Shropshire Magazine October 2024 by MNA_Media

GLOBETROTTERS

Travelling the world in acampervan

COUNTY CHAMPION

Business boss outlines aims

RAISING THEROOF

ESTABLISHED 1950

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

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

EDITOR

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

FEATURE WRITERS

Heather Large heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Matthew Panter matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Andy Richardson andy.richardson@mnamedia.co.uk

Daniel Morris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamie Ricketts, TimThursﬁeld, Steve Leath, TimSturgess

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER

ClareWeaver clare.weaver@mnamedia.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT SALES

Alison Jukes alison.jukes@mnamedia.co.uk 01952 241339 James Owens james.owens@jpress.co.uk 01952 241754

DISTRIBUTION, SALES &SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 174064

CONTRIBUTORS

Ed Thomas, Bill McCarthy, LukePowell, Erica Littley

PUBLISHED BY MNA Media, Telford

PRINTED BY

Precision Colour Printing, Halesﬁeld, Telford

www.shropshiremagazine.com

OCTOBER 2024

FEATURES SELECTION

7Coverstory

Ateam of fundraisers are working hardtoraise money to carry out repairs at an iconic Shropshirechurch. Daniel Morris ﬁnd out more.

New chapter

Heather Large discovers how acharity is looking forwardto welcoming people to its new base down on the farm.

Interiors

Bring atouch of luxury to your home this autumn.

Chamber chief

Andrew Richardson chats to Chamber of Commerce boss

Ruth Ross about her mission to put Shropshirebusinesses ﬁrmly on the map

Fﬁesty Felters

Agroup of crafters arekeeping the ancient art of felting alive.

Heather Large ﬁnds out more.

Walker’shaven

An historic hotel has been given afacelift and oﬀers awarm welcome to guests.

52 Silver success

Heather Large meets awoman with apassion for making silver jewellery who is sharing her skills with others at aseries of workshops.

56 Globetrotters

LukePowell chats to the couple who hit the road with their campervan Trudy on an epic four-and-a-half year trip.

59 Food&drink

Andy Richardson learns the secret of Cedric Bosi’ssuccess.

87 Social scene

From charity anniversairies to golf day fundraisers, and from annual lunches to garden opening events, we haveanother bumper social scene.

95 Travel

Sarah Marshall picks out the perfect autumn getaways to makethe most of the new season.

100 Motoring

Bill McCarthy puts the latest Mercedes through its paces

104 Books

Matthew Panter chats to the team behind abook store success story.

107 Puzzles

Test your grey matter with three pages of quizes, crosswords and brain teasers

110 What’sOn

There’s lots going on across the county this autumn, with awhole host of concerts, recitals, comedy shows, charity fundraisers and workshops.

SONGSINPRAISE OF ICONIC CHURCH

DANIEL MORRIS DISCOVERS HOW ST CHAD’S CHURCH IN SHREWSBURY IS WORKING TO RAISE £200,000 SO THATITS STUNNING STRUCTURE CAN BE PRESERVED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

With atownasbeautiful as Shrewsbury,itissomething of ablessed problem to try and single out its most impressive and enchanting landmarks.

Yetithas to be said that our county townplays host to aparticularhouse of God that may just take the crown in this regard.

Since early medieval times there has been achurchinShrewsbury dedicated to St Chad –the first Bishop of Mercia, who travelled and preached the gospel throughout his large diocese during the Saxon age.

Yet, the current, striking and iconically round structure that we know as St Chad’s Church only in fact dates back to the time of Thomas Telford.

By the end of the 18th century the ageing former church had fallen into disrepair,with cracks having appeared in its tower.In1788, Telford –then Shropshire’s surveyor of public works –advised that it was in danger of collapse. His warning was timely,asonlyafew days laterparishioners awoke to find their beloved church as nothingmore than a pile of rubble.

After lengthy debate anew site for St Chad’s was found on the derelict Shrewsbury town wall, and Scottish architect George Steuart (noted for his design of nearby AttinghamPark) was commissioned.

Steuart submitted acavalcade of designs for the project, with theParochial Church Council (PCC) reportedly having preferred a‘normal’, rectangular shape.

However,asa result of a misunderstanding, detailed plans were completed for acircular church that the PCC had rejected.

As time was short,this became the final design, and the foundations for the iconic round St Chad’s that we know today were laid, with stones from the old church being placed on March 2, 1790 (St Chad’s day itself).

Opened on August 19, 1792, the beautiful St Chad’s differs from typical Georgian buildings, mixing Ionic, Doric and Corinthian styles in its facade and interior.

The central hall, with asweeping double staircase to the gallery,ismore like acountry house than achurch,asisthe decoration on the ceiling of the nave.

However,the church is very much still achild of both its time and our region –its delicate banisters and the slender pillars supporting the gallery being early products of the Industrial Revolution then beginning in Shropshire.

St Chad’s has been described by English Heritage as “one of the most important Georgian churches in the country”, and it is certainly beloved by its congration and officials.

“This is my fourth year as churchwarden at St Chad’s,” said Susan Kelly,pictured, as she welcomed us inside. “Weare lucky to worship in abeautiful sacred space and many parishioners and visitors find themselves spiritually uplifted while attending services, concerts, events or justbeing still.”

Now though, this incredible landmark and bastion of our county’s rich history and spiritual wellbeing needs our help.

The roof of the inner vestibule at St Chad’s is the only part of the church roof thathas not been replaced in the last 10-15 years. As IanSomervaille, of The Friends of St Chad’s, explains, it is of the original1790-92 construction, and this is now leading to problems.

“Half of the rainwater falling on the large, circular roof of the naveisfed onto theroof of the inner vestibule, thence along acentralvalley to a90degree turn and into adownpipe,” said Ian. “However the steps in the centralvalley,which has never been refurbished, are inadequate for the increased rainfall we are now experiencing. Water backing up and feeding under the joints regularly leaks into the roof structure, damaging the timber frames, and the ceiling below.

“Patching theoriginalroofing is no longer an option anddoing nothingwill simply mean that the problem will get worse, prejudicing the integrityofthe structureofthe building.”

As such, The Friends are now

working to help the Parochial Church Council raise £200,000 so that essential, permanent repairs can be carried out.

“Our roof hasserved us well but now needs vital repairs,” added Susan. “We want to be able to preserve our cherished church for the future and to keep its gleaming roof high in the Shrewsbury skyline. We are embarking on aseries of fundraising events and hope for local support.”

On October 25, Bridgnorth’sown musical theatre actress Sally Jones will be presenting ‘You’re The Top’ –her critically-acclaimed tribute to the life and songs of Cole Porter –live at St Chad’s.

Aperformerwho made her theatrical debut at the age of five in arevival of The Sound of Music, Sally has enjoyed asuccessful stage career with roles in productions of Evita, Into The Woods and Stepping Out, to name but afew

Aconsummate all-round entertainer, Sally is excited about the pending performance, and looking forward to bringing the genius of Cole Porter to one of Shropshire’s most beautiful venues.

“Cole Porter was one of themost important songwriters of the 20th century,” said Sally.“He wrote songs for Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald –all of the top names in the 1940s and 50s. As well as performing his classic hits, during theshowIwillalso be telling his life story,which is incredibly interesting as well as somewhat tragic.”

Sally is also hoping that people will embrace the spirit of the evening, and don the appropriate glad rags. “I’m very excited about performing at St Chad’s.We are bringing in professional lighting and sound engineers to make it look and feel even more spectacular,” she said. “And to add to the fun of the night,we’re asking people to dress up in ‘Great Gatsby’ costume –gangsters andmolls, feather boas, long cigarette holders, long evening gloves etc. This is just to get people in the mood and atmosphere of the ‘Golden Era’ of Hollywood, for which Cole Porter’s music was most famous. However dressing up is entirely optional of course!

“Every song featured is an absolute classic that has become ahouseholdname, regardless of your generation. Songs like Night &Day,I’ve Got YouUnder My Skin, My Heart Belongs to Daddy and of course You’re The Top. They really have stood the test of time andit’s afascinating story as well.”

We’re sure that the concert will be afabulous evening for all, and – fingers crossed –will get the ‘raising of the roof ’ off to afantastic start, so that people can continue to appreciate themajesty of St Chad’s for years to come.

n Tickets for ‘You’re The Top’ can be purchased from www.ticketsource,co,uk/ the-friends-of-st-chads-churchshrewsbury –oryou can scan the QR code in the advertisment on Page 42.

FARM ANEW PAGE IN CHARITY’SSTORY

HEATHER LARGE HIGHLIGHTS THE TIRELESS WORK OF AGROUP THATSUPPORTS ADULTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AS IT MARKS ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND OPENS ITS OWN RURAL BASE

It’s the startofanew chapter for a charity which hastaken over the reins of afarm near Bridgnorth. Bethphage,which this year marks its30th anniversary,supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism and mental health needs across Shropshire and the West Midlands

Since 2016, the charity hasbeen commissioned by Shropshire Council to run aday opportunity at Oak Farm, aworking community farm in Ditton Priors.

Now Bethphage is in the process of setting up anew opportunity where people can build on existing skills and learn new ones after purchasing Lower Sutton Farm in Chelmarsh. Since the

charity received the keys in June, work has been under way to get the farm up and running to offer arange of activities with afocus on horticulture andanimal husbandrybythe end of November

In the coming weeks, the farm, which comprises afarmhouse and12acres of land including arange of outbuildings, will be welcoming anumber of animals including alpacas, goats, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs as well as atortoise.

The team will be growing arange of produce including vegetables, salad, flowers and plants and establishing a farm shop where they will sell their fresh produce, home-made jams and chutneys.

People on the farmwill also learncraft and carpentry skills, creatingproducts

such as bird houses, insect hotels and a variety of homeware gifts.

Around 36 people, from across Shropshire, Telford, Walsall and Birmingham, are currently supported at Oak Farm. They have been given the option of moving across to the Bethphage-owned farm site as part of apublicconsultation by Shropshire Council.

“Weliketocall the people we support the ‘workers’ –that was something they chose as their term,” says service manager Ceri Burgess, who hasworked at Bethphage for six and ahalf years.

“They have been coming across to the site in small groups and helping to get the site ready by mowing, strimming and picking fruit. We’ve got apples, pears, plums and damsons so we’ve been harvesting alot of fruit and taking it to the other site to sell in the farm shop.”

The farm will be known as Blossom Barns, aname chosen by the workers who, along with their families, have been heavily involved in plans for the new site, including designing anew logo

“Thename blossom came from the idea that we grow together.Weattend alot of shows and markets so it’s very important to them to have workwear,an identity and abrand,” says Ceri.

Ahuge part of the farm, which has aviewofChelmarsh Reservoir,isabout building practical and life skills as well as creating friendships and learning to work as ateam.

“The idea is that we will support people with practical skills. Perhapssome people might want to take thatoninto employment opportunities.

“We’ve supported people into independent living or supported living so we’ll teach things like ironing, cooking, washing, those sort of everyday skills.

“And then, most importantly for me and the people we support, are those social interactions, making friendships, developing trusting relationships, professional relationships and having areally consistent approach in areally person-centred way for people to make sure they live as fulfilled alife as possible,” says Ceri.

The Shrewsbury-based charity, which also provides arangeofsupported living services, says having its own site will ensure that the people it supports continue to have afarm service available to them long into the future.

“Many of the people we support experience so many changes through service cutbacks or uncertainties so it’s about providing aplace that they cancall their own,” says Ceri. “It’s nicethat they will be at the heart of this project andthat it will be future-proofed.”

It is also important to the charity that the farm plays an active role in the local

community and surrounding areas.

“The community has been very supportive so far and we want to bring them with us as we slowly develop the site,” says development manager Alice Blakeman.

The team is currently fundraising to purchase three polytunnels which will be pivotal to the everyday working of the farm as they will be used for activities such as growing vegetables.

Fresh produce will be sold in the Blossom Barns farm shop andwill also be used in the cooking sessions offered as apart of the charity’s“fork-to-fork” programme, which teaches practical cooking skills with afocus on healthy eating, sustainable practices andlow food mileage.

Many individuals that have completed these sessions at Oak Farm havegone on to use these skills when moving into their own homes.

Ceri has played her part in fundraising by taking part in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells dressed as agoat.

“I asked the workers at the farm to pick my fancy dress and after lots of suggestions, it seemed only right to dress as agoat as my nickname at the farm is ‘crazy goat lady’. It was great fun and I raised £650,” she says.

“Weare constantly fundraising because the more money we raise the more we can do,” adds Alice.

At the moment the team is focussed

on getting the farm up and running, but future plans include implementing eco-friendly practices that prioritise soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.

The charity also wantstoincorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power itsoperations and invest in efficient irrigation systems to minimise water wastewith the goal of creating aself-sustaining ecosystem that supports both theenvironment and the community.

“If anybody wants to volunteer at the farm, there are lots of different ways they can get involved and we would love to have them,” says Ceri.

Formore information about Blossom Barns and volunteering for the charity, visit bethphage.co.uk/what-we-do/

blossom-barns or email blossombarns@ bethphage.co.uk

To supportthe fundraising effort, see www.justgiving.com/campaign/ blossombarnspolytunnels

PAGE 11: Bethphage’s Lucy Piper (Business Support Assistant), Alice Blakeman (Development Manager), Ceri Burgess (Service Manager) and Xee Davies (Area Manager); Xee and Ceri in the farmyard.

PAGE 12: Lucy, Alice, Xee and Ceri in the farmhouse kitchen; produce will be sold in the farm shop; Ceri and Alice inspect the renovations.

PAGE 13: Service manager Ceri at the farm; the site enjoys views overChelmarsh Reservoir

PRETTY COTTAGE ON SPACIOUSPLOT

Alder Cottage is asuperb family home standing in agenerous plot of 7.79 acres.

The extended traditional Victorian sandstone cottage, which is on the market with Savills with aguideprice of £950,000, offers the best of modern living.

The house is entered via electric gates onto awell-presented gravel drive leading to aparking area and oak-framed double car port. To the left is apond and the ﬁeld beyond. The drive continues around to the stables, paddock, outbuildings and useful additional parking.

There are primarily lawned gardens, with mature borders and aselection of maturetrees. To the back is aprivate and expansive lawn. Adjoining the house is a paved seating area

AlderCottage is perfectly suited for equestrian or livestock use with wellmaintained and fenced grazing land, along with aﬁeldshelter,slate-tiled potting shed, workshop and stables.

The cottage’s frontdoor opens into acentral hall with the stairs to the ﬁrst ﬂoor,WCand bespoke built-in storage.

Straight through the hall is autility room. From the hall, to the left is the dining room and beyond aspacious sitting room with log burning stove. This leads into astudy

Thefabulous kitchen features bespoke ﬁtted units with granite worktops, a Rayburn cooker and integraldishwasher The kitchen includes an open plan dining and living area with bi-fold doors opening to the patio. There is auseful walk-in pantry from the kitchen. Beyond the kitchen is aground ﬂoor bedroom with en-suite shower room.

Stairs lead to the ﬁrst ﬂoor where there are four bedrooms and two bathrooms located off asplit landing. The principle bedroom is currently undergoing renovation and will offer aspacious double bedroom, walkthrough dressing room and large en-suite bathroom.

Alder Cottage is situated on the outskirts of Myddle which is about 3.9 miles from Baschurch.Myddle is situated between Ellesmere and Shrewsbury and has an active community with achurch, village hall, primary school and pub.

Extensive gardens

Craven Arms |less than 3miles

An imposing, one of its kind, bespoke home with exposed beams and leaded windows in some rooms. Offering extensive gardens and aprivate location, the Oak House has aformal dining room, adrawing room with wood burning stove and aconservatory leading out onto the patio. There are four bedrooms, the principal is ensuite with ashower room which has been recently updated.

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

Peter Daborn

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

Special coastal property

Machynlleth |10miles

An extremely special costal property, prefect for entertaining with uninterrupted sea views. Combining modern elegance with original detail, the property is within walking distance of Aberdovey and the beach, whilst Averdovey golf course is a short drive away. Large sash bay windows offer panoramic views and lots of natural light. There is aterrace from which to enjoy sea views, afour person sauna and four ensuite bedrooms (two offering views of the estuary).

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

Peter Daborn

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

Shrewsbury |11miles

Built in 2012 and located at the edge of avillage, this home offers magnificent views of the garden and land at the back of the property. Offering agalleried landing, elegant drawing room and akitchen/breakfast room providing great entertaining space. The principal bedroom has adressing room and ensuite. There are afurther three generous bedrooms and adetached one-bed annex with auseful range of outbuildings. 4.91 acres.

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

Peter Daborn

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

Whitchurch, 5miles

SSTC -Perfect for the equestrian buyer or for alifestyle move, this property offers afantastic opportunity for abuyer to put their own stamp on this one storey home. The property offers aspacious hallway, akitchen/dining room with views over the stables and garden, asitting room, snug and conservatory. There are three double bedrooms, the principal having awet room with shower. Outside there are three brick stables and anumber of versatile outbuildings.

Freehold |Council Tax Band =F|EPC Rating =D

Peter Daborn

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

Strefford, Craven Arms, SY7

Aberdovey, Gwynned

Whixall, Whitchurch, SY13

Ruyton XI Towns, Shrewsbury

APROPERTYPACKED WITH POTENTIAL

This substantial five-bedroom, detached family home is set in grounds extending to approximately 2/3 acre.

Three Ashes in Higher Road, Myddle, is on the market with Miller Evans for offers in the region of £625,000 It benefits from versatile andspacious accommodation offering great potential for anumber of uses.

The current accommodation briefly comprises aglazed entrance porch, separate WC, utility,kitchen, sitting room, living room, dining room and garden room which has sliding doors to therear garden.

The kitchen has arange of wall and base units, an Aga cooking range and a separate electric oven with hob.

From the inner hall, astaircase with decorative metal balustrade rises to a first floor galleried landing off which there are five bedrooms, abathroom and separate WC.

Gardens surround the property with alarge driveway providing ample parking and access to garage and carport Substantial outbuildings provide ample

storage space. The property benefits from oil fired central heating.

Thepropertyoccupies aconvenient location only one mile from Harmer Hill and Myddle, where there are arange of local amenities including public house, village hall, church and primary school, while also being well placed within reach of Baschurch andthe renowned Corbet secondary school. Myddle is approximately eightmiles north of Shrewsbury and five miles from Wem.

Three Ashes is set on agenerous

plot. The property is approached through double wooden entrance gates over a substantial gravelled driveway,providing ample parking and access to the garage/ carport.

The driveway extends to the far side of the property,providing additional parking and caravan/boat storage. A gate provides access to the substantial outbuildings with gravelled drive and good-sized lawn area. There is dwarf walling to the front with further lawn area with mature shrubs andtrees.

UNIQUE HOME IN IDYLLICLOCATION

Unique and magical are words that begin to describe Cwm Cottage, a five-bedroom property set in more than two acres within theSouth Shropshire Hills National Landscape and Area of outstanding Natural Beauty

This charming grade II listed country house comes with an oak-framed barn and enchanting gardens, orchards, water features, ponds and copse.

Balfours partner,Scott Kemsley comments: “This is one of those very special properties, presented to high specification internally and externally.It is grade II listed and has an abundance of character.”

The accommodation comprises of entrance hall with staircase, leading into

dining room andlounge, each dual aspect rooms with aweb of beams, the lounge with woodburner and dining room with feature fireplace with side oven.

The lounge benefits from southfacing French doors to theterrace and garden beyond, also access to the study The study has stairs to aroom above and external access, offering significant flexibility to its use.

The dining room leads directly to the kitchen breakfast room, with Esse range and quarry tile floor.Off the kitchen is a utility,a boot room with external access, and acloakroom. There is also apantry

There are four-bedrooms and two bathroomsfound beyond the main staircase, each with significant character and exposed timbers.

The four-bay oak-framed barn sits perfectly in character and provides double garaging together with aworkshop and store. There is ample parking framed by lawn, mature shrubs, trees and punctuated with topiary.True to rural roots, there’s a productive kitchen garden and orchard.

Cwm Cottage is four miles from Clun where amenities can be found, including independent shops and primary school. Church Stretton, Craven Arms and Ludlow are between eight and 16 miles, while Shrewsbury is 29 miles and Hereford city 32 miles. Agood choice of private and state schools includes the nearby Bedstone and Moor Park.

Balfours are marketing Cwm Cottage with aguide price of £850,000, for more information call 01584707100.

Acharmingand characterful family home located on theedge of apopularvillage nexttoHawkstone Park andGolf Course.

Four /FiveBedrooms,Edge of Village Location, DualAspectLiving Room, Orangery, Dining Room, Detached Double Garage,Access to Historic Parkland Walks, Studio /Home Office,EPC: E

This beautifully appointed Grade II period residence boasts outstanding design andfunctionality, whilst retaining arealelement of charmand sophistication throughout.

Grade II Listed Period Property,Character andCharm Throughout,Four Bedrooms, Dining Room /Snug,Living Room withBi-Fold Doors.CourtyardGarden, Enviable Town Centre Location, BespokeStorage Units, Views Over theQuarryPark, Freehold

Acharming four-bedroom mews,witha stylishly contemporary finish and flexible open planliving space,nestled within the grounds of thehistoric ApleyEstate.

Four Bedrooms,Grade II Listed,Downstairs WC,OpenPlanLiving Space, Study,Separate UtilityArea, TwoParking Spaces Plus AdditionalVisitor Parking, RuralSetting,Gardens withFlowering Shrubs,EPC: D

Abeautifully renovated three-bedroom country house set on thesought after Stonewall Hill withstunning countryside views.

Idyllic Location, Stunning Views,Character Property,Kitchen /Breakfast Room, Sitting Room withLPG GasFire, Garden Room, ThreeBedrooms, Landscaped Gardens,Garden Shed /Workshop, Off Road Parking,EPC: F

IDEAL OPPORTUNITY FOREQUESTRIANS

Escape to the idyllic countryside with this exceptional equestrian property nestled in Manor House Lane, Whitchurch.

Boasting approximately 6.25 acres of land, this exclusive offering presents aremarkable opportunity for horse enthusiasts, whether for private use or as a lucrative business venture.

It is on the market with Mannleys for offers in the region of £360,000.

As you arrive at the property,you’ll be greeted by an extensive gravelled driveway providing ample parking space. With easy access to major road links, commuting to nearby towns is abreeze.

The heart of this equestrian haven lies in its stables. Equipped with 14 stables, one being afoaling box also including one temporary stable, it offers abundant accommodation for horses.

You’ll also find spacious tack room/ wooden lockers and afeedroom, providing ample storagefor all your equestrian essentials. The thoughtful design of these facilities provide a comfortable and safe space for your horses.

Further enhancing this property’s appeal is the 25m x45m floodlit menage, perfect for horses to exercise in and canter track around the fields. Enjoy riding in all kinds of weather conditions with

the added convenience of floodlighting. Training sessions won’t be limited by daylight hours, enabling you to make the most of your time on horseback.

Acharming log cabin-style office/ reception area offers awarm and inviting space to conduct business or meet with clients. Its rustic ambiance complements the surrounding natural beauty and provides adelightful setting to discuss equestrian-related matters.

One of the notable advantages of this land is its soil composition. Being on sandy terrain significantly reduces the risk of flooding, ensuring asafe and secure environment for both horses and owners. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially during inclement weather

Whether you aspire to establish a thriving equestrian business or simply desire aprivate sanctuary for your horses, this remarkable property offers endless potential.

Embrace the opportunity to create a haven for equestrian enthusiastsand make your equestrian dreams areality

Formore information and to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,contact Mannleys today.Our expertteam is ready to assist you in embarking on your equestrian journey in Whitchurch. Don’t miss out on this rare chance to invest in your passion.

24ALDERMEADCLOSE

Executive

353HOLYHEADROAD

353HOLYHEADROAD, WELLINGTON,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF12EZ

OIRO: £575,000

Charming four-bedroom detached home on Holyhead Road, Wellington, Telford, set on agenerous 1/4 acreplot.Features amodernkitchen, spacious lounge with fireplace, dining room with bi-fold doors,and study.Two en-suitebedrooms, modernfamily bathroom, and ample parking with garage and long driveway.The largeestablished garden is perfect forfamilies or gardeners.Close to schools,shops,parks,and excellenttransportlinks.Viewing essential! EPC D

THEOLDNURSERY

THEOLDNURSERY FARM,SHEPHERDSLANE, REDLAKE,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF15EH

PRICE:£950,000

Exceptional five-bedroom home on Shepherds Lane, Telford, with adetached one-bedroom bungalow/annexe Thespacious main house offers 3211 sq.ft. of living space, featuring astunning reception hallway,large sitting room with log burner,dining room, home office,conservatory, and modernkitchen.Outside,enjoy landscaped gardens,a gateddriveway, and adouble garage with astorage room above. Ideal forextended family living or rental income.Great location with excellentamenities

Charming and fully refurbished Duke of Sutherland threebedroom semi-detached cottage on Wellington Road,Muxton, Telford. Features astunning kitchen/dining room with bi-fold doors,central island,and integratedappliances.Spacious sitting and dining rooms blend traditional characterwith modern touches.Main bedroomwithen-suite, twofurther double bedrooms,and astylish family bathroom. Landscaped gardens, driveway parking,gas centralheating,and double glazing Perfectfamily home with greatlocal amenities and road links

HOUSES ENJOY A COUNTRYSIDEVIEW

Aselection of two andthreebedroom houses with landscaped gardens are now available in Cruckton, Shrewsbury

The homes with off-road parking are available off plan as partofanaffordable housing scheme through LarchProperty

Local connection criteria applies, with the two-bed homes having an asking price of £200,000 and thethree-bed homes having a£228,000 pricetag.

Plots three to six feature an entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, separate WC, living room with diningarea, astudy,two bedrooms anda family bathroom. There

are landscaped gardens to the front and off-road parking for two cars.

Plots one and two are the threebedroom homes and feature entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, separate WC, living room with dining area, three bedrooms and afamily bathroom

The homes have mellow brick elevations with tiled roof,white UPVC double glazed windows, French doors and frontdoor.There is LVT floor covering to the ground floor, carpeted stairs and first floor bedrooms andabathroom with LVT floor covering.

The bespoke fitted kitchen includes worktops, stainless steel sink with mixer taps and draining board, fan-assisted

oven, induction hobwith extractor above, integrated fridge freezer and space for washer/dryer

There are French doorsfrom the living space to outside, under stairs storage cupboard and abathroom with bath, WC and vanity unit with sink above, partially tiled walls.

There are fitted wardrobes to both bedrooms in the two-bedroom homes and fitted wardrobes to bedrooms one and two in the three-bed homes.

The houses are located just two miles outside of the historic market town of Shrewsbury,benefitting from far-reaching views over the surrounding Shropshire countryside.

Residential, Rural &Equestrian Property Specialists

St Martins,Oswestry

St Martins, Oswestry

Amostattractivefamily home with numerousagricultural buildings andset within 9acres.

Amost attractive substantial family home, numerous agricultural buildings, great scope for equestrian use, set in about 9acres.

Pontesbury, Shrewsbury

An extremelyattractive4-bedroom period familyhouse with far reaching views,equestrianfacilities and13acres.

An extremely attractive 4-bedroom period family house with far reaching views, equestrian facilities and 13 acres.

4-bedrooms |Open plan family living space |Period features

Asking Price: £925,000

Detached cottage in need of modernisation, with breath-taking views &set within 4.7 acres located on the egde of the Long Mynd.

Detachedcottageinneed of modernisation, locatedonthe edge of the Long Mynd andset within 4.7 acres.

Asking Price: £485,000

3reception rooms |Landscaped gardens |Paddocks &woodland

Three stables, tack room &hay barn |Bridle path next to the house offering off-road hacking |Stunning location |EPC rating E

NEW

Asking Price: £825,000

Cruckton Affordable Housing,Shrewsbury

Selection of twoand three bedroom houses with landscaped gardens andoff road parking available off-plan.

Selection of two and three bedroom houses with landscaped gardens and off road parking available off-plan.

OFF-PLAN MARKETING |80% of marketvalue *local criteria applies*

OFF-PLAN MARKETING |80% of market value *local criteria applies*

Four, two-bed houses 79sq meters gross internal area

Four,two-bed houses 79sqmetersgross internal area

Two, Three-bed houses 93sq meters gross internal area

Two, three bed houses93sqmetersgross internal area

Starting at £200,000

‘By far the most impressive experience Ihave ever had with any agents’

Offices in Shropshire andCheshire

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Cruckton Affordable Housing, Shrewsbury

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AGLIMPSE AT SHROPSHIRE HOMES IN

OCTOBER2024...

Crudgington Fields, Crudgington

Acaptivating development of 2, 3&4bedrooms homes, located between Shrewsbury and Telford.

Foundry Point, Whitchurch

Abeautiful development featuring 2, 3&4 bedroom homes, starting from £212,000.

Oakmere Ridge, Ellesmere

Situated in Shropshire’s very own lake district, including 2, 3&4bedroom homes.

Forest Edge, Loggerheads, Staffordshire

Bordering an ancient woodland, an attractive collection of 2, 3&4bedroom homes.

Lawrence Park, Pontesbury

Located nearby the Shropshire Hills AONB featuring 2, 3&4bedroom homes.

Orleton Fields, Orleton, Herefordshire

Just one well-appointed 5-bedroom home remains at Orleton Fields.

BLENDING LUXURY WITH HISTORY

Nestled in the heart of Abbey Foregate, this elegant townhouse masterfully combines period charm with every modern luxury Forsale as aprivate residence for the first timeinover 100 years, 2The Shrubberyoffers discerningbuyers an exceptional opportunity to own aslice of Shrewsbury’s history

Once the esteemed Lord Hill Hotel, this Grade-II listed building was originally constructed in 1840. Now,ithas been meticulously restored to create three luxury homes offering the perfect blend of grandeur and contemporaryliving.

Only one property remains for sale, directly from the developers. An award-winning, reputable, familyowned business, SY Homes hasinvested significantly in the renovation and worked with local artisans to achieve an exceptional quality of finish.

Agrand entrance

As you step through the original entrance into theoctagonal hallway, you’re immediately met with asense of refined grandeur.The magnificent, Grade-II listed staircase is apreserved feature from the original residence.

To complement the historical beauty, modern under-floor heating warms the tiled floor ensuring awarm andinviting welcome.

Ahaven for entertaining

The stunning dining room and sophisticated kitchen are filled with natural light from thevast bay window and extraordinarily high ceilings. An entertainer’s delight, double doors open into the rear garden with patio and lawn, and into the sophisticated lounge.

The Keller-range kitchen features acentreisland with luxurious granite worktops and splashbacks, high-end appliances, including triple Neff ovens,a Quooker hot tap, and awine fridge.

The elegant lounge with its dualaspect sash windows, herringbone wood flooring, and astone fireplacecomplete with log-burningstove,isthe epitome of relaxation and style.

Whether it’s aquiet family night or agathering with friends, this house is designed for enjoyment.

Aromantic master suite

On the first floor is the opulent master suite, which once served as the bridal suite during the hotel period. The large bay window,paired with aJuliet balcony,offers an abundanceof natural light and romance.

There are two additional good-sized bedrooms, with two further bathrooms, complete with afreestanding bath Practicalities have also been considered, with alaundry room and airing room on this level.

Re-designed for modern life

This home retains the scale and majesty of its past, butwith all the modern conveniences that today’s

discerning buyer seeks. The extensive renovations included anew roof,new wood sash double glazed windows, re-wiring andre-plumbing, new central heating with under-floor heating, and excellent thermal insulation. Thereis parking for three cars on the private driveway,plusanEVcharging point.

Abbey Foregate is ideally located for the town centre with convenient bus routes and cycle lanes and theA5/ M54 road network. Shrewsbury is connected by rail to Birmingham, Manchester and London.

Formoreinformation, visit www syhomes.co.uk

To book aviewing, contact Sharon on 01743 403131 or email sharon@syhomes. co.uk

www.syhomes.co.uk

OurSalesOfficeisnowopen byappointment.

CallSharonon01743403131 oremailsharon@syhomes.co.uk

OldColehamCourtisShrewsbury’s mostexcitingnewriversideresidence

•One-&two-bedroomapartments

•Penthouses&duplexwithlargeterraces

•IdeallylocatedinColeham,Shrewsbury

•Contemporaryarchitecture&design

•Spacious,light-filled,luxuryinteriors

•Open-aircentralcourtyard

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•Excellentenergy-efficiency:EPC-ratingB Over30%alreadysold!

Everhot traditional electric cooking rangeconsists of twelve different products, in seven different sizes, and 20 stunning colours.There really is an Everhot to fit allstyles and sizes of kitchen. Allheatstorage range cookers are hand-crafted using traditional methods in Gloucestershire. Check our website for upcoming Cookery Demonstrations and special launch offers.

THE LOOK OF LUXE

YOUDON’T NEED ADREAM HOME TO GET THE DESIGNER LOOK,SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Whether it’s amini makeover or project on alarger scale, refreshing your home can cost aprincely sum.

Especially if you have ataste for the high life, or ﬂair for ﬁnding fashionable pieces beyond your budget…. and your heart sinks when you see the price tag.

But it doesn’t have to be that way if you take inspiration from our expert tips –and carefullycurate your space by investing in everyday luxury at more comfortable prices…

Furnish cohesively

“The idea of luxury will have a different meaning to most people,” highlights Gisela Lancaster,headof buying, Sofology

“However,inits broadest senseit’s something that adds asense of comfort, quality and detail to aroom.

“The most obvious way to elevate the look and feel of any living room is taking time and care when choosing‘big ticket’ items like furniture,” underlines Lancaster

“Small touches, suchasscatter cushions, rugs and vintage pieces are

also inexpensiveways to add some personality.” She continues: “Traditionally, tactile furnishing fabrics suchasvelvets and boucle in richand sumptuous colours have offered arealtouchofluxury

“In recent years we’ve also seen sofas with well-designed curves, ﬂuting and shapely turned legs further elevating the look of aspace.”

Experimenting with the layout of your furniture will also provide a wealth of opportunity when it comes to transforming aroom, suggests Lancaster

If you have the space, she says something as simple as freeing your sofa from the walls createsanuplifted layout –perfect forsocialising and lettinglight ﬂow throughout.

Moreover,she saysdesigners often talk about the importance of cohesion in a room. “So make sure your chosen pieces are reﬂected in the wider scheme.”

Forexample,ifyou have acurvy sofa with ﬂuting or piping, Lancaster says a few carefully chosen accessories with a similar silhouette or design detail will help to tie the look together

“And create acohesive scheme which looks greater than thesum of itsparts.”

Choose timeless accessories

“Good design doesn’t have to break the bank, and being detail-oriented is a great way to make abig impact through small changes,” states Mara Rypacek Miller,managingdirector and founder, Industville.

“The key is to invest in afew hero pieces that inject arefined elegance, whether that’s throughuplifting finishes like metal knurling, the textureofan organic rug, or simply through amore minimalist or classic style.”

Atimeless lamp style made from marble is the perfect example of aluxefor-less aesthetic that will never go out of style, suggests Miller

“Opting for ahand-crafted design has the added feel-good factor of supporting artisans and sustainable practices,” she continues, “something that’s becoming increasingly important when choosing décor pieces.”

Furthermore, Miller says statement pieces such as mirrors, wall art, lighting or quality rugs not only serveasfocal points, “but will aid the feeling of atruly considered and thought-through scheme that evokes luxury.”

One of the easiest ways to make a space feel brighter and more inviting is by laying down arug,notes Miller

“A well-chosen rug can instantly elevate the feel of any room –opt for handcrafted designs and unique textures.

“This subtle attention to detail will add depth and asense of luxury,making your home feel more elegant.”

On asmaller scale, she says inexpensive changes include replacing ordinary bulbs with decorative alternatives, to add unique character to any room.

“You can also add subtle touches of luxury by mixing textures, such as velvet cushions, silk throws, andlinen lampshades for the table lamps.”

Streamline your space

“Streamlined spaces where clutter is easily hidden can be aquick win when it comes to elevating most rooms in the

house,” says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager,Sharps.

“Integrated storage and shelving in a smooth and concise colourpalette that offsets the room is agreatway to establish aserene and luxurious interior.”

She says fitted pieces also help avoid the common problem of having too much furnitureinone room.“Amistake high on the list of things thatcan quickly cheapen the look of any living space.”

If fitted furniture isn’t an option, consider smart storage baskets, suggests Hutcheson.

“And for items you do want on display, curatea collection and use negative space on your shelves to let pieces take centre stage –and give amore considered and styled appearance.”

Consider shape and texture

“When it comes to stylish and sophisticated interiors, sensorial comfort is key,” says Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, head of design, H&M HOME.

“The tactility and softness of shapes and materials in arangeof furnishings emphasises acosy elegance to ourhomes.

“Consider muted colours and vases in irregular shapes and textures, with trimmed cushions, fluffy blankets and statement objects in marble.”

GARDENING

PLANT NOWFOR SPRINGCOLOUR

LAYERING BULBS IN POTS CAN MAKETHE FLOWERING SEASON LAST HANNAH STEPHENSON REVEALS HOW YOUCAN CREATE ASPRING BULB ‘LASAGNE’ FOR ABLAST OF PATIO COLOUR.

Ifyou haven’t yet ordered your spring bulbs, put that jobonyour radar because autumn is aperfect timeto startplanting for ablast of colour next year

Planting two to three layers of different bulbs –depending on the depth of your pot and bulbs selected –tocreate abulb‘lasagne’ canmake the colour last for months as asuccessionofbulbs bloom at different times, says gardening broadcaster,writer and teacher Sarah Raven.

“Bulb lasagnes create the mostdense displays that bloom marvellously in succession over several months,” says Raven, whose latest book AYear Full Of Pots features many ideas for bulbs as well as other ﬂowers.

“By staggering the ﬂowering times of your bulbs, you can achieve acontinuous display of abundant colour,with new blooms emerging as earlier ones fade.

“AtPerch Hill (her East Sussex garden where she runs courses and events) we plant our bulb lasagnes in October,using either two or three layers depending on the pot’s depth and chosen bulbs.

“Use large pots for bulb lasagnes. Irecommend ‘Long Toms’ that are16 inches wide and 25 inches deep. If the

bulbs get wet, thelasagne will fail, so cover the container’s drainage holes with broken crockery,pots, or gravel.”

Planting bulbs in autumn canalso save money in the long-run, saysNigel Lawton, plant buyer for Dobbies Garden Centres.

“It’s agreat value way to ﬁll containers and beds with colour,asbuying bulbs and planting now is more cost-effective than buying matureplants for instant colour next spring.”

Spacing is slightly different in pots. Plant the bulbs slightly further apart than you would if you were planting them in a single layer,but closer together than if you were planting in aborder –about 2-3cm (1 inch) is the right sort of spacing,soyou can position your bulbs closer together than you would in theground, Raven advises.

Don’t worry that your bottom layer of bulbs won’t be able to grow up through

the layer of bulbs above because they will just grow around anything in their way

Be prepared

“Preparation is key when it comes to planting in autumn,” says Lawton. “Fill your container around three quarters full with agood quality peat-free bulb fibre compost, and if you’re planting in the ground, loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep and add in your compost to provide anutrient boost.”

Layer your bulbs

“When it comes to lasagne planting, you should always place the largest, latest flowering bulbs in the deepest layer of your pot or bed, moving to the smallest and earliest flowering as you get to the top. If you’re unsure aboutwhen your bulbs will flower,check the packet for instructions and organise by size and blooming time,” says Lawton.

Raven advises that the deepest layer of bulbs should be around 11-12 inches deep, that they shouldn’t be touching and they shouldn’t touch the side of the pot.

Add afew inches of compost before planting the next layer around 8in deep and the top layer afew inches below the soil’s surface.

Forthe deepest layers, try parrot tulips such as ‘Orange Favourite’ before moving to mid-season bulbs like ‘Prinses Irene’ and ‘Cairo’. Narcissus is areliable and deliciously scented option for the top layer,such as the handsome ‘W.P.Milner’ and delicate ‘Minnow’, she suggests.

“If you’re looking to bring instant colour to your pot or bed while waiting for your bulbs to grow,you can add bedding flowers such as pansies or primroses on top of your display,” Lawton adds.

Ideal recipes

“Myperfect recipe for abulb lasagne would be tulips, narcissi and crocuses,” says Raven.

“Tulips are the ideal base layer and will complete the container’s cheery colour scheme. Forthe central layer, narcissi areperfect as they come into flower mid-spring.

“Muscari (grape hyacinth) is another stunning option. Crocuses are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, making them the perfect bulb for the lasagne’s top layer.”

Lawton suggests alasagne combination including Crocus ‘Blue Ocean’ (top), Narcissus ‘Twinkling Yellow’and ‘Filly’(middle), and Tulip ‘Pinocchio’ and ‘Sunlover’(bottom).

Protect your bulbs

To ensureyour bulb lasagne lasts throughout winter,continue to water your display once planted and ensure the compost is kept damp, but not wet, Lawton advises. Place your container in ashaded spot and when green shoots appear,move it to asunny spot in your garden.

“Toprotect bulbs from frost over the winter months, mulch well with apeat-free bulb fibre compost, and if temperatures are expected to drop, cover with frost fleece.

“Add adusting of bonemeal to feed over the coming months,” he says.

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BUSINESS BOSSON A COUNTY MISSION

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHIEFRUTHROSS HAS SET HERSELF ATWO-YEAR GOAL TO HELP PUT SHROPSHIRE BUSINESSES FIRMLYONTHE MAP ANDY RICHARDSON FINDS OUT MORE.

Ruth Ross smiles. “When you consider the job I’m doing right now,my first involvement with ShropshireChamber of Commerce is actually quite funny Isigned up with my health and safety business for ayear,ended up doing absolutely nothing with the membership, and left after 12 months.

“I couldn’t see the value in it at the time –but that was because Ididn’t appreciate how to take advantage of the various services and networking opportunities, or have aproper understanding of how it could help me as abusiness, anda person.

“A year or two later we made a conscious decision to rejoin the Chamber .thistime we made full use of the membership, started networking, and it

paid dividends. Not only did it connect us with new clients and raise the profile of the business in Shropshire, but it helped to build my confidence. If you’re not careful, you can sometimes become abit of ahermit when you’re running asmall business.”

There’s no danger of that these days, as Ruth is now the figurehead of Shropshire Chamber,splitting her time between the organisation’s two offices in Telford and Shrewsbury

She’s held the chief executive’s post now for 18 months, and it’s arole she is relishing. “I love the purpose and ethos of the Chamber because you are on a journey with other people where we are all helping each other through. I’ve always enjoyed that collaborative approach.”

But let’s rewind for just aminute,

because Ruth’s storyactually starts far away from Shropshire.

Born and raised in Surrey,she was broughtup in the Carshalton area from the age of eight where she went to an allgirls school (“only because it hadalovely blue uniform, and the other schools were either brown or grey!”)

While her twin sister Sarah was academic, Ruth was always amore practical, hands-on learner who loved her sport –she wasa member of the volleyball, badminton, football and hockey teams, and atop cross-country runner too.

“I wasn’t sure what sort of career was right for me in thosedays, although Ialways wanted to work for myself –mainly because I’ve never liked being told what to do. Iwanted acareer that would

give me independence, as well as being a wife and mother.”

She’s ticked all of those boxes. After leaving school with her GCSEs, Ruth’s first ‘jobs’ were the localpaper round, and aSaturday shift at WH Smith.

“That Saturday job didn’t last long though, because Iwas theSurrey cross country champion.The competitions tended to be at weekends, and they wouldn’t give me time off to take part,” she recalls.

So instead, she startedearning aliving doing decorating work, and went back to education to complete aBTEC in leisure management.

“That was fun, because it was project work rather than sitting exams, and suited me much better.Italso gave me chance to learn more about running abusiness.”

Next came an HND business and finance with leisure management, which she topped up into adegree at Brunel University

Ruth’s first job in the leisure sector was with Alphabet Zoo, acompany which ran achain of children’s soft play centres, mainly in the north of England around Manchester

“Asa centre manager Istepped into the unknown, but soon learned how to deal with people from avarietyof different backgrounds on apersonal and business level,” she recalls.

“From dealing with enforcement visits to helping train franchisees in the safe operation of their own centre, my time there was educational and fun, and stood me on asolid footing for my next challenge.”

It was during this time in thenorth west that Ruth met her husband, and when their eldest son was five years old they started looking for aplace in the countryside to put down roots.

The search led them to afour-acre smallholding at Lee Brockhurst, which became both the family home and HQ of Bespoke Training Services Ltd, the business which they had set up together in 1999.

It had clients all over the country,and in 2011 was rebranded to Building Trust in Safety Ltd to more accurately reflect the specialism in workable health and safety systems and staff training to create ‘trust in safety’.

Three years later,everything hit the fan.

Ruth got divorced in what she describes as a‘dark andstressful time’ which prompted the business to be dissolved. She found herself with a smallholding and animals which needed to be sold,and teenage children to raise.

And then, right in the midst of it all, she also found alump in her breast and was urged by her daughter to go immediately to the doctor –something

for which she is eternally grateful.

“It meant they caught it early.I remember the doctor saying to me ‘I’m sorry,you’ve got breast cancer’, and my reply to him being ‘Why are you sorry, it’s not your fault!’ Iwasn’t quite taking it all in.

“With all that going on in my life, it was horrific. My mum always said to me she didn’t know how Imanaged, but Ijust focused on one element at atime which needed to be sorted. And when your life is so busy,you just have to get on with it, don’t you?”

Today,10years cancer-free, Ruth reflects on the second chapter of her working life which brieflyinvolved a business development and technical director’s role with ABCHealthand Safety Consultancy in Oswestry,before an opportunity arose to join the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce team.

She was initially brought on board as amembership advisor,but within ayear she’d progressed to head of skills and retention, and went on to serve as systems and compliance manager,director of business, and deputy chief executive for just over ayearbeforetaking on the top job.

Ruth became chief executive at Shropshire Chamber in April last year

following the retirement of Richard Sheehan, and says: “I was excited and proud to be given the opportunity to lead this fantastic team, andfully recognise the importance of the Chamber’s place within the business community

“This is achallenging climate for our business community, but it is at times of economic struggle that the support and backing of amemberorganisation like Shropshire Chamber really comes into its own.”

The role is incredibly varied. One day Ruth can be lobbying for local businesses in the corridors of Westminster,the next she can be addressing aroom full of more than 600 giants of local industry at the annual Shropshire Chamber Business Awards.

“Our members recognise how much more Shropshire, and Telford &Wrekin, could achieve if barriers to growth were removed.

“That’s why we travelled to the Houses of Parliament before the General Election to launch our Going ForGrowth manifesto, spelling out Shropshire Chamber of Commerce’s priorities to our decision-makers.

“Skills and labour shortages mean that many employers are still struggling to recruit. We need askills and immigration

system that works for business as well as for our education providers.

“Wealso need apredictable, reliable and affordable transport infrastructure which allows people, products and services to move around with ease.

“Gaps in broadband and mobile connectivity,which stiflebusiness productivity and competitiveness, needto be urgently addressed.

“And it’s vital that we press ahead with long overdue reforms to planning rules and business rates, to boost local growth. In short, there’s lots we want thenew Government to do.”

She adds: “Whilst we all recognise the future comes with challenges, I firmly believe in one thing:Working together makesusstronger,and as ‘team Shropshire’ we can achieve great things

“Collectively we can fight the county’s corner andlobby our decision-makers –and wewill continue to listen to our members and partners to shape our services in away which best meets their needs.

“When you run asmall business it’s challenging.People only talk about the freedom and flexibility you have –but I know from my experience that there’s a lot more to it than that.

“You can be jugglingbringingup

children and managing office staff,third party consultants, invoicing, marketing, and everything else. And every part of that seems to be top priority

“The fact thatI’vebeen in the position that the majority of the members of Shropshire Chamber are in themselves certainly helps me.

“I understand the pressures, and the fact that no two days are the same. People always surprise you; something unexpected is always round the corner.”

Ruth says she has set herself a two-year goal to become more widely recognised as the face of the Chamber, and continue to build relationships with outside stakeholders.

She said: “This role is all about serving the business community,and helping people. It’s not about egos, although we need the membership numbers to go up and that requires maintaining agood profile to communicate what we do, and what we’re all about.

“Weneed to be as relevant as possible so that businesses can clearly see avalue from Chamber membership, whether they’re asole trader or amajor employer We need to help people to connect.

“Weare afacilitator,a networker,and achampion of the county.We’re also a collaborator –weall need to be shouting together about Shropshire, and putting it firmly on the map as abrilliant place to do business.”

PAGE 39: Ruth chairs ateam meeting.

PAGE 40: At Westminster with Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard; addressing guests at this year’s business awards at Telford International Centre; receivinganHR management diploma from TelfordCollege.

PAGE 41: Ruth meeting with new Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley; Ruth (right) with childhood pal Vanessa, andtwinSarah

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SHARINGSKILLSIN AN ANCIENTCRAFT

ACOUNTY TEXTILES GROUP HAS BEEN HONING ITS SKILLS IN THE ANCIENT CRAFT OF FELTING FOR 20 YEARS AND IS NOW SET TO DISPLAYITS WORK HEATHER LARGE FINDS OUTMORE.

Felting is an ancient craft that was used by nomadic tribes to create clothing, boots and dwellings. Their fabric, made from animal fur andhair,was not only sustainable and portable, it also provided warmth and protection.

Today,felting with wool is ahobby that remains popular with crafters because of its versatility and endless potential for creativity.

It’s also arelatively inexpensive craft to take up, requiring little equipment apart from hotwater,soap and elbow grease to make everything from clothing and cushion covers to jewelleryand wall hangings.

Members of the Ffeisty Ffelters Textile Group, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, meet every month at Bayston Hill Methodist Church to make felt and share their ideas andexpertise

They also have two, three-day workshops each year at Snailbeach Village Hall to enable them to work on larger and lengthier projects and to invite visiting tutors to expand their knowledge and techniques.

And from Sunday,November 10 to Saturday,November 23, they will be showcasing their talents and selling their work at an exhibition at Bear Steps Gallery in Shrewsbury.

“Our group representsa varietyofage groups, backgrounds and experience and we learn from each other’s skills,” says Suzanne Lawler,who has been amember of the group for around 19 years.

“The reason we have been going for 20 years is that we have gelled together as agroup.

“Weare all different ages –our oldest member is in her 90s and our youngest members are in their 40s and50s. We are

all from different backgrounds but we are united by our love of wool,” she adds.

Fine artist Suzanne, who lives in Bridgnorth and is also amemberof Wolverhampton Society of Artists, took up felting when she retired after 17 years teaching art at Shrewsbury High School.

“When Iretired one of my colleagues gave me afelting kit. Ihad neverdone it before and Ihad no idea what to do.

“I went to do aday course and it was really interesting. Ijoined the group and now Idolots of painting, drawing and felting,” she explains.

In recent years, the craft has been growing in popularity because it’s very accessible and it doesn’t take long to get to grips with the basics.

Hobbyists also enjoy the creative outlet it provides and the satisfaction of making their own felt.

“It’s extremely varied,” says Suzanne. “You can do almost anythingwith felt. Youcan make fine, small scale items and you can also make very large items –I used to make big wall hangings.

“If you can imagine it, you can make it. Youare also making your own fabric, you’re not buying it in.

“You are using wool anditdoesn’t take long before suddenly you have something very exciting.

“You have no idea what will happen with felt, what comes out, comesout,so felting is never boring. It’s really creative,” she adds.

The group belongs to the International Feltmakers Association, a not-for-profitorganisation established in 1984 to promote felt in all its forms.

“The great thing about being in the group is that it’snot just asocial thing, we also exchange ideas and expertise. We get most of ourideas from each other

“Wehave spinners, weavers, embroiderers, welt felters and needle felters –there’s agreat wealthofexpertise to draw from,” says Suzanne.

This year’s exhibition, which celebrates the group’s 20th anniversary, is titled “Legacy”and will feature work by current and former members of the group.

“The theme is intended to trace the way that working in textiles hasbeen affected by our past experiences and will inform our expectations of thefuture.

“Welearn from what hasbeen handed down to us and in our turn, we wish to pass on our skills,” says Suzanne.

Forher exhibition pieces, she has been revisiting older work and puttinga new spin on her creations.

“I’m re-making alot of my work that has been in the loft for years intoother things. It’s sort of arecycling project, using up lots of bits and pieces to make something new,” Suzanne explains.

The group is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibitionand sharing their craft.

“Our exhibitions are always very

colourful and vibrant.Weapproach the making of textiles from many different directions and our exhibitions have awide range of work from framed pictures and wall hangings to wearable garments such as scarves, hats and jackets,” says Suzanne.

“Weget people coming from quitea long way away to see our exhibitions.

“Some of our members will have sketchbooks to go with their work so people can see how an idea progresses. It’s always nice to see an artist’s journey,” she adds.

The exhibition is open every day from 10am to 4pm at the Bear Steps Gallery in

St Alkmonds Place, Shrewsbury, and will be manned by members of the group who will be pleased to demonstrate the craft and answer questions.

PAGE 43: Members of Fﬁesty Ffelters share ideas to create unique pieces at arecent workshop in Snailbeach; one of the member’s creations.

PAGE 44: Some of the work created by the group.

PAGE 45: Members at aworkshop.

DECKINGTHE HALLS FOREVERYBUDGET

The Christmas Decorators (Shropshire &Staffordshire), is the local branch of The Christmas Decorators UK.

Whether you have acommercial or residential property,have interior or exterior decorative needs. Do you want a Winter Wonderland Wedding, Grotto or Christmasthemed party? We are here for you.

As the branch is local, we provide a personal bespoke service no matter how large or small your decorative scheme needs are.

Why aChristmas decorating business? That is an easy one to answer said Charles and Lynette. “Aslong as we can remember,we’ve loved getting ready for Christmas.”

Again, how many of us have enjoyed the wonderful Christmassights, during the festive season and all the joythey bring. Many of us would love to have our

businesses or ourhomes decorated like celebrity businesses and homes, to the same high standards, but the time it may take and the stress may be dauting for some. So let us, take that strain. Charles added “Many times, when we have visitedour clients for the ﬁrst time, they say,‘haven’t got afabulous job?’ and without exception we always say ‘yes’.

“But genuinely,we enjoy discussing your ideas, wants and needs and being part of your Christmas.

“‘How does it all happen?’ Our clients choose their preferred colour scheme, the location where they would their decorative scheme, date they want us to install their scheme and the date they want us to come back and take the decorations down. With over 10 years’ experience, The Christmas Decorators are agreat choice to ensure aperfect Christmas this year “Please give us acall.”

HISTORIC HOTELA WALKERS’ HEAVEN

HEATHER LARGE DISCOVERS HOW ACOUNTY LANDMARK, SET IN ‘LITTLE SWITZERLAND’ AND DESIGNED AS ASPA,HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED AFTER A£2M REFURBISHMENT

The alpine-like setting of Church Stretton has long been ahuge draw for locals and tourists alike keen to immerse themselves in its stunning scenery

During Victorian times, it became known as ‘Little Switzerland’ and there were ambitions for it to becomea spa town.

Providing aplace for guests to stay was one of the Church Stretton’s well-known landmarks, the Hydropathic Hotel, now known as Longmynd House.

Built at acost of £20,000 andset within nine acres of land, the hotel opened its doors to guests in July 1901.

With dormer windows, aﬁne pitched roof and interior furnishings by Heal’s of London, it offered guests the chance

to beneﬁt from the healing waters from a saline spring ﬁve miles away

The venture, however,was not a commercial success anditlater closed its doors to spa guests.

Renamed the Longmynd Hotel, the country house later became the Second World WarheadquartersofSt. Dunstan’s, now Blind Veterans UK, acharityfor blind and vision-impaired ex-service personnel.

Along with an eye hospital, classrooms and amachine shop were set up to train approximately 700 people, who had been blinded in the conﬂict, in new manufacturing skills in the hope they would ﬁnd post-war employment in manufacturing.

Today,the hotel now known as

Longmynd House, is owned and managed by specialist tour operator HF Holidays and its idyllic Shropshire Hills location is apopular choice with walkers

HF Holidays’ origins date to thelate 19th century when country pastor turned social innovator Thomas ArthurLeonard, OBE sought to improve the lives of the factory workers.

He offered them walking holidays as an alternative to the annual trend of spending aweek at the seaside.

Thomas founded the Co-operative Holiday Association in 1893 before establishing the Holiday Fellowship, now HF Holidays, in 1913. Longmynd House, which hasbeenpart of HF Holidays since 2017 and 56 guestrooms, has recently undergone an extensiveinternal

and external transformation as part of £2million refurbishment project.

Work has been carried out in multiple phases to ensure that the building’s Edwardian heritage and unique character is preserved throughout.

Ablue plaque commemorating an important period of its history as the headquarters for Blind Veterans UK, installed during the charity’s centennial year in 2015, is on display in the entrance to the hotel.

In the communal loungespace, guests will find comfortable, open-plan seating and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of the Stretton Valley

Large circular dining tables have also been added to create aversatileand sociable feel, where guests can gather and share their adventures.

The upgraded bar for members and guests can be used in the daytime and evening, with seating flexible enough for couples and larger groups,and a new state-of-the-art kitchen allows for seamless food service during mealtimes.

Work has also been completed on 10 of the premium guest rooms, all of which now have new designer-led interiors, retro artworks, soft furnishings, and Britishmade carpets, creating asleek, cosy space for rest.

All of the remaining guest rooms will be refurbished in the third phase of the refurbishment, which is due to start in January 2025.

The work has also involved adding anumber of sustainability measures,

including the installation of abiomass boiler and new windows to prevent heat loss while the thermal qualities of refurbished bedrooms has been upgraded to help significantly reduce runningcosts.

“It’s been apleasure working on such an important Shropshire landmark and giving it anew leaseoflife for our guests to enjoy,” said HF Holidays’ estates manager,Dean Clark.

“The historic nature of the building has presented some challenges, which, without our team’s expertise, we couldn’t have overcome.

“We’re really proud of the work so far We can’t wait to move into the next phase and couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter in the house’s history.”

The Shropshire Hills andthe surroundingarea is awalker’s paradise

and the Stiperstones, Caer Caradoc, Ironbridge Valley of Invention, andthe historic towns of Ludlow and Shrewsbury, as well as the Long Mynd itself are all within in walking or driving distance.

HF Holidays offers both guided and self-guided walking breaks and visitors to Longmynd House will find facilities including ahandy boot and drying room for their outdoor clothes.

“It’s afantastic walking base,”says house manager Richard Cartwright, who is part of ateamofaround 15 members of staff

“All of our guests havethe option of being led by aguide or they can be selfguided and just use us as abase.

“Wealso have have aDiscovery Point with route maps and step-by-step route guides,” he adds.

He says the hotel is popular bothwith couples and also solo travellers who want to explore the area and meet new people.

“Guests come from around the world, including from the USA, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands,” says Richard.

Other facilities include extensive grounds which feature an animal-themed woodland sculpture trail crafted by chainsaw sculptor,Dave Bytheway,books and games to borrow and an electric vehicle charge point.

n See www.hfholidays.co.uk/countryhouses/locations/church-strettonshropshire-hills

DIGITALASSETSANDLOSSOFMENTAL CAPACITY

Intoday’sworlditiscommonplacefor peopletohaveawiderangeof“digital assets”

Legally,thereisnodeinitionofwhat constitutesadigitalassetintheUK,but theycanbequitewideranging;from onlinerecordssuchasemailorsocial mediaaccounts,andphotographs,to digitalpropertyrightswithmonetary value,suchasBitcoinandother cryptocurrencies.Duringalifetimean individualcanamassalarge“digital legacy”.

Weexaminebelowpracticalandlegal optionstohelpprotectdigitalassets, bothofmonetaryandsentimental value,ifanindividuallosesmental capacityduringlifetime

MakeaLastingPowerofAttorney Whetherornotyouhavedigitalassets, everyadultwithsuficientmental capacitytodoso,shouldconsider makingaLastingPowerofAttorney (LPA).

LPAsenableanindividualtoappointa trustedpersonorpersons(anAttorney) toactfortheminmakingdecisions abouttheirproperty& inancialaffairs andhealth&welfare,shouldtheyno longerbeabletodosothemselves.

Ifthereareconcernsaboutdigital assets,itmaybepreferrabletoinclude

speciicclauseswithintheLPA’s themselves,especiallysoifyouhold cryptocurrencies,asthesecanbe especiallydificultforathirdpartyto accessonyourbehalf

TheimpactofnothavingLPAsinplace isthatifanindividuallosescapacity,an applicationtotheCourtofProtection mayberequiredtoappointaDeputyto dealwiththeindividual’saffairs.This canprovetobetimeconsumingand costly.

Digitalassetslogs

Keepinganinventoryofyouronline accounts,subscriptionsanddevices canhelpyourAttorneystoidentify andsecureyourdigitalassetsinthe future.Thechallengehoweveristodo sowithoutcreatingasecurityrisk.Itis thereforeimportanttokeeppasswords privateandsecure.Yourinventory shouldbeupdatedregularlyandstored whereyourAttorneyswillbeableto accessit,ifrequired.

Checktermsofservicefordigital serviceproviders

Checkyouronlineaccountstosee whetheranylifetimeplanningoptions areavailable.Forexample,Google, AppleandFacebookallprovideafacility allowingausersomecontroloverwhat canhappentotheiraccountafterthey havedied.However,duetoprivacylaws,

IfyouwouldlikefurtheradvicepleasecontactAmyMorris, WillsTrust&TaxSeniorAssociateSolicitoratAaron&Partnerson 01743295266|07989725370|amy.morris@aaronandpartners.com

sometermsofserviceagreementsthat havebeenenteredbytheindividual maynotallowforaccessordata transferbya“thirdparty”duringthat person’slifetime,withoutexpress authorityhavingbeenprovided. Itisimportanttoensurethat considerationofdigitalassetsismade aspartofyouroverallEstatePlanning Ourteamofspecialistscanadvise individualsandAttorneysinthis complexarea.

AmyMorris Wills,TrustsandTaxSenior AssociateSolicitor

MEL’SBUSINESSHAS ASILVER LINING

HEATHER LARGE MEETS ASILVER JEWELLERY EXPERT WHOSE LOVE OF SHINY THINGS LED HER TO START ASUCCESSFUL BUSINESS AND NOW SHE PASSES ON HER SKILLS TO OTHERS

From themoment Mel Fullerton made her first piece of jewellery, she was hooked.

“It was something Ihad wanted to do for along time. I’ve always been abit of amagpie and attracted to jewellery and shiny things.

“I would look at thingsand think ‘how is that made?’. My husband and Idesigned our own wedding rings and afantastic and talentedjeweller made them for us. He was really the inspiration for my journey into jewellery making,” she explains. At the startof2020, Mel attended aring making workshop that had been gifted to her and instantly fell in love with the craft.

“I came home and my husband said

Iwas grinning from ear to ear.Iknew this was what Iwanted to do,” says the 48-year-old.

Eager to learn more and develop her skills, Mel, who lives in Wem, enrolled on an eight-week intensive course

at the School of Master Jewellers in Birmingham’s iconic Jewellery Quarter

At the start of 2021, she quit her corporate career and launched her own business, Silverlicious, making unique pieces of jewellery from her own home studio.

Mel continues to study traditional techniques at theSchool of Master Jewellers where she also meets up with other makers.

“I am continually learning. There is always something new to learn or anew skill to develop to enhance my craft,” she explains.

Predominantly working with silver and often incorporating gemstones, Mel takes inspiration from nature, animals,

travel andculture to create herone-ofa-kind pieces. As well as creating her ready-to-wear collections, Mel also makes bespoke pieces for customers,bringing their jewellery visions to life as part of a collaborative process.

And she is often asked to incorporate their old or heirloom jewellery into new designs.

“Rather than it sittinginsomebody’s jewellery box not getting worn, Ican give it anew lease of life,” explains Mel.

Sustainability is very important to Mel and she uses 100% recycled silver,which is equal in quality to new precious metals, in her designs.

“Nothing goes to waste in the production process. If apiece doesn’t work out, Ican reuse thesilver to make something else,” she says.

In May,Mel began running silver jewellery making workshops at venues in Shropshire, catering for all levels from absolute beginners to seasoned crafters.

They aim to provide ahands-on experience that not only hones their skills but also sparks their creativity

Participants learn about different types of raw materials, tools and equipment, and how to handle them safely and efficiently

From sawing and filing to soldering and polishing, they are also given an overview of the fundamental techniques

before cutting, shaping, and assembling their jewellery

Finally,they will be shown various techniques to achieve different finishes, from high polish to matte and textured surfaces to make their jewellery really shine.

“I wanted to share my passion with other people and hopefully it makes them as happy and as fulfilled as it makes me,” says Mel.

“I keep my workshops small because Iget to spend enough time with each student so they can get one-to-one tuition.

“The workshops are very informal andvery relaxed. I find teaching very rewarding.

“It’s areally lovely feeling seeing people enjoying themselves and for me to share that joy with people,” sheexplains.

Working with silver is an incredibly satisfying job for Mel, who is constantly experimenting with new ideas and techniques.

“I love taking araw material that looks like nothing special and turning it into wearable treasure,” she says.

n Formore information about her pieces and workshops, see silverlicious. co.uk

SEEINGTHE WORLD IN ACAMPERVAN

LUKE POWELL MEETS THE INTREPID MARRIED COUPLE WHO HAVE JUST RETURNED HOME AFTER AN EPIC FOUR AND A HALF YEAR TRIP TRAVERSING THE GLOBE IN CAMPERVAN TRUDY

Acounty couple have returned from the trip of alifetime, spanning over more than fourand-a-half years, crossing the globe in their trusty campervanTrudy

Chris and Marianne Fisher,from Telford, set off to see the world in their 2005 Fiat Ducato campervan on January 5, 2020, from next to the Iron Bridge.

The couple say they realised that they needed ‘to live for now’and so Chris quit his job as head of catering at the county’s hospitals, and they sold everything and put their home up for rent.

They have since documented their travels on their ‘Tread The Globe’ YouTube channel, gaining more than 180,000 subscribers and asimilar number of followers on Facebook.

Chris, 54,and Marianne, 56, returned to Telford from their trip this summer, and say they are ‘overwhelmed’ with the support and welcome that they have received.

Marianne said: “It’s been lovely.We feel as though it’s made us realise how incredible this trip hasbeen. We’re still trying to understand what we’ve done.”

When the couple purchased their van, it had approximately 40,000 miles on the clock. But, now after their trip around

the world, the pair say the campervan has racked up more than 137,000 miles, with around 67,000 on the roadand more through shipping,throughout the trip.

After leaving Telford, they crossed Europe before arriving in Turkey,just in time for the Covid-19 pandemic to hit.

Chris and Marianne became Turkish residents for 18 months before deciding to ship the van to South Carolina to drive across the United States.

Arriving in SanFrancisco, they headed to Vancouver in Canada ahead of a‘loop’ around Alaska.They jumped the Arctic Ocean, driving a1,000-mile trip along a ‘dirt road’ called the Demster Highway that leads to the most northerly road point of Canada, before crossing back into the USA.

They drove part of Route 66 into California and then Mexico, and after afew monthsofexploring shipped campervan Trudyfrom LA to Asia ahead of athree-month tour of Japan.

After visiting Tokyo and Japan, they jumped on acar ferry to SouthKorea.

Refused avisa for China, Chris and Marianne toured Malaysia and Thailand before visiting India and Pakistan.

They were then denied access to Saudi Arabia –being told that the country doesn’t allow right-hand drive vehicles –and so the pair headed to South Africa to take in anew continent

They headed north through Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana before finally shipping back to the UK from Durban in SouthAfrica after four and ahalf years on the road.

The pair saw some incredible sights on the trip, and Chris said one of the highlights was the Grand Canyon.

“Wehad the mad idea to see if we could wild camp in Las Vegas and see a show,and we managed to stop in ahotel carpark and then went to ashow and Cirque du Soleil.”

He added: “Wedrove pastMount Fuji. Passed the TajMahal in India, and saw elephants walk in front of the van in Kruger National Park and having leopards and lions walking around was fantastic.”

They documented their experiences on YouTube.

“We’ve always loved travel and planned when we retired one day that we would go and spend our retirement travelling,” said Chris. He added: “You get to that point in life where you realise you’re not going to live forever.You hit that middle age and think we might not make retirement, we need to live for now It’s hard to stepout of the box of what’s normal but we did.

“Wehad this mad idea to think we could travel the world, and after six months of planning we set off from Ironbridge.”

The pair had awelcome home party last month, returning to the exactlocation that they set off from to ‘officially mark the end of the trip’.

The pair have loved the following they’ve built online along the way,after setting off with around 9,000 followers online.

Marianne said: “Welove the community aspect. When we first started doing it Ididn’t think anybody would watch it.”

As part of the trip the pair helped raise money for awoman they met in Turkey who had adream of building aturtle conservation centre and through their followers they raised more than £12,000.

Whilst in Turkey the pair had come across the lady picking up rubbish. She had quit her job to protect endangered turtles on abeach.

Through their TreadThe Globe website, they documented the story and after the woman said her dream would be to create aconservation centrefor the turtles, the Telford travellers set up a GoFundMe page.

Soon after,thanks to donations from their followers, more than £12,000 had been raised, and aconservation building was built.

The pair are still supporting the organisation today,with all money raised from their welcome home dinner and celebration going towards the turtle conservation.

n Furtherinformation on thecouple’s travels can be found on their TreadThe Globe website.

Campervan Trudy with Mount Fuji in the background; the couple at Las Vegas; visiting the Arctic Ocean and on adirt road in Botswana

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AWINNINGRECIPE FORALL SEASONS

ANDY RICHARDSON TALKSTOTHE FRENCH OWNER OF LUDLOW’S MICHELIN RATED VENUE, WHO CAME TO ENGLAND FOR ONE SEASON BUT FELLINLOVE WITH THE TOWN AND STAYED

It’s one of Cedric Bosi’s favourite seasons.

Autumn is atime when the ﬂavours of our English summer have matured and when produce is abundant. There’s plenty of game, particularly in rural south Shropshire, where shoots bring alarge quantity of ﬂavoursome birds and venison to the kitchen. There are sensational vegetables, which have matured and ripened. And there’s alarge volume of fruit, particularly in an area that’s known for its great apples, pears, damsons, plums, and cobnuts

“I really love autumn,” says Cedric. “Weliketocook with the seasons, use local produce, and reﬂect the ﬂavours of October.It’s agreat time of year.The

ﬂavours of spring and summer have long past and we’re into those deeper,richer ﬂavours, with comfortingfood that people enjoy as the nights get cooler and darker.”

The Charlton Arms, at Ludlow, is presently Shropshire’s Michelinaccredited venue, one that holds aBib Gourmand, which reﬂects exceptional cooking at affordable prices. Cedric is justly proud of that accolade, having worked hard over along period of time to secure the conﬁdence of Michelin inspectors, who are notoriously hard to please.

Michelin is the ultimate arbiter of great taste in British restaurants, and while Ludlow once boasted aclutch of Michelin stars, Cedric is humbled that he

has managed to retain the town’s links with the influential guide.

“When I first moved to Ludlow,it was to work front of house in my brother, Claude’s, restaurant. Hibiscus held two Michelin stars, the only Shropshire restaurant ever to do so. The standards were very high and at that time the town had anumberofone star restaurants as well: with Mr Underhills, at Dinham Weir,and Shaun Hill, at The Merchant House.

“It was agolden time for the town, in terms of gastronomy, and it was exciting to be part of that era. There was international attention on thetown as journalists, writers, and diners all flocked to find out more about Ludlow.”

At that time, Cedric had no intention of staying. He’d come to Ludlow to improve his English skills and planned to move on.

Fora while, he worked at The Church Inn, in the town centre, free of charge. His plan was to learn thelanguage and how to run abar.Hospitality,however, was already in his blood. His mother and father ran apopular bistro and he and Claude grew up in that environment.

While Cedric was acompetent cook, he preferred working front of house and quickly developed askillset that made him an exceptional restaurant manager and

owner.Whenhelooks back, he’s amazed that he’s travelled so far over the past two decades.

“I worked at The Church Inn for free, and now we own it. We dida lot of work to improve it, to offer agreatatmosphere, brilliant drinks and good pub food. And at The Charlton Arms, we really changed alot of things, bringing the standards up andputting great food on our menu.

“Wehave refurbished the rooms, for instance, to bring them up to the required standard. Ludlow is atown that welcomes alot of guests, both business travellers, tourists, day-trippers, and people who are visiting friends and family

“There’s arealdemand for rooms in the town and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to invest and provide ahigh standard of accommodation.”

The Charlton Arms hasbeen one of Shropshire’s culinary success stories. When Cedric took it on, it was slightly down-at-heel –not that he’d ever describe it in that way.He’d be more respectful of the former owners and seek to accentuate the positive.

The work that Cedric and his wife, Amy,have completed has transformed the venue and made it one of the most consistent, reliable, and enjoyable venues in the region.

“Wewouldn’t wish to compare to

anything else,” Cedric says. “We’re quite happy to focus on our own work and what we’ve been able to achieve. We’re very proud to be flying the flag for Ludlow.It’s had agreat culinary tradition over along period of time, and certainly during this Millennium.

“There’s not just the Michelin stars that have been in the town. There’s also the great farmers’ markets that showcase the produce from our local area. There are the brilliant producers who service restaurants andsellvia some of the independent shops. And then there’s the amazing food festival, which was the first one in this region and one of the first in the UK.

“There’s arealtradition of great food in Ludlow where people want good quality and they want food that’s both flavoursome and ethically produced. We’re asmallpart of that tradition and we’re very focused on maintaining high standards so that we build on what’s gone before and make acontribution to what will eventually follow.”

The Charlton is not only avenue that offers high standards, it’s also idyllically placed. Sitting beside the River Teme, near to Teme Weir,itoffers wonderful views and aconnection with wildlife.

“It doesn’t get much better,when it comes to location. The water is so

soothing during summer,then it can be quite dramatic during winter when the river is in full spate. We’re close to Whitcliffe Common, which is spectacular, and lots of people like to go walking there before coming into the pub for adrink or something to eat.

“And then there’s the wildlife that lives all around us. Mortimer Forest is full of deer and there are plenty of other animals and birds that people can spot from our terrace, ifthey look closely enough. It really is apicture postcard setting and we work to make sure The Charlton blends in and people can enjoy it.”

Cedric and Amy have worked hard for many years to build asuccessful business. They’ve found the recipe for success and have many successful years ahead of them.

PAGE 60: The Charlton Arms in Ludlow; Cedric Bosi.

PAGE 61: Ariverside view of the popular venue; the interior has been stylishly renovated.

PAGE 62: The Charlton Arms sits on the banks of the picturesque River Teme near to Teme Weir

MR T –THE A-TEAM OF PIE MAKING

ED THOMAS SPEAKS TO THE INSPIRATION BEHIND MR T’S PIES, PURVEYORS OF PROVENANCE-DRIVEN PIES, MADE THE SHROPSHIRE WAY

Assummer wains away and nature’s colour palette shifts to autumnal tones it meansone thing –pie season is upon us.

Like so many food businesses, lockdown is to blame for Mr T’s Pies becoming athing. Lockdown left chefs wondering what to do with venues closed but people to feed.

After afalse start with fish and chips, chef Andy Thomas took the opportunity to tap into his culinary repertoire and bake some pies in his home kitchen.

He wanted to champion classic dishes done really well, and it doesn’t get much more humble than apie.

Starting with small batches and advertised on his personal Facebook profile things quickly took off.

Demand was strong from diners sat at home looking for new ways to tickle their taste buds andsupport localbusinesses and producers in doing so.

Locality and provenance arethings that absolutely drive Andy.The vast majority of the ingredients he uses are sourced within just afew miles of his kitchen, many of them within sight of the kitchen.

His suppliers include Long Mynd Cider (featured in these pages just last month), Clun Brewery and master butchers A.J. Pugh who specialise in locally reared, high welfare meat.

The venison found in Andy’s original Mr T’s Pie, the venison, juniperand redwine pie, comes from just two miles down the road from Andy’s rural kitchen near Clun.

Andy explained that he chose arural locationrather than atown so he could be closer to the produce, the farmers and growers. He believes passionately that this connection to the essential ingredients makes for better pies andhappier customers

It’s an ethos shared by the local Slow Food community with member producers

understanding that better relationships between producers, between land and plate and between consumers and chefs makes for abetter relationship with food for everyone.

Mr T’s Pies is aSlow Food member and Andy has hosted masterclasses at their events, including at theLudlow Food Festival.

As the world emerged from lockdown, demand for Mr T’s Pies –asthe business had evolved into –continued to grow.Andy took himself to local markets, starting in Lydham and expanding to Ludlow,ChurchStretton, Clun and even beyond the borders of Shropshire!

The range of pies expanded from the original venison pie to include abeef,ale and roasted onion pie and avegetarian

smoked cheddar,leek and spinach pie.

The venison, beef and cheese pies are always available along with plenty of seasonal favourites and single batch specials.

Andy has used his accumulated knowledge of more than 20 years working in kitchens to deliver great pies to willing customers.

His journey in catering and hospitality began as ahumblepot wash at Egos in Ludlow around the turn of the millennium, as aschoolboy he took on the task just to put afew pounds in his pocket. This evolved in to thegenuine passion for food and for cookery

From Egos, Andy moved on to learn classic French cuisineunder legendary chef Andre Cluzeau at The Charlton Arms. Now,what hungry young chef

wouldn’t want to work in aMichelin starred kitchen? This was themoment for Andy to step up to La Becasse in Ludlow, one of three Michelin starred restaurants in the town at the time.

As an early twenty-something at Le Becasse, he continued his training under Ian Swainson and Will Holland.

From La Becasse, Andy progressed to the Riverside Inn at Aymestry where he worked alongside Andy Link. Link is still at the helm of thesustainabilitydriven and award-winning Riverside.

Andy then hopped back across into Shropshire to take on the head chef role at the Jolly Frog in Leintwardine, which specialised in fish andseafood.

Opportunities then emerged for Andy to venture out on his own and for several years he was afreelance, offering private

chef experiences in people’s homes.

Catering dinner parties, private events and corporate functions. While Andy continued to call Shropshire home, this work took Andy to London and across England. Which brings us to lockdown in 2020 and the genesis of Mr T’s Pies.

Alongside Mr T’s Pies Andy runs a well-established catering business.

The business grew out of his time as aprivate chef.Andy,and his team, can be booked for private dining and event catering.

They have recently served up dishes at the Hay Festival andhighuponthe Shropshire Hills at awedding.

Pies feature strongly in the offering, but not exclusively

Of course, pies are firmly on the menu in households across the county

so what’s next for Mr T. One thing is for sure Andy will still be out and about meeting customers at markets and events. He will also be growing his online business while also looking forward to opening up the Bicton Kitchen to diners this autumn

Diners at Bicton Kitchen can expect unique experiences based on the culmination of Andy’s two decades in some of the finest kitchens the region has offered in that time. The experiences will be served his way,great food with genuine provenance done the Shropshire way

Find Mr T’s Pies at markets around South Shropshire and at other events, including many food festivals throughout the year.The pies are also available online and can be delivered to doors nationwide.

RADIANT ROSÉ, AN AUTUMN SPECIAL

BURSTING WITH RED BERRY FRUITS, THESE PRETTY PINKS ARE THE PICK OF THE BUNCH, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Much more than asummer romance, ourlove affair with rosé has blossomed into aperennial pink we can’t seem to slurp enough!

Walk along the wine aisles to be besotted by the hues of barely-there blush, ballerina pink, to seductiveshades of coral –easy on the eye and extremely drinkable. Our love for sipping rosé means there’s plenty of opportunity to champion our fondness for its characterful flavours…

1. Chassaux et Fils Sainte Victoire Provence Rosé 2023, Côtes de Provence, France, currently £9.99, Aldi, in-store

The buzz word on the grapevine is this posh-looking pink with its embossed coat of arms is the closest thing to Whispering Angel –undoubtedly the most fashionable rosé in the world. Tried and tested, it’s certainly on point and more than delivers with its ‘whispers of floral notes’ on the palette and smooth, creamy texture with lovely depth.

2. Tesco Finest Provence Rosé 2023, Côtes de Provence, France, £10, Tesco

With its charming coralhue which gleams from theglass, this deliciously crisp, dry rosé offers fragrant aromas of fresh berries, redcurrants and florals. Delicate and balanced, ripe stone fruits dominate the palate with a fine acidity

3. TommasiChiaretto di Bardolino Rosé 2023, Veneto, Italy, £11, Co-op, in-store Fora taste of la dolce vita–essentially the good life –thisstylish rosé boasts juicy ripe fruits laced with hints of raspberry, cherry and core of pink grapefruit. Alluring and appealing with fresh acidity and subtle spice on finish, it’s remarkably drinkable.

4. Coral de Peñascal Ethical Organic Rosé 2023, Spain, £11.50, Ocado

Farfrom frivolous, this Spanish gem comes with excellent sustainability credentials. Organic, vegan-friendly,made in acarbon-neutral winery,every bottle sold contributes to the restoration and conservation of coral reefs; plus the label highlights the issue of coral bleaching –changing colour when the wine is chilled. And the rosé? Apale pink with afruity, blossomy nose leading to bright red fruits and citrusy,fresh finish.

5. Domaine le PiveOrganic Rosé 2023, Southern France, £14.99, Majestic Ablushing belle with arosy hue, this wine’s perfumed with wild strawberries and hint of cherries. Similar flavours unfold on the savoury,fresh palate, with lingering red fruits andhints of cranberry coming into play on thecrisp,lasting finish. Delicious.

6. Château Leoube Rosé de Leoube Rosé 2022, Côtes de Provence, France, £27, DaylesfordOrganic

With everything you’re looking for in aProvençal pink, this wine speaks of aFrench Riviera lifestyle –and one to proudly plunge in an ice bucket. Divine from word go, perfumed, peachy aromas entice you in, with an exotic fruit basket at its core; captivating as it is delectable, accents of white peach weave through the silky finish. Santé!

RAISINGA GLASS FORTHE LOCAL

TV CHEF MATT TEBBUTT TALKS TO LAUREN TAYLOR ABOUT HIS LOVE OF LOCAL PUBS, SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND LIFE ON LIVETELLY

BBC SaturdayKitchen star Matt Tebbutt says one of his biggest challenges is not swearing because “you forget you’re on TV” –and over eight years he’s made a few blunders.

“You can get very comfortable and act and say things you would in your own kitchen with your friends –you could easily swear,because I’m quite sweary,” says the 50 year old, who replaced James Martin as presenter in 2016.

Tebbutt says that while the guests do wine tastings alongside tuckingintothe dishes cooked up on the show,he’scareful with alcohol while on air

“What I’verealised very quickly is that if Idrink half aglass of wine, suddenly the autocue moves around, you’re not very good at linking words together.So if Idrink like acentimetre of wine in the whole show,I’d be surprised.”

Tebbutt has just released his latest cookbook, Pub Food, acollection of elevated pub dishes –think mussels cooked in beer with crispy monkfish cheeks, and rump of Welsh lamb with spiced aubergine, mint and yoghurt –as well as acelebrationofBritish pubs in general.

They are “one of the last melting pots there are in life”, says the chef,who also presents Food Unwrapped on Channel 4.

“You can be in the same place with very wealthy people and farmers, and the guy who empties the bins, all on thesame level, and you’re all having achat –there’s very few places you can do that anymore. Then if you throw good beer and conversation in the mix, and good food, I think they’re really special places.”

But local pubs are “having areally badtime at the moment”, Tebbutt says. “They are struggling,the prices are going through the roof,energy costs, food costs, staffing. It’s all hindering the growth –they’re shutting by stupid numbers per week. Ithink it’s areal shame and it’s something worth trying to save.

“People need to remember that they’re not going to always be there. And if you’ve got agood one then go and support it.”

Tebbutt and his wife Lisa ranthe Foxhunter Inn, Monmouthshire, for 14 years, where they championed sustainable, local fare –something that’s still his M.O

People are “much more in tune”with sustainable eating now,henotes.

Many of the recipes in the new book are influenced by the local produce of Monmouthshire and what he used to have on the pub menu.

“Obviously,there’s alot of lamb, alot of mushrooms through foraging, crayfish dishes –because we get crayfish in the rivers –wild samphire, eel, black pudding,” Tebbutt says. Eventually,he burned out running his own pub.

“It was avery different sort of relentless business. We didn’t take abreak –wedid it for 14 years. Iwas juggling TV and the restaurant for quite some time, and then reached apoint where Ididn’t think it was sustainable, because Iwas knackered.

“Little country pubs, as lovely as they are, and everyone wants them on their doorstep, they’ve got to be supported because they’re bloody hard work to keep going.”

Tebbutt originally learned his trade in Michelin star kitchens in London, training under Marco Pierre White and Sally Clarke. And despite having to get up at 5am to film Saturday Kitchen, the hours are “a walk in the park” compared to life in aprofessional kitchen.

Tebbutt was first attracted to life in the kitchen after reading White Heat by Marco Pierre White when he was 16.

“It just made chefs look really cool and sexy and really,really rock and roll. It was the first cookbook that

had this dirty-looking, kind of rugged chef producing the most beautiful place of food.

“That juxtaposition between the sweat and the blood and tears at the back of house and the control at the front –I just kind of fell in love with it. Kitchens, they’re abit like joining the army.You go in at the bottom, you keep your head down, you find your way and you slowly build yourself up. It’s brutal but you learn alot.”

But some head chefs do take it too far.He remembers going to eat in one restaurant when he was working in London. “They had an open door and we saw this chef absolutely,continually tearing hiskitchen staff apart. To the point where it was all heads down, they looked broken. And then you get the food, it looks beautiful, but you don’t want to eat it because of the misery that’s gone into it.

“So now,ifIdon’t like the chef,Iwon’t eat their food.”

n Matt Tebbutt’s Pub Food is published in hardback by Quadrille, priced £26.

CHOCOLATE PUDDING AND MASCARPONE ICE CREAM

“This is quite alight, delicate chocolate cake, with adeliciously molten interior,” says TV chef Matt Tebbutt.

Ingredients:

Makes 10-12 little puddings

350ml water

150g caster sugar

Finely grated zest and juice of two unwaxed lemons

400g mascarpone cheese

250g dark chocolate

250g unsalted butter

125g caster sugar

1tsp ground star anise, sieved (remove seeds from the pod, and crush), optional

5medium free-range eggs

5medium free-range egg yolks

50g plain ﬂour apinch of salt

Good-quality cocoa powder

Method:

Start both the ice cream and cakethe day before.

For the ice cream, simply boil the water, sugar and lemon zest in asaucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and stir in the mascarpone with the lemon juice. Cool and chill in an ice-cream maker.Freeze.

For the pudding, melt the chocolate and

butter in abowlovera saucepan of hot water.Ina bowl, whisk the sugar,powdered anise, whole eggs and egg yolks. Slowly add the melted chocolate to the egg and sugar mixture.

Carefully fold in the ﬂour and salt. Pour the mixtureinto little 200ml non-stick moulds, ﬁlling them halfway. Chill in the fridge

MATT TEBBUTT’S RACK OF LAMB

“I don’t really need to comment much on this one –it’sheavenly, early summer on a plate!” says TV chef Matt Tebbutt.

Ingredients: Serves four

Oliveoil

2x 8-bone racks of lamb

Salt and pepper

4sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked 75g unsalted butter

4medium baby gem lettuces, halved

200g pancetta or bacon, diced 4garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

100g fresh shelled peas, blanched and refreshed

800ml lamb stock

4sprigs fresh mint, leaves picked and torn, plus extra

Method:

Preheat the ovento200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Heat 1tablespoon of oliveoil in alarge frying pan. Season the lamb fat with salt and pepper,

overnight.

Next day, preheat the ovento180°C/350°F/ Gas 4. Remove the pudding batter from the fridge, bring to room temperature and bakeinthe preheated ovenfor 10 minutes, no longer.The outside of the cake mix should be set ﬁrmyet the middle will remain molten. Servethe cakehot with

then fry fat side down for afew minutes overa high heat until browned.

Turn over,put into aroasting tin and sprinkle with some of the fresh thyme. Roast in the preheated ovenfor 15-20 minutes or to your liking. Leavetorestfor 10 minutes beforeserving.

In another frying pan, add 15g of the butter and colour oﬀ the baby gem lettuces, cut side down, in the foaming butter.Throw in the diced pancetta, the garlic and remaining thyme, and sauté for afew minutes until coloured.

Add the peas and pour in the lamb stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm everything through. Cut the lamb into chops and place on a large serving dish.

Add mint into the simmering stock with the remaining butter.Stir in to enrich the sauce and giveita good sheen.

Season carefully, as the pancetta may already haveseasoned the stock suﬃciently.

Spoon around the lamb racks and serve garnished with the extramint.

THE RISE OF RIBERA

DIPLOMA GRADUATE AND TANNERS CELLARS SHOP MANAGER ERICALITTLEY, SHARES HER LOVE OF THE HIGHALTITUDE RIBERA DEL DUERO REGION IN SPAIN

Ribera del Duero DO is a somewhat undiscovered but captivating wine region, intertwining traditional practices, passionate people and aunique growing environment which translates into world-class wines.

If you haven’t yet discovered the gems on offer,then make no delay in seeking them out. Sleeping in the mountains of Castilla yLeón, about an hour and a half north of Madrid, acres of ancient bush vines spread over the high plateau forming aregion in which more than a quarter of the vines are over 50 years old and with signiﬁcant plantings even older than acentury

Antiquity is palpable from vines of this age; broad, grey-black branches snarl around the freshest of leaves and bunches every summer,almost as though they are imparting their wisdom into the fruit.

Don’t, however,befooled into thinking this makes Ribera del Duero archaic and old-fashioned, the people who foster these vines understand their potential.

Sisters Maria José and Carmen Basconcillos inherited their love of wine from their father,farming their 50 ha of vines with great respect to their environment; fostering practices promoting biodiversity within the vines and showcasing adeep understanding of how this will create superior wines.

Their Crianza is one of my personal favourites; spending 12 months in new French oak barrels lends aclove and woodsmoke complexity to the dense core

of ripe blackberry and Victoria plum. The family also produce an unoaked Tempranillo which almost tastes of bramble jelly and is abeautiful illustration of the effects of altitude on grapes.

Light, not warmth,isthe driver behind photosynthesis and excess heat can actually slow the process down and also lead to loss of acidity; cold nights paired with increased light intensity in the day at altitude, creates beautifully ripe grapes.

If you have ever tried Hebridean or Scandinavian strawberry,then you’ll understand the mind-blowing effect ripening time can have on ﬂavour!

Another wine family we have fairly recently discovered is Abadía de Acón. This estate, too, is in the clouds, sitting 800m above sea level and boasting an impressive gravity-fed winery,lessening the environmental impact –theyeven go so far as to only spread manure from local sheep to avoid the introduction of foreign diseases and chemicals.

José Antonio Carrasco Llorente, who is the head of the family,inherited vineyards planted by his father, Norberto, and looks after 48 ha of mostly Tempranillo, known as Tinto Fino in Ribera (whilst Cabernet Sauvignon is the interloper occupying 2.5ha).

The vines sit on complex layers of limestone, chalk and other calciumbased minerals mixed in with clay,which wouldn’t be able to sustain agriculture for any other crop but retain the perfect amount of water for grape vines, which in this arid, extreme climate is very important, especially when in most cases, watering the vines is forbidden.

Their three wines, Roble Tempranillo, Crianza and Reserva showcase the different faces of Ribera del Duero. From the sweetly fruited, raspberry and strawberry delight thatisthe Roble, to the intense, broody showstopper in the Reserva. Cabernet Sauvignon supportsthe Tempranillo in this wine adding tannin and herbal lift. Asuperb wine ﬁt to grace the ﬁnest of dinner tables!

Ican’t help but draw parallels between Ribera del Duero and Mendoza, Argentina –with the altitude, the semidesert dryness and the rich, spicy, full-bodied wines the two produce. Given the massive success of Malbec, Ialsocan’t help but expect the same from Ribera del Duero, as consumers grow tired of the same old thing andbegin to look for pastures new

Iwholeheartedly urge you to explore this region. Now is the time to Reach for Ribera…

RECENT WSET

AWONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF THE GOLDEN ERA OF SWING

“LET’S MISBEHAVE”, “JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS”, “I GET AKICK OUT OF YOU”, “LET’S DO IT”, “I’VE GOTYOU UNDER MY SKIN” &MANY MORE. AN EVENING NOTTOBE MISSED.

FRIDAY,25th OCTOBER, 2024

ST CHAD’S CHURCH, SHREWSBURY,SY1 1JX 7.30pm TICKETS: £17.50 (£10 Under 18s) in advance: www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-friends-of-st-chads-churchshrewsbury (SCAN QR CODE BELOW) -or£20 at the door

MUSICAL THEATRE ACTRESS SALLYJONES, (www.sally-jones.com)(EVITA, INTOTHE WOODS, OLIVER, STEPPING OUT))PRESENTS HER CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC SONGWRITER COLE PORTER.

‘WITH HER INFECTIOUS BRAND OF HUMOUR, STARTLING WIT,ENGAGING PERSONALITY &HER CLASSICALLYTRAINED THREE OCTAVEVOICE, SALLYJONES GRABS THE ATTENTION OF HER AUDIENCE AND KEEPS THEM SPELLBOUND THROUGH EACH AND EVERYPERFORMANCE”.

REAP REWARDS OF AUTUMNHARVEST

Aswebid farewell to impromptupicnics and jugs of Pimm’s, we can startto get excited about autumnal favourites such as pumpkin spiced lattes and comfort food, writes Camilla Foster

But what seasonal ingredients should we start adding to our shopping lists, now that the leaves havestarted turning?

And more importantly –how should we be cooking with them this season?

Apples and pears

Apearand applecrumble will help you stay cosyand well-fed when the temperatures start to drop.

“These fruits reach their peak during autumndue to the temperate climate, which allows them to develop their natural sweetness and crisp texture,” says registered nutritionist Lara Buckle, also known as the Wellness Detective.

Buckle recommends adding them to everyday classics to add ahint of sweetness.

“Enjoy them fresh, or try them in awarm, spiced fruit compote,” advises Buckle. “They’re also perfect for adding natural sweetness to salads, or as atopping for porridge or yoghurt.

“For amore unique dish, consider making asavoury apple and pear chutney to pair with cheeses and meats.”

Root vegetables

Carrots, parsnips and beetroots also thrive in cooler conditions.

“The cooler weather concentrates the natural sugars in these vegetables, enhancing their sweetness and flavour,” explains Buckle. “Roasting root vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.

“Try them in amixed root vegetable gratin or avibrant beetroot hummus. For an interesting twist, make parsnip crisps or carrot-based desserts like carrot cake or carrot halwa.” Halwa is definitely worth atry if you haven’t made it before –it’s atraditional Indian dessert where grated carrot is typically cooked down in milk, spices, sugar and ghee.

In order to accomplish the perfect

hearty comfort dish, layer flavours and colours to create afeast for the eyes.

“Use seasonal herbs like sage, rosemary,and thyme to complement the earthiness of autumn vegetables,” suggests Buckle. “For example, roasted parsnips with adrizzle of sage butter canbea simple yet elegant dish.”

Pumpkins and squashes

And of course, we can’t forget about the most prominent autumnal vegetable of them all… pumpkins! And their small but mighty counterparts –squashes. And leaves falling from the trees signifies one thing –time for pumpkin pasta.

“These hearty vegetables storewell and their flavour deepens as they mature during the cooler months,” says Buckle. “Beyond the classic soups, you can use pumpkins and squash in risottos, curries,

or even as abase for acreamy sauce for pasta.”

Or if you are feeling really adventurous, add an autumnal twist to your breakfast or dessert of choice.

“For something unique, consider making apumpkin-spicegranola, squash pancakes or apumpkin spice loaf,” adds Buckle.

Mushrooms

Embrace the versatility of mushrooms while cooking this autumn.

“Autumn’s damp and cool conditions are perfect for wild mushrooms like chanterelles and porcini,” says Buckle. “Sauté them with garlic and herbs for a simple side, or use them as a filling for savoury crêpes or tarts.”

If you are looking to impress vegetarian guests at your next dinner party,incorporate some porcinis into

your stuffing. “A mushroom and chestnut stuffing is agreat seasonal twist for your autumn roast dinners.”

Brassicas

Brussels sprouts shouldn’t be reserved solely for the Christmas dinner table.

This contentious vegetable, along with kale and cabbage, taste great this time of year

“These hardy vegetables actually benefitfrom cooler temperatures, which can enhance their flavour,” explains Buckle.

And they don’t have to be aboring side dish, they can be centre of the show

“Roast Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze, or make ahearty kale and bean stew,” suggest Buckle.

“You can also try cabbage in atangy slaw or stuffed cabbage rolls with a savoury filling.”

CENTRE OF ROMAN LIVINGINBRITAIN

ANDY RICHARDSON LOOKSATTHE HISTORY OF ANCIENT WROXETER, IN THE HEART OF SHROPSHIRE, WHICH BECAME PIVOTAL FOR THE CONQUEST OF THE COUNTRY

It’s one of the Shropshire attractions that tells us most about the county’s rich history

Wroxeter Roman City helps us to understand how urban life began in Shropshire. Wroxeter was one of the largest cities in Roman Britain and its true size can best be judged by the scale of the surviving defences and ramparts. It was founded in the mid 1st century AD as alegionary fortress, and the city was established in the 90s AD.

DOORSTEP on you

years as an excavator andresearcher,and understands its history

to have been mainly limited to large containers containing salt traded from the salt springs in Cheshire, which also appear to have been part of their territory.Instead of pottery, they probably used vessels made from leather and wood, both abundant resources in their landscape.

Today Wroxeter is exceptionally well preserved: its relatively remote location has meant that there has been little disturbance of the Roman remains by later occupation. Archaeologistshave been able to use cutting-edge technology here to reveal details of the city,which has revolutionised our understanding of this complex and important site.

Dr Roger HWhite, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham’s Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology,has been working on Wroxeter for nearly 50

“When the Roman army moved into the central Shropshireplain, the landscape they found had been settled and cultivated for more than 1,500 years. It was occupied by apeople known to the Romans as the Cornovii.

“Wedon’t know when they came into being, but excavated sites show that most lived in farmsteads dotted across the landscape. They may also have occupied the many hillforts in Shropshire such as the Wrekin,which lies close to the later city of Wroxeter.The Cornovii did not use coins, and their pottery use seems

“The territory of the Cornovii was landlocked, but they would have used the Severn to reach areas and people to the south. There is evidence for sophisticated metalwork – fittings from metal vessels, chariots and elaborate brooches –perhaps used by elite groups in their society.But there is no sign of warfareorconflict. Their wealth seems to have lain in livestock management, perhaps especially cattle (which may have been seen as aform of wealth) but also sheep, in areas where conditions for cattle were less favourable.”

The first evidence for Roman contact with the Cornovii is the arrivalofthe Roman army in the late40s AD, about four years after the Roman invasion of

Britain. They built temporary campaign camps on both banks of the Severn, at Cound and Leighton, to controlcrossing points, andmade asecond approach along high ground to the north of the Wrekin, whichlater became Watling Street.

They do not seem to have met much resistance –although it is possible that the Wrekin hillfortwas attacked at some point –and the local people may have welcomed the Romans.

Dr White adds: “A fort for 500 cavalrymen was established around AD 47 south of Wroxeter village, which controlled the ford there. The tombstone of the cavalryman Tirintius suggests that it was occupied by acohort of Thracians, from modern Bulgaria or Greece.

“Around adecade later,with the surrounding countryside under Roman control, afortress replaced the fort a kilometre to the north.

“This formed the nucleus of the later city.The construction of the fortress meant takinginalarge area of the native people’s land –not just the area of the fortress but enough land around it to support thefortress and the people within it,” he added.

“Undoubtedly,this first phaseof

occupation would have shocked and disorientated the local people.

As well as losing propertyand certainly suffering some violence from the soldiers, they would have had to adjust to the Roman way of doing things, such as using money and speaking anew language.”

The 14th legion built the fortress on high, free-draining ground above the river Severn. The Bell Brook, astream running north of the fortress, supplied ample water,and the site commanded both the ford across the Severnand the surrounding land.

The fortress was designed to provide everything the legion required: living space for its 5,000 troops and500 cavalrymen; workshops; stores; ahospital; the headquarters building; abath house; accommodation for the men in barracks; houses for the officers; and amansion for the commander

The fortress was used as acampaign base throughout the50s and 60s AD, with the 14th legion being replaced by the 20th in around AD 68, until Wales was finally conquered in AD 78. In that year,the governor Agricola, aformer commandant of the 20th legion, probably led out

his campaign force, which hadbeen assembled in camps north of the fortress, for the conquest of northWales and then northern Britain.

As the legion moved further and further north, Wroxeter fortress became more of adepot than an activebase. And when the legion started to build anew fortress at Inchtuthil in Scotland around AD 85, it was clear that Wroxeter was redundant.

Dr White says: “While it is difficult from the little that has been excavated to completely understand what happened in Wroxeter in the third and fourth centuries, it is clear that there was change and eventual decline.

“In this, Wroxeter mirrors what was happening not just in Britain but across the Empire at this time. Internal conflict and external pressures combined to make the Empire more unstable, while the failure of the army to conquer new territory meant that the state was paying out more than it was gathering in taxes. The resulting inflation undermined the way that Roman towns were governed.”

n Formore details and opening times visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

HIDDENHISTORY

ANDY

RICHARDSON

UNCOVERS

THE FASCINATING PAST BEHIND AWALKERS’ PARADISE

Ahidden history and adramatic location combined with the unique gas-lit setting of the Bog Visitor Centre make this amust-visit site for walkers and daytrippers.

Free parking is available all year round, six miles north of Bishop’s Castle, at Grid reference SO355979. Up-to-theminute information is available at:https:// www.bogvisitorcentre.com/

The Bog is located on the edge of Stiperstones National Nature Reserve. Wildlife watching and walking opportunities in this area are plentiful and you can be sure of awarm welcome at the Bog Visitor Centre. Their home-made cake is the stuff of legends.

During the 1870s the Stiperstones area was one of Britain’s main sources of lead. It was ahighly prized metal, used for rooﬁng and plumbing as well as paints and bullets. The Bog Mine and Visitor Centre has anumberofwalks that allow visitors to see the remains of one of the oldest mines in the area. Look out for the old miners institute andvarious mining relics such as the Somme tunnel and the powder house (where explosives used to be stored). Commercial mining started

at the Bog in the 1730s making this one of the oldest mines in the area. Miners laboriously dug out tunnels along the veins of ore using picks and shovels.

This was the start of almost 200 years of lead mining at The Bog, with several small mines operating between here and Snailbeach. Although the veins were rich in lead ore, mining was not continuous; leases changedhands frequently and companies went bankrupt.

Lead mining stopped at The Bog in the 1880s, but the mines were re-opened in the early 1900s to extract barytes, a mineral found with the lead ore. German prisoners of war constructed aropeway to carry the barytes. However,mining

for barytes at The Bog soon became uneconomic and production ﬁnally ceased in 1922.

The old mining reservoir is now an excellent site for newts and dragonﬂies. The spoil heaps are very useful habitat for arange of invertebrates. This is one of the most important sites in Shropshire for the grayling butterly.These insects bask on the spoil heaps and are very hard to spot with their cryptic markings.

The Bog Visitor Centre is the old school house and one of last remaining buildings from The Bog Village, demolished in 1972. The centre is the only visitor facility for the Stiperstones upland region in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides awealth of information about its mining history,its people and wildlife.The centre is staffed by ateamofvolunteers, who have set themselves up as the Bog Visitor Centre Volunteer Group.

A‘Your Heritage’ lottery grant has helped to improve the visitor welcome and understanding of the mine remains, and provided new interpretation within the visitor centre, along with afantastic landscape mural of the Stiperstones.

TEAMTAKES TO THE SKIES

Ateam of four women who volunteered to complete asky dive for aShropshire charity have raised almost £3,000.

The team made the skydive at the Skydive Tilstock centre,near Whitchurch. They have raised almost £3,000for Home-Start Telford &Wrekin charity which provides home visits andsupport for families with children aged under five.

The group, who are all linked through their support for the Home-Start charity, are marketing consultantRuth Martin, of Martin &Jones Marketing; senior quantity surveyor Zoe Clifton, of CQS Solutions; health coach Michelle Le Long, of Michelle Le Long Coaching, and accountant Helen Columb, of Turas Accountants.

The four all agreed that the sky dive had been athrilling waytoraise £2,800 for acharity which wasdoing important work to help young families cope with the stress of parenting.

“It was an amazing experience for all of us. There was afantastic team spirit and we are really pleased with theamount we have raised for such aworthwhile charity

“Weare still open for fundraisingso if anyone would like to make adonation to show their supportthatwould be really appreciated,” said Ruth Martin.

Further information on the sky dive and how to make adonationisatthe foursome’s Just Giving page at www justgiving.com/team/home-starttw2024

Sharon Uppal, of Home-Start Telford &Wrekin, turned out with the charity’s strategic lead Caia Bryant-Griffiths, chair of trustees Cathy Landau and other Home-Start colleagues to support the four

“Wewere just blown away by their generosity.Itwas awonderful day and we were all delighted to see them safely back on the ground,” said Sharon.

She added that anyone wanting to volunteer for Home-Start Telford & Wrekin could sign up forone of the charity’s volunteer courses. The charity also offers an online course for potential volunteers.

Further information on the volunteer course is available by emailing info@ homestarttandw.org.uk or on thewebsite at www.homestarttelfordandwrekin.co.uk

Donation to centre in memory of town historian David

Freemasons John Weaver andAllen Cadman with Wendyand Vicki Trumper,and Angela Hill from Lingen Davies

Awell-known Shropshirehistorian and author who died suddenly this year has helpedraise £2,500 for acountycharity in his memory.

David Trumper,who wasknown as a walking encyclopaedia on Shrewsbury, died in May aged 77 and acollection at his funeral raised £1,000 for the ShropshireMasonic Charitable Association (SMAC).

It was decided to donate this to the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund together with afurther £1,500 from the SMCA in donations from members of ShropshireFreemasons that David was apart of. His legacy will help improve the lives of people aﬀected by cancer across Shropshire, Telfordand Wrekin, and Mid Wales –and reﬂects the way he helped people throughout his life. David liked to help local charities by giving slide presentations to raise much-needed funds and he was always keen to support Shropshire Masons with all the work they do to help others in need.

The last talk he did was in April along with the help of the Salopian Lodge of Charity wherethey raised money in aid of the Respiratory Unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Crane Quality Counselling.

His widowWendy, whom David married in 1970, herself had treatment at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre between 2007 and 2009. She said: “Diﬀerent members of my family and friends havehad treatment thereand we felt it was an important part of the community. We arepleased to haveraised this money for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund as David was extremely grateful to them in the past and we feel that he would be happy to knowthat we have chosen to support them now.”

For moredetails about Lingen Davies visit www.lingendavies.co.uk

Sharon Uppal (second left)with, from left:Zoe Clifton, Helen Columb, Ruth Martin and Michelle Le Long

ANTIQUES

FANTASTICFIND FOR CHINA COLLECTORS

Halls’ Fine Art, Antiques and Jewellery sale on October 9th will feature some exciting new additions to afamous Coalport porcelain service known as the “Animal Service”.

These newly discovered pieces are a fantastic find for collectors andenthusiasts alike.

Coalport, aporcelain manufacturer founded by John Rose in Shropshire in the late 18th century,was one of England’s top porcelain producers. Their high-qualityporcelain became ahallmark of English craftsmanship, gaining popularity at home and abroad.

The “Animal Service” gets its name from the beautifulanimalillustrations that adorn each piece, inspired by Thomas Bewick’s AGeneral History of Quadrupeds. This book, first published in 1790, was widely praised for its detailed woodcut illustrations andeasyto-understanddescriptions of various animals, especially mammals, known as “quadrupeds”. Coalport’s decorators skilfully recreated these animals on porcelain, capturing the same precision and lifelike quality found in Bewick’s original artwork. The animals are set in natural surroundings, like forests or fields, making each piece not just adish but a scene from nature.

The exact size of the original service

remains amystery,but it probably included acentredish, various side dishes, tureens, plates, and perhaps even apair of ice pails. The range of possible designs was vast, with over 200 different woodcut engravings in Bewick’s book. The largest collection from this servicec to market in 1970, including a“Polar Bear”centre dish and a“Hartebeest” lozenge dish. These were secured for the nation and are now proudly displayed at the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.Over the years, more plates have appeared sporadically,but usually only in small numbers.

As for who painted thepieces, theleading artisthasn’t been definitively identified, but it’s believed they were likely based in London and working outside the factory on undecorated blanks from the factory.Coalport scholar Roger Edmundson has suggested that Charles Muss (1779-1824) might have been one of the painters involved and that the varying styles across thepieces indicate that more than one hand might have been at work. Evidence for Muss’s involvement includes carefully detailed animals with two fine lines and shading, suggesting a skilled hand like Muss’s.

background. His father,Beneficio, an Italian artist,moved to London around 1778 and later became adrawingmaster in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Charles, likely trained by his father,exhibited his work at the Royal Academy and even produced enamel plaque of the Coalport China Works in 1804.Healso worked in stained glass, with some of his pieces still visible today in places like Eaton Hall in Cheshire and St. Bride’s Church in London.

If you’re interested in acquiring apiece of history havesimilar items you’d to sell, now is the perfect time. These unique piecesdon’t come around often; when they do, they’re highly sought-after by collectors.

Charles Musshad arich artistic

This upcoming October auction will feature nine different lots, including pieces from two different styles of the service and ararecoffee cup and saucer –anexcitingaddition to what was previously thought to be only adessert service. Estimates for these lots range from £120 to £600 each, and we expect them to be very popular Halls is accepting ceramics entries for forthcoming sales. Forfurther details or to get information, please contact Caroline Dennard on 01743 450700.

AUCTION DELIVERS BOXES OF TREASURE

Keeping your treasured items safe has been important to people since time immemorial, and often the urge to store things has itself been adriving force for the creation of beautiful objects in the form of unique storage boxes.

A fine example of such abox was offered for sale at TrevanionAuctioneers’ recent auction –a19th century Maori Wakahuia or feather box, made on the North Island of New Zealand.

Originally created to hold the precious white-tipped black feathers of the huia bird (now sadly extinct), Wakahuia boxes were soon used to store jewellery-like adornments carved from wood, whalebone or stone, and as the design of the box became more complex and refined, the Wakahuia itself became a cherished object and heirloom.

“This Wakahuia was alovely example of Maori artistry,” said valuer Simon Grover,“it was intricately carved with dog tooth notching and curved ridges known as haehae, andwas in lovely condition.”

The Wakahuia sold near the top end of its estimatefor £2,800 plus fees, and was soon on itsway to an American buyer

Other treasure-box-worthy pieces at the auction included an early 20th century Russian untested sapphire set stick pin, modelled as the Imperial double headed eagle.

“It’s possible that this beautiful pin was made by the legendary Russian court jewellers Faberge,” said Jewellery valuer Amelia Tomkinson.

“The hallmarks were very indistinct and hard to read, but the pin showed all the quality you’d expect from aFaberge piece, which made it areally exciting prospect for ourbuyers.”

After a fierce bidding battle the pin eventually sold for £2,600 plus fees.

An early 20th century diamond cluster ring also attracted plenty of attention, thanks to its central old cut diamond surrounded by thirteen mixed cut diamonds within awhite metal milgrain setting. Afantastic addition to any jewellery box, the ring sold for £1,400 plus fees.

Formany people, wristwatches represent box-worthy treasure, and the auction featured alovely example in the form of an Omega stainless steel Speedmaster.With its black dial with triple subsidiary dial, blacktachymeter,

ABOVE: Oil on canvas painting sold for £1,400 plus fees; Omega Speedmaster sold for £2,500 plus fees; 19th Century Maori Wakahuia boxsold for £2,800 plus fees; early 20th Century untested saphireset stickpin made £2,600 plus fees

and start/stop and reset pushers above and below the crown, the watch offered style and quality,selling for £2,500 plus fees. Although too big to fitinatreasure box, fine art was also well represented at the auction, with particular interest shown in an oil on canvas depicting ahorseand carriage in alandscape by afollower of eminent British artist John Nost Sartorius (1759-1828). The painting sold for £1,400 plus fees and, although inscribed ‘Plas Power Nr Wrexham’ on theback, found a new home with aShropshire buyer

“Being an auctioneer is just like being atreasure hunter in many ways,” said Managing Partner Christina Trevanion, “and its surprising howoften the boxes made to store our treasures have value themselves. Finding the perfect box and the treasures to fill it can bring joy to us at any age, although Imustconfess to preferring the more grown-up treasures to be found in our jewellery department!”

Trevanion Auctioneers will hold their next auction on 16th October.Tobook a valuation appointment please call 01948 800202.

Pictured:

College launches apprenticeship

The apprenticeship is in health care

TelfordCollege is launching an exciting new apprenticeship for people seeking careers in the health caresector

The Health CareSupport Worker apprenticeship involves four days a week in ahospital setting, with one day aweek spent in the college’s clinical skills training centre.

“This is avery exciting partnership –the latest stage of our close working arrangement with the Shrewsbury and TelfordHospital NHS Trust,” said Sarah Davies, TelfordCollege’s director of health and science.

“All of our health caresupport worker apprentices will be based on aclinical ward, working alongside qualiﬁed staﬀ and other health caresupport workers to deliver high-quality carefor patients, their families and carers.

“It is afantastic opportunity to develop knowledge under the supervision of experts, and aperfect platform to launch acareer as afully-qualiﬁed health caresupport worker.”

The level two apprenticeship runs for 12 months, with employment at either the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, or Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

Sarah said: “Apprentices will get chance to help patients in all activities of daily living, under the close supervision of trained staﬀ

“They will also be trained in the use of manual handling equipment, and gain a working knowledge of important health and safety issues and procedures.”

The Shrewsbury and TelfordHospital NHS Trustisthe main provider of district general hospital services for nearly half amillion people in Shropshire, Telford&Wrekin and mid Wales.

For moredetails, email the apprenticeship team at TelfordCollege –apprentices@telfordcollege.ac.uk or see www.ﬁndapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/ apprenticeship/VAC1000275416

FILMPUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON UKRAINE

AUkrainian cast has spoken directly to Shropshire school students about their hopes and dreams for abetter countryand theirstrugglestoaccess education in a war-torn country

We are U–adocumentary film about five Ukrainian teenagers –was shown at Ellesmere College followed by aquestionand-answer session with all five of the young people featured in the film.

Members of the public also had the opportunity to join in andget atrue insightinto what it is like living through war

The screening was arranged by UkrainianEllesmere College student Anna Polonska, 14, working with the Arts Centre Manager,Eliza Badham-Moore and Director of Drama, Rachel Schubert.

Year 11 student Anna said: “I am so pleased that Ibrought this film to Ellesmere College, so other students can see just what it is like to live through war as ateenager.Itwas avery emotional evening andIthink everyone in the audience took something away from it.

“There were alot of questions for Sophia, Danil, Darii, Myroslava, and Daria afterwardsand it was atruly memorable event.”

Eliza added: “Weare delighted we have been able to show We are U

here at the college to not only our own students but other members of our community who wanted to experience this opportunity

“It wasa rare opportunity to hosta virtual Q&Awith all five cast members afterwards and we were honoured to do so, you could tell that everyone who attended was moved by the evening –both the film and the conversation afterwards.”

The documentary follows the teenagers and their mentors over six months, sharing theliving-through-war experience, as well as their dreams and the projects they’re developing to rebuild their country

They are from five different Ukrainian cities –Kharkiv,Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv,Kakhovka, and Lviv –showing how the teens can give hope for the future.

The film was created by savED, a charity developed to help Ukrainian children access education, returning normality through their right to study, socialise and prepare for future success.

The screening took place on September 13 at the Arts Centre, Ellesmere College. It is one of just afew universities and colleges across the UK that has had the opportunity to show the film

Anna Polonska helped organise the screening alongside Arts CentreManager Eliza Badham-Moore

GIVING CHILDREN CHANCE TO THRIVE

Wolverhampton Grammar School is proudtobe recognised for its academic excellence and welcoming, inclusive community

From Receptionthrough to Sixth Form, we provide an enriching educational experience that ensures every child has the chance to thrive, both academically and personally.Our commitment to fostering anurturing, supportive environment is evident in the remarkable achievements and personal growth of our students.

With small class sizes, WGS offers tailored, personalised attention that allows each child to reach their full potential. Beyond academics, our school offers an extensive range of over 100 extracurricular activities.

n Digital learning for the modern world –Our Junior and Infants School providesa seamless education for children aged 4to11, offering the same excellent facilities as the SeniorSchool which welcome students from Years 7to11. From Year 3onwards, allstudents are equipped with iPads, integrating digital learning into everyday school life

n Education as individual as your child –This year,wecelebrated

another outstanding year of GCSE results, with 77% of all examsawardedthe top grades of 9to6 (equivalent to A* to B). Exceptional performance was seen not only in core subjects like English, Maths, and Science but also in Art, Computer Science, and Drama, where over 93% of students achieved top grades. The breadth of success demonstrates our commitment to an all-round education tailored to the individual needs of your child.

WGS offers adiverse curriculum across arts, sports, music, and academic fields. At GCSE level, students have the flexibility to study all three sciences or focus on just two.

n Applications for Year 7 (2025 Entry) –Wewelcome applicationsfor Year 7entry in 2025.The deadline for

applications is Friday 6th December,with entrance exams taking place on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th January

n Sixth Form –A pathway to success –Our Sixth Form students consistently achieve exceptional A-level results, with a100%pass rate across all subjects this year.Impressively,20% of students were awarded A*, 42% achieved A* to A, and 70% earned A* to Bgrades.

One of the key advantages of studying A-levels at WGS is the flexibility of subject selection, allowing students to personalise their educational journey without the constraints of option blocks. With over 20 A-level subjects and two Cambridge Technical qualifications to choose from, students are supported in crafting apath that suits their individual goals.

Our dedicated careers team ensures every student secures their ideal next step, whether that’s university,an apprenticeship, agap year or entering employment.

Join us for our Sixth Form Options Evening on Thursday 14th November, to learn more. Forfurther information or to book atour please contact our Admissions Team on 01902 422 939or email admissions@wgs-sch.net

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•BookontoourSixthFormOptionsEvening–Thursday14thNovember

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01902422939|www.wgs.org.uk admissions@wgs-sch.net

APACKWOODEDUCATION

After 15 months as ‘head-elect’, my first day in post had finally arrived and Iwas eager to discover what constitutes a Packwood education, writes Packwood Head William Goldsmith.

Ididn’t have to wait long. An email pinged into my inbox from an ex-pupil who has just finished her secondary schooling in Bali.

She said: “The values, skills, and character that Packwood instilled remain pivotal to who Iam. This is down to the dedication of the teachers, the nurturing environment, and the emphasis on both personal character andacademic growth”.

Iwas delighted to have such ringing endorsement as Ipreparedto outline my vision for Packwood. Her words reinforced the longer-term impact that afocus on character,adventure and high performance has, and therefore these three broad areas underpin our approach at Packwood.

Character Education, as afully embedded and intentional strand across school life, is more relevantnow than ever before. As we grapple with the juxtaposition of human vs AI and increasing pressures and expectations on young people, acquiring virtues, attributes and attitudes from a

young age are crucial for our pupils to flourish.

Adventure conjures up images of the outdoors, campfires andendurance focused on self-resilience and collaboration. And yes, this is half of the vision: climbing mountains, kayaking lakes and biking in the Welsh hills; and further afield engaging in exchange trips with our partner schools in countries like India, Cambodia and Thailand. But we also have avision forthe entire educational experience, whether that be in the classroom, within our co-curricular provision, or boarding community,toempower our children to

possess aspirit of adventure. Which then leads to high-performance. The well-trodden path of placing aceiling on achild’s abilities and passions simply encourages mediocracy,which won’t cutit in an AI-integrated world. It is our mission to unleash the brilliance in every child, in whatever field, interest andpersonality trait, thus challenging adisproportionate emphasis on grades and measuring potential. From our spot in idyllic Shropshire, Ithink Ihave found what constitutes a Packwood education, which was only last week summed up by another ex-pupil as “the best years of my life”.

LEAGUE OF FRIENDS

Bringand share lunch

Members of several of Shropshire’sLeagues of Friends gathered for their annual Bring and Sharelunch at Chairman Jayne Mott’sgarden in Shrewsbury.

They enjoyedsharing storiesand ideas for fundraising from around the county, supporting each other’swork, and relaxing overa delicious lunch.

The group, comprising of eight county-wide leagues, meet twice yearlyineach other’shospitals and careunits for business meetings and once ayear for the social lunch.

Photos: TimThursﬁeld

Julie Adney, RichardSteventon, Libby Baines and Sheila Turner Vice chair Sally Davies, Jayne Mott and Jean Prior

Cheryl King, Sue Skinner and Jane Preece.

Julia Davies, Verena Swinnerton, Sue Burrowsand Paula Tristham.

Members of Bridgnorth League of Friends at the Bring and ShareLunch

Joan Nottle and Alison Field.

JayneMott, Trish Pritchardand Sally Davies.

THE SHROPSHIRE SOCIETY

Shrewsbury Abbey

The ShropshireSocietyinLondon held acivicservice at the Abbey in Shrewsbury celebrating the society’s 125th anniversary.

The society has been in existence since the 1740s when members gathered in the Pope Head Tavern,Cornhill, London, in the reign of George II.

Over the years, it has held social events and proﬁts havealways gone to charitable causes in the county of Shropshire.

The society established the Captain Webb Medal to “recognise examples of extreme courage in saving life”by people in the county.

Captain Matthew Webb was born at Dawley, Telford, and was the ﬁrst person to swim the English Channel. In 1875, he swam from DovertoCalais in less than 22 hours. The Captain Webb medal was established in his honour

Photos: Russell Davies Photography

Dennis Hill, General Secretary, and Ronald Gee.

Sir Michael Leighton Bart and Nigel Hill.

Mark Thorn and Amanda Thorn DL.

President of the Society Col. Mark Cuthbert- BrownDL, Vice President Leigh Northcott Hammond Vice President, patron HowardFranklin.

Patron HowardFranklin, Membership Secretary Patricia Day, Vice President Leigh Northcott Hammond.

Alexander Wagner,The Deputy Mayor of Shrewsbury, with the Mayor’sOﬃcer

James Hodgson and Julie Hodgson.

Town Crier Martin Wood summons the guests to worship.

Rev. Patrick Aldred, Oﬃciant the Abbey. The Abbey Choir

SHREWSBURY INNER WHEEL

OakgateGarden Centre

An a ernoon tea took place at Oakgate Garden CentreinEllerdine Heath to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Inner Wheel in this country.

Around 17 members of Shrewsbury Inner Wheel gathered to mark the occasion and enjoysandwiches, cakes and hot beverages.

Aﬂower bed near the bandstand entrance to the Dingle in the Quarry was also laid out in Inner Wheel colours and aplaque was installed in honour of the centenary. Visitors could also ﬁnd out moreabout Inner Wheel thanks to the nearby information board.

Inner Wheel was founded in Manchester in 1924 and the main objectives areto promote true friendship, to encourage the ideals of personal service and to foster international understanding. The Shrewsbury branch was founded 81 years ago.

Photos: TimThursﬁeld

Carole Copplestone and Margaret Evason.

Members of Shrewsbury Inner Wheel celebrating at Oakgate Garden Centre, Ellerdine Heath.

Marion Clegg, Sylvia Pritchardand Prue Whittingham.

Mary Fearnside, Elizabeth Merriﬁeld and Kath Owen.

Sue Henshaw, Brenda Driver Devalle and Eleanor Gillogaley.

Penny Ross, Christine Beaver and Trixie Cooper

Margaret Hudson and Mavis Sharp.

KING’SAWARD FOR ENTERPRISELAUNCH

Harrington Hall

Business leaders from across Shropshirejoined county dignitaries for the launch of this year’s King’sAwardfor Enterprise.

The event was hosted by Shropshire’sLordLieutenant Anna Turner and LordHamilton of Dalziel DL at Harrington Hall in Shifnal.

The King’sAwardisthe UK’smost prestigious business award. Shropshire’sformer High Sheriﬀ,Mandy Thorn MBE DL, urged guests to enter their businesses for the awards, which open doors to global recognition.

Guests of honour were theteam from Willo Game, from Bishop’sCastle, which scooped the King’sAwardfor International Tradelast year

Photos: Supplied

Angela Dempster and Chris James, from Fabweld, with Anna Turner.

John Burrowes(Willo Game) and Julian Barratt (SNG Barratt).

Anna Turner.

PeterReay(i2r) and Ruth Ross (ShropshireChamber of Commerce).

Katherine Kynaston (T&W Council), Anna Turner and Stuart Marshall (Elements Europe).

LordLieutenant Anna Turner,with Shropshiredeputy lieutenants Gill Hamer and Mandy Thorn, meet the 2024 winners Willo Game.

Gavin Hamilton, Phil Gutteridge (Hospital Direct) and Gill Hamer

WOLLERTON OLD HALL Gardencelebration

Around 40 guests gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wollerton Old Hall Garden in Market Drayton.

Set around a16thCentury Hall,the modern garden covers four acres and is renowned for its salvias, clematis and roses and the clever use of colour,formand scale.

The event also included the oﬃcial opening of its newly designed Well Garden, acollaborativeproject between Lesley Jenkins and Pip Smith. Award-winning photographer CliveNicholscut the ribbon to declarethe garden open.

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

Pip Smith (Garden Designer), John Jenkins, CliveNichols andLesley Jenkins.

Photographer CliveNichols

Event to mark 40 years of Wollerton Old Hall Gardens and the opening of the Well Garden.

Anne Taylor and Penny Moore.

Julie Lacey and Robert Lacey.

Andrew Humphris and Jo Humphris.

Sharon Butler and Paul Butler

Chris Brownand Stacey Millard.

HOPEHOUSEGOLF DAY WrekinGolfClub

Asunny, social day of golf followedbypub hospitality is set to raise £1,000 to support children with life-threatening conditions and their families. The golf day organised by ateam from the Huntsman of Little Wenlock, Telford, made vital funds for Hope House children’s hospice, based near Oswestry.

Held at Wrekin Golf Club, this was the 11th golf day hosted by Peter Morris, director of the Huntsman, in Little Wenlock, andPeter Morris Cars. The fun fundraiser was ateameﬀort featuring 35 golfers in nine teams Sponsors were Eco Electrical, AK Williams, PM Property Management, Greene King, Huntsman Little Wenlock, Brockton House Farm, Cadwalader Agriculture, Syspal Ltd, Raby Estates, Meadowvale Nursery, Rowton and Hobsons Breweries and S&P Paintshop.

Raﬄeand auction prize were kindly donated by Addison Wines, Ludlow Brewery, Enville Brewery, Briton Fine Food, Bookers Telford, Astbury Golf Resort and Greene King.

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

Lloyd Giles, Chris Turner and Mervin Hughes.

Tony Walker,Andrew Havard, Bob Williams and Lyndon Walker

George Bailey, Michael Wood, Jeremy Good and SteveWalker

Karen Stephenson, Peter Morris and Katie Smith-Hurst.

Dan Crane, Carl Catt, Bren Griﬀ and Max Picken.

Liam Welch, Neil Irving, Lee Bowden and Paul Morris.

DaveBassett, Geoﬀ Barnett, Rob Nutting and CliveNutting.

SHREWSBURY FURNITURE SCHEME

30th celebration

Volunteers and staﬀ could all be very proudofwhathas been achieved in thepast30years.

That was the message from chairman WillieStrachan addressing visitors to the Shrewsbury FurnitureScheme’s30th anniversary celebration.

He said: “It is abig thank you and an opportunity to tell everyone the story of what we do. Hopefully, we can get the message out to more people to help those in need.”

And he added: “Thank you for all you havedoneoverthe yearsand will hopefully do for another 30 yearsmore.”

Alarge number of guests included Shrewsbury’snew MP Julia Buckley who was interested to hear of work of the Shrewsbury FurnitureSchemeand praised its resilience in going forwardwhen other similar schemes haveclosed.

“You haveperformed exceptionally well during very diﬃcult times,” she told the chairman.

The MP was given atour of the Monkmoor Road premises and saw howastarter pack of items was made up for ahomeless family.

Starter packs include asingle duvet, bedding, pans, jugs, mugs, kitchen utensils and tea towels –all for a£10 charge. In addition, she was told that athree-seatersetteecould be obtained for just £60.

“I am most impressed with everything Ihavebeen told and seen on my visit,” she added. “I wish the Shrewsbury FurnitureScheme well forthe next 30 years.”

Photos: Peter Love

SFS chairman Willie Strachan, Julia Buckley MP,Councillor Pam Moseley.

Councillor Pam Moseley, Julia Buckley MP,Jayney Lawley.

Front: Graham Baker,RichardLawley, back: David Parson, MikeHall, Toni Salema.

Katrina Hall, Margaret Roberts, Rosi Pearson, Julia Buckley MP,ClaireChallenor

Barry Steen, Gareth Bevan, John Pritchard.

Shrewsbury FurnitureScheme TrusteeMikeHall being ﬁlmed by Rachel and interviewed by Lois for aTVfeature.

TRIPS TO ENJOY A GOLDEN AUTUMN

NOW THE HARVEST SEASON IS UPON US, IT’S TIME TO LOOK FORWARDTOHILL WALKING, LEAF PEEPING AND SPECTACULAR FESTIVALS, SAYS SARAH MARSHALL.

For hundreds of years, the autumn months have been aperiod associated with food, festivities and grand feasts.

As trees begin to shed their leaves and valleys shimmer in aspectrum of warming colours, the landscapes of the UK and Ireland are ajoy to discover on long hikes. This is alsothe harvestseason, when orchards are laden with juicy apples and dining tables are piled high with home-grown produce.

So, rather than lament the end of the supposedly warmer months, celebrate crisper air and cooling temperatures by rejoicing in the knowledge autumnis under way.Try one of these weekends away to celebrate the season.

The Fife Arms, Scotland Moorlands glow in the deepest of purple hues as the cooler weather sets in. Hike through some ofScotland’s prettiest patches in theCairngorms National Park, using the cosy Fife Arms hotel as abase.

Located in the village of Braemar,the art-ﬁlled, historic property is surrounded by alandscape of forests, farms, crofts, wetlands and rivers.

Simply stepping foot outside is a boost for body and soul, an experience enhanced by anew Wild Wellness package designed to help guests connect with nature. Go for aguided wildswim and warm up in awood-ﬁred sauna made from aconverted horse box clad in Scottish larch,where water is poured on rocks of local pink river granite.

Return to alog ﬁre in thehotel’s Drawing Room and sample achoice of 365 whiskies in Bertie’s bar.

How: From £434 per night including breakfast. Visit theﬁfearms.com

The Quiet Site, LakeDistrict

If adrop in temperature sparks a desire to hibernate, head underground for asubterranean stay in aGlamping Burrow (from £110 per night).

The playful accommodation is part of five-star sustainably-minded ecoresort The Quiet Site, which overlooks Ullswater in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Fortunately,unlike arabbit warren, the burrows do have light-filled views of the surrounding fells.

But for something more upmarket, try aGlamping Cabin (from £120per night) or embrace outdoor living with atimberbuilt Glamping Pod(from £50 per night).

Nearby hikes include the Ullswater Way, a20-mile lake circuit, the Aira Force waterfalls and Helvellyn mountain.

How: Visit thequietsite.co.uk

Folkestone, Kent

Britain’s seaside towns havebeen undergoing arevival in recent years. Once favoured by Victorians for asummer break, stretches alongthe southeastcoast in Kent arenow appealing year-round.

Folkestone is the latest destination to undergo arevamp, with significant investment in the harbour area. Play games like SHUFL board and darts in The Board Room, watch a film in thefree cinema, and dine out at acluster of new bars and restaurants.

Housed in ashipping container,Little Rock serves seasonal seafood fished by local trawlers in the Hythe Bay area. A short walk away,get the full seafarer’s experience by staying at the boutique Rocksalt Rooms overlooking theworking fishing harbour

Next year,Grade-II listed Leas Lift –a funicular railway which carried passengers between the seafront and the promenade –will reopen following arefurbishment.

How: Doubles from £103 per night, including breakfast. Visit rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Toomany of us are fair-weather runners, eagerly packing away our running shoes as soon as skies turn grey

Summon up thestamina to embark on multi-season runs with arunningthemed holiday in Wales, staying in a300-year-old cottage in Snowdonia National Park.

Under the guidance of qualified UKA Fell and Trail Coach, TimHigginbottom, learn how to improve your technique for enhanced performance and get tips on creating your own personal training plan for the season ahead.

As part of the itinerary,yoga flow sessions are designed to help runners

increase flexibility and improvebreathing –all necessaryfor avoiding injury and fulfilling trail running goals.

How: Afour-day break costs from £495pp, including full-board accommodation, training and technique sessions, three trail runswith a professional coach, yoga workshop, voluntary trail clean. Departs September 20. Visit responsibletravel.com

Congham Hall, Norfolk

We may not be blessed with Amalfi’s lemons or Spain’s oranges, but the UK’s variety of homegrown apples is equally impressive. In October,orchardboughs will be laden with the crisp fruits, ripe for harvest.

Soak up one of the autumn seasons’ sweetest scents by staying in an orchard cabin at Congham Hall and Spa.

Named after different apple varieties grown on the grounds of the 31-bedroom Georgian manor house, theluxury cabins all have hot tubs andfeature an interior design inspired by Norfolk scenes of lavender fields, beaches andbluebell woods.

Dine in the hotel’s AA-rosette restaurant and spend days exploring nature trails along the nearby coastline.

How: Cabins from £419 per night (sleeps two). Visit conghamhallhotel.co.uk

Falmouth, Cornwall

Fewfoods evoke the magic of the sea quite like an oyster.Heralding the startofoyster dredging season, Falmouth celebrates the prized shellfish with afour-day festival of talks, cooking

PAGE 97: Dawn in Ullswater at The Quiet Site; The Fife Arms in Scotland.

PAGE 98: The countryside surrounding The Fife Arms; Snowdonia National Park; glamping burrow at TheQuiet Site.

PAGE 99: The gardens at Congham Hall Hotel &Spa; enjoying oysters at Falmouth; Folkestone Harbour

demonstrations with local chefs and live bands.

Ahighlight of the Falmouth Oyster Festival, held from October 10-13, is achancetolearnabout thetraditional method for harvesting oysters using sail and oar.Stay at nearbyHotel Meudon, bathed in colour throughout the year thanks to an impressive collection of hydrangeas in the surrounding gardens. Valleys of deciduous trees turn gold and crimson as cooler days set in.

How: Doubles at Hotel Meudon from £129 per night, including breakfast. Visit meudon.co.uk

CHILLOUT IN LAND OF FIRE ANDICE

DESPITE RECENT VOLCANIC ACTIVITY,ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST NATURAL ATTRACTIONS IS SAFE AND OPEN TO VISIT,SAYS SARAH MARSHALL.

The sky burned crimson as flames licked the horizon. While wildfires wreak havoc in other parts of the planet, theinfernos engulfing parts of Icelandburn deep from within the earth’s core

This summer,the Nordic nation experienced another volcanic eruption along the southern Reykjanes Peninsula, an area straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American andEurasian tectonic plates converge.

In ageological system that has laid dormant for 800 years, this wasthe ninth eventsince 2021. Volcanic eruptions, lava flows and seismic activityhave become part of daily life on an island constantly reshaped by the powers of nature.

“Scientists canpredict roughly when another eruption mighthappen,” said my guide, Gunnar,aswedrove from Keflavik International Airport,a 20-minute ride from the restless Peninsula. “But nobody

ever knows for sure.”

When Ivisited the country two weeks prior to the latest eruption, residents were already anticipating new fissures and fires. Adark wall of lava sloped along the road to iconic geothermal spa the Blue Lagoon, evidence of an eruption earlier this year which wiped out nearby town Grindavik, forcing 4,000 people to abandon their homes.

Road signs struck through with a red line were achilling reminder of the speed with which molten magma can erase atown. On severaloccasions,lava flows have come dangerously close to The Retreat, one of Iceland’s most luxurious hotels. When Iarrived, plans were already in place for an evacuation –adrill the team now know all too well.

Safety precautions already in place include anetwork of gas meters capable of detecting eruption-related air pollution. A sophisticated and well-drilled evacuation

system can get guests to safety within an hour

Anywhere else in the world, building so close to active volcanoes would verge on suicidal. But in Iceland, every patch of land is potentially volatile. Besides, the cause of so much destruction is also the foundation of the hotel’s main attraction.

Part of aglobal geopark, The Retreat neighbours the Blue Lagoon –asupersized spa filled with amixture of seawater and fresh water heated 2,000 metres below the earth’s surface in volcanic aquifers.

While the origins of the site’s source extend back thousands of years, it was first discovered in the 1970s, resulting in construction of the Svartsengi Resource Park, which provides geothermalenergy to the country.Inthe 1980s,residents started bathing in areservoir that had formed in lava fields nearby

Metal pipes curving from the

industrial powerhouse add an oddly dystopian appeal to an area that already feels as if it belongs to another planet.

When I first visited the Blue Lagoon 20 years ago, crowds were already coming to bathe in the naturally silica-rich, therapeutic spa. Wading through the skyblue waters, faces covered in white mud packs and carrying pints in their hands, they glided through clouds of steam.

Today,the site attracts more than 700,000visitors per year –aconsequence of Iceland’s growing popularity as an adventure destination and astop-off for flights to the USA. (A short drive from the airport, it’s easy to squeeze the Blue Lagoon intoatrip.)

Builtinto the lava flow and opened in April 2018, the 60-suite Retreat gives guests private access to the same waters without anycrowds. In the reception, where breakfast and afternoon tea are served, windows overlook the inviting, milky abyss –although abathing section extends from the subterranean spa.

Taking advantage of one of Iceland’s

few sunny days, Isankinto the warm, soothing lagoon soon after checking in –hoping an evacuation wouldn’t happen while Iwas still in my dressing gown.

The Retreat offers guests amulti-step 45-minute Blue Lagoon Ritual, using many of the products developed using the area’s potent minerals. Iscrubbed my body with exfoliating salts, smothered athick algae face mask on my skin, and cleansed with asilica cream.

Bioactive microalgae found here supposedly stimulates collagen and has anti-ageing benefits. The process itself was mind-focusing and relaxing, but the results were astounding –my skin glowed with the power and richness of afresh lava flow

Wellbeing, acore value of The Retreat, is not only concentratedonexternal appearances. Overseen by executive chef Aggi Sverrisson, theMichelinrecommended Moss Restaurant serves amenuof Icelandic dishes presented with a flair and drama befitting of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Forced to close for afew days followingthe latest volcanic activity, the Blue Lagoon has already reopened. Plans to enhance the site, add new features and create anew access road are also still going ahead. It demonstrates the resilience of a population who have learned that in the land of fire and ice, life will always be dictated by the landscape.

“Wegoabout our daily routines: work, cooking, hanging it with friends –while the earth is literally reshaping itself right next door,” posted Icelandic influencer Asa Steinars on Instagram. “But there’s acertain peace in that realisation too. The planet has its own rhythm, one that’sgoing to keep going long after we’re gone.”

n How to plan your trip: Entrance to the Blue Lagoon costs from 9,900 ISK (£54). AMoss Junior Suite or Lava View Junior Suite starts from 220,000 ISK (£1,245) per night with aminimum twonight stay.Visit bluelagoon.com

E-CLASSACT JUST GOTEVEN BETTER

BIGGER AND MORE TECHNOLOGICALLYADVANCED, BILL MCCARTHY PUTS THE MERCEDES SALOON THROUGH ITS PACES. AND YES, IT’S ADIESEL, WHICH OFFERS AHUGE RANGE.

Ishardtoimagine this classy executive saloon, which has been around for awhile now,getting any bigger.But it is bigger,better,more technologically advanced and yes, diesel power is still available.

At astart priceofjust under £40k, it’s obviously not cheap. But it’s aMerc, a highly desirable hunk of metal that brings plenty of kudos.

Bigger,more technologically advanced and oozing quality,the latest E-Class is the best yet.

Mercedes is currently choosing to keep the electric Mercedes EQE and combustion-engined models apart, as, they say,itbalances tradition with modernity and ‘builds abridge’ between traditional exec saloons and the tech-ﬁlled EVs of the future. Righto. That’s clear

then. Anyway,itisavailable with four trim levels –Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premiumand AMGLine Premium Plus, with twodiesel and two petrol engines. It looks good, as it always has, and this model features areﬁnedtwo-litre diesel power unit, delivering excellent economy of approaching 59mpg

Forthe ﬁrst time it uses mild hybrid technology via an integrated startergenerator (ISG) producing up to 15 kW of additional output.

It delivers ameaty 197hp through the slick-shifting 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. So reﬁned is thediesel, Ihad to do adouble take to make sure the right car hadbeen delivered as diesel clatter was just about absent.

It looks good, the sleek, but powerful lines remain, enhanced by the new front

end with increased chrome content on agrillethatnow features chrome plated dots with theso-familiar three-pointed Mercedes star

This range-topper featured AMG bodystyling, powered sliding roof, privacyglass, LED intelligent headlights and anew bumper for asportier look All feature all-LED technology and its rounded off with smart 20-inchAMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The interior exudes apremium feel, there is extra headspace and legroom, with the driver enjoying ﬁve millimetres more headroom thaninthe preceding model.

The rear passengers also beneﬁt from the two centimetre longer wheelbase increasinghead and leg room by 10 and 17 millimetres, respectively.Itoffers creature comforts throughmostly high

end materials, like the open-pore ash wood trim, multi-function steering wheel and clever hi-tech touches.

The climatised front leather seats are powered with simple buttons on the door to adjust to the optimum driving position. The cabin is dominated by the huge central touchscreen on this model known as the ‘superscreen’ which is a14.4-inch central display,a 12.3-inch driver display and on this model there is another 12.3inch screen for the front passenger,while the driver’s digital instruments are only slightly more compact..

On this PremiumPlus model the 12.3-inch passenger screen allows for downloading games and apps, and also uses the system without disturbing the central screen for the driver

The main screen controls major functions like navigation and the MBUX infotainment system, including aquality surround sound system and 5G smartphone connectivity

The MBUX system uses AI to learn and adapt and predict personal habits, such as navigation for frequently-driven routes, or radio station and on your way home from work

As you would expect for acar of this price it is packed with clever electronic wizardry including the relaxing digital ambient mood light with brilliant

graphics. It is pretty user-friendly and combines various apps. On the road, the car can be pretty much what you want it to be.

Along-range reﬁned and comfortable cruiser,but with enough pace and acceleration for amore sporty drive, or an around town exec saloon. The three drive modes allows you to ramp up the pace and it hits the60mph in arapid 7.5 seconds.

It’s abig car but the handling is good, holding well on twisty narrow lanes.

But above all it is comfortable with Merc’s Agility Control lowered suspension with selective damping system soaking up all but the worst our roads can offer.Onthat, the 20-inch wheels look great, but you wonder if smaller wheels would deliver more comfort.

Mercedes has always been at the cutting edge of safety technology and the E-Class is packed with passive and active measures including parking package with reversing camera and Parking Assist, Active Distance Assist, Trafﬁc Sign Assist, Active Brake Assist, dashcam, blind spot monitor and, importantly,rear cross trafﬁc alert.

In practical terms, the boot capacity is generous with up to 540 litres with various other cubby holes.

It’s an expensive car,this range topper

had an eye-watering price tag of more than £68k, but there certainly won’t be a shortage of buyers –even if diesel is no longer in favour generally

Price:£68,485

Mechanical:197mph,1,993cc four-cylindermildhybridpetrol enginedrivingrearwheelsviaa nine-speedautobox

Maxspeed:148mph

0-62:76seconds

Combinedmpg:54-59

Insurance:30E

CO2emissions:136g/km

Warranty:Threeyears/unlimited miles

NOSTALGIA

The

1962: This image was used as part of areport on the move of the Millichope School to Apley Park –atNorton, betweenTelfordand Bridgnorth. Apley has its ownheated indoor swimming pool. Hereanenthusiastic muster on the diving boards preparetomakeabig splash in the 7ft end.

1976: Actor David Niven, who was ﬁlming Candleshoe for Walt Disney Productions, on location on the Severn Valley Railway line at Hampton Loade, near Bridgnorth, was seen during rehearsals. The ﬁlm is acomedy drama based on the book Christmas at Candleshoe, which tells the story of atomboywho claims to be the long lost heiress to the historic house.

AUTUMN IN YEARSPAST

HEATHER LARGE LOOKSBACK AT OCTOBER IN YEARS GONE BY

The first signs of autumn are beginning to appear across the county.October is always a month full of vibrant colour as the leaves put on their seasonal display, turning from green to yellow,red and brown.

The cooler crisp days areperfect for visiting local nature spots that are often crowded throughout the summer

There are two separatedates which could be said to mark the startofautumn in calendars. One is defined by the Earth’s

axis and orbit around the Sunand the second is a fixeddatewhich is used by meteorologists for consistent spacing and lengths of the seasons.

This year,astronomicalautumn begins on Sunday,September 22 and ends on Saturday,December 21.

By the meteorological calendar,the first day of autumn is always September 1, ending on November 30.

Make yourself ahot drink, wrap up with acosy blanket and enjoy our October photo selection from years gone by

1965: RichardNeal, who was head of Phoenix School, Dawley, from September 1965 to December 1983, pictured in October 1965 shortly after his appointment.

1964: This was the scene just after 500 tons of scrap tyres erupted into flames at Spout Farm,Malinslee, near Dawley, Telford. Three East Shropshirefire brigades sped to tackle the fire.

1975:

LudlowQuoits League ﬁnals were played at the Compasses and it was the Compasses, pictured here, who won both the league cup and the KO trophy. Back row:RodneyGower, Tony Ashbridge, RoyMorgan, M. Bounds, Peter Angell. Front, SteveBushy, Colin Angell, Barry Matthews, Paul Davies.

1974: Old agricultural implements lie rusting in the foreground as lines of small factories spring up at StanmoreIndustrial Estate near Bridgnorth.

1969: East Hamlet Hospital, Ludlow. ‘The ﬁrst £250,000 phase of rebuilding East Hamlet Hospital, Ludlow, was changing the town skyline. Nurse G. Lucas and Staﬀ Nurse M. Capper walk past the new geriatric wardbeing built at the hospital. The wardwould cater for 66 patients.

1972: Miss Shropshire1972 is pictured on her victory at Oakengates Town Hall. She was Patricia Wilkes,ofMendip Close, Little Dawley.

1975: Susan Adams, aged 16, of Hamlet Road, Ludlow, looks all set to showthe boys athing or two about table skittles at the new youth club at Galdeford, Ludlow.’

1980: Princess Diana, at the time Lady Diana Spencer,atLudlowracecourse. Her companion was Camilla Parker-Bowles. Diana was thereto watch Prince Charles compete on his horse Allibar.The man is unidentiﬁed.

1962: Members of the North Staﬀordshirebranchofthe British Sub-Aqua Club, who visited Stirchley Pool, Dawley, to search for the remains of an old farmhouse believed to be at the bottom of the pool.

1969: Using buildings built in Bridgnorth in the 1820s, the Decca RecordCo. started producing anew commodity –tape cassettes –ready for the 1970s.

ANEW CHAPTER FORBOOKEXPERTS

MATTHEW PANTER CHATS TOTHE PEOPLE BEHIND ACOUNTY BOOK SHOP THATHAS BUILTON

THE SUCCESS OFITS FIRST STORE AND ISSHARING ALOVE OF READING ACROSS THE COUNTY

Many of us love agood book. It might be to provide us with some escapismfrom thechallenges of day-to-day life as astory takesustoa place of beauty or aland of fantasy

We might want abook to relax us or read something that grips and has us on the edge of our seats. Or we may wish to educate ourselves on aparticular topic or individual.

And if you enjoy agood read, atrip to Bridgnorth might just be worthwhile –ithas ashop where the staff share your passion and simply love talking about the books they stock.

Booka in Bridgnorth opened up in autumn of last year and is proving popular with its customers, providing more than just aplace to shop but also avenue to

meet and talk about literature.

It is the second Booka shop. The first opened in Oswestry in October 2009

The business, founded by husbandand-wife team Carrie and TimMorris, has been one of the trade’s big success stories and the recent arrival of aBooka in Bridgnorth is building on the success.

Among the passionate team working at Booka in Bridgnorthissenior book seller Leigh Marie Dodd.

“Wehave been in Bridgnorthsince October,” Leigh enthused. “It’s been going really great so far

“I think we have been quite surprised by how the local community has really embraced us. It’s been clear that an independent bookshop was needed on the high street.

“Wehave asmall team who all have

apassion for books and Timand Carrie, who are really lovely,also support us here. And we love to get to know our customers and their reading tastes.”

Leigh worked for magazines, in communications and for marketing companies in the UK andAustralia previously

Originally from West Bromwich, she grew up in Australia with her parents Paul and Tina and brother Matt. But she has returned to the West Midlands and loves working in Bridgnorth.

“It’s agreat place to work, certainly acontrast to living in sunny Melbourne with the beach justdown the road,” Leigh adds.

“Reading is such ajoy and one of the things Ilove about my job is being able to converse with customers, whether they

are avid readers or have just come in to pick up abook andonly readnow and again.

“I love chatting to people and getting their thoughts on books thatare on their radar but not ours or vice versa. It’s agreat aspect of the job.

“For me, the best thing about Booka is that it’s more than just abookshop. You see how much people havea passion for books and thatiswhatBooka is about –we have avery strong community aspect.

“There are alot of things we do in the store, aside from selling books. So when it was Independent Bookshop Week recently,wehad awhole host of events, including author talks.

“Wehave book clubs as well and they have been really great because we love to chat to like-minded people who have a passion for literature.

“There are books Iwouldn’t have read but since working here, Ihaveexpanded my range.

“The book clubs go well and we have such lovely members. There’s been such a high demand that we have another session planned, which will be opening up from September

“Wehave a‘thrilling reads’ club –books to get your heart racing and a cosy book club, for those heart-warming books. We are talking about ahistorical

fiction one now too, which Ithink will prove very popular

“Events we hold are not just pigeonholed to an age range either.Weare quite varied and have done alot of children’s events. We’ve had competitions with the local schools and storytime sessions.”

So which books areproving popular at the moment and does Leigh haveany recommendations for the bookworms among us?

“From achildren’s point of view,Julia Donaldson is always abest-seller as well as Harry Potter,of course,” Leigh says. “For adults, I’d recommend acouple of books which would make really good summer reads at the minute.

“There’s one called TomLake by Anne Patchett which is really popular and abeautifully written story,with excellent flow.It’s alovely meandering tale, perfect for hot summer days.

“And one Ihave just read and can’t stop talking about is called Talking at Night by Claire Daverley

“It’s aslow burner romance, awill they,won’t they story akin to One Day It’s very character driven and it’s not just about their relationship but life experience and growth. It’s one of my favourites of the year

“There are some really good books out at the minute which is lovely.”

Sharing alove of reading at Booka Bookshop in Bridgnorth is Caroline Pears and Senior Bookseller Leigh Marie Dodd. The site is the second Booka store.

BOOKS

ADAM’S BACK WITH ADOCTOR AGED 10

When best-selling author

Adam Kay rushed into the hospital where his premature baby had just been born, it brought back all the highs and lows of working as ajunior doctor

“Every bleep’s areminder of another emergency,every alarm makes you jump to your feet. It deﬁnitely brought back alot of memories,” says the writer and comedian, whose best-selling 2017 book This Is Going To Hurt charted his time as ajunior doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology and was made into an awardwinning TV series starringBen Whishaw The pair still keep in touch.

Kay,44, whoismarried to TV producer James Farrell, never imagined that he’d have to watchhis baby being born by emergency caesarean on FaceTime, but it was along-distance birth via surrogate in Washington DC and the baby came ﬁve weeks early.Heand Farrell were at the theatre in London when they got the call.

“We’d sorted our ﬂights for aweek later. We got the call in thetheatre,James ran out and she told him her waters had broken. It was like aﬁlm, ‘Right, Heathrow Airport!’”

They only managed to secure one ﬂight ticket at such short notice, so Farrell went.

“He got to the hospital with 15 minutes to spare before the emergency caesarean was carried out, so Iwatched it

on FaceTime and got the next ﬂightout in the morning,” recalls Kay, whosedaughter Ruby is now 22-months-old, while her brother Ziggy,also born via asurrogate, is four months younger

Kay left medicine in 2010 after a caesarean section went horribly wrong on ashift when he was the mostsenior person on theward. The patient had an undiagnosed placenta praevia, the baby died and the mother lost 12 litres of blood and ended up having ahysterectomy –it was hugely traumatic.

“I left after adifﬁcult time on the wards and Ithink alot of thetrauma of that was slightly unresolved, even though it was along time ago,”hereﬂects.

This Is Going To Hurt, published in

BOOKCASE

Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson is published by Bantam, £22.

Acomforting, engaging, nostalgic, and heartwarming read –the iconic Jacqueline Wilsonisback with her latest adult novelcalled Think Again, asequeltothe Girls franchise. Following Ellie Allard’slifeinto adulthood, the novelstarts on her 40th birthday, whereshe ﬁndslife is not looking exactly howshe had imagined –but thereissomuch for her to learn and discover, she just doesn’t know it yet.

What AWay To Go by Bella Mackie, published by The Borough Press, £20.

A er the roaring success of her debut, HowToKillYour Family, Bella Mackie is back with another murder mystery. What AWay To Go begins with the suspicious death of ultra-wealthy Anthony Wistern, a businessmanwho gets gruesomely impaled at his 60th birthday party. Mackie’s latest oﬀering is fastpaced, funny and will haveyou guessing until the end –itwill no doubt be another bestseller

2017, has sold more than three million copies. He has now written the ﬁrst in a new children’s ﬁction medical mystery series, Dexter Procter The 10-Year-Old Doctor

from-birth kid,

The eponymous hero is ageniusfrom-birthkid, who by 10 is working as apaediatrician at ahospital. It’s a light-hearted yarn tempered with easyto-process information for children about what may happen when you are in hospital.

He and his family live in Oxfordshire and currently Kay writes largely at night, which is compatible with looking after babies, as he strives to maintain his worklife balance. He’s currently writing the sequel to Dexter Procter

Kay is clearly adeeply caring individual, and behind the hilarious and heartbreaking anecdotes about life as a junior doctor there’s asimmering anger

He talks of the NHS being “broken”, the lack of mental health provision, of the exodus of NHS staff because of how they are treated, and was fully behind the junior doctors’ strikes. He does what he can on his celebrity platform to highlight the issues which trouble him.

n Dexter Procter The 10-Year-Old Doctor by Adam Kay is published by Pufﬁn, priced £14.99.

Blackwater by Michael McDowell, published by Penguin, £9.99. Originally published in 1983, Blackwater I: The Flood is the first in the six-book Blackwater series set in the small community of Perdido, Alabama, in the early 20th century. It begins with acatastrophic flood that brings destruction –and something sinister.While the dialogue is at times somewhat leaden, the horror-inflected southern setting drips with enough atmosphereand charmtokeepyou engaged.

Rosen’s Almanac by Michael Rosen, published by Ebury Press, priced £16.99. Haveyou ever wondered what happened to certain words you used to hear all the time? Perhaps they were words your grandma said when she lost something, or aphrase your grandad picked up from the war that has died out. In this book, author,poetand broadcaster Michael Rosen delves into our use of words and some of the reasons we choose to change our language overtime.

WHEN

1. Sean Penn andAntonio Banderas were born

2. Eddie Cochran had aposthumous U.K. No.1 single Three Steps To Heaven

3. YulBrynner and Steve McQueen starred in The Magniﬁcent Seven

4. Britain’s National Service enlisted its last conscripts

1. Diana Rigg and Natalie Wood were born

2. The ﬁrst issue of The Beanocomic was published

3. Orson Welles’ broadcast of H.G. Wells’ WarOfThe Worlds caused panic

4. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain promised “peace for our time”

1. Rita Hayworth died

2. T’Pau had aU.K. No.1 single with China In Your Hand

3. Michael Douglasand Glenn Close starred in Fatal Attraction

4. Jockey Lester Piggott was jailed for three years for taxevasion

1. Michael Caine starred in The Ipcress File

2. Richard Dimbleby died

3. TomJones had aU.K. No.1 single It’s Not Unusual

4. The Post Ofﬁce Tower became operational

WHO… directed the epic 1915 silent ﬁlm The Birth Of ANation?

WHAT… type of bird is acondor?

WHERE… does the annual Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race start? WHEN… did the Australian parliament ﬁrst sit in Canberra?

WHO… was the ﬁrst member of the RoyalFamily to visit Argentina after the Falklands conﬂict?

WHAT… is the largest ﬁshofthe mackerel family?

WHERE… in the US is Carson City the state capital?

WHEN… did Idi Amin depose Milton Obote in Uganda?

WHO… wrote the novel Whisky Galore?

WHAT… instrument was the shawm an early version of?

WHERE… did the dance the mazurka originate?

WHEN… was the Cato Street Conspiracy?

WHO… was Charles Sherwood Stratton better known as?

WHAT… do the letters UHT stand for?

WHERE… is the city of Mosul, from which the cotton fabric muslin got its name?

WHEN… was the Regency period in Britain?

WORDWISE 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 3 7 6 2 3 1 5 8 7 6 7 4 1 2 4 8 6 1 4 2 1 9 1 4 6 3 2 5 9 7 8

1. Shakespears Sister were at No.1for eight weeks with Stay

2. Comedy Wayne’s World was asurprise hit

3. Movie legend Marlene Dietrich died

4. John Smith became leader of the Labour Party

1. Anne Robinson and TimRice were born

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

2. The ﬁrst prefabricated home went on show in London

3. Paris was liberated after four years of Nazi occupation

4. President Franklin Roosevelt won afourth term of ofﬁce

WHO… wrote the musical Oliver!?

WHAT… group of vitamins does niacin belong to?

WHERE… is the Northwest Passage?

WHEN… did Prince Albert purchaseBalmoral Castle?

WHO… became famous for the covers he painted for the US magazine Saturday Evening Post?

WHAT… does the Mohs scale measure?

WHERE… in the British Isles is the thistle the national symbol? WHEN… did Peter the Great of Russia die?

THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

TRANSUDE

A Imitate. B To ooze out. C Evaluate anew

SULCUS

A Groove;furrow B Train of followers. C Tarnish.

SONERI

A Musk-shrew B Instrumental composition. C Cloth of gold.

RAPPEE

A Coarse,strong snuff B Wild Irish plunderer C The rabble.

OROLOGY

A Studyoftime. B Study of mountains. C Study of stones.

FIMICOLOUS

A Growing on dung. B Fringing. C Extreme judgement

CROSSWORD

QUICK CLUES

Across 1. Flank (4)

3. Kindness (8)

9. Decorated (7)

10. Fight (3-2)

11. Disheartening (12)

13. Soul (6)

15. Lower (6)

17. Bottomless (12)

20. Priest (5)

21. Risk (7)

22. Vegetation (8)

23. Inclination (4)

Down

1. Careless (8)

2. Refuse (5)

4. Instructions (6)

5. Conflict (12)

6. Extreme (7)

7. Appearance (4)

8. Drunkenness (12)

12. Benefit(8)

14. Despicable (7)

16. Shatter (6)

18. Beast (5)

19. Maul (4)

Across

1. Some undervalued fuel (4)

3. It’s scandalous to break into song about wine! (8)

9. Not amongst the winners, fled too (4-3)

10. 1000 leap out of tree (5)

11. There can be no explaining why anyone’s bored like this (6,6)

13. 100 endlessly having great expectation of seeing composer (6)

15. Control credit somehow (6)

17. Warns dispute could result from silly

An actor, Iwas born in Illinois in 1953. Iwas once married to the actress Glenne Headly.Iwas Oscarnominated for the film In theLine of Fire in 1993, and Iamthe subject of a1999 film directed by Spike Jonze.

Asinger,Iwas born in Australiain 1975.Iplayed the role of Beth Willis in TV’s Neighbours. My hit singles have included Torn and Big Mistake, and my last album was entitled Firebird.

CRYPTIC CLUES 1 2 3 4 5 6

Acomedian, Iwas born in York in 1917. Idied one day before fellow comedian Benny Hill. I

response (6,6)

20. Likeness Iamtohave along time (5)

21. 20 set about in fancy (7)

22. Maybe the rider is an indecisive hesitant person (8)

23. Iobject to article –it’sdespicable (4) Down

1. To lure defender proves adisadvantage (8)

2. Being out of practice could make us try (5)

4. Famished country loses aged head (6)

5. Staircase to cabin is asharedroute? (12)

WHAT’SMY NAME?

made my screen debut in the 1954 film The Runaway Bus,and starred in the 1970s sitcomsUpPompeii and Whoops Baghdad!

An actress, Iwas born in London in 1959. One of my earliest TV appearances was as Miss MoneySterling in The Young Ones. Iamthe

6. Make things better for one politician getting over problems (7)

7. Gained statureinbeing rewarded (4)

8. Illustration facing title page is perfection, perhaps (12)

12. True song aboutsource of caviar (8)

14. Survive so as to be the finalone to leave (7)

16. Opinion given as to half-dead evil practices (6)

18. Western ceremony to commit to paper (5)

19. Sale offer about right for flier (4)

daughter of actress Phyllida Law,and am married to Greg Wise.

ATVpresenter,Iwas born in London in 1928. Icompered the TV series Sunday Night at the London Palladium in the 50s and 60s. Ialso hosted BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing opposite Tess Daly

Awriter,Iwas born in Chichester in 1961. Ico-founded the Orange Prize for Fiction in 1996. My first novel, Eskimo Kissing, was published the same year,and in 2006Iwon aBritish Book Award for my novel Labyrinth.

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. Brush or comb this 2. Wealthy 3. Sings with closed lips 4. Chair 5. Of Thailand 6. Mosque prayer leader 7. Postal system 8. Lacking fat 9. No votes 10. Stitched 11. Notch 12. Highland dress item 13. Snare 14. Fruit seeds 15. Indication 16. Informer or spy Key word clue: Surname

1. Slimming plan 2. Roman gown 3. Cognate 4. Naked figure 5. Heinous 6. Unauthorised disclosure 7. Small barrels 8. Large bag 9. New Zealand bird 10. Lazy 11. Muslim ruler 12. Housetop 13. Just 14. Bring up 15. Remainder 16. Written words Key word clue: Number

“What alot of marbles,” Martha exclaimed, finding the boy playing on the floor.“And only in those three colours. How many have you got there?” Bobby looked up. “Half of them are red, Mum, but seven aregreen,” he replied. “There are one and ahalf times as many reds as blues.” How many in all?

“What’s the time, John?” Helen asked. “My watch has stopped.” The old man checked. “Let’s see if you can figure itout yourself,” he replied. “Atthe next exact minute, the minute hand will be just seven minutes ahead of the hour hand.” What was the time that afternoon?

Betty was waiting at the gate when her husband arrived. “You’re ten minutes late,” she told him. “Did you leave late?”

“No, and Icame the same way as yesterday,and drove asteady 42 kilometres an hour,” Keith replied. “I just don’t seem to get it right. Yesterday Idid asteady 54 kilometres an hour,and arrived ten minutes early.” How far had he driven?

When Bob was as old as Rob was when Bob was half as old as Rob was when Bob was as old as Rob is, Rob was just athird as old as Bob was when Rob was half as old as Bob is. One of them is in his ’teens, and we have of course taken ages in complete years. So how old arethey?

“These 22 toy soldiers were cheap, Dad,” Mike said. “32 pence, 60 pence and 80 pence each. They cost me just twelve pounds the lot.” After scribbling some figures on ascrapofpaper,Dad shook his head. “I still can’t make out how many you got at each price. Did you buy most at 60 pence?” Mike replied “No” –and that enabled his father to solve the little problem. Youtry! 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5

1. Minestrone, say 2. Shove 3. Pellets of frozen rain 4. Idle 5. American, slang 6. Nautical term 7. Young sheep 8. Make areservation 9. Hitwith the foot 10. Japanese instrument 11. Do as told 12. Twelve months 13. Uncommon 14. Verge 15 Needlecase 16. Plant

Key word clue: Place in England

WHAT’SON

OCTOBER

Desperado present their 2024 show Take it to the Limit at Bridgnorth’s Theatre On The Steps. The show was created in honour of the saddeath in 2023 of the second original Eagle Randy Meisner,who famously provided the searing high vocal to this and other timeless classic Eagles tracks.

Tickets cost £20 from www theatreonthesteps.co.uk/product/ desperado

An Evening of Mediumship takes place at Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton.

Angela Dunlop, Psychic Medium and author of ‘TheMiracle of Mediumship’, will be visiting the Festival Drayton Centre to share her incredible ability at communicating with those in spirit.

Angela’s grounded approach has gained her asolid reputation in the UK.

Tickets cost £20 from www festivaldraytoncentre.com/whatson

4 The weekly concert series at St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, continues until Christmas with another 12 concerts to look forward to on Fridays, all starting at 12.30pm. After each 40-minute concert there is alight lunch in the church hall. All free of charge, but donations are welcome.

The month begins with areturn visit on October 4bypianist HarryRaybould, who will play alovely programme including music by Chopin, Debussy, Liszt and Rachmaninov.OnOctober

11, harpist Gina Taylor returns. Then on October 18th there is apiano duet concert by Gill Styles and Richard Walker, featuring Bizet’s timeless ‘Jeux d’Enfants’ –aset of 12 character pieces for children to listen to.

Finally,the annual concert by an organ student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will be given on October 25 by prize-winning Elli-Mae McGlone. More details and programmes can be found at www.stchadschurchshrewsbury. com

6Nish Kumar brings his show–Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe –toTheatre Severn. One of The Guardian and The Telegraph’s 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century,Nish Kumar is back on tour with his brand new politically-charged stand-up show,Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe. It’s 80 minutes of sweet, sweet vibe killing, plus support act and interval.

For£24.50tickets visit www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/nishkumar/

Telford Stamp and Coin Fair takes place from 10am to 2pm at the Belmont Community Hall, Wellington, Telford, TF1 1HJ. Free entry.

Agood range of stamps, postcards and coins available, with items bought and sold. Accessories also will be for sale. Freshly cooked light refreshments are available. Any enquiries to Richard Camp on 01952 405458.

Comedian Jason Manford brings his show ‘AManford All Seasons’ to Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Join Jason as he steps back on stage to try out brandnew material ahead of his UK &Ireland Arena Tour.Jason’s been busy since his last smash-hit stand-up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed abit.

Tickets are£25.50from www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/jasonmanford/

Award-winning musical theatre

actress Sally Jones pays aloving homage to Edith Piaf with her critically acclaimed one-woman show.Piaf –The Life Story and Songs of Edith Piaf is on at The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock

Sally takes the audience through a roller-coaster of emotions, telling Piaf ’s wild, tragic anddramatic life story –at times amusing, at times moving but at no time attempting an impersonation.

Fortickets and more details visit www ticketsource.co.uk/edgeartscentre/piafthe-life-story-and-songs-of-edith-piaf/ebkpzeq

13Head over to the Ffestiniog&Welsh Highland Railway this month where you can set off on amemorablesteam train journey through majestic Snowdonia/Eryri, and enjoy aguidedtour of the historic Boston Lodge workshops or getinvolved in one of the ‘Hands On’ workshops.

Gill Styles and RichardWalker giveapiano duet at St Chad’sonOctober 18 and musical theatrestarSally Jones brings her one-woman show–Piaf: The Life Story and Songs of Edith Piaf –toThe Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, on October12

Discover the fascinating story of the railways on atour of the historic 200-year-old Boston Lodge Engineering Workshops, led by apassionaterailway volunteer,ortake part in the‘How a Steam Locomotive works’ experience where participants learn all about steam engines before having agoat firing and driving in the yard!

Dates throughout October,visit www. festrail.co.uk for more details.

British music legend Leo Sayer will be touring the UK and he still feels like dancing! He has spent over five decades as an iconic singer and songwriter.This year sees the release of his autobiography,Just ABoy

With this performance, Leo and his band bring boundless energy,exuberance and ahit packed show to some of his favourite venues across the country

Tickets for his show at Theatre Severn range from £37 to £42. Visit www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/leosayer/

18&19Pentabus and New Perspectives are bringing Make Good, anew musical about the Post Office Scandal inspired by sub-postmasters’ interviews, to venues across the country

The preview nights will be at Ludlow Assembly Rooms before asix-week tour kicks off,including shows at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury on November 5, SpArc in Bishop’s Castle on November 28 and The Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock on November 29.Make Good is aco-production between leading rural theatre companies Pentabus and New Perspectives, each celebrating their 50th

anniversary.To find out more visit www pentabus.co.uk/make-good-post-officescandal

19Omid Djalili appears at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

The PersianComedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show Namaste where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger andunleashes atorrent of comedic vitriol uponthe current state of this dangerously messed up planet. Tickets are £30 from www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/omiddjalili/

One of the music world’s brightest young pianists lands in Shropshire for arecital whichisexpected to prove extremely popular.

Alim Beisembayev,now atop international pianist, performs at the Maidment Auditorium at Shrewsbury School at 3pm.

ABBC New Generation Artist and the winner of the Critics’s ChoiceAward for Young Talent (Piano), 26-year-old Alim will play aselection of workby Haydn, Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms.

The event in Shrewsbury is the Shropshire Music Trust’s first international piano recital of the season.

Tickets are £18 and can be booked through Shropshire Music Trustat www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/ RdiEJKhzXNnT

SAS: Who Dares Wins star Billy Billingham MBE QCB is bringing his new tour to Shropshirethis month. The 2024/2025 tour,entitled

‘Always ALittle Further’,isonat Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.

Aspokesman said: “Billy is as tough as they come. Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Paratrooper, decorated SAS leader,and abodyguard to Hollywood superstars, he has seen extreme combat and gruelling missions aplenty.Spend an extraordinary evening with Billy,asheshares his incredible and inspirational story.”

Billy will also take audiences behind the scenes of his hit TV shows where he has gained areputation for excellence, integrity,and ano-nonsense approach.

Formore details and tickets visit www. fane.co.uk/billy-billingham

23Pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of the genre forever,taking it out of small clubs and into the world of gold discs and international tours

Five decades on and the band continue to celebrate their famous past alongside their recent history

That is true of their latest release, the Green Man Collection –bringing together tracks from their recent albums with new versions of three Steeleye classics including areworking of ‘Hard Times’ featuring Status Quo’s Francis Rossi and acover of Elvis Costello’s ‘Shipbuilding’.

They are playing at Theatre Severn from 7pm. Tickets are £35 from the box office on 01743 281281.

British concert pianist Peter Donohoe performs at Welshpool Methodist Church as partof Welshpool Music Clubs 2024/25 season.

Peter studied at Chethams School,

ShropshireMusic Trust welcomes international pianist Alim Beisembayev to the Maidment Auditorium at Shrewsbury School on October 20, and SAS: Who Dares Wins star Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham brings his new tour ‘Always ALittle Further’ to Shrewsbury’sTheatre Severn on October 22

Shrewsbury Brass Band will perform aspecial concert at St Chad’sChurch,

close to the Shropshireborder at Welshpool Methodist Church as part of Welshpool Music Club’s2024/2025

The Royal Northern College and in Paris with Yvonne Loriod and Oliver Messiaen.

In November 1982 he was the joint winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow.Hehas performed with most of the world’s major orchestras and conductors. The recital is at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door or call Alan Caunce on 01938 578777 or 07760223610 to reserve.

The Sensational 60s Experience comes to Theatre Severn with the concert getting under way at 7.30pm.

The show with the definite feelgood factor will transport you back to that magical decade that was the 1960s. It features Dozy,Beaky,Mitch &Titch; The Fortunes; Vanity Fare; Steve Ellis and Mike D’Abo in his farewell tour

Tickets from the box office on 01273 281281orwww.theatresevern.co.uk

Hot on theheels of the Oasis reunion, tribute band Oasish appear at Oakengates Theatre, Telford.

Since forming in 2004,Oasish have taken the tribute world by storm. They have performed at Wembley Stadium, The National Indoor Arena, Manchester Academy and the now world famous Glastonbudget Festival

Tickets cost£18 from www. telfordtheatre.com/whats-on/oasish/

26-27

The Ludlow Fine Book Fair, taking place at The Clive Pavilion, is a celebration of books, new and old, and traditional skills.

In addition, visitors can buy stationary, leather,marbled papers, or personalise aphoto album or notebook, or bring an old book in for repair.There will be live bookbinding demonstrations.

The event will take place from 10:30am -4pm (Saturday) and 5pm (Sunday) and is free for the public to attend. There is free parking outside the venue and acafe over the full weekend.

Formore details visit www ludlowfinebookfair.co.uk

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 107– 109

REMEMBER WHEN: 1.1960. 2.1938. 3.1987. 4 1965. 5.1992. 6.1944

FOUR Ws: 1.D.W.Griffith; Avulture; Putney; 1927. 2.Prince Andrew; Tuna;Nevada; 1971. 3 ComptonMackenzie; Oboe; Poland; 1820. 4.General TomThumb; Ultra-high temperature or Ultra-heat treatment; Iraq; 1811-20 5.Lionel Bart; B; North of Canada; 1852. 6.Norman Rockwell; Hardness of minerals; Scotland; 1725. WORDWISE PUZZLES: 1.B 2.A 3.C 4.A 5

B. 6.A

CROSSWORD: Quick solutions: Across: 1 Side; 3 Goodwill; 9 Adorned; 10 Set-to; 11 Discouraging; 13 Spirit; 15 Demean; 17 Unfathomable; 20 Rabbi; 21 Venture; 22 Greenery; 23 Bent. Down: 1 Slapdash; 2 Dross; 4 Orders; 5 Disagreement; 6 Intense; 7 Look; 8 Intoxication; 12 Interest; 14 Ignoble; 16 Shiver; 18 Brute; 19 Drag. Cryptic Solutions: Across: 1 Derv; 3 Shocking; 9

Also-ran; 10 Maple; 11 Beyond reason; 13 Chopin; 15 Direct; 17 Stupid answer; 20 Image; 21 Imagine; 22 Ditherer; 23 Mean. Down: 1 Drawback; 2 Rusty; 4 Hungry; 5 Companionway; 6 Improve; 7 Grew; 8 Frontispiece; 12 Sturgeon; 14 Outlast; 16 Advice; 18 Write; 19 Bird. WHAT’S MY NAME: 1.John Malkovich. 2.Natalie Imbruglia. 3.Frankie Howerd. 4.Emma Thompson. 5 Bruce Forsyth. 6.Kate Mosse. WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Hair 2.Rich 3.Hums 4.Seat 5.Thai 6.Imam 7.Mail 8.Lean 9.Nays 10.Sewn 11 Nick 12.Kilt 13.Trap 14.Pips 15.Sign 16.Nark

Key word solution: LARKINS

WORDSPIRAL 2: 1.Diet 2.Toga 3.Akin 4.Nude

Evil 6.Leak 7.Kegs 8.Sack 9.Kiwi 10.Idle 11.Emir 12 Roof 13.Fair 14.Rear 15.Rest 16.Text Key word solution: SIXTEEN WORDSPIRAL 3: 1.Soup 2.Push 3.Hail 4.Lazy 5 Yank 6.Keel 7.Lamb 8.Book 9.Kick 10.Koto 11.Obey

27

Shrewsbury Brass Band, renowned for their captivating performances and rich musical history, will be performing aspecial concert at the iconic St Chad’s Church.

This event promises to be ahighlight of the cultural calendar,bringingtogether music enthusiasts from near andfar for an afternoon of exceptional musical talent and entertainment. The concert will feature the internationally acclaimed trombonist, Dr Brett Baker

Tickets for the concert at 3pm are £12 and can be purchased in advance from www.trybooking.com/uk/DSSO or at the door on the day of the concert.

NOVEMBER 1

Athrilling Halloween charity ball is set to take place at the picturesque Albright Hussey

Little Stars, acharity supporting vulnerable families in Shropshire, promises acaptivating event which will include alive band, some spooky surprises, welcome drinks, and adelicious three-course meal. Tickets are £55.Email enquiries@littlestarscharity.org

.Year 13.Rare 14.Edge 15.Etui 16.Iris Key word solution: BRISTOL IMPOSSIPUZZLES: 1.42marbles. 2.Time 3.24 pm. 3.Keith drove

Shrewsbury, on October 27, while concert pianist Peter Donohoe performs

season on October 24

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