oak and beech trees, you may spot some deer.”

The 3km trail is less challenging.

“After the initial incline, this trail flattens out and takes you alongforest paths which will get muddy when wet. Youwill then re-join thewider forest roadnetwork where you will soon see our arboretum to your right and then enter the ‘Valley of the Giants’ as you gradually descend to the finish.”

ANTIQUES

ARTATTHE GALLOP

Equestrian Artholds arich and enduringappeal within theart world.

People have always been fascinated in studying the relationship between man and animal, with artists often seeking to explore it and push the boundaries through art. From the very emergence of art in ancient cave paintings, through to masterful royal portraits showing rulers seated proudly upon a towering stallion as asymbol of power, paintings of horses have long captivated both artists and audiences alike.

Equestrian Art is asubstantial area of interest on the auction market, commanding significant attention and strong prices. The horse in art is often a symbol of power,ofbeauty,wealth, but also freedom. Whether the artist sought to capturethe energy and high drama of the racecourse or the tranquillity of horses roaming at pasture, equestrian works have long resonated with adiverse audience and transcend both traditional and contemporary tastes in art.

Iconic artists such as George Stubbs (1724-1806) can command hundreds of thousands for an oil painting at auction Such is Stubb’s appeal that asmall receipt with his signature sold for £400 alone at Halls in 2021. In the days when aprized destrier had the equivalent status of a modern-day supercar,anequestrian artist was in high demand amongst the gentry to captureinpaint the portraits of their

noble steeds. The current house record at Halls Fine Art is held by an equestrian painting by the eminent John Wootton (c.1682-1764) showing The Earl of Oxford’s Roan, which galloped away to sell for £326,000.

Equestrian art is astrong and staple discipline within Halls Fine Art’s auctions, with recent successes including astrikingpainting of two saddled horses by David George Steell (1856-1930) which achieved £4,000, andacharming watercolour study of aWelsh pony by the ever popular Sir KyffinWilliams (1918-2006) which sold in March for £3,200. The Modern and Contemporary auctionshave also seen keen interest from bidders in this area with two paintings of jockeys at the racecourse by Scottish artist Stephen Mangan (b.1964) racing away to £6,000.

June will be an exciting month as Halls will hold two paintings auctions, on the 12th and 26th, bothofwhich

have an array of equestrian art on offer

One of the highlights from the 12th June Fine Sale is an interesting oil painting after John FrederickHerringSnr (17951865) aportrait of the famous racehorse Touchstone (1831-1861).

Touchstone was aBritish thoroughbred racehorse, with an unusual fleshy-legged build and an especially long back; he had 19 dorsal vertebrae and 19 ribs on each side. Trained by John Scott, Touchstone was particularly successful on long-distance races, winning the St Leger Stakes, and twice taking both the Doncaster cupand Ascotgold cup. Herring described him as “a beautiful brown... He is avery level horse, and has the advantage of particularly fine arms, thighs, legs and feet –inshort, amore wiry animal cannot be imagined, and in every respect looks the racehorse”.

In 1837 Touchstone was retired to stud and came back to his owner’s stud at Eaton, Cheshire. He became one of the most influential sires of the 19th Century, havingsired three Epson Derby winners. He remained at Eaton until his death and was aregular attraction at the annual Cheshire Agricultural Show. Touchstone’s painting will be going under the hammer on the 12th June with an estimateof £500-£800.

Formore information on forthcoming auctions, or for valuationadvice,contact the team at Halls Fine Art fineart@ hallsgb.com or call 01743 450700.

ECLECTICMIX AT SPRINGAUCTION S

pring was in the air at Trevanion Auctioneers’ March auction, and the promise of warmer weather was perfectly captured by one of the star lots –arare near pair of Bristol Delft ‘Farmyard’ plates, circa 1730, each with polychrome decoration depicting astrutting cockerelamongst manganese purple trees.

“Bristol was akey centre of production for British tin glazed earthenware –known as Delftware –in the 18thcentury,” said Associate Director, Ashley Jones.

“Cheaper than imported Chinese porcelain, but still too expensive to be easily affordable, Delftware was particularly prized by the newly emerging merchant and professional classes, who appreciated its bright colours and charming designs.”

The plates proved to be highly sought-after by discerning collectors, eventually selling for £2,800 plus fees.

The auction also gave buyers an opportunity to bid on acharming representation of amuch older kind of selling, in theform of arare Victorian pedlar peg doll.

“Selling door to door is frowned upon these days, but in the 19th centuryitwas common, with street pedlars hawking haberdashery and other household wares through towns andvillages,” said valuer Simon Grover

“These colourful characters were the basis for the pedlar peg doll, usually a jointed wooden doll brightly dressed in country clothing andcarrying abasket of intricate miniaturewares like cottons, knitting needles and playing cards.

“Although termed dolls, they were never intended to be children’s playthings, and were instead proudly displayed under glass domes in Victorian parlours.”

Still dressed in her original clothing and with even the loose items in her basket still present, the pedlar peg doll prompted abidding battle between online and phone bidders, finally selling for £2,800 plus fees.

Furniture also proved to be strong seller,with oak pieces in particular achieving some good prices, but the star of theshow was aKnole sofa or settee.

The original Knole settee was made for Knole House in Kent,ancestral home of the Sackville-West family

“With its deep seat, high back and

drop-side arms, the Knole settee was intended to be imposing as well as comfortable, and spawned numerous copycat designs which used the Knole name,” commented furniture valuer Ian Woodward.

Although in need of attention, buyers were keen to give the sofa anew home, anditeventually sold for £2,200 plus fees.

One vendor had awonderful surprise in the March auction, when jewellery valuer Amelia Tomkinson discovered abeautiful early 20th century untested emerald and diamond ring in abag full of costume jewellery.

“The ring was alovely Edwardian example with beautifully matched graduated emeralds set among old cut diamonds,” said Amelia. “The lady who consigned it thought it was acostume piece, but as soon as Isaw it Iknewitwas

something special.” After numerous bids the ring eventually sold for £1,200 plus fees.

After the sale, Managing Partner Christina Trevanioncommented: “I love our spring auctions.

“There’s awonderful sense of discovery in the air as my team seek out the novel, the rare and the beautiful, often surprising and delighting our vendorsas they do so.

“We’re also seeing more and more bidders coming to our auction for the first time, andit’s great to hear their lovely feedback about how much they’ve enjoyed the experience.”

Trevanion Auctioneers’ next auction will be held on Wednesday,May 22.

The galleries will be open for public viewing on Monday,May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 from 9.30am to 5pm.

AKnole settee sold for £2,200 plus fees; an early 20th century untested emerald and diamond ring sold for £1,200, plus fees; apair of Bristol Delft ‘Farmyard’ plates, circa 1730, sold or £2,800 plus fees; arare Victorian pedlar peg doll also sold for £2,800 plus fees

Our next Fine Art &Antique Auction will be held on:

Wednesday 22nd May2024

Public Viewing: Monday 20th May &Tuesday 21st May from 9.30am -5pm

The Joyce Building, Whitchurch trevanion.com

Pictured: Acollection of exotic fruit, floral and insect studies from a19th century Natural History album Sold for £15,000 as part of the Ruyton Hall Collection

EDUCATION

Musicians hit right note at festival

AShropshireschool’svibrant music department is celebrating scooping six prestigious awards. Wrekin College’s haul includes accolades for ensembles and individual musicians picked up at events across the country.

Most recently the school’sJazzand Concert Bands celebrated aplatinum awardeach at the National Concert Band Festival finals in Warwick.It also gained an awardfor thebest programme which included new, original big band pieces alongside big band classics such as ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’. In early March, it also attained first place and Best Programme Awards in the schools category of the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival. To topthings off,sax player Toby Egerton was awarded the prize for being the outstanding soloist. The string of successes comes in the same month as the school’sChapel Choir was one of only six senior school choirs to reachthe finalsofthe Barnardos Choral Competition 2024 held at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Director of Music Simon Platfordpraised all involved, adding their dedication and commitment to abusy and demanding rehearsal schedule had paid off “A great deal of hardwork has gone into preparing for all these events and Iam very proud of all of those involved,” he added. “They havegiven their very best and thoroughly deservetheir moment on the national stage.

“Tocome away with some highly coveted awards is wonderful and something to truly be celebrated. But I also hope these youngsters remember these experiences for along time to come and feel proud that they havealso brought agreat deal of joytoaudiences at these venues –something that was commented on at the National Concert Band Festival.”

SPOTLIGHT ON CAREERS IN MEDICINE

Opportunities to speak to many doctors and practice clinical skills were features of arecent all-day Medical Futures Conference at aShropshirecollege.

The seventh annual ConcordCollege Medical Futures Conference, aimed at year 11 and 12 students aspiring for careers in medicine, provided awealth of insights into the realities of medical careers. The conference, which Acton Burnell-based Concord openedupfree of charge to students across Shropshire, the Welsh borders and the West Midlands, has previously proved to be acatalyst in making key career decisions.

This latest conference offered 70 members of Concord’s own Medical Society as well as asimilar number mostly from state schools across the region, with an opportunity to shareaspirations to find common ground in exploring medical careers.

The programme consisted of lectures with students learning how to succeed in their medical school application and how to choose the right medical school. There werepractical workshops supplemented by opportunities to build personalised

programmes in Concord’s science building.

In addition, opportunities to speak directly to representatives from nearly 20 universities, 12 specialist doctors and many medical students including a significantnumber from theConcord Alumni Network.

Ayear11student at Shrewsbury School said: “I found meeting the younger professionals really interesting, to have an insight into what being ajuniordoctor is like at the moment.”

Ayear12student at Newport Girls’ High School said: “The conference helped me to be aware about whether the universities Iamapplying for focus on hard or soft skill.”

Akeynote presentation was given by scientist, engineer andinnovatorDr Katerina Spranger, thefounder of Oxford Heartbeat, an award-winning start-up company that develops medical device software to allow planning for surgeries to be simpler,faster and more accurate.

Talks were alsogiven by Abraham Bashir,a senior tutoratThe Medic Portal, and Dr Gordon Dent, senior lecturer at Keele University Medical School.

Some of the Wrekin musicians at the National Concert Band Festival

Where Futures Futu Are Found

90% f GCS 9 o grades awarded at E were 733 studentsachieved A*A*A* or better at ALevel (2023)

Bursaries available

enquiries@concordcollege.org.uk || www.concordcollegeuk.com

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

ANEW ERAFOR SCHOOL BOARDING

Inanexcitingmove, Prestfelde School in Shrewsburyannounces the launch of its new boarding model set to commence from September 2024.

It will see boarding extended from the three to five nightsper week, providing the opportunity for weekly, flexi and occasional boarding.

This innovative step marks a significant milestone in the school’s history,offering families an enriching opportunity for their children to thrive in asupportive, nurturing and truly flexible environment.

At the heart of Prestfelde’s boarding ethos lies acommitment to holistic education, where academic excellence intertwines seamlessly with personal development.

Prestfelde House, the school’s dedicated boarding facility,aims to create ahome-away-from-home experience for its pupils. Rooted in tradition yet adapted to meet the demands of modern family life, Prestfelde House embodies the values of trust, unity,and community Head of Boarding, Holly KeoghJones, has been instrumental in the development of boarding for Prestfelde School and explains: “Prestfelde House is asmall but thriving boarding house at Prestfelde School with awarm family atmosphere.

“Wepride ourselves on offering

tailored boarding options and the move to five nights aweekwill help to meet the demands of modern family life, whilst preparing our boarders for life beyond Prestfelde School.

“Boarding at Prestfelde is a wonderfully enriching experience. We recognise the importance of holistic development, providing opportunities for our boarders to pursue their passions and develop new hobbies.

“Our boarders develop invaluable life skills, build astrong sense of self by immersing themselves in every opportunity that Prestfelde School has to offer,and cultivate life-long friendships with their peers.

“I am excited that we can now offer agenuinely flexible boarding experience for our pupils and their families. Our aim is to empower our young people to develop their confidence, independence, social skills, and enhance their organisational abilities, whilst supporting and challenging them to reach their full potential, both academically and personally.”

With the Prestfelde House launch in September 2024, Prestfelde School Head, Mr Nick Robinson, eagerly anticipates the opportunities that lie ahead in shaping the future of its pupils.

He said: “Werecognise that busy families need flexibility and convenience,

which is why we’ve made booking options easy and flexible.

“Together with our new and extended bus service, families can enjoy convenient transportation to and from Prestfelde, making location no longer abarrier to enjoying the benefits of an exceptional education at Prestfelde School.

“This is asignificantpart of our 2029 Centenary Strategy,which aims to further develop our position as aUK leading Prep School. We are thrilled to offer this exciting new opportunity to our Prestfelde community and look forward to welcoming families to experience the benefits of the Prestfelde House boarding experience.”

Prestfelde School welcomes visits to see any aspect of the school at any time, for children of any age. It really is the best way to see the school in action and meet with the pupils, Head and staff

Prestfelde will be running an Open Morning on the 20th of May 2024. Focusing on Middle Prestfelde for children in Years 3-5. This event provides families an opportunity to see the facilities, to explore Prestfelde’s boarding options, and to speak to staff and children to discover why Prestfelde is the right choice for your child’s education.

To learn more about Prestfelde School and how it can benefityour child, please visit the website at www.prestfelde.co.uk

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SOCIAL SCENE

SHROPSHIRE BUSINESS FESTIVAL WrekinCollege, Wellington

The ShropshireBusiness Festival attracted hundreds of representatives from firms across the region. The event took place at Wrekin College in Wellington, providing the opportunity for networking, talks and awholehost of fun.

Seminars included digging into the psychology of getting people to buy your products with Pippa Tait from Sales Geek and atalk on medical negligence from Lanyon Bowdler

The Exhibition Hall featured awho’swho

of Shropshirebusinesses. The event also showcased anovelway to enjoy business talks from Silent Seminars, who sponsored the concept at the event. Visitors were given headphones to tune in to alivebusiness talk whilst on the move,maximizing their time at the event.

The Shropshire& TelfordTourism Expo took place ahead of the main festival. Tourismand hospitality businesses came together for several presentations.

Pictures: SteveLeath

Tegan BristowfromBuy From CreativeAgency.

Ali Thomas, from Shrewbury Food Hub, and Andy Hadnall, from Pass the Keys.

Si Alton provided some livemusic.

Katie Beharrell, ClaireHendy and Abi Stones.

Lucy Edgar from Human Everything . Carl Jones and Dan Smith from SBLTV.

Beth Heath with artist LukeCrump.

Ally BenbowfromGet Stocked and Victoria ElsmorefromHedgerow Media.

TomDillon from the Small Woods Association.

The TelfordTigers stand –Mary Harris and Alice Sereda.

ShropshireCommunity Foundation: Dean Harris and Ruth Martin.

From Insynch –Erin Scullion and Holly Moore.

Anthony North from Cartwrights Waste Disposal Services Ltd.

From The CreativeStation Ltd –Stan Kay.

Kim Gilmour and Louise Burgoyne.

Charityevent

AShropshireorganisation held aspecial lunch to celebrate the work of acharity.

The ShropshireWomen’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) hosted an event at Shrewsbury Beaconsfield Club in honour of The Not Forgotten Charity, which provides a varied programme of social activities, outings, respite and challenge breaks for veterans and the wounded. The Beaconsfield Club offered their function room for free and subsidised the cost of the lunches. The Lord Lieutenant, Anna Turner,was also in attendance.

Chris Powell, Secretary of the WRAC, said: “The Not Forgotten go all overthe country and abroad, but had never been to Shropshirebefore. To rectifythis our branch hosted their first visit to our county.

“Togiveyou some idea of their events, recently, 14 veterans, at no cost to themselves, were takento Breckenridge Colorado for aweek of assisted skiing.

“Most of the group had not attempted anything so physically demanding since their injury or ill health. Others had never skied beforeintheir life. Yetwithin days they were speeding down the slopes, their freedom and self confidence soaring.

“Our aim is to makethose serving and veterans in Shropshireawareofthisfantastic charity.”

Pictures: TimSturgess

Alison McGowan, Deborah Wilson, Chris Powell and SandraDavies

Members of Herefordmarches and Mid Wales WRAC.

Shirley Ponzo and Ann Brooks.

Ray Bullock, Tony Greenhouse, Pauline Bullock and Margaret Greenhouse.

LordLieutenant Anna Turner

The Wirrell WRAC.

ShropshireWRAC.

Nikki and Tony Fox, Mikeand Margaret Gooding and RichardRoberts.

Birmingham WRAC –Babs Anderson, Rita Bramham, Benita Davies and Morag Hardie.

Karen Radford, Gaynor Webster and Kath Smith.

The Wirrell WRAC

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAYCELEBRATION Bridgnorth

Shropshirewomen in business from across the county attended a celebration in Bridgnorth. They met for International Women’s Day at High Grosvenor House in the sixth annual running of the event.

Businesswoman Hollie Whittles joined forces with the Shropshire Growth Hub and the Federation of Small Businesses to organise the event and guests heardfrominspirational special speakers Dr Roni Savage and Eli Wilkinson MBE.

Hollie said: “The event was aresounding success, the buzz in the room was so special and the feedback we’vereceived is phenomenal.”

Roni, CEO and Founder of Jomas Associates, was named most influential woman in construction and is policy chair for construction for the federation of small businesses, with an advisory role to the UK government. She said: “It was apleasure to be involved, and it has been lovely readingall of the positive feedback online.”

Eli, founder of the Dyslexia Awards, has dedicated 24 yearsofher working career to raisinggreater understanding and awareness of dyslexia and is amulti-award winner for her work as adyslexia ambassador

Pictures: SteveLeath

Emma Chapman from Shropshire Growth Hub. FSB event to mark International Women’s Day.

Annabel Hemingbrough and Laura-Jayne Adamson from Purple Frog Systems.

Karen Woodcock from Newport Chamber.

Lisa Richards: The Urban Healer (Freelance Urban Design) and Emma Dolphin from Epac Flexibles.

Guest speaker: Elizabeth Wilkinson MBE (The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant), Hollie Whittles of FraggleWorks, Anna Sadler (Green Growth Hub), Emma Chapman (ShropshireGrowth Hub), MikeGoodall (FSB).

Erin Scullion and Holly MoorefromInsynch.

Emma Shorthouse, Tegan Bristowand Jessica Ralph from Buy-FromCreativeAgency.

Holly Bond, Chris Bond and Angie Lennox from Greener Options.

MikeGoodall, of FSB, and Emma Chapman from ShropshireGrowth Hub.

Hollie Whittles of FraggleWorks.

Author Diane Saxon and Eliza Glapinska from Arte Rachel

HIGH SHERIFF’SSERVICE Shrewsbury Abbey

Scores of dignitaries gathered at Shrewsbury Abbey for one of the last formal duties of outgoing High Sheriff Mandy Thorn. The traditional service is achancefor the outgoing incumbent to reflect on their year,and givethanks to those who they met along the way. The service was attended by many of the county’s mayors and officials, as well as LordLieutenant Anna Turner

During her year in office, Mandy, who has been aDeputy Lieutenant of Shropshiresince 2019, had been the guest of honour at hundreds of events, championed local heroes from all walks of life and receivedaninsight into the vital work of our emergency and support services.

“I naively thought Iknewour county –although Iwasn’tborn here,wehavelived herea very longtime.There’sso much Ididn’t knowabout our county, Ihavediscoveredsomuch.Tobeable to go to all of these different places across Shropshirehas been an absolute joy,” says Mandy.

Pictures: TimThursfield

WONDERS OF THEWORLD

Acolourfully decorated camel calmly stands sentry overthe historic pyramids in the background. Below, the death mask of the boyking Tutankhamun

BEN MITCHELL DISCOVERS THE AVIDLY ANTICIPATED COLLECTION OF ARTEFACTS THATWILL TRANSFORM EGYPT’S CAPITAL –ASWELL AS FIVE STAR HOTEL LUXURY

The more you know about them, the more besotted you get.” Egypt’s deputy minister of tourism is gazing across the plateau of Giza as he describes the unforgettable sight of the Great Pyramid, proudly pushing out of the desert in front of him.

Dark shadows of clouds climb up the sandy sides, only to roll off again, leaving the pyramids shining in thesame vibrant yellow as the sand which lies all around, dominating the horizon as they point to the heavens above.

Asmile stretching his cheeks wide, Mohamed Salama runs through some of the massively ambitious plansto transform Cairo’s tourism, including the opening of the Great Egyptian Museum.

We are sharing an Egyptian mixed grill lunch at the 9Pyramids restaurant, camouflaged into the Giza desert plateau and overlooking one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Out of sight, on the northern side of

the pyramids and the sphinx, is the 120acre site of the long-delayed but highlyanticipated £1 billion Japanese-funded museum –the largest archaeological museum in the world with 872,000 square-feet of floorspace.

It will be home to 100,000 artefacts,

including 5,398 items from the legendary Tutankhamun collection, featuring highlights such asthe iconic death mask of the boy king as well as his golden throne.

More than 100 years since the world was gripped by the excavations of British archaeologistHoward Carter,who uncovered one of the greatest historical discoveries, Egypt is preparing a final resting place worthy of the legendary king’s possessions.

The roof of the sand-coloured compound slopes down to earth like a ray of sunlight from the sky,which is interrupted by apyramid of dark stone that acts as the grandentrance to the museum.

Once inside, Iamgreeted in the luxuriously vast lobby by the 3,200-yearold statue of Ramses II –at11metres, it’s so tall that it had to be installed when the site was still apile of sand, and the museum was then built around it.

Although the opening date for the

museum still has not been confirmed, I have been invited by easyJet Holidays to have asneak preview of what the Egyptian tourist authority is promising to be one of the best historical collections in the world.

The visit starts with a360-degree immersive cinema experience, which pulls us back in time and into the legend of King Tut, taking us on avirtual journey to the Valley of the Kings and into his tomb, which is recreated in the vibrant yellows, reds and greens of the original hieroglyphics –asfresh as the day they were originally painted for his death in 1323BC.

Afterwards, Ireturn to the lobby to begin the ascent of the Grand Staircase, which echoes aside of the pyramids which were designed as apathway to the heavens for the god kings buried in their lavish tombs inside.

At every stage as Iascend, Iammet by an arrayofstatues, sarcophagi and tablets, which tell the story of the kings and queens of Egypt, before Ireach the final level depicting the ages-old aim of all the kings –eternity

Here is the entrance to the gallery dedicated to Tutankhamen –whose name will surely live forever –and agiant window providing an awe-inspiring view of the three main pyramids of Giza on the horizon.

Unfortunately this is where the visit ends at present until an opening date is finally announced, currently thought to be later this year.Delays have been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Arab Spring crisis in 2011, and now it appears that the Israel-Gaza war has hadafurther impact on theopening date.

However,before Ileave the museum, archaeologist Tarek Sarhan reveals onelast secret

Asmall window has been created above the entrance to allow aray of sun to shine directly on to the giant Ramses II statue twice ayear,inthe sameway that the ancients designed his tomb for aray to shine on the faces of the Holiest of Holies along the back wall.

This will next happen on October 22 –could this scene fitfor an Indiana Jones movie be the moment the museum is finally opened?

Eager to set my eyes on the Tutankhamen artefacts, Tarek takes me to their current home in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which still has the faded charm of the colonial era of when it was established in 1902.

With its thousands of dusty exhibits scattered around the many halls and galleries, the museum has the atmosphere of awarehouse more than an exhibition giving me the feeling that Iammakingthe discoveries for myself

To enterthe Tutankhamen room, I jostle with an impatient queue before

finally squeezing into the darkened gallery, with warning cries of ‘No photo’ and ‘Keep moving’ being bellowed repeatedly by the museum guards. But even the cramped and boisterous conditions cannot dampen the shining glory of the death mask, famous to the world but whose impact and beauty can only be felt in person. Soon, these treasures will be transferred to the pristine new museum, leaving the chaos and dust behind.

The Egyptian tourist authorityis putting in place widespread plans to make the new museum and the pyramids with the Sphinx more accessible, with anew airport opened nearby and a18lane motorway linking the city.But it is also attempting to rejuvenate the city itself with the creation of alake andpark surrounding the recently opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, which is home to theMummies Hall

The22mummies, including 18 kings and four queens, were transferred in April 2021fromthe oldmuseum in a procession accompanied with enormous pomp and circumstance through the city’s streets.

Not that it is only these newly-built attractions that make Cairo amust-see, rather apit-stop on the way to the other main shows in Luxor and Abu Simbel. Tarek also shows me, according to legend,

the resting place of Jesus and the Virgin Mary during their exile as they fled from King Herod at the Coptic Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus.

And this is next door to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which is on the site where the baby Moses was found on the Nile, although the river has longretreated from this area.

Tarek also takes me to the beautiful Sultan Hassan and El Refai mosques and the impressive Mohamed Ali Mosque in the Citadel of Salah El Din, which dominates the skyline of the bustling city

As dusty and intimidating as thecity might be, which is unfathomably home to 25 million people, it is not difficult to find oases of calm –such as the 5* Waldorf Astoria Heliopolis Hotel where Iam staying.

Its spacious atrium, tall enough to incorporate several palm trees, acts as awelcome and peaceful barrier to the incessant horn-beeping of the clogged roads beyond.

And as the city buildings are modernising, it seems that the sense of customer service is also catching up.

Egyptians have been much-maligned for their hard-sell techniques, but as I walk through the streets of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar,Iamonly greeted with smiles and nothing more pushy than the

jokey slogan parroted by the sellers: “How can Itake your money from you today?”

It is this growing sense of the importance of tourism, plus increasing demand for the other Egyptian destinations of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, that led easyJet to launch last October anew year-round three-times aweek flight to the new Cairo Sphinx airport from London Luton flying Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

And as Iheadhome aftera long weekend stay,the minister’s words echo in my head. and Irealise that Itoo have become besotted by the legend of the pyramids.

FACTFILE

easyJet(easyjet.com)

flies from London Luton to SphinxAirportupto threedays aweekthroughout the year with prices startingfrom£139returnpp (including taxes)

easyJetholidays offersthree nightsat the 5* Waldorf AstoriaCairo Heliopolis (roomonly) from £780 perperson including23kgofluggageper person and flights from London LutononApril 27, 2024.Tours andactivitiescan be booked through Musement.

The Grand Staircase at the Grand Egyptian Museum. in Cairo. Opposite, the giant pyramid at Giza and the wonders on display at the museum

ROCKYMOUNTAIN HIGH ADVENTURE

AINE FOX ENJOYS HIKING WHILE THE BEARS HIBERNATE, LEARNING THE OFFERINGS OF THE FOREST AND HOW TO CROSS COUNTRY SKI IN THIS CANADIAN WINTER WONDERLAND

It’s what they call aBluebird Day –a clear sky andalmost blindingly white snow in the sunshine, which makes me squint when Iameventually brave enough to look up.

Strapped into cross-country skis, I’ve shimmied my way along amarked-out track to the most beautiful opening in the woods from where Iamonce again struck by the majesty of the Rocky Mountains before me.

With Alberta generally enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine each year,it’s no wonder everyone we meet fits the stereotype of acheery,friendly Canadian.

On my week-long adventure, Iam excited to discover the beauty of this place through afemalelens, with indigenous nature walks and locally foraged food.

This vast western state is more than twice the size of the UK and is amix of flat, prairie land and towering mountains.

I’m lucky enough to meet some of the outdoorsy,adventurous women who call it home.

Tourists flock to Calgary –the province’s largest city –inthe summer for the famous Calgary Stampede (the world’s largest outdoor rodeo) and nearby Banff for the Rocky Mountains, sparkling lakes and lush green forest.

But on my winter wonderland trip, Iamlucky enough to get to walk on water and hike while the bears hibernate. Winters last around five months in Alberta, roughly until around the end of March.

Hiring acar is probably the best way to get around, but visitors can get from Calgary to Banff in the Rockies with various operators including ashuttle from Calgary airport.

Before heading up into the mountains, keen walkers canmake use of trails around the city,with Calgary having the most extensive urban pathway and

bikeway network in North America.

While the mountains attract snowboarders and experienced skiers, my naturally risk-averse nature means Iprefer slower-paced adventures, so our morning of cross-country skiing in Bow Valley –between Banff and Lake Louise –has been aperfect start to the day.

Wanting to get deeper into the forest to explore the breathtaking scenery around the Rockies, Ijoin atour along the Grotto Canyon Trail with Heather Black. Known as Buffalo Stone Woman, she aims to show visitors thebeauty of nature from an indigenous perspective, regaling stories of how people have lived in harmony with the wildlife and used local plants and herbs as medicines for decades.

Heather answers questions on the settlers’ troubled relationship with her native ancestors. Around adecade ago, the Canadian government apologised and asked forgiveness from “the aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly”.

As we travel into Canmore, around an hour’s drive from Calgary,we’re made aware of what is known as a“pledge to thepeaks”, which acknowledges we are in the Treaty 7Territory region of Southern Alberta, encompassing thetraditional

lands of various First Nations tribes and noting theneed for respect as we remember we are guests in their home.

Our hike begins with acalming and mindful smudge ceremony,where each of the group is handed asmall patch of leather to thread into akeepsake pouch, which Heather fills with sage.

Afterwards, she hands us snow-grips to attach to our hiking boots and we set off towards the canyon until we reach the creek bed, which is thawing out as winter comes to an end.

While ours is ashort taster hike, visitors can opt for the four-hour trail right into the canyon to seeancient drawings on thecave walls.

Ahalf-hour drive to Banff National Park has more snowy trails in store, as Itake aplant medicine walk with indigenous company Mahikan Trails, around Cascade Ponds.

At times knee-deep in fresh white powder,Ibreathe in the fresh air as we stand among the spruce and lodgepole pine trees to hear how different plants have been used throughthe years for food and medicine. We learn how watching what bears eat and when they’re sick has taught humans over the years which plants were safe, due to their “almost

identical internal physiology”tous.

From bitter buffalo berries, cooked to sweeten and paired with meat, wild rosehip for tea, and wolf willow seeds used for beads to make jewellery,myeyes are opened to the endless possibilities presented by nature.

This wealth of choice and taste is something used creatively by chef Tracy Little at her Sauvage restaurant. Having grown up foraging in the forests of Northern Alberta she has successfully turned her passion for sustainability and using mainly locally sourced ingredients into acareer

Diners choose either hunter (meat) or gatherer (vegetarian)set menus and let chef Tracy work her magic, which comes with ahealthy dose of creative flair

Opting for thejuice pairing, my starterofstrawberries with beetroot is enhanced by acedar-infused pear drink, and while I’m unsure at first on the smoked mushroom kombucha, it all makes sense when paired with abite of mushroom foam and dandelion.

It feels fitting to end my trip with one last adventurous walk, so Ihead to Lake Louise. The 40-minute drive along the Trans-Canada Highway from Banff is atreat in itself,with tree-lined wildlife

bridges dotted along the route, connecting habitats and allowing animals to cross the road

While I’veseen breathtaking images of the clear blue lake reflecting the mountains surrounding it in summer,I feel privileged to get to set foot onto the huge frozen body of water on my trip.

While Ipromise myself I’ll visit again when the snow is gone for adifferent perspective on this lush landscape, Ithink abouthow the Albertan summer has its work cut out to top this fairytale scene.

FACTFILE

Canada As YouLikeIt (canadaasyoulikeit.com; 02087428299) offers aseven-nightAlberta fly-drive from £1,355pp/$2,307Canadian(twosharing), includingreturnflightstoCalgary,car hire,one nightinCalgary,two nights in Canmore, twonightsinBanff andone nightinLakeLouise.For travel between Calgary andBanff without acar visitors can take the BrewsterExpress return from around $137 (Canadian) Visit travelalberta.com.

MOTORING

ELECTRIC GENESIS ALUXURYOPTION

ARELATIVE NEWCOMER TO THESCENE, THE KOREAN BRAND OFFERS AN INTRIGUING HIGH-END

ALTERNATIVE TO THEUSUAL EXECUTIVE

SECTOR SUSPECTS SAYS BILL MCCARTHY

Itfeatures an in-built roof solar panel, but people will have to look hard to spot it. Which they might, because Korean brand Genesis continues to attract plenty of attention with ahuge road presence with its low-slung look, eye-catching alloy wheels, its Bentleyesque front grille –and that solar panel.

It looks expensive, but for just a smidge under £70k for this electrified range-topper,itoffers exceptional value when compared like-for-like with the potential opposition.

The saloon flagship already features two turbocharged engines, a2.2-litre diesel and a2.5-litreunit and have been joined by this fully electrified version.

All deliver high performance and premium quality

This model is lighter thanks to the use of materials which reduces body mass by 46kg compared to an ICE model.

All offer premium design and cuttingedge technology and this latest electric

flagship, up to 323 miles (WLTP) of range from asingle charge of 87.2kW lithiumion battery

The solar panel is claimed to add more than 715 miles of range over the course of ayear.Given rising electric motoring costs, that’s not insignificant.

In addition, the 800-volt architecture offers exceptionally fast charging, up from 10 to 80 per cent in just 22 minutes.

The all-wheel drive functionality comes via 272kW (around 365bhp) dual motor set-up and delivers premium performance, refinement and comfort.

An electronically controlled all-wheel drive system is standard and in normal driving conditions, it is rear-wheel drive, switching to 50-50 when prevailing conditions demand extra traction.

It is spacious and well-equipped with apremium interior and araft of highend goodies. It also features artificial intelligence that learns about the driver and builds on existing state-of-the-art advanced autonomous driver assistance.

Clever touches include the two main binnacle dials turning into cameras to show the road it is turning into when the indicator is activated.

It is aroomy carwith plenty of space to accommodate five adults and features ahigh-end leather interior which offers the new Ergo Motion seat option for front passenger for extra comfort andsupport

while naturally dyed leather upholstery and recycled forged wood trim offers luxury,inaddition to aluminium trim and inserts, customisable ambient lighting and 12-way power adjustable standard seats.

Dominant is acentral 14.5-inch HD infotainment screen and 12.3-inch TFTinstrument cluster with 3D display features asophisticated array of graphics which can also be utilised through a circular touchpad on the central console.

There is also improved usability with the availability of wireless smartphone charging for rear seat passengers

This is even replicated in the rear, using the samemethod via tablets mounted on the back of the front seats.

On the road, the dual motors deliver simply electric pace. The car races to 60mph in just under five seconds and on to atop speedof139mph.

The take-off is smooth via the single step transmission andisobviously quiet and refined. Utilising the i-Pedal (Intelligent Pedal) mode, which allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using just the accelerator pedal alone improves efficiency by maximizing the

amount of energy that is harvested when slowing, feeding it back into the battery

The claimed range of 323 miles was adifficult one to judge as most of teh drivign was done in dark, wet, miseranl;e conditions which put astrain on teh battery.Sothe range was down on that figure, but in all honesty at no point did range anxiety creep in and charging was a quick affair

The ride and handling are excellent, with tuned suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers soaking up the worst of the potholes, while delivering agile handling for such abig car

The latest ADAS safety technology inincludes blind spot monitoring, evasive steering assist, smart cruisecontrol, lane following assist, driver attention warning, forward collision alert with pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus advanced airbag technology

The boot is largeonthe non-electric versions, but is compromised, shallow and miserly in space by accommodating the battery.But an array of cubby holes, bins and holders arranged throughout the cabin increase stowage capacity

Although packed with standard kit, like its German rivals it comes with afull rangeofoptional goodies.

GENESIS continues to impress witha wide range that keeps growing.

FACTFILE

GenesisG80Electrified

Priceastested:£69,905

Power:376bhp

Mechanical:364PS,twinelectricmotorsdrivingallwheelsviasinglestep automatictransmission

Range:323miles(WLTP)

0-60mph:57seconds

Maxspeed:139mph

Emissions:0g/km

ASEASONOF CELEBRATIONS

HEATHER LARGE LOOKS BACK AT TRADITIONAL EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY

With two Bank Holidays, May has long been a month for enjoying the great outdoors –and hopefully some warmer weather.

Among the events bringing people together are the traditional May Day celebrations including theribbon dance around amaypole, which dates back centuries.

Maypoles can often be found on village greens with ribbons pinned to the top for local children to dance around.

May is also agreattime for spotting wildlife, especially the insects and birds that can be seen flying around our our local parks and gardens in search of spring food.

We’ve delved into our photographic archives to bring you acollection of pictures of what was happening in the county during the month of May in years goneby.

1964: Arevival of an old custom at Ludlowtookplace with aRogation Day procession from St Laurence’s Parish Church round the old town walls on May 4, 1964

1981: The twinning of Oswestry and the French town of Combs-la-Ville was completed on on May 23, 1981, under the spreading branches of achestnut tree on Castle Bank.

1987: An open day at the LauraAshley factory, Oswestry, in May 1987. Diane Barry makes cushion covers as members of the public areshown around the factory.

1971: TelfordUnited supporters ready to leavetowatch the FA Challenge Trophy Final played at Wembley on Saturday, May 1, 1971, between Telford United and Hillingdon. Telfordcame from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

1954: Wrekin Home Guardheld ashoot to further their recruiting driveat theWrekinCollegeriflerange on May 19, 1954. Seen hereare Lieutenant E JNoon with the Bren gun and Captain Owen Jones as his No. 2.

1980: Wearingthe big boots,Jill Arch receives alift from fellowteam members Gordon and Teresa Hogg. The three were members of the Bridgnorth team that took part in the It’sAKnockout competition at Bridgnorth Carnival on May 25, 1980.

1977: Acraze which had swept America had come to Madeley Court School and pupils had taken to skateboarding. Acknowledged as four of the best skateboarders at the Court School areStephen Clarkson, Ade Blount, Clive Newman and Russel Turne, pictured on May 17, 1977.

1970: Spring time and daffodils for two-year-old EdwardLennox, and his sister Arabella, four and ahalf,atDownton Castle, near Ludlow, in 1970.

1981: On Monday, May 4, 1981, morethan 17,000 people joined hands round The Wrekin to get into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest ever human chain in acharity event. Pictured is two-year-old Samantha Massey, with her parents, Dena and Dennis.

1990: Ludlowtownclerk David Pauli hands over the chain of office to new Ludlowmayor Mrs Shirley Phillips in May 1990.

1964: Afarm worker examines the lines of beet at John Muir’sGrange Farm, Upton Magna, ShropshireonMay 22, 1964.

1984: Twelve-year-old Tracey-Jane Pooler of Horton, near Wellington, joins TV personality Lionel Blair in some open air aerobic dancing at the official opening of the Bradfordand Bingley Building Society Telfordand Country Property CentreinWellington on May 5, 1984.

BOOKS

Retired engineer

Gordon sees first novelpublished at the age of 81

Heathcliff’s Fortune

Retired engineer Gordon Howdle has celebrated the publication of his first ever novelatthe ageof81.

The historical novelimagines the events of Heathcliff’s three-yearabsence from the plot of Emily Bronte’s classic novelWuthering Heights.

Gordon, who lives in Newport with his wife Jannice, had always been fascinated by the three-year departureofHeathcliff,who leaves as alowly farm hand, and returns as a wealthy man.

Inspired by his interest in British involvement in the Indian subcontinent, with particular focus on the activities of the East India Company, his book depicts Heathcliff’s journey to India aboardashipofthe East India Company and his life overseas.

Heathcliff’s Fortune has been published by The Book Guild, an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd.

Plot

Father-of-three Gordon explains: “Heathcliff is perhaps one of the best known characters in English literature, arising from his torrid relationship with Catherine Earnshaw.

“Central to the development of the plot of Emily Bronte’s acclaimed novelisthat, in avery short period of time, Heathcliff was transformed from arough farm boytoa wealthy gentleman.

“Because of my interest and knowledge of howvast fortunes were made by Englishmen in 18th century India through the East India Company, it seemed an obvious, attractive, and credible plot to explain howheacquired his wealth.

“The events and characters featured in the book arewell researched and essentially accurately reflect the activities of the East India Company in India at the time.”

But, he has issued awarning about the tale, saying it is written to reflect the attitudes of the time, and uses references that “rightly, arenot acceptable in today’ssociety”.

WARTIME LOVE AND INTRIGUE

Vicki Beeby has become known for heart-lifting stories set against abackdropofthe Second World War.

The romance author from Newport loves to write about the friendships and loves of women brought together by the war effort. Her latest series is providing an insight into what life was like for those serving in Bomber Command.

Vicki, who loves to watch old war movies, was inspired by the opening scenes of the 1946 movie, AMatterOf Life and Death.

The pilot of adamaged Lancaster bomber is talking to ayoung radio operator,named June, as he prepares to jump out of theburning aircraft without aparachute. The moving and dramatic sequence stuck in Vicki’s mind and gave her the idea to set her new series in Bomber Command.

The first story– The Girls of Bomber Command –was published in November and followed Pearl who had given up on her dreams of being ajournalist after being denied apromotion because of her gender

She joined the WAAF as aradio telephone operator for Bomber Command at RAFFenthorpe where she befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides

home safely during an emergency

Pearl’s journalism background doesn’t go to waste, however –a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in themystery

The second book in the series –A Wedding for the Bomber Girls, which was published last month, is alsobased at RAFFenthorpe and follows instrument repairer Thea who is helping her sister, Pearl, plan her wedding alongside maid of honour Jenny.A misfitamongst the women on the base, though, Thea is struggling to get others on board.

When Flight Sergeant Fitz makes a point of befriending and standing by her, sparks flybetween the two. And when Fitz’s crew member,Jack,faces being stripped of his rank due to cowardice, Thea throws herself into seeking justice and support for him.

While carrying out researchfor the novels, Vicki travelled to Lincolnshire, which often referred to as Bomber County because of the number of Bomber Command Squadrons based there during the Second World War.

“It was really interesting. Ivisited the International Bomber Command Centre and walked around Lincoln taking photos.”

n AWedding for the Bomber Girls, published by Canelo, is available now

Gordon Howdle, from Newport, with his first book titled

PEOPLE’S POET PAM KEEPSONWRITING

STORYTELLER REFLECTS ABOUT GETTING OLDER, GRANDCHILDREN AND GLASTONBURY

She has been amusing audiences for almost 50 years with her witty,consoling rhymes on life’s experiences, from not looking after her teeth to the agony of hosting dinner parties, weight gain and ageing.

While PamAyres’ aim during her career has largely been to make people laugh and bring some light relief amid life’s trials andtribulations, the ‘people’s poet’ says that the world her grandchildren will grow up in is a“terrifying prospect”, given climate change, diminishing wildlife numbers and political instability.She said: “It’s a terrifying prospect for them.”

It’s adownbeat comment from the writer,broadcaster and national treasure who is better known for her uplifting, humorousverse. Oh, IWish I’d Looked After Me Teethisamong her most famous –delivered in that delicious rural burr

She’s making an appearance at Glastonbury Festival this year –for the second time. “I’m down with the kids, down and dirty,” she chuckles. “I’m in the cabaret tent, which is more modest thanthe main stages.”

The woman who made her name by winning the talent show Opportunity

Knocks in 1975 is still touring at 77 (her next tour is in the autumn), and is collaborating on astage musicalabout countryside disquiet called Who Are You Calling Vermin?and has no intentions of retiring.

“I won’t retire, not unless Ihaveto. I’ve always written from the time Iwas achild at school. Idon’t envisage atime when Iwould stop enjoying it. So I’ll go on as long as Ican and as longasI feel I’m doing agood job.

“I find it quite amusing that I’m 77 because Idon’t feel any different from the way Idid in my 20s.”

She dotes on her five grandchildren, aged between four and 11, and dedicates her latest picture book IAmHattie The Hare to them. It’s the second in her series of four books that introduces young readers to the themes of wildlife and conservation, asubject close to her heart.

BOOKCASE

Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman is published by Serpent’sTail, £16.99

Anyone who’sever worked on the shop floor in retail or outthe back in loading and storage will findalot of familiar territory in Help Wanted The story follows members of the ‘Movement’ team (whose job involves starting at 3:55am to unload deliveries) at aubiquitous unnamed superstore. The work is tough, the pay is low, their manager is anightmare. It’sfunny, gloriously real and empathetic.

BeforeThe Queen Falls Asleep by Huzama Habayeb, published by MacLehose Press, £10.99

The noveltells the story of Jihad, aPalestinian woman, who, along with her family, has been displaced from her homeland and lives in Kuwait. As Jihad shares stories of her childhood with her teenage daughter Maleka every night, we come to findout moreabout the struggles she endured. This moving novelhighlights the hardships that displaced families endureand their fight for abetter life.

Medea by Rosie Hewlett is published by Bantam, £16.99

The book gently introduces the species to the readers, but also touches on the impact of mankind on the environment and how life is changing for our hares. Her grandchildren have already taken the first two books to school, and have given positive feedback.

“Grandchildren difference to my open up whole worlds for you,” enthusing about watch her football-m grandson’s matches becoming interested in gymnastics her granddaughter tries not to worry about getting because she’s having such a good time, she observes.

have made ahuge life. They new she says, goingto football-mad matches and interested through granddaughter.She older

n IAmH

IAmHattie

“I’m very interested in wildlife and I’m depressed by the way it has disappeared during my lifetime,” she laments. “Lots of things have gone extinct. The wildlife that Igrewup alongside, the great clouds of swifts and swallows that used to come in the summer,the soundofthe cuckoo in spring, the river and brook would be full of watervoles and there would be frogs, thrushes, hedgehogs,and they have gone largely.Yeah, you see them but they are a rarity.That’s what Ifind so infinitely sad.”

The Hare by PamAyres is published by TwoHoots, priced £12.99. Available now

In this retellingof Greek mythology, sorceress Medea becomes the central narrativeinthis tragic tale. It unravels howthe witch of Colchis begins life as an outcast before unleashing her powerthat spirals into darkness. Grappling with female stereotypes of being avictim or villain, Rosie Hewlett succeeds in offering ahumanising voice to this notorious character.She lays bare the inner turmoil of Medea and her toxic relationship with Jason.

Why We Remember

by Dr Charan Ranganath is published by Faber &Faber, £20.

Afascinating insight into how memories areformed, the reasons for remembering things and how these memories influence our general lives. The author explains a complex subject, which has heavy dependence on physiological terms, with relative ease, demonstrating that you need not be abrain surgeon to getagoodgrasp of the inner workings of our brain.

FOUR WS SUDOKU

WHO.. .was the fifth man to walk on the moon?

WHAT…composer,born in 1934, wrote the opera Gesualdo?

WHERE…was the 2017 UEFAChampions League Final held?

WHEN...did Fatuma Roba win the Olympic women’s marathon gold medal?

WHO .. . released therecord albums The South Coast Of Texas and Better Days?

WHAT…nickname is given to the Beijing National Stadium?

WHERE…is Apia the capital city?

WHEN…is St Agnes’ Eve?

WHO .. . won the 2004 Olympic women’s 400m gold medal?

WHAT…was the nickname of the entrepreneur Roland Rowland who died in 1998?

REMEMBER WHEN

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE?

1. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) held its first public meeting

2. Sputnik Idisintegrated as it entered the earth’s atmosphere

3. Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party was premiered

4. 21-year-old Garfield Sobers scored arecord 365 Test runs

1. Prime Minister Edward Heath led Britain to victory in the Admiral’s Cup

2. Clint Eastwood starred in Dirty Harry

3. Post Office workers went on strike for the first time

4. Arsenal won the FA Cup and League double

1. Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in the US elections

2. Saudi Arabia was outraged by the film DeathOfAPrincess

3. Sixpences ceased to be legal tender

4. Polish strikers seized the Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk

1. Food rationing ended in Britain

2. Roger Bannister won gold in the 1500metresatthe European Championships

3. Switzerland hosted football’s World Cup

4. Racial segregation was banned in US state schools

1. Cassius Clay won the world heavyweight boxing championship

2. The Windmill Theatre closed

3. The PLO was founded

4. The Beatles’ firstfeature filmwas released

1. Pierre Trudeauresigned as Prime Minister of Canada

2. Martina Navratilova won her fifth Wimbledon singles title

3. Desmond Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize

4. The first untethered spacewalk took place from the US space shuttle Challenger

WHERE…were the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards held in the US in 2016?

WHEN…did David Corkery make his international Rugby Union debut for Ireland?

WHO. .. released the record album Lil’ Beethoven?

WHAT…is Dumbledore’s first name in books by JK Rowling?

WHERE…in Europe is the Menin Gate Memorial?

WHEN…did the English businessman Cecil Rhodes die?

WHO is Hiawatha’s loverinapoem by HW Longfellow?

WHAT…is the capital of Northwest Territories, Canada?

WHERE inEurope is the Costa Smeralda?

WHEN…did the US purchasethe Alaska territory from Russia?

THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

1. GOURD

A Ailment of the throat. B Afruit of thecucumber family

C Wooden fencing dividing fields.

2. ALMONER

A Type of wardrobe. B Hospital social worker

C One who keeps record of the days

3. BINERVATE

A With two ribs. B Consisting of two terms.

C More than one writing.

4. CONGLUTINATE

A Glue together

B Gathered into amass. C Afragrant resin

5. DINANDERIE

A Lower Carboniferous. B Containing apair of measures.

C Domestic decorative brassware.

6. FADGE

A Agree. B An old dance. C Become weary

CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES

Across

7. Solo rendered by egghead is lacking in control (5)

8. Watch prospect (7)

9. Admirable feature in the field? (4,3)

10. Requirements of necessity (5)

12. Temporary fashion to show every bit of violent anger (3,3,4)

15. Apparently having fun quite early (2,4,4)

18. A fitting comparison to hand? (5)

19. Not an egg-layer,but acrowproducer (7)

1

1. Asinger,Iwas born in New York in 1939. Icomposed the songIs This The WayToAmarillo. My Top Tenhits of the 1960s included Oh! Carol, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do andHappy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.

2

21. Roars to make the fire roar? (7)

22. Ring for asandwich (5) Down

1. Animosity resulting from malaise, perhaps (3-7)

2. Injury closely wrapped (5)

3. Inventor onecould ring? (4)

4. Trivial insult (6)

5. Rayoflight with doctor on right track (8)

6. He is in charge right amongthe enemy

WHAT’SMY NAME?

(7)

11. Giles hired for Santa’s journey (6,4)

13. Stray carton to put ahorse in? (5,3)

14. Glib one becomes despicable (7)

16. Songster halves that hurry-scurry (6)

17. Clearly not adrink for slimmers (5)

20. Go back again to evil giant (4)

my performance in the 1993 film The Piano.

5

Acomedienne, Iwas born in San Francisco in 1895.Istarred in the films The Big Broadcast andSix Of AKind. Iwas married to fellow comedian George Burns, who was also my vaudeville and television comedy partner Anovelist, Iwas born in Aldershot in 1948. Iwas awarded the CBE

in 2000 andwon the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 2005. My novels include Black Dogs, Amsterdam and Saturday.

4

3

An actress, Iwas born in the State of Georgia in 1958.Iwas once married to the cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, and gave birth to twins in 2006. Iwon aBest Actress Oscar for

Asinger,Iwas born in Hertfordshire in 1962. Ihave collaborated with Massive Attack on severaltracks. Iamone half of the pop duo Everything but the Girl and Ireleased my fifth solo album Record in 2018.

6

An actor,Iwas born in London in 1928. Ihave appeared in two separate television series of Batman. My films included The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Poseidon Adventure and Planet Of The Apes.

WORDSPIRALS IMPOSSIPUZZLES

STARTING FROM 1, FILL IN THE GRID IN ACLOCKWISE DIRECTION WITH FOUR-LETTER WORDS. THE LAST LETTER OF EACH WORD BECOMES THE FIRST LETTER OF THE NEXT WORD. IF YOUHAVECORRECTLYFILLED IN THE GRID THERE SHOULD BE ASEVEN-LETTER KEY WORD READING ACROSS FROM 8.

1. Feral 2. Corgis, say 3. Fizzy water 4. Military land force 5. A sharp cry 6. Posh sport 7. Of the ears 8. Tranquil 9. Trappist, say 10. New Zealand bird 11. Religious image 12. Naming word 13. Common sense 14. Smoke and fog 15. Gravel 16. Burial vault

Key word clue: English county

Well? 1 23 1 2 3 4

1. Baby carriage 2. Fail to hit 3. Painful 4. Heinous 5. Speech defect 6. Poke 7. Action 8. Romantic appointment 9. Engrave 10. Period of time 11 Hazard 12. Hit with the foot 13. Retain 14. Cougar 15. Appends 16. Mix with aspoon

Key word clue: Girl’s name

“When they were younger it was more obviousthatall five were different ages,” Don declared. “They were born two years apart. Gavemywife and me ahard time for awhile.”

Rowan nodded. “I bet they did, but how old are they now?” Don replied, “If you divide the square of the age of the oldest by aquarter of thatsame age, you get the total of their ages.” Well?

“A year ago you had three times as many boys as girls in your maths club,” said Zara. “Is it still like that?”

Paige shook her head. “One girl left and two boys joined afew weeks ago,” she replied. “So now we’ve got four times as manyboys as girls.”

How many in the club?

“Do you remember that cold spell last winter?” Ezra asked. “There was actually ice on thelake.”

Lottie nodded. “Yes, Iremember.But why?”

Her husband glanced at apiece of paper in his hand. “I just figured out something about the temperature that day,” he replied. “The Celsius and Fahrenheitreadings both had 5as the last figure.”

What were those readings?

Linden Lane is along road,” Hagar commented. “What’s your number on it?”

David smiled. “You figure it out,” he replied. “We’ve got all the numbers from 1to288, and it just happens that the numbers above mine total exactly the same as those below mine.”

1. Close angrily 2. Pit 3. Oval objects 4. Hare’s tail 5. Performing trip 6. Harvest 7. Formal agreement 8. Group of footballers 9. Asweet type 10. Ballet skirt 11. Single entity 12. Melt 13. Shed tears 14. Entreaty 15. Opposed to 16. Greek letter

Key word clue: Medical term

ANSWERS ON PAGE 112

WHAT’SON

MAY

4

Aphotography and wellbeing workshop takes place at AttinghamPark. The half-day event, run by Hedgerow Media, aims to help participants to bathe in thebeauty of nature and invigorate the soul with a one-of-a-kind workshop focusing on the compositional aspects of photography

The workshop will explore how training the eye can ground your thoughts and contribute postively to your mental wellbeing all whilst teaching the skills required to improve your photography

To find out more email victoria. elsmore@icloud.com

4-5 Enjoy aWorld WarII event to commemorate Shrewsbury’s Abbey Station’s role as ARP HQ.

See afantastic display of memorabilia including original WW2 ARP cycles, mannequins, an ‘unexploded bomb’, historic military vehicles and much more!

Admission is free, the Abbey Station Visitor Centre will be open on Saturday,May 4and Sunday,May 5, to commemoratethe building’s role as Shrewsbury’s ARP post during WW2 when it directed the fire and rescue services to anyincident.

5The Shrewsbury International Piano series and the Shropshire Music Trust areexcited to announce the return of award-winning German pianist Elizabeth Brauss on Sunday,May 5at3pm at the Maidment Auditorium, Shrewsbury

School. An undoubted star of the future, 28-year-old Elisabeth is forging an impressive international solo career.In 2013 she won the Tonali Grand Prix in Hamburg, was awarded the firstprize at the Kissinger Klavierolymp in 2016 and was aBBC Radio 3New Generation Artist from 2018to2020.

She debuted at the BBCProms in 2021, collaborates with Wigmore Hall, in London regularly and often appears on BBCRadio 3. She has played numerous times with the Halle Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

When she performs in Shrewsbury she will play Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in E flat major op.31 no. 3(The Hunt), a selection of Prokofiev’s 10 Pieces Op.12 and concludes with Schumann’s Carnaval Op.9.

This recital is likely to sell out so early booking is recommended. Visit www ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on

5

ANorth Shropshire country estate with links to Shakespeare’s muchloved play ‘AsYou Like It’ will be the setting for adelightful woodland walk in May to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire.

The walk at Soulton Hall, near Wem, on Sunday,May 5, coincides with the best time to see the woodland bluebell display

Claimed to be the setting for ‘AsYou Like It’, thewood will be accessible to the public for the first timesince this classic comedy was written more than 500 years ago. Well-known quotes will be displayed along the route for the enjoyment of

visitors. The circular walk takes about an hour,with an alternative shorter, 30-minute route also available. As this is awildlife woodland habitat, dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times.

Appropriate footwear must be worn, bearing in mind that the path is subject to weather conditions. Sadly,the route is unsuitable for pushchairs, buggies or wheelchairs. There will be on-site parking and light refreshments.

Tickets, priced at £6 for adults and £3 for children, with afamily ticket available at £15, must be prebooked before May 5. They are available to purchase on-line at https://macmillan-org.enthuse.com/ cf/bluebellwalk2024 or follow the link on Shrewsbury Macmillan Fundraising Group’s Facebook page.

To spread admissions,walkers will be encouraged to arrive in three timed slots –10-11am, 12 noon-1pm and2-3pm. Email shrewsburymacmillanfundraising@gmail. com with any questions.

5&6Spring two-day Plant

Hunters’ Fair at Weston Park. Special reducedprice early bird tickets are on sale now giving entry to the plant fair,gardens and parkland for just £4. Without aticket, entry will be £8, pay on gate.

There will be abrilliant line-up of specialist nurseries attending to create a plant lover’s paradise. If you arenew to gardening, the stall holders are always happy to share their expertise to help you select the best plants for your own unique

Enjoyanevent to commemorate the role ofShrewsbury’sAbbey StationasARP HQduring World WarIIonMay 4&5 and award-winning pianist Elisabeth Brauss performs at the Maidment Auditorium at Shrewsbury School on May 5.

garden. The fair and gardens are open from 10am to 4pm each day

Please see www.planthuntersfairs. co.uk for ticket information and alist of nurseries attending.

11Plant Hunters Fair at Battlefield 1403 Farm Shop, Shrewsbury (SY4 3DB), from 10am to 4pm.

The fair at Battlefield 1403 is completely free to enter so you can just pop along and browse the plant stalls from agreat range of specialist plant nurseries attending. These nurseries will come loaded with abrilliant range of perennials, shrubs, alpines, wildflowers and herbs, plus there is lots of expert knowledge on hand to help you choose the best plants for your own garden.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the plant fair.Free parking. Full details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

11-12This year the RBC Brewin Dolphin Shrewsbury Regatta will take placeon May 11 and 12.

The regatta is one of the oldest events in the rowing calendar,having first been held in 1871. Races will take place on the River Severn in Shrewsbury between English Bridge and the boathouses opposite the Quarry

Races will take place roughly every three minutes on both days of the regatta and with supporters from thecompeting clubs cheering the crews on the atmosphere should be full of excitement.

Entry for spectators will be free of charge and the public will be able to watch the racing from the river banks on both sides of the river.There will be abar and barbecue as well as other refreshments.

15

Hugh Dennis andSteve Punt are back on tour for the first time in 10 years and will appear at TheatreSevern in Shrewsbury in their new show Punt & Dennis!

Older but not really muchwiser,they are returning to what they do best; sitting in trafficjams wondering if adifferent route would have been better,and then in the evening, presenting their new live show.Whathave they learned from a decade of following the news for Mock the Week andThe Now Show? What wisdom has experience taught them? And have they learned any new jokes? Let’s hope so. They promise they have.

Tickets cost £32 and are available from www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/ whatson/punt-dennis/

15

Huw Wiggin and Noriko Ogawa perform at Ludlow Assembly Rooms at 7.30pm.

The programme for theconcert includes Debussy,Bach and Rachmaninov

Huw Wiggin has performed in venues all over the world, from the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing as well as those closer to home suchasLondon’s Wigmore Hall. Since winning First Prize and Gold Medal and being named

‘Commonwealth Musician of the Year’ at the Royal Over-Seas League Annual Music Competition in 2014, Huw has developed acareer as asoloist and chamber musician.

Noriko Ogawahas achieved considerable renown throughout the world since her success at theLeeds International Piano Competition. Noriko’s “ravishingly poetic playing” (Telegraph) sets her apart from her contemporaries and acclaim for her complete Debussy series with BIS Records, confirms her as a fine Debussy specialist.

For£18 tickets visit www ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

16 Through The Decades With Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison is on at Theatre on theSteps, Bridgnorth.

Darren Page’s vocal abilities have brought areputation that always delivers aquality to entertain, but Darren’s secret love in music is Roy Orbison which sits very comfortable in Darren Page’s voice range. Marc Robinson hasplayed the part of Buddy Holly all over the world and all over Great Britain; he performed in ‘Buddy ‘The Musical and numerous other shows, with partners he founded ‘In Dreams &‘Rockin on Heavens Door’. He also has many TV appearances to his name.

The latest show ‘Through the Decades with Roy Orbison &Buddy Holly’will deliver afeel-good factor with all the hits from: IDrove allNight, Mean Woman Blues, Pretty Woman, Heartbeat,

The RBC Brewin Dolphin Shrewsbury Regatta will takeplace onMay 11 and 12, with racestaking place between English Bridge and the boathouse opposite the Quarry park. Enjoya walk through the bluebells at Soulton Hall, near Wem, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, on May 5.

After playing in Europe and all over Great Britain, Darren Page joined Marc Robinson to perform together,and they both have dedicated their careers to Roy Orbison &Buddy Holly. This two-hour uplifting rock‘n’roll showisfull of pure nostalgia with all their hits and afew earlier ones too. Tickets cost £20 from www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk/product/ buddyhollyroyorbison

19

There will be waggy tails and wet noses in abundance at Weston Park, when hundreds of walkers gather with their dogs to raise money for national charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

The walk, which is supported by Specsavers Audiologists, is one of 13 similar events being held in picturesque locations acrossthe UK as part of one of the charity’s most important annual fundraisers, the Great British Dog Walk.

By taking part in either the 3km or 7km sponsored dog walk, people will be helping to train more incredible hearing dogs to alert partners to life-saving and important sounds and help them reconnect with life.

There will be have-a-go dog agility and other fun games to enjoy before and after the walk, and visitors are welcome to explore to explore the wider grounds, gardens and exhibitions of Weston Park with their Great British Dog Walk tickets.

The Great British Dog Walk is run by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the national charity that trains dogs to alert deaf children and adults to important and life-saving sounds.

Tickets are £12 in advance for adults and are available onlineatThe Great British Dog Walk or £15 on the day Children under 16 go free.

23-25Bayston Hill Amateur Dramatics Society

presents There Goes The Bride by Ray

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON

Round.

107– 109

Down: 1 Ill-feeling; 2 Wound; 3 Bell; 4 Slight; 5 Moonbeam; 6 Foreman; 11 Sleigh ride; 13 Loose-box; 14 Ignoble; 16 Thrush; 17 Stout; 20 Ogre.

WHAT’S MY NAME?: 1.NeilSedaka. 2.Gracie

Allen. 3.Ian McEwan. 4.Holly Hunter 5.Tracey Thorn. 6.Roddy McDowall.

WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Wild

Cooney and John Chapman. Save the date for the wedding of the year! Timand Ursula Westerby have put everything into the wedding of their darling daughter Judy and the big day has finally arrived, but can it go withoutahitch?

The Westerby household is brimming with excitement and last-minute alterations for the wedding. With a mother of the bride in despair,a dithering grandfather causing endless confusion, an angry father-in-law from Australia on the warpath andJudy’s father doing the Charleston with akitten named Polly,will there even be awedding at the end of the day?

Youare cordially invited to join the cast for an evening of mayhem and hilarity in this brilliant farcicalcomedy, There Goes the Bride at Bayston Hill Memorial Hall in Lythwood Road, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury,SY3 0DR

Doors open at 7pm, curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.ticketsource. co.uk/bhads, email bhadsdrama@gmail. com or call 07814177540.

WORDWISE: 1.B 2.B 3.A 4.A 5.C 6.A

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS: Across: 7 Idler; 8 Cleanse; 9 Trouble; 10 Odour; 12 Obsequious; 15 Freebooter; 18 Smash; 19 Extreme; 21 Discord; 22 Antic.

Down: 1 Fisticuffs; 2 Allow; 3 Grab; 4 Scheme; 5 Resolute; 6 Unbosom; 11 Resilience; 13 Babyhood; 14 Because; 16 Overdo; 17 Petty; 20 Tear

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS: Across: 7 Loose; 8 Lookout; 9 Fine leg; 10 Needs; 12 All the rage; 15 In good time; 18 Glove; 19 Rooster; 21 Bellows; 22

Key

Enjoya walk with man’s best friend at Weston Park on May 19 to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People or pick up aplant bargain when Planthunters’ Fairs host two events in the county, at Weston Park on May 5&6 and Battlefield 1403 at Shrewsbury on May 11.

Peggy Sue, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore & Raining in my Heart, to name but afew

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