Wrekin news 209 September 2016

Wrekin

News September 2016 · Issue 209

GREAT NEW LOOK FOR MAKEOVER WINNER ZOE!

LIFE IN LAKE THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VIEW

FUN DAYS!

SEE PAGE 34

LETTERS All Saints - the iconic edifice of Wellington

TO BE WON!

FOOD Just how fresh is your fresh produce?

THINK TANK OR PARK DRAYTON MAN GAME FAIR

FREE PLEASE TAKE YOUR COPY

MOTORING Read George Evans every month in the Wrekin News

CINEMA & THEATRE TICKETS TO BE WON INSIDE! 24

Welcome to the land of smiles!

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TAXIS 1 Front Page.indd 1

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Wrekin

News Published by: Plus Two Media Limited, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY

Wrekin

News September 2016 · Issue

209

GREAT NEW LOOK FOR MAKEOVER WINNER ZOE!

Experience...

SEE PAGE 34

LETTERS All Saints - the iconic edifice of Wellington

TO BE WON!

Just how fresh is your fresh produce?

THINK TANK DRAYTON MANOR PARK

FOOD

GAME FAIR

PLEASE TAK YOUR COP E Y

Now 39 years in business...

LIFE IN LAKE

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VIEW

FUN DAYS! FREE

F.S.L Jones Television Services

Read George Evans every month in the Wrekin News

CINEMA & THEATRE TICKETS TO BE WON INSIDE! 24

MOTORING Welcome to the land of smiles!

SEE PAGE

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1 Front Page.indd 1

27/08/2016 11:21

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER

Tel: 01952 522562 Fax: 01952 522567 Editor: James Baylis james@plus2media.co.uk Editorial Support: Tania Baylis tania@plus2media.co.uk Publisher & Design: James Baylis Contributing Photographer: Malcolm Couzens

A friendly, personal service that you deserve!

01952 522562

Need to see it at home before you buy?

Not sure what size you want or what model?

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Contact our Advertising Sales Manager: Irene Winning 01952 522562 · irene@plus2media.co.uk Specialist writers: George Evans, Les Beamond, Rona Harris, Professor Ralph Early, Sue Ladds, Laura Dutfield, Robert Hudson, Anthony Yates and Syd Taylor Sports News: Lez Dean, Fraser Watson and James Shaw To subscribe to Wrekin News please call Tania Baylis on 01952 522562 Printed in Telford by PCP Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Wrekin News but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and opinions of contributors, advertisers and interviewees to Wrekin News are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions. © Plus Two Media Limited 2016 - All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.

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Wrekin

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02 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 2, 3 Welcome.indd 1

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Welcome Tel: 01952 522562 · james@plus2media.co.uk

H

Welcome to the September issue of Wrekin News!

ELLO everyone and welcome to the September issue of Wrekin News.

A big thank you to everybody who is supporting the magazine. We have seen a huge increase in the demand for the magazine with more and more copies distributed each month.

Competition entires continue to flood in and we must thank you all for taking the time to engage with the us. We have

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We also have another packed letters section for you to enjoy, with a welcome return to the letters pages for Derek Gambie and Rona Harris. Hopefully they will inspire you to write in with your memories and recolections of times-goneby.

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Dear Reader, thank you . . .

. . . for picking up your free copy of Wrekin News the region’s favourite monthly lifestyle and news magazine. We really do hope you have enjoyed reading our exciting mix of news and new features. Please don’t forget to enter our great competitions and support the advertisers who are supporting Wrekin News.

NEXT ISSUE

The next issue of Wrekin News will be in all of our usual distribution outlets on: WEDNESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2016

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TEL: 01952 257610 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 03

2, 3 Welcome.indd 2

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NOTICES

Ketley History Group Members and visitors are invited come along to Ketley Pits a talk on coal mining in the Ketley area, by The Three Granville Boys, Malcolm Peel, Stewart Braddock and Cliff Hewitt.

On Tuesday 6 September 2016, 7pm-9pm at Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Rd, Ketley, Telford, TF15AN. Come along to an enjoyable evening, free entry, free tea, coffee and biscuits.

For info rind Dave or Mggie: 01952 252459/617029

Workshops prove a success for traders

The first graduates of a project to boost Telford’s high streets say it has already improved their businesses - with one proclaiming she now has her “Mojo back”.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride In Your High

Tinnitus support group Two local tinnitus support groups will be holding their meetings at the beginning of September.

The Shropshire Tinnitus Support Group will meet on Thursday 1 September at the Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury between 10.00 am amd 12 noon and the Telford Tinnitus Support Group will meet at the Education Centre, Princess Royal Hospital on Wednesday, 7 September again from 10 am to 12 noon.

Anyone experiencing tinnitus, or who knows someone who does, is very welcome to come along. The purpose of the groups is to offer mutual support and for members to swap ideas on how to live well with tinnitus. For more information visit www.signal.org.uk/tinnitus or phone 01743 358356

Lots of chances to win with us!

Win 24 Theatre Tickets page

We have tickets to see The Unique Komedy Ukulele Orchestra at The Place and Ministry of Science and Dead Sheep, both at Theatre Severn.

Win a 26 Family Pass to Thinktank

Win tickets to Drayton Manor Park See page 28 for your chance to 28

page

page

win a Family Pass to Drayton Manor Park.

Win tickets to the 3 0 Midland Game Fair

Win 25 Cinema Tickets page

We have a pair of standard tickets for the Odeon plus a pair of tickets for the Odeon’s Silver Screen.

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We have a Family Pass to Thinktank in Birmingham to be won!

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Street Fund is aimed at improving the flagging fortunes of the borough’s traditional town centres.

One of the projects being funded through the scheme is a business improvement programme, providing a wide range of practical workshops for traders to help them flourish and attract more customers.

The workshops are taking place in Wellington, Donnington, Hadley, Oakengates, Ironbridge, Madeley and Newport, and the ‘graduates’ of the early events say it is a vital project.

Tina Pound, of Telford Florist in Wellington, said: “I have followed up more on the activities and homework on this workshop than I ever have with previous training I have done.

“It is simple to follow and more relevant to my business.”

Meanwhile, Sally Finnegan, from Aunt Sal’s Cafe, Newport, said: “I am really enjoying these workshops and look forward to them, I feel like I’m getting more and more enthusiastic about my business.

“I’ve got my Mojo back, I love it. The scheme has re-energised me and I’m sure it has done the same for others who have become involved.”

The whole aim of the project is to encourage more businesses to be successful, attracting even more businesses in the process with the aim of starting an upward trend of success on the high street.

The workshops are in bite-sized chunks of two to three hours and are held at a range of different times, so traders don’t need to spend too much time away from their business.

All of the workshops are fully funded by the Pride In Your High Street Fund, so are free of charge to retailers in the areas covered.

Bookings are filling up in all the towns, but organisers say there are still places available.

For more information about the project, visit the website at www.good-2great.co.uk/piyhs or call 01952 951234.

Pictured above is: Tina Pound from Telford Florist

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04 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 4 News.indd 1

27/08/2016 15:38

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GEORGIA WILLIAMS TRUST NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2016

Dates for your diaries!

Saturday 29th October 2016 –‘The Georgia Park Run’ This event will be a Halloween themed 5km run at the Town Park. It will kick off at 6pm and is free entry for those taking part. Donations are most welcome.

Friday 25th November 2016 –‘Christmas Party’ You don’t want to miss this one! An informal three course meal at the Whitehouse Hotel; a chance to let your hair down and enjoy yourselves before the Christmas rush.

Ercall Wood and Ferret Fest Community Day On Saturday 17th September Ercall Wood will be holding a Ferret Fest and Community day.

There will be a WWI & WWII theme with vehicles such as Tanks and Land Rovers for everybody to look at. Additionally, there will be guest speakers, club demonstrations, the Exotic Zoo Man and a Pimms tent, as well as much, much more! Gates open at 11am4pm and is free entry for everybody (donations will be gratefully received.) A suitable day out for all the family. We look forward to seeing lots of you there!

We are looking for any people who are interested in holding a stall on the day, especially those who would like to show off their different nationalities (food, music, religion etc.) Contact Tracey on tracey.bates@ taw.org.uk if you would like to be involved. The day is aiming to highlight what is on offer in and around the community for varying ages.

The National Citizen Service (NCS) will also be at the event, and will be hosting a ceremony during the last hour of the event.

Some of the activities on offer throughout the day: • Butter churning • Disney Princesses • Cross-bar • Fair ground • Gymfinity • Assault course

Annual Cricket Club Ladies Day proves a huge success

W

ELLINGTON Cricket Club held its annual ladies day on 25th June in aid of Severn Hospice. The event entertained 110 ladies for a 4 course lunch, Grand Raffle and Auction. Cup cakes were also served later in the afternoon with a few surprises along the way including male waiters, goody bags and cocktails that were named after cricket terms.

Organiser Kaye Simmonds said the event was a huge success and would like to thank all involved especially the local businesses that donated Raffle & Auction prizes especially to Morrisons in Wellington who provided the fantastic selection of cheese & biscuits.

A presentation of the cheque was handed to Severn Hospice at the Clubs Marquee Summer Ball for a grand total of £1, 775 For enquiries in to future events please contact events@wellingtoncc.co.uk

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06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 6 News.indd 1

27/08/2016 15:13

AFC033:- 17/08/2016 09:56 Page 1

Experience and service is key to All Floors ‘n’ Rugs success story All Floors ‘n’ Rugs are putting their sales success in Oakengates down to satisfied customers.

They reckon each satisfied customer brings dozens of further sales.

With new stocks of Rugs arriving on a regular basis we continue to put new offers on.

There is always something new for existing as well as new customers We believe we have brought hundreds of people to Oakengates with our supersized store and fantastic range. This has to be good for other traders in Oakengates town, it’s about supporting each other.

Also don’t forget you will still find SEW CREATIONS located in the store where you can get all your alterations done.

Director Nigel Booth says All Floors’n’Rugs decision to remain in Oakengates, but relocate to Market Street, in the old Woolworths store, has now proven itself be the best decision they have ever made.

Market Street Oakengates has seen a complete makeover over the past few years and is now a very busy and much more attractive retail

centre.

All Floors’n’Rugs, who have been trading in the town for over 12 years, are now well establishes in their new 3,500 sq. ft. store. Nigel says ”Such a move has most certainly put us in the spotlight as we continue to build on our great value for money ‘sale beating promotions”.

The new store layout has been exclusively designed by Amanda Lowe who has first class retail management experience. The store now magnificently displays samples from every flooring type such as laminates, wood, vinyl and carpets and caters for every customer’s needs ‘whatever their budget’ Nigel’s has a wealth of flooring knowledge and with over 30 years of experience. Amanda his store manager has over 30 years of Retail experience. So together with their ‘handpicked’ fitters their team can always ensure you receive the very best ‘tailored service’ to achieve your flooring needs.

All Floors ‘n’ Rugs have a web site (www.alffloorsnrugs.com) and a new (All Floors ‘n’ Rugs) facebook page.

Their contact telephone number is Telford 618191.

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SERVICE With a smile www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 07

7 Must Edit.indd 1

26/08/2016 18:12

George

EVANS Where would we be without our NHS? I went for an eye appointment and returned with a sling!

By George Evans

H

ONESTLY, this really did happen to me in July at the Princess Royal Hospital. Do try to believe it. It wasn’t anybody’s fault and I’m not complaining about the NHS, I think it’s a wonderful organisation, or would be if only our Governments gave it enough money and stopped messing it about.

I have a small face cancer of the kind that needs to be cut out, so I was going to see an eye surgeon. He diagnosed the problem and offered to operate on the cancer. I reluctantly accepted his offer, though I had gone there intending to refuse as I’m a bit old for operations. He seemed so wise and experienced and efficient that I said ‘Yes please’.

The previous Sunday I had fallen down and hurt my shoulder and thought, while I’m here I’ll get someone at my GP’s to check it out. After the interview with the eye surgeon I dropped in with the shoulder and saw a

nurse, who looked at it, compared it with the other one and said I had to go straight to A&E to get it x-rayed and seen by a doctor. After quite a wait there was an x-ray and the lady in charge showed us the picture and arranged for me to go to the fracture clinic the next day. I was then sent home with an arm sling.

Fortunately my daughter-in-law, Nancy drove me and was there to look after me. Also fortunate was the high standard of care and efficiency at the hospital. Next day at the fracture clinic I was shown the x-ray and given a much better arm sling and sound advice. The receptionist asked if I was the man who wrote for Wrekin News, which was a nice surprise. She seems a fan.

There’s more to come, both at the fracture clinic and at the eye specialist as well as other parts of the NHS I expect. Having had a lot of treatment lately for all sorts of things from NHS specialists and GPs I‘m beginning to think I’m only still here by kind permission of our excellent health service.

For many years going to the doctor or hospital was

only to take my wife. There never (well hardly ever) seemed to be anything much the matter with me. Am I getting old or something?

Where would we be without our NHS? Please don’t vote for anyone who is not going to look after our health service or especially any candidate or party that thinks they know better than the people who are operating it and actually doing the work. I have little faith in politicians who are completely unqualified or set up quangos of their friends to apportion the money we pay to support public health.

It also makes a mockery of the xenophobes

The Wrekin’s favourite columnist!

8, 9 George Evans.indd 1

26/08/2016 22:28

Hot cakes . . .

Hello James, I collected a copy of Wrekin News from Waitrose in Newport today.

They seem to have gone like hot cakes! Only a few are left.

I think the mag looks brilliant. The editorial is interesting and the layout is professional and eye-catching.

Many thanks for that motoring piece. And the photo....!

Kind regards, Syd Taylor

READ SYD TAYLOR ON PAGE 44

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who want to keep out all immigrants. My eye surgeon was an Indian, recommended by an Icelander, the nurse at the GP surgery an African; at the fracture clinic was an Indian woman and later an Indian man.

All Staff Professionally trained Without immigrants we would be lost. Anyway, we are all descended from immigrants if we go back far enough in time. My own name suggests a combination of Celtic and Anglian ancestry, so I can be Welsh when the World Cup is played, though born in High Street Wellington.

We did have a health service before the NHS and I am old enough to For Product information or for a FREE estimate call: remember it. Now it seems we have had our health service forever but Kevan or Stewart on: 01952 403179/ 07454 017249 it only came into action after the Last World War. Previously doctors had to be paid for their services and the medicine (usually bottles of foul tasting liquid) that they provided. This was fine for the folks who could afford it, if quite expensive, but not for the many who could not pay. But there was another way of paying – the clubs, which those who wished could join.

These clubs were set up by organisations or groups of people, who paid small amounts in so that think their we doctor’s feesyou, werea paid the If you can help familybymember or club. I think my family paid 3d a week for Dad, Mum, Gramp (my neighbour: grandfather who lived with us) and me. We were in the Rechabites, a club for dedicated teetotallers with connections to the Methodist Call us on Church. They would be horrified to know that their meeting house in 01952 380924 (office hours) as Tan Bank now has a bar.

They all had to sign a pledge never to take A service designed around you and your needs. We offer a A service designed any alcohol. Other clubs included the Buffaloes and Odfellows. These range of household tasks to make your around home life easier.

Emailwhich the NHS was built; they slowly were the organisations upon you and your needs. We offer We do the jobs you find difficult to do, died off as central Government took over their main functions, though helpathand@telford.gov.uk a range of household tasks to talk to us about: the Odfellows name still exists as a pub in High Street. Our problems Orall write atof total knowledge. They, In the old days doctors hadtoanusair make your home life easier.

■ Food shopping - we can take you or we can Help at Hand and we patients too, assumed they knew everything, which gave us do it for you! confidence in their powers to diagnose and any Centre of our problems.

Wellington Civic & treat Leisure ■ Picking up pensions and/or prescriptions Omnipotent and omniscient – that was their reputation. Of course Larkin Way, Wellington modern doctors know aTelford great deal more but do tend to admit they ■ General cleaning - including dusting, TF1 1LX don’t know everything. The NHS has grown enormously since it was sweeping, vacuuming founded and is consequently much more expensive.

■ Washing and ironing Before NHS there were hospitals in Shrewsbury – rthe Royal L et u s h elp mak e you h om e lSalop i f e e a s i e r.

■ Cleaning internal windows Infirmary and the Eye Ear and Throat hospital, where my tonsils If youwere think we can help you, aIf family member or help you, a family member or think we can ■you Making and changing beds Let us help neighbour: taken out with great pain for me. Our workhouse on Holyheadneighbour: Road make your D2531 became Wrekin Hospital. The Princess Royal Hospital was conceived home life Call us on Call us on Contact us Costs easier. in 1960 at a meeting called by Mellor Harrison and the committee from 01952 380924 (office01952 hours)380924 (office hours) £12.50 If you think we can help you, a family We provide a range serv included representatives of the Wrekin Trades Council, Wellington A service designed around A service designedof around per hour member of neighbour: Email Email UDC (me) and the Lilleshall Company. It took many years to persuade make things easie you and yourhome needs. Weto offer you and your needs. We offer Call us on helpathand@telford.gov.uk helpathand@telford.gov.uk the government to build it.

We are available for a range of household tasks toa range of household tasks to 01952 (office hours) as long you need us Or write to us at The NHS problem is underfunding and over demand. We need more Or write to380924 us at Welifedo the jobs youhome findlifedifficult make easier. make your easier.

- an hour a week, a your home at Hand Help at Hand Email medical training to supply more staff. There have been lots of Help answers few hours a month.

Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre helpathand@telford.gov.uk to this, some sensible, others daft. My solution is to ditch Trident, n Food shopping - we can ta Larkin Way, Wellington Larkin Way, Wellington which is useless. Do you have a better one?

You choose!

Or write to us at for you!

DELUXE CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE

H e l p a t Ha nd

Contact us

01952 380924 Co n t acCo t uns t ac t H u sel p at H eHa lp nd a t Ha n

Help at

H e l p at Han

Telford TF1 1LX

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8, 9 George Evans.indd 2

n including Making and changing beds cleaning dusting, sweeping, 26/08/2016 22:28 We do the jobs you n find General difficult to do, talk- to us about: vacuuming

Skyla’s choice of hair colour

NewYou

The Wrekin News Makeover Zoe was this months lucky winner of the Wrekin News Makeover competition.

She was treated to a full hair and beauty transformation at Deighton Hair & Beauty.

Barry Deighton writes to explain how Zoe’s makeover was completed.

T

Be fo re On the 11 September we are holding a Hair/Beauty charity day for the Make A Wish foundation. Skyla is only three years-old and fighting Leukaemia, which is a life threatening condition. Make a wish exists for one reason, it grants magical wishes to enrich the lives of children and young people fighting life threatening conditions.

As part of our on-going fundraising campaign one of our valued clients Joanne Heron, volunteered to have an outrageous haircut and let Skyla pick her hair colour, Turquoise Delight.

Joanne, friends and work colleagues raised approximately £170 and the sponsorship is still building up.

Joanne was only too willing to help with the fundraising, she said Skyla was a delightful little girl, very courageous and always with a big smile. Joanne now has a new name used by her friends and work mates as Blue Smurf.

HIS month we welcomed Zoe for her makeover. We met three weeks prior to the makeover with Sara our beauty beauty therapist to discuss what we were going to do. As you can see Zoe’s hair was very short a little shapeless, and without colour. Her hair had been continuosly thinned with scissors making it flat unmanageable and shapeless.

We agreed Zoe would not have a hair cut prior to the makeover, we wanted to put a strong shape into the already short hair and restructure the hair without the thinning scissors which in my opinion are a disaster.

The shape we achieved has made the hair shape longer and rebalancing the top sections to remove the thinning technique as much as possible has resulted in a strong shape with softness and texture more

Sara adds a touch of glamour Well it was a pleasure completing Zoe’s makeover with Barry and Sophie.

It’s such a satisfying thing to be involved in enhancing the natural beauty of a client into something more glamorous which they haven’t experienced before.

Zoe was great to work with, a pale complexion with stunning blue eyes, so I decided to keep everything quite natural, but really bring out the blue in her eyes.

I started with evening out Zoe’s skin tone to create a natural base, then used three different shades of blue on her eyes to lift and open her eye area.

Then as with all clients at the moment, definition was needed to enhance the eyebrows. Many clients tell me how they have over plucked their brows.

I kept Zoe’s lipstick quite natural so as not to distract from the eyes. Then finished off with some blusher and hi-lighter to enhance the cheek bones.

I was really pleased with the end result, as was Zoe, and when Barry had finished styling Zoe’s hair, it was a ‘wow’ moment.

Seeing the hair and make-up come together I am already excited about our next competition winner, my make-up brushes are poised in anticipation.

Afte r 10 Makeover.indd 1

suitable for Zoe. The colour Sophie used was a Mahogany Ash suitable for Zoe’s skin and eye colour, the top section we used a free style pre-lightening technique to add texture and depth to the finished result.

The lower part of the hair we used Mahogany Ash colour with low developer, we made two triangle sections through the top sections from the crown and used the same colour, but we added clear and blue green to burn out the red from the Mahogany Ash and give us that natural sun lightened effect with texture and depth, triangle section fan out your colour taking that blocked effect away great technique on short hair.

I think Zoe was pleased and a little shocked as to what we could achieve, a very nice lady with a great new look.

Zoe is pictured with Sophie, Barry and Sara from Deighton’s Hair and Beauty - the team who completed Zoe’s new look.

27/08/2016 00:45

Overseas property open day in Telford

HAIR & BEAUTY

P

For Skyla Harper Upton Supporting Skyla has childhood Leukaemia which is a life threatining illness. We hope to raise as much money as possible for the charity Make A Wish Foundation.

Mystic Jane SIDE BY SIDE

UKYELE BAND FOR HAIR AND BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS RING

01952 253367

FEEL FREE TO N US COME AND JOI

SUNDAY

11TH SEPTEMBER Deighton Hair & Beauty

The day will consist of: HAIR TREATMENTS BLOW DRYS, CURLS & STRAIGHTENING

£10 PER TR

EATM

ENT

MINI NAIL/BEAUTY TREATMENTS FACE PAINTING TRANSFER TATTOOS BALLOON GAMES RAFFLES NAME THE BEAR

TEA AND COFFEE AVAILABLE

ROPERTY hunters searching for their own dream home in the sun will be able to get expert advice and guidance at an upcoming event.

More and more Brits are heading to the sunny shores of Spain, Tenerife and Cyprus as they seek the holiday lifestyle on a more permanent basis.

And now a Shrewsbury based overseas property specialist is offering his services to those who want to know more.

Christopher Morris, director of long established Shrewsbury firm Simply Overseas, said: “Perhaps you want first class entertainment on your doorstep or to set up home in the heart of a quaint, traditional village.

“One way to find out what you need to know to buy safely is by visiting our Open Day on Sunday 25 September.

“We will take you through all the

facts to give you a much clearer idea of what the process is about and your realistic options.

“Simply Overseas can help you realise your dream, whether you are after a villa to seek refuge twice a year, an apartment for investment purposes or a place to spend your twilight years.”

The company offers a wide choice of property, ranging from apartments and townhouses to luxury semidetached and detached villas. There are properties in fine locations to suit every taste and budget.

The event will focus on Spain, Tenerife and Cyprus and takes place between 11am and 3pm on September 25 at the Park Inn by Radisson, Forgegate, Telford Town Centre, TF3 4NA. For more information, call Simply Overseas on 01743 343634 or email sales@simplyoverseas.co.uk

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 11

11 Overseas.indd 1

27/08/2016 10:00

YOUR WELL

The Wellington story!

Wellington is a hard-working Shropshire town facing numerous high street challenges – an exodus of major Banks, chronic retail vacancies and the kind of flagging morale afflicting so many UK towns today.

But don’t go away. Wellington is already a success story, having righted the ship and done a long, slow turn in the direction of self-help and improvisation.

Strategic local groups have popped up determined to stem the tide of decline. Markets are emerging to replace departing retailers. And a suite of heritage walks is encapsulating the past, rebranding Wellington for a new generation.

“Over the past year as part of ‘Team Wellington’, I’ve met many people who love this town and recall its heyday as a bustling centre with the flourishing market, much-admired family businesses, great cafes, respected brands, busy banks and a thriving evening economy,” Fay says.

“As with many market towns in the UK, there is great fondness for ‘what was’. We know we can’t go back, but we can go forward and bring the hundreds of ‘hidden’ family businesses back into the High Street.

“Bricks and mortar and face to face is back, as evidenced by Amazon starting to open shops and the fabulous PopUp revolution as seen in London and Paris, but easily replicated here!

“To help restore Wellington as a prosperous market town, we are already blessed with some great businesses based here, an incredible food shopping offer, a central railway station, free parking, local neighbourhood of 26,000 people, blossoming entrepreneurial numbers and a whole lot of people who care.”

Like many British towns, Wellington is having to dig hard and deep to find the reserves of ingenuity and strength which are legendary in our ‘nation of shopkeepers’.

A local advocate of this business-led revival is Fay Easton.

She’s the Regional Champion for Enterprise Nation – the support body for start-ups and small business – and the local entrepreneur behind the town’s innovative PopUp Pitch and StartUp Hub enterprises.

Both are designed to give local traders and the town centre a new lease on life.

Wellington Attractions

When it comes to attracting visitors, Wellington is already building on solid foundations.

Busy Wellington market runs every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

There’s a Real Ale Trail around the traditional pubs. Heritage buildings, National Trust properties like Sunnycroft, Apley Woods, the renowned Wrekin hill and a range of mapped cycling and walking trails in beautiful countryside add plenty of appeal.

In the end, however, a town is the sum of its people and the collective energy they inject into the place they love.

“Wellington is people power in action”, Fay says.

“Great towns are where people want to be and it’s the people who are ultimately powering the regeneration. If we can channel the energy and creativity of the council, residents and traders, the town’s bound to succeed – no matter what the obstacles are.”

The Future

Up and coming projects include: • Entrepreneurs managing regeneration • Town Centre Investment Zone being sought • More residential developments in the town centre • Shop Share schemes flourishing and creating ‘destination’ retail • More digital/creative businesses occupying upper floors for professional use • Local food prominence with quality food and drink offerings • Growing reputation for craft fairs, street food and arts festivals

Team Wellington, in conjunction with local entrepreneurs, wants the town to become the Indie Capital of the Midlands.

Fay Easton, Team Wellington

www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk 10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 1

26/08/2016 16:50

ELLINGTON Meaningful solutions to town problems

Rather than moping around, key town personalities decided to do something about it.

With most chain stores gone, they concentrated instead on their fourday-a–week market, along with the wealth of independent traders and many environmentally-minded residents keen to make a difference.

Wellington Town Council

Leading the town is a small but dedicated council which voted to back a venture called ‘Team Wellington’ in April 2016.

They funded a small annual budget of £15,000 which Fay and Frank Lauriello, the town’s Chamber of Commerce Regeneration Champion, have already turned into £100k worth of value. The Council is determined to rebuild Wellington one business at a time.

Wellington H2A

Formed in 2006 by local butcher Tony Nicholls and friend Rob Francis, this community group breathes life into the town’s public spaces through innovative arts and heritage events.

Wellington H2A stages popular, well-supported annual celebrations like the Midsummer Fayre and Charter Day. Businessman Rob, based 160 miles away, is an accomplished ‘virtual organiser’ and currently leading a project to create a town mural trail via a striking series of ‘windows’ on Wellington’s past.

Local Agenda 21 group

In line with the United Nations earth summit in 1992, Wellington set up its own volunteer group dedicated to sustainable development.

Harnessing the energy and skills of members, LA 21 created ‘Discovering Wellington’ – a £50,000 Heritage Lottery funded scheme promoting local cycling and walking tours. The group has also established a local garden tool library, a community time bank scheme, monthly farmers’ market, food guide and blue plaque scheme.

Boosting independent retailers

A business support hub and co-working centre is being developed. The town is proud of its burgeoning ranks of business owners, cooks, artisans, crafters, fitness gurus, traders, fashionistas and technicians.

Fay and the town’s stalwart supporter of local retailers, Frank Lauriello, are also setting up ‘Shop Share’ schemes for innovative independent retailers along with a new digital and paper brochure to promote town business.

The Wellington Festival programme is now available!

The annual Wellington Festival is a spectacular three week family friendly celebration of arts and culture, taking place on your doorstep, in our vibrant market town.

Throughout October we will be showcasing artistes of national and international renown and with some event’s already sold out please do not delay any longer in obtaining your tickets from: www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk Fancy getting involved? The festival committee are looking for people to help with the front of house hosting at the events, if you are interested please contact: caroline.mulvihill@telford.gov.uk

Grant applications a timely reminder Wellington Town Council every year awards Minor Grants to local organisations and charities to assist them to achieve their aims and objectives and this year is no exception. The Town Council is looking to the receive of Grant Applications that will be considered in early October.

Grant applications must be from a properly constituted group, club, committee or charity

which must show that the group has charitable/community aims and benefits the residents of Wellington.

Forms are available now and should be submitted by midSeptember.

Application forms are available from the Town Council Tel: 01952 567697, email: wellingtontowncouncil@telford. gov.uk or visit the website below.

Wellington United Charities and Stevinton’s Charity

PopUp Pitch

Fay’s other business initiative is the PopUp Pitch in Wellington Market, the first specialised market of its kind in the region.

A valuable addition, Wellington’s PopUp Pitch has already brought more than 40 traders into the existing market, with the Barista Coffee Lounge and Pink Fashion Shack now established as permanent traders.

Themed PopUp Pitches are also scheduled for the autumn and Christmas 2016 with a foodie/flea market/art and craft flavour.

The Town Council also acts as Secretary to a couple of small Charitiable Trusts namely Wellington United Charities and Stevinton’s Charity and the Trustees would welcome applications that could be considered by them to enable the Trustees to distribute to local charities and organisations, within the Wellington Civil Parish area. If you represent such a community body and would wish to be considered please contact the Town Council to make a written application, that could be considered by the Trustees by 30th September 2016.

www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk 10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 2

26/08/2016 16:50

Exceptional results and service at GB Dog Training Gbdogtraining.co.uk is a family run business based in Stirchley Park, Telford.

Owned and managed by Gavin Beechey, a dog trainer with over 30 years experience in dog training and dog behavioural issues. With clients now travelling from all over the country to seek Gavin’s expert advice and guidance, you can be sure you will be receiving a very professional service.

Gavin stands by his company’s guarantee, ‘my absolute guarantee to you is if you are not happy with any training session or results you pay nothing!’

You will never be asked to pay upfront and you never be asked to book more than one lesson at a time.

Gavin firmly believes that his approach of conducting one to one lessons with clients and their dogs produces results quickly and efficiently. Home visits are available to any location in Shropshire.

With over 2,000 likes and 250 five star reviews on his Facebook page gbdogtraining.uk you can rest assured you will be working with a professional who prides himself on providing exceptional results and first class customer service.

Details of services available to view at gbdogtraining.co.uk.

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14 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 14 GB Dog Adverts.indd 1

27/08/2016 12:30

New showroom launch for Taylor Wimpey

P

ROPERTY-SEEKERS in Shropshire will soon find it even easier to purchase their dream home with the launch of a brand new show village at Taylor Wimpey’s popular Sylvan Edge development in Telford.

Now available to view, the beautifully decorated “Flatford”, “Gosford” and “Haddenham” showhomes feature upgraded specifications and exquisite fittings and furnishings to showcase the carefullyplanned layouts and spacious designs of typical properties at the development.

The beautiful new showhomes enjoy an enviable location, boasting views overlooking the nearby picturesque balancing pond and waterfall. What’s more, all new homes at Sylvan Edge benefit from upgraded specifications including a doorbell, an outside tap, new internal doors and house numbers!

Carl Cooke, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey, says: “Our stunning new show village provides potential buyers with a fantastic insight into the life they could be enjoying in a new home at Sylvan Edge.

“Homebuyers can really be inspired

by the fabulous furnishings, layouts and interior designs of the showhomes, so I’d encourage anyone who is interested to visit the development and see these outstanding properties for themselves!”

There’s a wonderful range of homes currently available to reserve at Sylvan Edge, including three-bedroom properties priced from £196,950 and four-bedroom designs from £207,950.

The fabulous new homes at Sylvan Edge form part of the wider Lawley Village development.

Once completed, Lawley Village will benefit from a range of brand new facilities including a school, a leisure centre, a pub, a day nursery, a Morrisons supermarket and a selection of other shops and food outlets.

To see the impressive new show village at Sylvan Edge, property-seekers should visit the Sales Centre, located off Synders Way, Lawley, Telford, TF3 5GE, and open daily from 11am to 5pm. Alternatively, the Sales Executive can be contacted on 01952 456230.

Further information about Taylor Wimpey developments across the region is available by calling 01543 496700 or visiting www.taylorwimpey.co.uk.

MERE PARK GARDENS Stafford Road, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 7LZ 2 bedroom apartments and 2 & 3 bedroom homes from £119,995

Quote “Wrekin News” to get Stamp Duty paid!*

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The Beckford (as above) - featuring a spacious lounge/dining room with French doors to rear garden and 2 double bedrooms.

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The Sealton apartments - also available and offering plenty of space while still remaining easy to maintain. Featuring communal gardens, allocated parking and a dual aspect lounge/dining room.

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With Help to Buy and Armed Forces Discount available, your move could be more affordable than you think.

Book your appointment today, call

01952 456 275 or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk

Help to Buy

Sales centre open Thurs to Mon, 11am to 5pm

*Deposit amount worked out using Help to Buy on plot 72, which is priced at £119,995. Normal Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Prices correct at time of going to press. Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan of up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value) Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and any deposit where required. For the first five years there is no fee charged on the equity loan component. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as a second charge. Terms and conditions apply and full details will be provided on request. This offer is subject and only available on selected developments and properties in England only. It is not offered with any www.wrekinnews.co.uk · other promotion. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

15

41559_TWNM-WN-MPG-HP-.indd 1 15 Taylor Wimpey.indd 1

22/08/2016 27/08/2016 11:04 00:20

Prevention is always better than cure!

D

ID YOU know that last year there were 7000 chimney fires in England, according to the “Cheshire Fire Service” The most common causes are infrequent sweeping and cleaning, burning unseasoned wet wood, and overnight burning or smouldering of wood.

After the Great fire of London in 1666, “straight” up chimneys where replaced by narrower and more angled chimneys due to Building regulations, but they still needed cleaning, Master Chimney Sweeps turned to children to crawl through gaps as small as 9” x 14” (23cm x 36cm).

The children did not live for very long as they rarely washed, maybe three times a year and even slept under the soot covered clothes at night.

Some suffered from a Chimney Sweep Cancer; often known as “soot wart” we know it today as a form of Testicular Cancer, which was first reported in 1775.

Between the years 1778 to 1875 a series of laws attempted to regulate there working conditions but it wasn’t until February 1875, when a young boy was sent up a chimney in Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, where he got stuck and smothered, he was alive when he was pulled out but died later. Lord Shaftsbury used this catalyst to push through a Bill in Parliament, and child sweeps were no more.

Times have changed since the era of sending little children as young as 6 and in some cases 4yrs old up a chimney with a hand brush, Chimney Sweeps today still use a manual method but can now use Power brushing and CCTV cameras to

By

Mark Ponter

Telford Chimney Sweep

ensure your chimney is safe for your family and home.

Reasons to sweep your Chimney regularly • Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning and avoids smoke damage.

• Prevents a build up of soot & creosote which can lead to chimney fires.

• Soot is carcinogenic and can cause cancer • Makes your fire more efficient.

Why you should use a professional • Professional, reliable and cleaned to industry standards • Confident service from fire to chimney pot • Smoke Test for appliance and chimney • Certificate provided for insurance (see note) • Peace of Mind Note: - Some insurance companies will not pay out if the home owner did not use a professional to clean the chimney if a fire occurs within.

What you should do • Get your chimney and fire swept regularly,

keep them well maintained.

• Purchase and then check your carbon monoxide monitor regularly • Only use approved fuel sources and always use seasoned wood • Always follow your fire’s manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Ensure you use a fire guard to prevent sparks from hot embers.

• Ensure the fire is extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Never interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents and bricks.

How often should you sweep, if you burn: • Smokeless fuel at least once a year • Bitumous Coal at least twice a year • Wood at least every 3 months when in use • Oil at least once a year What causes a chimney fire These occur when deposits of soot and creosote are left within the chimney ignite which causes improper function of the appliance, chimney, house and surrounding structures. This can spread to your entire house and other properties. Be aware some insurance companies will not pay out if you have not used a professional Chimney Sweep and a chimney fire is the cause.

Mark is a local Telford man who has attended The National Association of Chimney Sweeps Course and has been applying his new found skills ever since.

Please ask for a quote and booking by calling 07963 557111. You can also find Telford Chimney Sweep on Facebook.

◆ Fully Insured

◆ Fully Trained

Member of nacs.org.uk ◆ Trustworthy ◆ Professional clean and reliable service ◆ Female attendant when required ◆

Telford Chimney Sweep ◆

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CALL OR TEXT MARK TODAY FOR A QUOTE

Tel: 07963 557111 or 01952 897454 · Email: mardeb28@sky.com 16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16 Telford Chimney sweep.indd 1

26/08/2016 19:07

THE

SWAN

Christopher’s Restaurant Bar and Rooms at

The Swan Hotel Christmas Fayre Menu Now Available!

Free House

Now taking bookings for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Company Christmas Parties with Disco!

SPECIALS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday

Pie & Pint Night Sizzler Night All Day Carvery 12-9 Steak, Chicken & Fish Night or any two for All Day Carvery 12-9 Three Course Carvery 12-6 Kids Under 10

£7.95 £8.95 £3.95 £7.95 £15.00 £3.95 £8.95 £5.95

Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire

www.swan-hotel-telford.co.uk · Tel: 01952 223781 E mail: chris .witton@aol.com

SKY & BT SPORT SHOWN HERE

Select Joinery (Telford) Ltd

• Bespoke Joinery

Products such as conservatories, entrance porches, patio doors, internal and external doors and frames, sash and traditional windows, staircases and many more products are all hand made on site.

• Cutting/Wood Machining Service

A cutting and machining service is available over the counter.

Softwoods and hardwoods can be machined to match most profiles.

• Moulding Service

Most architectural mouldings, cornice, skirting boards, panel mouldings and architrave can be reproduced.

• Sheet Materials

Veneered MDF boards are available in various finishes. i.e. Oak, Ash, Sapele and many more. All boards can be cut to size.

We can assist in all areas of design for all project sizes, and, to suit all budgets. Our wealth of knowledge and experience in the Joinery trade will ensure that your finished product is constructed of the correct material and more than fit for purpose.

You can find us at: Unit 23, Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Rd, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5JD

www.selectjoinery.co.uk mail: sales@selectjoinery.com

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL: 01952 249773 or call in for professional, friendly advice

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17

17 Adverts.indd 1

26/08/2016 19:12

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Letters

All Saints Church - the iconic edifice of Wellington

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SHARE YOUR SPECIAL MEMOR IES AND PICTURES THROUGH THE MOST POPULAR PAGES OF THE WREKIN NEWS

T IS exactly fifty years since my parents were joined in holy matrimony at All Saints Church in Wellington.

On this most auspicious of occasions, my father spent some of the time before the service ringing the wedding bells with his fellow campanologists and some of the time being discretely sick in a corner because of nerves. Fortunately, he managed to make the ceremony or else there might have been serious repercussions for his bride-to-be and their son, who now writes these words.

I was also christened in the church some years later but understandably, I have no recollection of the occasion. I was too busy crying my eyes out as a vicar drenched me with water without seeking my prior approval.

Still, the adults probably had a good time watching a baby being soaked and I got a silver christening cup out of it by way of compensation.

In many respects, All Saints Church is the iconic edifice of Wellington and it can be seen in many of the vintage postcards

Some Revelations about All Saints Church by Paul Minton

We love hearing from you!

For 15 years Wrekin News has printed pages and pages of your letters and pictures and we want to publish more!

Please keep our editor’s inbox full and send your letters and pictures to: The Editor, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your contributions to: james@plus2media.co.uk 18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Letters.indd 1

27/08/2016 12:10

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find out more,please pleasecall call01743 01952358 259019 ToTo find out more, 234 or visit visitour ourwebsite: website:www.shropshiregas.com www.shropshiregas.com or > Dr Paul Minton’s mother and father on their wedding day depicting the town. Even below ground, there is something of interest as a tunnel is said to have connected it to the cellar of an old cottage at Dothill.

I have not lived in the area for many years and so my personal memory of the building is rather hazy. I recall an imposing building, surrounded by a moat of grass and graves, with a somewhat sooty appearance that made it seem as if it had stood a little too close to a smoking barbecue.

I used to attend cub scouts in a hut at the back of the church and fondly remember preparing pancakes on a metal drinking chocolate container fitted with a candle in order to turn it into a miniature hotplate. Quite how this would prepare me in the event of an emergency, I did not discover but since then, I’ve always made sure that I’m never far from a tin of cocoa.

Of course, the history of the church stretches back far beyond my early culinary exploits and my parents’ marriage. Indeed, there has been a place of worship at the site for over a millennium. The present building, which replaced a medieval church damaged during the English Civil War, was completed in 1790 and was designed by George Steuart, the architect of Attingham Hall and St Chad’s in Shrewsbury.

The interior of All Saints has been updated on numerous occasions since its initial construction. These alterations have ranged from moving the organ in 1866 to the installation of electric lighting in 1937. But it’s not just the fixtures and fittings that have changed. Naturally, different people working at the church have come and gone over the years, some being perhaps more noteworthy than others.

In 1924, the Birmingham Mail reported the death of Canon Thomas Osmotherley Reay, who, before becoming a curate at All Saints, had played county cricket for Surrey, Middlesex, and Warwickshire. In the early part of the previous century, there was another curate called Henry Gauntlett. His son, also called Henry, was born in Wellington and went on to write the music for over a thousand hymns, his most famous being ‘Irby’, the tune for the Christmas carol, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.

There was also an assistant curate at the church in 1809, who Continued on page 20 >

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18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Letters.indd 2

26/08/2016 23:25

All Saints Church - the iconic edifice of Wellington > Continued from page 19

published his debut poem entitled ‘Winter Evening Thoughts’ in one of the local newspapers. His tenure was brief, however and by 1811, he had moved to Yorkshire, where he met and married Maria Branwell.

The couple eventually settled in Haworth and had several children together, including three sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. And the assistant curate’s name?

None other than Patrick Brontë.

I’m fairly confident that neither my parents nor I are old enough to have encountered any of these people but don’t be surprised if the present incumbents or their offspring are destined for greatness in the future. No pressure!

Rona steps back in time with a visit to her Derbyshire birthplace

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IRST OF all, I must apologise for not writing to you last month, I decided to take a few days holiday, so without a bucket and spade I spent some time with my cousins who all live in the Peak District in Derbyshire.

So my son drove me there, and it was all most enjoyable lovely company and also lovely meals, “good old fashioned grub”, having told them all prior to my visit that I did expect to be fed on my visit.

Like me they are all in their seventies and eighties, but it was really good to be “waited on” which all proved not too bad for those few days, then one of them brought me back home and stayed with me for a few days, and it all turned out to be very enjoyable too.

I have had quite a lot going on in my life over the past couple of months or so, my step granddaughter was married in July and it was a lovely enoyable day, I did manage to take some photographs which all proved to be not too bad really.

The three villages in Derbyshire where I was born have not changed too much really considering it is seventy years since I left.

It is all quite historical all around these villages, for instance one of the small farms that one of my uncles owned was actually built around the year ‘1210’ it is like many of similar places built in quite solid Derbyshire stone so this probably accounts for it’s ( long life).

We have the ‘Blue John’ mines near Buxton, this is a beautiful rock/stone, and is now becoming less and less it has been ‘mined’ so much over the many years past.

There is also another little village which is quite famous it is called Eyam and pronounced EEM. Almost all of this village was ‘wiped out’ in the 1600’s with the plague which all started in London, it has a museum and many interesting points to see, I am hoping that there will be enough space to show you a couple of the what are known as the Plague Cottages, I expect that they all look so different now from all those years and years ago, yes it is all a very historic and interesting part of the country.

You see, at my age, if I decide to write about my life gone by this is now very much like a history lesson even so, much has changed in so many ways.

Oh Yes! I thank God for that in most aspects of my life most are for the better.

However, I must bring all of this philosophying and thinking to an end, and I do hope there will be enough space left to show you my photographs.

I will write more next time.

20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Letters.indd 3

26/08/2016 23:25

TALL TALES FROM HADLEY Friend of the Wrekin News Derek Gambie writes again with his tall tales from Hadley. Derek now resides in France.

The Old Reck

I

Eyam - a community nearly wiped out!

Edward Cooper died in September 1664 leaving a widow Mary and two sons. Before the plague broke she remarried, her new husband Alexander Hadfield being the village tailor. Working as his journeyman (assistant) was George Viccars.

Tradition states that material ordered from London where the plague was raging, arrived damp and was spread out to dry.

This released plague carrying fleas. Within days Viccars fell ill and died.

He was buried on the 7 September, Mary’s son Edward was buried fifteens days later, quickly followed by several neighbours.

The death rate rose in October and was above normal all winter.

Some families fled and the Rector William Mompesson

supported by Thomas Stanley, a former incumbents, fearing this would spread the disease over a wider area, asked the villagers to quarantine themselves.

Fod and medical supplies were left at the boundary stone and Mompesson’s wall.

The church was closed and services were held in Cucklett Delph, a valley nearby where the Plague Commemoration Service is now held annually. There were no funerals and families were told to bury their own dead near their homes, as at Riley, where Mrs Hancock buried her husband and six children in eight days.

The Plague ended in October 1665. In 14 months it had claimed 260 lives out of a total now known to be around 800.

LIVED less than 200 yards from the old rec and even at five or six years old I was a frequent visitor. Looking back there wasn’t really much there to grab the attention but it was all we had and I dare say it was a lot more than a lot of kids had. A sloping football pitch, three rusty old swings in a row and the dreaded plank. I say dreaded plank because my introduction to it was almost the last thing I ever did.

Unlike later versions there was no brake to stop maximum travel of the plank and I accepted an invitation to a ride on it offered by two older boys. Alright for the first few minutes and then they decided that it was time to show off a little at my expense. The plank went higher and higher until my head was about to hit the axle cross members and they only stopped then because of my screams of terror. I was allowed to get off and then they wound it up again until the actual plank of wood was slamming against the cross members. I often wonder just how many young jockeys were terrorized the same as I was and how no-one ever got seriously injured or killed. Of course when I was older and able to slam the plank against the cross members I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing any terrorizing myself.

One day after a particularly wet week a huge pool appeared at the bottom corner of the pitch and some brave fit soul spent the whole day digging a two foot deep trench from the center of the pool to the lower ground behind the goalposts to drain all the water off the pitch. That evening the local REME team played a game on it with the trench still there cutting the corner of the pitch off completely. It didn’t appear to make any difference to the game at all. It was probably about the same time when the 1st Hadley packs of cubs and scouts decided to have a sports and gala day there. We spent hours putting up tents and stalls only for it to be completely washed out and everyone had to retire to the church school rooms to dry off. A few small stalls had been hastily put up in the schoolrooms but it was a terrible let down for everybody.

Two mammoth fights took place on the rec that I clearly remember as being rather brutal. The first, surprisingly, took place between two dogs.

One of the dogs was a border collie just like lassie and was named Rover.

I suppose someone owned him and cared for him but to most of us he was the village dog and was always roaming free around the streets. We arrived straight out of school on the rec to see the two dogs set about each other. It was a serious fight and very soon both dogs were bleeding from wounds but neither seemed to want a serious fight and very soon both dogs were bleeding from wounds but neither seemed to want to give in to the other. A circle was soon formed by us, exactly the same as we would form a circle around two lads having a fight. To start with I suppose we were enjoying the novelty but after a few minutes it went very quiet as we realized that one or the other would be killed if we couldn’t stop it. A couple of older lads over to the nearby Crescent Road and Mr Edwards came over with a bucket of water to throw over them.

Even this didn’t stop them but he very bravely, eventually, managed to get between them and break it up. The other dog was a lot bigger and younger than Rover and Rover limped away to lick his wounds. He was never the same again and sadly died within a few months. I have never seen anything remotely like it since and hope I never do.

The second fight was more what we were used to. A straightforward fight between two well matched young lads. There was an age difference between them of about two years but the younger lad was tall for his age and was none other than my mate Ben. It followed a disagreement in the school yard earlier that day so news of the impending fight had spread throughout the school and there must have been forty or fifty of us on the rec to shout on our champion. I myself had been in many a fight but as with most fights it was all usually over in a matter of seconds with only a couple of punches thrown. But this was something different. It was a boxing match rather than a scrap as both landed plenty of punches that obviously hurt. Haymakers, straight jabs and a speciality of Ben’s a vicious uppercut. It went on all told for about fifteen minutes and a few blokes from Crescent Road came over to watch. We thought that they would interfere and put a stop to it but once they saw that it was a clean fight they let it carry on. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21

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· 21

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL MEMO RIES AND PICTURES THROUGH THE MOST POPULAR PAGES OF THE WREKIN NEWS

The amazing tale of Snoopy the cat!

Dear James, I wanted to share this memory of my old cat Snoopy. Back in 1987 my mum and stepfather, Les and Edna Phillips moved to Blackpool to run a guest house. They took the family cat, Snoopy with them and he was settled for a while. But he disappeared Christmas 1987. As you can see from the photos he turned up back in Telford on Mothers Day 1988. There was no doubt it was our cat.

This really is an unbelievable story so Jack Insall, who I believe also lived on Ketley Bank at the time wrote a lovely poem about it in his book ‘Even more hands around the Wrekin..

Snoopy was then able to stay near his old haunts, staying with my brother. It was published in the Shropshire Star and also made a small story in The Sun newspaper.

I would love to share this story once again, it shows how amazing animals are.

Wendy Abel When Les and Edna Phillips bought a Guest House by the sea, They little thought the family cat, Would not delighted be.

So, having made his mind up, and convinced that he was right, Our little Shropshire moggie, Slipped away into the night.

A friendly pat, a glass of milk, Which some kind person bought, And then our puss was on his way, To Sambrook and Newport.

For very few can ere resist, The lure of Blackpool’s air It’s wondrous Tower and Promenades, And Pleasure Beach and Fair.

At first, the little pussy thought He’d go back through St Annes, Where Ernie’s winning numbers, have changed many people’s plans

Along the road to Lilleshall, And passed the C.O.D., Then through the Trench, he struggled on, As game as game could be.

But though young Snoopy did his best, to try and settle down, His thoughts kept wandering to his former haunts in Telford Town.

But then he thought the Preston Road, Would equally be near, Especially as he then could see, The famous Wigan Peir.

Until he saw a signpost that made everything worthwhile, “To Greyhound Island, ketley Bank, Exactly half a mile”.

He well recalled that famous Puss, From Whittington, who’s been, The hero of that mighty walk, To see Great Britain’s Queen.

He wandered down through Warrington, And soon reached Tarporley, Where, to his joy, he spied a sign, “ To Whitchurch 23”

And Snoopy knew that he had reached, The home that he was seeking, To be once more with all his feline Friends Around the Wrekin.

And so young Snoopy thought, “If he could walk from Oswestry.

In those big boots, to London Town, There must be hope for me”.

So pressing on, through tired and sore, But still gritting his teeth, Our feline hero found he’d reached The outskirts of Prees Heath.

“ To walk the hundred miles or so, Back to my former home, At Ketley Bank, in shropshire, where I used to live and roam.”

And at that well-known watering hole, Known as the Raven Inn, Poor Snoopy, on his knees by now, Was tempted to give in.

22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Letters.indd 5

26/08/2016 23:26

Students meet at The Gate Shortly after we published this picture in issue 207 of Wrekin News Mrs Doreen Whitby visited our offices in Wellington to shed some light on the picture. Doreen and her late husband Roy were the landlord and landlady at the Gate Inn, Bratton from 1975 until 1985. Doreen can confirm that the picture which was sent in by Victoria Vickers now a resident of Melbourne Australia was taken in the mid 1980s at The Gate. The pupils pictured where indeed studying at the Charlton School and the group included several students from Germany on a school exchange trip. Doreen can remember her son Philip befriending a German student who stayed with the family at the pub.

Doreen left us with this picture of her and husband Roy with friends Pete and Chris McKenzie of Roddington, pictured in the same room at The Gate at Christmas 1980.

Please do get in touch with us if you are on the photo above or can name any of the students... did you have a German exchange student staying with you? We’d love to hear your memories, recolections and publish your pictures... please send your letters and pictures to: James Baylis, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email: james@plus2media.co.uk

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18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Letters.indd 6

26/08/2016 23:26

August’s Lucky Winners!

Congratulations to all of our prize winners from the August issue, if you didn’t win this time don’t worry there are plenty of opportunities in this issue to win some fantastic prizes!

THEATRE TICKETS Bring back the 60s Mrs Mary Sedgwick - Albrighton CINEMA TICKETS Odean Standard cinema ticket Mr Alan Winter - Telford Odean Silver Screen ticket Mrs Margaret Brett - Donnington VOUCHERS Elcock Reisen Travel Voucher Bobbie Hurne - Bratton Meadowdale Garden Voucher Rebecca Eley - Apley DAYS OUT! Ironbridge Gorge Passport Mrs Shelia Slaney - Lawley Crocky Trail Family Pass Irene Lysons - Sheriffhales FootGolf @ The Shropshire Dwayne Hickman - Stirchley Closer To The Edge Maureen Lane - Wellington HEAT HOLDERS Malcolm Skelton - Shawbirch Julie Buttery - Hadley Mark Pearce - Tibberton Kay Searles - St Georges Paulette Winter - Wem Lynn Lovatt - Wellington Sarah Leeder - Leegomery Carol Campbell - Woodside

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THE UNIQUE KOMEDY UKULELE ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY PETER MOSS The Cult Sensation Comedy Ukulele Show, MAXI-FUN WITH MINI-GUITARS !

ATTENTION! The Ukulele’s are back!-Brilliant Comedy-Brilliant Music Is it possible for anyone to create a show that brilliantly combines music from Mozart to Monty Python, Bach to the Beatles, Chick Corea to Rossini?

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DIRECTED BY PETER MOSS The Cult Sensation Comedy Ukulele Show, MAXI-FUN WITH MINI-GUITARS !

ATTENTION! The Ukulele’s are back!-Brilliant Comedy-Brilliant Music Is it possible for anyone to create a show that brilliantly combines music from Mozart to Monty Python, Bach to the Beatles, Chick Corea to Rossini?

The answer of course in the case of The Unique Komedy Ukulele Orchestra is a resounding “YES!” Their motto is; “Musical borders belong to Yesterday”.

After three hugely successful European Tours in 2011, 2012 and 2013 they’re coming back.

BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281

DEAD SHEEP MON 3 - SAT 8 OCTOBER 2016

DIRECTED BY PETER MOSS The Cult Sensation Comedy Ukulele Show, MAXI-FUN WITH MINI-GUITARS !

ATTENTION! The Ukulele’s are back!-Brilliant Comedy-Brilliant Music Is it possible for anyone to create a show that brilliantly combines music from Mozart to Monty Python, Bach to the Beatles, Chick Corea to Rossini?

The answer of course in the case of The Unique Komedy Ukulele Orchestra is a resounding “YES!” Their motto is; “Musical borders belong to Yesterday”.

After three hugely successful European Tours in 2011, 2012 and 2013 they’re coming back.

BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281

HOW TO ENTER Good Luck!

To everyone entering our September competitions!

Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates and Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury to offer three lucky reader’s a pair of tickets to see the productions listed above. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, (INSERT NAME OF SHOW THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE), Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry with all of the above details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk You are welcome to enter to win tickets for all three shows, but please remember to send separate entries for each show.

GOOD LUCK!

WIN THEATRE TICKETSWITH WREKIN NEWS

WIN THEATRE TICKETSWITH WREKIN NEWS

24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 24, 25 Entertainment.indd 1

27/08/2016 13:09

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Odeon, Telford General Manager Carl Fletcher welcomes you to 10 screens of film magic screening stunning RealD 3D. You can treat yourself to an exclusive entertainment experience with our Premier seats, cafe culture at Costa or icy indulgences at Ben & Jerry’s. Parking is available at the cinema for the perfect spot!

ODEONSAYS Bridget Jones’s Baby Bridget is 40-something, has broken up with Mark Darcy, and is pregnant. The problem is, no one knows who the father of ‘Bridget Jones’s Baby’ is – not even Bridget herself.

It might be Mark. On the other hand, it could also be her dashing American suitor Jack. Not only does she have to figure out which of them is the father, she somehow needs to break the news to her parents. Suffice to say, her “happily ever after” isn’t going according to plan.

Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth are back for ‘Bridget Jones’s Baby’.

Will she finally find her Mr. Right?

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24, 25 Entertainment.indd 2

WIN CINEMA TICKETS

Wrekin News ha s teamed up with the Odeon Cinema, Telford to offer on e lucky reader a pa ir of Odeon Silve r Screen Cinema tickets to a film of your choice. Just send your name and telephone conta ct to: Tania Bayli s, Wrekin News, Od eon Silver Screen Tickets, Bridge Ro ad, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email: tania@plus2med ia.co.uk

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Diary September 2016

September 7 - MESSY FINGERS (1 to 5 year olds) 10:30 – 11:30 Loudwater Studio, Ludlow, SY8 1EN Come and get arty with your children. Contact: 01584 877272 September 7 - ACOUSTIC CLUB Playing music from 9pm Come along and join in at The Crown Inn Oakengates September 8 - FOLK AND A JOKE Enjoy an evening with Eve and John Evans, Black Country Sensations. Booking is essential 01746 781192 Severn Valley Country Park 7:30 till 9:00pm Adult £6 - £5, Child £3 September 8 - THE CONSPIRITUALISTS Back in Shropshire from their base in the French Alps, they will be playing a good mixture of everything from Soul to Rock. THE CROWN INN OAKENGATES September 9 - 12 - MUCH WENLOCK WALKING WEEKEND All-day, Meet at various locations.

A walk following the Olympian trail around Much Wenlock, a tree walk and a World War 1 walk. A social walk has been planned for the evening.

Visit www.muchwenlockwalkers. org.uk or email wenlock.walkers@ gmail.com for further information.

September 10 and 11 - COUNTRY FAIR AND HORTICULTURAL SHOW A traditional floral, fruit, vegetables, wine and craft show.

20 stalls and several displays

of old agricultural tools. There will also be plant stalls, raffle, gardeners question time, floral art, cookery demos and lots more to enjoy with the family. £2.50 per person children FREE - FREE parking, MERCURE HOTEL on the Habberley Rd, Kidderminster DY12 1LA September 10 and 11 - HERITAGE OPEN DAYS St. James’ Church, Stirchley 12 noon until 4pm daily. FREE admission September 13 - STOKESAY COURT GUIDED HOUSE TOUR 2:30 – 4:00pm Stokesay Court, Onibury, Craven Arms, SY7 9BD It’s COMEDY & CURRY at TELFORD COMEDY CLUB Second Tuesday in every month.

Book a meal before hand for £10 including a great line up of comedians. TICKETS ARE LIMITEDThis month…Johnny Sorrow, Theresa Farlow, Wayne Beese, Jay Islaam and Colin Harris. The Crown Inn Oakengates 18 Seeptember - ANTIQUE & VINTAGE FAIR MAWS CRAFT CENTRE 10:00 till 4:00 A good day to be had at the Antique and vintage fair. Stalls set up in the Victorian courtyard at MAWS CRAFT CENTRE, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7LS- 01952 883082

September 6 13 20 and 27 OVER 60s RUN GROUP If you are completely new to running or just returning to exercise, this is the group for you.

6:30 till 7:30 for NT members - Attingham Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury SY4 4T 01743 708148 September 22 - ROBERT BROWN - One of Britain’s brightest musicians makes a welcome return with a tantalizing mix of psychedelic folk, blues, jazz alternative country-rock and who knows what else!

At The Crown Inn Oakengates 24 September - TIM FITZHIGHAM as WILL SHAKESPEAR’S STANDUP Multi award winning comedian stars in a play to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespear. St Marys Church, St Marys street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1DX 07469 854513 Starts 7pm 25 September - QUIZ NIGHT at the CROWN INN Market Street 8:30 start £1 Per person for a team of up to five September 25 - WOODLAND SKILLS DAY 11:00 till 5:30 - Find out how woodland is managed and discover modern and traditional woodworking skills. Children can make and take home a ‘Bug Hotel’ Dudmaston Hall, Quatt, Bridgnorth, WV15 6QN Adults £8.95 Child £4.50 Family £22.40

Telford Stamp, Card and Coin Fair

Telford Stamp, Card and Coin Fair, Saturday 8 October, 2016, Belmont Hall, Wellington Centre, Telford, TF1 1LU, 10am to 3pm, free entry, good range of stalls, free valuations, buy and sell, home made refreshments. Free adjacent car park, train station close by, bus via Telford Centre to nearby local bus station.

Further details from Bob Hemmings, Tel: 01694 720192. (Tables may be available.)

Art Exhibition

Painsgrey Art Group are holding their 10 Anniversary Exhibition for one week begining the 30th October to 6th November 2016, In Telford Town Centre, New Street, (opposite Claire’s Accessories). All exhibitors are local artists and original works will be displayed, some of which will be for sale.

The group is working in conjunction with Galleries Alive and we are grateful for their help and support. Painsgrey members extend a warm welcome to all who enjoy art and may want to purchase that special present for Christmas or because a picture takes their fancy.

Hadley United Services & Village Club LTD Wish to remind members and guests

SATURDAY 1st OCTOBER

BOOT LEG ABBA Members £4 Guests £7 TICKETS ONLY

Ticket JUST

THE

Win a family ticket to Thinktank

GREAT FAMILY DAYS OUT WITH WREKIN NEWS

T

HINKTANK is Birmingham’s award winning science museum which offers an enlightening and fun packed day out for the family.

From steam engines to talking robots, Thinktank has over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology.

Housed inside the impressive Millennium Point building, at Thinktank you will find four floors of hands-on exhibits and historical collections that will amaze and inspire you, showing you the science of the world all around us.

Highlights include the new Marine Worlds gallery, the Science Garden for fun outdoor play, Planetarium, which offers a wide range of shows about astronomy and space, and an exciting programme of events and activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy and lots to learn.

Thinktank is operated by Birmingham Museums Trust, an independent charity that manages the city’s museum collection and venues on behalf of Birmingham City Council. It uses the collection of around 800,000 objects to provide a wide range of arts, cultural and historical experiences, events and activities that deliver accessible learning, creativity and enjoyment for citizens and visitors to the city.

Win a Family Ticket!

Wrekin News has teamed up with Thinktank to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket for two adults and two children. To enter the competition please send your name, address and daytime telephone contact details to: Tania Baylis, Wrekin News, Thinktank Ticket, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk

26 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 26, 27,Just The Ticket.indd 1

27/08/2016 08:40

t Get Ouwith t & Abourekin the W s New

To advertise in

JUST THE TICKET

Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email irene@plus2med ia.co.uk

Clifton announce Film Festival dates For the first time Clifton Community Arts Centre Ltd are launching an international film festival.

Although we may be stretching a point to say “Four Continents” we wanted to reflect the diversity of the films that we will be showing – so we felt we could stretch a point!

We are very much hoping that the local community will show their support of this initiative by coming to see the films, hence demonstrating that there is a local interest in showing work of film makers throughout the world.

We are the first to agree that mainstream films will always be popular programme content – and so we are again running our Autumn Film Festival in in October in conjunction with the Wellington Festival 2016 as we have in previous years.

The international film festival has been sponsored with a grant from Veolia – Midlands West and we would like to thank them for their support of this new initiative.

The “Four Continents” films are: 3rd September 2016 at 7.00 p.m. Doors open at 6.30 p.m. “KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM” 2016 - : Language – Hindi with English subtitles 10th September 2016 at 7.30 p.m.

Doors open at 7.00 p.m. “HOME AGAIN” 2012 : Language English : Made by a Canadian Production Company but shot mainly in the Caribbean 17th September 2016 at 7.00 p.m. Doors open at 6.30 p.m. “MERMAID” 2016 - : Language – Mandarin with English subtitles : Biggest grossing Chinese film of all time 24th September 2016 at 7.00 p.m. Doors open at 6.30 p.m. “IDA” – 2013 : Language – Polish with English subtitles: Academy and BAFTA award winner All films will be shown at the Belmont Hall in Wellington with the exception of “MERMAID” with a change of venue to the Main Function Room in Wellington Leisure Centre.

Craft Fair Saturday 10th September 11am-5pm

Combine a wonderful walk around the Arboretum with a visit to our first ever craft fair...

A range of local craft stalls will be set up on our front lawn for you to pick up lot’s of interesting and unique crafts to take home with you - Maybe even get a bit of early Christmas shopping done!

y only One da try into e en half-pric ir, Gardens ft Fa the Cra retum* & Arbo

£2.50 Adults n £1.00 Childre 3s FREE Under

Follow us on Facebook for

events, news & offers!

k www.arleyarboretum.co.u *T&C’s apply. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. Please check website for more info.

E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467

The Brewery Inn High Street, Coalport, Telford TF8 7HZ

5 Star Food Hygiene Rating Home Cooked Value Food Local Produce Used Child Friendly Patio Area With Beautiful River Views Free Parking · Day Fishing Holiday Cottage

Tel: 01952 581225

Emails us breweryinn@btconnect.com Visit our website @ www.breweryinn.co.uk

The Brewery Inn www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 27

26, 27,Just The Ticket.indd 2

27/08/2016 08:21

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Friday 2nd - Velvet Tardis Saturday 3rd - Poker Jack Friday 9th - Metallica Tribute band Saturday 10th - Ska Burst Friday 16th - Charity gig for National Autistic Society with 6 bands Saturday 17th - Perfect Stranger Friday 23rd - Paul Parker and all the right friends Saturday 24th - Knucklebones Friday 30th - Angel House (The Hogz)

UT! O S S I M DON’T

26 HAYGATE RD, WELLINGTON, TELFORD, TF1 1QA - 01952 247333 FACEBOOK.COM/THEHAYGATE

t Get Ouwith t & Abourekin the W s New

To advertise in

JUST THE TICKET

Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email irene@plus2med ia.co.uk

Win a Family Pass to Drayton Manor Park

D

RAYTON Manor Park has teamed up with Wrekin News to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family pass to visit the award winning attraction during its ‘more trick than treat event’!

From 22nd to 30th the park will be transformed into a spine-tingling mecca of Halloween fun as part of its special ‘more Treat than Trick’ event.

If you’re looking for a little more trick than treat, then look no further than the newly refurbished attraction The Haunting. Since 1996, The Haunting has scared visitors of all ages, who love to immerse

themselves in the intriguing world of the paranormal. The newly renovated and enhanced attraction takes visitors on a tour of their senses; seeing, smelling, feeling, hearing and even brushing up against slimy and revolting things with its spine-chilling interactive activities.

The Haunting is based on the legend of the Drayton Manor Estate vicarage where the sudden passing of the vicar led to a series of strange circumstances and unexplainable events. This time around the eerie vicarage has lain abandoned for the past 20 years, after the series of unexplained disappearances were left unsolved.

If that wasn’t adrenalin pumping enough, be sure to feed your inner thrill seeker with the drop tower, Apocalypse, or how about getting the fright of your life on Shockwave, or even braving the monsoon on Stormforce 10.

Drayton Manor Park also boasts a fantastic 4D Cinema and a 15acre Zoo, which is home to a troublesome Tamarin troop, two critically endangered Sumatran tigers and its very own witches’ guardians, a pair of black leopards. www.draytonmanor.co.uk - twitter.com/Draytonmanor facebook.com/DraytonManorPark

WIN A FAMILY PASS!

To enter our amazing competition to win a family pass for Drayton Manor Park all you have to do is send your name, address and daytime contact telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Drayton Manor Pass, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk

Terms and conditions

28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28 Just The Ticket.indd 1

Winners may visit the park on a date of their choosing from 22nd October 2016 to the 30th October 2016, subject to availability. Selected dates may apply, please check website for opening times and dates. A family ticket is for four people, with the maximum of two people aged between 12 – 59 years of age within the family ticket. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The prize will automatically be void if sold, offered for sale or if any attempt or offer is made to transfer the prize for value. The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion, including Family, Advanced and Website tickets. Drayton Manor Theme Park, Nr Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3TW. Tel: 0844 472 1960. www.draytonmanor.co.uk.

27/08/2016 09:21

Jingle all the way

to the buckatree

LUNr CH TRIB30UthTNEovem be rson £16.50 per pe

FRANK SINATRA

TRIB6tUh TDecEemLUbeNr CH

TRIBUTE LUNCH

rson £16.50 per pe

VER A LYNN LUNr CH TRIB15UthTDEecem be

DORIS DAY

BIELNADCSK A L CIL R F AND

LUNr CH TRIB12UthTDEecem be rson £16.50 per pe

r 8th Decembe n rso £16.50 per pe

OUR SHO SHOWCASE SH OWCASE OF OF TRIBUTE TRIBUTTE TRIBUT E BUDDY HOLLNYCH LUNCHES ARE THE THE BEST BEST AROUND AROUND TRIBUTE LU ber 19th Decem rson £16.50 per pe

rson £16.50 per pe

Tel: 01952 641821 Buckatree Hall www.BuckatreeHallHotel.com

Hotel

We‘ve got Christmas all wrapped up!!!

Elvis Presley

Cilla Black

30th November

6th December

3 Course Lunch £16.50

Mid-Week Party!

Tribute Lunch

Available throughout December, up until the 21st, excluding Fridays and Saturdays.

4 course dinner and disco. £29.95

Festive LET IT SNOW Princess Party Lunches 21st December

Throughout December

2 Courses - £10.50 3 Courses - £13.50

£10.95 Adults £5.95 Children

Frank Sinatra

Doris Day

Festive Sundays 27th November. 4th, 11th & 18th December New Year’s Day

3 Course Dinner £24.95

Vera Lynn

Buddy Holly

Tribute Lunch

8th December

12th December

15th December

3 Course Lunch £16.50

3 Course Lunch £16.50

3 Course Lunch £16.50

3 Course Lunch £16.50

All Inclusive Party Nights

Christmas Day Lunch

Boxing Day

New Years Eve Gala Dinner

25th 26th November 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th & 22nd December

£49.00

Tribute Lunch

5 Course Lunch Adults £62.00 Children £29.00

3 Course Lunch £23.00 adults £12.00 children

Throughout December

£14.95 Adults £8.95 Children

Tribute Lunch

Tribute Lunch

Festive Dinner

Tribute Lunch 19th December 3 Course Lunch £16.50

1970’s Christmas show 6 Course Gala Dinner, Live Music £99.00

Buckatree Hall Hotel The Wrekin, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire. TF6 5AL or visit our website

www.buckatreehallhotel.com

Tel: 01952 641821 www.BuckatreeHallHotel.com

Buckatree Hall Hotel Advert.indd 1

26/08/2016 18:40

Ticket JUST

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t Get Ouwith t & Abourekin the W s New

To advertise in

JUST THE TICKET

Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email irene@plus2med ia.co.uk

Win tickets to the Midland Game Fair For over 30 years, the Midland Game Fair has provided one of the UK’s best showcases of country life and this year it is returning bigger and better than ever. Hosted in the picturesque grounds of Weston Park in Shropshire on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, it’s an event not to be missed.

A favourite with families and fieldsports enthusiasts alike, there is a jam-packed itinerary with something for everyone. For dog lovers, there is the final of the Chudleys Gundog Championship, terrier and lurcher events, various gundog trials as well as a working dog village.

There is also a practical horsemanship show, the Pakefield Ferrets display and a falconry village.

In the Le Chameau Main Arena there is so much to see, including lumberjack display team Adam’s Axemen, the Lamb National and a spectacular Spitfire aerial display courtesy of the team at Boultbee

FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO BE WON!

Flight Academy.

To celebrate the event, the Wrekin News has teamed up with Countryman Fairs to offer five pairs of adult one-day tickets worth over £40.

For a chance of winning a pair of tickets, simply answer the following question.

What type of aeroplane will be performing an aerial display at the Midland Game Fair? a) Hawk b) Spitfire c) Torpedo Send your answer along with your name, address, email and phone number to: Tania Baylis, Midland Game Fair, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your answer and contact details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk Entries close on Wednesday 14 September 2016. Good Luck!

30 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 30 Just The Ticket.indd 1

27/08/2016 08:56

Care & Mobility Over 30 years experience

www.care&mobility.co.uk

“Wellington’s own”

- Service work carried out at special rates - FREE daily living aids catalogue - Motability Finance Available - Best Prices on all batteries supplied - FREE, easy parking - FREE HOME INSTORE ASSESSMENTS

MASSIVE SHOWROOM - MASSIVE CHOICE

MASSIVE DISCOUNTS Visit our huge showroom with stock available to take today: 10 Wrekin Road, Wellington, TF1 1QZ (opposite Peter Morris Cars, just up from Dunelm)

OPEN: Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm · Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm FREE CAR PARK OUTSIDE

NEW PORTABLE SCOOTER

Tel: 01952 250900

with full suspension

Scooters on Motability finance with deposit of £100, rent from £12.50 per week Stairlifts fitted from only £699

· · · · · ·

Four Wheel Walker

£39

reclining bath lifts £265 incontinence products shower chairs commodes walking sticks cosyfeet slippers

BIG SAVINGS ON AIDS Care & Mobility.indd 1

Range of quality Lift and Recline Armchairs

FROM

£399 26/08/2016 17:24

Retirement living residents are star bakers

S

Now taking bookings!

From Festive lunches to Party Nights, a relaxing Christmas to bringing in the New Year in style - we’ve got the Festive Season wrapped up Wrekin News spring 2016 - half page.pdf 1 24/02/2016

TAR bakers from The Wrekin Housing Trust’s Retirement Living schemes tested their skills recently with a Master Chef style bake off held at New College, Wellington.

The eight competitors first watched Chef Lecturer, Se a demonstration from Chef Lecturer, an Sean McNulty who explained how residents how to McNulty, showing the create the chou to prepare the perfect choux pastry x pastry swan swan. They then took up their stations in the kitchen and began creating their own masterpiece using a selection of ingredients donated by Tesco.

The final results were then placed next to numbers, keeping the creators identities secret and were judged by Sean and guest judge Clare Jamieson, Oakwood’s Chef Manager.

The judges tasted the sweet delights commenting on flavour, texture and presentation and crowned 72 year old Marjorie Price as the winner.

Marjorie said, “Even though the afternoon has been competitive it has been lots of fun. It’s even taken me back to my school days!”

Sue Hughes, Events Co-ordinator for the Trust, said: “It’s been a great event. It has been amazing to have the use of a professional kitchen. It really makes it feel like the TV show. We love encouraging our residents to take part in a range of activities. It’s all 16:49:03about staying active, socialising and having fun.”

You can find out more about Retirement Living at www.wrekinretirementliving.co.uk or calling 01952 217171

Independence and peace of mind at the touch of a button C

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A WATCH alarm provides reassurance and help when needed, 24 hours a day through a dedicated response team.

To book a FREE home demonstration please call 01952 217151 www.watchalarms.co.uk 32 Community.indd 1

27/08/2016 13:54

Young volunteers help transform Wellington care home garden A group of young people have dug deep to help transform a dementia garden at a Wellington care home.

The two 10-strong teams of 15 to 17-year-olds, who are all taking part in the National Citizenship Scheme, took on a project to enlarge the specialist garden at Coverage Care’s Farcroft facility in North Road on August 3 and 4.

The groups performed all the groundworks to extend the garden to allow residents to walk around the area that will be populated with sensory plants.

They also spent time with residents, talking to them and

playing music, and presented the home with activity equipment that they had raised funds for.

The visit was part of a week of social action by the young volunteers as part of their four-week summer programme.

Home manager Karen McPherson said the young people had made a real impact during their visit.

“The dementia garden is important to us as it can provide vital stimulation to people in various stages of the disease so the work the NCS volunteers have done to extend it has been wonderful.

“It was great to see them

Young NCS volunteers at work extending the dementia garden at Coverage Care’s Farcroft home.

NCS volunteers also spent time playing games with residents during their visi t to Coverage Care’s Farcroft home. interacting with residents and the activity equipment will provide some fun times in the future.”

To learn more about Coverage Care and its work in Shropshire, visit www. coveragecareservices.co.uk.

Discover near you

Making care a positive and rewarding choice Coverage Care – a not for profit, multi award winning organisation with care services throughout the region – improving the lives of those using our services by providing quality, innovative and inclusive care that respects the individual.

locations to feel at home.

33 Coverage Care page.indd 1

Lightmoor View Telford Tel: 01952 432 412

Barclay Gardens Donnington Tel: 01952 605 321

Farcroft Wellington Tel: 01952 223 447

Cottage Christian Newport Tel: 01952 825 557

26/08/2016 16:52

Life in Lake View “I would highly recommend this care home. The care my mother has received since moving in has been simply exemplary.

Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff who are all very concerned to ensure the wellbeing of residents.”

Daughter of resident Our care home offers a range of attractively furnished, spacious en-suite bedrooms, a music room and a coffee shop, where residents and their loved ones often spend their time socialising, and a hairdressing salon where residents can sit back and relax while being pampered.

We believe in being part of our local community and invite you to join us at our upcoming events.

Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, Shropshire TF3 1LB Tel: 01952 594 110

their

EXPRESS ONE HOUR DENTURE REPAIRS RE-LINES/ADDITIONS/COPY DENTURES

27 WEST CASTLE ST, BRIDGNORTH, WV16 4AD

6-10 HAYGATE ROAD WELLINGTON, TF1 1QA

01746 764334 01952 253522

Land girls 1940s themed tea dance!

Dementia Support Group

Join us on Sunday 2 October 2pm to 4pm for Silver Sunday, which celebrates older people and their contributions to our local communities.

There will be live music, delicious food and refreshments.

Every first Monday of the month between 10am and noon, the team at Lake View will be offering support for those caring for a loved one living with dementia.

Join our next support session on Monday 5 September.

‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’

Lake View Residential Care Home Residential

Dementia

warmly invites you to our:

Silver Sunday Tea Dance Sunday 2 October 2pm to 4pm

We invite you to celebrate Silver Sunday, a day which celebrates older people and their contributions to our local communities.

From 2pm join our residents and staff at our free event as we enjoy a land girls 1940s themed tea dance with fancy dress, decorations and live music!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, TF3 1LB Tel: 01952 594 110 When calling please quote reference: Wrekin1

www.sanctuary-care.co.uk Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity

34 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34 Sanctuary.indd 1

27/08/2016 13:35

Love Food Just how fresh is ‘fresh’ produce?

by

Professor Ralph Early

W

ALK into any supermarket and the chances are that the first thing you will see is the fresh produce isle: colourful fruits and vegetables stacked floor to ceiling drawing customers inside. But even though the term ‘fresh produce’ is readily used as a collective label for unprocessed and minimally processed fruits and vegetables, is such produce truthfully fresh? Much fresh produce today is packaged to extend shelflife and inhibit deterioration, and much travels to us from the four corners of the world. We might wonder then if our traditional understanding of fresh produce, indeed what fresh means and what is objectively fresh, is being changed by the way the modern food system operates.

Fifty years ago people commonly grew fresh fruits in their gardens, including strawberries which would fill the air with aroma and shout their readiness to be eaten. If they were not devoured immediately they would be overripe the next day. With the development of global supply chains strawberries have been bred to survive chilled distribution and prevent damage and loss. They are now invariably hard and flavourless, and few people eat strawberries as they should be. We may certainly question whether strawberries flown thousands of miles for sale in supermarkets are genuinely fresh. Worryingly, we may also consider that our understanding of freshness is being transformed by the profit motives of the food industry. If so, are we in danger of losing sight of what fresh food really is?

In contrast to strawberries, which can be grown in Britain, tropical bananas have to be transported long distances to allow us to enjoy the flavoursome treat.

Bananas are best eaten ripe from the tree. Those destined for consumption in our marketplace are picked green and to inhibit ripening during transit are held in containers with modified atmospheres of reduced oxygen and increased carbon dioxide.

Exposure to air starts the ripening process, but because they are harvested unripe, consumers often buy bananas that are hard and ripen unreliably, never developing authentic flavour and aroma. This is true of other imported fruits, such as avocados, peaches and nectarines. In reality, when it comes to imported fruit our experience of fresh is not genuine, but to enjoy such produce we have to accept that, perhaps, in this context freshness is a flexible term.

At one time British consumers predominantly ate fresh fruits and vegetables in season, often produced

@ProfRalphEarly

Professor Ralph Early is head of the Department of Food Science and AgriFood Supply Chain Management in Harper Adams University, Food Sector Champion for the Telford Business Board, a Council Member of the Food Ethics Council, and a member of the Guild of Food Writers.

locally and regionally. Of course produce that could be stored for later consumption, e.g. apples and potatoes, would be, but it was understood that such produce was not strictly fresh. Seasonal fruits and vegetables were something to look forward to; such as plums, gooseberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, apricots, asparagus, runner beans, peas, Brussels sprouts and purple sprouting broccoli. The global food system with daily imports from foreign parts is now expunging our understanding of seasonality.

It is also displacing much domestic production as, for example, 25 years ago Britain was 80% selfsufficient in vegetables whereas today the figure is 55%.

Would there be value in shoppers seeking local, seasonal and fresh as they used to? If people could be encouraged to eat more locally and regionally produced fruits and vegetables, and to enjoy again eating fresh produce in season, this would increase support to our own farmers and rural economies.

It might also encourage greater consumption of healthy fresh produce and it could enhance our national food security. But while it might be a worthy ideal, is it likely to happen? Probably not when one considers that a hand-full of supermarkets control access to the food marketplace for farmers, growers and food manufacturers alike, and generally it is the supermarkets that decide what the people of Britain will be offered to eat.

Buckatree Hall Hotel

Tel: 01952 641 821

Sunday Lunch Fantastic Value

£13.95 3 Courses

THE WREKIN, TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE, TF6 5AL Email: reception@buckatreehallhotel.com www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 35

33 Ralph Early.indd 1

26/08/2016 17:26

Love Food

the tipple!

DUTTERS EATS WELL Inspirational, simple & delicious food to fuel your body without spending all your paypacket

YOU SAY TOMATO

by Laura Dutfield Since my other half moved in (ahead of the wedding of 2016!), I have discovered the differences between the male food shopping method, and well, mine! Let’s just say, sometimes we end up with a multitude of yoghurts and eggs, but a little light in the fruit and veg department.

It makes us chuckle and we end up playing our own version of Ready Steady Cook!

This week our fridge was over-stocked with cherry tomatoes. We could have feed the entire street with them, and still have some left over. So, out came the slow cooker, and my recipe inventing cap, and I came up with this; a slow roasted garlic, coconut and tomato soup. It’s slightly faffy to begin with, but it tastes sooo good.

If I was the suspicious type, I’d think that my husband-to-be was trying to keep me young by buying all the tomatoes, as the phytochemical, lycopene, helps eliminate skin-aging free radicals

which are caused by ultraviolet rays. (Lycopene is the bright red pigment, found in tomatoes and other red fruit and veg.)

The little round red balls, have outstanding antioxidant content, and lycopene in particular protects and stimulates osteoblasts, which are important bone-building and protecting cells.

They are also excellent at lowering cholesterol and the risk of heart problems like atherosclerosis.

Researchers at Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that bioavailability or absorption of lycopene is greatest when tomatoes are cooked with olive oil “Increases in plasma lycopene concentration after consumption of tomatoes cooked with olive oil.” When tomatoes are cooked, the lycopene in the raw tomato is converted into trans-lycopene, which is more readily absorbed.

Give my soup a go and let me know what you think.

W hy not try . . .

Slow Roasted Garlic, Coconut and Tomato Soup 700g cherry tomatoes 1 tsp granulated sugar ¼ tsp chilli flakes ¼ tsp cayenne pepper Can of coconut milk 1 head garlic 1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced 1 can chopped tomatoes ½ cup chicken stock 1 tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method . . .

Serves 4.

Makes about 2.5 pints.

Freezable.

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C. 2. Peel the cloves of garlic. Place them on a square of foil and top with the olive oil. Fold the foil around the cloves to make a packet. Roast in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

3. While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tomatoes and boil for 3 minutes.

4. Drain the tomatoes and run under cold water until they are cool enough to touch. Remove the skin and add to the slow cooker.

5. Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, including the roasted garlic but except the coconut milk. (This goes in after the soup is cooked).

6. Cook on high for 5 hours, or until vegetables are soft.

7. Turn the machine off and stir in the coconut milk.

8. Puree the soup in a blender until completely smooth.

9. If you prefer your soup really smooth, pass it through a sieve or muslin, this gets rid of the seeds. I like it with the seeds, but it is preference.

10. Spoon into warm bowls and enjoy.

Check out Laura’s Instagram account for more ideas: www.instagram.com/dutters1980

36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 36 Wine and Dine.indd 1

Website: www.dutterseatswell.wordpress.com

by

Sue Ladds

IT’S TURNED OUT LOVELY!

N

O, not the weather, but a welcome comment from a new brewer. The new beer makers usually get good instructions with their starter pack and they’re competant brewers from

the start.

Wine makers however come in two varieties, those who start with a good wine kit that reflects their choice of wine, and those that start with granny’s old recipe or download half a dozen recipes from the internet and then choose the simplest.

The wine kit maker is also on the path to pleasant and productive manufacture.

However any recipe that relies on rotting the fruit, cooking the fruit (thats jam!), not using a proper yeast and believing wine takes years to mature may not be off to the best of starts. Granny’s recipes was limited by what products were available at the time, not by choice and very limited funds.

Now, after fifty years of homewinemaking, ingredients and equipment have surpassed Granny’s wildest dreams.

This does not make winemaking more difficult, on the contrary most of the potential problems are now eliminated. So using old recipes or practices is unfortunately more likely lead to poor results.

The wine kit manufacturers fall over themselves to produce good products and making wine from fruit benefits from this knowledge. Use good ingredients and good practices to make wine to be proud of. The time and effort are the same, the results are in different leagues and yes, your BrewGenie store can help.

We are also working on the Brewgenie weather pack, however, for the time being, if you’re planning an event, keep praying.

BREW ie Gen Large range of beer and wine making kits including starter kits and equipment.

Plus all distilation requirements.

Very competitive prices at all times.

Delivery service throughout UK and Europe.

Enquiries please to: sales@brewgenie.co.uk

www.brewgenie.com

Church House New Church Road Wellington, TF1 1JX 01952 250771

26/08/2016 17:27

THE PARADE THETELFORD, PARADE TF1 1PY WELLINGTON, WELLINGTON, TELFORD, TF1 1PY Tel: 01952 246855 Tel: 01952 246855 Carriages.indd 1

26/08/2016 16:45

Funeral directors receive more requests to modernise services

by Dr Kate Maxwell

BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS GPCert(EqP)

Atypical myopathy

A

TYPICAL myopathy (also known as “sycamore poisoning”) is an acute, severe muscle disease which is fatal in up to 75% of cases. This disease is usually seen in the autumn, in horses and ponies kept at pasture. It is associated with the ingestion of sycamore seeds and saplings that contain the toxin “Hypoglycin A” which disrupts energy metabolism in predominantly the leg, breathing and heart muscles.

Clinical signs Clinical signs result from an inability of the leg, breathing and heart muscles to use energy sources effectively. Patients often then develop multiple organ failure. Affected individuals are exceedingly dull and anxious, being reluctant to move, raise their head and may be unable to stand up. They may sweat and can show muscle tremors. They usually present with an increased heart and breathing rate. Horses who are unable to stand may become cold to the touch.

Urine from affected individuals may be orange to dark brown/red in colour.

Diagnosis Diagnosis of the condition is typically made based on history, clinical signs, blood tests, urine samples, with or without muscle biopsy.

Blood tests and urine samples are used to determine the level of muscle damage by analysing the levels of products released from damaged muscle fibres. Muscle samples can be looked at under the microscope to definitively confirm the presence of muscle damage.

Treatment Atypical myopathy is often fatal and, to date,

no specific cure has been established. Instituted therapy aims to limit further muscle damage, provide rehydration, restore normal energy usage in affected muscle, provide vitamins and anti-oxidants to the body and alleviate pain if present.

Affected animals need emergency intensive care to maximize the chance of survival. Individuals should be moved to the nearest available stable or veterinary clinic. Intravenous fluids are the mainstay of therapy to which additional substances and drugs are added.

These aim to rehydrate the patient, normalize energy metabolism and flush out the toxins from the blood.

Painkillers are administered frequently. Vitamins and antioxidants have been shown to improve survival rates and so these are administered in high doses.

Additional nursing care such as tempting with food and water, grooming and frequent human interaction is important, in particularly in those horses who are unable to stand. Some cases may require slings to support them to stand and lift their heads.

Prevention • Prevent access to sycamore trees, their saplings and seeds.

• If possible, remove sycamore leaves, saplings and seeds from pasture.

• Provide additional forage and reduce stocking density in fields during high-risk periods.

• Limit grazing time on pastures with previous cases.

• Ensure access to fresh drinking water from water troughs.

Provide access to a mineral/vitamin supplement and salt block.

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A recent survey by the UK’s leading funeral vehicle coachbuilder, has revealed that over 40 percent of funeral directors receive requests to modernise funeral arrangements.

The most requested modernisation has come in the form of live-streaming services, with 61 percent of funeral directors stating that they’ve had requests as to whether they are able to provide some form of online broadcast or digital uplink.

There has also been a significant rise in enquiries

as to the industry’s “carbon footprint”, with 78 percent of directors admitting to having fielded requests for eco-friendly coffins as well as enquiries about their green credentials, according to the survey.

In response to the findings, Paul Wilcox, the CEO of Wilcox Limousines, said: “The industry today is changing. In regards to modernising the process, live streaming and uplinks are a great way to reach family members that live on the other side of the world. It’s fantastic to see the industry embracing new technology.”

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38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 38 Vets.indd 1

27/08/2016 09:49

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OW that the holidays are over, or at least nearly, and the bedding plants are beginning to look a little tired it is time for a general tidy up in the garden. As the bedding dies out or gets lanky remove it and fork over the soil. It is really surprising what an hour or so will do to improve the garden’s appearance.

The Annuals have suffered this year with all the rain we have had, the shrubs appear to have coped better, if they were well established they have put on tremendous growth so now is the time for a little judicious pruning although I must admit that I have been doing this little and often throughout the summer in my own garden to keep things under control. Do not prune the early flowering shrubs now or you will lose next year’s flowers, others will however need cutting back to shape and size. Hedge growth is now slowing so a final trim should get them ready for winter.

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have a well established root system before next year’s growing season when they will make good healthy top growth and will not need so much watering.

Geraniums have been badly hit by the very wet weather this year but if you have some that you would like to over winter pot up the original plant when you eventually remove it from its garden position and take a few cuttings to increase your stock for next year. This also gives a greater chance of successfully over wintering at least some plants. Select none flowering shoots about 3 inches long and cut them cleanly from the plant, remove the lower leaves so there is just a pair at the top, then cut again just below where the lower leaves were. For best results leave the cuttings to dry for a couple of hours then dip in hormone rooting powder and plant them around the edge of a 4 or 5 inch pot about 5 cuttings per pot. Keep the pots fairly dry and when there are signs of growth each cutting can be transplanted into its own individual pot. Fuchsias can, with the exception of the drying period, be treated in the same way.

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42 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42, 43 Gardening.indd 1

26/08/2016 17:22

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42, 43 Gardening.indd 2

27/08/2016 10:19

Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

Welcome to the land of smiles!

The new Megane - it’s a gleaming Gallic engineering magnificence as Syd Taylor discovers . . .

VIEW FROM BEHIND THE WHEEL IS THE MOTORING EQUIVALENT METAPHORICALLY, OF LOOKING DOWN ON OTHERS FROM GREAT HEIGHTS.

W

E know about ‘Begin The Beguine’ but what about how to begin the new Megane? Taking the measure of the Megane is a lot easier than climbing the Eiffel Tower - but the view from behind the wheel is the motoring equivalent metaphorically, of looking down on others from great heights.

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44 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 44, 45 Syd Taylor 2.indd 1

26/08/2016 17:05

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complex by offering more and more advanced technology that could even challenge a fighter pilot. Renault are leading the technology field here.

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44, 45 Syd Taylor 2.indd 2

26/08/2016 17:06

Sport WREKIN NEWS

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MIXED START FOR TELFORD email your sports story to james@plus2media.co.uk

A

FC Telford United faced a tough start to their National league North campaign. With that in mind manager Rob Smith had mixed emotions about his side’s opening results. On the one hand the Bucks proved they could be competitive against some of the division’s favourites, whilst at times he was angered by an apparent lack of application.The direction the club takes over the next nine months will be very much dependent on Smith’s managerial skills and his ability to consistently get the best from his squad. A tough task in a division that boasts several high profile and financially robust clubs.

> Micah Evans - fine form for the Bucks

by Lez Dean The Bucks began with a defeat against many people’s favourites for the title, AFC Fylde. But Smith was pleased that his side were competitive and they could easily have taken the points. The difference between the sides being big name signing Danny Rowe’s finish just after the break and Telford centre back Dan Preston’s failure to capitalise when in good positions following free kicks.

Telford’s second game saw them travel to Broadhurst Park, home of FC United of Manchester. Once again one of the more fancied clubs. This time Smith will have considered his side unlucky not to have bagged the points as they dominated for long spells and failing to win as chances were missed. A scoreless draw was scant reward for their efforts.

Tamworth provided the opposition next and were ahead in just four minutes. In fact Telford suffered a torrid opening ten minutes and could have been dead and buried but they battled back well and equalised as Tom Peers scored his first goal for the club. Peers should have doubled his tally in the second half but could not sort out his feet as he missed from close in. The Bucks were punished in injury time as sub Andy Morrell popped in a winner for the Staffordshire side.

Ex-Shrewsbury Town man Dave Hibbert was at

Vanaraman National North League

the centre of everything as the Bucks secured a first victory. His late strike complimented a fine lobbed goal from Peers to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory over a lacklustre Stalybridge Celtic side at the New Bucks Head.

Smith was irate following the 1-1 draw at Curzon Ashton. A poor first half performance allowing Curzon to take the lead forcing the exHednesford gaffer to make changes.

The introduction of Micah Evans and Danny Reynolds worked wonders as the pair combined to see Reynolds find the net. Late Telford pressure failed to take the points as their first half failure cost them dearly.

Tigers announce new sponsorship Telford Tigers have joined forces with their local branch of Booker Wholesale ahead of the new English Premier League season.

The Shropshire ice hockey team has one of the highest profiles in British ice hockey, thanks to their league and cup double just 18 months ago.

And thanks to a new sponsorship deal with the Telford branch of Booker, they will pick up all the right supplies to help them in their quest for glory next season.

Paul Thomason, Managing Director of Telford Tigers, said: “We have an excellent relationship with Booker that started last year, so I am more

than delighted for it to continue.

“This partnership will ensure our players get all the supplies they need to stay at the top of their game. I am determined to make sure they have every tool at their disposal next season.

“Working with Booker is a perfect example of how local companies can come together and help each other out. The club will be working hard to promote Booker Wholesale throughout the year.”

The arrangement will see Booker Wholesale supply Telford Tigers with food, drinks, snacks and other supplies for their training sessions and matches next season.

46 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 46, 47 Sport.indd 1

27/08/2016 16:36

Wellington pull themselves clear

S

TRONG performances move Wellington clear of the regulation zone.

First Team Coach, Ross Edwards, commented, ‘We have taken vital points from the last few games. Ever since losing against Himley, where we needed a team meeting, the players have shown a sense of determination. We still have plenty of work to do but the players have put us in a good position for the remaining games.’

It has been a positive month, winning 3 out of 4 games and Wellington are 8th in the league with 5 games left. The change in fortunes started away at Bromsgrove. Batting first Wellington amassed 291 for 9 after 55 overs.

Edwards continued, ‘It was a great hundred by Bhargav Merai (111) but it was made possible by Tom Masters who scored 57 not out.

Everyone in the league knows that Bhargav is a class act but the battling attitude shown by Tom was superb. We were 115-6 when Tom came out and in a game that we couldn’t afford to lose he showed the fighting spirit we spoke about after the Himley game.’ Bromsgrove were always behind the run rate and finished 243 for 4 after 55 overs. Adam Byram blunted the Bromsgrove innings with figures of 13 overs 2 for 37. Wellington returned with 13 points and confidence restored.

The local derby game against Bridgnorth was possibly the most complete performance of the season so far. The bowlers demonstrated the new found determination by restricting Bridgnorth to 164-9 from 55 overs. Edwards said, ‘Adam Byram showed his experience and adjusted his pace to suit the wicket.

Only 22 runs were scored off his 13 overs and he picked up 4 wickets.

Again, I was really impressed in the way we never let them back into the game. We went 3 wickets down and that could have easily become 5 or 6 to set up a tense finish. However, we fought hard and ran out comfortable winners by 7 wickets after 36 overs.’ Jamie Miller (56 not out) and Wendell Wagner (64 not out) closed the game out and led Wellington to a massive 24 points.

The only reverse of the month came at home against Old Hill.

‘We were very disappointed to only score 152 but at least after tea we showed some fighting spirit again.

Some people may have written us off at half time but Anthony O’Connor and Wendell Wagner

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> Jamie Miller came out all guns blazing and showed how competitive we can be.

We reduced them to 28 for 5. Old Hill put a partnership together and we didn’t get that bit of luck. We lost by 4 wickets.’

Normal service was resumed against Attock. In a rain affected game Attock scored 101 for 6 from 29.4 overs. Edwards said, ‘We bowled well and when the rain came we required 112 to gain the win. Bhargav and Wendell set about the task and the only real threat was if the rain returned.’

Bhargav scored 45 not out from only 39 balls while Wendell scored 31 from 35 balls, pushing the game comprehensively away from Attock.

Wellington comfortably reached the target for the loss of 4 wickets and another valuable 20 points.

‘In the last few games we have come together and shown that we can play proper cricket. We still have some work to do but if we show the same determination and competitive spirit we should be fine.’

Wellington complete the season away at Brockhampton on the 3rd September, at home to Moseley on the 10th and finally away at Barnards Green on the 17th. All games start at 12 noon.

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