Shropshire Magazine September 2024

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS

Hospicemarks milestone CREATING A COMMUNITY

From factorysiteto newvillage

SILVER SUCCESS

Craftingacareer in jewellery

COUNTY IN FOCUS

Camera club in the frame

BEAUTIFUL SHROPSHIRE

ESTABLISHED 1950

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

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

EDITOR

Vicki Jones

vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk 01902 319851

FEATURE WRITERS

Heather Large heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Matthew Panter

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Andy Richardson andy.richardson@mnamedia.co.uk

Daniel Morris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL AND SOCIAL DIARY

heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk 01902 319501

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamie Ricketts

SteveLeath

TimSturgess

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER

ClareWeaver clare.weaver@mnamedia.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT SALES

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

James Owens

james.owens@jpress.co.uk 01952 241754

DISTRIBUTION, SALES &SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 174064

CONTRIBUTORS

Ed Thomas, John Tucker,Bill McCarthy, Stephen Crosland

PUBLISHED BY MNA Media, Telford

PRINTED BY

Precision Colour Printing, Halesfield, Telford

www.shropshiremagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2024

FEATURES SELECTION

7Coverstory

Heather Large discovers the annual walking festival that is putting the spotlight on The ShropshireWay.

11 Sacred site

Aunique county site is providing aplace for remembering and quiet reflection for local people. Matthew Panter finds out more.

38

Interiors

Sam Wylie-Harris looks at the latest designer trends inspiring home decor

40 Gardening

Plant the pick of these blooms for late-summer colour,says Hannah Stephenson

43 Hospice milestone

Severn Hospice is marking 35 years of providing careand support for families at the hardest of times.

47 Silver success

Heather Large meets the silversmith who is inspired by natureand is taking part in an annual creativeshowcase.

51 In focus

Bridgnorth CameraClub has been running for 72 years and it is inviting people to get involved.

54 Creating acommunity

Matthew Panter visits the community taking shape on the site of aformer sugar beet factory near Telford.

59 Homes for hens

Thousands of commercial laying hens havebeen rehomed in Shropshire. Heather Large discovers more.

63 Gadget girl

Daniel Morris chats to Shropshire-born Suzi Perry about her career and the show that helped makeher famous.

68 Cheers to cider

Ed Thomas visit the Shropshire business wherethe boss has been making cider for 25 years.

90 Social scene

From drinks receptions and charity lunches to golf days and summer balls, we haveanother bumper social scene.

99 Travel

Sarah Marshall witnesses the great African migration on a safari in Kenya.

102 Motoring

Jack Evans puts the latestgeneration Porsche 911 through its paces.

110 What’sOn

There’sabusy month across the county with ahost of theatre shows, history talks, music concerts, exhibitions and charity events on the bill.

WALKINGTHE SHROPSHIRE WAY

HEATHER LARGE REPORTS ON HOW THE ANNUAL SHROPSHIRE WAYWALKING FESTIVALWILL HELP UNCOVER THE BEAUTY OF COUNTLESS HIDDEN GEMS ALONG THE LONG DISTANCE PATH

Our county is blessed with a rich abundance of beautiful open spaces just waiting to be explored on foot.

Helping people to discover these countless hidden gems is The Shropshire Way, along distance path of some 200 miles.

The route covers not only the wonderful Shropshire Hills in the south but also some of the historic towns and unique natural features in the north of the county

It also links Shrewsbury with the historic towns and villages of Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Ludlow,Much Wenlock, Ironbridge and Wellington.

Now in its sixth year,The Shropshire WayAssociation (SWA)’s Festival of Walks aims to shine aspotlightonthis path that has become popular with fundraisers

taking on walking challenges in aid of charity

Running from September 14-22, the festival consists of 23 walks of varying distances, led by local walking groups, as well asa50-mile cycle ride.

“It’s all about raising the profile of The Shropshire Wayand showcasing the very best of Shropshire,” says trustee Amanda Hartley-Newton, who is the SWA’spress andpublicity secretary

The entire path, which has asouthern and anorthern loop forming a figure of eight centred on Shrewsbury,has been freshly way-marked in recent years.

In 2016, Audrey Menhinick, chair of the SWA, and the late John Newnham began work to improve the Shropshire Waytobecomeafull 192-mile-long distance path, with a10-mile spur to Whitchurch.

They had been inspired to take action because, by that time, many circular walks had been devised, obscuring the original route created by ramblers in 1980,and resulting in aweb of paths.

Ateam of volunteers dedicated time to re-defining The ShropshireWay and introduced anew,distinctive orange and black waymark with the directional buzzard pointing the way

The SWA, which was re-formed in 2016 and is now acharitable trust, has an informative website with downloads of the 15 stages, including user-friendly maps and directions, plus GPX files for mobile devices.

Volunteers have been recruited to help monitor and maintain theroute, working closely with local ramblers and walking groups as well as Shropshire Council’s Outdoor Partnership team.

“Some people chose to walk just the north loop or just the south loop, or they walk both loops and some walk the entire 120 miles.

“Wegive out certificates to people who complete all or partofthe Shropshire Way,”explains Amanda.

In September 2020,a new buzzard sculpture was unveiled at the official start and finish of the path by Kingsland Bridge in Shrewsbury

The impressive, galvanised steel sculpture was designed by Jo Menhinick, made at Condover Forge, near Shrewsbury,before being mounted onto a piece of sandstone from Grinshill Quarry

Since 2019, the SWAhas been hosting the Festival of Walks during the third week of September

Trustee Gill Pursey is responsible for co-ordinating the event and every year invites local ramblers and walking groups to organise and lead awalk.

Among those taking part this year are Shrewsbury Hillwalking Club, Friends of Telford T50, Whitchurch Walkers, Market Drayton Ramblers and Bridgnorth &

District Walking Club. “Weask that all the walks include asection of TheShropshire Wayand this year we have walks ranging from shorter walks of 50 or 90 minutes to longer walks of eight and 12 miles,” says Gill.

As amember of Shrewsbury Hillwalking Club, Gill will be leading a 12-mile circular walk with 2,200 feet of ascent from Aston-on-Clun via Burrow hillfort, Kempton, Edgton, Basford Bank and Hopesay Common on Sunday, September 22.

“Hopesay Common is alovely spot and is one of my favouritebits of The Shropshire Waybecause of the lovely views,” says Gill.

On the same day,Amanda, who is amemberofShrewsbury Ramblers, is leading awalk to the summit of Titterstone Clee, Shropshire’s third highest hill.

Walkers can expect lots of interest amongst the rocky terrain including the industrial archaeologyand with clear skies some good views of the Welsh Hills and the Malverns.

“The descent uses the Shropshire Wayand pathsacrossmoorland to the village of Cleeton St Mary then along the Random Bridleway back to Cleehill village,” says Amanda.

Forthe first time, the festival is also offering acycle ride, led by Gill’s husband Nigel and supported by Cycling UK

(Shropshire). Participants will cycle along quiet roads through south Shropshire on a 50-mile ride with 3,100 feet of ascent.

The route tracks the Shropshire Way from Shrewsbury to the Stiperstones and on to Bishop’s Castle for acafe lunch. It continues to Bridges and ascends to Picklescott then back to Shrewsbury via Lyth Hill.

Anyone joining the cycle ride or one of the walks in the programmecan be assured of awarm welcome and stunning scenery

“I’m looking forward to meeting people. Idoalot of the communication with walking groups over email so it’s nice to put aface to the name,” says Gill.

“Wehad more than 300 people out on the Waylast year and it’s nice to know that we have that many people out during the week enjoying everything it has to offer We’re justhoping for good weather,” she adds.

Some walks will need to be booked in advance as they have limited places and the full programme can be found online at shropshireway.org.uk/festival

The SWArelies solely on charitable donations, and on direct sales of the guidebook, the A2 map poster and completion certificates to fund the comprehensive website, leaflets and the way marks.

Anyone wishing to donate can send an email to donations@shropshireway.org.uk

PAGE 7: Manstone Rock on the summit of Stiperstones; View from the Wrekin, near Telford

PAGE 8: View overShropshirelandscape from the top of Titterstone Clee near Cleeton; the unveiling of the sculpturemarking the start of The ShropshireWay in 2020; walkers enjoypartofthe route.

PAGE 9: Walkers on The ShropshireWay; the distinctiveeagle waymarker

EVANSWINDOWS (WALES) LTD

ACELEBRATION OF LIFE AFTER DEATH

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS AMAN BEHIND ABUILDING, MODELLED ON ANEOLITHIC BURIAL CHAMBER, THATHOUSES CREMATION ASHES AND OFFERS MUCH MORE TO THE BEREAVED

AChiffchaff seemed to give aseal of approval to the surroundings as it chirped away merrily.And why not? We were, after all, just across theroad from the beautiful Soulton Hall, on the outskirts of Wem, surrounded by stunning Shropshire countryside.

We werefaced with exceptional views, greenery and natural ponds as we took a stroll down agravellypath.

Toby Angel, managing director of Sacred Stones, the firm behind the building of aNeolithic-style burial chamber,was taking photographer Jamie Ricketts and Itowards Soulton Long Barrow,a stunning creation which, among other things, is used by people to remember loved ones, who are no

longer with us. It’s also alocation with alignments to the Midsummer and Midwinter Solstice.

Completed in 2019, the handcrafted stone structure, covered inearth, was only the third of its kind to be opened in modern times –the others being in Wiltshire and Cambridgeshire –and charismatic Toby oozes enthusiasm and passion as we walk down to take alook.

“This process of walking to it is really important,” he says. “It’s about taking your digital jacket off,leaving day-to-day things behind and arriving somewhere Ithink is very special. Youcould just be coming here to have asandwich, to reflect or to light acandle for grandma, but it’s a very beautiful place.”

The barrow houses cremation ashes

or people’s memories but there is so much more to it than just that, as Ilater discovered from Toby.But first, Iwanted to take alook at it.

The barrow,which is covered by soil and planted with wild flowers and grass, reminds me of something you might imagine in Hobbiton in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Except, this would probably be much bigger than ahobbit home.

It stands at more than 26ft high and is aligned to the sunrise on Midsummer’s Day.Commentators have described the barrow as being part of a“StoneAge tradition being resurrected in Britain”.

The first of its kind to be constructed in Shropshire for 5,500 years, Toby suggests Ienter the cool darkness of the barrow alone to experience what it is like inside.

There is some natural light, of course, so you are not plunged into totaldarkness.

Iwas surprised by the impressive size of the barrow,internally.Itcomprises of hand-built stone chambers, with cold limestone walls and private niches, alcoves set into the interior walls. These are used by families, for example, to hold aperson’s ashes, but can be used for a host of reasons –anexpression of art for example.

There are so many things inside which catch your eye. Glancing at the corbelled roof of the burial mound is a jaw-dropping moment. The detail which has gone into the work carried out does leave you speechless.

Something else which provides a wow factor is that each niche –there are more than 300 –comes with astone cover setting it into the walls of the barrow.

However,these covers havebecome more than just stone etched with dates.

That’s fine, of course, but families have also created stained glass doors at the front of niches, which tell astory of a person’s life or someone’s passion.

“People embellish the front of the niches how they wish to,” explains Toby “People started to put doors on with this incredible expression of stories.

“The level of care and attention to detail with some of the stained glass is simply extraordinary and you don’t get it anywhere else. We allow people to express themselves with abit more depth.”

When candles are lit inside the niches –asToby demonstrates –itisa sightto behold. “All you can see from the outside is amound which means nothing really,” says Toby.“But when you walk in and see what is essentially awork of art, I think it facilitates people’s own personal expression.”

Toby says that many people who visit Soulton Long Barrow find it adeeply spiritual experience.

“When we started building this, we

were just intent on creating something pretty cool withoutreallyunderstanding what the job was,” he said.

The job was to give people and their loved ones asense of placeafter death, providing ajourney through grief to a location of beauty

Not only do people approach Toby to discuss placing ashes of loved ones in aniche, but they even plan their own journey after death.

“This is not about death but quite the opposite,” Toby says. “The feedback we have had to this has been incredible. We have had people come up to us and say ‘meeting you and coming to the barrow is the best thing Ihave ever done’.

“That’s amassive thing.Moments like that happen all of the time. We’ve also had people say to us ‘now we have chosen our niche, we are no longer afraid to die’.

“That was from an elderly couple who were in good health. And it’s not the first time something like that has happened.”

The barrow,though, isn’t just aplace for people to keep the ashes of loved ones or to lightcandles for those who have passed away

“It emotionally engages people in different ways,” adds Toby.“There’s areal romance and theatre involved.

“Yes, it can be about facilitating families at achallenging time in life but it’s also become aspace for people to express themselves, particularly creative souls.

“Wehave had people write books about this barrow,songs and poetry

“I was sent apiece of work from an artist in Manhattan, called George

Stadnick, based on the barrow

“Wehave had proposals here and musicians. We have benches outside and so sometimes people want to just come and have a flask of tea andsandwiches. It does have alocal identity now and people feel engaged and want to come here.

“It won’t talk to everyone and isn’t designed for everyone. However,we are confident and can demonstrate that it moves enough people for it to be a viable thing. Idofeel we have unearthed something remarkable. The responsewe have had from the public caught us off guard and now I’d love to build more.

“Each one has itsown quirks and is centred around the environment in which it sits and Ijust think they are very special.”

Soulton Long Barrow can be found at Soulton Hall, Soulton, Wem, Shrewsbury, SY4 5RS. Parking is available at the hall and at the barrow,which is a10-15

minute walk along awell-formed farm track. To visit Soulton Long Barrow in person, contact www.sacredstones.co.uk to arrange aprivatetour.Opendays are typically held on the first Sunday of the month between 10am and 1pm.To reserve aniche, call 0204 579 2910.

PAGE 11: Toby Angel, of Sacred Stones, inside Soulton Barrow;light floods into the chamber (Picture: Andrew Fusek-Peters)

PAGE 12: Toby Angel, stone mason Geraint Davies and Soulton Hall owner TimAshton, during the build; build director Martin Filddes, Toby Angel, TimAshtonand Geraint Davies as the final monolith was placed; stone circles on some shelves showreserved niches

PAGE 13: Toby outsidethe barrow;Soulton Barrow at night (Picture: Andrew FusekPeters)

COTTAGE PACKED WITH CHARACTER

This traditional stone cottage boasts awealthofcharacter and views towards The Stiperstones.

The Bog was once an old mining village that has now become a popular tourist destination for walkers and nature lovers alike, thanks to its position in the heart of the Shropshire hills.

Welsh Row occupies awonderful secluded position offering privacy, with day-to-day amenities found in Stiperstones and awider selection of amenities in the village of Minsterley.Itis approximately 16 miles to thesouth west of thecounty town of Shrewsbury

It is on the market with Balfours with aguideprice of £575,000.

Atremendously pretty,stone built, four-bedroom detached country cottage, the property boasts an abundance of characterand charm, enjoying breathtaking views towards The Stiperstones.

The property is entered via alarge porch into adining room with exposed beams, stone fireplace and log burner Leading throughfrom the dining room is awonderful farmhouse-style kitchen adjoining alight-filled duel aspect snug with French doorsout to aterrace area.

There is also auseful utility room and a good-sized cloakroom.

The living room boasts original beams and astone fireplace. An orangery runs along therear of the property giving access to an art studio/home office.

Upstairs, the accommodation briefly comprises aspacious landing area, the principal bedroom benefiting from an ensuite shower room, afurther two goodsized doubles and afamily bathroom.

Welsh Row is set in approximately 0.61 acres, with apatio area to take in the stunning views and wild meadow flower areas, and arangeofoutbuildings.

LOVELYHOMEWITH WONDERFULVIEWS

Castle Grange has all the character of atimber listed building, yet ahighly efficient energy rating.

This delightful four-bedroom timber framed home, which was one of the first Border Oak built, is now on themarket with Balfours.

Add to this that it is situated in one of Ludlow’s most sought-after areas, the Linney,which commands views acrossthe town, the river and countryside beyond; yet is within easy walking distance of Ludlow town centre.

Aporch leads into the dining reception hall, to one side is the convenience of the kitchen breakfast room, to the other is thelarge drawing room. Here, an inglenook fireplace with woodburning stove links perfectly with the exposed timbers. The room is filled with natural light, with glazing to three aspects,including French doors to the south-west facing terrace.

The ground floor also has avery generous utility,a study,and shower room with WC.

There are four double bedrooms on the firstfloorand two bathrooms, one with bath and the other with large shower Each of the bedrooms features vaulted ceilings and exposed timbers with the one room having acharacterful mezzanine.

Says Balfours partner,Scott Kemsley: “It is rare to find such traditional character in a21st centuryhome, particularly

with an EPC ‘C’rating. In addition, the property comes with atwo-storey stone outbuilding, ideal for conversion. It has electric and plumbing including WC/ cloakroom therefore, subject to planning, would be perfect as guest annex or home office suite. There is aseparate double garage andample parking.

“Beyond the landscaped gardens with mature trees and shrubs is an additional strip of recently acquired land extending the property to 0.77 acre. This is a fabulous opportunity for the purchaser to landscape and utiliseto their bespoke needs,” he adds.

Ludlow offers araft of amenities including independent shops, plus its renowned culture and restaurants.

Excellent state and independent schools, golf and National Hunt racecourse are all convenient. Birmingham airport is 55 miles away

Balfours are marketing Castle Grange with aguide price of £1,050,000. For more information call 01584 707100

AUnique Lifestyle or Business Opportunity, Comprising of aGrade II Listed Manor House witha Range of Outbuildings set in 9Acres (3.64 Ha).

Stunning Location,Grade II Listed Tudor Manor House,Eight Bedrooms, Five Reception Rooms,Picturesque Gardens withPond, ExtensiveRange of Outbuildings,PotentialAnnexe/HolidayLets/AuxiliaryAccommodation, PotentialBusiness Opportunity, Approximately 9Acres (3.64 Ha)

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

Character Property in Sought After Location, Sitting /Dining Room withLog Burner,Kitchen /Breakfast Room withInglenook Fireplace &Log Burner, TwoDouble Bedrooms,Family Bathroom plus Upstairs WC,WrapAround Gardens,Garden Store, Off-Road Parking,EPC: C, Lapsed Planning Permission forTwo Further Bedrooms

AFour/FiveBedroom Country House set within Approximately 1.46 Acres(0.59 Ha)ofGardens,Orchardsand Permanent PasturewithStunning Countryside Views.

Stunning 180° Countryside Views,Sought-After Location,Approx1.46 Acre (0.59ha)Gardens /Orchards/Pasture, PotentialAnnexe/Auxiliary Accommodation, Four /FiveBedrooms,Four Reception Rooms,Double Garage,Off-Road Parking, Potting Shed,EPC: D

AUnique andSpacious Four Bedroom House Situated in theSought-After Town of Church Stretton withViews Across theTownand theHills Beyond.

Unique Residence,Far Reaching Views,Sought-After Location, AONB ShropshireHills NationalLandscape, Open-PlanLiving Space,New Miele Kitchen Appliances,Four Double Bedrooms allwithEn-Suites,Garden Terraces,Double Garage,Walking Distance to Town /Facilities,EPC: B

NO CHAIN NO CHAIN

Fallows

Shrewsbury, Shropshire

An Imposing, 3,500 sqft, Double Fronted Detached Period Family Residence,Located on One of theMost Desirable Streets in Shrewsbury, aShortDistance from theTownCentre.

No Chain, FiveBedrooms,TownLocation, Electric Gates,Two En-Suite Bathrooms,Attic Rooms,Large Open Terrace,Landscaped Garden, Double Garage, AdditionalOff-Street Parking(Up To Eight Cars), EPC: D

3St. Chads Terrace Guide price £825,000 Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Beautifully Appointed Grade II Period Residence Boasting Outstanding Design andFunctionality, whilst Retaining a Real Element of Charm andSophistication Throughout.

Grade II Listed Period Property,Character andCharm Throughout,FourBedrooms, Dining Room /Snug,Living Room withBi-Fold Doors.CourtyardGarden, Enviable Town Centre Location, BespokeStorage Units, AnthonyLewisKitchen, Views Over the QuarryPark

AFamily Home Renovated to theHighest Standard with Immense Kerb Appeal, within a15Minute DriveofShrewsbury. Contemporary 4-Bedroom Home,Modern Features forFamily Living,15-Minute DrivetoShrewsburyTownCentre,Double Garage, Bi-Folding Doors to Rear Garden, Modern Kitchen withIntegrated Appliances,LaidtoLawnGarden& Patio Area,Parking forSeveral Cars,NoChain, EPC: D

SSTC

Shrewsbury, Powys 6Belle VueGardens

Shrewsbury, Shropshire

An Impressive& Gorgeously Upgraded Four-Bedroom Detached Family Home in theDelightful ResidentialAreaofBelle Vue, Located on theFringe of ShrewsburyTownCentre.

Master Bedroom withEn-Suite ShowerRoom, ThreeFurther Bedrooms, Well Maintained Gardens,Kitchen /Breakfast Room, TwoReceptionRooms, Walking Distance to ShrewsburyTownCentre,Corner Plot,Double Garage, AdditionalOff-Street Parking,EPC: D

FARMHOUSEWITH BARN CONVERSION

This unique, superbly appointed, seven-bedroom detached farmhouse has athree-bedroom detached barn conversion.

This is afantastic opportunity to purchase this unique, well appointed property,which provides superb versatile accommodation.

Wilcott Grange, at Wilcott near Nesscliffe, is on the market with Miller Evans for offers in the region of £875,000.

The propety brieflycomprises; entrance porch, entrance hall, living room, lounge/dining room, conservatory,

kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, rear porch and utility area to theground floor.

There are four bedrooms, bathroom and separate WC to the first floor.Three further bedrooms and second bathroom on the second floor

Shires Lodge brieflycomprises; living room, kitchen/dining room and cloakroom to the ground floor and a large landing/office, three bedrooms and bathroom to the first floor.There is an adjoining workshop.

The properties enjoy neatly kept gardens, ample parking spaceand three

large outbuildings with potential for development/commercial purposes (Subject to any necessary planning consents).

The property occupies apleasant position in the popular village of Wilcott, Nesscliffe. Nesscliffe enjoys agood range of local amenities including primary school, petrol station/village store and the popular Three Pigeons public house/ restaurant, with superb recreational pursuits on your doorstep including the Nesscliffe Hill and The Cliffe.

LUXURYLIVINGIN DETACHED HOUSE

Discover the epitome of luxury living in this superb new build detached home, perfectly situated in the desirable area of Red Lake, Shropshire.

Boasting four generously sized bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious reception area, this property offers the ideal blend of style, comfort, and functionality

Plot 1Shrubbery Road is on the market with Mannleys for offers in the region of £625,000.

Part of asmall development of just two executive homes, this wellestablished location offers arange of excellent local amenities and convenient road links. Whether you’re looking for shops, schools, or recreational facilities, everything you need is just astone’s throw away

Step inside this exceptional property and be greeted by atruly impressive living space. The stunning open plan kitchen, dining, and family room forms the heart of the home, creating aspace whereyou can comfortably entertain family and friends. The high-spec finish and stylish design elements make this room atrue showstopper

Adjacent to the kitchen area, you’ll find alarge sitting room,further

enhancing the spaciousfeel of the ground floor.This versatile space provides acosy atmosphere for relaxation andoffers endless possibilities for customization. Convenience is key,asthisproperty also features autility room and ground floor WC, ensuring practicalityisnever compromised.

The main bedroom, complete with an en-suite bathroom,provides apeaceful retreat, while the guest bedroom also benefits from its own en-suite facilities, ideal for visitors or older children. Twoadditional double bedrooms offer ample space for agrowing family or the flexibility to create ahome office or playroom. The contemporary family bathroom with modern fittings and fixtures completes the upper level.

Externally,this property truly shines. Agarage and ample driveway parking provide secure storage and plenty of space for multiple vehicles.

The large landscaped rear garden offers aprivate oasis where you can unwind and enjoy outdoor activities with your loved ones.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own atruly magnificent home that offers both comfort and luxury.Arrange aviewing today and start planning your dream life in Red Lake, Shropshire.

CRUDGINGTONGREEN, CRUDGINGTON,TELFORD SHROPSHIRE,TF66JY

CharmingFiveBedroomCottagewith1AcrePlotinCrudgingtonGreen,TelfordNestledinthepicturesquevillageofCrudgington, Telford,thisstunningdetachedfivebedroomDukeofSutherlandcottageoffersatrulyenchantinglifestyle.Withitsfantasticplot spanningapproximately1acre,includingbeautifullylandscapedgardensandapaddock,thispropertyprovidesarareopportunity forthose seeking space, comfort, and naturalbeauty.This delightful home to find three separatereception rooms that provide plentyofspaceforentertainingorrelaxing.Theconservatoryaddsatouchofeleganceandallowsyoutounwindwhileenjoying panoramicviewsoftheenchantinggardens.Thebreakfastkitchenisbothpracticalandstylish,offeringamplestoragespaceand modernappliances.Theutilityroomconvenientlyhouseslaundryfacilities,keepingthemainlivingareasclutter-free.Additionally the ground floor boasts aconvenientWC. Heading upstairs,the main bedroom greets youwith its spaciousness and elegance, completewith an en-suiteshowerroom.Four additional bedrooms provide plentyofspacefor family and guests.The family bathroomoffersahavenforrelaxation,featuringmodernfixturesandasoothingambiance.EPCRatingD.

SOMERWOOD,RODINGTON, SHREWSBURY,SHROPSHIRE, SY44RG

OIRO: £420,000

BOOLEY,STANTONUPON HINEHEATH,SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE,SY44LY

PRICE :OFFERSINTHE REGIONOF£750,000 OFFERS IN REGIONOF £850,000

Fantastic developmentopportunitywith planning and Grade II listed consenttoconvert mid-19th-centurybarns into five homes.Located in asemi-rural setting near Stanton Upon Hine Heath, Booley offers stunning viewsand great connectivityvia the A53 and A49. Each unit (3-4 bedrooms) features private access,parking,and garden space. Additional land maybeavailable by negotiation. Viewings by appointmentonly. Fordetails,contact Mannleys

Charming Grade II Listed 3-bedroom detached cottage in a sought-aftervillage,near Shrewsburyand Telford. Featuring exposed timbers and period details,itoffers an entrance hall,breakfast kitchen with integratedappliances,sitting room with double-sided log burner,dining room, utility room, and WC. Upstairs arethree bedrooms,astudy,and a family bathroom. Includes driveway parking,alarge garage, and established gardens.Amust-see hidden gem!

ROWTON,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE, TF6 6QY

OIRO: £600,000

“The OldSmithy” offers versatile family living with asitting room, breakfast kitchen, spacious living/dining room, utility room, and showerroomonthe ground floor.Upstairs has amain bedroom with WC/dressing room, twodouble bedrooms,and a family bathroom.Locatedinapicturesque village,it’sclose to schools,Wellington Train Station, and the M54. Theproperty features alarge garden, barn/garage with solar panels,and modern electricheating.Schedule aviewing today! EPC E

WONDERFUL HOME IN IDYLLICSPOT

Fieldway is awonderful modern family house believed to have been constructed in the 1990s constructed of mellow Cheshire brick, surmounted by aslate roof

This most attractive house in Coton enjoys atruly special location, sat in an elevated position, with total privacy and breathtaking, far-reaching southerly views of the rolling Shropshire countryside.

It is on the market with Larch Property for offers in the region of £1,200,000.

Internally,the accommodation is laid out over three floors with alayout ideal for modern family living. An entrance porch leads to the inner hall/study with door to the staircase hall with separate WC. There are two reception rooms, the largest being the triple-aspect drawing room with wood burning stove. The second being the sitting room with southerly views.

An inner hall with rear hall/boot room off,leads to the generously proportioned open plan area which houses the kitchenbreakfast room and family room. Two elevations are fully glazed with French doorsleading out onto the south-facing terrace. There is acentral log burner and oak flooring with grey painted kitchen units with aRangemaster Professional range with extractor over.There is also a

large central island unit with breakfast bar

Awooden staircase leads to the firstfloor landing with all three bedrooms. The principal bedroom hasa fantastic marble tiled en-suite bathroom. There are afurther two double bedrooms and a family shower room.

Stairs from the inner hall landing lead down to the lower ground floor,where bedroom four,a good-sized double with en-suite shower room lies, as well as a gym/games/office, utility and storerooms.

The house is accessed via agated entrance with sweeping tarmacadam drive. There is adetached double garage with storage room. The beautiful, landscaped gardens surround the house. The formal gardens with lawns and

terrace are to the southfacing/front elevation. There is also asummer house, avegetable garden and an orchard, alongside anetted tarmacadam tennis court.

Currently aprivate yard, the equestrian facilities are believed to have been designed and built by Charles Britton to thehighest specifications.

Facilities include an American barn with stables, two foaling/youngster stables, large open feed/implement storage area, feed and tack rooms, and wash/solarium bay.There is alunging pen and outdoor manége. The paddocks are mainly post and rail fenced with gated access.

Fieldway enjoys aquiet rural location with far-reaching views over its own land.

AllStretton, Church Stretton

Detachedcottageinthe need of modernisation, with breath-taking views &set in about4.7 acres, locatedonthe edgeof TheLong Mynd AONB. Three/four bedroom| Biomassheatingsystem |Solar panels |Access to incredible riding/walking/cycling |Stable blockwithtack/storeroom Separate workshop |Chainfreesale |EPC rating D

St Martins,Oswestry

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

4-bedrooms |Openplanfamily living space|Periodfeatures throughout| Galleriedentrancehall |Drawing room |Sitting/dining room |Landscaped gardens |EPC rating D Asking Price: £925,000

Waters Upton, Telford

Amostattractive Grade II Listed barnconversion, with excellent modernday familyaccommodation, nestledwithin abeautiful village location. Kitchen/breakfast room |Dining room |Living room |Principal en-suite bedroom |2further bedrooms &family bathroom |Landscapedgardens & parking area |Patio area |EPC rating C Asking Price: £650,000

Long Lane,Telford

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

6bedrooms| Flexible layout ideal formultigenerational living |Separate annexe|Traditional brickoutbuilding withMonarchstables |20m x40m floodlit menage |LargeSTP outbuilding |Landscaped gardens |EPC exempt Asking Price: £1,100,000

PERIOD PROPERTY WITHLOVELYVIEWS

This period country home on the edge of the village of Ryton, enjoys beautiful views towards the Lawley,Caer Caradoc and the Long Mynd.

The Orchard is set in about 2.81 acres of gardens, with grounds that include fenced paddocks, orchard and vegetable gardens. It is on the market with Savills with aguideprice of £1,100,000.

The property boasts aseparate coach house with indoor heated swimming pool, garage and a first floor room with shower and W/C.

The Orchard exudes character and has been wonderfully maintained by the current owners who have lived therefor over 30 years. The house dates back to the

1900s and retains many original features.

The accommodation is laid out over two floors with the three main reception rooms being accessed off the entrance hall, including the drawing room which has awood burning stove, built-in cupboards and French doorsoutside to the Logia.

The sitting room has abay window, an Edwardian fireplace andanalcove through to the dining room which has awood burning stove within abrick inglenook.

The kitchen breakfast is south facing with French doorsopeningout onto the gardens and terrace. It has quarry tiled flooring, built-in cupboards, wall and base units and integrated appliances. There

is aseparate walk-in pantry,and adoor through to aglazed garden/utility room, where there is aseparate shower wet roomand alog store.

Stairs fromthe entrance hall rise to the first floor landing, which splits; to the right is the principal bedroom which hasa Victorian feature fireplace and an en-suite shower room. There are afurther three double bedrooms and afamily bathroom, plus aseparateWC.

The Orchard is accessed via agated driveway which leads to afurtherdouble garage and the courtyard. The gardens and land are mostly situated to the backof the house. There is apatio area with two raised ornamental pools, two greenhouses, avegetable plot, orchard and paddocks.

Stylish barn development

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

Peter Daborn

Head of Residential

rooms. Each of the four bedrooms features an ensuite. Outside there is arear garden surrounded by historic stone boundary walls. Freehold |Council Tax Band =H|EPC Rating =G Freehold |Council Tax Band =G|EPC Rating =F

Peter Daborn

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

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

Peter Daborn Peter Daborn

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

Head of Residential Shropshire 01952 239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Ryton, Dorrington

Guilsfield

Shifnal

LAKESIDERETREAT ON STUNNINGPLOT

Hem Mill is an exceptionally attractive period property which is believed to date from the 17th Century

The property at The Hem, near Shifnal, is on the market with Berriman Eaton for offers in the region of £1,495,000.

The house has been superbly maintained and improved by the current sellers during their tenure and benefits from fixtures and fittings of the highest quality throughout.

One of the principal attractions of Hem Mill is the fine grounds within which it stands. There aresweeping lawns and external living areas surrounding the property and atwo-acre lake.

Steps and apaved path lead to the lower level terrace with afront door opening into the dining room with abeamedand raftered ceiling, alow inglenook brick fireplace, acloaks and storage cupboard and an open doorway

through into thesitting room which has abeamedand raftered ceiling, inset log burning stove and an open arch into a family room.

Afurther open doorway from the dining room leads to the breakfast kitchen with afull rangeofwall and basemounted cabinetry with granite working surfaces and acontrasting centre island.

The entire room has integrated lighting and there is abeamed and raftered ceiling and astable-style external door.There is a walk-in pantry and awell appointed guest cloakroom.

An oak staircase rises from the dining room to the middle level floor with a galleried landing.

The principal suite has adouble

bedroom with awell-appointed en-suite shower room. Bedroom two is agood double with abeamed and raftered ceiling and corner aspect and bedroom three is, again, agood double room in size with alight corner aspect. There is adressing room/bedroom four.The bathroom has a beautifully appointed suite.

An oak staircaserises to the upper floor accommodation. The upper level is arranged to provide three open plan living rooms which can be configured to suit individual buyers’ requirements with French doors to aterrace with alakeside aspect.

Adoor from the middle living room opens into akitchenette with adouble bedroom beyond and an adjoining shower room. The entireupper floor could be utilized as an independent and selfcontained annex.

Hem Mill is approached over a sweeping driveway providing ample parking. There are superbly maintained formal gardens surrounding the house with amatured tree-studded copse providing ahigh degree of privacy.The lower level terrace provides alovely under cover al fresco dining area, with alarge courtyard andanoutside kitchen.

In addition to the formal grounds there is alake of approximately two acres in total and aworking water wheel. There is an adjoining field and arange of outbuildings.

Anoutstandingmodernresidencewithsubstantialgroundsof almost 4.5acres in total.Extremely high levelofappointment, integratedtechnology and beautiful gardens. Sixreception rooms, breakfastkitchen, laundry, twocloakroomsand four bath /showerrooms.Triple Garage block,studio annexand tractorstore.EPC:C

To view call theTettenhall Office

An elegant, GradeIIListed period residenceofgrandeur with approximately 2.3acres of gardensand groundsand outbuildings. Four reception rooms, breakfast kitchen, study, laundry, cloakroom, sevenbedroomsand three bath /showerrooms.Extensive garaging.Additional 1.67 acres of woodland with outbuildingsavailable by separate negotiation.EPC:Exempt

To view call theBridgnorth Office

An attractive former farmhouse in asought-afterShropshire village with charming gardensand adjoining paddock with groundsofapproximately 2.5acres in total.Three reception rooms, study, dining kitchen, laundry, cloakroom, four bedrooms,dressing room and threebath/showerrooms. Double garage,tractor shed /stabling andfield store.

EPC: E

To view call theTettenhall Office

An attractive former farmhouse with extensiveand beautiful gardensand atotal area of just over four acres.Three reception rooms, dining kitchen, laundry, cloakroom, five bedrooms, dressing room and threebath/showerrooms. Double garage and open views.

EPC: E

To view call theBridgnorth Office

Chetwynd Aston, Nr Newport

Farmcote,NrClaverley

Nurton, Nr Pattingham

Sheriffhales, Nr Shifnal

Offers Around £695,000

Aparticularlyspacious single storey residenceinaneasily accessible location with well appointedlivingareasand a total plot of around twothirds of an acre. Threereception rooms, conservatory,living kitchen, laundryand cloakroom, four bedroomsand twobath/ shower rooms. Double garage and well laid outgardens. EPC: E

To view call theTettenhall Office

Around £1,200,000

Aperiod, hilltopformer farmhouse with commanding views, equestrianfacilities and over four acres of grounds. Threereception rooms, breakfastkitchen, utility room and cloakroom, five bedrooms, playroom and threebath/ shower rooms. Garaging,stabling and barn.

EPC: E

To view call theBridgnorth Office

Acountryside home with around twoand aquarteracres of grounds, stablesand outbuildingswithdevelopment potential(STPP). Threereception rooms, breakfastkitchen with dining area,laundry, cloakroom, five bedrooms, dressing room and twobathrooms.Stabling,barns and workshop. EPC: E

To view call theBridgnorth Office

Around £1,350,000 Offers Around £925,000

Aclassic GeorgianGrade II Listed residenceset in around an acreofformal, landscaped grounds. Threereception rooms, study, breakfastkitchen, laundry, cloakroom give bedroom and twobath/showerrooms.Doublegarage,summer house,swimming pool, tenniscourt and beautiful gardens. EPC: Exempt

To view call theBridgnorth Office

Neachley, Nr Shifnal

AstonEyre, Nr Bridgnorth

Heathton,NrClaverley

Wootton, Nr Bridgnorth

PERFECTPLACE FOR SUMMERTIME LIVING

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

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

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

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

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

Old Coleham Court is the most exciting new residence in Shrewsbury

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

Exceptional architecture and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shrewsbury’smostexcitingnewriversideresidence.

•Elevenpenthouseswithroofterraces

•Threeduplexwithcantileveredglassstaircases

•Fourapartmentsopentothecentralcourtyard

•Sixone-bedroomapartments

•21two-bedroomapartments

OurSalesOfficeisnowopenbyappointment.

CallSharonon01743403131

oremailsharon@syhomes.co.uk

www.syhomes.co.uk

Plas Offa, Pentre, Chirk, Wrexham,LL14 5AN

Guide: £850,000

Plas Offa is situated just north of the popular townofChirk, with stunning viewsover the beautiful Welsh Dee Valley. Thesite is positioned on the well knownOffa’s Dyke path, close to the English border, with direct access ontothe A5. The total site amounts to approximately 1.60 Acres (0.65 Ha) and includes three completed and four uncompleted barn conversions. The properties are accessed via a private driveway just off theA5leading to acentralcourtyard.

EPC Rating:TBC Council Tax: Band CTenure: Freehold

TheGrange, Domgay Road, Four Crosses, SY22 6SL Guide: £895,000

This stunning Georgian residence is set in resplendent wraparound gardens, exhibiting awide rangeofwell-established trees and shrubs,with impressiveviews of Llanymynech's Iron Age hillfort. 'The Grange' has beentastefully modernised, retaining the property's decadence and character, whilst creating ahome suitable for alarge or growing family.

EPC Rating: TBC Council Tax: BandG Tenure: Freehold

The Russells, Nox, Shrewsbury, SY5 8PS Offers Over£700,000

Located five miles to the west of Shrewsbury, The Russells is an impressive approximately 8acre site offering buyers aunique lifestyle opportunity. The site offers spectacularfront and rear views of the Shropshire countryside and comprises athree bedroom house, ablock-built building and, set in its own plot with separate road access, a70ft x50ft brick, block and steel frame building provides a multitude of uses and with direct rear access to the land. Nox is a small hamlet approximately 5miles west of the historic market town of Shrewsbury. The property has direct access to the Montgomery Road (B4386) for routes towards Shrewsbury, where further transport links include the A5 and M54.

EPC Rating: ECouncil Tax: Band ETenure: Freehold

The Hollies, Kerry Road, Montgomery, SY15 6PD Guide: £599,888

Atruly spectacular property, that has beengreatly improved and updated by the currentowner, creating afantastic home within the sought afterlocation of Montgomery, atown knownfor its excellent range of amenities includingeateries, local shops, post office and amedical centre. Newtownand Welshpool have a furtherrange of shops, schools and more comprehensive amenities.The property retains character andelegance with period details includingsash windows, ornate fireplaces, polished original oak floor boards andoriginal Georgian stencilling.

EPC Rating: GCouncil Tax: ITenure:Freehold

BEAUTIFUL BUNGALOWS

Five three-bed executive bungalows are now available at The Sett at Prees, Shropshire.

Built by Adamo Developments, every bungalow hosts alargeopen-plan kitchen, with living anddining area opening onto the enclosed seeded rear garden by two sets of PVC doors. There is autility room for laundry and extra storage is located off the kitchen with plumbing and sockets installed. This high quality fitted kitchen with solid oak worktops, tiled floors, chrome mixer taps and sinks is available for those looking for luxurious, high-end property finishes.

Each plot, which is now complete, offers aspacious three-bedroom layout including a family bathroom with the primarybedroom suiteboasting the convenience of its own en-suite, which is well-equipped with contemporary tiling and chrome-finish brassware. Attached is asingle garage and tarmacadam finished driveway with parking for two cars in addition to the garagespace.

These eco-friendly and energy-saving bungalows boast energy-efficient PVC windows and doors, energy-efficient lighting throughout, solar PV panels,air source heat pump, underfloor heating throughout the

property and an electrical vehicle charging point.

Prees is perfectly situated close to the Shropshire Hills with The Sett offering five beautiful, practical bungalows surrounded by nature.

Each one of Adamo Developments’ sites is the end result of along process of acquisition, planning, carefully considered design, and experienced construction, to bring to life homes that suit the way real people live.

Five 3bed Executive Bungalows in Shropshire

CELEBRATING39YEARS OF FURNISHINGHOMES

ATIME TO REFLECT,LOOK BACK AND LOOK FORWARD

Cousins Furniture are celebrating aremarkable 39th anniversary this month. They warmly invite you to join them in one of their stores to share in the celebrations.

As they take this time to reflect, readonto discover more about therich heritage of Cousins, celebrating the past and present,while looking forward to an exciting future.

ORIGINS SINCE 1921

Although founded in 1985bytwo visionary brothers, Robert and Edward Shotton, alongwith their cousin William Cole, the company’s origins can be traced back to 1921, where their grandfather Bill Cole started his business ‘Coles’ in Bilston, Wolverhampton, as areclamation merchant. The business grew,and Mr Cole even built aprivate zoo to help attract customers to the site.

Cousins has grown from humble beginnings to become the largest familyrun furnitureretailer in the Midlands. The first storewas opened on August 17th, 1985, in Tyseley,Birmingham, by comedienne Faith Brown and asecond store followed in Dudley in 1996, opened by Jack and Vera ofCoronation Street, who bought thetown to astandstill!

Today,Robert Shotton remains actively involved in the daily operations and strategic planning of thecompany as Chairman, assisted by his son John, who serves as Managing Director

ATRUE LOCAL FAMILYBUSINESS

As atrue, local family-run business, Cousins has always prided itself on offering the very best in choice, quality, and value to the communities of the West Midlands. Family members are intimately involved in the selection of all collections, personally visiting factories where the furniture is crafted. This hands-on approach ensures that every piece of furniture meets the high standards that Cousins is known for.

The company employs over 100 local and friendly staff members, many of whom have been with the company since the opening of its stores. This long-term dedication is atestament to thepositive and supportive work environment that Cousins fosters.

ANAME YOUCAN TRUST

Cousins is anameyou can trust, not only for its own brand, but also for leading renowned brand names such as

Top: The Shrewsbury store; above:BillCole, Robert’sgrandfather; below: Coles of Bilston van

Parker Knoll, GPlan, Ercol, ViSpring, and Hypnos. These brands have been loyal partners since the opening of the first store. Over 60% of Cousins’ customers are either repeat buyers or have come through recommendations, demonstrating the exceptional service and quality that the company provides. Generational shopping is acommon sight, with younger customers following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents.

EXPANSION INTOSHROPSHIRE & STAFFORDSHIRE

Fast forward 39 years, and Cousins is now the Midlands’ largest family-owned furnitureretailer,known for quality furnitureand excellent service across the UK. In 2020, despite the challenges of Covid, they expanded into Shropshire and Staffordshire, acquiring the former Alan Ward stores in Shrewsbury and Newcastle-under-Lyme and fulfilling 1,000 outstanding orders. This acquisition solidified their position as the region’s leading independent furniture retailer With large distribution centresinOldbury and Shrewsbury,they deliver across the Midlands and into Wales. Cousins stocks vast quantities of living, dining and bedroom furniture for quick delivery

THE PRESENT

Cousins have adapted to the times, continually evolving by investing in online e-commerce, digital marketing, and the latest trends in furniture and interior design.

The furniture business also offers its custom-made line, Cousins Bespoke. This comprises of arange of made-toorder furniturecreated to exact customer

specifications and has been continually developing, introducing more styles, colours, and finish options. This range allows customers to create their look with bespoke living, beds and bedrooms, plus mix-and-match dining options.

Commended for their in-store cafes, Deja Brew,and successful flooring

department under the leadership of Neville Hinchcliffe, Cousins also offer a wide range of accessories to complete the look of any home, making it possible to furnish an entire home under one roof

Cousins prides itself on offering the largest selection of furniture styles to suit every taste andhome. Customers can shop with comfort, not only in the physical sense with comfortable sofas, beds, and chairs but also with peace of mind, knowing they are investing in quality furniture from atrusted and established retailer

For39years, Cousins has been furnishing homes with excellence.

THE FUTURE

Following the extensive refurbishment of the Shrewsbury showroom, Cousins will now focus on upgrading the Dudley and Tyseley stores. At the Dudley store, they are replacing the Roman-style façade with amodern entrance featuring a contemporary canopy,electronic sliding doors, and new planting, along with a complete re-brand. The interior will also be upgraded to enhance the shopping experience. Robert Shotton states, “Wecontinue to enhance the in-store experience. We believe people need to be inspired when shopping for furniture and will keep evolving the concept of true destination stores.”

As Cousins celebrates 39 years of success, the company remains committed to its core values of choice, quality,and value, continually evolving to meet the needs and inspirations of its customers.

Cousins look forward to celebrating their anniversary with you in one of their stores, in Birmingham, Dudley, Newcastle-under-Lyme or Shrewsbury

The proposed frontage for the Dudley store

An advert for the firststore’sopening

Robert and EdwardShotton with comedienne Faith Brownatthe Tyseley storein1985

Coronation Street’sJackand Vera with Robert’s mother Rose Shotton at the Dudley storein1996

Celebrate 39 Years ANNIVERSARYOFFERS

DESIGNS ON THE HOTTEST TRENDS

USE DESIGN FESTIVALTIPS TO KEEP YOUR DÉCOR ACUT ABOVE, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS.

Ifyou’re looking for inspiration to immerse yourself in the world of interiors, these style notes from one of the major events in the design calendar,3Days of Design, showcase some of the biggest influences.

The theme of this year’s event, Dare to Dream, attracted tastemakers and interior aficionados from around the globe who flocked to Copenhagen to ‘celebrate creativity’.

Daniela Venturini, Wayfair’s resident art director and trend forecaster,says: “As an interior enthusiast, Ilove to delve deep into the world of contemporary aesthetics and visionary craftsmanship.

“3 Days of Design was an immersive experience that encouraged us to dare to dream, push boundaries and see the future of design.”

She says the city,the creativity and

the collective spirit of theevent left an indelible mark, urging us all to dream bigger and design bolder.

So, which trends can you take away to up your interior styling?

Sculptural Futuristic

“Metals sit centre stage with mesmerising, statement-making finishes,” highlights Venturini.

“Thinkhigh-shine, mirror-polish and textured surfaces, from burnt and oxidised to patinated and brushed.

“The tactile finish of these pieces adds an unexpected warmth to traditionally industrial elements.” She continues.

“Metals like brass, bronze and copper are mainstays, while cool silver tones are also angling for the spotlight.”

Venturini’s top tips… “Keep an

eye out for budget-friendly metallic accessories. Look for vases, candle holders or pictureframes with oxidised or brushed finishes, effortlessly incorporating tactile richness into any space, without breaking the bank.”

If you love aDIY project,she says to consider adding apatina finish to inexpensive metal furnishings. “Online tutorials can guide you on how to achieve aburnt or oxidised effect on bulkier items like chairs andsidetables.”

Luxury Nostalgia

As consumers seek more meaningful items with agenuine narrative, handcrafted details and heritage-driven designs are gaining popularity,notes Venturini.

“What we see, not only in Copenhagen, but also in trend-led hotels and on Pinterest, is asmorgasbord of retro and vintage-inspired pieces that shine alight on nostalgia, while maintaining current-day individuality,” she underlines.

“Rich materials from corduroy,boucle and walnut to burled wood, smoked glass,steel and leather graced numerous installations, blending traditional and modern effortlessly.”

Venturini’s top tips… Forvintage-

inspired, retro pieces, she says to search for tactile fabrics, richly upholstered furniture, walnut-finish tables or rustic wood décor.Don’t underestimate the power of second-hand… find pre-loved pieces that can be upcycled with simple DIY projects, such as reupholstering a chair or refinishing acoffee table.”

Fun Fusion Digitopia

“Digitopia saw the meticulous merging of technology and creativity, creating surreal, transformativedesigns that challenged convention,” explains Venturini.

“Picture brightly coloured yet monochrome products, and geometric offerings presented in unconventional forms –and youget theidea.

“These imaginative products were truly expressive, embodying idealised escapism, fun and abundance, promoting optimism, creativity and self-expression.

“Who wouldn’t want abit of that?”

Venturini’s top tips… She suggests introducing playful, vibrant accessories such as accent pillows, rugs or wall art, along with bold patterns and colours to lift the mood of any room.

“Incorporate smart home products that blend style and technology.”

STILL BLOOMING IN LATE SUMMER

HANNAH STEPHENSON MAKES THESEASON LAST WITH SOME SHOWSTOPPING LATE FLOWERS

There are some shining lights of the late summer border which will make your garden sizzle with colour when other summer blooms are fading.

Plants which produce flowers in varying shades of orange, red, purple and pink come into their own at this time of year,long after roses, lupins and other perennial favourites arestarting to fade.

Here are 10 of the best plants for late summer colour

1. CROCOSMIA‘LUCIFER’

The upright sword-like leaves of these herbaceous perennials provide astriking architectural backdrop to fiery colour, with arching flower stems bearing vibrant orange tubular flowers in mid to late summer.Also known as montbretia, these reliable cormous plants will grow in many conditions, including shade and dry soil.

If they take off,you may need to dig afew outeach year and replant them.

2. ECHINACEA

The huge daisy-like blooms of these tough perennials, also known as coneflowers, can flower for weeks, their bright petals radiating around aprominent central cone. Preferring full sun in soil that drains easily,they are at home in prairie-style plantings as they combine well with grasses, but there’s aplace for them in almost any late summer border Colours range from white and pink to red and orange. Good varieties include ‘Delicious Candy’and ‘Ruby Giant’.

3. HYLOTELEPHIUM (FORMERLYKNOWN AS SEDUM)

Also known as the ice plant, these perennials produce colourful, succulent leaves in spring followed by flat heads of white, pink or crimson flowers in

late summer,which can last through to autumn. They grow best in full sun in free-draining soil and are perfect for rockeries, containers and at the front of borders. Give them plenty of light and don’t pack them in under theshadow of other plants, or they won’t flower.A good one is Hylotelephium spectabile or ‘Purple Emperor’.

4. VERBENA BONARIENSIS

This has to be aborder perennial favourite, with its tall stems and flat heads of lavender purple flowers, which are loved by pollinating insects. Depending on the variety,itcan grow up to 2m, and its ‘see through’ attributes add height without density in asunny border.Ifyou want the flowers nearer the front of your space or even in apot, there’s the dwarf variety ‘Lollipop’. Grow in full sun in moist but well-drained soil.

5. DAHLIA

If you can keep the slugs off them, dahlias areamong the starsofthe late summer border,whichever flower types you prefer,from single flowered opencentred varieties to sphericalpompoms, balls, thejagged ruffles of cactus types and the waterlily dahlias, in all colours of the rainbow.Dwarf types look beautiful in pots andare fabulous for cutting. Among the best are ‘Bishop of Llandaff ’, with its deep brown foliage and scarlet flowers, and for containers try any of the compact Gallery Series, which come in awide range of colours.

6. LILY

Who can resist the heady fragrance of lilies, which flower just as other plants are runningout of steam? Forsubtle colour, you can’t beat Lilium regale, whose white flowersw,with agold throat and purple pink on the undersides, appear in late summer.Ifyou want apot showstopper, go for Asiatic and oriental hybrids such as the pink and white ‘Mona Lisa’ or the soft pink ‘Vermeer’.

7. ECHINOPS (GLOBE THISTLE)

Consider the globe thistle, ahardy perennial with steely blue buds and flowerhead globes. Grown in aborder in full sun or partial shade, it looks good in agreyorsilver-leaved theme, thanks to its spiny, coarsefoliage, although the blue

flowerheads are the visible stars. It prefers poor,well-drained soils and will tolerate coastal sites

8. HELENIUM

Fora rich, fiery hue, look no further than the helenium,whose impressive daisy-like flowers come in avariety of sizzling colours from burnt orange and copper red to zingy yellow.Good varieties include the deep copper ‘Moerheim Beauty’and ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’with orange flowerheads.

9. ASTER XFRIKARTII ‘MONCH’

Some Michaelmas daisies are better than others and this lavender-blue hybrid is one of the best, as it is resistant to powdery mildew and other diseases which strike other types. They prefer sun or light shade in reasonable soil which needs to be kept well watered.

10.PERENNIAL LOBELIA

When your trailing annual lobelia in baskets and containers starts to fade, perennial lobelias in the border should come into their own, if you plant them in asunny spot in soil with plenty of added compost. They are very different from the annual lobelia we know,growing up to 90cm, and areavailable in reds, pinks and purples. TryLobelia ‘Queen Victoria’ for astriking splash of red, combining it with rudbeckia for late summer colour

THE REASSURANCE OF DEALING WITH A local SPECIALIST

Whether your home is acountrycottage,aVictorian semi, amoderntownhouse or aconvertedbarn, we havearange of traditional and contemporary timber windows and doors that will complement it perfectly.

Visit our showroom to discuss how we can help you with our lovely range of products. You’ll receive expertadvice and see how beautiful timberwindows and doors really can enhance the value and beauty of your home

Timber Windows of Hereford Unit 3, HerefordTrade Park, Holmer Road, Hereford, HR4 9SG Tel: 01432 271000 timberwindows& doors

Timber Windows of Shrewsbury

3RoushillBank, Shrewsbury, SY11PN

Tel: 01743 216800

CHARITY MARKING 35TH ANNIVERSARY

LUCY TODMAN LOOKS BACK AT HOW SEVERN HOSPICE HAS GROWNSINCE IT OPENED IN 1989 TO BE AT THE FOREFRONTOFCOMPASSIONATE CARE AND EMPATHY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Severn Hospice has been at the heart of the Shropshire community for more than three decades and this year marks its 35th anniversary

The charity opened its first hospice at Bicton, Shrewsbury,and on the July 12, 1989, welcomed its first families to the newly opened Perryward.

Its ambition to provide the people of Shropshire and Mid Wales with the highest standard of palliative and end of life care had become areality

The hospice opened aday hospice in Newtown, Powys, in 1998 and then asecond site in Telford in 2007 with additional beds.

The hospice now cares for 3,000

patients every year,four out of five of them at home, thanks to the community services it has continued to develop.

In 2003, the Hospice at Home service started, providing specialist care in the home for people in the final stages of their illness. In the past year the hospice’s specialist nurses made 9,500 home visits and offered more than 1,700 home visits and sessions from its complementary therapy team.

Most recently the hospice has pioneered amodel of ‘virtual hospice’ -where consultant-led, ward-level care is provided for people staying at home rather than in the hospice.

Severn Hospice’s chief executive Heather Tudor said: “Weare very proud

of how far we have come; the people of Shropshire, Telford &Wrekin and North Powys now benefitfrom one of the largest hospices in the country with the widest range of services.”

One thing that has notchanged is the need for community support.The hospice –acompletely independent charity –providing all of its care for free and hasto raise more than £11 million this year to do so. That’smore than £1 million more than last year due to inescapable rising and recurring costs.

“It is because of the generosity that the hospice has not only survived but has developed over the last 35 years,”said Heather

“Weknow that the local NHS is under immense pressure andsothe importanceSevern Hospice and its range of inpatient andcommunity services to Shropshireand North Powys has never been greater

“Toensure our continued success, however,wemust close the gap between income and costs. We know how hard it is for everyone right now,soweare especially grateful for anything that our supporters can do.

“Weare always looking at ways to reduce costs by working differently and more efficiently.Last year new initiatives delivered asaving of £500,000. Despite that, we still faced an increase in costs of £1.4 million.

“Our costs have increased by another £1 million this year and we are looking for more efficiencies to avoid adilution of service.

“Keeping up with day-to-day running costs can only be achieved by reducing costs or increasing income. It is getting tougher andsothe community’s support means so much. When I’m asked what’s the one thing someone can do today to help, Isay: become aregular supporter and set up adirectdebit or join our weekly lottery or shop with us.”

The charity started its fundraising lottery in 1995, with players today contributing almost £1 million to care each year

In 2020, the hospice opened anew home for itscommunity nursing services; apurpose-built care and therapy suite at Bicton, enabling patients at hometocome in for consultations, therapies, and advice.

Alink with the community was further established with the opening of its Refresh café in 2021and since then it has served more than 40,000 people.

The hospice has an army of volunteers who work in its32shops, tend its gardens, serve in Refresh, help on the wards and are part of itsFamily Support Service. Its community support groups have raised more than £1.3 million.

Heather added: “Without this commitment, dedication and love, the

charity would not be able to care for as many families as it does.”

Over the years, thehospice’s team of clinicians have built strong links with other organisations while its educationalists, all of whom have medical backgrounds, are training the next generation of palliative care nurses.

Aboard of trustees, together with senior management, ensure the hospice is run so that it will be sustainable and financially healthy for years to come Theirexpertise and knowledge, along with that of the senior management team, helped the charity rise to the challenges of the pandemic.

But what makesSevern Hospice such asuccess and one that is close to the hearts of so many local people?

One of its longest serving members of staff is Helen Duce. She first learned that ahospice was to be built in Shrewsburyin

1989 and knew straight away that that was where she wanted to work. She went on to become the hospice’s matron until her retirement in 2020. But she couldn’t stay away, first returning to work in the newlyopened Refresh café and then moving to arole as ahealth care assistant with the Hospice at Home team.

“In the 35 years sinceIbegan my nursing career at the hospice, we have cared for more than 48,000 people,” said Helen.

“Back then, care was very one dimensional and just concerned with the patient but now it is about the patient and their families, they are not two separate things.

“I feel very honoured to work at Severn Hospice –I’ve met and cared for many amazing people, and Ifeel enormously proud of what we stand for

“Our care is outstanding, the support

we give to our patients and their families and carers is exemplary and Iamsoproud to tell people ‘I am anurse and Iwork at Severn Hospice’.”

And as with Helen, the care the hospice gives and is renowned for all comes down to the people who work there; the nurses on the wards, the therapists, the community teams, the cooks, gardeners, stewards and housekeepers.

All of them work to ensure that the patients, their families and carers are treated with dignity and respect and find comfort and empathy

One of the people to have seen the hospice change over the years is the current matron, ClareGregory

“Severn Hospice really is an incredibly special place,” said Clare. “Over the years, the general perception of what hospice care is has changed and Ibelieve

that Severn Hospice has played such an important part in that locally.Through our links with the community,our Hospice at Home nurses, our events, fundraisers and supporters, our shops, and our volunteers; we are working to dispel the myths surrounding hospice care.

“Even just afew years ago, the belief was that hospices were justsomewhere people went to die.

“Yes, we provide end-of-life care in our wards, but most of our patients are treated in their own homes, where they want to be. We do everythingwecan to honor their wishes: we work so closely with their families, their doctors, and their consultants.

“Hospice care is difficult, we are there at the end of someone’s life, we do whatever we need to do to make sure that our patients are comfortable, feel at peace and not be afraid.

“Weled the way with hospice care back when we opened in 1989, now we are at the forefront of hospice care in the 21st century

“It is an honorand privilege to care for those in our community who need us, whenever and wherever that may be.”

PAGE 43: Ward manager Mandy Richards and Sister Sarah Moody; Heather Tudor CEO

PAGE 44: Outreach Community RNs holding ameeting to discuss their patients; hospice gardeners Nicky and Joel; adoctor discusses patient carewitharelative

PAGE 45: Bicton hospice; the nursing team on the first day in 1989; members of the physio and occupational therapy team

SUE’S SOLID SILVER BUSINESS SUCCESS

ATALENTED JEWELLERY ARTIST TALKSTO HEATHER LARGE ABOUT HOWSHE STARTED HER BUSINESS AND HOW HER CLIENTELE NOW INCLUDES TV AND SPORTS CELEBRITIES

From seed pods to wildflowers, the natural world is an endless source of inspiration for jeweller Sue Chadwick.

Working in silver,the talented artist designs and makes unique and striking pieces with an African flair

Sharing her time between Shropshire and Zimbabwe, Sue sells her jewellery at exhibitions, craft fairs, private functions and via her website.

In September,her business, Sue Chadwick Jewellery,will be taking part in the Secret Severn art trail and will be exhibiting at the Footprint Gallery in Jackfield.

Having an artist for amother and an engineer for afather,creativity and ingenuity runs in her family

Sue originally trained as agraphic designer but was fascinated by alocal

silver jewellers and during her breaks from college, she would often visit the shop and talk to staff

“I would go in, pester them and look at the jewellery on the shelves. Iwanted to know how things were made,” she said.

In her third year,one of her friends began dating an apprentice jeweller who went on to set up his own business as a goldsmith.

“I kept asking him to teach me. After three years of me asking, he told me: ‘I’m working three nightsnext week, you can come in’. He got no work done in that time because Ihad so manyquestions,” she recalls.

By this time Sue was teaching at the art school in Harare. Her jewellery mentor had suggested that she try sculpting her pieces in wax before casting them in silver

Known as lost wax casting, awax master is sculpted and then is submerged in asubstance known as investment and, once heated, the wax melts andruns out of asmall hole in the bottom –leaving behind an impression inside of the investment.

Molten silver is then poured into the investment mould which is then plunged into cold water.Due to the temperature change, the investment breaks down, leaving just the silver remaining.

“I started to play around with wax and alocal silvercaster would cast them for me. Iwill always remember one day going to collect my pieces that hadbeen cast andthe owner there had got my pieces out and he said to me ‘just because you can cast it, doesn’t mean you should’. Sometimes, Istill hear him say these words when I’m working and getting

abit carried away,” says Sue, who still utilises the lost wax process today.After moving to London in 1997 Sue Chadwick jewellery was sold at Janet Fitch Jewellery in Covent Garden. Sue kaunched her jewellery business as asole trader in 2004.

Twoyears later,she wasdelighted to have the opportunity to be included in the Christmas edition of The Times’ Ethical Gift Guide.

But in order to meet thecriteria, sheneeded to have afully-functioning website. With the help of her brother who was in the USA, Sue worked around the clock to meet the deadline –and their hard work paid off

“On the day it was published Ihad been out and Igot home to 30 orders. It was asteep learning curve but it got me going,” she says.

The exposure also led to her being commissioned by asports agency to create personalised jewellery for anumber of male and female athletes and footballers while TV presenter Sophie Raworth also became aloyal customer

Sue has been living and working in Shropshire since 2010 and has fallen in love with the county and its natural beauty

“What Iabsolutely love about Shropshire are the landscapes, the seasons and the skies. It’s astunning place to live.

“I love harvesting and changing landscapes. I’m asucker for aseedpod or agnarly piece of wood. Ilove contrasts like thorns and feathers,” she explains.

Each design for anew piece of jewellery starts with asketch. “When I

sketch, I’mthinking in 3D. Ithenstart to sculpt the wax. Sometimes the first wax I do works well but sometimes it takes two or three attempts to make sureit’snot going to be too heavy.

“I then have it cast using the lost wax casting method and it comes back to me for cutting, filingand polishing. Finally,I send it to London for hallmarking.

“I sit and make all the time. The reason Imainly work in silver is Idon’t suit gold! Ican be affordably chunky –I like to know it has aweight to it but when you put it on you don’t know it’s there.

“Also, Ithink because silver reflects colours it goes so well with everything,” says Sue, who is amemberofMade in Shropshire.

“Even though I’ve got an idea of what Iwant to make, Ilike the surprise when what I’vecreated is better than I first thought it would be.”

Formany years Suehas taken part in the Secret Severn art trail, which this year runs from September 6-15. Originally at the first Secret Severn events, she shared space with Sandy Densem in her original unit at Maws Craft Centre, and then her home.

In 2020, Sue was part of the Secret Severn at Jackfield Village Hall popup studio and since 2021 has made the Footprint Gallery,Fusion, Jackfield, her main exhibition space during the event

“Secret Severn is such awelcoming event. What’s special about it is theway it celebrates Shropshire’s new and existing artists and they work hard to promote the art community.”

Secret Severn art trail puts spotlight on local talent

Nowinits ninthyear,the Secret Severn art trail, which covers locations in and around Jackfield, will run from September 6to 15

Visitors areinvited to enjoyartwork from morethan 40 local artists while soaking up the stunning Ironbridge Gorge WorldHeritage Site scenery.

The event will include amain exhibition at the Footprint Gallery, Fusion, next to the Jackfield Tile Museum, as well as multiple open and pop-up studios in and around the area. All sites will be open from 10am to 5pm each day.

Secret Severn chairman Rod Sheppard said: “We’re delighted to be able to place aspotlightonthe beauty of art and the Gorge once again.

“We’ve gone from ahandfulofartists in our first year to more than 40 this year, sothere’splenty for everyone to see and explore.

“The top-selling artists from previous years will be returning, and the event has also attracted alot of new talent this year

“We’re reallylooking forwardto welcoming visitors and showcasing the fantastic artistic talent on our doorstep in asite which historically has been aplace of great creativity, and still is today.”

Vice chairman Jan Park added: “Secret Severn is agreat day out for all ages to enjoyand an opportunity to support local artists.

“This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever,and will also include an arts competition which will be open to everyone. Therewill be prizes up for grabs for the winners.

“Artists will be selling awhole range ofproducts from greeting cards, jewellery, ceramics, original paintings and drawings to sculpture, photographs, prints and textiles -for all budgets.

“Many of our artists areopening their studio doors for the duration of the event, giving visitors the chance to meet them and see them at work.”

Flags outside the venues will help people to see who is taking part.

Parking is available at Jackfield Tile Museum, and refreshments will also be available.

n Formore information, see www suechadwick.co.uk

n For moredetails, visit www. secretsevern.co.uk.

CAMERACLUBPUTS 72 YEARSINFOCUS

NEW MEMBERS INVITEDTOJOIN AS PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY MARKS ITS BIRTHDAYBYPUTTING SPOTLIGHT ON IMAGES THATILLUSTRATE ADIVERSE RANGE OF INTERESTS AND STYLES

Secrets of the Forest by Paul Logan

The Bridgnorth and District Camera Club was founded in 1952 by asmall number of local enthusiastic amateur photographers.

As the club enters its 72nd year we continue to build on our ethos of being a friendly and inclusive club and as always, welcome new members regardless of whether they are complete beginners or more experienced photographers.

Our aim is to encourage and promote adiverse interest in photography within the club whether it be with digital cameras or mobile phones.

Come along to our Thursday evening meetings, make friends, talk to likeminded people and be part of agreat community.Enjoy aprogramme which offers awide range of activities to suit all abilities and interests.

Talks and presentations from

SnowBound on Cannock Chase by TerryHawkins Walk in Comer WoodsbyAlan Gwilt

SycamoreGap by John Burrows

Needs aShavebyTony Moore

professional photographers,practical sessions, studioevenings and club competitions are our core activities. Regular trips complement the programme, with help and advice from more experienced members always on hand.

We meet every Thursday evening at the Community Centre in Low Town, Bridgnorth between September and May at 7.30pm. The new season starts on September 12 andprospective new members can come along to see what we’re all about.

The images in this article illustrate the diverse range of interests and styles of our members.

Forfurther information please get in touch either by email: info@ bridgnorthcameraclub.org.uk or visit the website at www.bridgnorthcameraclub. org.uk

WillowonLeather by Andy Sibley

Levels of Life -LondonbyGayle Fitzpatrick

Sunrays on Ynyslas by Pauline Wellings

The Old Oak Doorway by BarbaraTalbot

HI-TECH VILLAGE IS SHAPEOFFUTURE

MATTHEW PANTER CHATS TO THEBOSS OF ABUILDING FIRM WHICH IS GRADUALLY TRANSFORMING AFORMER SUGAR BEET FACTORYSITE INTOASTATE-OF-THE-ART COMMUNITY

It’s been quite ajourney as you’d imagine.

Building ahousing estate is an impressive feat in itself but creating an entire community,that’s apretty epic challenge.

And yet, that’s what has been achieved at Allscott Meads. Amyriad of different style houses, asports village, astate-ofthe-art primary school, beautiful nature areas. All that’sneeded is some shops –and they are being built too!

Forover 80 years, the Shropshire village of Allscott, between Shrewsbury and Telford, was home to British Sugar’s sugar beet factory

It closed in 2007 and was razed to the ground three years later leaving a64-acre site but now it has been brought back to life in eye-catching fashion.

SJ Roberts Homes purchased the site from British Sugar in 2020. Working closely with the planning team at Telford

&Wrekin Council, the company created avision to deliver 470 freehold homes of varying sizes and available in amix of tenures.

Anew primary school –Allscott –was also in the plan alongside retail and business units.

“Without wanting to sound too much like acontestant on The XFactor,Allscott Meads has been quite ajourney,” says Mike Sambrook, managing director of SJ Roberts.

“”We first became aware of the opportunity at Allscott in 2016 when our chairman, Steve Roberts andIvisited the site shortly after outline planning permission had been granted by Telford & Wrekin Council.

“The next three years were spent appraising the siteand negotiating the purchase with Northern Trust, whoacted on behalf of British Sugar who owned and operated the site throughout its time as a sugar beet factory

“The more we visited the site, the clearer the vision and its potential became, and the team realised that something quite special could be created on this predominantly brownfield site.

“Such was ourpassion for what

the future could look like, we were determined to deliver architectural excellence, space, green and blue infrastructure and acommunity that would be proud to live at Allscott Meads.”

Construction began in 2020 and design inspiration, managed by SJ Roberts’ in-house architectural design team, came from the award-winning Poundbury site in Dorset, as well as Duke of Sutherlanddesigns that are commonplaceinnearby villages including Tibberton, Walcot and Admaston.

The result has been an eclectic mix of house types ranging from one through to five-bedroom houses, as well as bungalows which are rarely seen on new developments nowadays.

“Weremained mindful of keeping our vision attainable for all purchasers and all demographics,” reflects Mike.

“Weensured that one-bed houses and bungalows were integrated into our plans, as much as larger family homes. Working in close collaboration with all departments within the local authority was, Ibelieve,integral to the success of this development.

“Weworked extremely closely not only with planning, and highways and drainage, but also with the ecology,urban design, and healthy spaces teams.

“Each of these teams demonstrated genuine passion for the project and combined with our own passion and vision, we’ve created and continue to create aunique,and award-winning

scheme! The heritage of the site was something we were always keen to recognise and so integratingelements of this into the design became important.

“Wehave the circular village ponds and play area that mimic the silos from the old factory site, whilst the lagoon ponds have been formed in the shape of the old settling ponds north of the site. Additionally,street names have been taken from areas and operations of the factory site and were provided by ex-employees.”

Allscott Meads brings awow factor in terms of its housing,alongside play

areas with outdoor gymequipment and atrim track, brand-new nature trails and acommunity orchard, as well as picnic benches and ashingle beachwhich adjoins the lagoon pools.

But it’s the creation of anew school –animpressive facility –which catches attention.

Allscott Primary School opened in September 2023 and will provide education for up to 150 children from nursery through to Year 6fromboth the Allscott Meads community,aswell as the wider catchment area.

It’s the kind of development which, when you talk about legacy,a school brings.

“It’s astand-out achievement for me,” says Mike. “It involved acollaborative approachwith Telford &Wrekin Council, along with the Learning Community Trust, the chosen academy provider to operate the new school.

“The school has won many plaudits for its design and quality of build, and the day of the ribbon cutting to open the school in September 2023, will last long in my memory!

“A brand-new sports and social club, which includes new sports pitches, has also been constructed by the SJ Roberts Construction team and opened in late 2023 for the use and enjoyment of the whole Allscott community.

“Allscott Sports Club offers state-ofthe-art pitches and other facilities for the local community,and I’m pleased to say

that membership is already thriving,” says Mike.

Plans are afoot for up to five businesses to join the community in a purpose-built commercial building, while construction work is on-going.

The team has won ahost of awards already for their work at Allscott Meads and Mike says: “Weare forever humbled at the feedback we receive, not only from homeowners, but also awide range of visiting consultants who are keen to witness first-hand what we’re creating.

“We’ve received regional and national award recognition, which has shown us just how strongly we stack up against national household names within the sector

“This is all, undoubtedly,testament to the huge effort made by our designers, site and sales staff,and the various subcontractors involved too.

“I don’t doubt that this development

has succeeded, and exceeded all expectations, because of the personal ‘buy-in’ of all thoseinvolved. They passionately care aboutthe workthey do and are rightly proud of the legacy that will be left when Allscott Meads is complete.”

PAGE 54: The Allscott Meads community has been developed on the site of the former sugar beet factory; MikeSambrookofSJ Roberts.

PAGE 55: The site features circular village ponds; Allscott Primary School opened in September 2023.

PAGE 56: Construction got under way on the site in 2021; Margaret Thatcher visiting the site in 1983; beet arriving in 1927.

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SECONDCHANCE AS HENSRE-HOMED

HEATHER LARGE DISCOVERS THE NETWORK OF VOLUNTEERS ACROSS SHROPSHIRE AND THE UK GIVING THOUSANDS OF EX-COMMERCIAL LAYING HENS ACHANCE TO BE PART OF AFAMILY

Which pet puts asmile on your face in the morning -and makes your breakfast?

The answer,ofcourse, is ahen.

This year the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) will be celebrating rehoming itsone millionth hen –each one saved from the slaughterhouse at just 18 months old.

To date more than 26,300 hens have been rehomed in Shropshire as more and more people are welcoming ex-commercial laying hens into their families.

British Hen Welfare Trusthenshave foundhomes in schools, community areas, prisons, and back gardens across the country

Some have even joined royal

households and been seen on TV with their well-known owners.

These hens may be at the end of their working lives, but they potentially have many years ahead of them.

Commercial hens are bred to be docile, one reason they make such easy pets, but they each have their own personality.Some are friendly and interactive, and others areshy,some are inquisitive and others self-contained.

Usually,the hens have come from flocks of thousands where they were little more than anumber

In their new homes they have names and people who care about them as individuals, who notice what makes them unique and want to make them happy

Many adopters say thatone of the most rewarding parts of keeping ex-

working hens is watching the change that takes place as they settle into their new homes.

They arrive skittish and jumpy –sometimes scared of being outside. Before long they adjust to their new freedom.

Their feathers grow back, and their yolks often go from light to dark –aresult of sunlight and amore varied diet. Their combs, which are often pale and limp when they arrive, become darker and begin to stand up.

And they start to indulge in dust baths –atruesign of ahappy hen.

These rehomed hens have the tenacity and enthusiasm of BHWT founder, Jane Howorth, to thank for their second chance at life.

It all started whenJane watched the Panorama documentary,‘Downon

the Factory Farm’, when she was ateen.

She never forgot what she saw and 14 years later she had the spacetowelcome her first flock of ex-commercial hens into her life.

Most people would have stopped there, but not Jane. In 2005 she founded the BHWT with the aim of encouraging more people to take in ex-working hens and to influence the industry and consumers to prioritise hen health and well-being.

One MBE and amillion hens later Jane is as focussed as ever on her mission.

“I started the British Hen Welfare Trust because I’m passionate about these humble little birds that make the most wonderful pets.

“But what Ihadn’t realised was how much hens give back to their owners. I hear so many stories from people who say that keeping hens has been acomfort to them when life has been tough.

“The act of saving ahen andtaking her from tatty and bewildered to healthy and content is incredibly good for the soul.”

Jane is not only helping the hens that are rehomed; she is also changing the industry for the better

“The more farmers andconsumers appreciate what wonderful creatures hens are the more they will make decisions that will improve their welfare.

“For consumers thatmeans avoiding buying large eggs which canbepainful for hens to lay,and always choosing free range –including checking labels on things like cakes and sauces.

“Through our positiverelationships with farmers, we are persuading more and more of them to make their hens availablefor rehoming, while encouraging them to give their birds the best possible experience.”

ForJane, the lifeblood of the BHWT are the 1,400 volunteers, including those that run the charity’s 46 rehoming sites, which include centres in Cleobury Mortimer and Wrexham.

Sharon Eversfield, who lives near Whitchurch, is aBHWTrehoming volunteer and sells eggs from herBHWT Egg Club.

“Atthe moment Ihave 10 hens from the charity,and Isellthe eggs from the end of our drive with an honesty box. I started with two hens and at last count we think we’ve rehomed over ahundred over 17 years,” she says.

“I do have acurrent favourite, I bought Lady Hannah Swift of Shropshire home in June. We spotted her on a rehoming day as she was very poorly

“Wethought she might not livethe day out. Ibought her home and hand fed her in my kitchen and since then she has become weighty and is fully feathered. Hannah laid her first eggs five weeks after

her adoption. Being involved with the BHWT is one of the best things Ido, the community of volunteers is great and we get very invested in the hens’ futures,” she adds.

Natalie Baguley,isa volunteer for the BHWT and helps with volunteeringand rehoming hens in Shropshire, organising the rehoming days at the adoption centre in Wrexham.

“It’s areal buzz helping hens being rehomed –Iknow keeping hens can be so life enriching and Iwould recommend to anyone who hasn’t tried hen-keeping to give it ago,” saysNatalie.

“The feeling of saving lives and watching these little birds grow into confident, endearing family members is priceless.

“We’ve got agreat team of new volunteers setting up in Wrexhamall set for fun and hard work.

“It’s amazing one million have found their way into new homes, here’s to a million more.”

Mandy Ford is the volunteer coordinator in Cleobury Mortimer where the charity has rehomed hens since2019.

“The team of volunteers is so dedicated to helping the ex-laying hens have asecond chance. No matter what the weather,they turn out as do the

wonderful rehomers who sometimes travel miles to come and collect their hens.

“Tobepart of the trust’s work Iknow makes the team very proud and it is a fantastic achievement to have reached this milestone.”

The British Hen Welfare is also now working internationally after affiliating with anew charityinFrance which has established asimilar rehoming programme in the country.

Jane says: “There’s so much satisfaction in reaching the milestone of amillion hens andtoknow that each one now has ahappy home.

“I just love the thought of every one of them settling down in their new environment andmaking their first ever real nest where they can lay their eggs in peace.”

PAGE 59: BHWT founder Jane Howorth

PAGE 60: Rescue hen Helenhen in a wheelbarrow

PAGE 61: The hens become areal part of the family; one of the volunteer teams; Sharon Eversfield with her hen Lady Hannah Swift of Shropshire

All you need to knowabout adopting hens

Here, the British Hen WelfareTrust share their top tips on adopting rescue hens.

BEFORE YOUADOPT

All our rehomed hens arecommercial hybrids and area mixofLohmanBrowns, Goldlines, Hylines or Isa’s, all of which areRhode Island Red crosses. We collect hens from enriched cages, barns and free-range farms when they arearound 17 months old. At this age they would otherwise likely be sent to slaughter Our national volunteer teams hold rehomings every four to six weeksand upcoming collection dates areadvertised on our website.

To reserve hens,you’llneed to apply first so that we can ensurewegiveyou the best advice beforehand. Making adonation for your adopted hens means we can carry on doing the lifesaving work we do.

Adonation of £3 per hen contributes towards our running costs, whilst £6 or moreper henmeans that as well as adopting wonderful family pets, you’ll

makea difference to even morehensand support our ongoing work.

PREPARE FOR YOUR FLOCK

Hens aresociable animals and need to be part of aflock, so the minimum number you can reserve is three. Those with hens already can adopt just two, while the most you can adopt is 20 (which must all stay with you).

If you already keep hens,werecommend adopting agreater number than you currently keep.The minimum space they’ll need is 30 cm² of floor space inside the

house, 25cm of perch space and outside run space of 1m² of forex-caged hens and 2m² for ex-free-range hens, plus room to free rangeeach day. Space is essential for good social interaction and by restricting it, you risk stressing your flock and inviting unhealthy behaviour

HEN HEALTH ESSENTIALS

The majority of rehomed hens happily carry on laying if offered ahigh-quality diet. Egg production can’t be guaranteed and naturally changes overtime. Adopted hens aren’t accustomedtofinding and using anest box, but by providing aprivate warm and cosy space you’ll witness the pride they takeincreating theirfirst real nest in which to lay an egg. All commercial farmers vaccinate, worm and salmonella test their birds but it’s worth noting that these vaccinations don’t always last.

Lastly, it’sgood practice to register with a vetasyou would with any other pet.

n To findout morevisit bhwt.org.uk for a wealth of resources.

Dyke Yaxley provide afull range of expert services to support and help your business achieve its full potential, call or email us to arrange ameeting

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SUZI BACK IN THE GADGET FAST LANE

DAN MORRIS MEETS THE SHROPSHIRE BORN QUEEN OF MOTOGP, AND ABIG NAME IN SPORTSCASTING, WHO IS MARKING THE ANNIVERSARY OF HER HI TECH SHOW WITH APODCAST

She’s the queen of Moto GP,and one of the most famous women in sportscasting.Now,asone of her slightly different TV legacies celebrates abig anniversary,Shropshireborn Suzi Perryhas come along for achat.

Born at RAFCosford, Perry’sname hasbeen synonymous with motorcycle racing for years. Yet, non-sports fans may be more familiar with this daughter of our fair shores’ time on acertain review show Running since 2004, Channel 5’s The Gadget Show has gone through a succession of name and line-up changes, yet has always endeavoured to keep viewers abreast of all of the mostexciting tech developments they can get their hands on.

Suzi Perrywas instrumental to the show’s early years –one of the cornerstones of apresenting team that also included Jason Bradbury,Jon Bentley and Ortis Deley.But did she or any of her colleagues imagine then that this quirky TV gadget guide would ever be celebrating its 20th birthday?

“It was quite adifferent show when it started and then it evolved into this manic TopGear-style show,which was when it really started to take off,” said Perry. “It became this sort of cult show Isuppose. It was afamily show,which was nice, and we had 1.3 million viewersper episode, which was incredible for Channel 5atthe time.

“It was at that point that we knew that it was hitting people’s imagination. And obviously when we started doing Gadget Show Live at the NEC and that got bigger and bigger,you could physically see crowds of people enjoying it who felt like they were part of it.

“It was exciting. When you have a television programme you don’t know if it’s going to run for too long, but we had really good producers andagreat executive producer who was behind it all. Because of that solid base that we had, it worked.”

Perry’s tenure on The Gadget Show came to an end in 2012, though she has returned for aspecial podcast series with former co-star Bradbury this year.Despite not having been apublic faceoftech for over adecade, has she kept in the gadget loop?

“I wouldn’t say Ihave my finger on the pulse as much as Iused to!” She said. “But Ilove technology –Ialways have. That’s why Igot involved with The Gadget Show in the first place. AI is what everyone is talking about rightnow,but in terms of actual ‘gadgets’, Ifeel like these have plateaued in recent years. Years ago afull run of new technology was coming onto the market, and Ifeellike the consumer was king in those days. Whereas now Ifeel like all phones are pretty much the same, andwe’re drawnmore now

towards wearable tech and that’s not quite there yet apart from watches.”

ForPerry,returning for the podcast has been awelcomedive back into the gadget world, and working with Bradbury again has been an absolute delight.

“I did really feel like I’d left it behind,” she said. “But they said they thought it’d be quite nice to get me and Jason back in the room together to do apodcast series. Iliterally hadn’t seen Jason for years, and Iwasn’t sure if it would work, but I thought, ‘you know what,let’s give it a go’.

“Weboth said yes and turned up at Digbeth at the recording studio. Idon’t think I’d actually cried with laughter for years, but in our first pilot show Iwas having to re-do my make up because he was just cracking me up so much. We just carried on like that, and we both looked forward to recording together and bringing different forms of technology to the table.

“I think ourrelationship has changed. We always used to be pitted against each other in the show and wanted to beat each

other –wewere like brother and sister But now we’ve sort of got abit older,I’ve kind of found out that his knowledge of technology is amazing and he’s so passionate about it, and Ifeel like my role on the podcast is to be abit more of a journalist. When we have aguest on I’m the nosy one asking thequestions, and it works really organically –wedidn’t feel like we were stepping on each other at all and Ikind of found anew found love for Jase. It’s been alovely reunion and I’m really happy that we did it.”

Of course, alongside her time on The Gadget Show and beyond, Perryhas enjoyed an incredible career as asports journalist, notably having made her name in the world of motorcycle racing.

“Back in the Nineties Istarted as a reporter at Sky for World Superbikes,” she said. “I was an enthusiast and Icalled Sky and said, ‘why don’t you do reviews like this, and features like X, Yand Z?’ And the producer said, ‘who areyou?’, and I said, ‘I’m justafan’.

“He’s actually alegendofbroadcasting –Martin Turner –and he invited me

down to the Sky studios and we had a conversation and he offered me ajob. It was such abizarre way in, really.Then Ihad to go and prove myself and learn all about broadcasting. Ihad an absolute baptism of fire

“That was how Istarted. Ididn’t realise at the time, but Iwas the first female reporter in the world in bikes, so they knew they had something alittle bit different going on there, anditjust sort of grew from there. Ihad my own show the next year and come 2000 Imoved to the BBCbecause they acquired the rights for the bike racing, so Ikind of went with them.

“I started to get lotsofdifferent shows, but Ialways stuck with sport. Live broadcasting is really my favourite thing and it’s quite aniche area. Iactually think that what Iwould call true live broadcastingisquite rare now because everyone uses auto cues andit’sscripted. But it’s great fun to work live, unscripted and from the heart. It’s really exciting and Ilove it.”

Having also spent time as aFormula

One anchor,and apresenter at prestigious events such as Wimbledon and Royal Ascot, Perry’scareer highlights are many and wondrous. There is however one particular moment that sticks out in her mind.

“Watching Lewis Hamilton win the world championship,” she said. “I was in the garage with justthe most incredible people. Niki Lauda was in there and he came to join us because he liked hanging out with us. Those sort of moments –with Lewis beaming from ear-to-ear, when they’ve worked so hard and they’ve dedicated their whole life and you’re a tiny,tiny little fragment of that because you’re standing in the rightplace at the right time –that was ahighlight for me to be there at that moment.

“The same could be said for motorcyclist Valentino Rossi, and actually being there throughout his entirecareer was really special.”

Though now,she findsthe way she has helped inspire other women into sportscasting as big ahighlight as anything else.

“I work with Natalie Quirk, who came up to me when she was 14 and asked me what she should do to do my job, and now Iwork with her and she’s brilliant,” Perrysaid.

“You get to acertain ageinyour life when people come up to you and they’re like, ‘I sent you my notes for my dissertation and Igot this and now I’m working in Moto GP’, and it’s brought tears to my eyes because you don’t realise.

“Now there are definitely more projects which help girls, and it is lovely now knowing there are alot morewomen working in sport and motorsport so I really like to see that.”

n The Gadget Show podcast can be found at www.shows.acast.com/thegadget-show

PAGE 64: Suzi Perry is known as the queen of motorsport. The star is also abig fanof Wolverhampton Wanderers.

PAGE 65: She is thrilled about The Gadget Show’sbirthday

Matthews &Peart

NorthWales is aland full of beautiful scenery -which canbeseen at itsbest froma comfortable seat in one of our impressive narrow-gauge steam trains Chooseahalforfull-dayexcursion from oneofour main stations in Porthmadog,Caernarfon or Blaenau Ffestiniog.There's something to suit everyone; you can use the train to visit apicturesque village, aseaside town, take awalk in thewoods -orjust to enjoy thestunning mountains views.

We're running our steam trains every dayuntil theend of October. Scan theQRcode to visitour website forinformation and to buytickets.

• If you'd liketovisit 'behind the scenes', findout more about our fascinatinghistory overthe past 200 years or get'hands-on' with some railwayskills-why not join oneofour newtours or interactiveworkshops. Seeour website for further details. www.festrail.co.uk

Please Note: We recommend you book your tickets in advancetoavoid potentialdisappointment on the day.

UNLOCKINGHOLIDAY HOME POTENTIAL

Myname is Francesca and as aresident of this beautiful county,Itake great pride in helping holiday homeowners in Shropshire transform their properties into profitable holiday lets.

Whether you’re struggling with an existing property or considering your first holiday let, Ioffer personalised advice and strategies to boost your income.

Irepresent two of theUK’s biggest holiday let agencies: Cottages.com and Hoseasons.

Extensive marketing campaigns bring ahigh volume of holidaymakers to our websites, ensuring year-round bookings for your property.Last year, our site achieved over one-and-a-half million bookings. Here are afew of my top tips to ensure your property stands out in acompetitive market:

1. Invest in Comfort: Never compromise on beds, linens, and towels. Agood night’s sleep is crucialand canmake or break a holiday.

2. Partner with Professionals: Working with an agent can streamline bookings, ensuring guests are well taken care of and providing you with ahassle-free experience.

3. Prioritise Cleanliness: Guests should be greeted by the fresh scent of aclean home.

4. Adequate Seating for All: Ensure there are enough seatsinall shared and outdoor areas for all guests.

5. Think Likea Guest: Anticipate needs like umbrellas, picnic baskets, or reading glasses by the bed. Small details show you care and enhance the guest experience.

As alocal expert, Ihavelots more tips on howtohelpattract guests, I’m here to help you every step of the way.Please contact me directly if you would like to book in avisit or would like to discuss further

FOOD&DRINK

PRESSING ON WITH MAKING CIDER

ED THOMAS HAS GONE IN SEARCH OF SOME LOCALLYCRAFTED LIQUID GOLD AND SETTLED ON SOME THIRST-QUENCHING LONG MYNDCIDER LOVINGLYCULTIVATED AT THECIDER BARN

Awarm welcome is guaranteed for anyone arriving at thecider barn to talk ciderwith 25-year cider making veteran Hugh Chapman.

The cider barn does what it says on the tin. There is asmall barn which is home to fermenting tank and barrels where apple juice slowly does its thing and aneighbouringbuilding which is home to some of the bigger machinery including aquitespectacular cider press.

In many ways it was the press that finally enticed Hugh in to the cidermaking fraternity.Asanapprentice agricultural engineer,heworked at a firm, H. Beare &Sons, which also manufactured and serviced cider presses.

Some years later Hugh came across a different style of cider press and getting to know the owner he was taught the finer points of cider-making while also rustling up an opportunity to buy the press.

Anew cider business was established in Cornwall and grew over years, attracting afaithful following keen to consume some fantastic natural ciders. That business was sold and is still thriving.

An interlude in France for several years expanded Hugh’s knowledge of countryside traditional drinks making.He came across similar Sambron presses and learnt thatowners would be paid in juice for turning up to press apples. Working almost like asmall one-man cooperative, they would combine the juice from all their visits to numerous farms to create their own batches of cider which could then be sold.

In addition to cider making, he also stepped into the world of distilling, working with visiting distillers who tour regions creating eau de vie and similar drinks distilled from farms and landowners’ own fruit suchaspears, apples and prunes.

Back across theChannel and to Shropshirewhere Hugh settled. His thoughts turned again to cider making Long Mynd Cider was created in 2018 with the very simple aim of producing the very best craft cider

Hugh is meticulous in his selectionof cider apples and has apreference for the

Brown’s Apple variety.Others varieties maketheir way into theblend butthis is aclosely guarded secret. Apples come from Hugh’s own orchard, or are bought in from commercial orchards as close as reasonablypossible to the cider barn. Hugh will also pick other orchards, but it is essential thatthe variety is known, only true cider apples are used in LongMynd Ciders.

In addition to the varieties of apple, the conditions of thevintage itself also affect the cider.Has theweather been kind to the crop of apples? Is supply scarce or bumper? Then once picked and processed, the effect of the seasons on fermenting cider is also paramount.

Hugh adopts anatural approach to his cider making. He takes acalculated

risk by using natural yeast and then leaves the fermenting juice, with yeast slowly turning sugar into alcohol, in uninsulated tanks where extremes in temperature can stop the yeast in their tracks, stalling fermentation and potentially spelling disaster.The risks for Hugh however are offset by the benefits of this approach.

Truly honest craft cider is absolutely faithful to the apples and where the cider is made. It can take two years for the juice to become finished cider ready for pouring into aglass,ifthis doesn’t prove the best produce is slow and considered I’m not sure what does.

Before fermentation, the harvested and specially selected apples are milled and pressed using apost-war French Sambron press, believed to be the only

The cider-making process: Above andtop left –The press scooping up whole apples; milling the apples; the spent ‘cheeses’ areemptied; barrels with aging cider Photos: Lindsay Graham.

one of its kind in the UK. Constructed in part at least using American Bethlehem steel, perhaps liberated from the battlefields of northern France, the vintage contraption is powered by asmall engine.

Apples are loaded into buckets which are elevated and milled. The pulp is then compacted into cheeses which are stacked on top of one another before the hydraulic press does its thing, squeezing every last ounceofjuice from the pulp, the juice almost looks like honey oozing from honeycomb.

Fresh juice is then transferred to fermentation tanks, no additives, the only additional ingredient is time. After more than eighteen months, andoften up to two years, theciders are ready for conditioning.

The ciders are conditioned in Scotch whisky barrels which, just like in winemaking, adds flavour and complexity to the cider.Having spentuptoayear conditioning in barrel, it is only then that the cider ready for dispensing.

Long Mynd Cider’s are available as bag in box, perfect for parties and also sold to good pubs andhotels in this format.

The ciders are also bottled, an unplanned route that Hugh had to take during lockdown when the pubs were

closed, but thirsty consumers still wanted their local craft cider fix. The large 75cl bottles are ideal for sharing with friends. Kegs are also available upon request.

The Long Mynd range extends to three ciders. There is the Organic cider, made entirely using apples from Hugh’s own orchard, where he then has total control of the process from tree to fruit to tank to bottle. The Original with smokey characteristicsthanks to longer barrel conditioning.

Finally,there is Shropshire Hills, a clean and fresh tasting cider.All three complement one another and are true to their place and their provenance.

The cider is available locally at good pubs and hotels, including the Bridges at Ratlinghope where you’ll find cider on draught, and increasingly at bottle shops and premium drinks retailers such as Tanners and Ludlow Farmshop.

Now in its seventh year,Long Mynd Cider is firmly established with astrong following.

What’s next. Well, more cider,and some experimentation with orange cider, just like orange wine there are no oranges involved, instead the juice is left in contact with the skins for longer.Then there is the annual Waissal to look forward to.

FORTHE LOVE OF LANGUEDOC

TANNERS PURCHASING DIRECTOR, STEPHEN CROSLAND,LOVES THE LANGUEDOC AND HAS BEEN TRAVELLING THERE TO BUY WINE FOR SOME 20 YEARS, HERE HE RECOMMENDS HIS FAVOURITE ESTATES.

Patchworks of gnarled vines, maritime pines and Romanesque churches againstbackdrops of rocky hillsides are the archetypal views of the Southern French wine regions.

It’s alandscape that has attracted tourists, artists and winemakers alike, the last of which have brought invaluable expertise from the more classic areas of France and even the New World!

When it comes to wines from the south of France, and in particular Languedoc, there are two quite distinct categories, firstly as asource of wellmade varietal wines and then as topquality estate wines. The latter are often overlooked but they can easily rivalwines from classic regions, especially the Rhône as the grape mix andclimate are often very similar

My first recommendation is Domaine Peter Sichel, which is atotal renewal of the old Domaine du Trillol, belonging to the Sichel family from Bordeaux. Finding that the old recipe of trying to produce astandardCorbières in this spectacular, rocky terroir wasn’t working they went back to the drawing board and are now producing low yield, high intensity wines with organic certification, muchmore suited to the terroir.The results havebeen spectacular and are an ideal introduction to the wines that can be produced in the Pyrenees foothills.

Domaine la Cendrillon, also in Corbières, is owned by the Joyeux family who have been in the area since the 17th century with father,Robert, returning to the estatein2000 aftera career in industry,reinvigorating it by cutting production and bottling their own wine. Son Hubert continues this quality outlook, looking after the day-to-day running and winemaking.

They are fully organic and make a variety of wines –there is even some Albariño in their vineyards, which forms apart of their white wine, ‘Nuance’. Petit Manseng and Verdejomake up the rest of the blend giving awine with wonderful fruit and great freshness. The reds are the Syrah-based Essentielle, which is designed to be forward and open, and the more serious Inédite. This is awonderful

domaine making wines of great character

Our next producer is Frédéric Albaret at Domaine Saint Antonin in Faugères, in the foothills of the Black Mountains up beyond Béziers. This is fairly unforgiving country,but Frédéric sawthe potential and started the estate from scratch in 1994 with 13 hectares which he and his wife have now expanded to 26. They too have become certified organic along the way

Their ‘Les Jardins’ is made to drink young and the more serious ‘Cazalet’ from older vines and with some oak ageing compares very well with top Châteauneuf

The Languedoc is also asource of someofour own label varietal wines, and two of the best sellers are the Sauvignon and Merlot.

Tanners Sauvignon is made for us by François Lurton, amemberof the famous Bordeaux wine-making family.He sources the grapes from vineyards which provide the characteristics he is looking for,with some from parcels nearer the sea which give rich, almost exotic fruit which is balanced by grapes sourced from cooler areas to give great freshness. The result is aclassic,balanced Sauvignon.

Tanners Merlot is sourced from the Aude Valley.Wework with winemaker Marie Julian to ensure that it is soft, fruity and easy drinking while still maintaining weight and depth. Hopefully you will agree that we have succeeded!

CHILLED OUTREDS

RETHINK THE RULES WHEN SERVING WINES AND BE REWARDED, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

When an Indian Summer heatwave hits, chances are your taste buds will crave something seasonal and fresh to chime with al fresco spreads –and that includes aruby red plucked from the fridge. So much so,there’s no taboo about chilling down ayouthful, light-bodied red before tucking into your BBQ ribsand late summer slaw

As SPAR’s master of wine, Philippa Carr puts it: “When the weather warms up it’s great to have achoice of refreshing wines –and red wines can be justastasty chilled as whites androsés.

“Best for chilling are reds with low tannin, lots of fruit and lower alcohol,” notes Carr.“Reds that are made from thinner-skinned grape varieties like pinot noir,so, there’s less tannin in thewine.

“Tannin gives that grippy,drying sensation in the mouth and on the gums –not especially refreshing! Other wines to pick could be beaujolais or valpolicella,” suggests Carr

She says to chill reds to around 10 to 15 degrees centigrade. Here are four ruby reds to chill out with…

1. Morrisons The Best Chinon 2023, France,£8

Super delicious, this Loire Valley lovely offers asunny ripeness and seduces with pretty raspberry florals and fruit that makes you want to dive right in. Hints of cassis lend lots of charm to this cabernet franc –the grape is more akin to a bordeaux blend but offers vibrancy when its bright berry fruits take an icy plunge.

2. WildflowerPinot Noir,Romania, £8.29, SPAR in-store

Fruit-forward with all the silkiness you’d expect from this variety,lifted scents

of raspberry and cranberry follow through on the palate with savoury undertones and asucculent juiciness that’s happiness in a glass. Acrowd-pleaser that’s fruity,a light chill makes it more lip-smacking.

3. Waitrose Beaujolais Villages 2022, France, £11.99

Delectable at acooler temperature, this is quintessential joyous juice with all the glorious gamay grape notes you could wish for.Think lifted florals with baskets of brightly flavoured raspberryand red cherry fruit alongside spicy nuances, that comes to life when served slightly chilled.

4. W/O Organic Frappato 2023, TerreSiciliane IGT,Italy, £13.99, Laithwaites

Fresh, fruity and lotsof fun, cheers to this organic and vegan red packaged in recycled glass. Asun-kissed, scented Sicilian, it offers flavoursome red berries, juicy cherries and strawberries, with delicious depth on the ripe palate; balanced by fresh acidity and lifted, fresh finish. Bellissima!

WITHOUT SWALLOWS WILL IT BE SUMMER?

JOHN TUCKEREXPLAINS THATISITVITAL FOR THOSE WITH NESTING BIRDS TO PROTECT THEM

In2018,anold barn in theparish of Hopesay in south Shropshire was occupied for the first time by people.

In spring that year apair of Swallows returned, from awinter spent apart roaming southern Africa, to their barn expecting to nest there again. They had shared their barn with half adozen other pairs since at least 2015, probably far longer

The new occupant described how,the year he moved in, the swallows entered a few times through the open door which is on the top floor,into the open-plan living area. The first couple of times, apair would enter and flycircles above his head.

He added: “On another occasion, asingle swallow entered the same way then flew to the kitchen area and hovered over the stairs leading to thefront door It certainly looked like it was seeking a nesting site.”

This year justone pair,perhaps the same birds or their offspring, found refuge and nested successfully in anew andadjacent open car port, for Swallows require human-built and open-access

Adult

Photo: John Hawkins

structures for nesting, such as barns, outhouses, porches, sheds and even pigsties.

The decline of Swallows nationally is well documented –the national figure for 1996 to 2023 was aloss of 33 per cent (BritishTrust for Ornithology). Meanwhile in Hopesay parish, Swallow nests, counted by me, declined dramatically from 109 nestsin2015 to 34 in 2020and 26 by 2021 though they were up slightly this year to 35. That is aloss of 68 per cent of Swallows in nine

years. This trend is likely to be mirrored throughout Shropshire –but whois counting them?

Companion figures for Swallows nesting within Stokesay Castle, 5km SE of Hopesay,are 31 nests in 2022, 18 in 2023 and 21 in 2024, a32per cent loss in only three years –cushioned perhaps by alarge pool 100m away which may generate the flying insects they rely on.

Both Swallows and House Martins, like other creatures including bats which gather their food in the air,these days find it difficult to collectsufficient amounts. Youmay remember the days when car windscreens were splattered with insect remains.

Further,when Swallow nest sites are closed off to them they are left with nowhere to nest, as areHouse Martins which often fail to make the mud nests adhere to plastic soffits. If you have nesting Swallows or House Martins please cherish them and allow them to persist.

“One Swallow does not asummer make” but without Swallows will it still be summer?

swallows brings food to young in atypical nest on aledge in old open shed.

SE ARATI GCOHA ITEES WHAT AREYOURRIGHTS?

Formanyofusinourday-to-day lives,wedonotseethedifference betweenlivingasamarriedor unmarriedcouple.However,thelaw treatscohabitingcoupleswhohave separatedverydifferentlyiftheyare unmarried,particularlyinrelationto property

Whattypesofownershipare there?

The irst uestionwhichneedsto beanswered,iswholegallyownsa property?Apropertycanbeowned asJointTenants,TenantsinCommon, orinasolename.

JointTenants

JointTenantsownthepropertyin e ualshares.Thisisthecaseeven ifonepartyhascontributedmore tothedeposit,renovationworkor themortgagerepayments.Ifeither partyweretodie,theirshareofthe propertywouldautomaticallypassto theother.

TenantsinCommon

TenantsinCommoncanownthe propertyine ualorune ualshares. Thisisusuallyusedwhereoneparty hascontributedmoretotheproperty ortheywishtheirshareofthe propertytopassaccordingtotheir

Will.Itisbestpracticetorecordany contributionsmadetoaproperty, wherethereareune ualshares,in aDeclarationofTrust.Ifthereisno DeclarationofTrust,itispresumed thatthepropertyisownedine ual shares.

WhatcanIdoifIbelievethe ownershipisdifferenttothetitle deeds?

Asastartingpoint,thelawpresumes thattheowneronthetitleofthe propertyisboththelegaland beneicialowner.Itisthenforthe individualarguingthatthetitledeeds donotrelecttheactualownership, toproveotherwise.

Thiscanbethecasewherethe partiesownthepropertyinjoint namesorifthepropertyisowned inthesolenameofonlyoneofthe parties.Cohabiteescanmakean applicationundertheTrustofLand andAppointmentofTrusteesAct 1996(TOLATA).Theaimistoprove thatthebeneicialownershipofthe propertyisdifferenttothelegal ownership.Abeneicialownership allowsanindividualtoliveinthe propertyandhaveashareofthe proceedsofsale.

Thecourtwillconsiderthe intentionsofthepartiesatthedate thepropertywaspurchased,the discussionsthepartieshadbefore, duringandafterthepurchaseand any inancialcontributionswhich havebeenmadebyeitherparty Thisisaparticularlycomplexarea ofthelawandyoushouldseeklegal adviceifyouhaverecentlyseparated fromyourpartnerwhereeitherof youownaproperty

IfyouwouldlikeadviceaboutyourFamilyLawrightspleasecontactKatieHughesBeddows,FamilyLawAssociateSolicitoratAaron&Partnerson01743294132 katie.hughes-beddows@aaronandpartners.com KatieHughes-Beddows FamilyLawAssociateSolicitor atAaron&Partners

STUNNINGSUMMIT

ANDY RICHARDSON DISCOVERS AHILL WALK SHROUDED IN MAGIC AND ARTHURIAN LEGEND

Caer Caradoc is one of the truly great autumnal sights in Shropshire. It stands out against the skyline when looking from Church Stretton as it is an impressive 1,506ft hill, just east of the Long Mynd.

The summit of Caer Caradoc is crowned by an Ancient British Iron Age or late Bronze Age hill fort. It is this which the hill is named after –Caer Caradog in Welsh meaning Caradog’s fort.

Local legend has it that this was the site of the last stand of Caractacus against the Roman legions during the Roman conquest of Britain, and that after the battle he hid in the cave near its summit. Otherssay his last stand was in the locality,but that this was one of his fortresses.

Caer Caradoc is part of the Stretton Hills and, although not the tallest of Shropshire’s hills, it is the most iconic, with adistinctive shape andsteep sides.

It is not just achallengefor walkers and aplace where people can enjoy great views. It is also fascinating to geologists –and is studded with dark volcanic rocks

The hill sits alongside the Church Stretton Fault, part of agreat rift –the dividing line between two tectonic plates

–that stretches from Cheshire to South West Wales. The plate in the west sank beneath the one in the east, forcing it upwards. The heat that ensued brought about the volcanic actionthat formed the crags of Caer Caradoc and surrounding hills east of the fault.

Caer Caradoc is best scaled in combination with the Lawley,the Hope Bowdler Hills to the east, or both. The best starting points for exploration are Church Stretton or the roadside layby by Gaerstones Farm on the Much Wenlock road outofChurch Stretton.

Ramblers can walk to Caer Caradoc from Church Stretton and from the summit they can enjoy splendid views of the town and the Long Mynd. Caer Caradoc is also thought to be linked with the legend of King Arthur

In the legend of the magical Cauldron of Di-wrnach, the Cauldron is said to contain the treasures of Britain anda magical sword. The Cauldron apparently lies hidden in Caradoc’s Cave below the summit of Caer Caradoc.

Also, the Welsh tale Culhwch and Olwen tells of Arthur’s search for the Cauldron of Di-wrnach, and in another Welsh story,the Spoils of Annwn, Arthur

recovers the cauldron from the mystical isle of Annwn. The themes of Avalon and the quest for the Holy Grail were probably based on these early legends.

Walking to Caer Caradoc from Church Stretton is not for the fainthearted and is anine-mile route.

Visitors can start in Church Stretton where car parking (grid ref.SO454936) is available together with atrain service. Locate Sandford Avenue then take Essex Road, which leads north from this avenue (Grid ref.SO457939). Follow this footpath across the railway to reach the A49. Cross this busy main road and continue along the track opposite. Continue across the field ahead using the stiles to reach alane.

Turn left towards New House Farm taking the second footpathonthe right. This path follows the field boundary to join atrack. Go through the gate and fork left down to afootbridge (Grid ref.SO 471943).

Go over the bridge and turn right before turning left up an eroded path that climbs steeply up. The path leads to a fence which is crossed by astile with the onward path still climbingontothe ridge of Caer Caradoc.

ANTIQUES

FARLEFT: Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

An Etching from the VollardSuite, from an edition of 260, sold at Halls Fine Art for £9,300 (inc. fees)

TOPLEFT: Peter Schmidt (1931-1980)

Cycloid IV,froma limited edition of 50, coming up for auction with Halls Fine Art on October 23, estimate £200-£400

BOTTOM LEFT: James Hart Dyke (b.1966) ToyDuck, from the artist’sYear with MI6 project, silkscreen print signed and numbered, coming up for Auction at Halls Fine Art on October 23, estimate £300-£500

SPOTLIGHTONART OF PRINTMAKING

Printmaking as an artform has along tradition reaching back through the centuries. The popularity of prints continues today as artists experiment with new mediums and art movements to appeal to new and ever diverse audiences.

On the art market, collecting prints is often seen as amore affordable method to begin one’s art collectionata fraction of the price of an original painting.

The popularity of print collecting has grown exponentially in recent years and they have become astaple feature of Fine Art auctions, with prices startingat £100, up to tens of thousands of pounds for artists such as Bridget Riley,Banksy or Andy Warhol.

The term ‘print’ essentially refers to the practice of transferring an image from one surface to another.There are many forms of printmaking,but the most common types seen on the art market are etchings, woodcuts, lithographs and screenprints.

Halls Fine Art is atrustedand established Art Auction house, offering a curated selection of limited edition prints from world-renowned and emerging artists.

Our specialists can assist and advise you in sourcing high-quality and unique

pieces to start, or continue building, your collection.

What is alimited-edition print? Artists oftenrelease aseriesof prints in a specified amount –the size of the edition ranging from asmall group in single digits, up to thousands. When aprint is published in alimited edition, it will typically be numbered and signed by the artist.

The size of the edition will impact upon the price– smaller edition sizes mean that there are fewer prints in circulation and it is this exclusivity that encourages competition betweenbidders, pushing prices higher.Ifa print is released in an open, or unlimited, edition –or is perhaps re-released after the artist has died, these usually commandmore modest sums at auction.

Artist Proof editions can be more desirable examples, these are prints made during the process of perfecting the final version and are aside from the published edition released for general sale. Proof works areusually created in smaller numbers and often indicated by the initials A/P.There are many different aspects to take into account when buying aprint andHalls’ specialists can provide guidance and insight into the market to ensure that both seasoned collectors and

newcomers can make informed decisions.

Other important considerations when buying limited edition prints include provenance –which means thebackground or history of the piece. Having sound provenance, such as exhibition history,paperwork from gallery purchases or reputable collection background, is asignificant factor in providing buyer confidence and proving authenticity

Condition is also essential; prints that have been damaged, cropped, stuck down or restored will fluctuate in pricing. We would always recommend speaking to a specialist, requesting acondition report or coming along to our viewing days to see the artworks on display in our gallery and receive professional advice, before going under the hammer on auction day

Buying at auction can offer a transparent avenue for savvybuyers to secure valuable and unique artworks, whilst avoiding hefty retail or gallery markups. The atmosphere of the saleroom provides ablend of excitement as well as a financially smart method to build upon or begin your art collection.

At Halls Fine Art, our specialists are always on hand to guide and advise you about navigating the auction world and art market.

Freevaluationsofantiques,fineartandjewellery everyweekbyourexperiencedteamofspecialists.

ENDLESS ARDOUR FOR‘DIRTYDOZEN’

BBC ANTIQUES EXPERT AND AUCTIONEER CHRISTINA TREVANION GETS DOWN AND DIRTY WITH SOME VERY SPECIAL WWII MILITARY WATCHES THATHAVETREBLED IN VALUERECENTLY

There is something enduringly appealing about military wristwatches, their simplicity of design retains adignified and modest silence at what it must have encountered. It is difficult not to let your mind run wild with thoughts of the battles and combat that they must have witnessed in their lives.

The most sought after and collectable of military wristwatches is the so-called and rather unfortunately named ‘Dirty Dozen’. During the 1940’s, whilst World WarIIwas raging,the Military of Defence needed wristwatches to give to their army ground personnel, andassuch they invited any Swiss manufacturer who could build awatch to the requested standards, to do so.

Very strict specifications were set in order for the watches to withstand the ordeals of military life, and eventually twelve watch manufacturers were accepted to create these special watches, resulting in their collective nickname ‘The Dirty Dozen’.

They were: International Watch Company,Buren, Grana, Cyma, Eterna, Omega, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Lemania, Longines, Record, Timor and Vertex These were all delivered in 1945 and accompanied by apigskin or canvas strap, the acronym WWW to the case back stood for ‘Watch, Wrist, Waterproof ’.

The specifictask of hunting down examples from all twelve makers appeals to the nature of acollector and so the ‘Dirty Dozen’ became legendary.But the numbers produced by each manufacturer varied considerably –Omega andRecord produced around 25,000 pieces each, while Grana produced fewer than 1,500, making them tantalisingly rare.

The example made by Grana is considered the hardest to find of the ‘Dozen’, and Ihad the honour of handling aGrana example back in 2018.

The watch was consigned to my auction house by alady whose husband had been given the watch by his former site foreman in the 1960s. ‘Bob’ as we’ll call him, was consistent in many things, and excelled at being late to work on adaily basis. The site foreman was so frustrated at Bob’s lack of punctuality,he

in May 2018

gave him his‘spare watch’ from home. Bob was never late again.

It just so happened that the wristwatch he was gifted was aGranaWWW or ‘Dirty Dozen’ watch.

Between 2012 and 2015, seven Grana watches had been sold at auction with prices typically ranging between £3,000-5,000 for this model however, this changed in May 2018 when we sold ‘Bob’s watch’ for astaggering £9,000 followed by another at Sheffield Auction Gallery on October 2019 for £12,000 and another in October 2020 for £18,000. A fascinating reflection of the buoyancy of the watch market, these dramatically increasing results took the brandinto new territory

But what about the other of the dozen? Irecently had the honour of consigning acollection from agentleman who had discovered abox of ‘old watches’ in adrawer at his father’s house. This box contained three International Watch Company examples, aBuren and aTimor

From top: WatchesbyBruen;Cyma and the International WatchCompany

–all fine models from The Dirty Dozen series.

The joy of these watches is that their design is so simple, so understated and worlds away from what you would associate with contemporary wristwatches made by the manufacturers who originally made them. Stripped back and in their simplest form, there is an honesty about these tough little watches that continues to catch theimagination and the hearts of collectors. Leonardo da Vinci once said that ‘Simplicityisthe ultimate sophistication’ and in this case, I wholeheartedly agree.

n TrevanionAuctioneers’ next Fine Jewellery &Watch Auction will be taking place on Wednesday,September 11. The galleries at The Joyce Building will be open for public viewing on Monday, September 9and Tuesday, September 10.

Trevanion Auctioneers is currently inviting consignments of fine jewellery and watches for the October Auction. Entries accepted until September 27.

Christina Trevanionwiththe Grana watch which sold for £9,000

TREVANION

EDUCATION

ASCHOOLWHERE CHILDREN THRIVE

Prestfelde School in Shrewsbury has been educating the children of Shropshire, since 1929.

Growing and developing with the times, the school now looks after the educational needs of children from across the UK andbeyond, whilst keeping its affiliation with Shropshire families strong and at the heart of itscommunity Head, Mr Nick Robinson, talks about how Prestfelde could be the perfect place for families looking for aschoolthat successfully balances academic success within anurturing environment.

“Ensuring the happiness and wellbeing of our pupils during their primary school years is at the forefront of our mission here at Prestfelde School.

“These crucial formative years lay the foundation for their future success, both academically and personally

“Asthe Head of Prestfelde, Iam dedicated to providing asupportive environment thatencouragescuriosity and alove of learning, aplace where every child can thrive.

“Weunderstand the challenges that families may face if their child struggles to engage or find happiness in anew school. Prestfelde wants to reassure parents in this position that there are other options out there. Private school education is choice that some families may not consider, especially if they have not had firsthand experience themselves. However, Prestfelde School in Shrewsbury is here to

challenge that notion. We understand that private schooling may seem out of reach for some, but it’s an opportunity worth exploring.

“Asone of the UK’s leading prep schools andone of Shrewsbury’s most beloved private institutions, we encourage families to come and discover what we have to offer

“AtPrestfelde, we pride ourselves on our smaller class sizes, excellent facilities, and akind and supportive community These elements contribute to creating happy school days for the children who walk throughour doors. We believe that every child deserves an environment where they feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

“Weare committed to working with parents to make our school accessibleto all.

“Understanding parents’ needs for wrap-around care, from September, pupils in Year 3and upwards, will have the opportunity for weekly,flexiand occasional boarding.

“Prestfelde House, the school’s dedicated boarding facility,aims to create ahome-away-from-home experience for the children. Rooted in tradition yet adapted to meet the demands of modern family life, Prestfelde is now accessible for every family in Shropshire and beyond.

“Weare pleased to announce that we will be holding an Open Morning on the 11th October 2024. This event will focus on Little Prestfelde, catering to children aged three to seven years old.

“Parents andguardians are invited to come and speak to our dedicated teachers and meet the children who make our school community so special. Visitors will have the opportunity to see first-hand the environment in which we allow children to be happy,just being themselves.

“The Open Day will run from 11am to 1pm, and we encourage families to come and see for themselves what makes Prestfelde unique, and how we can support your child’s journey to success.”

Visit our website at www.prestfelde. co.uk to learn more about our school and how we can work together to make Prestfelde the right choice for your child.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

more. Be more. Education with abroader perspective •ExtensiveDaily Bus Routes •Weekly Boarding Options •SevenSport Academies •Award Winning Music and Drama Programme • Scholarships Available

Join us foryour bespoketour this Michaelmas Term, 2024:

Sept -Oct

LowerSchool (Ages 7–13)

Mon 16th to Fri 20th September

Middle School (Ages 13 –16)

Mon 23rd to Fri 27th September

Sixth Form (Ages 16 –18)

Mon 30th Sept to Fri 4th October

Nov–Dec

LowerSchool (Ages 7–13)

Mon 4th to Fri 8th November

Middle School (Ages 13 –16)

Mon 11th to Fri 15th November

Sixth Form (Ages 16 –18)

Mon 18th to Fri 22nd November

EDUCATION FOR CHANGINGTIMES

Here at Birchfield School, we believe in providing an affordable education for our pupils, giving them an exceptional all-round preparation for their future.

With emphasis on working to find each child’s unique potential, we offer ample opportunities, not only in the classroom. With an extensive program of enrichment, we give our pupils the chance to explore different areas and findwhere their passion lies.

From the beautiful sports fields located in our rural settings to our incredible music andarts provision, each child has the chance to flourish.

Labour’s flagship policy to introduce VAT on independent school fees has been well documented.

With their recent landslide victory, the probabilityofthis policy being introduced has become increasingly more likely.There will be extensive ripples throughout theeducation system as a result of this policy,but here at Birchfield School we are well placed to deal with turbulent times.

Due to our excellent management and robust financial position, we can offer an excellent, independent education at a surprisingly affordable cost. Our fees are extremely competitive when compared to

many of the other independent schools in the area. Our sound financial position will help our parents weather the VATstorm

To ensurethat we can provide a personal education to each child, we limit our class sizes, so that every child can receive support and inspirational teaching.

We understandthat all children learn better when they are inspired and engaged, so we carefully recruit awide rangeofteachers, who all bring their proactive enthusiasm to our Birchfield family

We have invested in our facilities so that we can combine ahigh-quality teaching standardwith the resources to deliver engaging and hands-on activities.

Here at Birchfield School, we believe that independent education should be affordable and accessible, which is why we are working hard to keep our fees at amanageable level, despite the difficult economic background and the threat of the VAT policy.Weprovide education for girls and boys from age four to 16 and with popular key entry points at Reception and Year 7, it is important to plan ahead to secure your child’s future.

Book your place at our forthcoming Open Morning on Saturday 12th October 2024 by contactingthe school by phone on 01902 372534 or by email to admissions@birchfieldschool.co.uk

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Shrewsbury Partnership in Educationand Training

Meole BraceSchool

Open Evening

Wednesday 9th October5.30pmto8pm

Open Mornings

Tuesday8th -Friday11thOctober 9.30am -11am

Morningtours by appointment, please contact reception

ThePriorySchool

Open Mornings 23rd -25thSeptember9am -11am

Open Evening Wednesday 25th September6pm -8pm

ShrewsburyCollegesGroup

School LeaversRoadshows

MaryWebb School andScience College

Open Evening

Thursday26thSeptember6pm -8pm

Open Mornings

Monday30thSeptember, Tuesday 1stand

Wednesday2nd October10.45am12.30pm

Mornings by appointment only, please seewebsite

23rd Sept 2024 /4pm -8pm /Cineworld, Shrewsbury5th Oct2024/9.30amto12pm/Holiday Inn, Telford

Open Evenings &Taster Sessions

VirtualOpenEvening 8thOct 2024 /6.30pm-7.30pm EnglishBridge &Welsh Bridge campuses(ALevels& VocationalArt)

Open Evening15thOct 2024 /5pm -8pm Open Evening7th Nov2024/5pm -8pm,TasterSession23Nov 2024 /9am -1pm London Road campus (Vocationalcourses)

OpeningEvening 24 Oct2024/5pm -8pm Taster Sessions 30 Nov2024/ 9am-1pm Formoreinformationand to bookonlinegotoscg.ac.uk/events

Parents,Carers&Children arewelcome

Dayand Boarding Prep School forgirls andboysaged4-13

SOCIAL SCENE

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

Hodnet Hall Gardens

ASparkling Drinks Receptionwas held at glorious Hodnet Hall Gardens in aid of Sight Loss Shropshire.

The charity is deeply committed to making a positiveimpact on the lives of individuals living with sight loss, and this fundraiser plays a crucial role insupporting their mission.

The event was hosted in the beautiful surroundings of Hodnet Hall, by kind invitation from Sir Algernon and Lady Jane HeberPercy and brought together 120 guests and dignitaries including Lord-Lieutenant of ShropshireAnnaTurner,JP, Vice LordLieutenant Jenny Wynn OBE, High Sheriff of ShropshireBrian Welti, JP,along with ShropshireMasons Provincial Grand Master Roger Pemberton, and representatives from

one of the event sponsors, WR Partners.

The event featured inspiring guest speakers, including Ms Devaki Nayak, Consultant Ophthalmologist, and Andrew Gemmell, a visually impaired racehorse owner

Rain failed to dampen spirits, with the event raising in excess of £6,000 to support the charity’simportant work.

“I would liketoextendour heartfelt thanks to our wonderful guests and supporters for making this event agreat success, and very special thanks to Sir Algernon and Lady Jane Heber-Percy for hosting and wholeheartedly supporting this fundraiser,” said Diana Flint DL, Sight Loss Shropshire’sChair of Trustees.

Photos: Russell Davies Photography

Colonel and Mrs Edmund Thewles with Roger and Monica Pemberton.

TomDownes with Timand Jenny Belcher.

Arwyn Jones, Sight Loss ShropshireDirector,and Swantje Staar-Slogrove,Sight Loss ShropshireManager

Diana Flint DL, Chair, Sight Loss Shropshire.

Anna Sutton, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy and and HowardFranklin.

Air Vice-Marshall (retd) Warren James, Mandy Thorn, Mark Thorn, Monica Pemberton.

June Pickersgill, Alison Cutter,Chris Mansell and Ian Richards.

Lady Jane Heber-Percy.

RichardJebb, Susan Jebb.

Jenny Wynn OBE DL, Devaki Nayak, John Clarke, Arwyn Jones.

Charlie Giffard, Tessa Giffard, Alistair Summerfield.

Anna Turner,Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, and Jenny Wynn OBE DL, President, Sight Loss Shropshire.

Diana Flint DL, Chair,Sight Loss Shropshirewith High Sheriff Brian Welti.

Emily Summerfield and Sandy Verity.

Iris Downes, Joe Downes, ClareDownes, Gabe Downes, Christine Appleby.

FLORAL FUNDRAISER

Bishop’s Castle

Afundraiser took place in Bishop’s Castle organised by florist Jane Pugh who was celebrating 20 yearsin business.

Around 150 tickets were sold for the event which included guest appearances from TheatreSevern pantomime dame Brad Fitt, ValLittlehales (aka Mabel), and members of the Vocalease choir Money raised was donated to Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and Bishop’sCastle Carnival.

Caroline Francis, from Lingen Davies Shrewsbury Committee, said: “Wewere delighted to be sharing in the proceeds of the day and also in ashareofthe proceeds from aTractor Run which had been held the previous weekend, organised by Jane’s sister WendyOakley and her family. The end result was over £2,000 for Lingen Davies Cancer Fund Shrewsbury Committee. An incredible amount.”

Photos: Caroline Francis

Cody Williams, Rosemary Hamar,Diane Collins, Stephanie Rollinson, TessGwilliam and Emma Gwilliam.

Angela Barton, Caroline Francis, organiser Jane Pugh, caterer Wendy Oakley and Louise Tomkins.

Angela Barton and Sarah Griffiths.

Neil Cadman, Margaret Tremellen, Pam Downes, Allison Rodenhurst, Heather Rodenhurst, Rosemary Maddocks, Helen Francis and Mary Cadman.

Members of the Vocalease choir

Sebastian and Caroline Bywater

Audrey McCartney and Hilary Evans.

HOPE HOUSEHOSPICE BALL

Lion QuaysResort,Oswestry

An Arabian Delights summer ball, hosted by Hope House children’s hospice, raised £35,000 to support local children and families.

Revellers enjoyedanight filled with enchantment, escaping into awhole new world of Arabian wonders for acolourful evening of fun and fundraising at Lion Quays Resort, near Oswestry. The event was afeast for the senses, featuring glamour,delicious food and drink, liveentertainment and auctions. The evening featured aguest appearance by mum Rhiannon Jones who captured everyone’s hearts with amoving speech

about howHopeHouse supports her two-year-old son Axel as well as her and his siblings. Silent and liveauctionsboosted the fundraising, with prizes including a signed Wrexham FC football shirt, dining experience at Docket Restaurant, in Whitchurch, gin experience at Ludlow Distillery and atour of Dyfi Distillery. The auctions alone raised over£22,000. Guests were le amazed by surprise singing waiters, and danced the night away thanks to livemusic from Rhythm Train.

Photos: Russell Davies Photography

Jason Buglass, Emma Buglass, Amanda Keay and James Keay from sponsors Select ASkip.

Oswestry Door and Windows’ Matt Dunne-Smith, Jo Dunne-Smith, Jude Dunne and Jim James.

Charlotte Shufflebotham, Kirsty Almond, Emma Kelly, Kathryn Renshaw, Lesley Orwell, Taya Orwell, Charlene Watton, Lana Fell from Culina.

Pat and Graham Reeves, from sponsors GS PA Reeves Timber Merchant of Wem, with guests.

Guest speaker Rhiannon and some of the Hope House fundraisers took to the dance floor

LukeEvans and Emily Pearce of ShropshireWelding Supplies (Drinks Sponsor).

Guest speaker Rhiannon Jones and friend Sarah Farrington.

Jenn and Adam Lakin and Michelle and Neil Richardson.

GAME &WILDLIFE CONSERVATION TRUST

Cholmondeleycastle

Shropshirebranchofthe Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust joined forces with Cheshiretohost amid-summer lunch in the spectacular grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, enjoyedbynearly 200 guests.

The event featured apromise auction, with livelots under the gavel of Bernie Hutchinson, together with silent lots and the auction alone made morethan £30,000 for the GWCT.The event was supported by several businesses including principal sponsor GS and PA Reeves, Shropshire’sleading independent Timber Merchants, and Balfours.

The chairman of the BoardofTrustees for the GWCT,Sir Jim Paice DL, addressed the audience describing the invaluable scientific research work undertaken by the GWCT across the whole of Britain, the results of which shape land and water management to enhance floraand fauna. “It has been proven that wherethereis activemanagement of game for sporting shoots, other birds and wildlife benefit too,” he enthused.

Guest speaker was Sir Johnny Scott, Bt MFH, who is best known for his BBC2 series, “Clarissa and the Countryman,” which he wrote and co-presented with Clarissa Dickson Wright. He entertained the audience with tales and brushes, from up “dale to down river”. He urged guests that the country way of life is worth fighting for,so that the next generation can enjoy the same unique relationship with the countryside. Find out moreatwww.gwct.org.uk

Photos: JoyFox

DarrenHoldcro ,Nicola Holdcro ,ClareThomas, Jacqueline Hill, Victoria Whitehead and Jamie Turner

Jason Sharpe, Stephen Frost and Ashton Frost.

Guest speaker Sir Johnny Scott, with Amanda Beresford(le ) and Sue Hutchinson, from the organising committee.

Peter Bridge with main sponsor,Graham Reeves of GS &PAReevest Ltd, and Ben Jackson.

Pippa Hackett, GWCT regional organiser, with Sue Dixon and RichardHackett ClareBarker,William Bedell and Charlie Bedell.

GWCT chairman of the BoardofTrustees

Sir Jim Paice DL, AvaPaice and Richard Solari.

Auctioneer,Bernie Hutchinson with Cholmondeley Estate manager James Hall and RichardWaring.

Katy Bickerton, Jan Boyd, Davina Oakley, Sharon Mclaughlin and Verity Llewelyn-Jones.

Kevan Fox, Jay Barker,Jan Boyd, Clair Gethin.

HowardEdge, Michael Bubb and John Heath.

GWCT Shropshireand Cheshirebranch chairmen, SteveBarker, le ,and RichardGoodwin with Katy Bickerton, Mary Williams. RichardHooper,Paul Bennett, Joe Fordand Lucy Ford.

LEAGUE OF FRIENDS GOLF DAY Mile EndGolf Club

The League of Friends of Royal Shrewsbury and TelfordHospitalorganised aGolf Day at Mile End Golf Course, Oswestry.

Twenty-four teams enjoyedaday of fun golf, raising £2,550. Organising secretary, Sue Hurdiss, said: “All proceeds from the day will be going towards funding aSaturn Laser for the Fertility Unit at acost of £33,282. This new kit uses the latest technology to help patients get a livebirth which is wonderful news for so many couples.”

Photos: SteveLeath

Hamish Vale.

MikeFoss, Martin Nichols, Chris Griffiths, Charles Mansell.

DaveMalcolm, Kate Hazan and John Fenton.

RichardSteventon, then: Mick Skelton, Mick Goodall and Kew Leong.

Sue Skinner from The League with: Barry Hamer,Chris Fisher,Alan Lowther,Bernard Martin..

Colin Ames, Margaret Ratcliffeand Sue Skinner

Martin Timmis.

Ali Holroydand Jane Preece.

Allan McVittie, MikeSillence, Warren Perks, Chris Edwards.

John Fenton, DaveMalcolm, TomMorris and Bryan Andrew.

Mick Skelton, Mick Goodall and Kew Leong.

Jon Scutt.

Gail Gilchrist and Chris Balmer

TRAVEL

WITNESSAFRICA’S ‘GREAT MIGRATION’

ONE OF THE GREATEST WILDLIFE SPECTACLES IN THE WORLD IS NOT TO BE MISSED. SARAH MARSHALL WASABLE TO SEE IT HAPPENING DURING AKENYAN SAFARI ADVENTURE.

Athick black line runs along the horizon, moving at aslow and steady pace. Without any definitive beginning or end, it seems to stretch for infinity,a bold marker that will underscore the skyline for several months.

This parade of ‘black ants’has travelled from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to reach the vast plainsof Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, following the smell of rain and fresh pastures.

As we draw closer,a chorus of seesawing moos grows louder,and arising sun backlights the fine flowing beards and shiny curved horns of several hundred wildebeest.

Staring through his binoculars, my safari guide, Jackson, grins and nods his head: “The Great Migration has arrived.”

Every year,more than 1.5 million

wildebeest arrive in the Mara, accompanied by thousands of zebra and gazelles. One of Africa’s last big movements of animals is in constant rotation around neighbouring Tanzania’s Serengeti eco-system, but it’s their arrival across the Sand and Mara rivers bordering both countries that draws the biggest crowds.

In an epic knife-edge spectacle, animals charge across crocodile-infested waters, dodging the claws of predatory lions waiting in ambush, to reach new grazing grounds.

“They’ve arrived earlier than usual and in big numbers,” explains Jackson, predicting abumper year

Although Idon’t see acrossing during my short visit, signs of the migration are everywhere. Driving across the Mara’s plains, we encounter several lions –ahoneymoon pair mating, alone

lioness stalking prey, young cubs cruelly tormentingafreshly killed wildebeest calf

“Predators follow the migration,” explains Jackson, who grew up in nearby town Aitong and now works for the Asilia safari company.“Even beyond the river, there’s always alot of action at this time of year.”

It’s no surprise this is thebusiest period for tourism in the Mara. In the past, horror stories of overcrowding and bad behaviour along the river –from driving right up to thecrumblingclay banks to blasting loud music –have marred the experience.

New regulations introduced by authorities this year aimtoreduce those problems, and so far,they seem to be working. Harsher fines have curbed offroading in the reserve and there’s agreater presence of rangers. Whether higher entry fees –which havedoubled to $200 per day

in high season –will reduce the number of visitors to amanageable level remains to be seen.

Founder of Rekero Camp, one of the first permanent structures in the reserve, Gerard Beaton is familiar with the ebb and flow of tourism in the Mara.

“There was nothing here when we started and levels of poaching were high,” he explains when we meet at the tented camp, set on aprime positionoverlooking the Talek river –another crossing point for zebra and wildebeest. “Some of the staff were so frightened they left.”

In 2000, when the camp set up home here, wildlife was much harder to track.

Gerard’s wife, Rainee, an artist, shows me an early pamphlet advertising the camp featuring her illustration of a Dorobo bushman wrapped in animal pelts.

“That was one of our first trackers,” she recalls. “He arrived looking like that, seeking to exchange some goods, and ended up staying.”

Back then, the camp hadsimple canvas A-frames and bucket showers.

“Wethought it was the height of luxury!” Rainee jokes.

Now managed by Asilia, Rekero has undergone an extraordinary transformation while retaining its earthy soul as an authentic safari camp.

Overlooking theriver,mytent –one of nine –features surprisingly homely touches: awooden desk crafted by local artisans, abathroom with bamboo screens and jute mats, and lighting from stand-up lamps and perforated egg-shaped lanterns so perfectly balanced it instantly feels cosy

Ascreen decorated with aprint of guineafowl feathers echoes the decoration on apair of antique candlestick holders used when the camp first opened, Rainee tells me. But it’s the communal decking

area of the camp that commands the best view.Set above the river,there’s always some activity to observe –from hippos honking and blowing bubbles, to gangly giraffe tentatively bowing their long necks for adrink.

Gerard recalls staying behind in camp one afternoon, while all the guests had set off to watch rivercrossings “Hundredsofwildebeest appeared from nowhere,” he tells me. “Wespent about two hours watching them thrash across the water –and there was no-one else around.”

When to go

It’s possible to follow the great migration throughout the year,observing different stages in the wildebeests’ life cycle. The animals spend most of their time in Tanzania’s Serengeti area, mass calvinginthe southern plains of Ndutu in January and February.River crossings can be seen from both the northern Serengeti and the Mara. Typically,the animals cross backand forth from Kenyabetween July and late September –sometimes until October,depending on the rains.

Does it happen every day?

Like everything in nature, there are no guarantees. Seeing ariver crossing

requires dedication and patience. Typically,guides will receive news that animals are gathering in largenumbers at one of several crossing points.

Then, it’s amatter of finding agood spot –far enough back to avoiddisrupting the wildlife –and waiting for up to a whole day.Crossings can last from 10

minutes to several hours,depending on the number of animals

Howtoplan your trip

Prices for a‘great migration’ break at Asilia’s Rekero start from £638 per night full board. Formore information, visit asiliaafrica.com

MOTORING GTSFASTROADTO ELECTRIFICATION

PORSCHE’S 911SUPERCAR DROPTOP HAS AFUNDAMENTAL CHANGE WITH ANEW HYBRID POWERTRAIN, BUT DOES IT SPOIL THE OVERALL 911EXPERIENCE? JACK EVANS FINDS OUT.

The Porsche 911 has always been about incremental changes.

From one generation to another, the 911 has never strayed too far from its original stylings, with Porsche changing its centraliconinsmall brush strokes to ensure acommon thread between each model. It’s certainly not one to rip up the rulebook, that’s for sure.

Butthis latest-generation 911 –dubbed 992.2 in Porsche-speak –introduces quite abig step-change with hybrid technology being integrated into the 911 for the firsttime.

WHAT’S NEW?

From the outside at least, you’d be hard-pressed to tell this new GTSapart from the old one. Some key signifiers include the active aerodynamics package which includes adjustable front diffusers that canadjusttoaid cooling or close up to help make the 911asslippery through the air as possible. Fortunately,they’ll close when it’s raining to stop water and grit from flying through the car’s underside.

Inside, there’s asimilar theme to before, albeit with some more technology

to chat about. The pleasant blend of analogueand digital dials of the older 911 have been ditched, replaced instead by a full-size screen that you’ll find in cars like the Taycan. Porsche says that it’s made it easier to see key information

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

It’s within the mechanicals of this new 911 GTSwhere things get interesting. At the heart of the GTSsits aturbocharged 3.6-litre ‘Boxer’enginewhich feelstriedand-tested Porsche. But whereas alot of hybrids have an electric motor assisting the engine directly,the 911 has aseries of electrified components, including an electric-assisted turbocharger for quicker boost response and asmall electric motor housed within the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox

With 534bhp it’s now 54bhp more powerful than the older GTSwhile being just 50kg heavier.However,this hybridisation isn’t really focused on efficiency overall –this 911 will still only return up to 22mpg in the best conditions –but insteadhas been introduced to help boost driver involvement and make this turbocharged car even more responsive

than previous iterations of the911.It can’t drive on electric-only power for any real distance –unlike‘full’ hybrid cars –but uses battery charge to help increase performance and drive some auxiliary functions, like theair conditioning.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Right from thestart the typical points we expect to be nailed in aPorsche 911 are, well, just that. The steering has some lovely weight to it and the thin-rimmed wheel makes interacting with the car a joy.The brakes are pleasant to use too and there’s that inherent agility present which helps to make the GTSkeenthrough the corners. Refinement is decent, too, and even in acabriolet version we tested there was very little noisewith the roof in place.

Acceleration is near-brutal in fashion and accompanied by all manner of whistles and whooshes from the turbo which feels primed at anymoment to help crank that Boxer engine up agear.The gearshifts,inparticular,are impressive with lightning-fast response. We also tested the GTSout on track, where it never felt out of its depth and, in fact, proved this model to be yet again one of

the sweet spots in the 911 range.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

As we’ve touched upon, there’s a typically softly-softly approach to the styling of this new 911. Porsche says it has redesigned the headlights and while they might be incorporating new, more powerful LED technology they’re largely the same as those on theprevious generation car.The front aerodynamic elements do give the lower portion of the GTSa more distinctive look and while we don’t doubt their effectiveness, they do make the 911 look alittle fussier than before.

From the rear,the changes areeven moresubtle. There have been some edits made to the lower portion of the car but the full-width lightbar remains. In truth, the 992-generation car always looked smart in our eyes, so we can’t argue about the small tweaks made to this model.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The 911 has always had acabin focused around the driver and it’s no different here. The seats arelow down and sculpted, while the steering wheel has plenty of adjustment to offer so you can get comfortable in no time. The general material quality is good, too, though we’d still like Porsche to think outside the box

when it comes to the gloss black trim used to surround the gear selector –it’s shiny,attracts dust and is thrown into the foreground by the high-qualitymaterials used in the rest of the cabin.

As with other 911 models, the rear seats –which are removed as standard, but can be returned as ano-cost option –can only be used by children. If you’re pushed for space after the 132-litre boot has been filled, these rear seats provide adecent area of extra storage room.

WHAT’S THE SPECLIKE?

Priced from £135,834 –or£142,600 for the Cabriolet –the 911GTS sure isn’t cheap. However,aswith mostPorsche models, what you’re accessing with that price is alot of mechanical know-how which –inthis car particularly –feels very cutting-edge. As mentioned, there’s anew digital cockpit which incorporates all of the car’s key information alongside alarge central display that brings media and navigation functions to the fore. Porsche also says that the Apple CarPlay system will soon be able to access further car-related systems, too –sothat you’re able to changeelements without having to leave the CarPlay screen –but this is still in development. There will still be amore entry-level Carrera model.

VERDICT

This car feels like Porsche’s way of getting us used to the idea of ahybrid 911. It, in typical Porsche fashion, doesn’t dive in with both feet but has instead used hybridisation to enhance the 911 experience rather than overpower it completely.It’s all executed remarkably well without losing the hallmark 911 characteristics. This GTSversion shows that an electrified future for the 911 is an exciting one indeed.

Porsche911GTS

Price:£135,834

Engine:36-litreturbochargedflat-six

Power:534bhp

Torque:610Nm

Maxspeed:194mph

0-60mph:28seconds

MPG:21/224mpg

Emissions:251-239g/km

BELL RINGS ON SUMMER

AS CHILDREN RETURN TO SCHOOL, HEATHER LARGE LOOKSBACK ON ABUSY MONTH

It’s that time of year when children across the country are getting ready to go back to school.

The long, care-free summer holidays areover and it’s time to return to the classroom for lessons.

This month’s selection of photos features pupils of Church Stretton Modern School who were proudly displaying their new uniforms 1979.

There was also anew look for girls at Madeley Court Comprehensive School were being allowed to wear trendy navy trouser suits and flowered blouses in 1972.

Meanwhile, there were celebrations for pupils of Bridgnorth Endowed School who were honoured with awards and staff and governors at Weston andWixhill Church of EnglandPrimary School were appealing for information about their historic building’s past.

go to classes each day in abuilding certain to be steeped in architectural history. But very little as known about its background and in September the school governors and staff were trying to find out morewithlittle success. It appeared to have been built over100 yearsago by the land-owning family of LordHill.

1972: Pupils at Weston and WixhillCofE Primary School

1975: Scholars at Much WenlockSchool examine the mosaic pavement they havehelped to unearth this month in 1975.

1939: Evacuees from Holly Lodge High School, Smethwick, arrived at Newport Station on September 1, 1939.

1964: Members of the Dawley New Town Society’sStudy Group met for the first time in September with the object of discussing and developing ideas, prior to the publication of the master plan of the Dawley New Town, which was due at the end of the year.They areseenherebeing addressed by Mr J.P.Bellingham at Madeley Modern School.

1975: Therewas ahigh standardofentries in Market Drayton Shopping Week’swindow-dressing competition in September 1975.

1969: Therewas alarge congregation at St Mary’sChurch, Market Drayton, in September 1969 to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The service was conducted by the Vicar of Market Drayton, the Rev Grenville Morgan, who was assisted by the curate, the Rev R.N. Whittingham. The preacher was the Rev HowardJohn, Free Church PadreatRAF Tern Hill.

of

1981: Pupils of Bridgnorth EndowedSchool received special awards at aceremonyinSeptember.Backrow,fromleft

and

1972: Girls at Madeley Court ComprehensiveSchool were being allowedto wear trendy navy trouser suits and floweredblouses in September 1972. Mrs Jean Granfield, deputy headmistress, said that girls had achoiceofthe trouser suit, apinaforedress, or askirt andcan also wear navy or turquoise three-quarter length sleevless jackets or aturquoise jersey. Some of the elegant pupils of Madeley Court modelled for this picture.

1979: Pupils of Church Stretton Modern School were proudly displaying their new uniforms in September 1979. From left are: Helen Wildblood(11); Stephen Brown(11); Michaela Bull (12); and David Crowe (11).

1984: Temporary dams exposed a25-yardstretch

the bed of the River Teme at Ludlowfor the laying of new pipes in September

1968: RichardPassmoreaged 17, of Heathcote Avenue, Hookgate, Market Drayton, kneels by the anvil at Mucklestone Church, whereQueen Margaret of Anjou is said to havehad the shoes of her horse reversed to confuse her pursuers. The plaque on the anvil reads: ‘This anvil came from the smithy when it was demolished and is believed to havebeen used by William Skelhorn in 1459.’

,Elaine Taylor,Margaret Benning

Lisa Day. Front, from left,RobertCullen, Malcolm Dent, Mike James, and Paula Dagnall.

BOOKS

ADHD SAVED MY CAREER – PESTON

After working flat out on the recent General Election, cabinet changeovers and pledges from the new government, as well as the build-up to the American election, ITV News political editor Robert Peston is feeling weary

But the acclaimed journalist, bestselling author and podcaster, who presents ITV’s political interview programme Peston and co-hosts The Rest Is Money podcast with business correspondent Steph McGovern, says that his ADHD has helped him to hyperfocus.

“The weird thing about ADHD is that you have abrain fizzingwith tons of thoughts, in my case, colliding thoughts the whole time, and it’s very hard to stick to astrand, to sit still.

“But the positive side is that if you have this condition andthere’s something you really want to do, you have this ability to hyperfocus, to shut out the world and just concentrate in away in life that is quite useful, although it drives people who love you mad when you slightly cut yourself off from human interaction.

“I’ve written five non-fiction and two fiction books and if Ihadn’t hadthe hyperfocus Idon’t think Iwould have been able to do them and continue with the day job.”

Peston, 64, also suffers from OCD, as does his fictional hardened TV journalist Gil Peck in his latest thriller,The Crash.

It’s set in 2007, beginning with Peck breaking the news about the collapse of

abank resembling Northern Rock in the build-up to the 2008 financial crash–a story which Peston brokeatthe time, which won awards and made him famous

The fictional plot thickens when Peck’s source, adirector at the Bank of England who also happens to be his lover, dies in an apparent suicide.

Peston says of his OCD: “Itnever goes away completely.Itwas really acute when Iwas ateenager anditverymuch damagedmylife.

“I would feel very anxious the whole time and I’d have to engage in weird rituals, like not walkingonthe cracks in the pavement, to trytocalm myself down.”

The acclaimed journalist has acknowledged his urge to be busy,but

BOOKCASE

Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, Faber &Faber, £9.99

We’reinNew York, and Patricia is splitting up from her husband, Peter.This is not 2024, but 1924, the setting for Ursula Parrott’s Ex-Wife. Vividdescriptionsofthe cocktails, the clothes, the speakeasies, the dancing and the romances jump off the page and spin the reader into a giddy whirl of the Roaring Twenties. However, along with the glitz and glamour comes adark side of violence and shame. The book is witty and smart.

The Villa by Jess Ryder,Penguin, £8.99

Why would agroup of women return to the Spanish villa wherethey spent a hen weekendthree yearsago –and wherethe bride-to-be was murdered? To find out who killed their friend, and discoveranswers to tragic events leading to the murder

The women quickly realise it was a bad idea, as they fall out with each other,rekindledreadful memories –and dice with death themselves. Differentversions of the murder keep the group confused

The Echoes by Evie Wyld, Jonathan Cape, £18.99

he’s more interested in the job than thefame.

thejob the fame.

“Idon’t

“I don’t think I’m addicted to being on television. Forme, what matters is the journalism.”

Does he get stressed about the issues he has to report on?

“Occasionally Iget depressed when Isee leaders saying and doing the wrong things and if you do my job as ITV political editor,probably the hardest thing in recent years has been to keep my cool on television and not say what Ireally think.”

Keepinghis emotions in check is nothing new to Peston, who held senior editorial roles at the Financial Times before moving into broadcast and became BBCNewseconomics editor in 2013 before joining ITV News in 2015

Work was adistraction to his intense grief when his wife of 14 years, the novelist Siân Busby,with whom he has a son, Max, and stepson, Simon, died from lung cancer in 2012, aged 51.

Amid the political chaos, the doom and the gloom on which he reports, he endeavours to look after his mental health.

“I just try to be as open as possible about the challenges that Iface at any particular time. Istill have atherapist who Italk to who helps me explore the issues in my life.”

n The Crash by Robert Peston is availableinpaperback, priced £9.99.

Written in an intriguing style that keeps you turningpage a er page, author Evie Wyld takes you back and forth in time following the narratives of partners Max and Hannah. Starting with Max having died and living as aghost in their house, the readergains insight into their deteriorating relationship and his reflections on itfromthe a erlife. It’sanenjoyable read, but has an ending that might leaveyou wanting more.

Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects by Zandra Rhodes and Ella Alexander, Bantam, £25

British fashion designer Dame ZandraRhodes’ new memoir explores her fierceand multifaceted life through 50 of her most treasured possessions. From fly spray to Diana, Princess of Wales’ watercolour sketch, Rhodes’ disparate objects culminate in humorous and heartwarming stories. Iconic is an astute read for anyone interested in fashion.

REMEMBER WHEN

1. Muhammad Ali was born

2. Britons were encouraged to bathe in no more than five inches of hot water

3. Noël Coward starred in In Which We Serve

4. The government said it would take over Britain’s coal mines

1. Actor Rex Harrison died

2. KevinCostner starred in Dances With Wolves

3. Stefan Edberg won the men’s singles title at Wimbledon

4. New Order and the England football team hadaU.K.No.1 with World In Motion

1. Ben Kingsley starred in Gandhi

2. Sophia Loren was put in jail for tax evasion

3. Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder had ahuge hit with Ebony And Ivory

4. Italy beat West Germany in the World Cup final

1. David Bowie and Mick Jagger hadaU.K No.1 with Dancing In The Street

2. EastEnders made its debut on British television

3. Coca-Cola launched anew formula

4. UK blood donors were to be screened for AIDS

1. Kurt Cobaindied

2. Ceasefire was announced in Bosnia

3. Hugh Grant starred in Four Weddings And AFuneral

4. Blur released the album Parklife

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6 FOUR WS

WORDWISE 1 2 3 4 5 7 6 7 6 9 5 2 6 5 1

WHO… directed the 1974 filmCéline And Julie Go Boating?

WHAT… was the title of the winning entry by Susanne du Toit of the BP Portrait Award 2013?

WHERE… is the administrative centre of Lancashire?

WHEN… did the UK first win the Eurovision Song Contest?

WHO… produced the banqueting service for the Prince of Wales’s coronation as George IV?

WHAT… is the female equivalent of the Oedipus complex called?

WHERE… was James II of England known as James VII?

WHEN… was Pompeii buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius?

WHO… discovered penicillin in 1928?

WHAT… society was founded by US lawyer Paul Harris in 1905?

WHERE… was Queen Victoria’s residence Osborne House?

WHEN… did Blondin first walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope?

WHO… was born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite BowesLyon?

WHAT… is potassium nitrate also known as?

WHERE… in Europe is the pilgrimage venue Santiago de Compostela?

WHEN… was the United Nations formed?

WHO… was the producer of Bondmovies who died in September 1994?

WHAT… note does an orchestra tune to?

WHERE… did the Mafia organisation called the Yakuza originate?

WHEN… did Prince Albert die?

1. Jack Nicholson starred in Chinatown

2. The Three Degrees had aU.K. No.1 hit with When Will I See YouAgain

3. Robbie Williams was born

4. West Germany won the World Cup

THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

AGALACTIA

A Limits of space. B Failure to secrete milk. C Forbidden marriage.

ENDENIZEN

A To naturalise. B Applied through the skin. C To make dear

JACENT

A South Americantree. B Sluggish. C Irish oath.

NUANCE

A Adelicate degree of difference. B Worthless. C Invalid.

PIDDLE

A Chinese weight. B Black and white. C Deal in trifles.

QUAT

A Apimple. B Consisting of four. C Stanza of four lines.

CROSSWORD

QUICK CLUES

Across

7. Wireless (5)

8. Decayed (7)

9. Dirty (7)

10. Pause (3,2)

12. Presence (10)

15. Fascinated (10)

18. Stories (5)

19. Translation (7)

21. Couch (7)

22. Buffoon (5)

Down

1. Dishonest (10)

2. Decree (5)

3. Only (4)

4. Swagger (6)

5. Drive out (8)

6. Satisfied (7)

11. Very distinguished (3-7)

13. Annoying (8)

14. Usefulness (7)

16. Affectionate (6)

17. Unimportant (5)

20. Boulder (4)

CRYPTIC

CLUES

Across

7. Build ahome with adobe (5)

8. Work socially acceptable advanced as worth alot (7)

9. He falls about though able to hold drink (7)

10. The mark of an illiterate half-breed (5)

12. That’s the last time –Ialways lose (5,5)

15. The storm created by Shakespeare (3,7)

18. Swiss river heron in distress (5)

Asinger,I wasborn in New Zealand in 1958. My son is amember of the band Betchadupa. Ioncebelonged to theband Split Enz, andamnow the frontman for Crowded House.

An actress, Iwas born in County Dublin in 1920. My father partowned the football club Shamrock Rovers. My films include How Green Was My Valley,Miracle On 34th Street and Rio Grande.

Awriter, Iwas born in Arkansasin 1955. Aformer lawyer,I also served

19. Asailor scowls about Herculean tasks (7)

21. Time for business records (7)

22. Delia’s perfect form (5)

Down

1. Expert teacher,now retired (4,6)

2. Figures they may have to be filled (5)

3. Leap about the ring (4)

4. Spring changes course (6)

5. Be superior to other pupils? (8)

6. He’d rob adistressed girl (7)

WHAT’SMY NAME?

as aDemocrattothe Mississippi House of Representatives for seven years. My novels include The Firm, The King Of Torts and A Painted House.

11. Coastal defence that is soon liquidated? (10)

13. But they don’t look down in the mouth (3,5)

14. Tell, and tell again (7)

16. East European, but could be French (6)

17. Well salted (5)

20. Igointo bat at theend of the line (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6

Atelevision presenter,Iwas born in Islington, London in 1960. Iwas a founding member of Talk Radio UK in the 1990s. Iused to be married to Chris

Evans and was aregular panelist on TV’s Loose Women until 2013.

Atennis player,Iwas born in Glasgow in 1986. My younger brother also plays professional tennis. Iwon the 2007 mixed doubles title at Wimbledon alongside my partner Jelena Janković

Asinger,Iwas born in Long Island in 1970. Ihold the recordfor the most U.S. number-one singles of any female solo artist. Iwas the star of the flop 2001 film Glitter,and my hit singles have included Fantasy and Always Be My Baby

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. Mother’s sister 2. Therefore 3. Fly high 4. Genuine 5. Luxuriant 6. Cards dealt to aplayer 7. Slightly wet 8. Rugby forward 9. Green-skinned fruit 10. Offensively impolite 11. Peepers 12. Went fast 13. Shadowy 14. Osculate 15. Celebrity 16. Wetweather

Key word clue: Occupation

1. Be on fire 2. Unfeeling 3. Narrow shelf-like bed 4. Door handle 5. Male pig 6. Violent disturbance 7. Chuck 8. Slight quarrel 9. Group of three 10. Egg-shaped 11. Country road 12. Goes wrong 13 Knock senseless 14. Standard 15. Nearly all 16. Upper-class person

Key word clue: County

“How many of those new belts have we sold?” Joe asked. “I priced them at £14.95.”

“Not many,”Sarah replied. Joe nodded. “Okay.Drop theprice one pound tomorrow,and afurther pound the next day if you think it advisable.”

Some days later Joe remembered the belts, andasked about them. “I cut the price twice, as you said,” Sarah told him.

1 23

“We’ve sold them all now,and for atotal of just 5p under three hundred pounds.”

How many belts were sold?

“Look, Dad,” Stan said. “I folded this sheet of paper so that one corner is exactly on top of the opposite corner.Can you figure out how long the paper is?”

Tomlooked. “Is it arectangular sheet?”

The boy nodded. “Sure. The short side is 24 centimetres, and both the fold and the long sideare exact numbers of centimetres.” Well?

“Your Uncle Andy sent these for you three kids,” said John, putting some stamps down on thetable. “Between three and four dozen of them.”

“Fred’s taken one and ahalf times as many as Carol,” cried Wendy.“It’snot fair.”

“Why not, I’m the oldest,” her brother declared. “And anyway you’ve taken half as many as Carol and Itogether.”

How many had Fred taken?

1 2 3 4

“Lend me two pounds,” said Jill. “I’ll pay it back.”

“But Ihaven’t got that much,” Jack replied, checking his cash. “I’ll let you have what I’ve got if you guess how much it is. If Iadded half the square of half of it in pence Iwould get an exact number of pounds.”

How much did he have?

1. Unsightly fat 2. Bee sound 3. Greek letter 4. Unfortunately 5. Stolen property 6. Pleased 7. Info 8. Elderly 9. Eat dinner 10. Needlecase 11. Covered with frozen water 12. Flat circular plate 13. Unconsciousstate 14. Region 15. Insects 16. Japanese wrestling

Key word clue: Colourless gas

WHAT’SON

HandleBards pedal into Wellington’s Bowring Park on September 6with abicycle-poweredperformance of Shakespeare’sThe Comedy of Errors, while on September 1, naturalist and broadcaster Iolo Williams will takethe audience at TheatreSevernona journeyfromthe wetlands of the Gwent Levels

SEPTEMBER

2Naturalist and broadcaster Iolo Williams will take people on a fascinating journey along theWelsh borders from the wetlands of the Gwent Levels to the Dee Estuary when he appears at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury He’ll describe some of the incredible wildlife that calls this area home, from bitterns and rare bees to dancing damselflies, buzzing meadows, breeding terns and spectacular wintering wader flocks.

Tickets cost £27.50.Visit www theatresevern.co.uk/shows

6

Wellington’sBowring Park is the venue for aperformance of The Comedy Of Errors.

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are afour-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Join the troupe in Bowring Park for abicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ like you’ve never seen before. When two sets of estranged twins are brought together on the same island, this classic comedy takes hold, with mistaken identity,music and manic costume changes aplenty.Itisanoutdoor production, so take achair or blanket to sit on, apicnic to dig into, and dress for the weather

Tickets are £20 from www telfordtheatre.com/whats-on/the-comedyof-errors/

6-8

Ellesmere Festival isbeing held at Ellesmere Market Hall. Visitors can celebrate the vibrant works of local artisans, groups,and residents at the three-day Ellesmere Summer Festival

Spread throughout thetown, the festivities will be centered around the picturesque canal wharf and historic canal workshops. The festival kicks off with an artisan market at the Market Hall on Scotland Street, starting at 11am. Admission is free. Stroll down to the canalside to admire the canal traders in their decorated narrow boats,offering traditional cheeses, chutneys, and fine examples of canal ware. Beware of the Pirate Boat andits unruly crew.Also commencing on Friday is the Sausage and Cider Festival at theCricket Club on Birch Road.

Free tickets are available from www. ellesmeremarket.co.uk/event-details/ ellesmere-festival-2024

8

The curtains come down on the Plant Hunters’ Fairs season in the area with their Autumn Plant Fair at the grand setting of Weston Park, Weston-UnderLizard. This is agreat chance toenjoy the changing season at Weston Park and pick up some great plants for your garden from the brilliant line-up of specialist plant nurseries who are attending.

This event includes access to the gardens, miles of woodland and parkland walks and the adventure playgroundfor the kids, as well as the plant fair featuring 23 plant nurseries and garden accessory displays.

Forthis event special reduced price tickets are on sale online now giving entry to the plant fair,gardens and parkland for just £4 when buying an advance ticket online. Without an advance ticket, entry will be £8 on the day,pay on gate. Online tickets will not be on sale on dayofevent. The fair runs from 10am4pm. Refreshments available. Dogs on leads are very welcome. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for ticket information and afull details of the nurseries attending.

12 Gordon Hendricks appears at The Anstice in Telford.

In 2020, when the Government announced lockdown, Elvis tribute act Gordon decided to appear as himself and present shows on Facebook. They were so successful he performed every two weeks throughout lockdown which amounted to around 1,000 songs throughoutthe period. The response by the fans was amazing with thenumbers increasing 12-fold.

Now,Gordon is bringing thoseshows to thestage, adding superb live musicians and combining them with his highly successful format. In hisshow, Gordon takes people on avocal journey that features such diverse performers as Roy Orbison, Billy Fury,Cliff Richard, Bruce Springsteen, Travelling Wilburys, Bee Gees, Mavericks, UB40, and of course Elvis.

Tickets cost£26 from www telfordtheatre.com/whats-on/gordonhendricks-one-night-with-you-2/

13

Cornwall-based singersongwriter Sarah McQuaid performs at The Edge Arts Centre at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock. Doors open at 7pm with the concert starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £15, call 01952 728911 or visit edgeartscentre.com or www ticketsource.co.uk/edgeartscentre/teaverdk

13-15

Experience the ‘original’ food and drink festival at Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival.Taking place at Ludlow Castle and in the town centre, it’s celebrating 30 years of the festival with adynamic programme of live cooking demonstrations, fire stage, trails, late sessions, workshops, children’s activities and talks from international chefs, producers and experts alike.

Enjoy more than 50 hours of talks, demonstrations andworkshops across three stages andaroundthe castle, from fire cooking to hands-on kitchen skills and Slow Food. Internationally renowned chefs and food writers take to the stages alongside skilled local producers revealing the secrets behind their dishes and produce. Tickets from £13 are available from www.ludlowfoodfestival.co.uk/

14-15

The Marches Of Time Festival features history-themed talks in thebeautiful settings of Pitchford Hall andStokesay Court.

Bringing history to life, with something for everyone in thesetting of two amazing family homes, Marches Of Time features anumber of authors, historians,and experts.

Stroll and picnic in the gardens of the wonderful houses as your backdrop, before being entertained by various interesting speakers over two days.

It will feature Catherine Beale, a Marches-based historian and the writer of Born out of Wenlock (DB Publishing). There will also be atalk from bestselling author andcolumnist Sally Coulthard, who has spent the last two decades writing about her favourite things –nature, history and craft.

International best-selling wine writer Hugh Johnson will visit Stokesay Court on September 14 for ‘A Brief History of Wine’. Doors will open at 6.15pm for a welcome drink. Hugh will begin his talk about the History of Wine at 6.45pm, accompanied by aspecially chosenwine tasting hosted by Tanners Wines.

Formore information and tickets visit www.marchesoftime.co.uk/

16

Will Young appears at Theartre Severn, Shrewsbury.Multiaward-winning British pop star and actor Will Young is returning for his ninth studio album Light It Up! To celebratethe new album, Will is embarking on his most intimate tour yet –taking shape as an up close and personal evening of acoustic performances, stories and conversation The first single from his euphoric track, Falling Deep, channels the nostalgia of

80s pop with amodern, soulful touch and sits somewhere between The Police and The Weeknd. Tickets: £41-£51, visit www theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/willyoung/

20-21

More than 100 acts will line up for the Heal Festival –amusic andwellbeing festival taking place at Shrewsbury’s West Mid Showground. Headliners Embrace will be joined by TomMeighan,The Farm, aCraig Charles DJ set, Mungo’s HiFi, Mr C, Altern8, and muchmore. There will also be yoga and pilates, breathwork, sound healing, reiki yoga, cosmic fatherhood, tie dye, upcycling and more. Tickets start at £32.90 from www healfestival.co.uk/

20 Avaried and impressive line-up of artists has been announced by aprominent county music organisation for its forthcoming season.

The Shropshire Music Trust, nowin its 41st year,has prided itself on offering programmes featuring aspects of classical, contemporary and world music over the last four decades.

“Weare very excited about our 2024/25 programme, which we have now finished planning,” said John Moore, musical director of the trust. “It is really amazing that we have managed to attract world-class performers to the county who will give concerts featuring music ranging from Mozart to Joni Mitchell.”

One of the highlights of the season

Classical musicians The Dante Quartet get ShropshireMusic Trust’sseason under way with aconcert at St Alkmund’sChurchinShrewsbury on September 20, while on September 13 singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid performs at The Edge Arts CentreinMuch Wenlock

The Jarualda Quartet featureatthe Corvedale Festival that takes place at venuesacross the area from September 20 to 28. Visitwww.corvedalefestival.org

will be an appearance on March 23 next year of official royal harpist Alis Huws at the Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton.

The first concertinthe Shropshire Music Trustseason will be on September 20 at St Alkmund’s Church in Shrewsbury by the acclaimed classical musicians The DanteQuartet. Tickets can be booked at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ smt

Further details can be found at www shropshiremusictrust.co.uk

26

Join journalist and broadcaster John Simpson CBE at Theatre Severn as he turns80for an exclusive evening packed with unparalleled insights from one of the most distinguished foreign correspondents of our time.

With decades of first-hand encounters and personal dealings, John will explore the enigmatic personas of global figures such as Putin, Xi Jinping, bin-Laden and Thatcher.John will navigate the intricate web of international relations, delving into the complexities of our global issues, from conflicts, war andfamines, to world

economies and climate change. Don’t miss John for an evening that promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire with his fearless journalism and captivating storytelling.

Tickets: £30 from www.theatresevern. co.uk/shows/whatson/john-simpson/

27

Ludlow Cancer Support Group hosts acoffee morning at The Parish Centre, St. Peter’s Church, Henley Road, Ludlow,SY8 1QZ, between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Macmillan offers emotional, practical, physical, and financial support for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience. Ludlow Cancer Support Group has worked closely with Macmillan professionals in Shrewsbury and Hereford, receiving practical and valued assistance and specificadvice for individual problems.

Entrance is £3 to include tea or coffee and cake. There will also be atombola, and all proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

To find out more visit www. ludlowcancersupport.org

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 107- 109

REMEMBER

FOUR Ws: 1.Jacques Rivette; Pieter; Preston; 1967 2.Josiah Spode; Electra complex; Scotland; 79 A.D. 3.Sir Alexander Fleming; Rotary Club; Isle of Wight; 1859 4.The Queen Mother; Saltpetre or nitre; Galicia, Spain; 1945. 5.Harry Saltzman; A; Japan; 1861.

WORDWISE: 1.B 2.A 3.B 4.A 5.C 6.A

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS: Across: 7 Radio; 8 Ruinous; 9 Unclean; 10 Let up; 12 Attendance; 15 Enthralled; 18 Tales; 19 Version; 21 Ottoman; 22 Clown. Down: 1 Fraudulent; 2 Edict; 3 Sole; 4 Prance; 5 Dislodge; 6 Content; 11 Pre-eminent; 13 Tiresome; 14 Utility; 16 Loving; 17 Minor; 20 Rock.

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS: Across: 7 Abode; 8 Opulent; 9 Tumbler; 10 Cross; 12 Never again; 15 The Tempest; 18 Rhone; 19 Labours; 21 Minutes; 22 Ideal.

Corvedale Festival

Running from September 20 to 28, tickets available from www. ticketsource.co.uk/corvedalefestival, on 07745 825700 or email on corvedalefestival@gmail.com Festival events inlcude:

n Friday 20th September,7.30 pm, St. Michael’s Church, Munslow –Jarualda Quartet.

n Saturday 21st September,12.30pm, St. Michael’s Church, Munslow –Hannah Shilvock (Bass Clarinet) and Viola Lenzi (Piano).

n Sunday 22nd September 3pm, St. Peter’s Church, Diddlebury, The Edge Chamber Choir,followed by afternoon tea in the village hall.

n Monday 23rd September 12.30pm, All Saints Church, Culmington, Joely Koos (Cello &Voice)

n Tuesday 24th September 6pm, Broadstone Chapel, Contemplative Concert 1, Ruth Henley (Cello)

n Wednesday 25th September 7.30pm Village Hall, Diddlebury,‘Overture and Beginners, Please!’ –Former Actor and Stage Manager,Neville Ware talks about his theatrical career, in conversation with Paul Henley

n Thursday 26th September 12.30 pm Holy Trinity Church, Holdgate Anna Kondrashina (Flute)

n Friday 27th September 7pm, St. Michael’s Church, Munslow, Opera Gala featuring favourites from the world of opera

n Saturday 28th September 7.30pm

St. Michael’s Church, Munslow, Jarualda Quartet

n Art exhibition, Westhope College –September 19th to 23rd; Corvedale Artists, September 24th to 26th, Beambridge Club Room

Fora full programme visit: www.corvedalefestival.org

Down: 1 Past master; 2 Forms; 3 Peal; 4 Source; 5 Outclass; 6 Deborah; 11 Sandcastle; 13 Eye teeth; 14 Recount; 16 Polish; 17 Cured; 20 Bait.

WHAT’S MY NAME?: 1.NeilFinn. 2.Maureen O’Hara. 3

John Grisham. 4.Carol McGiffin. 5.Jamie Murray 6.Mariah Carey

WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Aunt 2.Thus 3.Soar 4.Real 5.Lush 6 Hand 7.Damp 8.Prop 9.Pear 10.Rude 11.Eyes 12.Sped 13 Dark 14.Kiss 15.Star 16.Rain.

Key word solution: PRINTER

WORDSPIRAL 2: 1.Burn 2.Numb 3.Bunk 4.Knob 5.Boar

6.Riot 7.Toss 8.Spat 9.Trio 10.Oval 11.Lane 12.Errs 13.Stun

14.Norm 15.Most 16.Toff Key word solution: SUFFOLK

WORDSPIRAL 3: 1.Flab 2.Buzz 3.Zeta 4.Alas 5.Swag

6.Glad 7.Data 8.Aged 9.Dine 10.Etui 11.Iced 12.Disc 13 Coma 14.Area 15.Ants 16.Sumo. Key word solution: AMMONIA

Most people would agree we areliving in distressing times. TheHoly Bible,although largely neglected at presentcertainly does contain amessage of hope for the futurebeyond the presentdistress It does tell us of this unprecedentedtrouble “Men’s hearts failingthem forfear, and forlooking after thosethingswhich arecomingonthe earth. ” Luke 21v26

However, in John 14v3 Jesusgavethe assurance to his disciples “I will come again. .” He will return to end man’sruleand setupthe Kingdom of Godand establish true peace on earth

Forenquirespleasewrite to Christian Household c/o 14 Main Street, Bradmore, Nottingham, NG11 6PB