Shrewsbury Chronicle 24-Nov-2022

CHILDRENATRISK OFEXPLOITATION

Theriskofchildrenbeing ex ploitedisstillcausingconcerndespitethe number of county lines gangsoperatinginShropshiregoing downinthelast12months,council lorshaveheard.

Apartnership includingShropshireCouncil,policeand others havebeenworkingwithabout200 Shropshirechildrenthisyearatrisk ofcriminalexploitationorwhoare beingexploited.Theaimtohelpstop thembecomingvictimsofthiscrime or,iftheyarealreadyare,tohelp themescapeexploitation

ShropshireSafeguardingCom munityPartnershipsaidthatcriminalexploitationofchildreninthe countytookavarietyofforms,in cludingforcingchildrentoselldrugs, becomepartofcountylinesgangsor childsexualexploitation.Theforms ofexploitationareofteninterlinked. Councillorsreceivedanupdatefrom partnersonhowtheworkwasprogressing.

Partnersreportthatthe numberofcountylines gangsoperatinginthecountyhasreducedover thelastyearbuttherearestill10 beinginvestigated by police with linkstoMerseyside,Bristolandthe WestMidlands.Hotspotsstillinthe county includethe Harlescott and

SundorneareasofShrewsbury.“We made 177arrests betweenMarch 2021 andMarch 2022,” apolice spokespersonsaid

Policesaidthatwhilehousesbelievedtobebasesforthegangswere watched,otheragenciesmaywellal readybeworkingwithchildrenwho maybeatrisk.

Themeeting heardthat, since thestartof2022,therehadbeena revisedpathwayapproachtotheexploitationofchildreninShropshire, with agencies working closelyto helpidentifychildrenwhomaybeat riskandtoreducethatriskbysteppingin

AnOfstedchildren’sservicesinspectionthisyearsaidthatthepartnershipworkinginShropshirewas effective at identifying childrenat risk

SonyaMiller,Shropshire Coun cil’sassistantdirectorforchildren’s social care andsafeguarding, said thatexperienceinShropshireshows thatoneformofexploitationoften leadstofurtherriskofexploitation, andduring2022thepartnershiphas seen121newchildrenreferredtoit becausetheymaybeatrisk

Charlie’slifedrawings

Escape room on theway

Anescaperoomthemedaround theIndianaJonesmoviesiscoming toShrewsburynextmonth,thanks toan18-year-oldentrepreneur.

ThenewexperiencecalledLevelUpEscapeswillopenatTheDarwin shopping centre on Saturday,December10

Shropshire’slatestescaperoom is beingbrought to theregionby NathanGreen,escaperoomdevotee andproud founderofLevelUp Es capes.

Theyoung entrepreneurhas been obsessed with escape rooms forseveralyears–travellingacross theUKwithfamilyandfriendsexperiencingeveryescaperoomhecan.

‘Jail or Bail’ relaunched

Companiesacrosstheregionare beingencouragedtolock up their workmatestoraisevitalfundsfor charity.

MidlandsAirAmbulancecharity hasrelaunchedits‘JailorBail’event, whereemployeescansentencetheir CEOsandseniorcolleaguestoanight inShrewsburyPrison

Inmateswill have 24 hours to raise£600much-neededfundraising ‘bail’moneytosecuretheirrelease afterspendinganuncomfortable nightintheclink.Proceedswillgo towardsthe fundingoflife-saving missionsbytheemergencyservice charity,acrossShropshireand the WestMidlands

Report by Sue Austin

Bettersafetyfor pupils

ShropshireCouncilisplanningma jorhighwayimprovementsinShrews burytomakeitsaferforpupilsgetting toschool,ithasbeenconfirmed.

CouncilofficerFfionHortonupdat edTheMeoleTrafficGroupaboutthe safetyplansforschoolsinMeoleBrace, atapublicmeetingheldonMonday,November7.

It comesas plansfor twonew schoolsonnearbySquinterPip Way would in effect create an ‘Education Quarter’,takingintoaccountthe2,000 primarystudentsand2350secondary school studentsalreadyinthe area Now,ShropshireCouncilisconsidering measurestomaketheareasaferforpupilscyclingorwalkingtoschool

Shrewsbury’s Local Cyclingand WalkingInfrastructurePlan(LCWIP) recognisedthatmorethan5,000stu dentswerewalkingorcyclingtoschool andabidforfundingisinpreparation.

Thiswillincludearevisionofthe roundabout betweenRoman Road andLongdenRoad,aswellasseparate walkingand cyclinglanes on these roads.

Intheplansthereisalsoprovision foranadditionalcyclingpathoverthe ReabrookwithinMeoleBrace

Councillor Bernie Bentick, lead erofthetrafficgroup,alsoaskedfor separatefootandcyclepathsoverthe railwayline,nexttothecurrentroad bridgeonStanleyLane

Royal harpist is star of concert

Theofficialroyalharpistwilllead astar-studdedline-upoflocalmusical talentatthisyear’sLingenDaviesCarol Concert.

Alis Huws,previouslyknown as royalharpist to thePrinceofWales, andnowofficialroyalharpist,willbe accompaniedby flutist CarysGittins atthefestiveextravaganzabeingheld nextmonthatShrewsburyAbbey.

Closingoutapackedyearofevents forthecharity,guestswillalsobetreated to performances by Bridgnorth basedKeyChangeChoir.

TheconcertisbeingheldinShrewsburyAbbeyonSaturday,December3, at6pm,toraisefundsforLingenDavies

Cancer Fund,which supports cancer patientsand raises awareness about cancerthroughoutShropshireandMid Wales.

Lizzy Coleman, events andfundraisingofficerforthecharitysaidthe concertwouldbeafittingwaytomark thefestiveseason

Shesaid:“TheCarolConcertwillbe anexcellentwaytoeaseyourselfinto thefestive season,listening to some beautifulmusicand,ofcourse,enjoying mincepiesandmulledwine.”

MichaelJenkins,HeadofMusicat MoretonHallSchool,willbethecom perefortheevening,overseeingpro ceedingsandintroducingperformers.

Christmasprogramme

Bookingsarenowopenforthewin-

ShropshireCouncilisworkingwith

Therearefreeplacesavailableon

ontoHAFbyaprofessional.Placesare also available forUkrainian families, currently stayinginShropshire with hostfamilies

FromDecember19-23childrenand youngpeopleareinvitedtotakepartin arangeoffunactivities,happeningat 43venuesfromacrossthecounty.

Thereissomethingonoffer for everyone,includingsports,arts,cookingandforestschools.Freenutritious mealswillbeprovidedateachsession, aswellasinformationonnutrition

Royal harpistAlis Huws and flutistCarysGittins will be performing

Vinyls boostdownloads

Downloadsofaudio toursof Shrewsburyhaveboomedsince specially-designed floor vinyls wereintroducedaroundthetown centre

TheShrewsburyStoriesseries waslaunchedduringthepandem icbyShrewsburyBIDtoshowcase thetown.

Theaudiotourstaketheform ofpodcasts,withlocalhistorians sharingquirkystoriesofthetown, andcanbedownloadedtoasmart phoneforlisteningwhilstwalking aroundthetownorathome

Large floorvinylshavenow been placed whereeachepisode hasbeenrecorded,toraiseawareness of theseriesand to direct peoplewhiletheylisten.

Emma Molyneux,ofShrews bury BID, said:“Thevinylslook reallyeffective;wehavehadlots ofpositivefeedbackfromvisitors andbusinesses.Interestingly,we haveseenabigriseinthenumber oflistenerssincetheywereintroduced andthe audiotours have nowbeendownloadedmorethan 1,000times.”

Historic manuscripts to go underhammer

Historic manuscriptswritten byapoetwhoseworkwassuppos edlywronglyattributedtoRobert Burnsaresettogoundertheham mer.

Themanuscriptsdatebackto the1790sto1820andarebelieved tohavebeenwrittenbypoetRichardGall,whoithasbeenclaimed hadworkwrongly attributedto RobertBurns.Theywillbesoldat auctionatMontfordParishHallat Shrawardine,nearShrewsbury,on December8.

Thepaperswerediscovered inaboxofephemerabyananonymoussellerwhoisafriendofauc-

tioneer PeterSharman whohas agreedtosellthemonhisbehalf throughA5Auctionswho oper atesalesattheParishHallevery Thursday Peter, 72,who livesnear Oswestry,said:“Thevendorisa friendwhofoundtheseamonga collectionofpapersinanoldbox

“I thoughtthere wassome significancetothese79oldman uscripts anda bookmanuscript whichneithermyselforworkers attheNationalLibraryofScotland have been able to traceasever havingbeenprinted.

“A number ofpeopleclaim

thatRichardGallwasafriendor acquaintanceofRobbieBurnsbut thisisdisputedbysomeacadem ics.

“Hewrotethesepoems,some of whichare inthe old Scottish language.Theselectionofpoems includeMyOnlyJoyandDearie‘O, TheBraesODrumlee,TheBonnie BlinkOMary’sE,e,CaptainOKain andTheHazelWoodWitch.

“TheNationalLibraryofScotland hasshown interest in ac quiringthe documents andthe guide pricefor thecollection of manuscriptshasbeensetbetween £1,500to£2,000.”

Afocus on shoddy work

Residentswill be askedfor theirviewsbycouncillorsinvestigating shoddy andunfinished housingdevelopments.

ShropshireCouncil’s Place Overview Scrutiny Committee agreedinSeptembertolookatthe issueafterincreasingnumbersof complaints from newhomeown erswho said they hadbeenlet downbydevelopers.

Nowthecouncillorleadingthe grouphassaidtheyexpecttocom-

pletetheirworkearlyinthenew year–andwilllookatpotential policychangesthatcouldprevent issuesinthefuture.

MadeupofmembersofShropshireCouncil’s PlaceOverview scrutiny committee thehousingdevelopmentstaskand fin ishgroup will examine“shoddy works,buildingcontrolandplanningenforcement,aswellasopen spaceandhighwaysadoptions”

Thegroup will hold aseries

ofmeetings,alongwithawalking tourofrecentdevelopments–and will be seekinginputfromresi dentsaboutissuestheyhavefaced.

Onceithasfinisheditsworka reportofthefindingswillbepre sentedtoameetingofthecouncil’s cabinet.

Thegroupsaysitsaimistoun derstandthe specific issues that residentsandbuildersofanewly completedhousing development mightface.

Peter SharmanandYanChem,withmanuscriptsthatwillbe auctioned nextmonth

One of the floor vinyls

Rivershuttle serviceislaunched

People will be able to hop across ariver on anew shuttle servicewhichhasbeenlaunched whileafootbridgeisclosed.

WhileShrewsbury’s PorthillBridgeisclosedforessential maintenancework, theSabrina BoatandTheBoathousepubhave teamedupwithShrewsburyBID, with supportfromShropshire Council,tointroducethereplacementrivershuttle

Theservicewilloperatefrom 8amto6pm each day, crossing from TheBoathouse pubtothe jettyinTheQuarry,savingpedestriansthelengthydiversionroute acrosstheWelshBridge

PorthillBridgeisexpectedto be closed forthree weekswhile ShropshireCouncil carries out maintenancework,andtheriver shuttlestartedonMonday,costing £1returnforadultsor£2.50re turnforfamilies.

SebSlater,executivedirector ofShrewsburyBID,said:“Porthill Bridgeisanimportantrouteinto Shrewsbury,and popularwith people whowanttoenjoy The Quarry.”DilwynJones,owner of

theSabrinaRiverboat,said:“We arealwayshappytomakemore useoftheriver,andit’sgreatto be workingwithlocal partners to introducethisshuttle service whilethefootbridgeisclosed.We

areusingourpicnicboat,which carriesuptoeightpassengersata time,andthecrossingisapleasant threeminutes.”Formoreinforma tion,visithttps://originalshrews bury.com/porthill-shuttle

‘Unacceptable’wait forhospitalchecks

Acouncillorhassaidasituationwherea16-year-oldboyreferredforhospitalcheckshasbeen givenanappointmentinJune2025 is“unacceptable”.

Theboy’sfathersaidhewas astonishedafter Shrewsbury & TelfordHospitalNHSTrust(SaTH) confirmedthatthedategivenin theletterwasnotamistake

Shrewsbury LiberalDemocratCouncillorforBowbrookAlex Wagnersaid:“Thisispossiblythe worst case of theNHS backlog failingapatientthatIhaveseen

inalongtime.Toasksomeonein needofcaretowaitforthreeyears is simply unacceptable,and is a damningexampleofthequalityof theserviceinShropshire.

“Peopledeserve good qual ityNHScarewhentheyneedit, andquickly–not951dayslate. We cannot go on like this.Itis lettingpatientsdown,lettingour hard-workingstaffdownasthey workinimpossibleconditions, anditcastsshame onthe Government.” Sheila Fryer, interim deputy chiefoperating officer at

theShrewsburyandTelfordHospitalNHSTrust,said:“Wewould liketoapologiseforthewaitfora urologyappointment.Thislength ofdelayisrareandwewouldlike to reassure you that we aredoingeverythingwecan,alongside partners,toreducetheamountof time patientsare waitingfor an appointment

“Recruitment challenges in urologyandthesignificantpres sureduetothecontinuedimpact ofCovidhaveledtothedelays.We areworkingtorecover.”

The newriverferry will runwhile the PorthillBridgeisclosed

BlackFridayscam warningisissued

ABlackFridaywarningtobeawareofscamart istshasgoneoutfromafinancialexpert Whilsttheremaybesomegreatbargains,Shrews bury-basedJustCreditUnioniswarningagainstgettingcaughtbyonlinescammers.

Thefirmalsopointtothetemptationtooverspend andthatmanydealsmaynotbeasgreatastheyfirst appear.“BlackFridayseesafrenzyofdealsanddis counts,butalsoahugeriseinfraud,”saidSteveBar ras,JustCreditUnionbusinessdevelopmentofficer

JustCreditUnionhasputtogethersomehintsand tipstohelppeopleavoidgettingcaughtout.Keyac tionsthatcanbetakentostaysafe.

Research thesellertocheck they aregenuine; sticktotrustedwebsites;keepyourpin,passcode andpasswordsasecret;avoidenteringcarddetails onsharedandpubliccomputers.

College offering T-levels

TelfordCollegeoffersalivelyandsupportivecam pusthathasbeenpurpose-builttoofferawiderange ofcoursechoices–includingacademic,vocational,ap prenticeshipsandmore.

T-levelcourseswillbeofferedinSeptember2023 Thenewvocationalqualificationsaretheequivalent tothreeA-levelsinUCASpointsandrecognisedbyall universities

Initially, thecollege will be offering T-levels in health,scienceanddigital,whichwillexpandinSep tember2024

TelfordCollege’sapprenticeshipteamiscontin uouslynetworkingwithlocalemployerstogivestu dentsachancetogainvaluablequalificationsalong sidereal-worldworkexperience

Part-timeadultlearningcoursesareofferedfor thosewhofancyacareerchangeormaynothavehad theopportunitytodosowhentheyfinishedschool.

Coursesrangefromlevel2-5,andincludeaccount ing,education,hairdressing,healthandsocialcare andhumanresources.

Ifyoucan’tordon’twanttophysicallygotocol lege,thereareseveralshortcoursesthatcanbedone onlinewhereyouwillgainalevel2or3qualification

Thecollege’snextopeneventisonWednesday,No vember30,from5pmuntil7.30pm.

TheadultopeneventisonSaturday,December10, from10amuntil12.30pm.Tobookaplace,seewww telfordcollege.ac.uk/join-us/open-events/our-open events/

Ifyou’dpreferamoreindepthlookatthefacilities TelfordCollegehastooffer,orifyou’refeelinganxious aboutstartingcollege,youcanalsobooka1:1tourby emailingmarketing@telfordcollege.ac.ukorbycall ing01952642200

Amarathon effort

Ashopmanagerhasraised£2,000for charityaftercompletingsevenmarathonsin sevendays

IanFord,manageroftheUp&Running shopinShrewsburytookonthechallengeto raisemoneyforthecompany’schosenchari ty–HeartResearchUK

HestartedonNovember5,andcovereda totaldistanceof183.4milesoversevencon secutivedays.Clockingupthefinalmiles, IanarrivedbackattheUp&Runningshop in Shrewsbury welcomedbackbyfamily, friends,colleaguesandlocalresidents.

Todate,witharisingtotal,Ianhasraised

£2,000forHeartResearchUK,whichwillgo towardsfundingvitalmedicalresearchinto theprevention,treatmentandcureofheart disease.

Oncompletinghismammothtask,Ian said:“Thisisprobablythehardestchallenge I’veeverundertaken–yet!Daysixwaspar ticularlydifficult,withtheachesandpains reallysettingin,butthethoughtofthegen erouscharitydonationskeptmegoingwhen Ineededitthemost.

“I’mdelightedtohaveraisedsomuchfor HeartResearchUKandwouldliketothank everyonewhohaskindlydonatedsofar.”

Morethan10,000ticketshavealreadybeen soldfornextyear’sCampBestivalatWestonPark, saystheorganiser

FormerRadio1starRobdaBank,whoorgan isesthefour-dayfamilyfestivalwithhiswifeJosie, saiddemandhadbeenhugefollowingthesuccess oftheWestMidlands’firstCampBestivalwhich wasstagedinAugust.Theline-upfornextyear’s eventwillincludeEurovisionstarSamRyder.

Paynothing fora year. No deposit. Interest free.

Black

DUDLEY

IanFordcompletes hischallenge

BICTONHEATH

OxonOldSchoolHall Monday9am Beth07563178662

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ChapelCommunityCentre Tuesdays9am Vicky07758987345

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BomereHeath VillageHall Tuesday9.30am,5.30pm&7pm Elaine07816220353

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MeoleBraceBowlingClub Wednesday9am Sue07981263471

BAYSTONHILL ChristChurch,GlebeRoad Wednesday5.30pm&7pm Helen07714098438

HARLESCOTT ElimChurch Wednesday5.30pm Vicky07758987345

HARLESCOTT ElimChurch Thursday9am Vicky07758987345

COLEHAM BarnabusCommunityChurch Thursday5.30pm Sue07981263471

BICTONHEATH BictonHeathCommunityCentre Thursday5.30pm&7pm Beth07563178662

BAYSTONHILL ChristChurch,GlebeRoad Friday9am Helen07714098438

slimmingworld.co.uk

MONKMOOR

ShrewsburyBaptistChurch, CrowmereRoad

Monday5.30pm&7.30pm Thursday9.30am&11.30am Lynsey07884020611

PONTESBURY

PontesburyPublicHall, ShrewsburyRoad Tuesday5.30pm&7.30pm Lynsey07884020611

FEATURE 12

Reducingthe risk of diabetes

Ifyoudon’thavetype2diabetes, thechances areyou know someone whohas.

By2030,DiabetesUKpredictsthat five-and-a-halfmillionpeopleintheUK willhavethecondition

AndtheWestMidlandsisoneofthe worstareasaffected,withobesitylevelsinurbanareasespeciallyabovethe nationalaverage.

Thebestadvice, as always,isto preventtheconditionfromhappening inthefirstplace.So,whatstepscanwe taketoavoidit?

Keepaneyeonyourweight

Everyoneknowsweightisanissue. Whileitisn’teverythingwhenitcomes tohealth,beingoverweightcanimpact yourchancesofdevelopingtype2dia betes.

“Withmorethantwo-thirdsof adults in theUKcarryingtoo much weight,it’sashockingstatisticthatyou areupto80timesmorelikelytodeveloptype2diabetesifyouareobese, comparedwithhavingabodymassindexunder22,”saysDietitianDrCarrie Ruxton

Getintofitness

There’snogettingoverthefactthat exercisehelps,evenifitisjustawalkto theshopsandback

“AreportintheWorldJournalof Diabetesfound that,while vigorous exercisewasbestforcuttingrisk,even walkingforatleast30minperdayloweredtheriskbyaroundhalf,”notesDr Ruxton.“Whatweputintoourbodies, howwerecharge,andhowwemoveare

Watching yourweight can help thethreekeypillarsofmaintainingour health.Irecommendacombinationof cardiovascularand strength training foroptimalfitness.”

Drinkingteahelps

Maintaining healthyblood sugar levelscouldbevitalforhelpingkeep type2diabetesatbay

Dr Ruxton says anew report by theTeaAdvisory Panelfound simple dietstrategies,suchasdrinkingblack orgreenteadaily,canhelpboostour intakeofpolyphenols–“naturalbio activeplantcompounds,whichhelpto stabilisebloodsugarlevelsandreduce inflammation”.

AstudyinBritishMedicalJournal foundthathavingmorethanthreecups of teadailyisassociatedwithlower riskofType2diabetes.

UnitC1 Greenwood Court Harlescott Industrial Estate Shrewsbury Shropshire SY13TB Call us on 01743462205 or textmessage 07736540766

Opening times MondaytoFriday: 10am to 5.00pm Saturday: 10.00amto5.00pm Sunday:Closed

GetChristmas startedatMarketHall

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Christmas hascome to theaward-winning Shrewsbury Market Hall with festivelate nights anda wealth of independent retailers to shop forlocally producedfood anddrink andquality giftswith adifferencefor allthe family.

TheMarket Hall is throwing a series of ‘WinterWarmers’, every Wednesdayeveningfromnow until December 14 forlatenight shopping andfood anddrink

Winter Warmerssee gift stalls, cafesand bars open up to 8pm, and shoppers, whobuy from one of the market’sretailers before 6pm, will receiveavoucher formulled wine andacomplimentary mincepie, served 5pmto6pm

Therewill also be appearances from Disney characters to entertain children on November30and December 7. On November30, Elsa andOlaf, characters from theDis neymovie Frozen,willbein resi dencetomeetyoungsters. December7willsee characters Belleand Adam,fromDisney’sBeautyand theBeast,pay avisit.Achildren’s

ThelastWinter

“Our

stalls

dayLateNightofthe

drink,”saidMarket Facilities Manager Kate Gittins

Themarket’slastpopular Satur-

To help shoppers preparefor the

festiveseason, themarket is open ingeveryday in theweekleading up to Christmas,fromMonday, De cember 19 to Christmas Eve, 8am to 4pm.

TheMarket Hall hastransformed in recent years, winningmultiple andregionalmarket awards.It jingles with creative independent shops, boutiquesand specialists that bringsomethingdifferent, unique andwow to theline-up of presentsunder theChristmas tree.

Many items arehandcraftedby residentdesigner-makers or are sourced from smallBritishand continentalcompanies with crea tive flair, attentiontodetailand a passionabout what they do.Find products that aresourced from suppliers that areresponsible ethically andenvironmentally

From artist-designedbaublesto children’s contemporary wooden toys andoriginalpresent ideasfor himand her, thereare dozens of unique independentbusinesses to explore.

Aspokesman said:“Themarket is well knownasone of thebest places to buyhighquality andlocally-produced freshproduce,from itstraditionalfamilybutchersand legendary fishmongers to itsarti sandelicatessenand greengrocers whose produceisraved about for itstaste andfreshness.” Visitwww shrewsburymarkethall.co.uk

Santadiscoverytrail will weave through themarket too.

Warmer fallson Wednesday, December 14,the night of Shrewsbury’s Carols in The Square,and themarketisplanning to broadcastthe eventlive

Winter Warmerssee gift

open late,selling giftsfor allthe family,artisandecorations, Christmas cards, wrapping paper andmoreand most of ourcafes and bars will be open late forfood and

year will take placeonDecember 3. Cafes, bars, street food venuesand aselection of retail stalls will open late.Bars open until10pm, cafesopenuntil 9pmand retail stalls open up to 8pm.

Shrewsbury Market Hallboasts awealthofindependent traders offering locallyproduced food,drink andgifts

Curseofitchy feet is always keepingmeonthe move

Herselfisconstantlymoaning atme“can’tyousitstillforfivemin utes?!”whichIfindsomewhatdis concertingasIsuddenlyrememberedaveryimportantjobneeded doinginmyworkshop-shed.

Asforitchyfeet,it’strue,and nothelpedbytheintrusiveTVadvertsbreakingupyourconcentra tion,Ihavetogetup,whichmeans avisittotheArmitageShanks,or getabrewgoing.Unfortunately

it’sthecurseofthenowretired, ex-workingman.

Shethrowsa real stropas I ambleinwhile sheisimmersed inherTVsoaps,“ForGod’ssake sitdown”.Ican’t,it’simpossible, itreallyis.EvenwhenIameyeball-deepintoagoodbook,eventuallyafterabout20minutesor so,Ihavetostop,standup,walk aboutforabit,raidthefridgeand thenresumereading.It’sacurseit

Mistakes should notberepeated

ThePrime Minister’s talk of “difficultdecisions” will remind manyinlocalauthoritiesofsimilarcommentsmadebackin2010 whenausteritywasunleashed.

Governmentcannotrepeatthe mistakesofausterity.Duringthe decadeofcutsafter2010,itwas thepoorestandmostvulnerable inourcommunitieswhosuffered most

Someofthepoorestareashad lesstospendthantheirhugelevel ofneed.Fundingsystemstolocal authoritiesarenotfitforpurpose andtheirorthodoxmoneysystem doesn’tworkforall.

Vitalworkmusttakeplaceon significanthealthinequalities.The Covidpandemichasmassiveim-

plicationsforpoorerareas.Waitinglistsaregrowingandstagnat ingforlocalservices

Cuttingimportant preventa tive services passes problems down thelinetoacute services, whereworse outcomes forlocal peoplearemoredeadlyandcostly Localauthoritiesareverydifferent places to 2010,thanksto austerityanddisastrouspolitical incompetence from both main parties.

Wemusthavegreaterinvest mentinpoorerareasandstopunevenfundingallocationsonceand forall.Grantfundingtothepoorestlocalauthoritiesmustincrease.

Nameandaddress supplied

reallyis,thereisnoknowncure, becauseitdoesn’tmatterwhatyou sayaboutretirement,thetruthis, youwillbeworkingharderatbe ingamanofleisure,thanyouwere goofingoffwhenyouwerework ingforaliving.It’snothelpedby theconstantshoutsof“Thisneeds fixing-replacing-painting”.Isthere noendtothispurgatory?

Nameandaddresssupplied

Requests at Christmas

DearFatherChristmas,Uncle NorbertandIrealiseyouarevery busyatthistimeoftheyear,but aswehavebothbeenverygood “boys”,wewonderedifyoucould arrangefor thefollowing “presents”tohappenin2023

Canyoumakesureinthefuturethatallthewritingonfood packagingisbigenoughsothatit canactuallyberead!

And,whileyouareatit,that anyinstructionsonhowNOTto blowupyournewtellyareclearer!

Canyou stop anyonebeing interviewedonthetellyfromansweringaquestionwith“Abso lutely!”And,whileyouareatit, stop people whodeliver food to yourtablefromsaying,“Enjoy!”

PeterSteggles,Shropshire

French system is waytogo

Economicdisaster.Nopointin statingtheobvious!

No pointinblaming Brexit, LizTruss,orindeedtheverylarge numbersofpeoplewithdafteco nomictheories

Theonlythinglefttospeculate onishowwecanrestructurefor thefuture.Howcanwebuildavi ablefoundationonwhichtoplace thefutureoffinancialservicesand looktopreservingaviableherit

agefor future generations? One thingthatdidstrikemewasthe antiquatedstructureof‘Oxbridge style’qualificationsofourpoliti cians

Forexample, Liz Trussgraduatedinpolitics,philosophyand economics.Obviouslyacatastrophewaitingtohappen

Iwouldspeculatethatcurrent disciplinesneedrestructuringto theFrenchsystemwhichismore

intensebothinconceptandapplication

TheFrenchevencreatedaTV series called“ecoledepouvoir” whichroughlytranslatedmeans “schoolofpower” so they have actually translated conventional economicdisciplineintoasubject initsownrightandregarditas such

RobinLloyd,Shropshire

CousinsFurnitureisinvitingyou toasneakpeekoftheirnewWinter CollectionforthelaunchoftheirWin terSalewhichstartsnextmonth.

Overthepast12months,thelocal family-run business hasbeenbusy building inspirational newdepartments,introducingmanyexcitingnew brands,whilstcontinuingtoshowcase theverylatestcollectionsinhomeinteriorsandinnovation

Inliving,Cousinshasenhancedits collectionswithfamousbrandnames such as GPlanand Parker Knoll, to comply with modern living.The newHurstrangefromGPlanoffers eye-catchingdesignandaddssophis ticationtoanyspace.

Withcleanlinesandgeometricde tailing,Hurstembodiespureelegance Withmodularoptions,Hurstoffersthe opportunitytobuildyourperfectcombinationcreatingabespokesofafor yourspace.Reclineroptionsareavail ableacrosstherange.Indining,recent trends foropen-plan, flexible living,

hasled to asignificantincreasein kitchendining.Cousinsisproudtodisplaynewcollectionsfromworld-leadingItalian brandCalligaris across diningtables,sideboardsandevenac cessories.Knownfortheirmoderndesign,everyCalligarisdiningtablehas thepotentialtoenhancetheaesthetics ofthediningspace.Forthoselooking forspace-savingoptions, Calligaris alsooffersdiningtableswithinnovativeextendingmechanismsthatallow youtoaccommodateasmanyasten people

Forthe bedroom, they have in troducednewcollectionsfromErcol, showcasedinbrandnewgalleries.The Monzabedroom rangeisacontemporaryupdateofclassicmid-century design.Chestsare constructedwith mitred corner joints andarounded undercutdetail,framingthechevron veneerdrawerfronts.Taperingturned legsandangledplinthrailsarepainted blacktohighlighttheirelegantshapes andcreateasenseoflightness

Brewers: thedestination fordecorating

Brewersisafamilybusiness,founded in 1904, with alonghistory of supplyingprofessional anddesignerpaint,wallpaper, fabrics, woodcare andsundriesalong with free expert advice.

Whetheryou areaprofessional decoratororkeendiy-er, Brewersis thedestination fordecorating. You can find BrewersShrewsbury on Vanguard Way, SY13TG

ASKTHE EXPERTS

If you need practicaldecorating advice,branchmanager DanDuce hasextensive experience within the decoratingindustryand Hannah, Jack andNickhaveplentyofknowl edge too.

Allmembersofthe teamwill be on hand with expert independent advice, findingyou theright finish foryourproject

PICKINGTHE RIGHTPAINT

As an independentretailer, you can find allthe main brands of professional anddesignerpaint in cludingDulux,Johnstone’s,Benja minMoore,Farrow&Ball, Little Greene,Paint &Paper Library, Earthbornand Zinsser.

With in-store tintingfacilities for most,there arethousands of col ours availablethere andthenplus acolourmatchingservice available too. If you’reunsureonwhich prod ucttochoose, Danand histeamcan offerfreeindependentadvice.

COLOUR TOOLS

Thereare several toolsavailable in-store to help you choose colour Many brands such as LittleGreene, Farrow &Ball, Earthborn, Mor ris&Coand Albany have painted colour boards so you cansee the accurate colour in person and put together colour schemes in-store.

Youcan also find colour cardsand colour chipstotakehome or pass to yourclients if you areaprofessional decorator.

Whetheryou go forsoftand neutralorboldand bright, sample pots

DECORATINGSUPPLIES

Alongsidepaint,you will also find agreat selectionofwallpapersand fabricstoviewin-storepluswood care anddecoratingtools such as brushesand rollers–all you need foragreat finish!

Youcan visittheir newstore at 28BVanguardWay,Shrewsbury, SY13TG,open7am –5pm Monday to Friday and8am –5pm onSatur day.

areavailable to take home andtest in yourown space.

COMMMERCIAL FEATURE

Allmembers of theteam at BrewersShrewsbury, in VanguardWay,willbeonhandwith expert independent advice, findingyou therightproductand finish for your project

Gota health

I

fyou’refeelingunwellorhaveno ticedahealthissue,don’twaitforit togetworsebeforeyouseekhelp. TheNHSwantstoseeyouandhelp yougetthecareyouneed Formoreminorproblems,goingto nhs.ukwill help you find your best nextstep.Ifit’smoreurgent,goto111 nhs.ukorcall111(seebelow).

Youcanalsovisitapharmacy.The highlytrainedteamswhoworkinphar maciescanprovidereassurance,treat commonillnessesandgivehealthcare advice.Itsservicesarefree,andmany areopenlateandatweekends.

Pharmacyteamscangiveadviceon minorillnessessuchascoughs,colds andstomachaches Theyalsoknowif youneedtobereferred to your GP practice–andcanevenhelpyouget anappointment

It’sgoodtoknowwhichserviceyou needandhowtoaccessit

NHS 111 ONLINE

If youhaveanurgentbut notlifethreateningmedical problem, NHS 111onlinecanhelp.Accessitonlineat 111.nhs.ukorvia alinkonthe NHS app.Dependingonthesituation,the servicewillreferyoutoalocalservice thatcanassistyou:connectyoutoa nurse,pharmacistordoctor;tellyou howtoget anymedicineyou need; provide self-careadviceor, if severe, askyoutoheadtoin-personurgent caresuchasA&E.

PHARMACY

Apharmacist can give advice on aches,pains,coughsandcoldsaswell ascheckingsymptomsandproviding servicessuchasbloodpressuretests. There’snoappointmentneeded,soif you’refeelingundertheweather,don’t waitforittogetworse–walkin.

GP PRACTICE

When youcontactyour surgery, the receptionistteamwillassessyouand ensure youget help from theright medicalprofessional.Mostsurgeries have ateam of otherhealth professionals,includingnursesandphysios, toensureyougettherightcarequickly

Reena Barai, 44,has been runningher family business, SG BaraiPharmacyinSutton, for18 years, andshe is always happy to helpanyone who comesinfor adviceabout ahealthissue

“Wesee awide rangeof illnesses: coughs,colds,eye infections… but alsoother things that people areworried about, likemoles andunusual bowel symptoms,” Reena explains

“Pharmacists areexperts in minorillnesses andrecognising what we call ‘red flags’ormore serious symptoms.Our family have be in pharmacyfor andwe’ve built linkswithour GP practices an thehospital. So someone come in and Ithink th really need to A&Ethatday, Ican advise them about that.”

“Our team are trainedto respond to symptoms,” Reena adds

“Theyknowhow to askthe right questions and refertoGPs if necessary.

“Wealsospend alot of time talking to our patients about self care, becauseoften you don’t need to seeadoctor and youcan just look after yourself by doing simplemeasures at home –whether that’s drinking lots of fluids,resting or taking paracetamol.”

Communitypharmacies alsooffer services such as bloodpressurechecks, andthe morning-after pill, which is free in s.

in and see sfreeand on’t need appointment,” Reena. st pharmacies aprivate nsultation room, you’re worried out discussing something embarrassing, youcan always asktospeak to one of the pharmacy team in private.”

“Alotofhealthissuesareseasonal, sowemightseecoughsandcolds throughthewinter,andhayfever relatedissuesin thespringorsummer. Otherwise, thethingswedeal withcouldbeany thingfromsportsrelatedinjuriesto diarrhoea, dental problems,earache andissueswith eyesight. It’s so varied,and could relatetoanything fromheadtotoe.

“Patients are oftenunaware of theservices you can getfroma pharmacy That’s whyweare keen toeducatepeople about thewhole

healthcaresystem. Pharmacists haveregularcontactwithpatients and,inaway,weareajackofall trades.Wedeal with so many issues that we know when we need to direct someoneto,say,a doctororanoptician,orwhenwe can deal with it ourselves.

“Patientsoften gototheirGPinitially,butinmany casestheir issue couldbedealt withbyapharmacist There’sno need to make an appointment.

“It’squick,easy and accessible andwewillbe

‘Our team are trained to respond to symptoms’

We deal with so many issues that we know whentodirect someoneto, say,a doctor or dentist, or when we can deal with it ourselves

‘Patients are often unaware of the services we provide’

Sanjeev Panesar, 36, from Pan Pharmacy in Sheldon, Birmingham, is keen to spread the word

able to advise very quicklywhetherwecan helpyou.Ifwecan’t,we willpointyou in the direction of theright person

This

article is part of apaid-forpartnershipwith

BenTuffour owns England’s oldest pharmacy,Reavley ChemistinBurford, Oxfordshire, which openedin1734.

“I would always encourage people to seek adviceattheir pharmacy,”saysBen.“So many of thepeople whocome here formedical advicealready come to us forother things, so they arefamiliar withusand feel comfortableasking

“Patients mayalsoget referred to their pharmacyvia their GP.Theyget aprivate one-to-one meetingwiththe pharmacist, andtheydon’t have to wait foranappointment.

“We’ll always go the extra mile to ensure we’regiving therightcare– and in some ruralareas pharmacieseven provide adelivery serviceto housebound patients

“Ifpeople getintothe habit of coming to the pharmacywith minor illnesses, notonlycan it can save themtime,but it could also mean thattheyget

treatmentbeforethe problem becomesmoreserious.

Seeking advice at apharmacy for minor illnesses couldsave youtime

TwoShropshireresidentshavewon awardsfortheircommitmenttosupporting life-changingdementiaresearch.

KatieFosterwasnamedVolunteerofthe YearandStuartLambiewasnamedSportingSupporteroftheYearinAlzheimer’sRe searchUK’sinauguralsupporterawards.

Katie,70,isoneofAlzheimer’sResearch UK’s longest-servingfundraisersand volunteershavingsupportedthecharitysince 2008.Shewasinspiredtosupportdementia researchasherfather,Tim,whohadbeen aprisonerofwarforfiveyearsafterbeing capturedinthedefenceofDunkirkin1940, diedwithAlzheimer’sdisease

Katieischair of theAlzheimer’s Re searchUKShropshireFundraisingGroup, whichshehelpedsetupin2017.Thegroup hasraisedabout£115,000.Thegroupwas alsoamongthenomineesfortheGroupof theYearAward

Sheisalsoaprominentspokesperson forthecharity,sharingherpersonalexperi encetoinspireotherstogetinvolved

Shesaid: “I wasbothastonishedand delightedtowinthisaward.Thereareso many othervolunteersupand downthe countrywhodosomuchforthisgreatcause.

“Alzheimer’sResearchUKisawonderful organisationfullofdedicatedprofessionals allfocusingonendingthe heartbreakof dementiaandIfeelreallyprivilegedtobe involvedwiththem.Icouldn’tdoanything withoutsuchincredibleandgeneroussup-

portfromsomanyShropshirebusinesses, organisationsandindividualswhoregularly andgenerouslyhelpmeandourhardworkingfundraisinggroupmembers.Theyareso numerousIcan’tpossiblynamethemall,but canIjustsay:ThankyouShropshire!”

Stuart,63,isastalwartmemberofthe Alzheimer’sResearchUK’s#TeamARUK community of runnersand apassionate advocateforthecharity’spartnershipwith parkrun.Havinggotintorunningthrough parkrun,hebegansupportingAlzheimer’s

ResearchUKbytakingpartinthecharity’s RunningDownDementiachallenge.Hehas sinceraisedthousandsofpoundsinhonour ofhisdad,Ian,whodiedwithAlzheimer’s diseasein2020.Heranthe2021London Marathonandthe2022EdinburghMarathonandisaimingtoruntheLondonMar athonagaininApril.

Hesaid:“I’mveryhonouredandhumbledtoreceivethisawardandIjustwant tosayamassivethankyoutoeveryonewho hassupportedmeinanyway.”

Report by MatthewPanter

Inspired –KatieFoster Stalwart–StuartLambie

Anticipating Jesus’sarrival

CROSSTALK

Asachild,Ilovedtocountdown thedaystowardsChristmaswithan adventcalendar.Iamofanagewhere itwasunusualtofindtheoneswith chocolatein!

AsIgotalittleolder,Iwasgiv enanadventcandle;thisseemedto heightentheatmosphereofthesea son,butonmorethanoneofthose24 days,Ibecamedistractedandwould enduplettingthecandleburndown twoorthreedaysatatimeandIgot veryfrustratedthatitdisruptedthe adventroutine.Adventisallabout theanticipationofChristmas,when wecelebratethearrivaloftheChrist Child, Jesus. We recallthe events leadinguptohisbirthandreflect uponthedifferencehemakestohu manity2,000yearson

Butitisveryeasytobecomedis tractedandindoingsowecanmiss outonsomeofthepreparationand anticipationthatthisseasonbrings andthemessageithastooffer.

Whynottakethetimetoantic ipatethegiftofachildwhocame amongustoofferanewlifetoalland enablesustoconcentrateontheaspectsofourliveswevalue?

Anenigmaticwadingbird

ONTHEWILDSIDE

By Ben Waddams

Whenever Ipaint awoodcock, one of my commonest questions turnsouttobe:isthatasnipe?Myartisticfailingsaside,thatisnotapar ticularlyignorantquestiontoask.

Firstlythetwospecieslookfair lysimilar,secondlytheyarefound insimilarhabitatsandthirdly,that woodcockisknownas‘thesnipeof thewoods’.

This charismaticand enigmatic wading bird is foundmainlyin woodlands,whereassnipearenot Yetbothinterminglearoundwatersources.Itisathick-bodied, pigeon-sized bird with alongbill anditsbeautifulplumage,asIhave recentlydiscoveredtryingtopaint oneagain,providesalmostperfect camouflagewhenitisontheground, motionlessinleaflitterandisutterly cryptic.

Thewoodcockisacrepuscularbird, most active at dawn and dusk andfeeds by probingits bill into damp ground,eatingmainly earthwormsandbeetles.Itisinfact rarelyseenontheground;mainly duetothatextraordinaryanddiffi cult-to-paintcamouflage.Itisduring

itsbreedingdisplayflight,knownas roding,thatawoodcockismostfrequentlyseen.MalesundertakerodingflightsbetweenAprilandJune. Butinmypersonalexperience, Itendto‘flush’themunexpectedly fromboggyfieldmarginsorwood land fringes. Thesebrief glimpses arenolessspectacularandkeepsme searchingfor woodcock whenever

Ihavethechance.Thespecieshas beenhuntedandeatensinceRoman times.

Thewoodcockisared-listedspe cies.TheshootingseasonforitbeginsonOctober1

However, everywinterwesee aninfluxofcontinentalbirds.That meansthattheseasonmainlytargets ouralarmingly-decreasing,

resident,breedingred-listedwoodcocks.Thereisaneffortandapetitiononline,topushtheseasonback toDecember1,sothattheblindingly obviouslikelihoodofwipingoutour Britishpopulationdecreasesalittle It’snotrocketscience,pleasetakea look n Ben’sartworkcanbeseenin Callaghan’sandRowlesGalleries.

Woodcocks arefoundmainly inwoodlands whereassnipeare not

With LisaKnight

workshop,crammedfullofhistoryand magic,tomeetFatherChristmashim self.For detailsvisit shropshiremuse ums.org.uk/events

Atree-mendousinvitation

AchurchispreparingforitsChrist mastreefestival,andisinvitingpeople tocomeanddecoratethem

St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury towncentrewillsoonbetakingdeliveryoftreesfromtheRAF,andwardens areaskingbusinessestocomeanddec oratethem.

TheChristmas tree festival will openonDecember10,butanyonein terestedindecoratingatreeisurged togetintouchassoonastheycan.The

church charges£50 perbusiness to decoratetheirtree–whichtheycan putpersonaliseditemsandpromotionalleafletson.Theideaistoraisemon eyfortheupkeepofthechurch,while givingfirmsthechanceforthousands ofvisitorscomingandgoingfromthe churchtoseetheirnames

Anyoneinterestedcancontactthe church by calling 01743365478or emailinginfo@stchadschurchshrews bury.com

Churchwardens Sue Kelly andJoHepper atStChad’s Church

eral manager at AnytimeFitness in GreshamDrive,atOverdale,inTelford, onSunday.“Butwehitour£1,000targetbeforewestartedat10amonFriday andhadreached£1,679sowehavein creaseditto£2,000.” To contribute to thefundraising causevisittheJustGivingpagehere: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/atf-telford-crisis-1911

FOCUS OF THE WEEK

Groutfix is afamily owned trusted business that strives to provide agreat high quality service for you. As the trusted local specialist, we provide great workmanship for areasonable price. With the skills to help with your property maintenance issues.

All work is undertaken! Groutfix specialises in: Tiling, resealing shower cubicles, bathroom +kitchen renovations, gardening, jet washing, fencing and UPVC misted window units replaced. Attention to Detail, with years of experience to get the results for you

Simply call Steven on 07982 304399 to book afreequote now Website www.groutfix.co

LICENSING ACT2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR APREMISES LICENCE

Application has been made by Aldi Stores Limited to the Licensing Authority of ShropshireCouncil foraPremises Licence forthe Aldi StoreatBattlefield Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 4AQ. The proposed licensable activity is the sale by retail of alcohol forconsumption off the premises each dayofthe week between 06:00 and 00:00. Written representations canbemadetothe Licensing Team, ShropshireCouncil, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate,Shrewsbury, SY26ND or email licensing@shropshire.gov.ukatany time up to and including 20th December2022.

Applicationscan be viewedduring normal office hours at the above address.Further details and procedures can be found online at www.shropshire.gov.uk/licensing It is an offence foranyone knowinglyor recklessly to makeafalse statement in connection with aLicence Application. The maximum fine on summary conviction is Level5

Dated 22 November 2022

Freeths LLP Solicitors

andatajunctionwithFP23. AcopyoftheOrderasconfirmedandtheOrderMaphavebeenplacedand maybeseenontheCouncil’swebsiteathttps://shropshire.gov.uk/outdoor partnerships/countryside-access-and-public-rights-of-way/current public-path-orders/ or obtained free of charge via outdoor.recreation@ shropshire.gov.uk

ShropshireCouncil certifythat the order becomes operativeon28th October2022;butifapersonaggrievedbytheorderwantstoquestionits validity,orthatofanyprovisioncontainedinit,onthegroundthatitisnot withinthepowersoftheHighwaysAct1980,asamended,orontheground thatanyrequrementoftheAct,asamended,oranyregulationmadeunder theActhasnotbeencompliedwithinrelationtotheorder,heorshemay, under paragraph 2ofSchedule 2tothe Actasapplied by paragraph 5of Schedule6totheAct,within6weeksfrom24thNovember2022makean applicationtotheHighCourt.

Dated24th November 2022 Jane Trethewey Assistant Director,Homes & Communities TheShirehall,AbbeyForegate,Shrewsbury

partnerships/countryside-access-and-public-rights-of-way/current public-path-orders/ or obtained free of charge viaoutdoor.recreation@ shropshire.gov.uk

ShropshireCouncil certifythat the order becomes operativeon28th October2022;butifapersonaggrievedbytheorderwantstoquestionits validity,orthatofanyprovisioncontainedinit,onthegroundthatitisnot withinthepowersoftheHighwaysAct1980,asamended,orontheground thatanyrequirementoftheAct,asamended,oranyregulationmadeunder theActhasnotbeencompliedwithinrelationtotheorder,heorshemay, under paragraph 2of Schedule 2tothe Actasapplied by paragraph 5of Schedule6totheAct,within6weeksfrom24thNovember2022makean applicationtotheHighCourt.

Dated24th November 2022 Jane Trethewey Assistant Director,Homes

Deaths

CASTREE

Helen nee Tyler

Sadly passedawayon October 28, 2022 at The Royal ShrewsburyHospital.

LovingWifeofBen, Mother To Hannahand Daughter to Patand Toby

Helen willbemissed by all her Family and Friends.

Funeral Service to take place at Emstrey Crematorium on Wednesday,November 30, 2022 at 1.15pm.

Fa mily flowers only Donations to TheDonkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth.

All inquiries to

DAVIES

Rodney Anthony George Of Monkmoor,Shrewsbury

Passed away peacefully at Hatton Court Nursing Home on November 7, 2022, aged 79 years.

Beloved Husband of the late Margaret, loving Dad to Linda,Mark and David, Grandad to Alexander

Rodney will be sadly missed by all his loving Family and many Friends.

Funeral Service to take place at Shrewsbur y CemeteryChapel, Longden Ro ad, on Th ursd ay, December 1a t1 1am, followed by Interment.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired to be shared between Hope House Hospice and Dementia UK.

All inquiries to

EWAN

Marianne

Of Kinton, Nesscliffe.

On November 14, 2022.

Aged 68 years. The beloved Wife of Ken. Adearly lovedMotherto Stephanie and aloving Sister

Requiem Mass at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 12.15pm.

No flowers by request.

Donations, if wished, would be gratefully received for Dementia UK for which purpose acollection box will be made available at the Cathedral.

All inquiries to

DAVIES

David John (Dai)

Of the Coac hP ub, Ditherington, Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, on October 29, 2022, aged 68 years.

Amuchloved Partner of Gaynor,a loving Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle.

Will be sadly missed by all his loving Family,many Friends and Customers.

Funeral Service to take place at the Holy Spirit Church, Harlescott on Thursday,November 24 at 2pm, followedbyprivate CremationatEmstrey Crematorium at 3.30pm.

Asplashofred to be worn please.

Fa mily flowers only, donations, if desired, to the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund,for whichpurposea collection boxwill be provided in Church.

All inquiries please to

EVANS

Ronald Clifford (Ron)

Ex British Rail andRolls Royce

Of Crow mere Ro ad, Shrewsbury.

Passed away peacefully at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, on November 12, 2022, aged 89 years.

Deeply loved and precious Husbandof Jean, loving Father of Dawn and Clive, cherished Grandfather of Scott, Alex, Williamand Catherineand amuch loved Great-Grandfather to Ethan.

Ronwill be so sadly missed by all thosewho hadthe privilege to know him.

We will hold him in our hearts for all time.

Fu neral Ser vice to take placeatEmstrey Crematorium,Shrewsbury, on Friday,December 9, at 12.30pm.

Asplash of colourwouldbe appreciated.

Family flowers only please, donations, if desired to Hope House Children’s Hopsice.

HUMPHREYS

MaryAlice

Late of Sundorne Crescent, Shrewsbury.

Passed away peacefully at Holy Cross Residential Home on November 12, 2022, aged 95 years.

Beloved Wife of the late Norman, much loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Roy and Nicky

Funeral Service to take place at EmsteyCrematorium, ShrewsburyonThursday, December 8at1.15pm.

No flowers by request but donations if desired to Welsh Air Ambulance, for which purpose acollection boxwillbeprovided at the Crematorium.

All inquiries please to

JONES

Anthony Graham (Tony)

Ex Rolls Royce.

Passed away at Ottley House Nursing Home on October 27, 2022, aged 74 years.

Loving Brother to Cathy and the late David, Cyril and Sandra.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Service to be held at Bayston Hill Methodist Church on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 12.45pm.

Family flowers only please but donations if desired to the Alzheimer’s Society

All inquiries please to

LEWIS

Thomas Marion (Tom)

Fo rmerly of Pe nteg, Kinnerley,nrOswestry.

Passed away suddenly on November 2, 2022, aged 84 years.

MuchlovedHusbandto Sheila MaryLewis and also a loving Dad, Brother,Grandad and Grandfather

Funeral Service to be held at Emstrey Crematorium, Shrewsbur yonFriday, December 2, 2022 at 2.45pm.

Family flowers only please, but andkinddonations if desiredtoThe Air Ambulance.

All inquiries to

PRICE

Glyn Charles

Of Montford Bridge.

JONES

Joyce

Passed away peacefully on November 7, 2022.

Aged 86 years.

Beloved Wife of the late George.

Loving Mother of Stuart and Tina.

Ser vice at Shrewsbur y Crematorium on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 1.15pm.

Family flowers only please.

Donations, if wished, would be gratefully received for Make aWish Foundation UK for which purposea collection boxwill be made available at the Crematorium.

All inquiries to

Passed away peacefully on Thursday,November 10, 2022, aged 42 years.

Devoted HusbandtoAnna, much loved Father of Elsa and Rory,best Friend and Brother of Mike and beloved eldest Son of Mike and Angela.

ACelebration of Glyn’s life is to be held at Barnabas Church Centre, Longden Coleham on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 1.30pm.

Family flowers only please but any kind donations to the Severn Hospice will be gratefully received.

All inquiries please to

REYNOLDS

Longest serving landlord within the Shrewsburyarea.

Former landlord of The Bird in Hand.

Passed away peacefully at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on November 9, 2022, aged 81 years.

MuchlovedDad to Karen, Stuart, Louise and Andrew. Atreasured Grandadand Great-Grandad.

Reunited with Jan and Hayden.

Alan will be sadly missed by all his Family and many Friends.

Funeral Service to take place at Emstrey Crematorium, ShrewsburyonSaturday, December 3, 2022 at 10.45am.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired to LingenDavies Cancer Appeal.

All inquiries to

SANDS

Of Tilley Road, Wem.

Passed away peacefully on November 2, 2022, aged 94.

Much loved Wife of the late Percy.Loving Mother to Dianeand David.Loving Grandmother to Kathryn, Matthew andPeter and Great-Grandmother

Fu neral Ser vice to takeplace at Emstrey Crematorium,Shrewsbury on Monday,November 28, 2022 at 11.30am.

Family flowers only please Donations if desired to Whitchurch Hospital also Sun day Bradb ur yDay Centre.

All inquiries to

Order booksnow open forthe newPeugeot408

Peugeothas announced that itsnew 408fastback is nowavailable to order, with prices startingfrom£31,050.

The408,which brings asharp newdesignwithSUV-influenced styling, slotsbetween the308 and 508inthe Peugeotline-up

Whilethe manufacturer previ ouslyannounced theFirst Edition trim,Peugeotisnow openingup orders forthe full selection.

Theengineline-up consists of a128bhp1.2-litre turbocharged petrol andtwo plug-inhybridmod els–the latter twousing aturbo charged 1.6-litre petrolengine paired with an electric motor, with outputsof178bhp and222bhpon offer.

Peugeotsaysthese cantravel forupto40miles on acharge, and aretherefore placed inan8%Ben efit-in-Kindbracket forcompany cartax users.

ROBERTS

Gerald

Of Harlescott Grange, formerly of Cardington.

On October 31, 2022 at the Royal ShrewsburyHospital, aged 69 years.

Beloved Husband of Pauline and loving Father to Elaine, Neil, Brian, Sally and Steven.

Amuch lovedGrandfather, Great- Grandfather and Brother

Ser vice at Shrewsbur y CrematoriumonFriday, November 25, 2022 at 4.15pm.

No flowers by request.

Don ations, if wished , would be gratefully received for theBritish Heart Foundation, for which purpose acollection box will be made available at the Crematorium.

All inquiries please to

WARD Marjorie (Marj)

On Oc tober 29, 202 2, peacefully in her sleep, at her home, MarjorieWard, of Ash Street, Highley,Nr. Bridgnorth, aged 96 years.

The beloved Wife of Dan, the loving Mother of Rogerand Adrian, Mother-in-law of Paula and Tracy and avery dear Nan, Great-Nan, Sister and Aunt.

Muchloved, Marjoriewill be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends.

Fu ner al Ser vic ea nd Interment at The Parish Church of St. Mary, Highley, on Friday,November25, at 1pm.

Fa mily flowers only by request please but donations for Esme’s Umbrella (a Charity to raise awa ren ess of Ch arl es Bonnet Syndrome) are being gratefully received, for which purpose acollection boxwill be provided at the Church, or onlineatwww.perryand phillipsfunerals.com

All inquiries to

The408 rangestartsfrom £31,050withthe Allure trim,with standard equipment including17inch alloywheels, LEDheadlights with high beam assist plus anew touchscreen anddigital instru ment cluster, both measuring10 inches

Up next is theAllurePremium

model, whichadds19-inch alloy wheels, keylessentry plus adap tive cruise control, andcomesin from £32,175.

Forasportierlook, theGT brings revised19-inch alloy wheels andaredesignedgrille, alongwithaheated steering wheel andambient interior lighting The GT starts from £34,650.

At thetop of therange,the First Editionisavailable exclusively

with a222bhphybridpowertrain, with pricesstartingfrom£45,000 as aresult.

Additional equipment on top of theGTincludes20-inch alloy wheels plus electric andmassag ingfront seats.

ThePeugeot408 canbeordered online viathe firm’s website or at oneofthe brand’sdealers, with firstdeliveriesexpected at the startof2023.

Barbara Sybil nee Bennett

Alan Ridgway

Brian Blizard

Don Bulmer

Peter Gardiner

Sally Gwilliam

Phillip Jones

Sidney Murphy

Glyn Price

Barbara Robert Susan Rollins

Rober Tonks

Ross Vickers

Ann York

Changesare keytoCorolla’s success

BILLMcCARTHY

Estate cars or tourers have evolvedfromlarge barges to thesleek and stylish.

They marrycoupe-likestyling, with little compromise on interior space,witheye-catchingprofiles.

Recently upgraded,itseems hard to believeCorolla hasbeen around since1966and hasbeenthe best-selling carinthe world So incrementalchangehas been thekey to itssuccess

It nowfeaturesthe newToyota SmartConnect+multimediasys tem, newtrims,colours andaspe cialnew version of theCorolla Trek TouringSports, apumped-upmore muscular version of theestate.

It looksgood with aswooping, coupe-likeprofile andlarge low set grillecomplemented by slim head lightclusters. Therearfeaturesa more steeplyraked rear screenand onthismodel,twinexhaust pipes

Theinterior features theupgraded ToyotaSmart Connect+ which provides much faster response and provides newfunctions andoperates 2.4times faster than thepre vioussystem.

It is operated viathe eight-inch centraltouchscreen to give instant access to aseriesofsmart connect ed services, includingcloud-based navigation with continuous, “always on”trafficinformation

The“HeyToyota” voicecontrol requests canoperate themultime diaand navigation

Software updatesare madeseamlessly over theair,and easy smartphoneintegrationisprovidedvia AppleCarPlay,withwirelesscon nection, andAndroid Auto by connector

Allspecs come with automatic rear camera,LED headlights,heated frontseats with this range-topperall kindsofbells andwhistles like18-inch alloywheelsBi-LED headlights andpart-leatherseat

upholstery.The soft-touch finish, satinchrome trim andpiano black finish give thecar apremium feel andisacomfortable placetobe.

Boot capacity is 581litreswith theseats in place, whichexpands dramatically in true estate fashion with therearseats folded

Theone-touch remote lever folds therearseats to create afully flat floor, whilesidewallstorage pock etsbehindthe rear wheelhousings addextra capacity

Expertsinhybridtechnology with theintroductionofthe Prius,

thetwo-litre petrolengine/electric motorhybridset-updeliversgood pace andeconomy delivered viaa CVTtransmission.

Engine andmotor combinetodeliver180bhp,which propelsthe car to 60mphinaroundeight seconds with claimedeconomyofbetween 50 and60mpg

Ride andhandlingare goodfor abig car, with theride firm feeling composedand capableofdealing comfortablywithall butthe worst surfaces

Toyotahas stuckwithself-charg-

inghybrids,which meansthere is no need to worry over finding charging points

They complement otherplug-in andfull electric models with alloffering thebenefitoflower taxation andbenefit-in-kindtaxation.

AllToyotas provideextensive safety kitand theCorolla offers driver andfront passengerfront andsideairbags,driver’s knee airbags andfull-lengthcurtain shield airbags

Otherfeatures includePre-Col lision System,adaptive cruise control, lane departurewarning and Road Sign Assist,which recognis es road signsand commands and showsthemonthe centraldisplay

FACTFILE

TOYOTA COROLLA SPORTS TOURER EXCEL2.0 HYBRID

Price: £36,260

Mechanical: 180bhp,1,987cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine andelectric motor driving front wheels viaaCVT automaticgearbox

Maxspeed: 112mph

0-62mph: 8.1seconds

Combined mpg: 50-53

CO2emissions:118g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles

WOOD GARAGE CARSALES

HANWOOD, SHREWSBURY A488

66VAUXHALLCORSA1.4SEVVT90,PETROL,PARKINGSENSORS,LOWTAX,BLACK£5995

14FIATPANDA1.2EASY,PETROL,55K,BLACK £4495

13KIAPICANTO1.02,PETROL,59K,S/H,RED £4495

12FORDFIESTA1.4EDGETDCI70,DIESEL,S/H,SILVER £3995

12VAUXHALLCORSA1.4SXIA/C,PETROL,BLACK £2795

11VAUXHALLCORSA1.2EXCITEA/C,PETROL,RED £2795

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ShrewsburyClub

Tour event proved to be asmash hit

TheITF WorldTennisTourevent held at TheShrewsburyClub–thebiggest indoor women’stennis tournament staged inthe UK since 1995 –has been hailed an outstand ingsuccess

TheBudgenMotorsW100tour nament featured five players cur rently ranked in theworld’s top 100and waswellsupported by local tennis fans,withacapacitycrowd of more than500 people enjoying finals day.

Theeventalso attracted excellent backingfromthe Shropshirebusiness community.

Dave Courteen, TheShrewsbury Club’s managing director,saidit’s only possible to bringsuchhigh-pro file events to thetownbecause of thesupport theclubreceivesfrom around thecounty.

Thetournament, part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s Performance Competitions Calendar, whichaimstoprovide enhanced playingopportunitiesfor British players,featured five players cur rently ranked in theBritish wom en’s top10.

Courteensaid: “The LTA’sdelightedwithhow thetournament wasstaged. Ithink it exceeded theirexpectationsinterms of all theinteraction andthe events we held around thetennisinthe hospitality marquee opposite themain entrancetothe club

“That’skey in whytheywanted to bringthe eventtoShrewsbury becausetheyknowthe localcom munity really respond,including the business communitywiththeir excellentsupport

“Itwas agreat eventfromour perspectiveand we aregratefulfor allthe supportfromthe sponsors Withoutthem, theeventwould not have happened

“Wehavehad greatfeedback from theLTA andtheyare really keen to come back to Shrewsbury with anotherevent.”

MarketaVondrousova wonboth thetournament’ssingles anddou bles titles

Vondrousova, whoreached the 2019 French Open final, beatEva Lysinthe singles final, beforepart nering Miriam Kolodziejova to victory in thedoubles final.

Vondrousovathenwentstraight from Shrewsbury to Glasgowto represent theCzech Republicin the BillieJeanKingCup Finals

Courteenadded: “The tourna ment wasa bigstepupfromany thingwe’re organisedbefore, both in termsofthe organisation and also thequality of theplay.

“Weshouldn’t underestimatethe qualityofthe tennis we saw. Anum berofplayers competingherewill be in thetop 40 in theworld within thenextyear.

“Wehad aWimbledon semi final istfromearlier this year,Tatjana Maria, playinginShrewsbury, so thetenniswas incredible andthe levelofsupport wasamazing

“We’ve neverhad such bigattend ancesthroughoutthe week and fi nals daysoldout when we also put in extra seating.

“I am grateful to theteamhereat TheShrewsburyClubfor how hard they worked. We also reallyappreci atethe supportfrommembers.”

Morris is themainman forfree-scoringStretton

Church Stretton Town ledthe wayasthe goals flowed in thelat estround of SalopLeisure League games.

PremierDivisiontitle hopefuls Strettonfound theirshootingboots to record aresounding 11-0 win againstErcallColts JuniorsEvo lution

HarryMorristookthe individual plaudits with afour-goal salvo.

JamesHillwas also in fine form as he bagged ahat-trick whileDean Richards struck twice. Benjamin Hartshorne andMatthew Cole roundedoff thescoring

Butdespite hitting thegoaltrail, second-placed Strettonare still playingcatch-upinthe titlerace.

That’s because leadersDawley Town made it aperfect 10 wins from 10 league games.

PreesUnitedwerethe latest side to be sweptaside as they were beat en 5-0

Daniel Beddows andCharlie Knowlessharedtop billing for Dawley with twogoals each.Jeff Watkinswas also on target Ludlow movedup into thetop threeonthe back of a4-0 triumph at home to Broseley

MorganMillardand RyanClarke both foundthe netin firsthalfwith HarryJones andJames Byattadd ingfurther goalsafter thebreak.

GobowenCelticcontinued their recent free-scoring form with a comfortablesuccess away to Made leySports.

They took theirgoaltally to 22 in theirlastthree outings thanks to a7-2 win.

LewisJones bagged a first-half trickand then addedafourthafterthe break. Ed Rogers (two)and LouisMorrisjoinedhim on the scoresheet,whileCraig Picken and

Luke Hester repliedfor Madeley. TomGalewas ahat-trick hero forMorda United in theirvictory againstShrewsburyUp&Comers Jordan Gerrard also foundthe nettocompletea4-0 win.

MatthewStuartand JatonVer nonwereontargettoearnWrock wardineWood Juniorsa2-0 suc cess at home to St Martins.

Therewas just onematch in Division Oneand that sawBrown Clee bagtheir firstthree-point haul of theseasoncourtesy of ahard fought 2-1win on theroadatLla nymynech

Shrews arebattlers–but goalsare in shortsupply

Town must maintain theirperformance levelsafter what hasbeen aturbulent couple of months with injuries andresults.

If they keep working hard on the training pitchand playingwellthen it will change –itisimportant their levels do notdrop.

Therewerelotsofpositivesinthe second half at SheffieldWednesday, butitisaresults industry,and the managerand theplayers will be un happytheyhavenot picked up more points in thelastsix games.

Even though,onthe whole, they have deserved much more

It wasanothing game in the firsthalfatHillsborough –Town didwhatweknowtheycan do as a minimum, whichisstayinfootball matches. They arehardtobeat, but they will be disappointed to concede fromaset-piece

To be trailing by agoalatthe in

THE DAVE EDWARDS COLUMN

terval will have been ablow,even though they didnot offeralot in an attackingsense

Butitwas astrong second-half showing– wheretheyhad enough goodchances andcreated enough pressure to have gotthe equaliser.

YoulookatMatthew Pennington’smarauding runwhere he just puthis shot roundthe post,and Luke Leahyhad Town’s best chance wherehewill be disappointed in the middle of thegoaltonot putitin thebackofthe net.

SheffieldWednesday wasalways goingtobeatough placetogo.

They seem to have clickedthis year afternot quitegetting to wheretheyshouldwiththe size of thecluband theplayers they have

It wasalwaysgoing to be abig ask, they have goodhome form,and it wasabig attendance of closeto 25,000

What we mustn’t overlook is the supportShrewsburyhad in York shire.

ForSalop to take more than 1,000 fans is incredible with what is going on in theworld

Thefansputting theirhands in theirpocketstosupport theteam is brilliant, anditissomethingthe players andthe managerwould have been veryappreciative of Andtheyverynearlygavethem somethingtoshout about Salopwill be desperatefor agoal to go in anywhich wayatthe mo ment

Butitwould be worse if they were in gamesand not gettingthe chances.Theycan take confidencefrom thefacttheyare creating in most matches–itisjustthat finaltouch whichismissing.Inparticular, the strikers coulddo with agoal.

It is theone thingtheyhavebeen

really lackingisanumberninewho cangoand score.

ChristianSaydeehas done so much goodworkinthe buildplay andoff theball, butthe goalshave driedupfor him.

No-one else hasreallychipped in, Ryan Bowman hasa couple,but it is not likelastyearwhenyou hadDan Udoh scoringgoals

That is wherethe injuries have really kicked in

It is oneareaofthe pitchwhere Steve Cotterill will look at andthink we have notquite gotthatright so far–but therestofthe team looks strong andcompetitive –which is a positive sign goingforwards.

Ifeelsosorry forthe players,the managerand thestaff to lose the players they have with injuries

To lose ElliottBennett fora lengthyspell will have amassive impact on that team– you see how comfortableheisonthe ball because of hiscalmnessand his quality.

ShrewsburyTownwerebeatenbyasolitarygoalagainst SheffieldWednesdayatHillsborough at theweekend. Right, strikerChristian Saydee

Leonie is making amark in themiddleofthe park

JOEEDWARDS joe.edwards@mnamedia.co.uk

Having takenuprefer eeingonawhim, Leonie Pryorisnow thriving in theworld of rugbyand hopes many others will follow suit.

Pryor,fromBurwarton,admits shewas ‘quite late’torugby and afteran injury forced hertostep away from playing, sheturnedto officiating

What wasonlyoriginallyintended to be ahobby to keepher involved in thesport hasnow turned into a full-timerolewiththe RFUand the chance to be involved in elite-level fixtures –havingservedasan as sistantreferee forthe rugbysevens at theCommonwealthGames in the summer

“I wasquite late to rugby. Istart ed playinginmyearly 30s, got smashedabout afew times, and then decidedtoget into refereeing afterakneeoperation –thanksto an injury on therugby pitch,”ex plainedPryor

“WhenIdid thecoursein2015, Ionlythought I’dgo anddoafew kids gamesatthe localclub.

“I didn’t have anyambitions to do anything else.The chairman of the NorthMidlandssociety,though, just said ‘why wouldn’t you do senior rugby?’

“I kind of shrugged my shoulders andwentwiththe flow, andit’sgone onfromthere

“I’vehad four Women’sPremier ship Cupgames whichI’vebeen refereefor,and I’ve been thefourth officialfor theEngland/Ireland women’s fixturein theSix Nations.

“Lastyear, Iwas assistantref eree at theRed Bull Sevens at St George’s Park,which wasunder Covidrestrictionsand awarm-up eventfor theOlympics.

“I’vebeenassistant refereeing at men’sNationalLeague2.Ilove

beingpartofthe team of matchofficials forthese fixtures,it’sa fan tastic opportunitytoworkwithand learnfromrefereesoperatingat higher levelsofthe sport.”

Pryor’srise from grassroots rugby to refereeing professional fix tureshas seen herentrusted with thedevelopment of young match officials

TheRFU areaimingtoboost participationin women’s rugbyand developmorereferees, with various courses availableacrossthe coun try.

“I runthe YoungMatch Official

programmeat theNorth Midlands society,” said Pryor. “It’sopento anyone.There’s ayoung girl I’ve coachedthrough that programme whonever playedrugby

“She’d been told by aboy at school that ‘girls can’treferee’, andnow sherefereessenior men’sgames.So, that’s pretty cool. She’sdefinitely provedhim wrong.

“Wecoach andmentorthose youngsterscomingthrough,and I also work forthe RFUas aMatch OfficialDeveloper

“I started that in Januaryofthis year.Sodoing aref’s course on a

whim to stay in thegamehas led to aprofession, beinginvolvedin coaching andmentoring refereesat alllevelsofthe community game.”

Pryor callsherself the‘weeref eree’and is awell-respected figure amongfellowofficials andplayers alike.

The five foot (not your stereotyp ical referee) 40-year-oldevenspent herlastbirthdayrefereeinga Wolverhampton first-team matchand lovesthe camaraderiethatcomes with it

“That’swhy Igiveupalot of my free time to go anddoit,”saidPry or

“There wasa game last season at Ludlow wheretheywereplayingHereford, so it couldhavebeen quiteaclash.

“Ludlow won24-0 andIhad both teamspraisingme. Iwentintothe clubhouseafterwards andhad three oldboysfromHerefordtelling me what agreat game I’dhad and how much they enjoyedit.

“That’sjustthe icingonthe cake if you canget praise from thelosing team

“I’vehad agood laughand made some amazingfriends alongthe wayhad greatexperiences both and offthe pitch, despitegetting into it quitelate.

“I have to thankNeilReid-Warrilow, whoisalso from Shropshire, forhis help.Hehas takenmeunder hiswingand coachedmefor thelast fewyears, Iwouldn’tbewhere Iam withouthis guidance andencouragement.”

On otherspotentially followingin herfootsteps, sheadded: “There’ll be massiveopportunitiescoming down thelineand thegrowthofthe women’sgameis farexceeding any otherpart of thegame. Especially nowthe RFUhavewon thebid to host WorldCup 2025

“It’sgrown exponentially, really, andit’samazing to seewhatgetting into refereeing does foryoung wom en’s personal growth anddevelop ment,asithas done forme.”

Scottreaches topofParks association

Shropshirebowls supremoPhil Scotthas nowreached thetop of thetreeinthe BritishParks asso ciation

He waselected presidentof thebodyfor aminimum term of oneyearatits AGMonSaturday, writes MalcolmFletcher.

AndMalpas-basedScott is al readyBritishParks’general secretary,chief executiveand junior or ganiser, whilehis wife Marieisits registrarand ladies secretary.

Having aserving BritishPresi dent meansNorth Shropshire will host theBarlows-backed Senior Merit finals on August 27,inad dition to theJunior andUnder-25 Merits on July 23, thejunior five-a side teameventinSeptember and an open pairsonOctober 1. Scott, whoisalso chairman of

theShropshireassociation and Whitchurch League amongstmany things,said: “There’s notalot to re port from theBritishParks’annual meeting.

“The only rule change that passed wasthe veterans inter-coun ty will be moving to atwo-day event rather than averylongone dayer. Honararia wasincreased by 10 per cent in line with CPIand allofficers were re-elected,althoughchairman CraigMcGuiganwishestostand down duetoworkcommitments but will carryonuntil areplacementis found.”

n Shropshire bowlskingCallum Wright hasnot enjoyed themost successfultrips up theM6since the main season finished

Butthe 36-year-oldreigning BritishSeniorMerit championhas

signed up foranother journeynorth next month to play in aspecial pro motion.

TheShrewsbury star will play in theChristmas Handicap Invitation 16 at theRed Lion,Westhoughton, Bolton –the homeofthe British Professional Panelwhere he played so many timeslastwinter Wraightwill be joined by step-father Rich GoddardonSaturday, December 17,in aline-up that in cludes fellow biggunsSimon Coupe, WayneDitchfield, Noel Burrows, Mike Leachand Josh Mordue

Wraight’slatestventure to the Winter Sweeps at Cleckheatonlast week endedwithanagonising 21-20 firstround loss to Ross Ingham,the eventual winner of the£160 first prizebeing Yorkshirecountyman Stuart King

Daviesaimsto rule theworld afterEurowin

Liam Davies hasset hissight on world domination afterbeing crownedEBU EuropeanSuper Bantamweight championinhis home town of Telford.

TheBCB Promotions-man aged boxer whotrainswithhis fatherTristan,alsoaddedthe WBCInternational titletohis collection with aunanimous de cision victoryagainst Romanian Ionut Baluta

Davies headlinedFrank War ren’sBTSport show at theTel ford InternationalCentre in frontofaraucous homecrowd andfollowing anotherimpressive victoryheisready foranotherstepup.

“Itisamazing andanother step up in my career,” said the newdoublechampion.“Iam13 fights in andI’vewon theEng lish,the WBC, Britishand Euro pean titles

Control

“I’vegot to give myself cred it,but Iwill be back in thegym soonand I’ve conqueredBritain, I’ve conqueredEuropeand now let’sgofor theworld.WithBT behind me,why not?”

The26-year-old dominated theearly rounds as he used his heightand reachtomaintain control.

Thelefthook-uppercut com bination continuedtohavesuc cess forDaviesashewalkedthe shorterBalutaontoshort, sharp shots.

Davies didhavetodealwith alateonslaught from hisopponent,but executed hisgameplan to perfection to claima116-112, 117-111,118-110 decision

“I felt comfortableall theway Ihurtmyhands on hishead, andIhad ablister that bloody hurt moving about,”saidDavies. “ButIgot thejob done,Idoneit in my home town as main event andI’vegot FrankWarrenand allthe teamgetting behind me

“Lookatall thepeoplesup portingme. Moneycan’t buy that,memoriesfor life.

“I wastoo comfortableat timesand Icruisedthrough the fightagain.Idon’t thinkI’ve really been tested yetand Iam readyfor anotherstep-up.Iam readytogoupand up andup.

“I am levels aboveeveryone else,I’vedusted everyonein the Britishrankings andEuropean rankings andIwantthese big fights.The sky’sthe limit and Iwanttotouch thestars.Iam readyfor whatever.”

RefereeLeonie Pryorismaking impressivestrides in therugbyworld

Liam Davies celebrates hiswin Pic: QueensberryPromotions

Presidentrole for Phil Scott

COTTERILLHAILS SALOPFAITHFUL

OLLIEWESTBURY ollie.westbury@mnamedia.co.uk

come away with somethingfromthe game

theweekend.

Shrewsbury were well supported in Yorkshire, where1,030 fans watch theirsidefalltoa narrow 1-0 defeat to promotion hopefuls Shef fieldWednesday.

Thebossand hisplayers went over to clap thetravelling fans at full-timeafter they watched their side go close to grabbing alategoal that wouldhaveearneda valuable pointatthe home of theOwls.

AndSteve Cotterill hopes the ‘good rapport’ betweenthe Shrews bury fans andhis staffand players continuesinthe coming weeks.

He said:“Ithinkthere’s areally good rapportbetween them (the fans)and theplayers andmyself too. Hopefully, that will continue

“Wehad really good supportat theweekend,and that’s why Iwent over to them at theend

“I thinktheywerepleased with what they saw. “Theygaveloads of applause to theboysatthe end.”

Butonthe pitch, thebosswas left disappointed hissidedid not

They went behind in the40th minutewhenMarkMcGuiness headed home anear-post corner on thestrokeofhalf-time –ahammer blow forShrewswho hadfought hard during the firsthalf.

Goingforward,Townwerequiet in theopening 45 minutes,Wednesdayhad themajorityofthe ball,but Cotterill’s side stayedin thegame, andasitworeontheycreated more opportunitiestoget oneback.

“I thought, in thesecond half andI keep saying this–we’ve created enoughtoget somethingfrom thegame,”the boss said aboutthe result.“Therewon’t be many teams that come here andstick Sheffield Wednesday on thebackfootlike they were in thesecondhalf.

“I’m pretty sure thatifthatcolli sion on Luke Leahywas oneoftheir players, that would’ve been apenal ty.But Istill thinkwedid enough, andI’vebeensayingthata lot.”

Shrewsbury turn theirattention to theFACup on Saturday when they host League OnerivalsPeter borough United

Pyke is adapting to anew position

SteveCotterill thinks Rekeil Pyke’s best position is on therightwing–butheispleased with how he has adaptedtoplaying adeeperrole.

Pyke hasfeaturedin all19of Salop’sLeagueOne gamesthissea son, 11 timesfromthe startand eighttimes from thebench

He gothis firstleaguegoalfor Town in theawaywin at Forest GreenRoversplaying on theright wing in a4-3-3

ButwithJulienDacosta outinjuredand thenewsthatElliottBen nett couldbeout forupto12weeks, Cotterill’s optionsat wing-back are getting fewer.

Anditisaposition Pyke has playedacoupleoftimes this season anddonewell–withhis pace offeringTownanoutlet.

“Hehas playedupfront formein atwo,” thebosssaidonPyke.

“ButreallyIthink Ricky’sbest

position is offthe wide really.Cer tainly rightwingifwewereplayinga4-3-3,but Iwould saythatis TomBloxham’s favourite position as well.

“Over aperiodoftimeRicky hasended up goingintothatright wing-back slot,and he hasdone well there.

“Whether it is everygamehe is goingtoplaythere or notIdon’t know theanswertothat.”

Coach keen to seeShrewshit form on theroad

Shrewsbury head coachDale Smallman is hoping to seemore signsofprogressthisweekend TheSundorneoutfitreturnto Counties 1MidlandsWestRug by (North)actionwithatripto StaffordshireoutfitNewcastle

Shrews have takensomeencouragingsteps thisseasonfol lowing theirpromotion to level seven andgaveunbeatenleague leadersLuctoniansascare two Saturdaysago before going down 27-21athome.

Andnow Smallman is looking forhis side to startpicking up points on theroad, starting at Newcastleand then thefollowingweekend at Uttoxeter.

“Wehavehad afreeweekend andnow we have acoupletough away gamesatNewcastleand Uttoxeter,”saidSmallman. “It’s about learning to winonthe road

“Ifwecan winatNewcastle then that will really underline theperformance againstLicto niansand we coulduse that as a stepping stone.

“Butwewill need to replicate theperformance we putin againstLuctonianstoget anythingatNewcastle

“Wehavehad somegoodwins at home andnow we need to be more consistent.Wecan press resetatthe startofthe new year andgoagain.The focusand goal is to be consistent.”

Shrewsbury ‘s Rekeil Pyke

Steve Cotterill heaped praise on theShrewsbury Town fans after more than 1,000 of them travelledtoHillsborough at

Shrewsbury’s Christian Saydee battles with Wednesday’sReece James