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May 2018 · Issue 229

TELFORD AND WELLINGTON’S

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Riot on the Retail Park

Local writer Paul Walsh tells the story of the Cinderloo Riots with a modern-day twist!

Anthony Nicholls tells the story of Wellington man Ken Finney who is brewing up a real success story right on our doorstep

LETTERS Ingrid Finch writes to introduce you to her favourite former owner of Sunnycroft, Mary Slaney

PRIZES TO BE WON

WIN TICKETS TO BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE

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O’er the rivers fly stately Kingfishers Local wildlife with Tim Preston

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Over 1 million installations completed 1 Front Page.indd 1

call:01743 585 988 or visit

gt-shrewsbury.co.uk 30/04/2018 15:43

Wrekin

News Published by: Plus Two Media Limited, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY

Free

Wrekin

News PLEASE TAKE YOUR COPY

May 2018 · Issue 229

TELFORD AND WELLINGTON

’S LEADING TAXI COMPANY

01952

50 10 50

TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS,

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE MAGAZINE

RAISING A GLASS OF KEN’S FINEST

www.gocarz.co.u k

AIRPORTS

Or download the easy to use APP for priority booking!

Riot on the Retail Park

Local writer Paul Walsh tells the story of the Cinderloo Riots with a modern-day twist!

Anthony Nicholls tells the story of Wellington man Ken Finney who is brewing up a real success story right on our doorstep

LETTERS Ingrid Finch writes to introduce you to her favourite former owner of Sunnycroft, Mary Slaney

O’er the rivers fly stately Kingfishers

Book your FREE in-home Design Consultation.

makeovers

Over 1 million installations completed

call:01743 585 988

or visit

gt-shrewsbury.co.uk

1 Front Page.indd 1

30/04/2018 15:43

Tel: (01952) 248374

01952 248374 Percy Thrower’s Wyevale Garden Centre Shrewsbury SY2 6QW

Editor: James Baylis james@plus2media.co.uk

Percy Thrower’s Wyevale Garden Centre Shrewsbury SY2 6QW

Editorial Support: Tania Baylis tania@plus2media.co.uk Publisher & Design: James Baylis Contributing Photographer: Malcolm Couzens Contributing writer: Dwayne Forrester

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Contact our Advertising Sales Manager: Irene Winning 01952 248374 · irene@plus2media.co.uk Specialist writers: George Evans, Richard Worton, Pete Jackson, Sue Ladds, Eve Nicholls, Robert Hudson, Anthony Nicholls and Syd Taylor Sports News: Lez Dean, Fraser Watson To subscribe to Wrekin News please call Tania Baylis on 07977 481186 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 2018 - All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk @wrekinnews1 · facebook.com/Wrekin-News

SINK & TAP

For all the loyal and new ChopShop FREE customers out there, the happy news is you now have the option of visiting the new Telford Town Centre shop for a haircut (37A, Sherwood Row, Telford Shopping Centre, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4DZ). Opened on 19th March they are offering all your favourites, with amazing customer service, quality hair dressing and barbering with outstanding value for money.

Loyalty cards can be used in all three locations and they all offer the same 20% discount for Blue Light Cards, (NHS Staff) and Defence Discount Service, (armed forces and veterans).

‘We’ve had an unbelievable response from customers, old and new. They love the new shop and the convenience of being in the Town Centre.’

Manager Dawn Roberts, continues; “Being The ChopShop, our offer off ‘Baby’s First Hair Cut’ for free, along with a certificate and lock of hair is available, but here they get to fly in our Aeroplane!”

Carl Catt and Adam Turrell, owners of The ChopShop chain believe that supporting their staff with continuing training and promoting from within creates a happy team that go above and beyond to create the best customer experience day on day.

This is a genuine claim, as Area Manger Lisa Vaughan can confirm. Lisa started out on the salon floor at the Madeley shop as a barber, then moved on to being Manger at the Wellington shop, and now being Area Manager, she gets to spend time between all three shops. With an eye to the future, Wolverhampton is next on the horizon for the ChopShop!

The team at the ChopShop would like to say a massive thank you to all their customers for their continuing support.

If you feel you have the attributes to join the team at The ChopShop and are a fully qualified barber please give Lisa a call on 07877557205.

Sarah Barnes – Wellington Manager Andy – Madeley Manager Dawn Roberts – Telford Manager Lisa Vaughan – Area Manager Appointments 01952 929009 or 07877557205 SINK & TAP

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NEW TOWN CENTRE SHOP NOW OPEN!

The ChopShop are proud to announce our support of the blue light services and our armed forces by offering 20% discount on production of a membership card

Free Classified lineage ads If you look at our Classified Ads section you will see that you can fill in a form and send your Free Classified Ad to us. Well now we are making it a little easier and accepting Free Classified Ads by email. Just email your advertisement in no more than 35 words to: tania@plus2media.co.uk and we will print it free of charge!

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

02/05/2018 11:14

Welcome Tel: (01952) 248374 · james@plus2media.co.uk

Welcome to the May issue of Wrekin News!

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ELLO everyone and welcome to the May issue of your favourite local lifestyle magazine Wrekin News. This month marks another landmark for Plus Two Media Limited as we celebrate our second year publishing Wrekin News. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the continuing success of Wrekin News in that time. A big thank you to all of our advertisers, readers and everyone who takes the time to engage with us and our readers sharing their special memories and local stories of interest.

Talking of which we have another packed issue for your enjoyment. There’s a fantastic story from Paul Walsh, who has added a modern-day twist to the Cinderloo Riots of 1821. Anthony Nicholls writes to highlight the award winning work of local beer brewing expert Ken Finney and our wonderful supporter Ingrid Finch has written to us about her favourite former owner of Sunnycroft, Mary Slaney.

We are always on the lookout for more of your memories, stories and pictures so please do find the time to sit down and share your memories with us no matter how old or young you are - we are waiting to hear from you!

You don’t have to write an essay or a novel, just a few paragraphs and maybe if you have a picture available you could send that too. (All pictures can be scanned and returned to you). If you prefer we can write your story for you! Call Tania on 01952 248374 to make the arrangements. We don’t always have enough room in the magazine to print all the letters we receive but rest assured we keep them all on file and print them just as soon as we can!

As we celebrate two years of publishing Wrekin News we can also announce that this month we have moved from our location at Bridge Road into a new office at Unit 2 on Platform 2 at Wellington Train Station. Closer to the centre of town so hopefully we will be just as easy to find and we look forward to welcoming all of our friends from around the Wrekin to the new office in the coming weeks and months with more of your memories, stories and pictures. We also have a new telephone number - 01952 248374.

There will be more information about the move posted on our website and social media in the next few days and in print in the June issue of the magazine. We also must not leave without saying a big thank you to Dave and Paul Gregory and everyone at Partnership Publishing Limited who have been our hosts for the last two years.

I hope you enjoy the issue..

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

2, 3 Welcome.indd 2

02/05/2018 11:14

Helping you find that business you can rely on

Can you help Skye reach her fundraising target?

Are you looking for a trader you can trust but struggling to find the right one?

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Trading Standards team has launched a new accreditation scheme for local businesses. The aim of the Trading Standards Accredited Scheme (TSA) is to offer support to our businesses and give consumers access to traders they can rely on.

This new scheme follows on from the very successful Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register which operated for more than 10 years.

TSA includes businesses such as plumbers, painters and decorators, electricians, builders and gardeners who offer services ranging from simple repairs to large scale projects.

Building on the success of the previous scheme, TSA now welcomes applications from all business sectors.

Members sign up to a Code of Practice which sets out minimum standards for customer care and standards of workmanship. In the event of a problem, members have agreed to work with Trading Standards in accordance with a Complaint Resolution Procedure.

Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for enforcement said: “This isn’t one of those schemes where traders simply pay their fee and are automatically allowed to join. Our Trading Standards team will check all the businesses that apply for this scheme.

The checks will include making sure they are who they say they are, that they have all the insurances, accreditations and certificates they need to do their work and whether there have been any complaints against them.

“Even if they pass those initial tests, they will continue to be monitored by our Trading Standards team” Don’t be a victim! Do your homework and look for that business you can trust.

Visit: - www.tsaccredited.co.uk If you have any queries about the website, feel free to email us at tsaccredited@telford.gov.uk

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6-10 HAYGATE ROAD WELLINGTON, TF1 1QA

01746 764334 01952 253522

Lisa Roberts has written to Wrekin News to ask if our readers can help her daughter Skye Doughty who is 8 years old reach her fundraising target of £500. A few weeks ago Skye asked Lisa if she could give her hair to someone who is poorly.

Lisa did some research and found the Little Princess Trust.

The Trust provides real hair wigs free of charge to children and young adults up to the age of 24, who have sadly lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses.

Skye will be donating at least 12 inches of her hair so that they can turn it into a wig. Each wig costs on average £500 to make.

In the first day alone Skye raised £195 and after three days the total had raised to £277. This is already amazing but Skye would love the help of our readers to smash through her £500 target.

Skye who lives in St Georges and attends St Georges C of E Primary school will be cutting her hair on Saturday 2 June.

Skye has a just giving page, the link is - http:// www.justgiving.com/ Lisa-Roberts36?utm_ id=121 Donations can also be made by texting ISCU70 £2 to 70070. The amount can be changed to however much you would like to donate, thank you.

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01/05/2018 01:39

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30/04/2018 02:29

History Group hosts WW1 talk The next Oakengates History Group meeting has a talk on the Oakengates area WWI Roll of Honour,

by Janet Doody. It takes place on Thursday 7 June at 7pm, at the Wakes Building, Theatre Square, Oakengates. writes Gwyn Hartley The Group, also includes the surrounding areas of Trench, Wombridge, Wrockwardine Wood, Ketley Bank, St Georges and Priorslee. The group meetings enable people to share memories with others, and many bring in old photos of the town and surrounding areas, and these always create much discussion.

There is also a Facebook Group, titled ‘Oakengates History Group Including surrounding areas’ that has over 4,000 people who have joined.

This now has masses of old photos that members have posted in the group as well as many memories shared on there that the Pics have evoked.

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A WELL BEING CHECK, if there is any cause of concern we contact your next of kin.

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Our Peace of Mind Service which is a 15 minute stay, where we encourage you to eat the meal we have delivered, do small household chores, medication prompting if needed and update your next of kin on our visit.

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One lucky family has the chance to win a family ticket (two adults, two children) to Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Hawkstone Park Follies on Saturday 16 June for an evening of theatre beneath the stars...

Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer and join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland and meets a whole host of colourful characters.

From the unforgettable White Rabbit and the madcap Mad Hatter to the terrifying Queen of Hearts, Alice’s journey couldn’t be filled with more adventure.

Presented in beautiful Victorian costume and alive with song, dance and original music, this is a production to delight the entire family.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company is now in its 19th year

of touring open-air theatre across the UK and Ireland.

From the first year of performances at 30 venues with Romeo and Juliet in 2000, Chapterhouse has grown and become a greatly anticipated addition to thousands of theatre-goers’ calendars.

Award-winning writer Laura Turner’s traditional adaptations of the texts have entertained our audiences for years, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is no different!

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance to win this fantastic prize send your name address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Alice in Wonderland, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media. co.uk - closing date for entries is Tuesday 22 May, good luck!

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

30/04/2018 16:35

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 07

7 Adverts.indd 1

30/04/2018 02:41

George

EVANS

Wellington Civic Society - An invitation to YOU!

D

O YOU really care about Wellington? Do you want to see it prosper and flourish?

Do you have ideas that you think would benefit the town and its people? Would you like to have your voice heard?

There is an organisation that has a record of influencing decisions that are made here; you could become a member if you are prepared to learn about the town and discuss your suggestions with other members.

The Society has a long history of advising and helping all our local authorities and is respected as a positive force working for Wellington. We have no party politics in our deliberations, usually having a wide range of opinions; at one time we had an anarchist and a neo-fascist who heartily disliked each other but worked together for our town.

Forty years ago there were a lot of discontented people in Wellington. In 1974 we lost the Urban District Council that had run the town since the nineteenth Century.

Like Oakengates, Dawley and Madeley, we had no council to represent our town. The parish councils that had been established in the Rural Districts remained.

Many Wellington people felt that our town had been disenfranchised; our money was being spent in other districts, the town was neglected, streets were not swept and our councillors on Wrekin District Council were ignored because of party politics. Something had to be done, but what? Some friends and I suggested forming a Civic Society and in 1978 we called a meeting at the Red Lion Annexe and the press helped by spreading the news around.

At the meeting we were delighted to see a room full of around 50 folks who unanimously agreed to form a civic society. I was elected chairman; I’m sorry to say I think I’m the only person there who is still alive and kicking. We embarked at once on a long term task which was to take 10 years – the founding of Wellington Town Council. Almost all of those in authority disagreed with the idea of town councils then. There was also a movement in St. Georges but otherwise no

> Ross Vickers - chairman of the Wellington Civic Society

interest anywhere. We campaigned and nagged and kept up the pressure on all national and local government including the Boundaries Commission. Eventually some other organisations joined the fray and I was chairman of the Parish and Town Councils Committee. In 1978 we won.

We wanted to shame the District Council into sweeping Wellington’s streets and organised well publicised street sweeping events.

It worked. We wanted seats in Market Square and bought one; after Council opposition it was planted there.

The Council started recycling with a bottle bank. We agreed and launched a campaign to support them, greatly increasing local use. We opposed the invasion of Wrekin Forest by holiday chalets and opencast mining and won. We deterred the introduction of parking in our town centre.

To increase the interest in

> Dorothy Vickers - social secretary of the Wellington Civic Society

Wellington as a good place to live we began to collet historical facts and to publish them in small books. Local people had not realised that this town is many centuries old and that the market had been going since medieval times. Some books were local best-sellers and our work on local history has stimulated history groups in most of the towns and villages nearby. We started off the independent Wellington History Group whose magazine, Wellingtonia, public talks and website are extremely popular. We have done our best to encourage and work with many other organisations who are promoting the town including the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce, Market, LA21, H2A, Summer Fayre, Charter Day, Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day, Peace Garden, Literary Festival, Bowring Park and many individual activists, especially writers.

One of the ways in which we can help is by monitoring all the local planning applications and sending our opinions and

The Wrekin’s favourite columnist!

8, 9 George Evans.indd 1

01/05/2018 01:53

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suggestions to the appropriate committee. We have failed recently to get over the message that the two developments to the west of Wellington now taking place are wrong and should never have been allowed. Both are not in the Telford area nor in Wellington town but in Wrockwardine parish. We needed more active members to press this point.

All our meetings are open to the public, so you will be welcome to simply walk in and make yourself at home. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month except August and December at 2.30pm in Wellington Town Council’s Committee room, Larkin Way, off Walker Street; you don’t have to be elected or need anyone’s permission to join.

We do pay a small annual subscription but you won’t be asked for money the first meeting. To communicate just ring the chairman, Ross Vickers, on 01952 254649, or me at 01952 641102. Ross has been running the society for many years now in his quiet, highly organised way; I’m just president for life and often unable to attend meetings. Ross

studies all planning applications and attends council meetings, liaison committee meetings and lots more. If you join us you will find meetings very friendly.

Our aims might interest you and perhaps influence your decision whether or not to join. They are: Aims – to preserve our heritage, record our past, protect our environment, influence our future and promote the town of Wellington.

Dorothy Vickers is a great supporter and our Social Secretary; she is extremely active. Here is a little verse I wrote a while ago: The Civic Society Boss is a friend of ours called Ross; He’s a diligent man who inspects every plan, Without him we’d be at a loss.

His missus we all know as Tot, who’s famous for talking a lot, She may be a bit loud but we’re all of us proud To be friends of Ross and Tot. So what’s it to be? Are you content to sit back and let anyone else speak up for Wellington or would you rather join fellow Wellingtonians in the society, share your thoughts and be heard?

Please note - The views expressed in Wrekin News by individual contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the editor of Wrekin News nor the publishers, Plus Two Media Limited.

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8, 9 George Evans.indd 2

30/04/2018 09:24

Raising a glass of ken’s finest Written by Anthony Nicholls, pictures by Malcolm Couzens

W

ellington has had many success stories produced by talented inhabitants. some of which have left the town to gain wider notoriety, and some stay continuing and developing their work.

I felt compelled to ask if I could tell one man’s history (albeit in brief) of his journey to some recent success. He said yes, and I’m proud to know him and relate this to you.

I have known Ken Finney for roughly 15 years initialy through my part time job at the Cock Hotel. I would describe him as a patient, private and modest man who was in his words ‘flattered and embarrassed’ when I asked if I might present an article in Wrekin News about his brewing prowess.

From the years 2000 - 2010 I organised an annual charity barbecue ‘Tony’s Bigger Barbecue’ which included a real ale bar, and in the latter years of the event Ken supplied the beer as a donation. Needless to say it went down a treat, always selling out, and for the day itself he allowed me to name it ‘Tony’s BBQ Brew’. The beer helped raise over £20,000 for the local brach of NSPCC and Hope House. Ken still has the very rustic home made sign advertising the beer from the event in his brewery. Rob Francis and I also were supplied by Ken for several of the H2A (Wellington Heritage and Arts Alive) barn dances.

For these he produced ‘Finney’s Maiden Over’ and ‘Finney’s Festive Fling’ both proved to be fantasticly popular session beers around the 4% ABV strength.

Since those events Ken’s beer has increased it’s rounds and has sold in Wellington at the Cock Hotel, the Pheasant, and the Wrekin Inn. Also at the Huntsman Little Wenlock, Albrighton Platform Ale House, Rowton Beer Festival and Shifnal Beer Festival. My good friend and fellow drinker Paul Ward sent me a message a few weeks ago telling me that one of my favourite beers Rowton Fall About had placed third at this years CAMRA (campaign For Real Ale) Shifnal Beer Festival. In addition to that great news, a beer we also love, Hop and Stagger’s Bridgnorth Porter came second. Wow! This was confirmation that years of drinking had trained our tastebuds well, but that wasn’t all! Ken Finney’s Dark ale ‘Dunkelseite’ which translates as ‘Dark Side’ which is by some margin mine and Pauls favourite ale of all time, WON BEER OF THE FESTIVAL! Against 19 other ales from some of the best brewers going. They included Rowton, Everards, Joules, Hop and Stagger, Ostlers’s and Clun. Ken entered just to take part

10 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 10, 11 Ken Finney.indd 1

02/05/2018 11:18

in something local that promoted his craft and didn’t really expect much, and was surprised and overjoyed at getting runner up last year (2016) and beer of the festival 2017.

Many of you will be au fait with the term micro brewery and know that it’s a boom industry in several countries including Britain. It’s drawn hobbyists into brewing for a living, and given a growing number of people an opportunity to run their own business helped by a sliding scale of taxation advantages for producers of fewer than 60,000 hectolitres of beer annually. That’s a lot of beer to imagine, it converts to nearly 1,319,815 gallons. producers of fewer than 5,000 hectolitres - about 110,000 gallons pay only half the standard duty. However, Ken definately doesn’t do it for the money and the amount he produces would never cover the equipment and ongoing costs let alone a wage. It’s done for the love and satisfaction which is why the end product is so good. With volume in mind I think this makes Ken a micro, micro brewer, working carefully and lovingly on his own in his garage!

It’s been converted bit-by-bit and the car doesn’t get a look in. Ken’s favourite new addition is a stainless steel sink, which as a butcher myself I shared his joy for these wonderful easy

to clean practical pieces of equipment. I sent Ken some questions for him to prepare some answers to in advance of meeting with him for this article and he very kindly put it into his own words for me. So Thank you Ken for your words, but mainly for your sensational beer!

Here’s what Ken had to say; “I first started brewing a long time ago (1980ish) when my children were young. We couldn’t go to the pub very often so instead I attempted brewing my own - initially using kits.

The results were variable to say the least but it got drunk! Sometime later after moving to Shropshire I decided to have a go at full grain brewing. To help me with this I bought a book called ‘The Big Book of Brewing’ written by a chap called Dave Line. This is an excellent book written in easy to understand language and it was a tremendous help to me. Even now I still refer to this book when I want to check on some aspect of the process. Full grain brewing produced beer of considerably better quality, even though it did take longer and required more equipment to do it.

Some years later I decided to invest in some new larger scale equipment so I could produce ten gallons at a time instead of five gallons. This larger equipment resulted in an improvement in the beer. So more got consumed!

About ten years ago I had the chance to buy some larger scale equipment, this time 18 gallons or half a brewer’s barrel. (A brewer’s barrel is 36 gallons and is the unit of measurement for brewing capacity). So what I have now is effectively a pilot sized brew kit from which I can brew in sufficient quantity to supply beer commercially if requested. To this end I registered myself with HMRC as it is, of course, illegal to sell alcohol without being registered and to sell beer without paying duty on it.

Since being registered I have supplied beer to local pubs, beer festivals, barbecues and other local events when I have been asked for it.

However, I do not class myself as a ‘commercial brewer’ as I am really only a hobbyist. Most of the beer I produce is consumed at home.

Brewing beer is not a five minute job! It is often seen as a nice attractive thing to do throwing some malt and hops together and drinking the result. This is good and can be very satisfying, but there are downsides. Washing and cleaning afterwards, maintaining plant sterility, washing out used casks, keeping records up to date, ordering materials, paying beer duty etc, etc. My process is a very ‘hands on’ process with very little automation. I rely heavily on my thermometer, hydrometer, refractor, hands, eyes, ears, tastebuds and of course, a lot of TLC!

My brewing day starts typically at 7.30am and finishes around 3.30pm after cleaning down.

After that the fermentation process has to be monitored and controlled so that the end product is correct. Then the barrels have to be washed out and sterilised, before filling with beer, and then there’s more washing and cleaning to do.

The barreling process usually takes around two hours, and then there’s the paperwork. I have no assistance from anybody else; I am on my own with just the radio for company. I have had one or two requests from family members to come along and assist with a view to taking the operation on when I get too old to do it, but that hasn’t happened yet!

Since starting brewing beer my ambition has always been to attempt to make beer as close to pub quality as I can. I am my own biggest critic, and I am never 100% satisfied with what I produce. My philosophy has been to keep the different types of beer I make to a minimum rather than trying to make too many different types. So my range consists of a ‘light’, an ‘amber’ and a ‘dark’. I do tweak the recipes from time to time depending on what I fancy doing at the time, and recently I have tried to use English grown hops rather than the more ‘hop forward’ new world hops. English hops tend to give a more traditional English style flavoured beer.

Dunkelseite, however, is different. It was originally produced for Wellington’s Oktoberfest of 2016 organised by Jerry Baily (Wellington’s Ale Taster), so it contains some German malt and hops. It didn’t take long for me to formulate the recipe for it as I had produced something similar previously for home consumption. Dunkelseite seems to have gone down pretty well wherever it has been supplied locally and I’ve had some good feedback. It is safe to say that, other than make some small seasonal ambient temperature adjustments, I do not tweak anything with this particular recipe. I feel very pleased and honoured to have won runner up last year and beer of the festival 2017 as there were beers from some excellent brewers there.

That’s about all I have to say. And anyway, I’m about ready for a pint! Cheers!”

Thank you Ken. Despite it’s name ‘Dunkelseite’ which is German for ‘Dark side’ it isn’t connected to Star Wars in any way! When I asked Ken about it he hadn’t made any connection and has never watched Star Wars! Maybe the influence of the ‘Dark Side’ reaches further than I thought!

Thank you for reading.

Anthony Nicholls and Ken Finney. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 11

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01/05/2018 02:46

YOUR WELLINGTON Vacancy for a Wellington Town Councillor in Dothill Ward What matters to you in your local area? Is it the state of the Bowring park, the need for more activities for young people, improving services, making the roads safer or ensuring that local businesses can thrive? Whatever needs changing in Wellington, you could be part of the team to help to change it by becoming a Wellington Town Councillor for the Dothill Ward. There are roughly 20,000 local councillors in England, each representing their local community and all with their own reason for doing so.

What do councillors do? Councillors are elected to the local council to represent their local community, so they must either live or work in the area.

Becoming a councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects. Being an effective councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Councillors have to balance the needs and interests of residents, the political party they represent (if any) and the council.

These will all make legitimate demands on a councillor’s time, on top of the demands and needs of their personal and professional lives.

What is expected of a councillor?

Free Summer holiday fun every Tuesday 1pm to 3pm at Bowring Park, Wellington TUESDAY 24 JULY Face paint & kids Crafts, Badge-sand Art & Mug Making • limited Supply 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

An overview of the role and responsibility of a Town Councillor includes:

TUESDAY 31 JULY Bubble football 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

● representing the ward for which they are elected ● decision-making ● developing and reviewing council policy ● regulatory and statutory duties ● community leadership and engagement.

TUESDAY 7 AUGUST Bungee Run Fun 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

For more information Contact: Wellington Town Council, Civic Offices, Larkin Way, Tan Bank, Wellington, Shropshire TF1 1LX Tel: 01952 567691 or email: wellingtontowncouncil@telford.gov.uk

I’m interested so what next?

1. Forms of nomination for the Parish Election may be obtained from 1st May 2018 from Addenbrooke House, 4th Floor, Ironmasters Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4NT from the Returning Officer who will, at the request of an elector for any electoral area prepare a nomination paper for signature.

2. Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer, Addenbrooke House, 4th Floor, Ironmasters Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4NT on any day after the date of this notice but no later than 4pm on Thursday, 10th May 2018.

3. If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday, 7th June 2018.

4. Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Addenbrooke House, 4th Floor, Ironmasters Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4NT by 5pm on Tuesday, 22nd May 2018.

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST Toddler fun children’s disco & Bouncy Castle 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington TUESDAY 21 AUGUST Bouncy Assault Course 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington TUESDAY 28 AUGUST Family fun picnic with Disco and Bouncy Castle 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

5. New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Addenbrooke House, 4th Floor, Ironmasters Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4NT by 5 pm on Wednesday, 30th May 2018.

6. Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election on grounds of physical incapacity or for work/service reasons must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Addenbrooke House, 4th Floor, Ironmasters Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4NT by 5 pm on Thursday, 7th June 2018. The physical incapacity must have occurred after 5 pm on Wednesday, 30th May 2018 To apply on the grounds of work/service, the person must have become aware that they cannot go to the polling station in person after 5 pm on Wednesday, 30th May 2018.

This is the schedule for summer holidays 2018 the event is every Tuesday 1-3pm starting 24rd July at the Bowring Park Wellington, weather permitting.

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

30/04/2018 09:40

s and ington cil

Experiment for improving long stay parking in Wellington Following an extensive consultation and investigation process run by the Borough Council, it had been identified that at least 26 spaces are available on the Victoria Road North (health centre car park) at any one time.

The Town Council, working in partnership with the Borough Council have agreed that the identified 26 spaces will be subject to an experiment to see if a 9 hour restriction is effective to address the problem of people parking all day free of charge and catching the train out of Wellington.

The ticket machine will be reprogrammed, the signage changed and the bays identified with distinctive red lines.

Look out for the changes as the scheme will be trialled in the next 6-8 weeks and reviewed after 3-4 months, an actual timetable for implementation will be available soon.

An explanatory letter will shortly be delivered to all businesses in Wellington.

10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 2

30/04/2018 09:39

ADVERTORIAL

News from your hospitals

Legal corner

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):

Wards encouraged to end pyjamas paralysis Wards across Shropshire’s two acute hospitals are being encouraged to ‘end PJ paralysis’ by getting as many patients as possible dressed and moving.

L

AUNCHED on 17 April, NHS England’s #EndPJparalysis challenge aims to improve recovery, shorten hospital stays and boost the morale of patients and staff by encouraging patients to get up and dressed every day, where practical.

But it is not just about getting people out of their pyjamas, it is about early mobilisation, it’s about dignity and privacy, it’s about reviewing catheters and IV lines and thinking about whether they can be removed.

The 70-day challenge will run until 26 June 26, just before the NHS’s 70th birthday on 5 July.

As part of the campaign there are a number of wonderful initiatives taking place on the wards at The Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Deirdre Fowler, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Quality at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), said: “Patients on Ward 16 Stroke Rehabilitation have been doing exercises—sometimes even dancing and singing— to some of their favourite musical artists, such as Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra.

“On Ward 15 Acute Stroke they are playing balloon tennis to get people up and mobilised. They have been having lots of fun on the ward while tackling a really important issue. It is great to see patients dressed and around a table while playing with a balloon, instead of lying in a hospital bed.

“Staff on Ward 6 Cardiology came to work in their gym kit on Tuesday to lead exercise classes with their patients, but perhaps even more fun was the number of staff walking around our hospitals in their pyjamas. I say fun, but what they are doing is actually tackling a really serious issue as it makes us realise how uncomfortable and sluggish we feel when wearing pyjamas. If we feel like that, imagine how patients feel when they are in their pyjamas all day.

“All of our wards are taking part in this challenge and it is really encouraging to see how everyone has embraced the challenge—and believe me, it won’t just end at the end of the 70 days! If something is making such a difference to patient care, why would we stop?”

Other initiatives taking place include: encouraging patients to collect their own drinks from the beverage trollies and helping patients to

Picture shows staff on Ward 16 at the Princess Royal Hospital get up and move to the toilet, instead of using a commode.

Whether it’s walking around their bed or making it over to the bathroom, it all makes a difference.

In fact, research shows that 10 days of bed rest in hospital ages the muscles by the equivalent of 10 years in people over 80.

Results of a pilot #EndPJparalysis scheme found hospital stays were shorter, patients’ muscles stayed stronger, cutting the number of falls and reducing the need for institutional care after discharge.

Less food was wasted because patients were more mobile and so using up more energy, and wellbeing of both patients and staff improved.

It can also help to ensure more hospital beds are available by improving patient flow through our hospitals, enabling more timely discharges, reducing the patient’s length of stay, and freeing up beds for the sickest patients as a priority.

Finally, as a way of raising awareness of this campaign, a number of staff from SaTH have agreed to climb the Wrekin in their pyjamas on the last Saturday in June to help raise awareness of the campaign.

With Sarah Clinton

Protect yourself from property fraud

P

ROPERTY fraud is on the increase and can be difficult to spot. Your property is more at risk if: ● You’ve been a victim of identity theft. ● You rent out your property. ● You are not resident in the UK. ● Your property is not occupied or is empty for long periods. ● You don’t have a mortgage on the property. ● Your property isn’t registered with Land Registry. ● If your marriage or relationship has broken down.

If your property is registered at Land Registry, you can take some simple steps to protect your property from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged: 1. Make sure your details are up-to-date: If your contact details are out of date then Land Registry cannot contact you. Land Registry allows three addresses to be registered against your property. These can include a postal address, email address and an address abroad.

Having up-to-date contact details means Land Registry can contact you with any queries or activity on your property.

It is also important to ensure that your name is correct too. If you change your name by marriage or divorce, let Land Registry know so that the property register can be updated.

2. Register for the Property Alert Service: This free service from Land Registry is designed to alert you if certain activity occurs on your monitored properties, i.e. someone tries to put a mortgage on your property. This allows you to be fully informed at all times and take immediate action if necessary. You can get alerts for up to 10 properties so this is a great free service, particularly for second home owners and landlords.

3. Apply for a Restriction on your property: You can apply to have a restriction entered on to the title register of the property which restricts the registration of a transfer or mortgage unless Carver Solicitors supporting Air Ambulance a solicitorParry or conveyancer hasare certifi ed thatMidlands the Charity’s Free Will Writing Service, which is available for those person who signed the transfer or mortgage deed aged 55 and over. Whether you are looking to make your first is the registered owner of the property.

Will or update an existing one, it’s important that you properly pl If you live at the property the Land Registry fee your financial affairs to ensure your loved ones are looked after. for putting a restriction on a property is £40.00.

Parry Carver today about having your Will written If you doTalk not to liveusatat the property then Land for not free,charge for thata extra peace mind.

Registry do fee for the of restriction.

Free Will Writing Service

#EndPJparalysis

More 7information Church Street, Wellington,

The Forum, Victoria Road, Shifnal TF11 8FE

TF1 1BX For moreTelford information contact Sarah Tel: 01952 property 641 291 lawyer,Tel: Clinton, specialist at 01952 460 777 Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm. Sat by appo Mon - FriSolicitors 8.30am - 5pm. Sat 9am - 12pm Parry Carver on Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - Parry Carver SRA 71413 01952 641291 or email: sarah.clinton@parrycarver.co.uk

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

30/04/2018 10:29

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 15

15 Adverts.indd 1

30/04/2018 09:40

Wildlife Welcome to life our regular wild y and photograph column with Tim Preston

. . . around the Wrekin

with Tim Preston

O’er the rivers fly stately Kingfishers

T

HE Kingfisher is an iconic bird, almost mystical. Many people have never ever seen one. It is a truly blue jewel in our local water ways. My all-time favourite photo is the very first one I took of a Kingfisher, it is absolutely rubbish but it is special to me, it was more about the moment than the photo.

Do we have these around the Wrekin? Absolutely! It is the most frequently asked question when I share my Kingfisher shots. “Where can I go to spot one?” The Wharfage at Ironbridge is a good place to see them, Middle Pool in Trench, the reservoir by the Wrekin, Priorslee Lake, Tee Lake in Wellington, or just outside of Cressage is Venus Pools which is managed by Shropshire Ornithological Society.

During July and August the Kingfishers are a regular visitor to Venus pools, if you are desperate to see one I would certainly recommend this as the place to go.

I became obsessed with Kingfishers back in 2012 when I first spotted one on Tee Lake in Wellington whilst walking the dog. It was a little tiny

dot on the opposite side of the lake but the sunlight struck its back and the iridescent blue stripe down the centre of its spine shone like a vivid neon light.

This was the start of a 3 year journey.

Surprisingly though Kingfisher’s feathers are not actually blue, they are brown. Remove the feather from the sunlight and it is murky brown, no blue pigment at all. The birds appear blue due a process called the Tyndall effect. The structure of the feathers scatters the white light which is made up of many colours. Blue is the one most easily reflected and therefor the bird appears bright blue to our eye.

Kingfishers are very much creatures of habit, they tend to favour the same perches and feeding spots. If

you see a Kingfisher sat on a branch then chances are you will see it there again and again. That is If you have the time, and patience, to sit and wait of course.

I devoted a lot of time to studying the Kingfishers on Tee Lake, I watched them feeding, which perches they were using at what times of day and how frequently they were visiting the water. I have watched them here for the last 6 years, I always look forward to late July when they bring the young to the water too. The male, female and young all look pretty much identical apart from a few small features. The male has a totally black beak, the female has a beak with an orange lower half.

The adults have bright orange feet, the youngsters are black.

It took me 3 years to get within just few feet of the Tee Lake Kingfishers, watching them and photographing them at such close quarters oblivious to my presence was fascinating. The Halcyon River Diaries is well worth a watch or read if you haven’t already seen it, it was this program that first ignited my desire to find and photograph Kingfishers, I never dreamt I’d be able to do it a few hundred metres from my home.

16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16 Tim Preston Wildlife.indd 1

30/04/2018 00:11

BIG TOP SET TO WOW THE CROWDS!

T

HIS year brings a double celebration as Telford and Oakengates Theatre @ The Place turn 50!

To mark this momentous occasion the theatre is moving to Telford Town Park from 4–19 August inclusive and will be showing a variety of entertainment in a 1000 seater Big Top tent in the QEII arena.

14 shows in total have been announced over the two weeks including: For classical music fans there is Tenor Russell Watson and Collabro. Families can enjoy the stage coming alive with prehistoric creatures at Dinosaur World Live in the afternoons. Everybody loves a laugh and there are two men coming to Telford who know how to make you crack a smile, Dara O’Briain and Pub Landlord Al Murray are bound to have the crowds in stiches.

For those wanting to relive their ‘youth’ there will be themed nights – Sounds of the 60’s, Supersonic 70s Show, 80’s Mania and for those that don’t feel that old but still love flashback to their recent youth S

BIG TOP 4-19 AUGUST

Club, Five and East 17 join the line-up.

A spectacle of beauty will happen at Scheherezade and 1001 Nights, with a breathtaking explosion of dance, fire and illusion, Company of Dreams transports you to the exotic, dangerous and magical world of the Arabian Nights. In this brand new production of one of the greatest stories of the ancient world, Scheherazade and her magical tales of genies, ghouls and faeries, of Sinbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba, are retold in thrilling dance.

And finally for that ladies night out come and see Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden join forces as Boyzlife.

Singalong as they relive some of Boyzone’s and Westlife’s biggest hits.

Plus lots more!

This event will provide people with an opportunity to experience a range of top class entertainment in a magical setting, it will truly be a unique theatrical experience for Telford and will be the perfect way to celebrate Telford’s 50th birthday. Our aim is that there will be something to suit everyone’s taste.

To find out who will be in the park this summer visit www.telford50.co.uk/ bigtop Tickets are on sale via www. theplacetelford.com or from the Box Office on 01952 382382.

For more information on what other exciting events are happening as part of Telford50 visit www.telford50.co.uk

14 TOP SHOWS coming to Telford Town Park this summer...

Find out who today visit

Al Murray 80s Mania

Russell Wat son

www.theplacetelford.com or 01952 382382

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17 Telford & Wrekin FP.indd 1

29/04/2018 23:37

Local History THE CINDERLOO RIOTS

Riot on the Retail Park

After reading the article in January’s edition by Pete Jackson on Thomas Palin and the Cinderloo riot of 1821 local writer Paul Walsh who is currently living in Berlin has written a ‘ghost story’ describing the events 197 years ago set in the location as it currently exists at the Forge retail park. Andrew Naylor who is a local artist from Madeley is also fascinated by Cinderloo and has created the fantastic illustrations to go with Paul’s words.

R

Paul Walsh is a teacher, writer and precarious worker.

He grew up in Telford and now lives in Berlin, Germany.

Find him on Twitter: @josipa74

ESULT, Fiona Bennett whispers to herself as she walks out of T.K. Maxx, pulling out her smart phone while the automatic doors swish behind her. A few errant rays of sunlight bounce off the touch screen causing her to squint. She sticks her tongue out – a bad habit since school – and her index finger taps away at the screen like a bird at a feeder. Next to her a shopping trolley drifts slowly across the pavement. Fiona stops to read the words on the back of the trolley seat: “I’m obviously lost if you find me alone. Please phone my owner so I can go home.” Daft, she thinks. Feeling the cold, the air having the same chill as yesterday, the day before, and the day before that, she pinches her cardigan in. @fiona81: hey tina - quids in! took blouse back. job interview went well ;-) cake? @tina_berrie: hi fi. I’m up the centre now. post office. meet at coffee & cream? can be there in 30. @fiona81: great. cu there. I’ll get the sofa. we can gaze at baristas. @tina_berrie: ur bad u are. cu in a bit.

Saturday. The car park is opening its arms to the world; opening its lanes and white lines—shoppers flowing into a space where there’s no place for stopping. There are no benches to sit on, few places to pause; signs show a giant eye overlaid with the words “These premises are monitored at all times by Open Eye Security (OES) – an approved contractor.”

Passing one of these signs now is a red-haired woman, a giant white rabbit in her arms. As she walks past, the rabbit’s floppy ears bounce over her shoulders. Bounce. Bounce. Fiona’s eyes bounce quickly across the car park. People. Buildings. Sky. But

what’s under the people?

Then a din of voices. Angry voices. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, shouting in the distance. Fiona walks over. All the way from Malinsgate people line the road. All ages.

Women, children, dogs too running loose. At the front of the crowd stand a few dozen men with sticks and clubs… they’re shouting… sometimes turning back to the crowd and urging them on. She can hear the crowd as it approaches; their wooden clogs drumming out a beat on the asphalt.

“WE SHALL HAVE OUR WAGES!!!” one of the men shouts, his face twisted in anger.

“We’ll have our wages or we’ll burn the works down. Either way I say!”

“EITHER WAY! EITHER WAY!” the crowd roars in reply.

People fill the road, weaving between cars; they spill over the grass embankments. Cars trying to move forward. Cars beeping. Children run onto the roundabout; they pull up the plants and throw them at each other as they run in circles. The crowd refuses to let the traffic pass. They beat the car roofs with their sticks, laughing.

“We don’t care about your damned machines. You can stay in ‘em till we get paid!” one man shouts to a furious driver banging on his steering wheel.

“We’ll string that Botfield up as well.”

“Aye ... Botfield the Bastard!””

“BOTFIELD THE BASTARD! BOTFIELD THE BASTARD!” the crowd repeat.

Fiona approaches a woman at the crowd’s edge. She’s wrapped in a man’s overcoat, tied loosely with a piece of rope over a green-and-grey striped dress. A round felt hat covers

18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19 Cinderloo.indd 1

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her head. She looks like one of the women they have at Blists Hill Museum, dressed up for the tourists. But she’s thinner. And her skin is grimy, pitted like tarmac.

“Who are you? Is this a kind of re-enactment?” Fiona asks, glancing at the crowd.

“RE-WHAT?!” the woman spits back at her. “We’re the poorest wretches in this coalfield – and always have been! We’ve all walked from Dawley and we’re here for our pay. Ironmasters want to reduce it. We haven’t a crust to our name. We’re starving hungry see…”

The crowd get louder and angrier. They start bouncing the cars up and down; eyeing the bags of food in them. One man pushes his way through the crowd with a small wooden box. He stands on the box and holds up his hands.

“People! We’re together here for what is rightfully ours - our wages! But we’ve no truck with these folk so leave them alone. We’re here against proven enemies: law and master. Combination Laws ban us ordinary folk from combining. But not the bosses! They’re all the same. Thick as thieves they are!”

“If we are to fight for it, let’s all get together,” said another voice from the crowd.

“ALL TOGETHER” the crowd shouts in unison. Sticks, clubs and caps are raised to the sky.

People back in the car park hear the commotion. The red-haired woman puts the giant rabbit on a car bonnet and walks over to look. Trolleys are left alone. Cars stop rounding the roundabouts. People pull out phones and take photographs of the thousands of ragged people blocking the roads.

The man on the box points behind him, in the direction of Sainsbury’s: “TO THE WORKS! We’ll get our money or they’ll have a blackened ruin!”

Then a few seconds of silence. A rush of energy cracks the air. Then horses. The clattering of hooves. Horses carrying men fly down the road, men in red uniforms and gold helmets riding at full speed down from the direction of the Thomas Telford Academy.

“It’s Colonel Cludde and his private army!” someone shouts.

The horses crash into the crowd. People panic and scatter.

It ends quick. Dozens climb the hill behind the Sainsbury’s garage.

They throw rocks down onto the soldiers, rubbish, tin cans - anything to hand. The soldiers retreat, horses rearing up. More rocks. The crowd below regroups. Fights break out between the crowd and the soldiers. An order is shouted out in a low howl. A battery of shots. The acrid smell of gunpowder. Screams. @tina_berrie: where are you Fi? been waiting 20 mins here… @fiona81: you won’t believe what I’ve just seen.

The Cinderloo Riots On 1st February 1821 at Old Park, the Shropshire Yeomanry shot workers protesting against wage reductions imposed by the local Ironmasters. 18-yearold William Byrd was killed outright, Thomas Gittins mortally wounded - their deaths were later judged to be ‘justifiable homicide’ at the jury inquest. Several men were imprisoned for their role in the protest, later dubbed the Cinderloo Riots. Thomas Palin was sentenced to death and was hanged at the Dana in Shrewsbury on 7th April 1821.

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If you would like to find out more about the events surrounding Cinderloo a local group has been set up and you can contact them at cinderloo1821@gmail.com. The group also has a Facebook page Cinderloo and their next meeting is at the Elephant Castle, Dawley on 24 May 7pm. All welcome. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19

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30/04/2018 02:44

Local People MARY SLANEY

Mary Slaney of Sunnycroft

I

Ingrid Finch writes to introduce you to her favourite former owner of Sunnycroft, Mary Slaney

have worked as a National Trust Volunteer at Sunnycroft in Wellington for nearly twenty years and I retell the story of this remarkable house and it’s owners time and time again.

Don’t get me wrong, I never tire of doing so but I do have regard for one favourite owner whom I would like to introduce to you.

Many more ‘senior’ local people will no doubt recall ‘Slaney’s Vaults’ in Oakengates, Wellington and Broseley, a well established wine and spirit business owned by the late John Hiatt Slaney. Also a street bearing the name Slaney in Oakengates. I would now like to throw some light on his widow, Mary Jane, who carried on the business following her husband’s death in 1891.

Mary was born Mary Jane Shoosmith in London in 1850 into a family of Licensed Victualers. Her parents were in the trade, as was her only brother Christopher. However, Mary went to live with her aunt and uncle James and Jane Cobley in Edgbaston, Birmingham around 1861. Her uncle, James, was a manufacturer of writing, travelling and surgical instrument cases. Aunt Jane Cobley died in 1898 and, I believe, left Mary a substantial amount of money.

Mary married two, Slaney cousins, the first being John Howard Slaney who was a Bank Manager in Birmingham. Sadly they had only been married for three years when he passed away in October 1875. Mary married her husband’s cousin, John Hiatt Slaney the following year and bore him two children, a daughter, Florence, and a son, John Cobley Slaney. If the name Hiatt is familiar to anyone you would be right in thinking there is a family connection to Hiatt’s Ladies’ College which used to be in Wellington.

After the death of her second husband, Mrs Slaney decided to look for a smaller property from the much larger one she occupied and purchased Sunnycroft in 1894. As is always the case, affluence is king, and people with money are always eager to reflect their wealth in their possessions and property. Mary Slaney was no exception. She was a lady who liked to entertain her family and friends in a moderately lavish style and as the end of the 19th century was approaching, she began to realise that her home was rather on the small side and was quite square and ordinary in appearance. She was quite a modern lady by the standards of the time and believed in substance and quality and liked to shop either locally, or use the fashionable catalogues of the time. She set about planning how Sunnycroft should look and called upon its original builder, Alfred Roper, to help bring her dream to fruition.

He created for her a new entrance hall and cloak room and the ‘must have’ for a country house which is a billiard room where the gentlemen would retire to after dinner while the ladies used the drawing room. She built further bedrooms above the extension, installed plumbing, partial central heating and fireproof ceilings constructed from reinforced concrete. However the masterpiece of it all is undoubtedly the staircase hallway which is a recreation of a medieval great hall and continues to be the ‘wow’ factor of the house to this day.

This is an example of Victorian wealth and respectability at its finest, particularly in a house of this size.

This was of course a time before the arrival of the motor car and coach and horses were the accepted mode of transport. I believe Mrs Slaney thought so highly of her coachman, Webster, that she left him an annuity in her will. The Lodge House at the top of the drive and the stables with accommodation above were all part and parcel of Mary’s 1899 ‘master plan’. In the garden she erected glasshouses and a fine Victorian conservatory. Mary liked to grow ferns, very fashionable at the time, and other plants and was the recipient of various prizes for her efforts. She also liked to participate in things locally, which included being a Church Warden, serving on the School Board and the Board of the local hospital.

In fact she, together with various others, was instrumental in obtaining the first horse drawn ambulance for Wellington.

When putting into operation the transformation of the house one of the main outdoor features was the planting of a Wellingtonia avenue of very imposing tall trees either side of the driveway.

These are relatives of the Californian Redwoods and are named after the Duke of Wellington as opposed to the town of Wellington. It is a pity she

> Former Sunnycroft owner Mary Slaney

was unable to enjoy their full majesty as we do today.

With regard to Mary Slaney’s children, her daughter, Florence, eventually married a man called Horace Lionel Potter in 1901. Mr Potter was the owner of the Shropshire Brewery, previously owned by John George Wackrill who built Sunnycroft.

John, or Jack, Slaney as he was known, left for Australia two years after his mothers death in 1910, selling Sunnycroft to Mary Slaney’s brother in law John Vernon Thomas Lander.

Jack Slaney married an Australian girl called Adelaide but when the Great War broke out he came back to England and enlisted for service but was sadly killed in action. Mercifully his mother was spared that heartache. There are records of Adelaide Slaney helping with the war effort here in Wellington, alongside Mrs JVT Lander, Mary’s sister in law.

Eventually John Cobley Slaney’s name was added to those on the Lych Gate of Wellington Parish Church, probably by his Sister Florence. I believe a book is in the process of being published, documenting the lives of these courageous sons of Wellington.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about Mary Slaney, a strong positive woman, her life and her remarkable house. I believe if Mary came back today she would still recognise the house she created in those late Victorian/Edwardian days which stands testament to her good taste, the use of good substantial materials and a master builder.

What’s on at Sunnycroft Amanda Carter Crewel Embroidery workshop - 9th May 10:30 till 4pm Get inspired by the embroidery here at Sunnycroft and create your very own piece of Jacobean Crewel work, in this workshop run by Amanda Carter.

This is an ideal course for beginners and more advanced embroiderers, looking to gain new techniques and inspiration.

Workshop costs £65, all materials and lunch is included in the price. Booking is essential and places are limited.

Handicraft weekend - 11th – 14th May This weekend come and see a variety of crafts being demonstrated at Sunnycroft.

There a host of crafts to watch from patchwork to lace making, there are even opportunities to try your crafting skills. Normal admission charges apply.

20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 20 Mary Slaney.indd 1

01/05/2018 02:55

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We also do Renovation of Existing Staircases in Solid Oak Cladding with Spindles or Glass Balustrading,for a fraction of the cost

Products such as Conservatories, Entrance Porches, Patio Doors, Internal and External Doors and Frames, Sash and Traditional Windows, Staircases and many more products are all hand made in our workshop. We can assist in all areas of design for all project sizes, and, to suit all budgets. Our wealth of knowledge and experience in the Joinery trade will ensure that your finished product is constructed of the correct material and more than fit for purpose.

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

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21

21 Adverts.indd 1

30/04/2018 03:08

HOME FROM HOME AT HADLEY UNDER AND OVER 5‛S NURSERY AND PRESCHOOL

Years

MON / TUES / WED & FRI 9.00am - 3.00pm THURS 9.00am - 1.00pm SAT 10.00am - 1.00pm DROP OFF FOR DONATIONS BEFORE 3.00pm

Please consider our charity when spring cleaning and continue to support us with your donations 4 Gladstone House · High Street · Hadley · Telford · TF1 5NF

Hadley Und er

Tel: 01952 240200 &

r 5‛s N Ove ur s

Preschool

50

Celebrating

OPENING TIMES

ALL PROCEEDS RAISED ARE FOR HADLEY UNDER AND OVER 5‛S

y& er

Home from home, a phrase often used to describe a welcoming environment, somewhere you would like to return to, well Hadley Under and Over 5s Nursery and Preschool have certainly nailed that!

On visiting the setting, children and practitioners are engaged, enjoying each other’s company and are genuinely happy to be Pictured from left to right are: Melissa Przebinda, Liz Morris, Stacey Simpson and Vanessa Davies. there.

Evident throughout is strong leadership, Kerry Jones, Setting Manager says; “Like many of my colleagues in Telford and Wrekin, my management role has evolved over time from early years practitioner, always ensuring I was current in my own practice and professional development to Setting Manager, leading others in theirs.

“As I’m sure any manager will relate to, the amount of time we have to dedicate to administrative duties seems excessive at times but also recognised as vital in fulfilling our obligations to Ofsted, local authority and indeed the families who use our setting. However whenever possible I do like to play! I spend time in the rooms, reflecting on practice and learning experiences and offer constructive guidance to my team, I am often heard to be saying ‘there is no hierarchy in good practice’ and really appreciate it when colleagues offer up suggestions for improvement or change.”

All the team are extremely proud to work at the nursery, with many of them being part of its past and present. Liz Morris, Lead Practitioner began on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) back in 1995 and Vanessa Davies, Early Years Practitioner began her affinity with nursery as a three year old attending the setting a few times a week and now is an integral part of the preschool team. Staff retention is high, with many students on placement never wanting to leave!

Many families choose to use our setting through recommendation from others, an achievement we’re most proud of. Our waiting list is healthy and our registers more often than not full.

So with 50 years of service behind them and with staff who are genuinely warm, happy and receptive to the children they care for, Hadley Under and Over 5’s Nursery and Preschool show no sign of changing its winning formula!

Established since 1968

FULL DAY & SESSIONAL CARE FOR CHILDREN AGED 0-5 YEARS OPEN 50 WEEKS OF THE YEAR 8am - 5.30pm DEDICATED AND MOTIVATED PRACTITIONERS DELIVERING QUALITY CHILDCARE

The Old School Buildings Hadley Telford TF1 6PW Pictured with some of the children attending Hadley Under and Over 5’s is Setting Manager Kerry Jones

Tel: 01952 402026 Email: hadleyu5@yahoo.co.uk REGISTERED CHARITY

YOUR MEMORIES:

Please write with your memories and or pictures to The Editor, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 1RY or email james@plus2media.co.uk

Hadley Under 5's.indd 1

30/04/2018 11:11

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

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

Medal intrigue for Dave

WELLINGTON HISTORY GROUP

English folk customs and past traditions

W

by Geoff Harrison

ERE you in the centre of Wellington on Saturday 14th April? – if so you would have seen the performance of the Morris Dancers; and hopefully caught the delayed Charter Day celebrations which had been postponed because of the snow in March.

Morris Dancing is an old English tradition of folk dancing and one which has its origins in the fifteenth century, one of the earliest mentions is 1448 of a group in London. It has been suggested that its origins was in the European courts of the fifteenth century as part of the court entertainment, but by the early sixteenth century Morris Dancing had become a significant part of Church festivals in England.

It is only later that this form of folk dancing became attached to village celebrations; Shakespeare refers to ‘as fit as a morris for May Day’ and a ‘Whitsun morris dance’. It is clear from records that Morris Dancing was popular in Tutor times but fell out of favour at the time of Cromwell and the Roundheads with their puritan views. Although Morris Dancing declined in the Victorian period it has still retained some of its appeal and is part of English folk customs.

It could be asked where are those other English folk customs which our grandparents and earlier generations enjoyed. One village custom of May time, often on May Day, was choosing a May Queen and a Consort, but this tradition has fallen by the wayside, perhaps it is not ‘politically correct’ in this day and age?

Similarly dancing round the May-pole, again a lost tradition, now we have a public holiday

when few consider past traditions. One may appreciate that the puritans viewpoint; ‘Maypole dancing, with its sinister hints of tree worship, was described by the Puritans as ‘a heathenish vanity’ and was accordingly banned. Morris Dancing did not begin again until after the restoration of Charles II.’ Recently I attended, for the first time that I can recollect a Church Service celebrating Rogation Sunday. Traditionally a time when the church gave thanks and prayers for the planting of crops in the field, prayers for the fertility of the soil, prayers for the favourable weather, not for a good time on holiday but for the production of fruitful yields of crops.

In Wellington we ought to be grateful for the re-introduction in the last few years of our own Summer Fayre, Saturday 9th June; Wellington History Group will again be supporting the event with our usual stall. Usually at this event we release our Summer issue of Wellingtonia; however you don’t have to wait until then as we are delighted that we have been able to produce it earlier in the year.

As a Group we have thought for some time that the two issues of Wellingtonia in June and October are too close together so we had planned to release issues in Spring and Autumn.

It has been possible to introduce this change sooner than expected and we were able to make available the latest issue at our April meeting.

Wellingtonia will be on sale at our next meeting in the Library in May or you could get a copy from Dave Owen (Picture Framer) in Wellington Market or Francis the Butcher (Market Street).

Hopefully we will have some left for the Summer Fayre on 9th June.

Our old friend Dave Barnett brought in this old football medal. It is from 1896-7 and presented by the Walsall & District Football Association.

The inscription on the back says: ‘Wellington St Georges FC R E Morris’. Dave found it amongst some of Cecil Lowe’s memorabilia and he wonders if R E Morris was related to Cecil. If any of our readers can throw any light on the medal and indeed Mr Morris please contact us at our new address (see page 2) or email: james@plus2media.co.uk It could have been an early medal for the Walsall Senior Cup but maybe one of our readers will know better.

180 Years at St Mary’s St Mary’s Ketley 1838-2018 Open Weekend 8 - 10 June It’s not too late to get in touch if you would like to share information, items of interest or photographs of past family occasions at St Mary’s church.

We are planning a number of displays and would love to hear from anyone who can help.

You also may wish to visit the church on the Open Weekend: Friday 8 June 1.00 - 4.00pm Saturday 9 June 11.00am - 5.00pm when Strawberry Teas will be on sale Sunday 10 June 3.00 - 5.00pm followed by a celebratory ‘Hymns & Pimms’ Please contact Mary Richards at mjs.richards@icloud. com or phone 01952 613653 and leave a message.

OUR NEXT MEETING - 17th May in Wellington Library is by Wendy Palin. Some time ago Wendy introduced us to the role of the KLSI in the Great War; in this talk she will develop this theme through the stories of individuals and their experiences.

We love hearing from you!

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS FOR ALL OF YOUR LETTERS!

For 18 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, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1BY or email your contributions to: james@plus2media.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 23

23, 24, 25 Letters.indd 1

30/04/2018 09:31

Letters

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

Tom Turner - one who came home By Wendy Palin

As part of the Wellington Remembers group I have written some of the biographies for men on the Lychgate. As this work drew to a close I decided to try writing a biography for my Grandad who served with the 1/4 KSLI during World War 1 and survived. Here is an edited version that I hope will inspire other readers to write down the story of their relatives.

Tom’s story

4498/201473 Pte Thomas Henry Turner

OM was born at Church Street, St George’s; the 7th child of Henry Lunn Turner, the son of a Wellington grocer and Ellen Cartwright, a Dudley girl who had come to Wellington to take up a job teaching in the girls’ department of Constitution Hill School. They married on 22 April 1879 at St. Thomas’ Church, Dudley. Henry worked for the railways, eventually becoming the Goods Manager at the LMS station in Oakengates. Their first child, Ernest, died as a toddler. In June 1904 tragedy struck when their eldest remaining son Edward and his sister Lydia both died from TB within 3 days of each other. Youngest child, Milo died in 1910 from meningitis leaving just Ethel, William, Noel and Thomas.

Thomas attended Wombridge School. In 1909 he continued his education at Adams’ Grammar School in Newport for just one year. This meant cycling from Oakengates to Donnington, catching a train to Newport then a mile walk to the school.

Tom was a member of the Church Lads’ Brigade and went on their annual camp to Aberystwyth where they drilled and handled guns. He also sang in the choir at Holy Trinity, Oakengates.

The world of work beckoned and Tom was lined up for a life on the railways, but on the morning he was due to start work he took the dog for

King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

T

Born 21 December 1893 in St George’s, Nr Oakengates lived in Springfield, Stafford Rd, Oakengates and Cappoquin, W. Wood Died 17 August 1964 aged 70 buried at Holy Trinity, Wrockwardine Wood a run whilst he rode on his bike.

Somehow the pair got tangled up and Tom fell off his bike and sustained a broken arm which prevented him starting work. Once the arm had healed he began work; this time with the Lilleshall Company as a clerk.

Tom courted Jessie Corfield, daughter of W.R.Corfield, the grocer in Oakengates.

Jessie’s sister Amy gave Tom a white feather.

On 24 January 1916 Tom and his friend Jack Pitt went to Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury to enlist with the Shropshire Territorials.

They were drafted to the 3/4ths who were stationed at Tenby, South Wales. In April he was posted to Singapore where he spent the next year.

Mid-April 1917 the battalion set

b

WELLINGTON REMEMBERS

off for England. The journey home took 3½ months due to a variety of complications and duties abroad.

When within sight of Plymouth they sent telegrams announcing their imminent arrival home but they were, instead, given orders to proceed straight to France. Tom’s girl, Jess was planning to cycle to Shrewsbury to meet the train and was told by her father “Don’t go, they’ve been turned around and are going straight to France”.

The battalion arrived in France in their tropical uniform on 29 July.

They spent the next few weeks getting new kit and learning wiring, gassing and bombing and first heard the din of war on 23 August near Arras. At the end of October Tom fought in what became known as the third battle of Passchendaele.

The next couple of weeks were spent building a light railway near Brielen. In a snowy December they were posted to the Cambrai area defending an area known as Welsh Ridge. Tom sent Christmas greetings home then spent his 24th birthday in the front line January was spent in very wet trenches then on 5 February they were once again in the line at Welsh Ridge. By the end of March they had returned to Belgium and were part of the defence against the German Spring Offensive.

By the end of May the battalion

was at Chambrecy, 15 km SW of Reims.

On 6th June at noon the battalion, significantly reduced, was ordered to re-take the Montagne de Bligny, a strategic position that had recently been lost. By 1.45pm this had been achieved including taking a number of prisoners and 1 machine gun with a loss of 70 casualties. Shortly after gaining the position the following message was signalled to them, “The Div General congratulates the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry on their very gallant performance.”

In August they moved north to La Bassee Canal, SW of Lille carrying out the routine of being in support, in the line, resting and training.

On 4 September the battalion were informed that the French Army had awarded the Croix de Guerre avec Palmes, the highest honour possible, to the battalion as a whole.

The month of September was spent mostly in the front line.

At some point during his time in France Tom fell off the duck boards into a shell hole. An open wound got infected and resulted in him being hospitalised; a frightening incident as antibiotics had not yet been discovered. Once he rallied a nurse found him a job re-addressing the post, but all too soon he had to return to the front. The only other story told to the family involved

24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 23, 24, 25 Letters.indd 2

30/04/2018 09:27

Tom finding a puddle or pool of water in which he had a wash. On returning to his friends he told them and one headed off to enjoy the luxury, only to lose his life to a sniper’s bullet.

Early in November it was at last time for Tom to take some leave. On 11 November he was at Maddock’s in Oakengates visiting his brother Will when a call came through on the telephone to say that the war was over. He was then able to walk down the road and tell the news to his sweetheart who was serving in the shop. A few extra days leave were allocated. The battalion Christmas card for 1918 bore the image of the Croix de Geurre avec palmes. Tom was placed on the army reserve in March 1919.

In 1922 General Berthelot visited Shrewsbury to present the 1/4th with their medal ribbon. Jess went along to the parade and would often tell how the Frenchman had kissed the men “on both cheeks”. He slept with a painting of the cenotaph above his bed for the remainder of his life.

Tom returned to work at the Lilleshall Co and became the manager of Donnington Brickworks. He married Jess in 1928 and their daughter Mary was born in 1932. He suffered severely from arthritis from an early age, being given a petrol allowance in WW2 to enable him to get to work. The company allowed him to retire early in 1957 with full pension.

In November of that year he walked his daughter down the aisle, though the bridal march had to be played twice as his pace was so slow.

In his final years he was wheelchair bound and wore a hearing aid. He died on 17 August 1964 aged 70. After his death his family surrendered a German revolver to the local police, its story unknown.

> Above, William Proudler a burner at Donnington brickworks chats to brickworks manager Thomas Henry Turner

Wellington Remembers is supported

by Heritage Lottery Funding

‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’

Lake View Residential Care Home Residential

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www.sanctuary-care.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 25

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30/04/2018 09:27

The

Stage

this months picks

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE WARNING! WARNING!

This is a public safety announcement... Please keep your head firmly on your shoulders, and your arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all times...

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE is about to explode onto the stage!

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE is not your ordinary science show. This new production takes an anarchic approach to science communication whilst looking at the inventors and engineers who have shaped and inspired the modern world that we live in.

From Liquid Nitrogen frozen flowers to Hydrogen Bottle Rockets. From Buzz Aldrin to Virgin Galactic. From a cat food tin to the Hovercraft. From the discovery of Methane to the invention of the Battery.

Join the super talented presenters and the voiceover from above (X Factor’s Peter Dickson) as they take you on a journey using brilliantly designed demonstrations with a few loud bangs to lead the way.

Fingers in ears advised.

WIN THEATRE TICKETS! HOW TO ENTER

Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see our feature shows. 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 - you may enter both draws.

TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018

BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281

Closing date for entries is Wednesday 23 May 2018.

Terms and condition apply.

GOOD LUCK!

W IN TICKET S

£12

VIVA LA COLDPLAY

Saturday 5th May 2018 8.00pm

Friday 11th May 2018 8.00pm

“We have seen you perform at the Theatre on the Steps 4 times and you never let us down!”

“Close your eyes and you’ll think it was the real thing!”

DURAN DURAN EXPERIENCE

This Abba Tribute surpasses all others with the motto “The Winner Takes It All”!

£11

HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN

The Duran Duran Experience have been established as the premier Duran Duran tribute band in the UK since 2012

£9

The Agents Association of Great Britain honoured them with the top prize of best tribute band in the UK!

THE COMMANDER OF MAGIC

Thursday 31st May Saturday 2nd June 2018 7.30pm

£15

Saturday 16th June 2018 7.30pm This is no ordinary trickster!

by ALBRIGHTON PLAYERS This is a hilarious comedy from the writer of Calendar Girls

£14

Friday 25th - Saturday 26th May 2018 8.00pm

Friday 18th May to Saturday 19th May 2018 8.00pm

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£13

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The Commander of Magic is an established magician who combines great knowledge, showmanship & skill.

CONTACT

01746 766477

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

LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR Back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s!

Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax - you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s!

From the birth of Rock n Roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with over forty hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more.

Performed by a full live band, featuring some of the country’s top musicians direct from the West End, this incredible show features excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun Dancing in the aisles is strictly compulsory so bring your dancing shoes and let the good times roll!

THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018

BOX OFFICE: 01952 382382

W IN TICKET S

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

30/04/2018 09:36

GO LIMITLESS . . .

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screen In association with

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No need to share whilst watching one of the great Blockbusters out in May with our new Ultimate Combo.

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Parking is available at the cinema for the perfect spot!

ODEONSAYS

Gnomeo and Juliet have just moved to a new garden, where they hope to live happily ever after. But when the other gnomes disappear, they recruit ‘Sherlock Gnomes’ to help. He’s the sworn defender of all garden gnomes, and is the only one who might be able to solve this mystery. And so begins a whole new adventure into the great unknown, to rescue the gnomes and bring them home safe. The sequel to the smash hit ‘Gnomeo And Juliet’, ‘Sherlock Gnomes’ reunites James McAvoy and Emily Blunt, while introducing the voice of Johnny Depp as the great detective himself.

ODEONSAYS And Don’t Forget........

The wise-cracking, gun-toting, fourth wall-breaking Merc with a Mouth is back in ‘Deadpool 2’, and as promised last time around, he’s bringing a friend: robot-armed warrior Cable.

Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Colossus are back to keep an eye on him again, expert markswoman Domino’s making an appearance… and he’s bound to run into trouble with Cable, whose appearance may or may not mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Ryan Reynolds puts on the mask and shatters the fourth wall once again for ‘Deadpool 2’, alongside Josh Brolin and Morena Baccarin.

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the Odeon s teamed up with ir Wrekin News ha ky reader’s a pa to offer TWO luc choice. ur yo Cinema, Telford of lm fi a a tickets to of standard cinem e and telephone contact to: m na ur yo nd se Just n Tickets, Bridge kin News, Odeo Tania Baylis, Wre Telford TF1 1RY or email: n, Road, Wellingto ia.co.uk tania@plus2med

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ETS TO BE WON 2 PAIRS OF TICK

Terms and Conditions apply

26, 27 Entertainment.indd 2

30/04/2018 09:36

JUST THE TICKET OUT & ABOUT WITH WREKIN NEWS

Ballet for the over 55s comes to Telford

BIG FISH LITTLE FISH RETURNS TO TELFORD WITH A HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAVE - WIN TICKETS!

A

FTER holding sold out events since April 2016, the Award-winning ‘family rave’ Big Fish Little Fish are excited to be returning to Telford for a Happy Birthday themed family rave.

Our indoor family mini-festival will be held at Oakengates Theatre @theplace on Sunday 27 th May, 2.00pm-4.30pm, celebrating the 50th Birthday of Telford and Oakengates Theatre.

Gracing the decks for this rave we have old skool rave legend Glenn Aston (Raindance/Flashback).

He will be bringing the tunes on our multisensory dancefloor with club visuals, glitter cannon, bubbles, giant bouncy balloons and topped off with the famous parachute dance. We also have a licenced bar, play area with tents and tunnels and a safe-space for babies with a ball pool, alongside a high quality themed craft area with a colouring mural and a playdough table.

For more information and tickets and to sign up to the West Midlands Mailing list log on to www. bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk; www.facebook.com/ bigfishlittlefishevents Wrekin News has teamed up with Big Fish Little Fish to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket (two adults, two children) to the birthday themed family rave.

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win this fantastic prize send your name address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Family Rave, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media. co.uk - closing date for entries is Tuesday 22 May, good luck!

Local charity Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin will be offering weekly adult ballet sessions for over 55s in Telford following its success in Shrewsbury.

The charity launched the over 55s ballet class in Shrewsbury earlier this year and it has been so popular that the dance teacher running the activity is leading another class in Telford.

The first session will take place on Thursday 3rd May 11am -12.30pm at Horsehay Village Hall in Telford. It is suitable for mixed abilities and costs £5.00.

Dance teacher Philippa Price, who spent most of her career as a family doctor, will lead the class, tailored for older people. Philippa knows all too well the health benefits that dance and meeting new people can bring to people’s health and wellbeing.

She said: “The ballet class in Shrewsbury has been a great success - people join to get fit, have fun and make friends. Both men and women, beginners and experienced are all welcome. Ballet is good exercise but don’t be shy you won’t be expected to do a perfect pirouette or anything unsuitable for your body.”

If you would like to join the ballet class call Diane Douglas at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01952 201803 (ext.

001) or visit their website www.ageuk.org.uk/ shropshireandtelford

A date for Teddy’s diary - Sunday 20 May Plans are moving along to the Great Telford Teddy Bears Picnic – one of the Telford@50 events. It will be held in Telford Town Park on Sunday 20 May 2pm to 5pm organised by Telford Lions Club with support from a T&W council Telford@50 celebration grant. There will be lots of activities and entertainment for FREE, along with all the usual facilities of the park.

Children can make a badge, a bracelet, a bookmark or decorate a bear. There will be a circus skills workshop and a magician as well as a chance to take part in a dance, practice football skills and learn some sign language. One lucky bear will win a special prize and 500 will get a free chocolate bear for their owner.

Just bring your teddy, a picnic and prepare to have fun.

Born to Win the Giovanni Pernice story Born To Win the fabulous story of Strictly Come Dancing finalist Giovanni Pernice is currently on tour around the UK and will at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury on 24 June.

Tania from Wrekin News has lucky enough to see Giovanni’s wonderful stage show as the Born To Win tour visited The Place at Oakengates. Tania said: “Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice should be congratulated for seamlessly combining fun and laughter with the ‘razzle dazzle’ and glamour you’d expect from one of the countries leading dance stars to his new show ‘Born To Win’.

“Currently touring the UK, Born To Win tells the story of Giovanni’s life and his rise to the top of the dancing world through breath taking routines and humorous monologues performed by Giovanni and his talented

WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW

dance crew. “This show is not to be missed …… Out of this world!

What - Born To Win, Where - Shrewsbury, Severn Theatre, When - 24 June, 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Booking - www.theatresevern.co.uk or 01743281281, Tickets £33, £30 VIP - £53.

Wrekin News has once again teamed up with Born To Win to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets for the matinee performance on the 24 June at Theatre Severn.

For your chance to win this fantastic prize send your name address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Born To Win, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Tuesday 22 May, good luck!

28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28 Comps.indd 1

30/04/2018 03:09

BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL

2016 EVENT CALENDAR 2018 Sunday 17th June Fathers Day ‘Hobson’s Best’ Afternoon Tea

MAY JANUARY

Wednesday 16th May Wedding Open Evening

6.00pm – 8.00pm An informal opportunity to view our main function suite set for a wedding reception. Our wedding co-ordinators, along with some of our selected wedding specialists will also be on hand to answer any of your questions.

£16.95pp We have teamed up with Hobsons brewery to bring dad a special afternoon tea which includes a Shropshire ale sample board and a selection of savoury treats.

Saturday 30th June ABBA Tribute Night

£21.00pp ‘Take a chance on me’ and book for our Mamma Mia evening.

Enjoy a 3-course evening meal then ‘gimme gimme gimme’ your best moves on the dance floor to our ABBA inspired disco.

FEBRUARY

JULY Sunday 15th July Afternoon Tea Dance

£11.95pp ‘Tango for your Tea!’ We will be serving a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones followed by a dance demonstration and your opportunity to ‘Twinkle your Toes!’

3.00pm – 4.30pm.

APRIL

Friday 18th May Star Burst Party Night

£15.95pp Your evening includes a 2-course evening buffet (main course and a dessert), then enjoy a night of disco entertainment and dance the night away.

JUNE Saturday 2nd June Motown Magic

Sunday 17th June Father’s Day Lunch

£15.95 adult’s £8.95 child Treat dad to Sunday lunch. Includes a delicious 3-course lunch and a gift for the man himself.

Special Overnight Party Package

Includes check-in from 2.00pm, party night accommodation with full English breakfast and a box of chocolates in your room (based upon 2 people sharing a double or twin bedded standard room FROM - upgrades available at an additional cost). £34.50 £15.00 single supplement applies.

Celebrating a Birthday?

Free birthday cake for the birthday guest (must be pre-booked and minimum party numbers of 10)

£19.95pp Schools out for summer! That only means one thing... time to let your hair down and dig out your dancing shoes! Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival followed by a 3-course evening meal then dance the night away to our disco entertainment.

AUGUST

£21.00pp “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to keep you from getting your booking ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ Enjoy a 3-course evening meal then dance the night away to our soul inspired disco.

MARCH

Friday 27th July End of School Disco Party Night

Friday 10th August Telford’s 50th Birthday Celebration

Sounds of the 60’s featuring Tom Jones tribute £25.00pp To celebrate our great towns 50th birthday we are taking you back to 1968. Enjoy a 3-course evening meal followed by a 1960’s inspired disco and Tom Jones tribute act. Fancy dress encouraged!

Sunday 26th August Special Overnight Party Celebrating a Birthday?

Package– 3pm Wedding Open Free birthday cake forDay the 11am

Anbirthday opportunity to (must view our refurbished function suite set guest be newlyIncludes check-in from forpre-booked a wedding breakfast.

You will 2.00pm, also haveparty a chance and minimum night to meet our wedding co-ordinators selected suppliers. with full party numbers of 10 and apply). accommodation

Friday 31st August English breakfast and a box Hen Party? of chocolates in your room All-Inclusive Party Night Brides go free on parties (based on 2 people sharing

£39.00pp of 20 or more (entrance a double or twin bedded Ready, BOOK our All-Inclusive party. Enjoy a 2-course to thesteady, party night only, not standard room – upgrades evening meal (main course and dessert) and a FREE bar accommodation). available at an additional PER PERSON throughout the evening whilst you dance the night away to our cost).

Gift Vouchers disco.

FROM Looking for the perfect gift? £15.00 single supplement £34.50 Personalised vouchers Gift Vouchers Hen Party?

PER PERSON available for all events at the applies.

Looking for the perfect gift?

Brides go free on parties of 20 ormuch more. hotel plus Personalised vouchers available for all more (entrance to the party night events at the hotel plus much more. only, not accommodation).

To book any of our events call:01952 641821 email:sales@buckatreehallhotel.com visit:www.buckatreehallhotel.com To book any of our events call:

01952 641821 or email: sales@buckatreehallhotel.com visit: www.buckatreehallhotel.com

Buckatree Hall Hotel FP issue 228.indd 1

26/03/2018 14:41

JUST THE TICKET OUT & ABOUT WITH WREKIN NEWS

Fish and chips back on the Llanfair train by popular demand Following the success Fish & Chips trains last year, repeat runnings of this popular event have been added to the Welshpool & Llanfair railway timetable.

Up coming dates are July 22nd, August 8th and August 25th.

The special working will depart Llanfair Caereinion at 6.30 pm, and on arrival at Raven Square fish & chip suppers from the award-winning Andrews Fish Bar of Welshpool will be served for passengers to enjoy during the return trip on the hopefully sunny evening.

Soft drinks will also be available for sale in the station during the halt. The return train will pause at the intermediate station of Castle Caereinion for participants to stretch their legs and enjoy the evening view and take on board delicious ice cream. The train is scheduled to arrive back at Llanfair at 8:50 pm.

Travellers on previous Fish & Chips trains have called it “most enjoyable” and a “good value evening”.

Large and small meals, together with vegetarian options, will be available to travellers and advance booking for the train is essential. Bookings close a few days before the given dates.

Full details and booking forms for the Fish & Chips train can be found on the events page of the railway’s website at www.wllr.org.uk The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was opened in 1903 to connect the agricultural community around Llanfair Caereinion with the market centre of Welshpool. The eight-mile journey over the famous Golfa Bank and along the Banwy River valley takes about 45 minutes each way.

Shropshire County Show back for 2018 WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR THE SHOW

O

RGANISERS of one Shropshire’s oldest agricultural shows are gearing up for another successful year when the event returns to Shrewsbury on May 26.

Shropshire County Show will have more free entertainment on offer than ever before, with monster trucks taking top billing in the main arena and dozens of activities taking place all over the Greenhous West Mid Showground.

Entries for all animal categories are reported to be strong, and the horse show is attracting high levels of entries too.

Show chairman, Neale Sadler, said all the signs were pointing to this year’s show being a cracker.

“The organising committee always works really hard to provide as much free entertainment for people once they have paid to enter the show,” he said.

“We are pleased to say we have more activities than ever before lined up for 2018, alongside all of the traditional exhibitions you would expect at an agricultural show.

“The Kids Zone will have musical theme this year, with Shropshire Music Service providing have-a-go workshops, and we have the ever-popular Animal Man, Magic Kev and Juggling Jim providing entertainment all day.

“New for this year will be canoeing on the river, and other adventure sports, and an extreme mountain biking display.

“We have a fantastic line-up for the main arena entertainment, with Big Pete’s Monster Trucks taking centre stage, along with the Wirral Marching Pipe Band, birds of prey, childrens’ mounted pony games, and of course the Young Farmers’ float parade which is always great fun.”

Mr Sadler said tickets were cheaper in advance and advised people to buy their tickets as soon as they could.

“A big commitment of the show is to make it as accessible as possible for everyone,” he said. “With that in mind, we try to keep ticket prices as low as we can.

“Advance tickets are cheaper than paying on the day, with a family ticket for two adults and three children costing £31, single adult tickets £13 and children aged 14 and over £4 - children aged 13 and under are free.

“Gate prices with be £15 for an adult, £35 for a family, and £5 for a child aged 14 and over.

“We hope the good people of Shropshire will come and support the show as they do every year and help make it a great success.”

For tickets and more information, visit: www.shropshirecountyshow.com or call 01743 289831.

Win a family ticket - how to enter Wrekin News has teamed up with the Shropshire County Show to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket (two adults, two children) to the show.

For your chance to win this fantastic prize send your name address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, County Show, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Friday 18 May, good luck!

30 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 30 Comps.indd 1

30/04/2018 03:10

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30/04/2018 11:22

JUST THE TICKET OUT & ABOUT WITH WREKIN NEWS

Try somewhere new this summer

I

F YOU would like to visit somewhere new this Summer, why not try Canalside Farm, in Great Haywood. This family-run Farm has been growing its own produce for over 30 years and has recently undergone a major transformation, opening a brand new Farm Shop and Café, which is bursting with seasonal, fresh, local produce.

The Farm Shop has a fantastic bakery, butchers and delicatessen and their team of experienced Butchers make their own range of burgers, pork pies, meat balls and even 15 different varieties of sausage, for both the Farm Shop and Café.

The Café serves a wide range of hot and cold meals, as well as delicious home-made cakes and afternoon teas. Located over-looking the Trent and Mersey Canal, it provides stunning views and a relaxing place to unwind.

After all of that delicious food, why not take a stroll, as there are some beautiful canal side walks, as well as the opportunity to visit Shugborough, a stunning Stately Home, which is only a 10 minute walk away.

If you have children with you, there’s also plenty of other fun activities that you can do whilst at the Farm – you can even bring your bikes, as there are some great family towpath cycle rides which take in the wonderful wildlife and scenery of the area. There are free maps available from both the Farm Shop and Café.

And if you’re still feeling energetic you can also ‘pick your own’ strawberries and raspberries during the season, which normally runs from May to October, depending on the weather.

Canalside Farm, Shop and Café are open every day from 9am to 5pm and are located in Great Haywood, just 6 miles outside Stafford (postcode ST18 0RQ).

For further information please telephone 01889 881747 or log onto the their website www.canalsidefarm.co.uk

Win a Voucher

WIN A VOUCHER - HOW TO ENTER Wrekin News have teamed up with Canalside Farm, to offer one lucky winner a combined voucher of £30 to spend in the Café and £20 in the Farm Shop.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer this question: Q. Which canal is Canalside Café located next to?

Please send your answer along with your name address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Canalside Farm, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media. co.uk - closing date for entries is Tuesday 22 May, good luck!

High school old girls reunion For the very last time the spring meeting of Wellington High School Old Girls’ Association will be held on Friday 11th May 2018 at 7.30pm in the refectory, New College, King Street, Wellington.

Parking will be freely available on the red-gra car park off Regent Street.

After the business part of the evening, supper will be served.

We have been able to hold the price at £5 yet again.

An Old Girls’ facebook page has been created where you can leave messages for fellow past pupils www.facebook.com

32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 32, 33 Comps.indd 1

01/05/2018 01:50

JUST THE TICKET OUT & ABOUT WITH WREKIN NEWS Over 100 Free Activities

Fun filled weekend for kids of all ages Now in its 3rd year, Shropshire Kids Festival will take place in the Shrewsbury Quarry Park on 19th and 20th May and it promises to be the biggest, most creative, fun filled weekend for kids of all ages.

NEW this year we will have a wedding party to coincide with the royal wedding where youngsters (and their parents) will be able to enjoy the royal wedding on a HUGE big TV screen while enjoying street food as the wedding happens.

With dozens of amazing activities to try from the massive water slide to zorbing, bubble football, two foam parties, a helter-skelter and a go-kart track, it’s going to be difficult to decide which activity to have a go at first.

Organiser Beth Heath said: “This event really is going to be something special. The weekend is all about trying something new, getting hands on, discovering a new passion and learning, but in a totally fun way.”

Festival zones will include a new huge sports zone including Shrewsbury Town in the Community and Crossbar Coaching where where kids can partake in tennis, rugby, football, dance and netball and and indoor sports which include yoga. Competitive types will love the inflatable obstacle course and the ‘wacky races’, which will include a laughter inducing water balloon race and the highly anticipated space hopper race. While the races are free, there will be a chance to do good while having fun, by making a donation to the Harry Johnson Trust.

Even the youngest children have been catered for with baby sensory sessions, baby yoga, baby singing and toddlers tumble play area.

Tickets are priced at £15 per child and £3 per adult, which entitles a child to participate in most activities for free. Book in advance and get even more fun with entry an hour before the gates open so miss any queues!

For more details and tickets visit the festival’s website www. shropshirekidsfest.co.uk

Water Slide, Huge Foam Party, Giant Inflatables, Animals, Hands On Crafts, Drama & Arts, And Loads More Fun...

Save money when you book online in advance!

In Shrewsbury Quarry Park

19th & 20th May 2018 shropshirekidsfest.co.uk

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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

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32, 33 Comps.indd 2

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30/04/2018 02:55

Mind, body & soul

May 2018

by Joanna Summers ARIES

(March 21 - April 19) Spring and love are definitely in the air and although Aries are known for your independence, you bring romance to everything around you, busying yourself remaining determined and enthusiastic-which should not be too difficult for your naturally positive outlook on life-as you smile look at the blossomy blossoms and are warmed knowing life is good.

TAURUS

with

Joanna Summers from the Sacred Healing Centre

(April 20 - May 20) The epitome of a Taurean is you can always be relied upon, so as the year is beginning to wake up so are you. Feeling the excitement in nature, get yourself outside as you let its beauty rejuvenate you-As the month progresses make arrangements to meet with friends enjoying good company, peaceful walks and good food.

GEMINI

I

Introducing Joanna Summers and the Sacred Healing Centre

class myself as an empath, for many years people have found it very easy to talk to me and as such my door is always open, the kettle is on and space is made for those who need that one-to-one.

This did not just happen to me, it has always been a part of me, as a child it was a bit odd to see ‘the storm as it arrived’ -so to speak- as I grew up it became a challenge as I could not find a place for the way I was and I self medicated for a time, with wine and distractions to dull my keen senses as I tried to work in a more conventual mindset.

Inevitably came to that proverbial crossroads where I had to recognise who I was and accept myself, as 25 years passed in satisfying my developing appetite in exploring different countries where ancient traditions were accessible and mentors who welcomed my interest showed me the way they practiced those traditions.

It was from Peru that we learnt how to listen to the finer workings of the body and how to work with the mind to bring about peace, comfort, relaxation, focus and a re-occurring positive mindset.

It was with Alberto Villoldo I was taught traditions that heal the body, calve open the sight and clear the way the human repeats their experience of their inner world.

This was explained to me as clearing the imprints from the energy body which effects us in a similar way as iron fillings on a magnet.

The magnet is us, the iron fillings are everything that is contained in our personal world. These are contain and often repetitive. My teachers showed me how to effect the ‘magnet’ to attract different fillings…this sounds unbelievable in our western mindset. Which is why we need to step outside of the ‘box’ and look at alternative traditions. My work today is all about challenging perceptions in a welcoming and relaxed environment, through mediation, Andean breath work and offering workshops and sessional work.

We built the Sacred Healing Centre after working with a medicine woman in Chille, she had a wonderful handbuilt space where she would work. My office at the time was in a square, boxed building and I too wanted to build a rounded, eco building made with clay, straw, sand and upcycled or reused materials an Adobe sculpted building and we started to develop the idea.

Five years later we had our open day and invited the local community - who had all helped in some way-to join us in celebration and launched our very first group of classes, workshops and personal session.

Details on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ sacredhealingcentre8/ or email Joanna at sacredhealingcentre@gmail.com

(May 21 - June 20) With your razor sharp naturally quick thinking mind, not only are you interesting to be around this spring but bring the excitement to the socials you choose to take part in!-because they have to be able to ignite your natural passion for you to even turn up. The season is filling up with life so dive in, find the fun, places to get out, about and keep your passions alive.

CANCER

(June 21 - July 22) Hey! The suns finally arrived and you have come out from your winters slumber, after bringing in the fresh spring breeze your homes, now it time to start to tidy up outside-get away from the TV for five mins-take a walk and breath in the blossomy freshness, watch the wildlife and enjoy the beauty around you.

LEO

(July 23 - August 22) As we step into the heart of spring, the Leos are already there, lighting up every encounter with your charisma and natural sense of fun… you are a joy to everyone as you shower them with an abundance of time, love, affection and gifts…how can anyone not love you! This is the time to expand your social circles and begin to develop new friendships that keep stimulating your wonderful ability to bring the joy to the party.

VIRGO

(August 23 - September 22) As the new year explodes with order and structure it is time to get out in the garden tidy up and make room for the new shoots arriving.

You could do the same with your loved ones… make room for them, sometimes is easier to step back rather than attempt to micro-manage everything you do together. Learn to bite your lip, smile inwardly and accept the reality of others imperfections , focusing rather on a shared interest, or developing a shared pastime where your honesty will serve you better.

LIBRA

(September 23 - October 22) Who said you required it to be spring to wake up and start to enjoy life…Librans are as adept at bringing the joy, high life and excitement to all seasons as you gather around those you love, have relationship and enjoy good times with.

Librans are great at finding the middle

ground, so compromise first with yourself as you take a few moments to choose not be so inwardly judgmental and you continue to learn to be comfortable in your skin, deepening and enriching yourself first before you connect with your natural generousness and give to others.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) Spring is in the air bringing you a new lease of life as you feel its intensity building up. Inspiring you to commit to spending time with your close friends and family. There is no half measures with you in relationships, it is all or nothing . As the season develops let go of those potential grudges and look to sunshine as a metaphor for being positive and finding forgiveness or just letting go of the negativity that does little to serve you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) With your mind-blowing combination of adventure, dazzling smarts and lots of fun you have heaps of positive energy and an infectious passion for life, you have a knack for making others feel special. This is the time of year where your open-minded generosity is a magnet for your loved ones and close friends.

Enjoy the laughter, find the time to reconnect with those you love and smile as you bring the fun!

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) Renowned for being wise beyond you years, brings much comfort to those nearest and dearest. With your super capability you just get things done you are already planting in the garden, busying yourself with all those Springtime jobs that need to be done… remember to give yourself the time to spend those precious moments with your loved ones as they love your quick wit and charming Capricorn personality.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Hello Aquariuns it is a beautiful day..week.. month…and it is time to start waking up, you have an uncanny ability to ‘wake’ people up:do so only for the good of all, remember that everything we say and do is like a planted seed:good seeds yield healthy fruit. Do not be elitist, you know deep down we are all interconnected, it is possible that when one suffers we all do, so make a pace to help as many of your close community as you can, have a party, join in a local group or start one and learnt to use your database of inspirational lexicon.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20) As this season progresses you feel an enormous sense of excitement, seeing the bulbs coming out, hearing the birds singing and smelling the bursting blossom on the wind, this gives you a new lease of life and you are ready to step into a whole new adventure. Spring is in the air, so take those adventures and either/or meet with loved ones, have a romantic break or find that time to gift yourself a bit of luxury-you deserve it!

Wrekin News Horoscopes provides no guarantees or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 35

35 Stars.indd 1

01/05/2018 01:55

Care & Community In later years . . .

Drop-in event offers support for over 55s

O

VER 55s across Telford were able to access free health checks, money advice, care needs assessments and more at a new drop-in event this week, hosted by Wrekin Retirement Living’s Lowe Court in Wellington.

The first Telford Community Independence Hub, organised by Telford & Wrekin Council, showcased the variety of support services available for older people across the region to help them stay healthy, safe and independent at home.

Attendees were able to find out more about mobility aids and home adaptations, WATCH personal alarms and assistive technology, help available for unpaid carers and more.

The council’s Healthy Lifestyles team were on-hand offering free health MOTs and an occupational therapist demonstrated various pieces of equipment to make living at home easier, such as bed levers, shower chairs and raised toilet seats.

Other organisations offering advice and support included the Alzheimer’s Society, Carers Centre, Community Participation and Social Services.

Sue Hughes, events co-ordinator for Wrekin Retirement Living said: “It can be difficult for older people to know what support is available to them, and who to ask to get it.

“An informal drop-in event like this makes it much easier for people to access the support they are entitled to.

“Sometimes people can feel unsure about booking home visits, and Wrekin News NEW 17.pdf 1 31/03/2017 14:28:43 even making an initial phone call can be challenging for them.

> (L to R) Katrina Pooler, Events Co-Ordinator for Wrekin Retirement Living, Julia Saunders, CVS Carers Centre Telford & Wrekin Council and Lauren Carroll, WATCH Administration Assistant, The Wrekin Housing Trust

“A social morning like this, where people can meet providers face-toface and have an informal chat with no pressure to take up any of the services, is much more inviting.”

Councillor Arnold England, Cabinet Member for Communities Health & Wellbeing said: “As a council, we’re looking to find better ways for us to work more closely with local people, community groups, volunteers, the NHS and other public sector providers.

“The Telford Community Independence Hub is example of us

working in this way.

“If this pilot in Wellington proves successful then the plan is to open more locations across the borough where people can visit a Telford Community Independence Hub local to them.”

The next Telford Community Independence Hub will take place at Lowe Court in Wellington on 9th May. People can drop in on the day to access support and advice, or make an appointment in advance by calling My Choice on 01952 459252.

‘Yo

ur life loca ala line l se rm rvi ce ’

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

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To book a FREE home demonstration please call 01952 217151 www.watchalarms.co.uk 36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 36 Community Wrekin Housing Trust.indd 1

30/04/2018 10:19

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37

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01/05/2018 02:20

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A

fearful dog can be stressful for everyone. For the friend who just wants to say hello, for another dog who just wants to play and for the owner who wants their dog to be able to do all those things.

There is no quick fix for a dog who is often frightened or nervous but here are a few tips to get the ball rolling.

Tip 1. Stay Calm When you predict something is going to make your dog scared (such as another dog or person), the natural reaction is to become nervous yourself. You might subconsciously become tense or reassure your dog that everything is ok.

By tensing up you are telling the dog that there is about to be an incident that is worth worrying about. If you remain calm and don’t show the dog that you are afraid of the situation, they are less likely to be afraid themselves.

If you comfort a dog while they are acting frightened or nervous, you are actually rewarding them for showing that behaviour with attention. They will then repeat that fearful behaviour in future, in order to get more of your attention.

Tip 2. Training Classes Through training classes and strengthening the bond between you and your dog, you will increase their confidence when they are with you towards other people and dogs.

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Start off slowly, just by being in the same vicinity as other people or dogs.

Don’t try to get anyone to greet your dog straight away, start off just by being around others. Over time (may take many months) and regular classes you will build up to people greeting your dog.

Don’t rush! One bad experience for your dog could possibly set you back to the beginning.

Tip 3. Desensitization By taking your dog to places with unusual sounds or lots of people and dogs regularly will slowly increase their confidence in these situations.

If your dog is particularly frightened of loud noises, you could always get a CD that plays noises such as fireworks, cars backfiring etc., in the house. By having this on quietly to start with and over time increasing the volume, the dog will get used to the noises that used to frighten them.

Tip 4. Behaviour Modifying Pheromones When a dog is born the mother releases a pheromone, called Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P), which calms the puppies and makes them feel safe. This pheromone also works on adult dogs and has been developed into products such as collars and diffusers for the home.

The pheromone doesn’t affect anyone other than dogs and we can’t even smell it!

Next time you’re at the vets or in a pet shop, ask if they have any D.A.P products available and have a look.

Tip 5. Seek Professional Help Sometimes, the first 4 tips just won’t be enough. If you are still struggling with your fearful dog you may need help from a professional canine behaviourist. Although we vets can give some behavioural advice, often we may refer dogs needing more in depth help to a professional behaviourist who deals with it all the time.

There are many different canine behaviourists out there and it can get quite confusing trying to find the best one for you. So before you get in touch with any ask your vet who they recommend.

Tip 6. Don’t give up!

Getting your dog to be more confident and overcome their fears can be a long, challenging experience but by getting through it you will have a happier companion with a more fulfilled life at the end of it.

If you have any more questions please feel free to call us and book an appointment to see someone for some face to face advice.

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38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 38 Severn Edge vets.indd 1

30/04/2018 10:12

‘Pimp my Zimmer’ - Project to reduce falls at Shropshire care home A Shropshire care home is anticipating a reduction in falls among its residents after starting a fun project to encourage them to ‘pimp’ their Zimmer frames.

U

SERS at Coverage Care’s Woodcroft home in Market Drayton have been personalising their walking aids by spray painting them different colours including pink, orange, blue and purple or decorating them with stickers so they can easily identify their own frame.

Woodcroft provides residential care for older people and those with dementia as well as a community day centre and respite and short stay facilities.

Zimmer frames are set to an individual’s height and selected for their particular mobility needs and use of the wrong aid can cause falls.

Home manager Kelly Lowry introduced the initiative to offer reassurance to residents that they were using the right frame.

She explained: “On one of our units we have a number of residents who sit close to one another and all had the same grey frame which obviously caused confusion so this seemed an ideal way to help them differentiate their frame from someone else’s.

“Residents have had great fun decorating their

May Hubbert is one of the residents who has joined in. She said: “I think it’s a marvellous idea as I would get confused about which frame was mine because they all look the same and I would worry about falling if I had someone else’s frame. Now I always know which is mine.”

Coverage Care Chief Executive David Coull said other homes within the organisation were being encouraged to adopt the scheme.

“The potential consequence of using someone else’s Zimmer, which is not appropriate for the individual’s needs, can be very serious for an older person. If they fall, it can cause injuries and loss of mobility which impacts on health.

“Residents at Woodcroft are already reaping the benefits and Pictured: Residents Joyce Wells and Olive Petty with their pimped up Zimmer frames and support worker Hannah Smith. we hope to see pimped up Zimmer frames at all our homes eventually.” frames and we’ve now got a rainbow of walking Coverage Care cares for mainly older people aids at Woodrcroft. The main aim is to reduce in 14 homes across the county in Shrewsbury, falls but, at the very least, it has given the Telford, Newport, Whitchurch, Oswestry, residents something to smile about and they are no longer concerned about which frame is theirs.” Wellington, Bridgnorth, and Bishops Castle.

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Cottage Christian Newport Tel: 01952 825 557 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39

Coverage Care page.indd 1

30/04/2018 09:32

Spring has arrived! home

garden and

Written by Robert Hudson of Lilyhurst Plant Centre

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by exhibitors at Chelsea to get herbaceous into flower at the required time.

During the month the flowers on the early flowering shrubs will come and go; it is advisable, where possible, to remove the finished flower heads. This will encourage new growth and, also, the laying down of new flower buds ready for next year. On plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas take care as new growth buds are just at the base of the flower stalk and can easily be damaged by enthusiastic removal of the flower heads.

We regularly have customers come to the nursery asking if some plant in their garden is dead as it/they have not yet shown any signs of life. Given the weather conditions experienced so far this year the plant may simply be biding its time and may yet surprise you with a most spectacular display.

Do not expect the plants in your garden to be in the same pristine condition as those you see in the garden centres. These will have been grown to be at their best when you buy them, and a great many will have been produced under cover, if not in a heated environment to achieve this, the plants in your garden will not have had this luxury. At Lilyhurst we grow all our plants outside so that when you buy them they may not look as lush but they will be used to life in the real world and not some pampered conditions that your garden will not provide.

Simon Bradbury

WE WE ARE ARE HERE HERE

Sheriffhales Sheriffhales

As I write this there it looks as though the weather may finally be improving (although given the past few months it could well have changed again by the time you read this) and I hope this is the case and that spring will finally have arrived.

This month you will see many adverts, in all sorts of places and publications, for bedding plants but remember that Shropshire is a cold county. These plants which will have been grown in a protected and possibly heated environment and will suffer if put out in to the garden while we are still getting cool nights. It is far better to wait until the weather is more settled, that is until the end of May or even early June. One way of taking advantage of these early annuals, if you have a greenhouse or conservatory, is to plant up your pots, troughs and baskets. This will give them a chance to get established before you put them out at the beginning of June, by then we can only hope nature has corrected the weather.

If you have herbaceous borders, or just a few herbaceous plants, start to put in some supporting material so that the plants grow into it. This will stop the plants from flopping across the border.

If this should happen it can be difficult to get the plants upright again and it is sometimes easier to cut the floppy stems off and allow the plant to re-grow. The flowers will, in these circumstances be later, this is a technique used effectively

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40 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40, 41 Home and Garden.indd 1

30/04/2018 09:38

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Celebrating the houseplant renaissance at BBC Gardeners’ World Live

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S THE resurgence in house plants takes the UK by storm in 2018, BBC Gardeners’ World Live has introduced a new stage dedicated to the art of indoor gardening – Blooming Interiors.

The Blooming Interiors stage brings indoor gardening gurus to the fore including Matt Biggs, author of Practical Guide to Growing Healthy Houseplants and Jane Perrone, presenter of podcast On The Ledge. Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) completes the line-up with an exclusive Houseplant Edition of his Weird and Wacky Plant Show.

Complementing the houseplant hotshots, British Florist Association experts present daily demos on how to create the most stunning indoor displays with your garden flowers. You can even pay a visit to renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley and his team on the British Flower Bus for more floristry tips, situated next to the Blooming Interiors stage.

Then all you need to do is start creating your own indoor jungle!

Browse over 100 places selling quality plants, many suitable for indoor gardening, in the Floral Marquee and Plant Village at BBC Gardeners’ World Live (14-17 June at Birmingham’s NEC). From Streptocarpus, orchids and air plants to cacti, carnivorous plants and the stunningly colourful Coleus you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Celebrate the best of summer gardening at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 14 – 17 June at Birmingham’s NEC. Find out more and book tickets today at bbcgardenersworldlive.com

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Win tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live Wrekin News has teamed up with BBC Gardeners’ World Live to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to this year’s fantastic show. All you have to do to enter is send your name address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Gardeners World, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Tuesday 22 May, good luck! T&C’s apply, tickets not valid for Saturday 16 June. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 41

40, 41 Home and Garden.indd 2

30/04/2018 00:07

Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

A BALLISTIC ADVENTURE

Kia Sti

nger 3.3 T-GDi V6 GT S

“To be blunt, it will ‘blitz’ some Porsche models”

D

O YOU know less than a goldfish?

Never one to resist a challenge, I picked up my quill the moment I read the headlines in the newspaper. You know you’re safe when you respond to quiz questions in print media. No matter how inadequate your responses might be, you can draw comfort from the knowledge that on-line data analysts remain ignorant of your ignorance and won’t bother you with trolling inducements to vote for nutcases.

I was confronted with ten simple questions. You know the sort of thing.

Question one read: which is the largest lake in the world? a) Lake Superior. b) Caspian Sea. c) Lake Ladoga.

Easy, I thought. Obviously the Caspian Sea isn’t a lake. The clue is in the name

so it must be one of the others. The third I’d never heard of, so it must be the first.

Was I right? All will be revealed later.

In the meantime - here’s a better line of enquiry. It came from a fellow motoring scribe.

“Tell me” he asked, “All you know about Kia cars”.

“All?” I responded. He nodded. I took a deep breath and said: “All you need to know is this.

They are very good cars at very good money that come with seven year warranties, lots of extras at no extra cost and offer comfort, reliability and style”.

“You’re right except for one thing”.

“What’s that?”

“There’s a new Kia on the block called the Stinger.”

“Go on,” I urged, half expecting a sting in the tale.

He shrugged.

“Try one yourself”

Life is full of challenges, so I did. In appearance it generated shockwaves from my optic nerves to my knocking knees. A long forgotten sensation of heady excitement returned as I inhaled its intoxicating charisma. Like a magicians robe it conjures images of red carpets, red lines, roaring engines and roadgobbling ability. It’s a back-to-the-future reminder of long gone motoring delights, past pleasures and naughty thrills you thought were irrecoverable. In todays conformist world it represents an elixir of excitement.

Now - back to the quiz. Question: what is a Kia Stinger? a) A three-seater SUV with free parking ticket. b) A carnivorous reptile with a long beak. c) A stunning gran turismo at a price that will have you twitching. To enter the competition mail me a bankers draft for one thousand groats. The winner will receive a months supply of fresh air at no cost.

“No car is worthy of such a hyperbolic buildup” I hear you say. “What sort of car are we talking about here?”

It’s not a sports car but a rear-wheel-drive, four door grand tourer evoking memories of a golden age of GT cars. All variants have turbocharged engines mated to an eight speed automatic gearbox and feature state-of-the-art driver aids and connectivity.

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

01/05/2018 01:57

The Tipple!

The 3.3 litre, 365bhp twin turbo V6 powerhouse of an engine can propel you to near 170mph. As for stopping it boasts Brembo brakes: the very best. All this and yet it returns more than 28mpg overall. The chassis has all the necessaries to give brilliant dynamics and the sumptuous five seat cabin has all the electronics....get the picture?

I took it for a drive. Duty bound to be objective I looked hard for faults. I confess doubt grew about the stringback driving gloves: that was until I realised they belonged to me. They gripped the best steering wheel I’d gripped for years because it controlled with deft precision and satisfying feel, a tautly set-up muscular gymnast of a car - but yet a machine that springs no surprises.

Naturally I explored its dynamic abilities and I have to tell you that if you pull the trigger in ‘Sport Plus’ mode you embark upon a ballistic adventure. Should Aunt Maud be your passenger in the comfy and spacious rear compartment, then selecting ‘Rigor Mortis’ mode will waft her serenely to the vicar’s wifes tea party.

No matter what, you are held comfortably in place on the road. No less assuredly, the supportive and cosseting seats guarantee creature comforts.

Engineering and design parameters, quality and performance are equal to, if not better than, Germanic rivals which - at literally twice the £40,495 price of this bargain Kia - are badged delusions worshipped only by the impressionable. To be blunt, it will ‘blitz’ some Porsche models.

This Kia is pitched at those who see nothing wrong with a little impish indulgence and who are also canny enough to recognise true qualities sometimes found where you least expect. The Stinger has delivered a sucker punch to a complacent market.

While rival manufacturers are left gasping for breath, the Stinger generates new excitement, garnering accolades. It’s called ‘going places’.

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Sue Ladds

How the world falls around our ears!

W

HEN l was younger GCE and CSE were types of exam taken at 16. Now CSE stands for the much more sinister Child Sexual Exploitation. How the world falls around our ears! Now Telford and many other areas will get inquiries to find out what went wrong and to ‘talk’ to the victims.

To my knowledge and in my experience the victims talked; the authorities weren’t listening.

After Operation Chalice which saw some of the men successfully prosecuted there would have been a steady trickle of information to the social workers afterwards, but no further progress was made.

Almost like the authorities had hoped the book was closed on the matter.

I was acquainted with a young lady during the early years of this horror who offered many details of odd behaviour

between young white girls and older boys. She was obviously conflicted and, due to selfharming, was allocated a social worker. The social worker spent her time cosying up to the girls mother and failed completely to unearth the main problem. Due to the chatterbox nature of the girl this was a basic failure.

If other social workers ignored the emerging evidence because of ‘cultural sensitivities’ and ‘racial harassment’ then its time to rip up their rulebooks.

Our laws cover all the bases.

If the police feel they don’t have the evidence they need, the use the Al Capone method of collering; check car insurance, licences, drug use and dealing, tax evasion, VAT registration of family business. These men don’t just break one set of rules, they are vunerable to intense scrutiny.

Al Capone? Not being able to get convictions for more serious crimes, the authorities settled for tax evasion.

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Please note - The views expressed in Wrekin News by individual contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the editor of Wrekin News nor the publishers, Plus Two Media Limited.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 43

42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 2

01/05/2018 01:57

Improve your gardening – come to Grow Local Do you want to be a better gardener? Wold you like to grow more of what you eat?

Then Grow Local is the event for you. Local enthusiasts will be there to advise you on composting, recycling, organic gardening, what plants will attract bees – and much more besides. There’s plenty for the kids to do, a giant plant sale, and plenty of tasty food on offer.

Grow Local is at the Green Wood centre, Coalbrookdale – TF8 7DR, on Sunday 13th May, from 11.00-3.00pm.

There’s on-site parking for blue badge holders, otherwise please park at Dale End Park (TF8 7EG) or Coalbrookdale Community Centre (Wellington Road, TF8 7DX) For more information contact Ali Hughes, alisonmhughes@btinternet.com TUSA, the recently formed Telford United Supporters’ Association are running a series of events to raise money for the football club. The next event is a curry night which takes place on Thursday 7 June and held in the Lillywhites lounge at the Bucks Head stadium. This will be a three course buffet prepared by Lajina, who teaches Indian cooking, using her own spice blends.

There will also be a demonstration, a bar and raffle. Bookings costing £25 per head can be made by contacting TUSA treasurer Carolyn Hornby on 07860 249763 or email: hornby5@ talktalk.net

Aldersey House is a new way of providing day care - we have asked one of our guests carers to explain about our service which we can now offer on Saturdays:“I really want to thank Pam and her amazing team at Aldersey House for the exceptional care which they provide for my Dad. I have looked at many care facilities and this is undoubtedly the best. Providing the kindness, professionalism and absolute respect for my Dad and meeting his needs, each guest is treated as an individual.

Pam has opened her own home to create this peaceful and tranquil haven where Dad feels comfortable, there isn’t any pressure for him to join in with something he doesn’t want to do (there is lots to do) but he is encouraged to try new things in a gentle and sensitive way. With guests limited to 4 per day and with 3 care staff ever present means that everyone receives as much attention as they need. There is always a lot of laughter and Dad’s mood is brighter after a day spent there. It really is just like visiting friends.

The meals provided are excellent, home made, nutritious and cooked with flair.

Aldersey House is about as far removed from Institutional style care as it could possibly be. It offers a real home from home sanctuary where nothing is too much trouble for the amazing group of people who work there.

It is extremely competitively priced and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Aldersey House to anyone who wants absolute peace of mind and excellent care for their loved one.”

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

30/04/2018 23:29

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26/02/2018 15:55

Sport WREKIN NEWS

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EDWARDS LEADS BUCKS TO SAFETY A sensational run-in to the campaign has seen AFC Telford United sprint away from the National League North relegation zone and into a comfortable mid-table position.

Manager Rob Edwards had taken plenty of flack throughout the season but did much to silence his critics as he completely turned around his side’s fortunes in the closing fixtures, writes Lez Dean.

Safety was sealed in dramatic fashion largely due to three 3-2

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come back fixtures in the space of sixteen days. These Bucks Head wins over Spennymoor, Leamington and Gainsborough were remarkable not least as Edwards’ men had struggled throughout the campaign to salvage points from losing positions, in fact up to the Spennymoor victory they had failed to rescue a single point after trailing all season. This could well say plenty about Edwards’ side and may point to a more positive future. For most of the campaign

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to suggest it was a case of men against boys would be putting it too strongly but undoubtedly these young Bucks were often the victims of greater nous and were frequently outmuscled, bullied if you like. But ultimately they have come through to their own and their coach’s credit.

If Edwards can harness the positive experiences his squad has gained, hang onto and add to the cream of the talent he undoubtedly has in hand, just maybe AFC Telford United can move forward. Bucks fans will have to be realistic though, young talents like the on loan pair of Marcus Dinanga and Ryan Giles are hard to find. Dinanga’s goalscoring exploits saw him break Kyle Perry’s scoring record set 13 years ago and as such may well be

Bucks boss Rob Edwards

back on parent club Burton Albion’s radar, making another loan deal at Telford difficult to secure. Whilst the hugely impressive youngster Ryan Giles, whose contribution in the closing fixtures was simply stunning, quickly became a fan’s favourite with his electric pace and pinpoint delivery. Being home grown in Telford and now in Wolves academy, Giles presence in the Bucks side gave everyone at the club a huge lift in a crucial period.

Ultimately Telford end the season with five wins in their last eight to secure a comfortable 14th place finish. But in truth for the greater part it was tense and it was tough for the club’s fans, hopefully 2018/2019 will be a little easier on the nerves.

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The Orleton Park club have run a successful junior section for many years and won the Shropshire boys’ titles at U11, U13 and U15 level last season. This season they are looking to recruit new members - boys and girls - of all ages, ability and experience, who will receive expert ECB qualified coaching on Monday evenings throughout the summer (starting 23rd April) and opportunities to play in organised teams.

The expanded Junior Section at Wellington also now offers All Stars Cricket - a skills-building programme - for boys and girls aged between five and eight, which runs between 5 pm and 6 pm on Mondays from 14th May. The Club is also aiming to vastly increase the number of girls participating in the sport and has discounted girls membership to just £15 for a summer’s worth of weekly coaching. Visit wellingtoncc.co.uk for more details or call Angela Coalbran on 07951 900636.

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

30/04/2018 10:43

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30/04/2018 02:38