Wrekin news 223

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November 2017 · Issue 223

LEST WE FORGET

PRIZES TO WIN INCLUDING . .

BED & BREAKFAST AT THE BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL FRIENDS OF

WELLINGTON S TAT I O N

STATION ADOPTION THE BIG S A CHRGIivSeTaM wa y DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT CHRISTMAS TREATS! SEE PAGES 24 & 25

WIN A FAMILY TICKET! TO DRAYTON MANOR PARK MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EVENT

FOR THE FALLEN Local Historian Chris Owen looks back at 1917, the year before Armistice was finally declared

Daisy Park (Wrekin News Banner) W-C 23.10.17_Layout 1 25/10/2017 11:17 Page 1

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Wrekin

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

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November 2017 · Issue

223

LEST WE FORGET

PRIZES TO WIN INCLUDING

FRIENDS OF

WELLINGTON S TAT I O N

STATION ADOPTION

THE BIG MAS CHRIST Giveaway

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT CHRISTMAS TREATS! Daisy Park (WrekinSEE PAGES 24 & 25

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..

BED & BREAKFAST AT THE BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL

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FOR THE FALLEN CHRISTMAS EVENT

1 25/10/2017 11:17 Local Page 1 the

Historian Chris Owen looks back at 1917, year before Armistice was finally declared

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30/10/2017 16:53

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 Contributing writer: Dwayne Forrester

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Contact our Advertising Sales Manager: Irene Winning 01952 522562 · irene@plus2media.co.uk Specialist writers: George Evans, Richard Worton, Professor Ralph Early, Sue Ladds, Eve Nicholls, Robert Hudson, Russell Blakey and Syd Taylor Sports News: Lez Dean, Fraser Watson 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 2017 - 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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30/10/2017 16:54

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

H

Welcome to the November issue of Wrekin News!

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ELLO everyone and welcome to the November issue of your favourite monthly lifestyle magazine Wrekin News. We have another packed issue for you to enjoy and get involved with. Congratulations to the winners of our October competitions who are as follows: Louise Whitley of Kidderminster and Eileen Pritchard of Stirchley who have won Odeon Cinema tickets. Andrew Holding of Newport won the family pass to Sea Life Birmingham. Kath Hardman of Admaston is the lucky winner of the £50 Novello Lounge voucher. Diane Skelton from Shawbirch won the family ticket to Wellington Cricket Club Fireworks night. Alison Maddocks from Arleston won a trip to the theatre to see The Chris and Pui Show at The Place. Alan Munn also from Arleston won tickets to the Ghostly Gaslight and finally Sharon Oates from Telford won the family pass to the Blists Hill Victorian Town fireworks. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter.

We have lots of great prizes in the issue up for grabs including some fantastic treats in our Big Christmas Giveaway, see pages 24 and 25!

Please continue to support the magazine’s advertisers and tell them where you saw their advert. If you have a story to tell or want some help from our readers with some local history then please do get in touch, the Wrekin News continues to be the number one local resource for printing your letters and memories and keeping people throughout our community connected!

I hope you enjoy the issue..

Ja m e s

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30/10/2017 21:03

New group formed to help lead Wellington fightback

Wellington Town Council has brought together representatives from the local Chamber of Commerce, Business leaders and local Councils to discuss ways in which they can help co-ordinate efforts to rejuvenate Wellington High Street.

The group met recently and agreed a number of actions including to work in partnership to support ongoing efforts to tackle empty retail space, improve the street scene and increase footfall.

The group initially is made up of representatives from Telford & Wrekin Council, Wellington Town Council, Wellington Chamber of Commerce and local Business Leaders. It is hoped that the new group will engage with residents and other organisations in the Town as they set about the task of rejuvenating the town.

Cllr. Stephen De Launey from Wellington Town Council who is chairing the new group said “We have been trying to address some of the challenges facing the town for a few years now and perhaps have not been highlighting these efforts enough; however, it is apparent that there are a number

of organisations who are doing some really good work in Wellington and we want to try and bring them together and co-ordinate efforts to better effect.”

Cllr Phil Morris Jones from Wellington Town Council added “It is refreshing to see so much passion and commitment to make a difference in Wellington. There has been lot’s of good work and there are many positive potential developments in the pipeline but we must make sure that we don’t develop another talking shop. Action is what is required.”

Frank Lauriello from Wellington Chamber of Commerce said “This is a positive step and over the coming months we hope to get as many businesses, organisations and residents behind this renewed effort as possible.”

Cllr Lee Carter, Wellington Councillor and Telford & Wrekin Cabinet Member said “There

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are some opportunities coming up particularly with the announcement by the Borough Council of new investment to help tackle empty retail space, improve shop frontages, provide marketing support, provide wi-fi access and upgrade street lighting. I’m pleased that we’re coming together not only to highlight what has gone on so far but also to make sure we capitalise on any opportunities in a co-ordinated and effective way.”

The group have revealed they will be working with the Borough Council to undertake some survey work to understand the trends in the Town as an immediate first step.

Happy anniversary!

Mrs Small from Arleston visited the offices recently to remind us that the 20th November marks the 70th wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Phillip. Mrs Small brought in this commemorative programme which celebrated Princess Elizabeth’s wedding day with lots of pictures of the happy couple.

Congratulations David and Lynne

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26/10/2017 16:21

Rob’s Forest Glen car park mural highlights Wrekin OS map

A

LOT of preparation work was needed for this mural and the intention was for it to be completed in the last weekend in July. Unfortunately due to the weather it was completed in five instalments during August and September.

The wall is a depiction of the OS map of The Wrekin. Challenges in producing it included ensuring everything was to scale and positioned correctly. All of the text

Local artist an d designer Rob Holmquist has recently co mpleted this mural de picting the OS Map of The Wrekin at the Forest Glen car park for the S hropshire Wildlife Trust.

needed to be positioned at the same angle so a jig was made to ensure that was achieved. In terms of size (approx. 2m x 9m) it is a medium size mural for me, however it certainly required more planning than most.

The Forest Glen was once the site of a celebrated local tea room which has now be reconstructed at Blist Hill Victorian Village. The area is now the main car park for people visiting The Wrekin. To the side of the car park is an area Shropshire Wildlife

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The site before Rob started work Trust have been rejuvenating to use for amongst other things running educational groups and locating their mobile café. This is where the mural is located.

The inspiration for the mural is The Ordnance Survey map of the area. You can use an OS map to get from A to B, they give lots of information about your surroundings, where foot paths are, view points and how steep the hill you are about to walk up is.

They also provide a wealth of other information though, a bit of research after looking at the map tells us that “Heaven Gate” was the entrance to the inner rampart of a fort on top of The Wrekin that was captured by the Romans in 49AD. Every step up the Wrekin you could be following in the footsteps of a Roman Centurion.

Going even further back, rocks that became visible because The Ercall was a quarry were once part of a beach 54 million years ago!

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26/10/2017 16:21

George

EVANS LEST WE FORGET Dennis Wale - a real hero

N

OVEMBER is the month for red poppies, and so it should be. We try to remember our country’s wars and those of our neighbourhood who were killed.

Unfortunately nobody seems to learn the lessons of wars and the large numbers of men and women who remembered the last huge conflict is rapidly becoming a tiny few. The Armed Forces also tend to use the occasion for recruiting drives and locally we have an excellent parade. Almost no-one at the parade knows a real person to remember; here is one whom I suggest is well worth serious respect from us all. He was my friend from joining the Army to his death rescuing a colleague in a mine field; a hero if you like.

Dennis Wale of Bedworth, Warwickshire, was an apprentice bricklayer and Freeman of the City of Coventry. He was called up (conscripted) to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in January 1942, aged 19. We met at Budbrook Barracks on our first day, in the NAAFI canteen. He was sitting in front of a chess board waiting for a partner and I offered him a game. We were both novices and played many games, winning and losing, with chats and cups of cha (tea) and wads (cakes) between. I think he was a bit better than me.

On the Friday we walked into Warwick for a drink (or perhaps too many), and tottered back to barracks before 23.59hrs. The Army taught us 24/7 to be soldiers, with all the rubbish and

Lance Corporal Dennis Wale bulls**t that went with that, repeating and repeating lessons until they came out of our ears. Foot drill and arms drill, falling in and out, inspecting everything we had, day and night, “Get fell in as you was”, spit and polish, filthy stories and songs, all for six weeks.

Eventually, after a great church parade to Warwick Cathedral – regimental band and March – “heads up, bags of swank, lads” – we were posted to Fort Gosport, a bombproof Napoleonic barracks near Portsmouth.

Here the life was much the same but Dennis and I were promoted to Acting Lance Corporal – a bit of responsibility but no pay. We both sewed our new stripe on and whitened it with white ink but saw it differently. To Dennis it was a step up; I lost mine in a silly lark. He

was more ambitious; I only wanted to survive the war and go home. We both had a photo, went on leave and returned to drilling and training our new squads.

Dennis was good at that, I was rubbish.

He volunteered for OCTU (Officer Cadet Training Unit) and the Landmine Disposal Unit. At this point we separated and didn’t meet for a long time. He told me he wanted a service that saved lives, not killed.

In 1944, near Brighton, I spotted two large trucks named Tweedledum and Tweedledee. We stopped nearby and I went back to look. There was a Jeep called ‘Jeep Purple’. Who had this sort of humour in the army I wondered?

There was Dennis – in officer uniform! I

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saluted and he replied, saying “Less bulls**t George”. We chatted and he invited me for a drink in a village pub as he wasn’t allowed to go out with a private. He had been promoted to Acting Subaltern or something like that. We had a long drinking and chatting session until 10pm when Dennis drove back slowly and carefully. I gave him an ostentatious, impertinent salute and we parted, not able to meet again until after Normandy.

After many battles the Herefords, my new regiment in 11th Armoured Division, were in southern Holland on a narrow road. We stopped for a ‘brew’ and I ‘went for a walk with a shovel’.

The troop carrier I was in (made

by Sankey’s of Hadley) drove off.

I ran after it and was horrified and frightened to see and hear it explode as it went over a landmine. The driver’s arm was in a tree above and his body in the next field. We had been carrying ammunition for our (useless) anti-tank gun. There were other similar explosions ahead. We dug in for the night while the mine clearance lads cleared the way.

Next morning a messenger told me an officer was in the field dressing unit, asking for me. I went along and found Dennis in a tent on his own. He seemed very cheerful in the hospital bed, saying that he had ‘copped a Blighty’, meaning he was bound

to be sent home to England to be repaired. “What happened?”

I asked and he threw back the bedclothes to expose his halfamputated leg. “Look at me!” he said, “Like last time you saw me – I’m legless.” I was amazed that anyone could make such a joke when it must have been hurting him greatly – even Dennis. I asked what happened but he didn’t want to talk about it. A passing nurse explained that one of his men had been wounded and he had gone into the minefield to rescue him. He said a medal was on its way. Dennis became annoyed and wanted no more talk about ‘gongs’ so I changed the subject. We chatted a while until a doctor sent me off, saying Dennis needed sleep. We agreed to meet next day.

On the next day the bad news came. During the night Dennis had died of ‘secondary shock’.

I found that difficult to believe but was assured it was so. I was shocked after the way he had been so cheerful and seemed so happy the day before. I was given his parents’ address and asked to write to them. I’d written almost nothing for a long time and got completely out of the habit of thinking, also shocked and scared. I tried to write but it was a very poor effort; I wish I could apologise but it’s too late.

Please join me in honouring Dennis and many other unsung heroes..

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30/10/2017 21:47

YOUR WELLINGTON

Wellington United Charities and Stevinton’s Charity The Town Council acts as Secretary to a couple of small Charitable Trusts namely Wellington United Charities and Stevinton’s Charity. The Trustees would welcome applications from 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,

at the Civic Offices, Wellington, by email wellingtontowncouncil@telford.gov.uk or by ringing the Town Council offices on 01952 567697 for an application form. The Trustees are requesting that any completed grant forms are received by the end of December 2017, so that the applications could be considered at their meeting scheduled for January 2018

Remembrance Parade and Service

W

Sunday 12th November 2017

ELLINGTON will see its annual parade through the streets on Sunday 12th November 2017 to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The parade will leave the Nailor’s Row car park in the centre of Wellington at 10.25am. It will turn right into New Street, march through the Market Square and into Church Street, pass The Lychgate (in front of All Saints Church) in time for the short (outside) service, which will be held on the grassed area in front of All Saints Church.

Following the service, at approximately 11.15am, the parade will march—by the same route in reverse—back to Nailor’s Row car park for dismissal at approximately 11.40am.

The Mayor will take the salute in the Square as this is done.

Children’s lantern parade workshop - Saturday 25th November 2017

THERE WILL ALSO BE A SERVICE HELD ON SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2017 AT 11.00AM IN THE MARKET SQUARE

Christmas lights switch on timetable announced Saturday 25th November 2017

10.00am – 18.00pm Christmas Market in the Indoor Market, Market Square, Market Yard, Market Approach, Crown Street, Duke Street and Bell Street.

10.00am – 18.00pm Festive music and street entertainment by Leo’s Loco circus to include Human Angel Statue, Stilt Walkers, Penny Farthing, Mr Sniffles, the new Zig Zag box, Mascots and much much more!

13.30pm Session 1 Children’s Lantern Parade Workshop in Wellington Methodist Church – FREE EVENT (Session 2 - 14.30pm) 14.00pm - 15.00pm Visit Santa and Rudolph in their grotto on Market Approach 14.30pm Best dressed dog competition in Market Square 15.00pm Chinese Dragon display in Market Square 15.00pm – 17.00pm Face Painting by Fantasy Face Paints 15.30pm The Mayor of Wellington officially opens the event

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

15.30pm – 16.00pm Festive music and fun with Paul Shuttleworth (BBCRadio Shropshire’s Shuttsie) 16.00pm Wellington Brass Band Performance 16.00pm – 16.45pm Visit Santa and Ruldolph in their Grotto on Market Approach 16.45pm Judging and presenting of prize by the Mayor for the best decorated Christmas lantern from earlier workshop at the top of New Street 16.50pm Santa and the Parade will leave the top of New Street and make its way into Market Square led by Wellington Brass Band playing ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ (composed

by Henry John Gauntlett who was born in Wellington 1805) 16.55pm Mayor counts down 3...2....1....lights are switched on with Santa 17.00pm The Church Bells will ring a Christmas peal.

17.05pm Opportunity for the Children to meet Santa courtesy of the Telford Lions 18.00pm Event ends

Welington Town Council are running two Lantern Parade workshops that are being held on 25th November 1.30pm and 2.30pm at Wellington Methodist Church, New Street, Wellington. Both events are FREE! Once your child’s Lantern is made we ask that your child / children return to the top of New Street to take part in the parade at 4.45pm.

It is important that children are accompanied by an adult and we would recommend that you ensure everyone is wearing sensible clothing and footwear.

We look forward to seeing you there!

STOP PRESS Wellington Market Members of Wellington Town Council are aware of the extent of the financial difficulties of the Wellington Market Company.

The Town Council is extremely concerned and would be interested in sharing ideas and collaborating with partners to explore how we can play our part to help preserve our important and historic Market.

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

26/10/2017 16:22

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30/10/2017 16:40

Exciting refurbishment for new Apley Village Day Nursery

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The nursery has undergone a complete refurbishment giving it a very bright, open plan and airy

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will be able to have direct access to these spaces come rain or shine.

The ongoing work to the log cabin and main garden area will be complete in December 2017 this space will include a Forest School area to enhance children’s development using natural resources through play based activities. The Log Cabin will be a great natural space for holiday Club children to use providing age appropriate fun activities during the school holidays.

Security in the nursery has been developed and CCTV is throughout the nursery indoors and outdoors and the entry system into the nursery is a real asset.

Make an appointment to come and look around and see if we can fulfil your childcare needs, we provide care for children from the age of 3 months to 11 years and offer the 15 and 30-hour Nursery education funding to all eligible 3 and 4 year olds.

We will be excited to show you our amazing nursery.

Like us on facebook facebook.com/Wrekin-News Follow us on Twitter @WrekinNews1

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30/10/2017 17:00

ADVERTORIAL

News from your hospitals Bringing you updates from The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH):

Trust hits national patient target The Trust which runs Shropshire’s acute hospitals has hit a national patient target for the first time in over a year.

Data shows The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) hit the 92% referral to treatment (RTT) target in September – the first time they have achieved this since May 2016.

Performance in September was 93% which means just 7% of patients waited longer than 18 weeks between seeing their GP and having treatment at hospital.

Sara Biffen, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, said: “Tackling this issue has been one of our top priorities and this milestone is great for our patients and marks a fantastic achievement for our staff.

“We had an improvement trajectory which demonstrated delivery of the RTT standard from September, which we achieved.

We did this by weekly patient tracking meetings with each of the specialty teams, and improved administration and patient processes.”

The Trust, which runs The Royal Shrewsbury and The Princess Royal Hospital, continues to hit the Cancer Care targets, with 88.10% of patients in September being referred for urgent treatment within 62 days.

The target is 85%.

Thirty members of the neonatal team at Shropshire’s acute hospitals have been recognised by parents for the care given to their babies.

Nurses invited to join Trust’s new nurse bank The Trust that runs Shropshire’s two acute hospitals has launched a West Midlands wide campaign to invite nurses to join its Nurse Bank.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, recently hosted a number of successful One Stop Shop recruitment events and now they have launched one of their largest ever drives to attract nurses from all over the West Midlands.

The campaign includes adverts on the back of buses that travel along the main routes in Shrewsbury, Telford, Stoke and Wolverhampton, posters and banners throughout the hospitals, adverts in the local press and targeted email and social media activity.

Winter is a busy time for hospitals and the SaTH wants to reduce its reliance on agency nurses by increasing its own bank of staff who can either work regularly or who can pick up shifts at short notice.

Bank Nursing is often seen as desirable due to the flexibility it can offer but what many people don’t realise is that because Bank workers can access the NHS Pension scheme and other benefits, the overall remuneration package is on a par with many agencies.

Victoria Maher, Workforce Director at SaTH, said: “We have to use agency staff to ensure we have enough staff on duty to provide safe care for our patients, but we would rather use our own Bank staff as much as possible, not just because of the cost but because they provide better continuity of care for our patients.

“While work continues on the Sustainable Services Programme and we await developments to move it forward, we’re continuing our efforts to recruit staff at Staff Nurse and Healthcare Assistant recruitment days and if people can’t attend them, we offer individual interview dates.

“This Nurse Bank campaign complements the Belongtosomething campaign we launched two years ago to promote the Trust as widely as possible.”

• Are you interested in joining the Nurse Bank Workforce at SaTH? They are offering flexible working patterns and help to Revalidate to maintain your professional registration. To find out more visit: www.belongtosomething.co.uk/nursebank

When We Are Married

Once again Wrekin News received an invitation from Horsehay Amateur Dramatics Society to a performance on Saturday 14th October of their latest production of J B Priestley’s comedy ‘When We Are Married’. - News’ Theatre Reviewer Chris Owen attended.

H

ADS staging is virtually 80 years to the play’s premiere in 1938 making this timely omen poignantly enjoyable. The 1908 living room of Alderman Helliwell – as a stage set was impeccable in terms of period detail. Lighting and sound effects provided by Kev Jackman added skillful prestige.

The play details scandal in suburbia when three sets of couples convene to celebrate silver wedding anniversaries only to discover that the original ceremony was conducted by a clergyman who was unlicenced to perform marriages.

HADS veterans along with some new faces gave superb ensemble comedy performances and were:Rob Fisher (Alderman Helliwell), Simon Phillips (Councillor Parker), Adrian Woolcott (Henry Soppitt), Jane Parkyn (Clara Soppitt), Lisa Kane (Mrs Northrop), Bethan Olliver (Ruby Birtle).

Alex Edwards (Gerald Forbes), Ray Callister (Henry Ormonroyd), Mike White (Fred Dyson) Jen Edwards (Nancy Holmes), Sue Blackburn (Maria Helliwell), Andrea Claydon (Annie Parker).

Edward Davies (Rev Mercer), Carol Edwards (Lottie Grady).

Director, Sheila Hood commented: “I cannot fault my wonderful cast who were all superb.”

Edward Davies, (President) commented: “This 2017 production marks 70 years since the HADS first staging - excelling all expectations.”

He added; “Particular thanks to Society members backstage and front of house and our loyal patrons who make every show possible.”

And also Production / Construction Manager Alan Foster whose deft skills produced a replica period tripod camera.”

HADS next production in February 2018, is the enduring farce: ‘’Allo ‘Allo’ based on the TV series and directed by Ed Davies himself.

Usual box office contact details apply.

14 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 14 News NHS.indd 1

30/10/2017 16:35

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FOR THE FALLEN

A

Armistice day 11th November (and Remembrance Sunday)

S WE approach the 2018 centenary commemorations of the ending of WW1 popularly referred to as The Great War, it is appropriate that we commemorate the war’s penultimate year with the extra consideration it deserves.

By the end of 1917 the Allied armies across the Western Front were close to collapse as a cohesive fighting force. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) under CIC Field Marshal Earl Haig had managed to wipe out its entire manpower reserves. He was waiting for new enlistees from home to help fill the gaps in Front line troops. Haig’s ‘Big Push’ at Passchendaele in July, designed as a decisive hammer blow to crush the might of the Germans, had failed and cost the lives of 325,000 Allied soldiers after four whole months of fruitless fighting. The French had lost over 600,000 men thus far in the war, suffering the greatest losses at Verdun in 1916.

Marshall Foch also Allied Commander was dealing with open rebellion as men grumbled about: poor rations, bad leadership and erratic ammunition supplies, He relied on his chief of staff, Marshall Petain, the hero of Verdun, to quell the uprising and restore order in the ranks.

It was not a time for general optimism about the war’s outcome, as the Russian Revolution had begun with their open rebellion in April forcing Tsar Nicholas II ‘s abdication. By the end of October the world’s first Communist government was in power dealing with a ruined economy and consequently having little appetite for war. The Second Front in the east was now dead along with the loss of a main treaty ally. As a consequence, fifty extra German divisions were transferred to the Western Front so that the bulk of their forces could now be concentrated on the war in continental Europe. Things looked black for the Allied powers even though they were now backed by the American Expeditionary Force ( AEF) who had joined them in June. Its idiosyncratic leader General John Pershing had demonstrated little co-operational solidarity with the Allies preferring to conduct his own separate infantry campaign which contributed little to their overall strategy.

Local Historian

Chris Owen looks back at 1917, the year before Armistice was finally declared

Field Marechal Fer dinand Foch Allied forces comma nder 1918 WELLINGTON WWI cvr

Major-General Sir s Charles Vere Ferrer d en sh Town

Aftermath Commemorations UK and locally After the war feelings across the length and breadth of Britain ran high about the appalling waste of life and on the tide of appeasement and remorse this fueled a national campaign to erect permanent local memorials to the fallen of The Great War.

Wellington Lych Gate Memorial - Official Dedication Ceremony 6th May 1922 In 1922 Funds were raised by public subscriptions and the main Memorial The Lych Gate, at All Saints Church, was erected and in a formal dedication ceremony passed into civic

29/8/14

08:10

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stewardship.

A national war hero A Major General Sir Charles Townshend,Wrekin Independent Conservative MP, led the dedication ceremony. Shortly afterwards the scandal broke that he had indeed sat out the rest of the war as a guest of the Turkish Sultan after surrendering his force and being captured in 1916 at Kut in Mesopotamia (Now Iran / Iraq). Instead of trying to escape to return to the fighting he had indulged in yacht racing and lavish dinner parties, whilst his own men suffered great brutality at the hands of their Turkish captors. Out of a force of 8000 men less than half made it back home after the war.

town in endured by a small market courage and sacrifice ding ton and its surroun graphic account of the The Great War. Welling war effort. rural Shropshire, during: er in its support of the life – so much in terms of manpow not only of the loss of community loyally gave a heavy price in terms, paid it by this ly caused ultimate m ill-health Discover how out or destroyed by long-ter wiped simply on but a generati to end all Wars’. was labelled as the ‘War their relatives cataclysmic event which men – as recounted by l stories of local serving ar battles Read detailed persona the backdrop of the particul memory and set against ignorance and wishing to preserve their contrasted with the and mostly sadly died, on the front line – as effort in which they fought war British commanding the arrogance of the officers officer ins in Whitehall. directed by the mandar and schools which offered ing story of local colleges fighting force.

Read about the fascinat officer material to the and direct contribution of training courses and their ing effect on local families about the war’s devastat reports and includes local Most poignantly, read ed in local newspaper mention as which – ton event businesses in Welling was to become an s of living through what the UK – people’s personal account e of the town and also changed the social structur terms in ently typical h perman and radically present day. Althoug casualty affects us even up to the the legacy of which still UK, Wellington and district’s towns spread across the phe. of commitment as other nation to survive catastro of stoicism and the determi owed to their numbers reveal a story and the debt of honour rance of its war dead war memorials. d Read how the rememb dedicate many evidenced in the town’s which was ultimate sacrifice was of its biggest memorials scandal attached to one oration of Discover the local wartime on ceremony and commem ity. act of the official dedicati rural farming commun revealed by the simple disaster to affect this largely arguably the biggest single te of authors; an IT Gradua member of the society and writer e is covering who freelanc war historian Chris Owen is a Shropshire. He is a local in son and its and WW2 wife in his and lives with series. Specialising equally ire for this Pen & Sword this to Shropsh in prequel towns other written a logical the Great War, he has origins stemming from area and the devastating conflict. his interest in the local for 20 years also piqued ous town.

Living near Wellington once an independent industri Great War on what was devastating legacy of the

uk £9.9 9 us $00.0 0

Armistice and Remembrance Sunday Commemorations in Wellington: 2017 Jacket Design: Jon Wilkinson

www.p e n - a n d - s w

o rd .co.uk

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE WWI TITLES FROM PEN & SWORD

Instituted in 1922, after Field Marshall Earl Haig formed a war casualty relief fund to help disabled veterans and their families, the newly formed British Legion took over stewardship of the fund and continue to this day to raise welfare

16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16, 17 Chris Owen.indd 1

30/10/2017 18:01

Wellington, Remembrance and The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

I

’M NOT a native Wellingtonian, I’m not even a Salopian but in 2008 I moved to Wellington whilst still serving in the Royal Air Force and saw the Remembrance commemorations held at All Saints Church supported by, what seemed to me, an entire town. I also witnessed the benevolence of its residents for the first time.

The benevolence I see every year in and around this community comes in the form of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal which is supported with a knowledgeable sense of local and family history and with a very real connection to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

2016

During the Remembrance period of 2016 the people of Wellington extended all generosity and raised more money for the Poppy Appeal than previously known for this area. The two week ‘Remembrancetide’ produced a staggering £31,995.40 from the Wellington area alone for the Appeal and went towards a Shropshire County record of £478,130.35.

Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig CIC BEF 1915 - 18

funds for ex-soldiers and their dependents.

The annual sale of their Poppy emblem (which quickly became a universal symbol of peace and reconciliation) raises millions for this great cause. So when you see the poppies on sale give as much as you can to help remember those who have suffered as casualties in all wars and wear it with pride.

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE WWI TITLES FROM PEN & SWORD

The money you all helped raise goes towards many projects for currently serving military personnel and service veterans and their families. These projects include; help, advice, support and guidance with housing, employment, money/debt advice, inquest advice, family holidays and breaks and personnel recovery centres to name a few.

Did you know?

The two week ‘Remembrancetide’ for 2016 produced a staggering £31,995.40 from the Wellington area!

ket town in ing endured nd sacrifice urround by a small market town in war effort.

War. Wellington and eGreat its surrounding ms life – er in its ossofofmanpow support of the war effort. avy by this usedprice in terms, not only of the loss of life – destroyed by long-term ill-health caused by this sheir the relatives ‘War to end all Wars’. al battles serving icular men – as recounted by their relatives et againstand norance the backdrop of the particul ar battles as dly line died,– contrast ont ed with the ignorance and the British war effort on the front line – as ffered officer ocal force. and schools htingcolleges which offered officer and materia ution of officer families l to the fighting force. local ar’s devastating effect on includes local families and in localwhich event newspaper reports and includes local UK –was to rough also thewhat become an event which ocial structur in termse of the town ypical and also the UK – ptrict’s to thecasualty present day. Although typical in terms ross the UK, Wellington and strophe. district’s casualty their to eowed to nation determi survive catastrophe. dead and the debt of orials. honour owed to their was wn’s many dedicate ials which d war memorials. of biggest ed to onetion memora of its memorials which was dedicatiity. on ceremony and commem ommun oration of ct this largely rural farming community. an IT Graduate ber covering whoofisthe society of authors; an IT Graduate He is aand ne. WW2 localitswar historian who is covering equallySpeciali to this series. l Sword sing in WW2 and its has written a logical prequel to this equally cal area and the us town. piqued his ndustrio interest in the local area and the t was once an independent industrious town.

- s w o rd .co.uk

How does the money help?

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE WWI TITLES FROM PEN & SWORD

Read more about the war and its local effects in Chris Owen’s book Wellington in the Great War (Published by Pen & Sword Books) For further details contact Wrekin News or direct on chris.w.a.owen@gmail.com

Battle Back

One major project in Shropshire The Royal British Legion has committed to is the Battle Back Centre at Lilleshall near Newport.

The RBL provided £27 million to establish and operate this facility which supports wounded, injured and sick Service personnel as part of the MoD’s Defence Recovery Capability Programme.

The centre enables our military to make the best recovery possible and return to duty or to help make the transition to civilian life. Using sports as a major part of the healing process the facility at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall is perfectly placed with tailored programmes to help with physical and psychological challenges.

Many thanks

It is right and appropriate to say ‘thank you’ to each and everyone of you. Thank you to every business, community group and public service area that allowed us to sell Poppies. In particular, Morrisons and Tesco for generously giving the Poppy Appeal so many days for our volunteers to collect and The Plough Inn on King Street for their continued and unique support of The RBL and so many other worthy Military charities.

Thank you to each person that donated, thank you for every penny and thank you for each and every volunteer that assisted and gave up their time to help.

Volunteers like Bob and Cheryl Creber who have supported the Poppy Appeal for the past thirty years in Wellington and have been presented with a letter of appreciation from The Royal British Legion and awarded the 30 year medal and brooch.

Thank you for proudly sharing all your stories and memories about your family members, who served their country in so many different ways. Thank you for your continued support and understanding and I look forward to sharing Remembrance with all of this great community again this year.

by Steve Podmore Poppy Appeal Organiser for Wellington

Are you interested in joining?

If you are interested in joining the Wellington and District Branch of The Royal British Legion the meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at The Plough Inn on King Street, Wellington.

You do not need to be a serving member of the Armed Forces or a Service Veteran to join.

Bob and Cheryl Creber

The Wellington RBL ‘home’ which was adorned with a Poppy motif by art students from Ercall Wood in November 2015

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17

16, 17 Chris Owen.indd 2

30/10/2017 22:10

Wellington station WELLINGTON celebrates adoption R success FRIENDS OF

S TAT I O N

> Fay Easton, lead adopter

18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19 Friends of Wellington Station.indd 1

> Fay Lambert, head of community rail at London Midland

AIL partners, sponsors and members of the local community gathered recently to celebrate the community’s adoption of Wellington station as part of London Midland’s Adopt a Station scheme.

Despite only being established in May 2017, Friends of Wellington Station now has 27 members who are passionate about improving this community hub, to benefit both residents and rail passengers passing through the town each day. The adopters hail from diverse backgrounds, including teaching, professional services, business and local community groups.

In a very short space of time, the group has raised almost £4,000 in sponsorship from Tesco Groundworks, taxi company Go Carz, Shropshire Lavender and the Buckatree Hall Hotel. This has enabled the planting of an attractive lavender terrace at the gateway to Platform 1 as well as extensive flower and herb displays and distinctive signage, outlining the history of both the station and the adoption project.

As part of the project, Wellington station is also being brightened up with the addition of an antique market cart, donated

by Wellington Market Company and refurbished by Nick Rogers, a member of London Midland’s property team, which the adopters will be planting with fragrant herbs. The new Friends of Wellington planters, sponsored by London Midland, were expertly crafted by a creative team at Telford and Wrekin’s Inclusive Training Services, based at TEN Horsehay, which helps people with disabilities to gain the skills and qualifications needed to get into work. Working with adopter Bob Coalbran, the team also made the attractive Walkers are Welcome Information Case on Platform 2, which was recognised with an award in the ‘Small Project’ category at the 2017 Community Rail Awards.

Looking ahead, Friends of Wellington have ambitious plans for a pollinator-friendly Secret Garden on Platform 3, as well as the regeneration of the disused platform buildings.

Fay Easton, lead adopter and

30/10/2017 16:34

Local businesses sponsor the station initiative

former Shrewsbury town centre manager, said: “This initiative is all about ‘people power’ and I have never known such enthusiasm and energy for a public project.

Our adopters are all united by one thought – to improve their home town of Wellington. We have been overwhelmed by the help from London Midland, Network Rail and our sponsors and this launch event coincides with the launch of Go Wellington, a brand new visitor guide sponsored by one of our key backers, taxi company Go Carz. It’s been a joy working on this project and we’re all looking forward to an exciting and productive future for our local station.”

Faye Lambert, head of community rail at London Midland, commented: “This project is a wonderful example of how communities can come together through station adoption to aid local regeneration. The improvements at Wellington station would not have been possible without the inspiring ideas and hard work of the adopters.

A huge thank you to them and to the many sponsors for their generous support to the new Friends of Wellington station adoption team.”

The group is made up of residents, traders and businesses and is supported by Wellington Town Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, as well as Network Rail and London Midland.

Local businesses are sponsoring the initiative in the form of donations of goods and financial donations, and the long-term plan is to bring some of the empty station buildings back to use either as business premises or community spaces.

One of the main sponsors, taxi firm Go Carz, has sponsored the design and print of a brand new Visitor Guide called Go Wellington and the company also have a Go Carz booking office at Platform Two which could be used as a community information point as part of the project.

Carl Wilday, managing director of Go Carz, attended the launch event on Wednesday (October 10) and said the firm was delighted to be involved.

“The group is doing a fantastic job and the passion of everyone involved is inspiring,” he said.

“We see the station as a vital gateway into Wellington and the long-term vision of the group is really exciting.

“We have a booking office on the station platform and are very happy to be discussing with the group how we could make the best use out of that space for the good of the station and the community as a whole.

“It’s really important for us as a company to be involved with our local community so we are delighted to be able support this project.”

So far, volunteers from the group have cleared overgrown vegetation from Platform Three and planted lavender, donated by Shropshire Lavender, in and around Platform One. The group posts weekly updates online at the town’s new web presence for volunteer-led regeneration: www. towncentrechampions.com www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19

18, 19 Friends of Wellington Station.indd 2

30/10/2017 16:34

Letters

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

A world war that extended across many continents As we approach Remembrance Day, Wellington remembers Private William Newns, a young man who served with the Herefordshire Regiment. While many soldiers died in France and Belgium, he died in Palestine, reminding us that this was a world war extending across several continents.

William’s Story

W

ILLIAM NEWNS was the younger child of George and Eliza Jane Newns. George was the stationmaster at Madelely and had married Eliza Jane Groves, a barmaid, on 26 April 1892 at Christ Church in Wellington. The couple set up home in Madeley, where two years later their daughter Winifred was born. William was born the following year. Both of the children were baptised at Madeley, Winifred on 1 April 1894 and William on 7 April 1895.

The little family endured some sad times. After just five years of marriage, George died on 9 November 1897 leaving Eliza Jane a widow with two toddlers to bring up by herself. By 1901 she had moved back to her hometown, living with her parents again at Dale Cottage on Watling Street in Wellington and working as a waiting room attendant on the railway.

After leaving Prince’s Street school William went to work as a clerk for the local council where, according to the Wellington Journal, he gave every promise of a successful career. His sister Winifred trained to be a dressmaker.

William enlisted in Wellington, in June 1916. He was assigned to the 1st/1st Battalion, Herefordshire Regiment and issued with the service number 236852. The battalion was involved in the defence of the Suez Canal at the Battle of Rumani in July 1916 and also took part in the Palestine Campaign under General Allenby, to drive the Turks out of Palestine. The battalion was also at all three Battles of Gaza, and at Beersheba in 1917.

The Ewyas Lacy Study Group describes life in the area graphically: ‘For a little while, Egypt was

WELLINGTON REMEMBERS a novelty, for there were camel and donkey rides, trading with the Arabs, oases, palm trees, and beautiful sunrises...But the heat was terrible, reaching 130 degrees, as were the flies.’ The same group describes the battalion activity in 1917: ‘With stalemate on the Western Front, it was hoped to divert German forces to the east by a campaign in Palestine. Jerusalem was the ultimate objective... It was not until November that the town fell, and by then there had been many more Herefordshire casualties.’

On 1 November the battalion took over the trenches that had been occupied by 2nd Mounted Brigade, suffering no casualties. Over the next few days they faced heavy sniping and trench mortar bombs. It was on a relatively quiet day on 6 November that William was killed.

William was in the same battalion as his neighbour from 32 Watling Street, Thomas William Swift; both men were killed on the same day, aged just 22.

William was buried in Beersheba War Cemetery.

Thomas Swift’s body has never been found, and he is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.

William’s medal index

card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, and his war gratuity payment of £7 was paid to his mother Eliza Jane, still living in Watling Street. His sister Winifred married in 1920 in Wellington, and sadly died the following year. In less than twenty years since her marriage Eliza had been widowed and bereaved of both her son and daughter. She died in Wellington in 1935.

By Mary Rogers

Acknowledgements: Thanks to the Ewyas Lacy Study Group at http://www.ewyaslacy.org.uk for permission to use their description of living conditions in Egypt and Palestine. Imperial War Museum for use of the image of the road at Amwas under their non commercial licence. © IWM (Q 12625)

Detective Corner Calling everyone with the name Shuker If you know anyone with this surname who may be related to DE Shuker on the Lych Gate please contact Wellington Remembers on: Facebook, wellingtonremembers@outlook.com; https:// wellingtonremembers.wordpress.com/ and meet us on our blog https:// wellingtonremembers.wordpress.com/

Wellington Remembers is supported

by Heritage Lottery Funding

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!

For 17 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 20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 20, 21, 22 Letters.indd 1

30/10/2017 16:32

Enough is as good as a feast My Story by Rona Harris As I sit here in my lounge writing once again, I am quite surprised how quickly these past months have flown by.

I have been thinking along the lines of having a “job” working for some charity or other again, so I did make some enquiries for these various activities, the after one or two set backs and other things happening in the family and other directions I decided that after working for around 70 years of my life, then really as my Dad would say “enough is as good as a feast” but it’s not a bad record for an 87 year old eh!

I was also ‘drawn back’ the other day to think about my first job at 14 years of age and in the middle of the war years, little did I know at that time the actual future path that my life would take, but maybe in a lot of instances it is just as well that we don’t know what is in store for many years ahead.

But nevertheless I don’t consider that my life has been too bad, or maybe I am just trying ‘not’ to recall most of it.

You know I sometimes think about the war years (1939 to 1945) when everything in life was, in so many different ways and with all the poverty and strictness within my own family, and to hear some of those wartime songs still want me to weep a little and I suppose like today I did know almost all of the words to these songs, but in my time it was all “music” and not just yelling, banging and crashing about.

As I have explained before ‘we’ the family lived in a village near Buxton in Derbyshire, but not a lot happened there in the way of entertainment but then at my age (14 years) and endless restrictions of do’s and dont’s I often think how narrow and solemn most people seemed to be, so I can only blame it on those war years.

Everything was so limited with food, very dark and cold winters, no lights showing in house windows and not even the cat’s eyes in the middle of the roads, and torches had to be used very carefully too.

Now as I say here I am reasonably contented. I have a lovely peaceful home and a lovely precious son and I am so very proud of him too, he works away a lot but does come to see me every week.

His later life has not been wonderful, but like me you just have to “put yr barra down” as they say in Derbyshire and “ger on wi life” Anyway enough of all of this, I do believe that now I am none the worse for all the drawbacks and unhappiness of my younger days, but even so, I still would not want to live them all over again.

I am enclosing a photograph of myself around the ages of 14/16 years.

New College Chorale - ‘In Remembrance’

This time of year, as the days shorten and winter approaches, Remembrance Day is much in our thoughts. New College Chorale’s concert programme has been chosen to reflect these contemplative moods and emotions. We hope that the selection of pieces, for choir, brass group and organ will provide an hour of peaceful reflection. Music from many different ages, some familiar to many, some perhaps new. They provide a mixture of styles with the emphasis on melody and its capacity to reflect sacrifice, loss, remembrance and sometimes an indication of a life beyond this one.

The diverse programme will range from Purcell’s’Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary’ from the seventeenth century to Vaughan Williams’ evocative “Lord thou hast been our refuge”. An organ Elegy

by Thalban-Ball and John Ireland’s “Greater Love hath no man” will be performed together with some pieces by Chorale Brass quartet.

The haunting “In Remembrance,” which gives the concert its title, is a beautiful melancholic work, expressing the sadness of bereavement.

Other pieces include the hymn ‘O Valiant Hearts’, ‘Nimrod’ from Elgar’s Enigma Variations and the 15th century masterpiece by Palestrina, ‘Sicut Cervus’.

The concert is on Monday November 13th at Christ Church Wellington at 7.30. The programme will last about an hour and a quarter with no interval. Admission is free and there will be a box for voluntary contributions at the back of the church as you leave. We hope to attract a large audience to witness what promises to be a most moving and memorable occasion.

In Remembrance A short concert by New College Chorale on Monday 13th November in Christ Church, Wellington at 7.30pm to reflect the contemplative mood and emotions as Remembrance Day approaches.

Family history volunteers Hello Wrekin News, I am a volunteer in Wellington and Telford libraries working on family history.

We are a small group of people who work to a rota. Which is as follows: Thursday 11.00am -12.30pm at Telford Library and 11.00am -12.30pm on Friday at Wellington Library.

Would you like to join us on either or both libraries? It is always useful to have a general knowledge of your ancestry. If you are interested why not have a look at our website for Wrekin and Telford /libraries /24 hour library /being a volunteer. Also check out the community history page. There are more opportunities as well helping one to one with first click (for people not used to computers or have a new one etc.). If not why not still pop into our desk at the libraries for help with any questions on family history. You never know if we can answer your questions but will give it a good go.

Hope to see you there!

Barry Deakin

20, 21, 22 Letters.indd 2

Enjoy a diverse programme including music by Purcell, Vaughan Williams and John Ireland, including performances from the Chorale Brass Quartet.

Admission is free, but there will be a retiring collection. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21

30/10/2017 21:08

Letters

Was prolific Town scorer Fred or Frank?

AFC Telford United club statistician Maurice Barker has asked the Wrekin News’ readers for some help to identify a former Wellington Town player.

Maurice writes; F Whitehouse was a goalscoring outside-right who played for Wellington Town between 1934 and 1937.

He joined Wellington Town from Walsall as a 20-year-old, and made his debut in a Birmingham League fixture against Burton Town away on the 6th October 1934. Wellington won the game 2-0 and Whitehouse scored one of the goals.

In February of that season he scored once against Oswestry Town in the final of the Shropshire Senior Cup which Wellington won 6-3.

During the 1935/36 season Wellington Town scored an incredible 160 goals in 46 competitive games and Whitehouse’s contribution was 19 goals in 21 appearances.

In the league he scored a hattrick away against Oswestry Town

(won 4-2) on the 2nd September 1935.

Five days later he scored another treble against Headingly at home in the FA Cup extra preliminary round tie. Wellington won 14-0 and it remains the clubs record FA Cup victory to date.

The 1936/37 season saw his appearances cut to 18 but he still managed to score 11 goals. He played in four of the clubs eight FA Cup ties that season scoring three goals including a First round proper tie at Accrington Stanley which Wellington lost 3-1.

In total, F Whitehouse played 71 league and cup matches for Wellington Town scoring 52 goals.

Now Maurice need some help, is this ex-Wellington Town prolific goalscorer Fred or Frank Whitehouse? Maurice would be very grateful if anybody can help shed some light on this mystery.

If you can help please email Wrekin News Editor James Baylis - james@plus2media.co.uk or telephone 01952 522562.

Christmas Tree Festival

Around 35 Christmas Trees, are expected at Christ Church (off New Church Road, Wellington) for their annual Christmas Tree Festival starting on Saturday 9th December.

As usual the trees are being ‘decorated/created’ by local organisations and by several individuals. In previous years we have had a knitted tree, a tree with knitted decorations, one around a ladder, a tree shaped cake, also some trees were made of paper, many had ‘homemade’ decorations.

To showcase the trees, you are invited to have a cuppa, lunch or visit our stalls. We are delighted to note that TADLOP, a local musical group who recently successfully performed “Oklahoma”, are to return to sing some seasonal songs around 11am; previously noted recently by some visitors last year to be ‘the start of Christmas’. We are also pleased that there will also be some seasonal music played.

Christ Church will also be open Friday 9th December from 10am – 12noon giving another opportunity to see the trees. For more information about the Festival or about how to have your Christmas tree included in the display please contact Dill Buchanan. dill.buchanan@blueyonder.co.uk or visit Christ Church website: www.oneparish.org

Wellington History Group

Map plot thickens In the September issue of Wrekin News, Ken Deuble asks where ‘The War Stone’ was in Wellington. In fact, ‘War Stone’ is a corruption of ‘Hoar(e) Stone’ was probably a boundary marker stone for the Manor of Wellington or, later, the ancient Wellington Parish; it could also apply to fields on either side of the boundary stone, writes Allan Frost.

In our case, it originally applied to fields towards and on either side of the eastern end of Leegomery Road and, to confirm the point, the 1840 Tithe map and apportionment for Wellington include four plots which bear the name Hoare Stone in that area. As Heather Duckett says, in the 1851 Census the entries for ‘Warstone’ begin in Park Street, in fact near to the Park Inn. The 1861 Census clarifies matters a little by replacing ‘Warstone’ with ‘Leegomery Road’, again near to the Park Inn in Park Street. So, Ken’s ancestor William Hines was born in a house in Leegomery Road.

In this extract of Wellington’s 1840 Tithe map, ‘Hoar Stone’ appears in the names of plots 1560, 1668, 1569 and 1570; the implication is that, prior to 1840, other plots in this area may also have included the Hoar Stone name. For interest, the Park Inn is numbered 1530.

Readers are reminded that the History Group web site contains numerous free-to-download publications at https://wellingtonhistorygroup.wordpress. com/wellingtonia-magazine/ One of those publications is called ‘WHG Special Paper 5: Three Maps of Early Victorian Wellington’. Anyone interested in the history of Wellington and surrounding area will be fascinated in what is revealed in its illustrated colour pages.

If you’d like to know a great deal more about the maps themselves and how they can help with family and other research, we recommend that you buy a copy of the computer DVD produced by Wellington History Group. The DVD contains the Special Paper itself as well as extensive information and copies of the 1840 and two other early Victorian maps of Wellington. They are sold at the Group’s talks and other events along with a beautiful reproduction of the late 1830s street plan and other Wellington memorabilia.

Just right for unusual presents!

This month’s talk will be given by Allan Frost on Wellington’s Old Shops and Streets, which contains many familiar and not-so-familiar views of the town to jog memories and cultivate feelings of nostalgia for Lost Times. See the poster opposite for details.

Comments

If you have any comments or queries, please email Chairman Geoff Harrison: ghdl19768@blueyonder.co.uk

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

30/10/2017 16:33

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23 Adverts.indd 1

30/10/2017 17:04

WIN A CHRISTMAS GOODIES HAMPER!

WIN A DECORATED CHRISTMAS CAKE!

Morrisons Wellington have kindly donated a Christmas themed hamper, containing all the goodies to make your day truly special.

The Wellington store has undergone a 4 million refurbishment following suggestions from shoppers and staff. The new additions are obvious to see, and add to the already loved and popular store. The free Wifi for customers to the amazing new makeover of the customer café and improved parking, have made for an even more enjoyable and stress free shopping trip.

You can get all your party goods in the new Party Zone or shop in the extended Nutmeg Range (clothing range). With added extras including a larger Free From Range with all our favourites still available Morrisons Wellington is your one stop shop for Chirstmas.

Our amazing Christmas Cake has been kindly donated by Mrs Spikes Cakes of Shifnal.

The traditional rum soaked and beautifully decorated six inch cake will be ready to collect in time for your Christmas celebrations.

If your not lucky enough to win this prize you should defiantly pop down and see Wendy, who is Mrs Spikes Cakes and put that order in! The shop has been open for five years this January, and they take all orders of speciality and celebration cakes. And for those more adventures and talented they even have a fully stocked shop for all your baking and sugar craft equipment, so get baking! Either way, Mrs Spikes Cakes is a must for all cake lovers. Mrs Spikes Cakes Unit 1 Shifnal Shopping Centre, Shifnal 01952 371405.

Courtesy of Morrisons, Wellington

Courtesy of Mrs Spikes Cakes, Shifnal

CHRISTMAS CAKE

How to enter

Wrekin News has once again teamed up with a selection of fantastic local suppliers to bring you some wonderful treats just in time for Christmas!

All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, (insert name of prize) prize), Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, closing date for entries is Wednesday 22 November 2017, good luck! Terms and conditions apply. You may enter to win as many of the prizes as you would like but only one entry for each prize will be accepted.

GOODIES HAMPER

G I B E TH S A y a M T w a S I e CHR Giv WIN A CHRISTMAS CHARM ADVENT CALENDAR Courtesy of Allums Jewellers, Wellington

ADVENT CALENDAR

WIN A CHRISTMAS EVE TREAT BOX Courtesy of Handmade Hampers by Sharon

I set up my small hamper and sweets business a couple of years ago providing hampers and sweets for all occasions from Valentines, birthdays to Christmas, as Christmas is always extra special we are carrying on our tradition of the Christmas Eve box, it’s a big hit with both children and adults with the reindeer food for Santa to find his way, the magic key so he can get it to leave the presents, but mainly the personalised letter that santa leaves.

TREAT BOX Find Handmade Hampers by Sharon on Facebook

WIN A CHRISTMAS TREE Courtesy of Meadowdale Nurseries

Meadowdale Nurseries in Telford have announced that they will be welcoming a very special guest to their garden centre throughout the festive period. Father Christmas will be visiting every weekend from the 25th November until the 23rd December and will be seeing children from 12pm to 4pm. There will be a small charge of £5 per child, which includes a present and there is no need to pre-book.

John Anderson, co-owner of the Nurseries, said: “We always have a great response to our Christmas events, so have decided to extend it this year, so that more people can see Father Christmas. The garden centre looks great at this time of year and puts everyone in the Christmas spirit, so we are hoping that people will come and join in the festivities.”

The Nurseries will also be selling a wide range of real Christmas trees and decorations, so what better time to put your Christmas decorations up.

Meadowdale Nurseries is open Monday – Saturday between 9am and 5.30pm and Sunday’s 10am – 4pm. It is situated on Wellington Road, Horsehay, on the A5223 (postcode TF4 2PU). From junction 6 of the M54 take the A5223 towards Ironbridge Gorge and the Nurseries are located on the right, immediately after Horsehay Village Golf Course.

For further information please telephone 01952 502470 or CHRISTMAS TREE log onto the their website www.meadowdale-nurseries.co.uk

24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 24, 25 Xmas Comp.indd 1

30/10/2017 19:21

Win a £25 Christmas Meat Voucher!

Picture by Mike Spencer

WIN A FAMILY TICKET!

Courtesy of Ken Francis Butchers

Ken Francis has worked in the same shop for 48 years. from the age of 14 he worked for Jim Harper and then took over the business and made it his own in 1979. For over 38 years Ken has built his business on traditional hardworking values and practices, earning him a solid reputation for sourcing, butchering and purveying the finest local meat available.

Practices change but Ken has always resisted it for change’s sake so we remain as traditional as possible. (Although we do have a facebook page!). We make our own fresh sausages of four varieties, the most popular traditional best pork, have had the same recipe for nearly all of that 38 years. In December we sell nigh on a quarter of a ton! Three varieties of burgers are also hand prepared, mixed and pressed, and we cook all of our hams, pork, beef, and turkey ensuring freshness and great quality control. The current staff (four of us) have worked for Ken for a combined total of 70 years, so we’re just waiting for Ken to catch us up!

We have a fantastic regular customer base, many of whom are friends or close aquaintances and we hope to serve the lovely folk of Wellington for many years to come. I wish you the best of luck with the competition and Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all.

Anthony Nicholls Manager, Ken Francis Butchers

Take a ride on the fantastic Santa experience train!

The Santa experience at the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway is quite different. Instead of queuing at a grotto, you and your children travel in comfortable heated carriages, and cheerful Santa and his elves join the train along the way. As you steam through the beautiful Welsh countryside, every child gets a quality gift and, at journey’s end, there are mince pies and fruit juice or mulled wine for all. You might choose to purchase warming soup, homemade cakes or sandwiches from the very popular traditional station tearoom. Interesting last minute gifts and souvenirs can be found in the gift shop.

For just £11 each in advance (and babies free), it’s a lovely experience with country scenery to entertain and, at about 45 minutes for the trip, just the right length for little ones. The railway is easy to get to, with free parking and four or five departures a day from Llanfair Caereinion (SY21 0SF), just over the Welsh border.

Trains run 9th-10th and 16th-18th December (two weekends plus a Monday). The railway advises booking early at www.wllr.org.uk or on 01938 810441 – every train sold out last year!

MEAT VOUCHER

Win a Christmas Wreath Courtesy of Wyevale Garden Centre, Donnington CHRISTMAS WREATH

WIN A SANTA SPECIAL TRAIN RIDE Courtesy of The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

Enter for your chance to win a Family Ticket for two adults and two children to take a fantastic ride on the Santa Special. (Terms and conditions apply).

SANTA TRAIN RIDE www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 25

24, 25 Xmas Comp.indd 2

30/10/2017 22:18

WIN this THEATRE months TICKETS! picks HOW TO ENTER

The

Stage

Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates and Theatre Severn to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Luke Jermay and Snow White (panto). All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, (name of show), Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry with all of the above details to: tania@plus2media. co.uk

LUKE JERMAY - SIXTH SENSE

Written & Performed by Luke Jermay. Directed by Michael Weber.

W IN TICKET S

WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER

Closing date for entries for Snow White is Wednesday 22 November 2017. Terms and condition apply.

BOX OFFICE: 01952 382382 GOOD LUCK!

Luke Jermay is the most incredible man you’ve probably never heard of. He can read your mind.

No really; he can read your mind. He doesn’t use mind games or psychological tricks; he is not a trickster, there are no smoke and mirrors. He can simply read your mind.

His awe inspiring intuitive abilities have gained him high profile fans such as Derren Brown, Dynamo and Uri Geller who all agree Jermay is astonishing. ‘Luke

HURRY! - THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

Jermay’s - Sixth Sense’ has gained critical acclaim with 5 Star reviews from Edinburgh to London’s West End. You’ll be amazed at Jermay’s incredible powers; he knows your past, present and future, sometimes better than you do.

From your favourite schoolteacher, childhood pet even the colour of your underwear, Jermay impossibly knows all, sees all and tells (almost) all in an expert display of telepathy developed to amazing razor sharp accuracy.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

LIP STICK ON YOUR COLLAR

£20 STRICTLY ABBA

Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor

GORDON HENDRICKS

£23

SURF’S UP

S

£16

Spectacular Beach Boys tribute band Surf’s Up return to Bridgnorth

£15 PETER PAN (The Panto!)

FROM

£9

By James Barry Based on the book and play by JM Barrie.

Friday 15th December 8pm to Sunday 17th December 7pm ‘The Stones’ show has grown into a full-scale Rolling Stones concert, leaving audiences mesmerised around the world.

W IN TICKET

Friday 8th December Saturday 9th December 2017 8pm

Friday 1st December to Sunday 3 December 2017 7pm

THE STONES

£13

Strictly Abba is one of the most authentic and accurate tributes to Abba- a show enjoyed time end time again.

THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE!

2005 Grand Final Winner of ‘Stars In Their Eyes’

BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281

Friday 24th November To Saturday 25Th November 8pm

Friday 3rd November to Saturday 4th November 8pm

WED 29 NOV 2017 - SUN 07 JAN 2018

Saturday 6th January 2018 2pm & 7pm to Saturday 27th January 2pm & 7pm Pantomime at its best with Peter Pan brought to life by the Theatre on the Steps Company

CONTACT

01746 766477

admin@theatreonthesteps.co.uk www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk Stoneway Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4BD

Shropshire’s favourite Dame BRAD FITT is back! (in a dress) for...

THE GREATEST PANTOMIME OF THEM ALL...SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS - Don’t miss this year’s spectacular family pantomime, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, starring Shropshire’s favourite Dame, the hilarious BRAD FITT and the legendary Eric Smith (BBC Radio Shropshire).

Once again, the show will be written by PAUL HENDY and produced

by EVOLUTION, the same team behind last year’s smash hit, Cinderella.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS is proving to be the most popular pantomime ever staged at the Theatre Severn. Tickets are selling faster than ever before, with more than half sold already. Don’t be disappointed… Book Today!

W IN TICKET S

See above for your chance to win a Family ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children) for this year’s pantomime Snow White and The Severn Dwarfs at Theatre Severn, valid for Sunday 3rd December 5pm

26 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 26, 27 Entertainment.indd 1

30/10/2017 22:22

GO LIMITLESS . . .

big

SEE ALL THE FILMS YOU WANT, AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE!

Imagine being able to see all the films you want, week in, week out. Mid-week romcom?

Saturday night blockbuster? With huge potential savings and access to exclusive member treats, joining Limitless means you can watch all the films you want as often as you like for one monthly fee.

screen In association with

What is the Festival?

This year’s Into Film Festival takes place from 8-24 November and bookings go live exclusively for club leaders on Wednesday 6 September. Bookings for all other educators will go live the day after, on Thursday 7 September.

The Into Film Festival is the world’s largest free film and education event for young people presenting 3,000 free cinema screenings, and showcasing over 140 films at more than 600 venues across the UK. Featuring guest speakers from the film industry and supported by free curriculumlinked resources, we aim to help educators bring learning to life for 5-19 year olds by inspiring young people to watch and understand film in new and creative ways.

Go to www.intofilm.org/events/festival to find all our Into Film Festival

N T S

Don’t forget to try Odeon’s all new Sharer Combo

ODEONSAYS

Inspired by Superman’s selfless sacrifice, Batman has regained his faith in humanity and been inspired to build a team. To counter the threat that’s coming, he creates the ‘Justice League’.

With a devastating enemy on the way and Earth’s greatest hero fallen, he and the immortal Amazon warrior Wonder Woman track down their recruits: king of Atlantis Aquaman, human/ machine hybrid Cyborg, and super-speedster the Flash. They’ll stand together to protect the Earth, but will it be enough? DC’s greatest heroes finally unite in ‘Justice League’ for a titanic clash against evil with the fate of the entire world on the line.

26, 27 Entertainment.indd 2

Welcome

Odeon, Telford General Manager Annette Small 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 Paddington 2 ‘Paddington 2’ continues the adventures of the little bear from darkest Peru, now that he’s a permanent member of the Brown family and a popular member of the local community.

His Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday is coming up, and he’s trying to find the perfect present for her. A unique, antique book could be exactly what he needs – but when a dastardly thief snatches it, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to catch him and get it back. The eagerly-awaited sequel to the smash hit original, ‘Paddington 2’ sees our favourite bear carrying on spreading joy (and marmalade) wherever he goes.

WIN CINEMA TICKETS

the Odeon s teamed up with ha s ew N n ki re W reader’s a pair offer TWO lucky to rd lfo Te a, m Cine of your choice. a tickets to a film m ne ci rd da an contact to: of st e and telephone m na ur yo nd se Just ckets, Bridge News, Odeon Ti n ki re W , is yl Ba Tania Y or email: , Telford TF1 1R on gt lin el W d, oa R ia.co.uk tania@plus2med

BE WON! O T S T E K IC T F O 2 PAIRS

30/10/2017 16:28

Ticket JUST

THE

To advertise in

JUST THE TICKET Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email

irene@plus2media.co.uk

Y L I M A F WIN !

S T E K C TI To Drayton’s Magical Christmas

O

VER the past ten years, Drayton Manor Park has given more than half a million visitors 280 days of Magical Christmas memories, including 159,600 Father Christmas meet and greets and endless magical moments. This year, the festive celebration is set to be bigger, better and more magical than ever before as the popular family attraction celebrates a decade of fantastic festive fun, and you could win a family ticket!

Starting on Saturday 18th November and running on selected dates throughout the Christmas period, families can dig out their favourite woolly

hat and gloves and immerse themselves in the ultimate magical experience.

Visitors of all ages are invited to delight as Europe’s only Thomas Land™ once again becomes the ultimate winter wonderland, with guaranteed snow showers up to three times a day.

The magical makeover continues throughout the park, with an enchanting 30 foot lightshow Christmas tree taking centre stage and playing festive music throughout the day.

Those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park can visit the 15-acre Zoo, home to over 750 animals of 130 different species from all over the world. Visitors can

meet cute reindeer and enjoy live talks and feeds from our Zoo Keeping team throughout the day.

Each day of Magical Christmas will end in style, thanks to a dazzling fireworks display that the whole family is sure to love and will even get the biggest scrooge in the festive spirit!

To book tickets, or for more information about the park, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1950. Reduced prices are available for tickets bought in advance. For regular updates and news about Drayton Manor Park join it on Twitter www. twitter.com/Draytonmanor and Facebook www.facebook.com/ DraytonManorPark

Homely and relaxing welcome at the Novello Lounge What to do on a very windy, cold Monday night?

Well, I decided to cheer myself up and headed to the Novello Lounge with my family, for a night off cooking!

Situated in Southwater, town centre, we had ample parking to make the five minute stroll.

And wow, amazingly spacious and beautifully designed, the Novello Lounge still has a homely and relaxed feeling that welcomes you in.

We choose our table and looked through the café bar menus. Once we all decided I headed to the bar to order. I have to say the staff were all fantastic and more than happy to help. For three adults and two children, meals desserts and drinks all for under £60, you just can’t beat it.

While we waited for our food, the kids were

kept entertained with the games on offer. So the adults could enjoy and relax.

In no time at all our food arrived, beautifully presented and tasting delicious! I can definitely recommend the ‘Ultimate Chicken Burger’.

Everyone agreed the food was fantastic.

Once we were all finished our lovely waitress cleared the table and asked if we were ready for our desserts, which of course we were.

All the desserts enjoyed and eaten we said our thanks and made our way, agreeing that we would definitely be returning soon.

Why not give them a try? For great value for money, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, contact the Novello Lounge, Southwater Telford town centre 01952 200491.

How to enter

Wrekin News has teamed up with Drayton Manor Park to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Family ticket to their Magical Christmas event.

All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Drayton Manor Christmas, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, closing date for entries is Wednesday 22 November 2017 so don’t delay and enter soon and good luck!

Terms and conditions Winners may visit the park on a date of their choosing during Drayton’s Magical Christmas, subject to availability. Drayton’s Magical Christmas is open on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th November, Friday 24th – Monday 27th November, Friday 1st December – Monday 4th December, Friday 8th – Monday 11th December, Friday 15th – Sunday 24th December and Wednesday 27th – Sunday 31st December. Selected dates may apply, please check website for opening times and dates. Each ticket is for four people. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. 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.

28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28, 30, 31, 32 Just The Ticket.indd 1

30/10/2017 22:25

T’PAU - ‘30 Years at Number One’ play Shrewsbury - The Buttermarket on Friday 17th November!

November 2017, marks the 30th anniversary of the classic “China In Your Hand” reaching Number One in the UK music charts. To mark the occasion, Carol Decker and the band have announced a special set of live shows.

T’pau burst onto the music scene in 1987 with the hit “Heart & Soul” reaching No. 4 in both the UK and US charts. Taken from the debut album “Bridge Of Spies”, it’s innovative use of a rap verse by a white female vocalist introduced the world to the distinctive lead vocals of Carol Decker and the song writing talents of Carol and Ronnie Rogers.

‘Heart & Soul’ led to a meteoric rise in T’Pau’s

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS!

fortunes both at home and in the USA, where the track stayed on the US billboard chart for six months. After a UK Arena Tour supporting Bryan Adams, the band immediately toured UK City Halls as headliners to tie in with the next single, the classic ballad ‘China In Your Hand’. Nobody could have predicted the enormous impact of ‘China’ which stayed at No1 for five weeks – the longest serving No.1 of the year! Simultaneously, ‘Bridge Of Spies’ occupied the number 1 album slot for two weeks.

Performing a handful of full band shows, Carol is looking forward to rocking out with her army of amazing musicians.

Box Office

Tickets for the ’30 Years at Number One’ - November 2017 – UK Shows are available from: Friday 17th November 2017 SHREWSBURY – The Buttermarket Box Office No: 01743 281751 or 0871 220 0260 Website – www.seetickets.com/event/t-pau-30-yearsat-number-one/the-buttermarket-shrewsbury/1111590 Tickets - £25.00, Doors – 7.00pm

Win tickets

Wrekin News has a pair of tickets to see Carol Decker on Friday 17th November for one lucky reader to win. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Carol Decker Tickets, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, closing date for entries is Tuesday 14th November so don’t delay and enter soon, good luck!

Upcoming Events & Offers NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY NIGHT Enjoy a delicious three course meal and then dance away the rest of the year with our resident DJ. Adults £35.00

RESERVE TICKETS PLEASE CALL

01743 761256

BLUES BROTHER TRIBUTE PARTY NIGHTS Blues Brothers Tribute Party Nights £29.00pp Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal with tea or coffee and mince pies then dance the night away to music provided by one of our top tribute acts.

14th December 2017 & 20th December

17TH & 24TH DECEMBER / 12.00 - 2.00PM SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND £20.50 ADULTS / £10.50 CHILDREN / UNDER 1 FREE

Two Venues - Endless possibilities 2 VENUES IN 1 DAY

WROXETER HOTEL & MORRELLS WOOD FARM

For more information on events & offers, then please contact us on TEL: 01743 761256 OR EMAIL: INFO@THEWROXETERHOTEL.CO.UK / WWW.THEWROXETERHOTEL.CO.UK www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 29

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30

F S!

· 29

THROUGHO

UT DECEMBE

R!

Come and see Santa Every Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday & introducing our new under 5’s on Wednesdays £6 pre-booked £7 on the door (Subject to availability) BOOK ONLINE NOW

£2 Penguin Trail with a prize* events, news & offers!

Follow us on Facebook for

k www.arleyarboretum.co.u *T&C’s apply. Open Weds - Sun 11am-5pm Closed 18th Dec 2017 - 17th Feb 2018.

Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467

Win a night’s stay at the Buckatree Hall Hotel Wrekin News has teamed up with the Buckatree Hall Hotel to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a night’s stay for two with breakfast included in one of the regions top hotels.

Nestled under the Wrekin and lying next to Ercall Woods the Buckatree Hall Hotel is a traditional hotel that offers elegant restaurant dinning with lake views and a relaxed bar and lounge.

The hotel also boasts a gym and conference rooms are available to hire.

Refined rooms with rich fabrics all have flat-screen TV’s and free WiFi as well as tea and coffee making facilities.

For more information about booking your next stay at the Buckatree Hall Hotel visit their website: www.buckatreehallhotel.com or call 01952 641821 For your chance to win a night’s stay for two including breakfast at the Buckatree Hall Hotel send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Buckatree Hall Hotel, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, TF1 1RY or email your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk Closing date for entries is Wednesday 22 November 2017. Good luck! (terms and conditions apply)

The Brewery Inn EVENTS | DRINKS | GREAT FOOD | FISHING ACCOMMODATION | HORSE & DOG FRIENDLY

The Brewery Inn, High Street, Coalport, Telford TF8 7HZ 01952 581225 · www.breweryinn.co.uk 30 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28, 30, 31, 32 Just The Ticket.indd 3

32 30/10/2017 22:28

Buckatree Hall Hotel WE’VE GOT CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP!

ELVIS

Buddy Holly

Tribute Lunch 30th November £16.50pp

Tribute Lunch 4th December £16.50pp

Neil Diamond

Elton John

Tribute Lunch 11th December £16.50pp

Tribute Lunch 14th December £16.50pp

Frank Sinatra Tribute Lunch 21st December £16.50pp

ABBA Tribute Dinner

Doris Day

Elvis Presley & Elton John

Tom Jones

6th December £24.50pp

Tribute Dinner 14th December £24.50pp

Tribute Lunch 6th December £16.50pp

Tribute Lunch 18th December £16.50pp

Rod Stewart & David Bowie Tribute Dinner 21st December £24.50pp

Buckatree Hall Hotel - 01952 641821 The Wrekin, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF6 5AL 01952 641821 - sales@buckatreehallhotel.com

www.buckatreehallhotel.com www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 31

Buckatree Hall Hotel Advert Nov.indd 1

30/10/2017 11:34

Miss Winter’s Demise

M

any years ago, I participated in a training course at my office. I forget what it was called but it was intended to enhance the confidence of participants and to encourage them to seek out a better work-life balance.

The sessions are now a blur, smeared by the passage of time but one thing I do recall was being asked to set personal goals. After scratching my head for a while, I scribbled down that I wanted to write a book before I turned 40. This was a realistic aim because after all, I had ages to go until I hit that particular milestone. I didn’t know what I wanted to write about, only that I wanted to write something. I suppose I hoped to have a pocket-sized legacy of sorts, something that my descendants could hold in their hands and say, “Who was this guy again?”

The Land of Nod is quite bizarre – It’s where the Sleepybobos are: A forest folk with painted knees, Who pick off yawns that grow on trees To make a rather tasty jam, Which sells for forty winks a gram…

Despite harbouring this aspiration, the book remained firmly beyond the horizon as I passed the virtual signpost that read, ‘Welcome to Middle Age – Please Drive Carefully’. I was too busy raising a family, walking the dog, and ignoring the housework to devote any real time to such a lengthy project. All that changed when I took a period of extended sick absence from work during which I filled my days writing funny rhymes for children. After a couple of months, I looked through my efforts and thought to myself that I almost had enough to fill a book. “Aha,” I cried as the realisation dawned on me.

The ‘Wet Fish’ was a pirate ship With sails that billowed in the breeze And aboard was the nicest crew You could meet upon the seas.

They never looted any boats And gold, they’d never take, For they would rather sit around With tea and angel cake…

I sought feedback from friends and family, a few of whom were former primary school teachers. The response I received was sufficiently positive to persuade me to send off my manuscript to the Writer’s Advice Centre for Children’s Books in order to obtain an impartial assessment. After several weeks, I received their report and the news was encouraging. Whilst I was warned there was little appetite for kid’s poetry amongst the main publishing houses, particularly from a debut author, I was steered in the direction of a smaller press that might be able to help.

I was delighted to receive endorsements from the likes of the comic actor, Michael Fenton Stevens and the bestselling writer, Ben Hatch. I can only hope that their kind words might help sway the undecided into buying a copy…or three. After all, it is coming out just in time for Christmas!

Out this month ‘Miss Winter Demise and Other Crimes Against Poetry’ by Paul Minton is due out on 28 November 2017. It is available to order from Amazon, Waterstones, and all good (and bad) bookshops. If you would like to purchase a signed copy, please contact the author directly at cherrytreechips@gmail.com.

THE

Christopher’s Restaurant SWAN Bar and Rooms at

The Swan Hotel Monday

Free House

Christmas Fayre Luncheon Menu 2 Course £8.95/3 Course £10.95 Christmas Fayre Evening Dinner Dance £14.95 Christmas Day at the Swan £45.00 per Adult/ £20.00 per Child under 10 Boxing Day Luncheon Menu £15.00 Christmas Confirmation Booking. If you would like to book a table please complete a slip. We ask for a small deposit of £5 per person

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

SPECIALS

Chefs Special Night including pint, glass of wine or soft drink Sizzler Night All Day Carvery 12-9 Steak, Chicken & Fish Night or any two for All Day Carvery 12-9 FULL A LA CARTE MENU AVAILABLE Three Course Carvery 12-6 Kids Under 10

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

Afternoon Cream Teas Now Being Served £6.50 per head (Bookings Only)

SATURDAY - FULL A LA CARTE MENU AVAILABLE WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE

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32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28, 30, 31, 32 Just The Ticket.indd 4

30/10/2017 16:41

Open Daily from 8.00am

CARRIAGES COCKTAIL BAR : RESTAURANT : ROOMS

Carriages Wellington proudly presents our Christmas menu.

Using only the finest fresh locally sourced produce, from around Shropshire.

Christmas Menu STARTER

Roasted Plum Tomato and Basil soup with Herb Croutons –olive oil Garlic Wild Mushrooms. Toasted sour dough – Rocket dressing Duck liver & port Parfait with caramelised onion chutney Oak Smoked Salmon. Celeriac Remoulade – Capers – beetroot puree

MAINS

Roast Shropshire Turkey. Apricot stuffing – Roast potatoes _ pigs in blanket Pan fried Fillet of Salmon. Pea & Mint Risotto – Tender stem Broccoli Braised shin of Beef. With creamed potatoes, Black cabbage – Roasted carrots – red wine sauce 8oz Sirloin Steak (£7.00 suppliment) Grilled tomato – Flat mushroom – Hand cut chips Cauliflower cheese Risotto. Cauliflower florets – pesto dressing

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www.carriagestelford.com www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 33

33 Adverts.indd 1

30/10/2017 17:06

Love Food

The Tipple! by

Sue Ladds

CHRISTMAS IT’S ALL ABOUT PREPARATION

S

O, FOR months you have been making jam, chutney, wine, cider, beer and spirits. now it’s time to count all of your goodies and make up Christmas hampers. starting early with your planning means finding the right size boxes and covering with Christmas paper. then deciding whether to make or buy a cake or Christmas pudding as a central feature.

For those folk making sloe gin, damso gin and blackberry vodka leave plenty of time for removing the fruit with a sieve or strain bag and then adding a fining sachet to remove the fine bits. At BrewGenie we always have smaller bottles for the “not-very-generous” amongst you.

A larger than needed box always allows for a little artistic flair. A list might include; pine cones, tinsel, holly, sugar canes, nuts, satsumas, sugar mice, (edible) tree baubles. Always add a name tag, you don’t want

to be accused of regifting, even if you have!

As my regular reader knows we acquired four kittens last year. At Christmas they will be sixteen months old. So what to get them for Christmas? Their interests are eating, sleeping and pulling things apart. I’m thinking a large cardboard box completely taped up, but with cat-sized holes cut in, filled with chewable stuffing, paper, tinsel, tinkle bells and treats. If you do something similar. remember everything will be chewed and possibly swallowed. Remove any plastic tags and staples.

Warning; this may be messy.

If you treat your home to new towels and bedding for the season remember the pet rescue centres may appreciate your cast offs. This time of year brings the cold weather, more unfortunate unwanteds and higher vets bills. Check websites or give them a call to find out what they need.

Meeow! (thank you).

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English food culture: shaped by global inf luences

T

HE late Clarissa Dickson Wright, she of the Two Fat Ladies TV cookery show fame, was a larger than life character with a surprisingly larger than life name, which ran in full to; Clarissa Theresa Philomena Aileen Mary Josephine Agnes Elsie Trilby Louise Esmerelda Dickson Wright. A barrister by profession, but also a business woman and writer, the accomplished Miss Dickson Wright possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of food, cookery and the history of British fare. Indeed, among her many writings one of the most interesting is her book, A History of English Food, published in 2011, three years before her untimely death.

Anyone who possesses even a mild interest in food and its origins will find Clarissa’s history of English food delightful.

She takes the reader from the Medieval Larder around the time of William the Conqueror through the various influences, mainly from Continental Europe, that shaped what was ultimately to become traditional English food. The work’s scope is considerable, finishing with rationing after World War II and modern English food – which is now being assaulted by American fast food culture as the source of much diet related disease.

Food culture is one of the defining characteristics of the English people as a nation, but it is dynamic and changes over time. Food culture is expressive of who people are and what they are becoming.

It captures such things as the nature of their food resources and the styles of their culinary skills and abilities. It records their food preferences formed by their history, and the range of internal and external influences that have modified, changed and developed both the meals they eat and the foods they consume between meals.

Beyond traditional food, in Britain today we have a very diverse food culture, although that is not to say that everyone takes advantage of, or even enjoys the wide range of products readily available in the marketplace. Many people have a tendency to eat basically the same foods each week, as demonstrated by their shopping baskets which regularly present limited variation in their food choices.

However, even those whose diets vary little will, from time-to-time, take the plunge

by Professor

Ralph Early and try something different, just to break away from routine and monotony. Such is often seen in the foods that people eat at weekends compared with their normal, weekly consumption.

In the working week a standard menu often applies and quick to prepare, convenience foods may predominate, because of the perceived shortage of time.

At weekends things may be different.

People frequently reward themselves with something a little more exotic and perhaps a little more expensive, purely in compensation for surviving the working week and tolerating the boss. Food consumed during the week may also observe calorie limits in the attempt to watch weight, but at weekends indulgences become justifiable pleasures, caution is downgraded and people may then experiment with food not typical of their own heritage and food culture.

Over generations people from all over the world have flowed into Britain bringing their food cultures with them. Indian and Chinese restaurants and take-aways are common in British high streets, and Asian and Oriental supermarkets can be found in most large towns, to the delight of those who enjoy scratch-cooking from recipes using authentic raw materials.

Other nationalities have also brought food cultures, cuisines and expertise to Britain. Southern Italian migrants helped develop the UK’s ice cream industry in the 19th century, although this frozen dessert was not new to the country having been served at the Feast of St George in Windsor Castle in 1671, during the reign of Charles II. Many Poles who fought with the British during the Second World War remained when peace arrived, influencing changes in food culture in various towns and

Ralph Early is Professor of Food Industry in the Department of Food Science and Agri-Food Supply Chain Management in Harper Adams University, a Council Member of the Food Ethics Council and a member of the Guild of Food Writers.

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RECIPIES FROM THE BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL

ROSE GARDEN with Head Chef ‘Rose’ Mclean Johnson cities. In recent years people from Eastern Europe have brought other food influences to Britain’s shores, impacting wider food culture. The supermarkets have also played their part by stocking foodstuffs reflecting non-British food cultures, such as French cheeses, Spanish wines and Eastern ready meals.

The popularity and provenance of dishes identified with specific food cultures can at times raise debate.

For a decade or so chicken tikka masala was considered to be Britain’s favourite dish, but the Sunday roast appears once again to have taken the lead. While the origins of the British roast are not in doubt, the claim that Henry VIII enjoyed his cut of English beef so much that he knighted it ‘Sir

T: 01952 820810 62 High Street Newport TF10 7AQ

Loin’ does not withstand scrutiny.

Similarly, the origins of chicken tikka masala are contested, with some claiming it a dish of the Punjab while others maintain its roots lie in Glasgow.

Today, the variety of food products and products of different food cultures available in Britain is greater than at any time in history. Foodies who are decidedly exploratory in matters gastronomic will enjoy both traditional British food culture and the arrival of world-food influences.

Those of a more cautious disposition may stay with what they know, but easily accessible adventures with foods from other cultures await should they wish. And who can complain about that?

D is h of th e m o nt h Asparagus, artichoke and goats cheese salad with micro herbs and pesto . . .

Ingredients . . .

2 baby leeks trimmed 3 asparagus spears trimmed 1 artichoke heart cut into quarters (from a jar is fine) A hand full of red chard 2 leaf of radicchio rolled and cut thinly (chiffonade) Basil pesto for dressing Slice of goats cheese

Method . . .

Lightly steam the leeks and asparagus and then drop into cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Cut the asparagus into half and leeks into half inch pieces, lightly grill the goat cheese (if thick grill on both sides) Place radicchio and red chard mix in the centre then artichoke and asparagus scatter the leeks over the mixture dressed with the pesto place goat cheese on top and enjoy!

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www.thebarleynewport.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 35

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Firework phobia in pets

B

ONFIRE night is fast approaching, although for us this is an exciting time of year, the same cannot be said for our pets.

Many animals will find the noise and flashes created from fireworks frightening and very stressful. There are several things that can be done to help keep our pets feeling calm and safe during this time, have a read through our advice and see what you can do help your pet. After all it’s not just for the one evening, firework season will continue over Christmas and New Year.

There are some basic things you can start with at home, including: l Make sure all dogs and cats are kept inside, lock your cat flaps and

keep all windows and doors tightly shut to prevent pets from escaping. l Keep curtains drawn and place on the TV and radio, this will help block out some of the sound and visual effects. l Create a den, our cats and dogs like to hide away to help make themselves feel more secure. Place in their favourite toys and something of yours, the familiar smells will help them a feel a little more at ease. You can create this den earlier so that your pet gets used to it. l Try to act normally! If they want to pace around a little and find new hiding spots let them. The more you stress around them, the more stressed they will become, if you are relaxed it will help them do so too.

Dog Dog lovers lovers wanted wanted

Join our local host community Join our local host community

Written by Kate Williamson RVN l It’s also a good time to make sure your pets identification details are up to date! Just in case they manage to escape. Check your microchip details, collars and tags to ensure that all the details are correct.

It’s not just our cats and dogs that get worried, don’t forget about your smaller pets too: l This can include our rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents and birds! l If possible hutches/enclosures should be moved out of the open, whether this be a room in the house or just into a shed or garage. l If you are unable to move your pets hutch/enclosure cover over with blankets, this will help deaden the noise and block out the sight of the fireworks. You could also turn the opening of the hutch towards the fence/wall so it’s not facing the open garden.

l Provide plenty of extra bedding to allow for effective burrowing, this will help them feel a little safer.

Sometimes these general precautions aren’t enough for our more nervous animals. There are lots of products on the market designed to help calm and relieve anxiety. These include Adaptil and Feliway products, that come in plugin diffusers, sprays and collars.

For more advice on which product might be best suited to your pets needs, please do not hesitate to speak to us at any of our Severn Edge Vet branches.

Also spare a thought for our wildlife this firework season! If you’re building bonfires check them before lighting to make sure there are no little friends hibernating inside. Make sure all firework rubbish is disposed of properly, if left around it can become a hazard.

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36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 36 Severn Edge Vets.indd 1

30/10/2017 16:44

Diary November 2017

3 November Madeley Cricket Club Bonfire 5pm till 10pm 4 November Blist Hill Fireworks Night Blist Hill Victorian Town, Madley 4 November Wellington Cricket Club Firework Display 5:30 till 9pm 5 November Shifnal Cricket Club firework Display Gates open at 5pm Fireworks at 7pm 5 November Bonfire and Firework Display Weston Park Gates open 3pm Bonfire lit 5:30pm Fireworks 6pm and 7:30 11 November Houghton on the Hill Craft Fair Houghton Village Hall, LE7 9GE 10am till 3:30pm 11 November Donnington Bonfire Gates and Funfair 4pm Fireworks 7pm and 9pm Bonfire lit 8pm 11 November Armistice Day Wellington Market Square 10:30 till 11:30am 12 November Wellington Remembrance Parade Parade leaves Nailor’s Row car park 10:25

18 November Christmas Fair Wellington Methodist Church 10am in Church FREE admission 24 November 1950s and 60s Music Hall Evening Blist Hill Victorian Town Adults £25.00 25 November Wellington Christmas Lights and Winter Festival 26 November Apley Farm Shop Christmas Craft Fair Norton, TF11 9EF 10am till 4pm 26 November Christmas Festival and Market Caseys , Donnington 12 till 4pm 26 November Lilleshall Antique and Vintage Fair Lilleshall Sports Centre 1 December Dawley Christmas Lights Switch On 3pm till 6pm Light switch on 5pm 2 and 3 December Shropshire Christmas Gift Fair Telford International Center 10am till 5pm

Your Community Call Tania today on 01952 522562 or email: tania@plus2media.co.u k to include your event on our Community Noticeboard page

Christmas @ Christ Church New Church Road, Wellington TF1 1JX

Saturday 9th December 10am-2pm

Christmas Tree Festival we are expecting around 35 trees refreshments available also cake stall ‘water into wine!’

Christmas present ideas We are delighted to confirm that we are again expecting singers from TADLOP (Telford and District Light Operatic Players) to join us around 11am on Saturday and there will also be some seasonal music played.

Our church will also be open to view the trees on Friday 9th December from 10am till 12noon Queries/more details – please email through our website www.oneparish.org.uk

New history group for Oakengates

St Peters, Bratton and Ercall Wood Technology College are very excited to invite you to their

SHOPPING NIGHT Friday 3rd November 2017 7pm - 10pm

At Ercall Wood Technology College, Golf Links Lane, Wellington, Telford. TF1 2DT

WE HAVE LOTS OF AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL CRAFT AND GIFT STALLS Stalls range from, bespoke home items, wooden toys, Christmas hampers, books, beauty products, jewellery, clothing, handmade decorations, bath bombs and so many more other gorgeous stalls.

TICKETS ARE £3 AND INCLUDE A WELCOME DRINK TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ON THE NIGHT A licensed bar and delicious cakes mean you get the chance to sit and relax as well as shop.

For more details call Julie on 07747 632150

A new history group has been formed, its Oakengates History Group a local group for anyone interested in local history. Oakengates History Group meets at the Wakes Theatre Square, Oakengates. If you are interested in joining the group please telephone (01952) 567500 or email: townclerk. oakengatestowncouncil@Telford.gov.uk

2 December Weston Park Food and Craft Fayre 10am till 4pm

To include your event in our Diary for December please contact Tania tania@plus2media.co.uk or call 01952 522562 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37

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home

Now is the time to move your plants

H

OPEFULLY by the time you read this our seasons will have sorted themselves out and most of the trees and shrubs will be dormant. This is the best time to move plants as the top growth has stopped on the deciduous plants and will have slowed, to a great extent, even in the evergreens. The soil will, however, still be warm enough for the plant to keep roots growing. This will enable it to repair any damage caused in the move. It will also enable top growth to commence as soon as the weather changes again next year.

Where you are moving a plant within your own garden it is advisable to lightly prune it and tie up any branches, this will allow good access to dig around it. When lifting the plant from the ground try to retain as much soil around the roots as possible, in this way the plant may not even notice it has moved. Use a sheet of plastic to slip under the roots and then lift the plastic not the plant, as it is easy to pull branches off. The plastic should also be easy to slide along the ground and can then be pulled out when the plant is in its new position.

Finally do remember that any plant which is moved will need to be firmed in well, watered and checked periodically that it has not been loosened by the wind.

Most of the above will also apply where you

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are purchasing any bare root trees and shrubs which you have ordered from the local nursery. The main difference is that the plant may not come with a large amount of soil so it is best to have made the necessary preparations for receipt before the nursery let you know the plant is ready for collection. This will ensure that it is out of the ground for the least possible amount of time, and hence improve dramatically its ability to recover quickly from its move. This has historically been the time when the majority of plants have been purchased as they are cheaper if purchased bare root, there

Written by

Robert Hudson

of Lilyhurst Plant Centre

Andy Allmark Painter & Decorator

CALL NOW ON: Tel: 01952 248119

Mob: 07816 781196 OR EMAIL AT

d.allmark@sky.com

being no pots or compost used. This also helps the environment as there are less plastic pots to dispose of.

This article is being written at the end of October and we expect to start lifting during November the ordered trees and shrubs so there is still time if you wish to acquire some new plants for your garden.

After the recent high winds one important task is to check that fences are secure and replace any broken or dislodged panels as soon as possible. Also check that trees and large shrubs are secure and if necessary firm them back in, staking if necessary.

TREE SURGEON JOFFREY WATSON RFS CERT ARB (HONS)

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND REMOVAL

20 years of experience · fully qualified and insured

PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE

01952 727966 or 07813 685091

38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34, 35 Home and Garden.indd 1

30/10/2017 16:20

Simon Bradbury Tel: 07725 040408

The Coach House, Holyhead Road, Albrighton, Shropshire, WV7 3BT

❁ Tree Pruning ❁ Tree Removal ❁ Hedge Trimming ❁ Topiary ❁ Domestic and commercial ❁ Grounds Maintenance inc. Grass Cutting ❁ Fully Insured ❁ Over 15 Years Experience

Loyalty card scheme Pay for 8 cuts and get the 9 th FREE!

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www.trotfieldwindowsltd.co.uk 1 Madeley Road, Ironbridge, Telford, TF8 7PP www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39

34, 35 Home and Garden.indd 2

30/10/2017 16:20

Care & Community In later years . . .

Donate your winter fuel allowance to help an older person keep warm A local charity supporting older people in Shropshire is asking for donations of the winter fuel payment to help those who struggle to pay their heating bills in the winter.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin set up a scheme four years ago to help older people who experience difficulties paying gas or electricity bills. The scheme invites those people who can manage to pay their fuel bills without the winter fuel payment to donate it to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin who can pass in on to local older people who really do need it to keep warm this winter.

According to a survey by the Department of Energy and Climate

Change, Shropshire is thought to have as many as 19,135 homes classified as fuel poor, this equates to 14.6% of all households in the county. Even more alarming, the report states that in 2014/15 there were 191 excess winter deaths in Shropshire, 2.5 times the national average.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive Officer at Age UK STW, said: “We have seen an increase in calls to our Information and Advice team from those who are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills and faced with living in a cold home in the winter. Nearly 50,000 homes are off the mains gas grid resulting

in more expensive heating fuels, such as oil, LPG and electricity. The Surviving Winter Grant Fund gives another option for people wanting to donate, knowing they will be helping someone in need.”

If you would like to donate to the local charity in a different way and feel that you can manage without your winter fuel payment, then call Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin on 01743 233123. Please specify you wish to donate to the Surviving Winter Grant Fund.

For more information about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin go to www.ageuk.org.uk/ shropshireandtelford

40 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40 Community.indd 1

30/10/2017 16:18

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41 Adverts.indd 1

30/10/2017 17:18

Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

PERKY ZEAL

VW Passat SE Business

2.0-litre TDI 150PS 6spd manual

FOR TRUE EXECUTIVE TYPES

P

ROGRESSIVE thinkers might picture todays businessman sitting at a work station sipping a ‘flat white’ while tapping a keyboard in masterful fashion.

As appealing as this image may be, like all stereotypes it is far from the truth. More than ever today the energetic businessman has to keep an eye on things across the length and breadth of our great island. Our managers are as important to us as a spell of fine weather.

It follows - particularly in light of our challenging roads - that his or her ability to traverse the miles should not be hampered by material or physical discomforts.

To put all that in plain English, a comfortable executive saloon is as much a pre-requisite today as it ever was. And for true executive style and pedigree, few manufacturers can match the skill and aptitude of VW engineers.

They know that a journey in one of those cars should be an enlivening and refreshing experience - the better to go about one’s business with perky zeal.

Of course, while travelling in style it does no harm to also create the proper impressions of smart efficiency. Well - if ever a modern motor vehicle conveyed that, it has to be the VW Passat SE Business. As smart as a tailored suit, as willing as a lean greyhound, as eager to get from A to B as a nectar seeking honey bee, this variant of the Passat makes for a proud addition to the business executives wonder wall.

Certainly it looks the part. You’d be forgiven for ignoring its business credentials and taking it for an out-and-out luxury saloon car. That’s a testament to the ‘all-of-apiece’ smooth styling. Poise and purposefulness are written all over the contours,

designed as it is, to slip through the air while, of course, slipping that extra quid or three of savings into the pocket. Aerodynamic efficiency equates with fuel frugality.

VW have made the interior just as appealing as the outside. Deference to driver and passengers results in a ‘feel good’ sense of ones own importance. It does no harm to submit to that attentiveness to detail that necessarily induces a boost to ones self esteem.

A contemporary touch-screen is deftly incorporated into the dash to supply all the necessary signs and sounds that you’ll ever need and clear instrumentation allows for instant interpretation with emphasis being placed on data of prime importance.

Settling in is like nestling in the comfort of a supple warm glove.

But form a fist and it definitely has punch. It’s a functional business car designed to sweep away the blues a magic broomstick with magic right down to its rubber souls.

With such a good blend of practicality and performance it manages to be at the top level of a hotly contested market niche - delivering a decisive argument on sensible price (£24,880), specification and stylishness. It’s as elegant as a dapper dandy with the cut and thrust of a rampaging highwayman. The motto is not so much ‘stand and deliver’ as ‘deliver outstanding’.

Beneath the sleek bonnet is a very smooth 150PS 2.0 4 cylinder diesel

42 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 1

30/10/2017 16:18

Major expansion for Telford’s largest private hire firm

of peerless punch and Judy-pleasing economy. I actually achieved an amazing 78.6 mpg in ‘Eco’ mode over 120 miles of motorway and A road driving.

Few cars will deliver you and your payload with such dash and panache. It’s a sublime, long-striding inter-city express in sixth gear, but when twisty roads beckon it comes alive as you select ‘Sport’ mode and enjoy the slick manual gearbox and fine handling. You’re treated to a confidence-inspiring combination of grunt and deportment. Smooth and responsive as a sinuous dancer with enough straight-line momentum to startle an astronaut.

There is no doubt that given the carrying capacity of the cavernous boot it truly represents twenty first century space travel. This is not any old saloon. This one belongs to the Baron and Baroness of Bravado who - in the politest way - sweep past ‘the petit traffickers who curtsey to them and do them reverence’. (As that well-known car pundit William Shakespeare wrote). For readers untutored in The Classics, that is to say that driving such a car puts much of the competition in the shade.

This Passat certainly surprised the vicar with its firm-footed, swift and powerful performance. I would

have been able to zip us up to near 140mph before my clerical friend could have said ‘My goodness!’ if I had wanted to - and I could have redeemed my soul by pointing out that it sends little noxious nastiness Heavenwards - emitting just 109g/km.

The supreme accolade though was that he was moved to remark that it felt as safe as those times when he used to watch Stars on Sunday with his granny in the Gorbals.

As well as ‘go’ it never feels less than perfectly secure: firmly planted on the road and always giving a comfortable ride. There’s a good feel to the steering and handling is precise - with roadholding so secure that only Beelzebub could break through the protective envelope.

‘How can a car be so racey and yet so sensibly safe and solid?’ I hear you ask. Well, you just have to concentrate on the heart of the matter to know. Here is a swift car with anchors that drive a firmly protective pedigree while allowing for the joy of responsive motoring.

They sing of Bond that ‘nobody does it better’ - but when it comes to cars the accolade belongs to VW who operate to the gold standard and you can acquire one of these for much less than the price of the key to Fort Knox.

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Go Carz Telford office manager Craig Bexon with directors Carl Wilday and Cindy Wilday outside Wellington Station.

T

ELFORD’S largest private hire firm, Go Carz, now has more than 350 cars operating in Wellington after a major expansion in recent months.

The taxi company has steadily taken on new drivers throughout 2017 and now has its highest number of cars ever available in Telford.

Go Carz has also been heavily active in the local community, becoming a main sponsor of the Friends of Wellington Station group working to rejuvenate the town’s railway station.

Carl Wilday, managing director of Go Carz, said the firm had been really busy since the autumn.

“We recently had the busiest week in our history when we took 110,000 calls and despatched some 85,000 jobs across Shropshire and the Midlands,” he said.

“That has been down to the fact that we have recruited more drivers, particularly here in Telford, so we have the cars available to meet the demand.

“We can typically get a car to people within minutes, and that fast turnaround is of course an important factor when people are trying to book a taxi.”

Carl said he was delighted to attend the launch event for the Friends of Wellington Station recently and was looking forward to seeing the station flourish.

“It’s a fantastic project being run by some really committed and passionate people, and we are very happy to be able to add our support,” he said.

“The station is an important gateway to Wellington and if we can help make it a more welcoming place it will be good for the town as a whole.”

Nominations still being accepted for the Arleston Citizen of the Year Award Nominations are still being accepted for the Arleston Citizen of the Year award. The award is open to anyone who lives or works in Arleston and does work in the community. Are you a carer or a foster carer os someone who work tirelessly for the Arleston community?

I am sure there are a lot of unsung heroes that would qualify for the award. The prize on offer for the winner is £100 to pay for a meal at a restaurant of your own choosing.

Please contact Angela McClements on 01952 380212 or Dave Barnett on 01952 244922 with details before 10th November.

Best wishes Dave Barnett. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 43

42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 2

30/10/2017 16:18

Great Dawley Town Council tool hire scheme with local partners

Great Dawley Town Council have worked with local partners to fund a brand new community tool hire scheme for the residents of Great Dawley.

The Town Council have been working with The Wrekin Housing Trust who have awarded a £1,000.00 from its Community Fund; Friends of Dawley Park who have awarded £320.00, St Leonards Church in Malinslee who have awarded £120.00 and Tesco Bags for Life who awarded £1,000.00 towards this community project. Great Dawley Town Council have match-funded this project with £1,000.00.

The Town Council currently run a very successful over 70’s free gardening scheme with over 100 people signed up to use the service, however, they had received feedback from local residents who are not eligible to use this scheme that they needed some help and assistance to tend to their gardens.

The annual membership to the Great Dawley Tool Hire Scheme costs just £5 per year. This membership fee gives the hirer access to a number of tools to hire such as mowers, hedge cutters, spades, pressure washer and hand-held garden tools.

There will be a small hire charge for the hiring of the larger electrical equipment of £3 per item with a £10 deposit, which is refundable when the tool is returned). Non electrical tools cost £1 per item.

Tools can be hired and returned from Dawley Town Hall every Tuesday 10am to 12 noon and every Thursday 3pm to 5pm (other times are available by prior arrangement).

The scheme is run using both volunteers and Town Council staff who are available at the times stated above to sign up new members. New members will need to provide two forms of ID for proof of address and agree to the conditions of hire and safety guidelines before tools can be hired.

If you could volunteer to help run a tool hire scheme in your area then please contact Clare Turner – Clerk at Great Dawley Town Council clerk@greatdawley.com or call 01952 567910 for more details.

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44 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 44 Home Services.indd 1

29/10/2017 11:04

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 45

45 Adverts.indd 1

30/10/2017 11:38

Sport WREKIN NEWS

email your sports story to: james@plus2media.co.uk

IN FORM BUCKS CLIMB THE TABLE A N upturn in results and form has seen AFC Telford United climb the National League North table and reach the first round proper of the FA Cup. Boss Rob Edwards is however facing a mini crisis as he juggles his squad in an attempt to negate the problems arising from injury and suspension, writes Lez Dean.

Edwards was already missing midfielder Jack Rea when the influential John Marsden joined the injury list. Defender Shane Sutton then pulled up whilst warming up for the FC United cup-tie. The suspensions of Aaron Hayden and then Ross White (each following a sending off) and then the departure of Jordan Gough to Chester has left Edwards with some major headaches, particularly in the defensive department.

If the former Wolves man can lead his team through this tough period successfully

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he will further enhance a burgeoning reputation that has seen him create a free scoring Telford side, the like of which has not been seen for many years.

The Bucks Head men travelled to Gainsborough Trinity in the hope of extending their excellent away record (a 2-0 win at North Ferriby United the previous week had been their fifth on the road).

However things did not go to plan as they showed a vulnerability to set pieces. Trinity took an early lead only to see the Bucks turn things around by the break, Jordan Lussey and Elliott Newby were the scorers. An inability to deal with high balls into the box though twice undid the visitors as they eventually succumbed to a 3-2 defeat.

Away Away Home Home Away

Telford sought a sixth home win on the trot as they entertained Southport.

Things were looking good after forty minutes as Marcus Dinanga fired home following a teasing cross from Newby. The second period appeared comfortable for Edwards’ men but there was always a danger, as they seemed happy to cruise home by the single goal. They were punished for such thoughts deep into injury time as Port won a penalty following a harsh handball decision. Nathan Lowe made no mistake to ensure the spoils were shared.

A dramatic 3-1 win over F.C United saw the Bucks earn a much anticipated FA cup first round tie at Hereford in front of a near sell out crowd. The kind of occasion the clubs’ fans will savour and will hope can lead to even greater things.

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

30/10/2017 19:49

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