Spotlight on Newport 2023

“Support tradersintheir hour of need”isthe message to residentsinNewport as localbusinesses look to bounce back after araftofchallenges.

With arichhistory dating back to the12thcentury andscoresofindependentbusinesses,manyoffering goods that can’tbefound on theinternet,Newport hasplentytooffer to both locals andvisitorsalike.

Localcouncillor PeterScott said businesses had gone througha tough time duetothe pandemic,cost-ofliving crisis andthe closureofSt Mary’s Streetdue to safety fears.

Buttraders hadshownresilience in thefaceofadversity andwerenow readytothriveagain,withthe backingofthe public

He said:“When people come to visitustheycome back againand again. They aresurprisedatwhat abeautiful town we have.It’sbeen achallenging timefor businesses, particularly in St Mary’s Street,and Iwould encourageeveryone to go down thereand supportthem.”

With arichhistory dating back to the12thcentury,the market town of Newporthas plentyto offervisitorsofall ages

Some of thetown’smedievalbuildings still remain after survivinga fire in 1665 andcan be seen amongstthe predominantly Georgian andVictorian buildingsonthe High Street.

At theheart of thecommunity stands St Nicholas’s Church, oneofthe town’s most recognisable buildings. It hasstood in some form or anothersince the 12th century, beingrebuiltin 1360.

Thechurchisopenfor prayer andquiet reflection andonSt. George’s Day, April22, thetower will be open anyone interested in findingout more aboutthe artofbellringing

Visitors arealsoinvited to climbtothe topofthe towerto catchaglimpse of thetownfrom adifferent perspective. The towerwillbeopenfrom10am to 11.30am and1pm to 2.30pm Thechurch’sbell-ringerswill be on hand to show visitors the ropes, with theopportunity to have agoatchiming abell.

Thereisalso St Peter&St Paul RomanCatholicChurch, whichhas alonghistory dating back to theearly 16th century when it wasconnected with the CatholicTalbotfamilyofLongford Hall.Visitorscan seemany rich andbeautiful 20th century stainedglass windows designed andmadebyMargaretRope.

Thereisalso TrinityChurch ajoint Methodist/United Reformed Church, whichcan be foundinWellingtonRoad.

Anotherwell-knownlandmark is Cosy Hall,which had been amusic hall in 1925,a Gospel Hall in 1881 andacoach manufactoryin1852.

Whynot visiticonicmarket?

From traditionalfruit

andveg to artisanproduce,craftsand home decor, Newport’sIndoor Market offers avibrant shopping experience in theheart of thetown.

Built in 1860, the landmark building is home to awidevariety of stalls andfriendlytradersare onhand to serveshopperseveryFriday andSaturday, from 8amuntil 4pm. Themarket hall,which also offers anumberofpop-upstalls, hasentrancesonStaffordStreetand on Market Mews,off St Mary Street.

Some of theregular stalls include Houndthe Twist whereyou will find arange of yarnsalong with crochetand knitting accessories. NewportCountry Market is acooperativeofpeoplehavegot together to cook,craft or grow itemsfor sale within themarket hall,whileMeridanLifesells arange of healing crystals andmeditationaccessories andatDollies Dungarees shoppers will find children’s clothesmadeout of brightcolourful fabric,together with children’s hand crochetedtoys.

TheHeartfulHome hasanarray of hand-painted furniture, pretty buntingand wreaths, vintageand antiques allinspiredbyFrenchbrocante, rustic farmhouse andcountrylivingstyle

1MoreChocolate offers arange of high qualityhandmadechocolatesfor alloccasions,including

Aneclecticmixof antique,vintageand retrocollectables!

Books,ceramics,glassware, lighting,jewellery,silver, bears,toys,games,pictures, smallfurniture ANDMUCHMORE!

Call01952443639•Emailgilbeysantiques@btinternet.com

24StMary’sStreet,Newport,Shropshire,TF107AB Tue-Fri:10am-4pm,Sat:10am-3pm,Sun&Mon:Closed

chocolatebars, solidchocolates, filled chocolates,truffles andwedding favoursmadeusing high qualityBelgian chocolate. Forfresh produce, there’sWalker Butchers selling locally-sourced meats, beef,freerange pork and chickens,homemade beef burgers, localShropshirelamb, awide rangeofhomemade sausages,dry sliced bacon, home-cookedhams, localporkpiesand cheese andthere is also greengrocerofferinga vast

selectionoffresh fruitand vegto choose from as well as henand duck eggs

WhileGill’s Fish offers some of the freshest fish availablewitha choice of fresh, smoked andshell fish,and Martin Moyden,ofMoydensCheese Emporium,has been selling cheese at themarket forthree years.

Visitors cantakea moment to sit andenjoy some refreshments while catching up with familyorfriends at TheFlyingPig,and thePastry

Box, afamily-run, artisanproducer, offers handmade pies,tarts andpastries, with an emphasis on traditional,sometimesforgotten, classics,using thebestlocal ingredients.Petsare also cateredfor as TheDogsHealthShopprovides treatswithbenefits, includingjoint care,digestion,skinand coat care, as well as health supplements. n Forthe full list of stalls,visit www.newportindoormarketshrop shire.co.ukorcall01952 820283

NestledintheheartofNewport,theGuildhall isanenchantingweddingvenueforcoupleslookingfor somethingspecialfortheirbigday

TheGuildhallisavailabletobookatweekendsbetween 10am–4pm,TheGuildhallisalsoavailableforcivilpartnerships, babynamingceremoniesandvowrenewals.

Tel:01952814338|enquiries@newportshropshire-tc.gov.uk |www.newportshropshire-tc.gov.uk

OwnerNigelPaskinatThe Dogs Health Shop

OwnerDan Smith openedThe Flying Piglast year

St NicholasChurch

Spoilt forchoicein an area rich in history

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia

Atownrichinhistory and stores whichwill leaveyou ‘spoilt forchoice’,the chamber’schairperson KarenWoodcock says theShropshiretownisone to be proudofand canreallythrive, moving forward.

Marvellous

“It’sawonderful town,” she said.“TheHighStreetinNewport provides aspace wherevisitors, residents andbusinesses are able to mixfreely.

“Asone of thewidesthigh streetsin theUK, thepavements provideeasyaccessfor alland, with theHigh Street, thecobbles of St Mary’s Streetora visitto ourmarvellousIndoorMarket,it really does leavepeoplespoiltfor choice!

“Wehaveanamazing rangeof more than 45 independentshops

“Newport offers awidechoice forshoppersfrommusic shops, artgalleries,home decor, soft furnishings, fashion, jewellery, bicycles,antiquesand collectibles,

fabulous food andgifts which make perfectpresentsfor friends andfamily. And, of course,we have shopsstockingwell-known brands such as Sophie Allport, Cath Kidston, Fairfax& Favor, Salthouseand DubarryofIreland andmanymore.

“Our picturesque market town is also home to majorstoresincludingWaitrose, Boots, Peacocks, B&Mtomention afew.Why wouldyou go anywhere else?”

Many saytowncentresneed to be much more thanjustabout shopsnow,but more of awhole experience

AndKaren added: “Our beauti-

fulcanal will providealeisurely walk andyou will be rewarded with an arrayofwildlife.

“St Nicholas Church,located in thecentre of town,isaninteresting visitwithbeautifulstained glasswindows andfascinating architecture

“We have free parking and businesses that aredementia-friendly anddog-friendly. Newportwelcomesyou whoever youare!

“Thismarket town is steeped in historywithbeautifularchitecture andsomanyfantastic events each year.” Sheadded: “Itreallyisagreat placetobe.”

Range of services what makes theareasogreat

“A services powerhouse with everything you can’tbuy online!”

Newportcouncillor TimNelsonisamong thosechampioning the town centre as aplacetovisit.And he says itsservicesare a keyaspectofwhatmakes it an importantgo-to place.

“Hairdressers, barbers, beauty,tanning, financialservices, medical, property andlegal ser-

vices–the rangeand qualityis breathtaking,and allfocussed on helpingyou

“There arewonderful individual food stores,charming indoor market andatraditional butchers.Newport is athing of beauty.Ajoy to be in andajoy to buyin.

“It’saquaintmedievaltown with architecture from down theages, when you canbuy the

latest hairstyle, andthe most fashionableindependentgifts. It hasanold-fashioned feel,but not in thesense of out-of-date, insteadmorethatthere is tangiblefriendlinessand community

“Peoplestill know each other andsmile,theywelcome newcomers on theHighStreet and in theshops.Visitors always remark that everyone is so friendly.”

“Why go anywhere else?” is themessage from NewportChamberofCommerceto thoselooking forthe idealshoppingexperience.

Newportoffersawealth of shops stocking allsorts of products

What traders have to say aboutthe town

Welcoming community that reallyfeels like home

“It’sthe onlyplace outsideIreland I’ve ever felt at home,” is the messageabout Newportfromshop ownerFrankie O’Connor Frankieisthe owner of Newport MusicStore,havingtaken overthe HeyJude’sbusinessfrom long-standingowner Jude Paton last year

AndtradinginNewport is areal family affair as hiswifeTracey owns Objects, ahomewearand gift shop in town

They movedtoNewport two yearsago,havingbeenvisitingfor

14 yearswhileFrankie wasinthe military basedatMarket Drayton.

“What’snot to love about Newport?” said Frankie. “It’sthe community,everybodyknows each otherand everyone makesyou feel welcome

“Everyone says helloand they gettoknowyou in five minutes.

“It’safairlybig town butitfeels likeavillage in that way. We’ve livedlotsofplacesand never really felt likeweknewanyone, butin Newportweweremadetofeelwelcome rightfromthe start.

“We’ve only livedherefor two yearsbut it feelslikewe’ve lived here always.It’sthe only placeoutside IrelandI’veever felt at home

“Even my brother-in-law,who onlyvisited foraday,saiditwas theonlyplace he couldsee himself living in England.

“WhenItookonthe shop, we automaticallybecamepartofthe communityovernight

“Everybodycomesin andwants to supportyou rightfromthe beginning. It’s been greatand we’ve hadsomuchsupport.”

n Lisa Baker–Owner of Deli4Caféand Coffee Shop

“We’ve gotfreeparking,lots ofindependentshops, coffee shopsand places to eatwitha varietyofdifferent businesses

“PeopleinNewport arevery friendly andapproachable. Ilove meetingall thedifferent people andmakingnew friends. I’ve made so many newfriends from having Deli45 andwewelcome everyone,whether adults, kids, babies or dogs,withopenarms. It’s just such afriendlytown.”

n Rose Palmer –Owner of ZigZags haberdashery

“I wouldn’t have takenthe shop on if it hadn’t been in Newport.WhatI love most about Newportisthe community and beingpart of such agood mix of independentshops andbusinesses.Not many places have ahaberdasheryintownthese days.I also reallylikethatall threehighschools arequite central, whichmakes it very convenient if you have children.”

n Michelle Walsh– Owner of Oh SewBlueSky home interiorsand gift shop with herbusinesspartner Sara Brettle

“Weget alot of people comingintoushereinNewport to buyour Frenchic paint, then they turn around andsee allour home wearsand startlooking at whichoneswill look perfect with theirchosenpaint

“I’m notactuallyfromNewport,IliveinCodsall butI’d move here tomorrow if Icould It’s gotthat‘holidayfeel’,especially on asunnyday.It’ssucha pretty town.Everybodyhereis lovely andthe town hassucha goodfeelabout it.”

Packed calendar full of events

Visiting Newporthas becomeabout theexperience –not just itsshopping pull butits events too.

Paul Syrda–DirectorofNewport Events CompanyCIC,which organises aseriesofannualeventsinthe town,isamong thosetobeplaying a keyroleinattractingmorevisitors to thetowncentre

As Chairman of NewportCarnivalCommittee,along with agreat team,recordnumbers have been arriving foreventssince thepandemic– 10,000 people attended last

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

summer’s carnival.Hesaid: “Newport is abrilliantmarkettownwith afantastic rangeofindependent businesses anda fabulousmarket hall

“Wehaveathriving‘event’ scene, whetherit’sthe street events ourteamofvolunteers arrange throughout theyearfromNewport Carnival to Food Frenzy andthe Christmas Market,toeventsorganisedbyour localpubsand community centres.

“The events draw people in from

outsidetownwho then gettoenjoy ourshops, eateries andother businesses

“Lastyear’scarnivalsaw crowds of more than 10,000 people in our high street

“All thetown’seventshelpto show offhow amazing Newportis to visit, live andworkin.

“It’sabeautifultown, with apicturesque canal, stunninghistoric buildingsand incredibly welcoming andfriendlypeople.

“Whenyou addina vibrant, variedand accessible high street scene with afantastic rangeofindependentshops, cafesand bars,Newport

hasprettymuchanythingyou need rightherein town.”

This year’s carnival returnswith atheme of ‘Fantasy,Fairy Talesand Superheroes’onSaturday, June 10

Mr Syrdasaid: “We’re hoping to bringevenmorepeopleintotown forthisyear’sevent

“It’sthe biggest,freeannual eventinNewport and we’reworkinghardtomake2023the biggest andbestcarnivalyet

“Ever sincebringingthe whole carnival into thecentre of town, we’veseenitbring such ahuge boosttohigh street businesses, who arenow part of thewhole daytoo.”

TheNewport Junior School floatatarecentNewportCarnival.The carnival returns on Saturday,June 10 this year

Paul Syrda andAndrewGriffin, from NewportEventsCompanyCIC,with town traders ahead ofaFood Frenzy event

Jude Patonwith Frankie O’Connor

Sara-JaneBrettle andMichelle Walsh at Oh SewBlue Sky Photo: Telford&WrekinCouncil

Newportispackedwith shopsand businesses that make it agreat place to shop andvisit.

Butitcan also boastapackedcalendarofevents, includingthe annual carnival andthe popularNewport Show,which takesplace in July

Theone-day agricultural show, held in Chetwynd DeerPark, is a real showcaseofwhatthe area and itsbusinesseshavetooffer

Residentsare also lookingforward to St George’s Daynextmonth andthe annual celebrationthatsees acolourful procession throughthe town’s streets.

Andthe town canalsoboast a rangeofclubs andsocieties who band together to help thoseinneed acrossthe community. Theefforts of these people were recognisedrecently with avisit from High Sheriff of Shropshire,Selina Graham,who praisedtheir commitment anddedication.

Awardmarks Siobhan’swork withelderlyin thecommunity

Acommunity engagement manager hasreceivedanaward from theHighSheriff of Shropshire, Selina Graham

SiobhanDavis,46, from Perton,who works forNewport-basedHome Instead, washandedthe High Sheriff’s Awardatawell-beingevent held in Dawley Town Hall

Theaward wasinrecognition of “great andvaluableservice to thecommunity”.

Siobhanworks forHome Instead, aprivately ownedcompany whichprovidescaretoenable peopletocontinuelivingindependentlyinthe comfortoftheir ownhomes. Part of her role involves hergetting outintothe community.

However,Siobhan hasundertakenalot of work underher owninitiative to rundementia memorycafes, hasorganised ‘BeaSanta to aSenior’toprovide giftsfor lonely andisolated pensioners,and is currently organising an Easter campaign to help combat loneliness and isolation

Sheworks in clubsand churches andalsogiveseducational talkstoolder peopleabout scams, whichshe runs with through theNationalTrading StandardsAuthorityFriends AgainstScams programme.

Siobhansaid: “I wastotally shockedtoreceive theaward

“I foundthatmanypeople were wantingtoknowhow to find informationtohelprelativesand friendsaftertheyhad received adementiadiagnosis.”

High Sheriffpraises helpers

Shropshire’sHighSheriffhas honoured atown’s volunteers andcommunity groups.

TheHighSheriff of Shropshire, Selina Graham,visited Newport Town Counciltomeetand thank localcommunity andvolunteerorganisations.

When she firsttookonthe Royal appointmentlastyear, MrsGrahamvowed to seek outand celebratethose whomakea difference to theircommunities.Apassionate volunteerherself,she hasspent much of thelastyearvisitingcommunity groups acrossthe county to thankthemfor theirdedication.

Dedicated

On hermostrecentvisit,she attended Newport’sGuildhall to meet some of themanyvoluntary organisationsand communitygroups, who have dedicated theirtimetoimprovingthe town andits residents’ lives.

Morethanadozen community groups were honoured on theday, includingThe Hub, NewportCottage Care Centre,the town’s history society,Newport Shropshire CommunityLitterPickers,The Shrewsbury andNewport Canals Trust, NewportinBloom,Newport Navy Club,Newport Lions, DementiaFriendlyNewport andNewport ChamberofCommerce.

Newportcouncillor TimNelson, whoattendedthe event, saidhewas proudtorepresent atownsochockfull of communityspirit.

He said:“It wasverymuchthe best of Newport. We areblessed with thedegreeofvolunteering that goes on here,and this visitreally showed thescope covered by our volunteers.”

Councillor Nelsonsaidhewas amazed by how much wasdoneby

thecommunity,fromthose cleaning up thestreets to thosefeedinghungryfamiliesorstaffing thetown’s charityshops.“It broughthome to me that really we have aland army of volunteers,” he said.Mrs Graham said:“Shropshireisthe most wonderful county with arich cultural history, andindustrialheritage, beautifulmarket townsand villages andstunningcountryside

“Butitisits peoplewho arethe

beatingheart –and itspeoplewho canmakesuchadifference.”

Dr Nick Tindall, chairofNewport CottageCareTrust,saidthe meetingprovideda chance forthe volunteers to sharetheir experiences. He said:“It wasreallyinteresting, areallywell-runevent. It allowed us to allsit around andhaveachat. It wasamazing to have achanceto gettoknoweachother and find out what is goingonaroundtown.”

NestledintheheartofNewport,theGuildhall isanenchantingweddingvenueforcoupleslookingfor somethingspecialfortheirbigday

TheGuildhallisavailabletobookatweekendsbetween 10am–4pm,TheGuildhallisalsoavailableforcivilpartnerships, babynamingceremoniesandvowrenewals.

VolunteersfromThe Hub share theirexperiences

Morethanadozen communitygroupswerehonouredbyHigh SheriffSelinaGraham at theevent

High SheriffSelinaGraham with volunteersfromNewportgroups

Siobhan with SelinaGraham

Town gearing up for St George’s Dayfun

MEGANJONES

megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Newportisgearing up forits 10th St George’s Daycelebration.

Foroveradecade, theEnglish patronsaint’s dayhas been celebratedinNewport with extra gusto. Each year,hundreds of residents andvisitorslinethe pavementstowatch theparadewhich includes dozens of thetown’schildren,dressed as tiny dragonsand St Georges,marchingdownthe high street

Theprocession is followed by alivedragonslaying before the dragon is turned into sausages andhandedout to thecrowd

Jugglers,buskers,Morrisdancersand street performers provide afew hoursofentertainment in theannualevent that hasbeen describedbyorganisers as apicturesque Englishvillage event.

This year,onApril 22,the tower of St Nicholas’s Church in the town will also be open,for anyone

interested in findingout more about theart of bell ringing.

Forthose with alittlemoreenergy,the public is also invitedto climbtothe topofthe towerto catcha glimpse of thetownfroma differentperspective

Thechurch’sbellringers will be on hand to show visitors the ropes,withthe opportunityto

have agoatchiming abell.

Amonth-longfundraiser marked thecountdown to thecelebrations, with businesses around thetowncollectingspare change to fund localcharities.Residents andvisitorstoNewport areencouraged to drop theirspare change inthe brightred buckets, aiming to raisea‘mileofcash’

Inspired by thehistoricmileof pennies, atradition that would seepennies linedback-to-back for amilethroughoutthe town,fundraisers arehopingtoraise athousand pounds forlocal charities.

In thepast, donationshave helped fund Newport’sX-ray appeal, thefoodbank,and some of thetown’schildren’s clubs.

TheStGeorges Daycelebration will take placeonSaturday, April 22 from 10am.The high street will be closedfrom12pmuntil 1.15pm to allowfor thefestivities

Thetower at St Nicholas’s will be open from 10am to 11.30amand 1pmto2.30pm

Thosewishing to join in with theprocession areencouragedto contactNewport Town Council.

Oneofthe town’s knights

St Georgedoesbattlewith thedragoninapreviouscelebrationinNewport town centre

Thousandsexpectedatannualshow

As oneofShropshire’s best one-day shows, the NewportShowdraws crowds of thousands each year,yet remains acommunity eventat heart.

This year’s show returnson July 8, having been at theheart of Shropshire’srural communityfor more thanacentury

Everyyear, putting theshow to-

DESIGNEDFOR THE

gether involves notonlystaff and volunteers from Newportand DistrictAgriculturalSociety,but hard workfroma host of local firms.

Contractorsand businesses of all kindshelporganisers transform Chetwynd DeerParkintothe show whichwelcomesthousands of peoplefromacrossthe country.

Show managerSally Western said:“Everysinglebusinesshelps contribute towardsthe widershow –and we’redelightedtoworkwith everysingleone to make each year’s

NewportShow asuccess.The support of so many localbusinesses really does make adifferenceand helped make agreat success of our triumphant sell-out show last year

“Fromhelping show offthe best of ourtown’shighstreet,topromoting Shropshire’s best shopping, even throughtothe knock-on effect that ourevent hasfor tradelocally –helpingour community’s businesses thrive is hugely importanttous.”

This year,the show is setto welcome PeterWright, star of the

EVENETT&BISHOPopticians

EvenettandBishopOpticianshavebeenlookingafter theirvaluedcustomersinNewportfornearly25years. Theyofferaprofessional,friendly,relaxedatmosphere withapersonaleyecareserviceusinguptodate innovativeequipment

Atypicalappointmentlasts30minutesandincludessight testingandeyehealthassessmentstoensureyoureyes andanyprescribedlensesworkharmoniouslytogether Alleyeexaminationsaretailoredtoyourindividualneeds takingintoaccountanyvisionproblemsyoumaybe experiencingathome,workorinleisuretimeaswellas anyconcernsrelatingtoafamilyhistoryofeyeproblems.

SimonBishop,SteveEvenettandtheirteamarealways happytodiscussallofyoureyecareoptionswithyou.For moreinformationortobookanappointmentpleasecall 01952810808orpopinto35HighSt,Newport.

Channel5 documentaryshowThe YorkshireVet,and Michelin starred celebritychefGlynn Purnell.

Organisers arecurrently on the hunt forbusinessestojointhe the long list of sponsors making the show possible each year.Sponsorshippackages areoffered on apersonalisedbasis, formoreinformationcontact sponsorship@ newportshow.co.uk or call 01952 810814

n Forticketsormoreinformation,visit chetwynddeerpark.co.uk

Newport Showreturns on July 8, having been at theheartofShropshire’s ruralcommunityfor more than acentury,and it isarealcommunityeffortwith lots of localbusinesses involved

With awonderful heritagedatingbackhundredsofyears anda wealth of retailersand businesses,Newport is a town that hassomething foreveryone.

Independentshops offering an eclectic rangeofgoodscan be found acrossNewport,and thetown’sindoor market offers afun andinteresting shopping experience that is enjoyedbybothvisitorsand locals

Rich in history, Newportboastsa number of intriguingbuildings with theirown fascinating storiestotell. Thebeautiful 12th centuryStNicholas’s Church offers awonderful window into thetown’spast, as does theGradeIIlisted Guildhall–today abasefor thetowncouncil as well as an enchanting weddingvenue

Followingthe challenges of the pandemic,Newport is bouncing back andthe town is keen to welcome visitors

Apicturesque town with avibrant characterofits own– aday outin Newportcould be just theticket

Enjoyarange of lovely walks in picturesque countryside

Cherishedlandmarkhas an importantroleintown’slife

DANIEL MORRIS daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

Thereare seeminglyendless walksinthe picturesque countryside that surroundshistoric Newport.

From awalkalong theNewport Waterwaystoastroll around Lilleshall Hall,fromthe Newport-to-StaffordGreenway RailTailtowalks through and around thetown; Newporthas somethingfor everything

Thereare many more within ashort distance of Newport, not leastAqualateMere, where visitors canenjoy apeaceful walk throughthislovelynature reserve. Aqualate Mere is ais designated underRAMSARas an internationallyimportant wetlandreserve forits habitats andoverwinteringwildfowlpopulations.Wildlifecan be viewed in closequartersfromthe public observationhideatthe eastern endofthe 72-hectareMere.

Themeresupportsadiverse fish population,large numbers of winteringand breedingwildfowl andthe reedbedsupports birdssuchasreed warbler, sedgewarbler andreed bunting with theoccasionalvisiting marshharrier andosprey, huntingbarnowl andbuzzard are also seen regularlyinthe area Mammalsfound here include otter, polecat, stoat, watervole, yellowneckedmouse,harvest mouse,and bats such as pipistrelleand Daubentons

It is situated threekilometres to theeastofNewport,atthe heartofaprivate estate,and is the largestnatural lake in the West Midlands

Oneofthe town’s most iconic buildings, Newport’s 15th century Guildhalltoday serves as thebasefor thetown counciland as avenue forweddingsand civil ceremonies.

As onewould expect from such a grandGradeIIlisted building,the Guildhallisdrapedin history, and likethe rest of Newport, hasits own rich storytotell.

Reportedly oneofthe earliest establishedguildhalls in England, thebuildingisastunningwindow into Newport’smedievalpastthat still retainsmanyofits originalfeatures.

Thecurrent Guildhallreportedly replaced an earlierbuilding on the site whichismentioned ina documentdated 1252.The southern part of thecurrent building was constructedinaround1400asa single room, possibly as ameeting placefor theGuildofNewport

Thebuilding wasbuiltintypical medieval-stylewithexposed timbers andbrick infilling whichhas been painted white. An intermediate floorwas addedtothe original hall at alater date.Testing of the beamsinthe roofhas suggested that thecurrent roofwas addedin around 1486

Moving forwardmanyyears, thenorthernpartofthe building wasconstructed in asimilar architecturalstyle in thelate16th century. Theinternalbeams on theground floorinthispartof thebuildingweredecorated with chevrons,antlers,acanthusleaves andpomegranates,withthe last of these beingassociated with Tudor queenand firstwifeofHenry VIII, CatherineofAragon.

Thetwo buildingswerenot in fact unified externally as asingle building with acontinuousroof-

line untilthe early19thcentury.A beam visibleonthe frontelevation of thebuilding,withthe name ‘Wm Gregari’ anddated 1615,was nota featureofthe originalbuilding and it is suspected that this wastaken from alocal publichouse andinserted in thelate19thcentury to addan additional airofauthenticity. TheGuildhall wasusedasa

meetingplacebyNewport Urban District Council, butceasedtobe thelocal seat of governmentwhen TheWrekinDistrictCouncil was formed in 1974

In June 1991,the building was acquired by theBoughey Trust, a trustcorporation establishedby Lady Bougheyinmemoryofher late husband, SirThomasFletcher

Fenton Boughey, 4thBaronet,who died in 1906

TheBoughey Trustmadethe Guildhallavailable,rent-free,to NewportTownCouncil whorestored it with thesupport of English Heritage anditwas officially re-openedtothe public by AlgernonHeber-Percy,Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, on March 25,1995. Ensuring this cherished building keptupwiththe times, improvementworks were carried outin2019involving anew boiler, carpets, paintworkand lighting Theground floorofthe southern sectionofthe building is currently usedasacouncil informationcentre,whilethe ground floorofthe northernsection hostsacharming tearoom. Meetings of thetown councilare normallyheldinthe councilchamber on the first floorof thebuilding,and it is said chamber that is also usedfor weddings. Thetowncouncil office is open to thepublicfrom10amto3pm during theweek.

NestledintheheartofNewport,theGuildhall isanenchantingweddingvenueforcoupleslookingfor somethingspecialfortheirbigday

TheGuildhallisavailabletobookatweekendsbetween 10am–4pm,TheGuildhallisalsoavailableforcivilpartnerships, babynamingceremoniesandvowrenewals.

NewportGuildhall is thought datefromaround 1400 andreplaced apreviousguildhallbuildingonthe site

NewportCanal

Beautiful church that is packed with history

DANIEL MORRIS

daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

Abeautiful Grade II listed building in the heartofthe town,St Nicholas’s Church is a huge part of Newport’s charm.

Of EarlyEnglishand PerpendicularGothicarchitecture, the Anglican church sits on an island in thecentre of thetownand is themainfocal pointfor miles around

Achurchdedicated to thepatronsaint of fishermen, thehistory of itssitegoes allthe wayback to thetimeofHenry I.

Thechurchwas builtinthe 12th centurywiththe towerbeing rebuiltin 1360.In1452, Thomas Draper boughtthe church from theAbbot of Shrewsbury,but it wasnot until1700thatitgained itslandand therectory wasendowed.

Thesandstone building consists of achancel,south chapel,nave

with aisles andawesttower.The stainedglass includes awindowin thechancel by Morris&Co. with Burne-Jones figures. Oneinthe southchapelisbyCharles Eamer Kempe. Thered bricknorth andsouth aisles were addedin the18thcentury.Movingintothe 19th century, galleriesand gas lighting were addedin1837and thechancel wasrebuiltin 1866

Thetower haseightbells hung from wooden headstocks.Fiveof thebells were castbyThomas Mearsofthe WhitechapelBell Foundryin London in 1812.The twomostrecentwerecastbyJohn Taylor &CoofLoughboroughin

1952

Thechurchhas in fact been restored twice– thesouth side in 1883 andthe northsidefrom1890 by John Norton.The west porch wasbuilt in 1904 –agiftfrom Lady Boughey.

In 1912,StNicholas’shosted a face-to-be-famousinthe form of future politicianEnoch Powell, whowas baptisedthere.His parents hadmarried at thechurchin 1909.

In thechurchyard,asandstonememorialcrosswithbrass plaques commemorates themen from Newportwho lost theirlives in thetwo world wars.For RemembranceDay in 2019,200 poppieswereknitted forthe church

Proudand majestic,StNicholas’sChurchiswithout adoubt theperfect microcosmofNewport’s beauty

St Nicholas’ churchwas built in the12thcentury with thetower beingrebuiltin1360

BakerTom branchingout on hisown

Atownhas received a huge thumbs-upfrom oneofits newest businesses.

Lastweek, young entrepreneur TomEleyopeneduphis ownbakery, Bake That,onStMary’sStreet, Newport.

Afterayouth spentsurrounded by bakedgoodsatthe family shop, Eley’s of Ironbridge,the 24-year-

MEGANJONES

megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

oldthought it wasabout time he steppedout on hisown

Tomsaid: “Newport seemed like areallygood fitfor us.The studentpopulationand thefarming communityreally fitwellwithour products.The location is really nice andit’salovely shop.I’vebeencomingtoNewport foryears andI’ve

always liked St MarysStreet, it’s rightnexttothe church on alovely cobbledroad.”

Tomsaidthe locals have welcomedhim andhis bake with open arms.“The firstweekhas gone very, very well,” He said:“We’vehad alot of supportfromlocalsand alot of returningcustomers so we’regetting to know people already.

“There’s been lotsofpeoplejust poppinginand having anosey,

we’reveryhappy with how it’s going.”

Theyoungster startedanapprenticeship at thefamilyshopinIronbridge as ateenager andsaidhis familyare pleasedhe hasbegun his ownadventure

Tomsaid: “We’ve hadthe family shop formanyyears andwe’ve always been in thefood industry.

“They’re very happyI’m doing somethingonmyown andgetting

the experience of thehighs andlows of openingmyown business.”

Bake That is open seven days aweek, andisopenfor breakfast tradesopeoplecan grab abiteora hotdrink on theway to work, school or university Customers canmakethe most of arange of tastybakes to take away as well as cakes, hotdrinks and arange of vegetarian andvegan products

DESIGNEDFOR THE

DESIGNED FOR THE MIND,BODY &SOUL

EVENETT&BISHOPopticians

EvenettandBishopOpticianshavebeenlookingafter theirvaluedcustomersinNewportfornearly25years. Theyofferaprofessional,friendly,relaxedatmosphere withapersonaleyecareserviceusinguptodate innovativeequipment

Atypicalappointmentlasts30minutesandincludessight testingandeyehealthassessmentstoensureyoureyes andanyprescribedlensesworkharmoniouslytogether Alleyeexaminationsaretailoredtoyourindividualneeds takingintoaccountanyvisionproblemsyoumaybe experiencingathome,workorinleisuretimeaswellas anyconcernsrelatingtoafamilyhistoryofeyeproblems.

SimonBishop,SteveEvenettandtheirteamarealways happytodiscussallofyoureyecareoptionswithyou.For moreinformationortobookanappointmentpleasecall 01952810808orpopinto35HighSt,Newport. EvenettandBishopOpticians

YoungentrepreneurTom Eley hasopenedthe doors on anew business in Newport andalong with histeam is enjoying settling into hisnew premises in St Mary’sStreet

Andamong

Town school setfor major work on kitchen anddining hall

Business is thrivingfor aShropshirebuildingcontractor which haslandeda majorproject in Newport.

Pave Awayswill buildadininghallextension andrefurbish thekitchen at Burton Borough School,where it carriedout an extensionand refurbishmentto themainhallin 2019

Thecompany hasalso been selected to design andbuild a single-storeyextension at LawleyVillageAcademy in Telford.

Both projects arebeing developed on behalf of Telford& WrekinCouncil

Managing director Steven Owen said:“These newcontracts arethe latest in along line of newbuild,extensionsand refurbishments in theeducation andcaresectorand playtoour strength of beingabletodeliver high qualitynew facilities whilst organisationscarry on theirday-to-day operation.

“It’salso good news forour supply chainofsuppliers and sub-contractorsaswe’re committed to using businesses within a20-mile radius of thejobs, ensuring aboosttothe economy by keepingour spendlocal.”

Pave Awayscelebratesits 50th year in business this October.

Thecompany currentlyworkingona number of othereducation projects includingthe new £5.1mgirls’house at Shrewsbury School andscience laboratories at Packwood Haughas well contractsinthe healthcare, charityand manufacturingsectors

County business chiefsshare thebenefits of BIDscheme

It’s settobeahot topic of conversation among businesses in Newport. Discussionshavetaken place betweenretailers andrepresentativesfromNewport’s Chamberof Commerce over thepossibility of creatingaBusinessImprovement District Anditseems that theideaofa BIDhas been hailed in other areas of thecounty.

Indeed businesses in Shrewsbury arebeing urged to back athird term forthe Business Improvement District whichone councillor says hasbeenresponsiblefor £2.5 million of investment

DeanCarroll,ShropshireCoun-

cil’sCabinet member forgrowth, regeneration andhousing,said: “ShrewsburyBID hasbeena key figure in thetowncentre fornearly adecade.

“Intheir second term alone,they have invested andattracted over £2.5 million into projects whichpromote andprotectour strong high street,and localbusinessoffer,in Shrewsbury

“They’ve tackledthe turbulence andchallenges posedduringthe pandemic,and have puttogether astrong business proposal forthe next five years, whichcontinues theirworkand servicetomembers,

butalso focuses on growingShrewsbury’s name on anationalscale.”

As well as Shrewsbury,a BIDhas also been successfullyimplemented in Oswestry andBridgnorthisalso in theprocess of putting together a plan forone

KarenWoodcock,chair of Newport ChamberofCommerceand ownerofAll AboutNewport Ltd, whichhelps promote thetown, recently said:“Proposalsare at very, very earlystages butit’ssomething that many feel wouldbeapositive move

“Wediscussedthe prospect at our recent ChamberofCommercemeeting, whereAdele Nightingale, the Oswestry BIDManager,and Sally Themans, from Love Bridgnorth,

gave apresentation. It wasgoodto hear viewsfromanestablished BID andalso thoughts over an initial feasibility studyfor one.

“The businesses in attendance agreed that Newportshouldcontinue to explore thepossibility of becoming aBID area.”

Shesaidone of theadvantages of theschemewould be “havingsomeone full time anddedicated”topromoting thetown.

The firststage of theprocess is to commission afeasibility studyfrom an independentconsultantoverthe viability,benefitorwantfor businesses to be part of aBID scheme

“A decision on whetherthe scheme goes aheadwould be purely downtothe businesses,”she added.

NestledintheheartofNewport,theGuildhall isanenchantingweddingvenueforcoupleslookingfor somethingspecialfortheirbigday

TheGuildhallisavailabletobookatweekendsbetween 10am–4pm,TheGuildhallisalsoavailableforcivilpartnerships, babynamingceremoniesandvowrenewals.

|www.newportshropshire-tc.gov.uk

Businesses andNewport’sChamber of Commerceare in theearly stages of looking at thepossibility of aBusinessImprovement Districtfor Newport

Howthe hall maylook

Newtownbasefor home fragrance firm

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Soul products areespecially craftedtoenhanceand benefitwellbeing, cleverly blended with calming, luxurious essentialoilstocreatea tranquil yetelegant atmosphere in your home.

OriginallyinITsales,owner GemmaVujnoviclet hercareertake abackseat10years agowhenshe startedafamily.

Nowamum of three, Gemwanted to pursue adream shealways hadwhich is whereSoul, Shropshirewas created.Ithas been an incredible journeyasthe Soul brand hasgonefromstrengthtostrength, starting as ahobby andnow being aproud supplier of itemsinthe Oscarsand Grammies goodie bags four yearsinarow!

Rewards

Thebiggest rewardsofthe business have always been with the wellness of itscustomers at the heart–and whocan putitbetter than Gemherself?

“I believethatour products can help andsupport people whilst also lookingelegant in thehome.From theverybeginning, Soul wascreated with adesiretosupport wellbeingthrough offering arange that contains luxury essentialoils.

“Ihavealwaysadoredhome fragrances, sotohavemyown range that not only looksand smells stunningbut helpssomanyisjust everything to me.I’m incredibly luckytohavemyown business anddosomethingthatI absolutely adore.

“I do not view Soul as ‘just’ a home fragrancecompany –itisso much more.The conceptfromthe very beginninghas always been unique in thesense that Iwanted to offerour customers alifestyle choice when choosingSoul.

“Productsare packed with all

naturalvegan andanimaltesting free ingredients, aromatherapy oils and100%soy wax. So no nasty paraffin(no blacksoot),protecting both you andthe environment.

“Myvisionhad always been to launch ahighquality collection of home fragrances that canimpact on individuals’ wellbeing. Ibelieve we areachieving this with thedaily messages andfeedback we receive.

It is my customers’ dailyfeedback that makesthisjourney authentic andsomeaningfultome.”

Orderonline or visitGemma in hernew unit at 22-24HighStreet, Newport.

Soul ownerGemma Vujnovichas anew unitinNewport

Festivalputsspotlight on canalproject

Landlubbersand canal-dwellers alikecan combine avisit to Newport with atriptothe nearby NorburyCanal Festival againthisyear.

TheannualNorbury CanalFestivalwill return to NorburyJunction forthree days from April29.

Exclusive 15% off when entering

at checkout

DESIGNEDFOR THE

MEGANJONES megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Thepopular eventhas runevery year since2004, having hadjust twoyears offdue to thepandemic Around akilometreofcolourful boats selling food, gifts and art, as well as musicand entertainment will fill theformercanal junction

Theevent is free toenter,asis parking, andthe nearby TheJunction Inn andNorbury Wharfwill be supporting theevent with plenty of refreshments

Shortnarrowboattrips areavailable, as well as an hour-long cruise on the42-seater ‘ShropshireStar’

Thefestivalishosted by The Shrewsbury andNewport Canals

4years running!

EVENETT&BISHOPopticians

EvenettandBishopOpticianshavebeenlookingafter theirvaluedcustomersinNewportfornearly25years. Theyofferaprofessional,friendly,relaxedatmosphere withapersonaleyecareserviceusinguptodate innovativeequipment

Atypicalappointmentlasts30minutesandincludessight testingandeyehealthassessmentstoensureyoureyes andanyprescribedlensesworkharmoniouslytogether Alleyeexaminationsaretailoredtoyourindividualneeds takingintoaccountanyvisionproblemsyoumaybe experiencingathome,workorinleisuretimeaswellas anyconcernsrelatingtoafamilyhistoryofeyeproblems.

SimonBishop,SteveEvenettandtheirteamarealways happytodiscussallofyoureyecareoptionswithyou.For moreinformationortobookanappointmentpleasecall 01952810808orpopinto35HighSt,Newport.

Trustaspartoftheir ambitious plan to reopen thedisusednetwork linkingNewport to thecounty town.The annual festival aims to raise funds, awarenessand support to restorethe Shrewsbury and Newportcanals.

Bernie explained: “We’re passionateabout gettingthese canals to reopen forthe local community.

Notonlydo they bringa huge increase in biodiversity,but they provide asafetowpath to cycle, walk, paintand fish “They’re very tranquil places, wonderfulfor generalwellbeing and helpingwithmentalhealth.”

Norbury CanalFestivalwillrun from 10am to 4pmbetween Saturday, April29toMonday, May1

Shrewsbury andNewport CanalsTrustwill be staging theNorburyCanal Festival at NorburyJunctionfromApril29toMay 1and ahostofcolourfulboatswillbeselling food,gifts andart