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Report a Rogue Landlord campaign launched A campaign has been launched to tell people living in rented accommodation in Telford and Wrekin of their rights if they feel their landlord is providing them with a substandard home.

A series of posters and advertisements will appear across the borough encouraging tenants to report a rogue landlord.

It’s part of the Council’s Better Homes For All package to improve standards of privately rented accommodation and living standards.

The package includes a new Rogue Landlord Taskforce, additional officers for the Council’s Housing team who will work solely on privately rented housing standards across the borough. Their role would be to hold all landlords and letting agents to account and ensure they provide good conditions for tenants.

Cllr Richard Overton, Telford &

Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement said: “If you have a problem with your accommodation, you should first report it directly to your landlord. Reporting them to us should be a last resort and it’s then that our Rogue Landlord Taskforce or Environmental enforcement team will step in.

“Everyone deserves to live in a better home and this Council will do everything it can to improve private rented housing.

“That’s why it’s important that tenants find good landlords. As well as tackling the rogues, we promote and support the good ones with our Landlord Accreditation scheme.

Members of this scheme agree to a code of conduct and I would recommend anyone who is looking to rent a home, to check out our list of accredited landlords here (www. telfordhomefinder.co.uk).”

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

25/06/2018 19:55

Local news and events

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YTON and Wellington WI marched and sang their way from the Belmont Hall to Market Square in Wellington on Saturday 23 June.

They were joined by Wellington Mayor Cllr Cindy MasonMorris, Heather Dulson Chairman Shropshire Federation WI and Wellington Towns Women’s Guild and members of the Shropshire & Telford Trades Council. The event was to mark 100 years of women getting the right to vote. It was part of a series of EqualiTeas events taking place across the UK. Afternoon tea, cakes and scones were served after the march.

Helen King, Eyton and Wellington WI president said: “We had a wonderful time. Speeches in the Market Square, dressing up as suffragettes, marching and singing followed by afternoon tea. All this and still reminding people that the fight for equality still goes on.”

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2, 3 Welcome.indd 2

25/06/2018 20:20

Local news and events

Email your news and stories to james@plus2media.co.uk

Wellington on the Wrekin Line

W

ELLINGTON artist Paul Janczykowski visited the Wrekin News offices recently with this copy of his new fantastic Wellington Underground map.

Paul told Wrekin News: “The London underground map is instantly regozinable all around the world and this map is based on Wellington. The names and places remain the same, some of the lines are actually similar to those in London, the Circle, District and Central lines.

Paul, continued: “It is my tribute to the original designer Harry Beck. Incidentally the London map is not to a constant scale and is diagrammatic in that some Zone One stations are very close together. Did you know both towns have a Regent Street.

Paul has also made a similar map for Shrewsbury which includes beer and shopping lines. Oakengates could be Paul’s next challenge and it even has an Oxford Street!

Paul added: “I sometimes google ‘Wellington’ and get the city in New Zealand, which in the world is probably better known. What would someone on the other side of the world imagine if they just saw the name in Britain? May be it could be a much larger town, a city. This not impossible, Wellington could have developed as the centre of Telford with a proper transport network.

“I have lived in Wellington since 1982, until I retired in 2010 I was responsible for teaching art at Ercall Wood school. I have from a child had a love for railways and am just old enough to remember steam trains in this area. I have had the opportunity to complete my own artwork mainly painting in acrylics of local landscapes. I try to display work in Wellington and at present have work in Arte e Latte in Queen Street. I also have regular exhibitions in Shrewsbury. Please view my web page; paul.janczykowski.art.”

Paul is having a run of prints made of the Wellington Underground map and they will be available soon in A4 and A3 size from Arte e Latte in Queen Street and also from the Wrekin News office on the Wellington Railway Station.

The Wellington Civic Society had a lunch at the Buckatree Hall Hotel on Sunday 3rd June to celebrate the Queen being on the throne for 65 Years and Wellington Civic Society Society being formed 40 years ago by President George Evans in 1978. Seen in the Photo from left to right are Wellington Mayor Councilor Cindy Mason Morris, George Evans President, Dorothy Vickers Social Secretary and Ross Vickers Chairman.

What’s on at Sunnycroft this July . . .

Black work Embroidery Workshop with Amanda Carter £65 Tuesday 10 July 10:30-4pm The workshop will give you an introduction to this technique and an opportunity to try out a variety of patterns on a design inspired by Sunnycroft Taught by Amanda Carter who is currently studying with the Royal School of Needlework, this is an ideal course for beginners and more advanced embroiderers, looking to gain new techniques and inspiration. All materials and lunch are included in the price.

Silk Shading Workshop with Jane Dew (Rose design) £65 Wednesday 25 July 10:30am to 4pm In this workshop you will create a rose design piece inspired by the collection here at Sunnycroft, using traditional long and short embroidery.

Taught by Jane Dew a professional embroider and tutor, kits will be provided on the day, and please bring your own sewing kits and scissors. This workshop is suitable for people who have some experience in hand stitching.

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

25/06/2018 17:56

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24/06/2018 08:21

Chris Owen wellington midsummer FAYRE ROUND-UP

Wellington’s MidSummer Fayre breaks all previous records!

I

N A packed programme of events the 12th annual celebration of all things Wellingtonian got underway on Suturday 9th June on the Church Green of All Saints Church and Wrekin News was invited along to participate in this midsummer fun.

A street market has been held in and around that location since the town received this official status granted by charter in 1244 by Henry III. The midsummer fayre was also held annually at the Church Green before the 1864 opening, of the permanent indoor structure in Market Street. With over 40 brightly decorated market stalls to entertain the visitors they were not disappointed. Everything from hand-made Jewellery to Caribbean food was available laced with lashings of musical fayre featuring the Wellington Brass Band and Odd Socks Ceilidh band among others. The event was crowned by the Town Parade replete with costumed characters which toured the streets.

A dancing display was held by the Ironmen and Severn Gliders Morris Group in the Market Square which ended back on the Green.

As a guest of Wrekin News – the famous local author Olga Merrick joined us on our stand to promote her latest book and to offer signed copies to purchasers at the show. As a writer of many years standing Olga is treading in the footsteps of the likes of Agatha Christie and prides herself on meticulously detailed plots sure to keep her readers guessing to the very last page.

Before she began writing, Olga and her husband were in the catering/pub trade which included running a film-land pub near Elstree Film Studios called ‘The Artichoke’. It was frequented by famous film stars, top police officers and notorious criminals.

Her last restaurant was Pinocchio’s in Hay-on-Wye, the ‘famous town of books’.

Nowadays Olga specializes in writing psychological crime thrillers, presenting credible characters and colourful descriptions of food, wines and exotic locations within her sinister story-lines.

She is an active member of the prestigious Wrekin Writers in Shropshire, and The Champagne Writers of Shropshire. Olga holds a ‘BA HONS’ degree in English Literature and runs ‘Creative Writing’ courses and ‘Crime Writing Workshops’ for groups. She also regularly delivers motivational talks on writing, peppered with humorous recollections of people and situations that she has encountered in her ’30 Years Behind Bars’ in the catering and pub trade. To date she has published four novels, ‘Untouched Departures, ‘A Rake of Leaves’, ‘Sparrow Hawk’ and ‘The Killing of Ellie Swales’.

Olga said of her appearance at the show – ‘We’ve had such a wonderful day spent with such friendly local people that we are looking forward to returning next year!’

Joining her on the stand was that Wrekin News stalwart

Chris Owen, local author and historian – who was not only there to promote his latest Great War book: ‘Wellington in the Great War’ but also famous Wellingtonian local author and regular Wrekin News contributor George Evans’s book: ‘Round the Wrekin in Kiloverbs’, which contains priceless anecdotes of his beloved town told in his own unique acerbic wit and homespun philosophy of life.

Despite advancing years, George made a special guest appearance at our show-stand where he signed copies of his book for purchasing fans. George gave us an example of his unique wit and humanity when he said of his appearance: “Its been such a wonderful day spent amongst Wellington folk who are always so kind and generous. Besides at my age, its wonderful to be anywhere!”

Chris added: “George was such a great help to me compiling my Great War book and as a main contributor I felt honour bound to repay his generosity by helping today to promote his latest book.”

James Baylis WN Editor added - “What a fantastic showpiece for the town. well done Rob and all the gang at Wellington H2A, Wrekin News will definitely be here next year to exhibit and cover this fantastic event!”

06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 6, 7 Summer Fayre Report.indd 1

25/06/2018 22:03

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by Rob Francis The sun shone on Wellington’s annual Midsummer Fayre on Saturday as crowds descended on the market town to enjoy a packed programme of entertainment alongside over 40 food, craft and community stalls.

The Hadley Orpheus and The Telfordaires choirs raised the roof inside All Saints Church, whilst Wellington Brass Band, Odd Socks Ceilidh Band and Two Blank Pages got feet tapping in the church gardens. Meanwhile, down in Market Square, shoppers were captivated by dance and drama students from The Arts Centre Telford, followed by Jack Green the Jester and the Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris Dancers. Costumed characters toured the town in the procession at 1pm while children tried their hand at bell-ringing in the church tower.

‘It was a fantastic day and our busiest yet’ said organiser Rob Francis from community group Wellington H2A. ‘It takes quite a lot of planning to squeeze so much into just five hours, but from the huge turnout and the positive comments, it felt like it all came together.

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Staged with the support of Wellington Town Council, Wellington Market Company and Parry Carver Solicitors, the modern day Midsummer Fayre is now in its 12th year. It is inspired by the June fairs first recorded in the town’s market charter of 1244 and the costumed pageants of the 1770s. ‘We’ve always wanted this event to feel rooted in the town’s history and identity,’ says Rob, ‘but it’s also about showing off the best of Wellington today – a chance to showcase our local maker businesses, our local musicians and the wide array of community groups that are the backbone of the town. We want people to feel the atmosphere and the energy and to have confidence in what our town can do.’

This year’s event also saw the official launch of the Wellington Makers’ Trail – a series of 12 murals depicting craftsmen, manufacturers and creatives from the town’s past. See www. madeinwellington.co.uk for details.

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graphic account of the courage and sacrifice endured by a small market rural Shropshire, during: town in The Great War. Wellington community loyally gave and its surrounding so much in terms of manpower in its support of the war Discover how ultimately effort. it paid a heavy price in terms, not only of the but a generation simply loss of life – wiped out or destroyed by long-term ill-health cataclysmic event which caused by this was labelled as the ‘War to end all Wars’.

Read detailed personal stories of local serving men – as recounted by wishing to preserve their their relatives memory and set against the backdrop of the particular in which they fought and mostly sadly died, battles contrasted with the arrogance of the officers ignorance and commanding the British war effort on the front directed by the mandarins line – as in Whitehall.

Read about the fascinating story of local colleges and schools which offered training courses and their officer direct contribution of officer material to the Most poignantly, read fighting force. about the war’s devastating businesses in Wellington effect on local families – as mentioned in local and newspaper reports and people’s personal accounts includes local of living through what was to become an event radically and permanently which changed the social structure the legacy of which still of the town and also the affects us even up to the UK – present day. Although of commitment as other typical in terms towns spread across the UK, Wellington and district’s numbers reveal a story of stoicism and the determination casualty Read how the remembrance to survive catastrophe. of its war dead and the ultimate sacrifice was debt of honour owed evidenced in the town’s many dedicated war memorials. to their Discover the local wartime scandal attached to one of its biggest memorials revealed by the simple which was act of the official dedication ceremony and commemoration arguably the biggest single disaster to affect this largely of rural farming community.

Chris Owen is a freelance writer and member of the society of authors; and lives with his wife an IT Graduate and son in Shropshire.

He is a local war historian other towns in Shropshire who is covering for this Pen & Sword series. Specialising in origins stemming from WW2 and its the Great War, he has written a logical prequel devastating conflict. to this equally Living near Wellington for 20 years also piqued his interest in the local devastating legacy of the area and Great War on what was once an independent industrious the town.

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For any reader who has links to our ‘Wrekin town’ both of these books make for essential reading.

George’s book ‘Round the Wrekin in Kiloverbs’ is available by contacting the Wrekin News direct.

Chris’s book: ‘Wellington in the Great War’ can be ordered direct by emailing him at: chris.w.a.owen@gmail.com

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6, 7 Summer Fayre Report.indd 2

25/06/2018 00:38

YOUR WELLINGTON Event Guide ● Saturday 21st July Three in a Bar Jazz – Wellington Market Square ● Saturday 28th July The Telfordaires – Wellington Market Square ● Tuesday 31st July Children’s Face painting and crafts in the Bowring Park 1-3pm ● Saturday 4th August Wrekin Inn Open Mic (TBC) ● Tuesday 7th August Children’s Bubble Football in the Bowring Park 1-3pm ● Tuesday 14th August Toddler Disco fun and Bouncy Castle in the Bowring Park 1-3pm ● Tuesday 21st August Children’s Bouncy Assault course in the Bowring Park 1-3pm ● Tuesday 28th August Children’s Family Fun Picnic, with bouncy castle and music in the Bowring Park 1-3pm ● Saturday 1st September Children’s Bungee Run Fun in the Bowring Park 1-3pm ● 10th - 16th September Wellington Walkers are Welcome Walking Festival ● Wednesday 3rd to Saturday 29th October Wellington Festival – Various location in Wellington please see full programme when released ● Sunday 11th November Remembrance Parade and Service – Wellington town and All Saints Church ● Saturday 24th November Christmas Lights switch on event – Wellington Market Square

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

Annual Accounts Year Ending – 31st March 2018 – Notice of Public Rights Notice of Public Rights and publication of the Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) for the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2018. In accordance with the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234) The relevant notice is today published by which the Notice of the Public Rights to

inspect the Town Council’s Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2018, together with the unaudited Accounts and the approved Sections 1 & 2 of the approved AGAR. To view the relevant documentation please click on the following link: http://www.wellington-shropshire.gov. uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/scannedcompleted-notice-of-public-rights-etcjune-2018.pdf

The Makers Dozen Trail

Wellington has always been defined by its makers. Its craftsmen, its manufacturers and its creative have served and shaped the town for over a thousand years.

The new trail around Wellington features 12 windows into Wellingtons past. To complete the trail please collect a Makers Dozen Mural Trail brochure from the Wellington Town Council offices.

Hanging Baskets

You may of seen that hanging baskets have once again been installed in various locations around the town bringing colour and life for all to enjoy.

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

24/06/2018 07:47

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24/06/2018 09:01

Wildlife Matters

with Tim Preston

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

CHASING DRAGONS S

UMMER is a fantastic time to get out photographing mini beasts. Pretty much every verge, hedgerow, stream or pool will be home to some of these fantastic little creatures. There’s a whole little world out there that passes most of by unnoticed. Even your garden will be home to these alien like creatures during the warmer months, turn over a few leaves, lift a couple of rocks or logs and see what lurks beneath. One of my personal favourites is odonata - damsel and dragonflies. Hunting Dragons creates mental images of fire breathing monsters being pursued across vast mountain ranges by knights in shining armour wielding a huge broadsword sat atop of their white stallion trying to rescue a fair maiden. I just pop out in my car armed with my camera to a local pool…. Not quite as dramatic but a lot less risk involved than days of old.

During May to October damsels and dragons are on the wing. They literally come in all shapes, sizes and colours.

The smallest ones are Damselflies with their bright blue, red, green or yellow bodies. Demoiselles are slightly larger with vivid metallic blue or green bodies.

They literally look like they have been created from coloured chrome as they glisten in the sunlight. These two species perch with their wings together and upright like a butterfly when it closes its wings. Up next are Skimmers and Chasers, a more traditional looking dragonfly with four flat wings held out to the sides of the body. Then come the big guys, the Hawkers and the Emperors, these are the long bodied Dragons that can be seen patrolling their territory fending off other dragons who dare to enter their patch. They can often

be heard taking off from undergrowth as their rigid lace patterned wings clatter against leaves.

In Shropshire there have been 22 different species of dragonfly recorded and 11 different species of damselfly.

Subtle markings on their body and wings identify which species they are. I find it fascinating that they begin life as an egg laid in water or rotting wood, they live the first stages of their life, underwater, as larvae. For some species this can last up to 5 years! They then emerge from their larval skin whilst clinging to vegetation above the water line into a dragon.

When watching Dragonflies you will notice that they tend to have a territory that they stay within, they often use the same perches too. I have found that just sitting and watching is the best method to discovering them.

Nothing like sitting on the water’s edge on a warm summer day watching the water sparkle under the sun’s rays. Look out for little flashes when the dragon wings

catch the sun as they hunt inches above the water. Once you know where they are landing approach the area slowly and never cast a shadow on them either, this will make them take flight. Also be aware of loose clothing or camera straps dangling that can scare them.

Where can you see them in Telford? Pretty much anywhere there is some form of water. Good locations in Telford are the Wrekin Reservoir, Apley Pool, Telford Town Park, anywhere along the River Severn where you can find the quite rare Clubtail too. The Smally Hill nature reserve is also a nice little spot to watch them. If you are able to travel a little further afield then Whixall Moss has an abundance of species including the rare White Faced Darter. Whilst on the hunt for dragons you will undoubtedly come across many other insects too, butterflies, bees and all kind of bugs.

Happy hunting.

Tuesday 24 July · Telford Wildlife Forum The Wrekin Forest Volunteers, Telford’s Shropshire Wildlife Trust volunteers, are holding their third Telford Wildlife Forum of 2018 at 7:30pm on Tuesday 24 July at Horsehay Village Hall, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford, TF4 2NF. Since the discovery of Britain’s 2nd rarest carnivore in Shropshire in 2015 the Pine Marten Project has gathered some very interesting…and some unexpected results. Stuart Edmunds from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Mammal Group will give us an update on how pine martens are faring and what the future could hold for them.

Entrance is £2 for Shropshire Wildlife Trust members and £3 for non-members, which includes free coffee, tea and biscuits.

10 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 10 Tim Preston Wildlife.indd 1

24/06/2018 18:45

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11 Adverts.indd 1

25/06/2018 21:58

ADVERTORIAL

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

Introducing Bevan the Bear The Trust that runs Shropshire’s two acute hospitals has teamed up with one of the biggest names in traditional teddy bear manufacturing to create a special souvenir to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

B

EVAN the Bear is being created to help raise money for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital, in Telford. He has been named after Aneurin Bevan, the founder of the NHS. He is being created in a limited run of 1,948 bears to reflect the year the National Health Service was formed.

A percentage of all sales of Bevan will be donated to the SaTH Charity to fund equipment and provisions that will benefit patients across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.

Merrythought, based in Ironbridge, will also create a larger version of Bevan, which will be raffled off for the charity. Tickets will initially go on sale at SaTH’s NHS70 Charity Fun Day on 7 July (starts at 11am).

Julia Clarke, Director of Corporate Governance at SaTH, said: “Bevan is completely adorable and we are incredibly grateful to Merrythought for creating this gorgeous bear as part of our celebrations to mark 70 years of the NHS. “We wanted to come up with a lot of different ways to mark this wonderful anniversary, but also to benefit our patients and visitors, and Bevan will do both. He will make a great gift for anyone and will also help to raise money for our own charity. I know I will certainly be buying one.”

Sarah Holmes, Director at Merrythought, said: “Myself and the team at Merrythought feel very proud to be working with SaTH to celebrate the NHS’s 70th anniversary, and helping to raise funds for our local hospitals. ‘Bevan’ is a very characterful bear that we designed with the whole family in mind. He has been carefully hand-made in

Legal corner With Sarah Clinton

What to consider when choosing your property lawyer . . .

Buying or selling a house can be a stressful time which is why it is important to take care when choosing your conveyancer/property lawyer so you may find it helpful to consider the following useful tips: 1. Check your conveyancer’s credentials Solicitors must be members of the Law Society and ideally they should also be part of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

2. Ask for recommendations The best way to find a reliable conveyancer is to go by recommendation. Ask your friends and family if they can suggest any firms to consider.

3. Good relationship with associated professionals You will want your solicitor to have a good relationship with other professionals involved in the conveyancing process such as estate agents, other solicitors and financial advisers. This will help your transaction to procced as quickly and efficiently as possible.

4. Experience Choose a firm that has specialist conveyancers experienced and qualified to handle your transaction. If you have an unusual property sale or purchase or need specialist advice because you are buying additional land or need an extension to the lease, make sure you ask the conveyancer for confirmation that they have the expertise to manage your transaction.

5. Communication Be clear about the level of communication you expect, and if this is a priority, let your conveyancer know. Similarly, if you know your solicitor is going on holiday or will be away during key times in your move, ask if there is a dedicated point of contact for you in case you need to get in touch.

6. Efficiency Everyone wants their house move to be processed as quickly as possible, but that isn’t always possible. If you are on a deadline, let your conveyancer know at the outset so they can tell you if it’s realistic. The average time for completion is 8-10 weeks but some transactions can be completed in a shorter period. Speak to your conveyancer about timescales and your situation to get a clear idea of how likely your move date is.

7. Are the fees clearly explained The cost of conveyancing services can vary widely so it’s worth getting a number of estimates to ensure that you know what you are going to be charged for your sale or purchase and if any additional fees are likely to crop up at any point. Remember though, cheapest doesn’t always equal best.

8. Consult your mortgage Parry Carverprovider Solicitors are supporting Midlands Air If you are buying withFree a mortgage, the conveyancer to confiwhich rm Charity’s WillaskWriting Service, is availabl whether they are on the lender’s panel of solicitors and if they are, aged 55 and over.

Whether you are looking to ma check that they can act on behalf of both you and your mortgage provider. Will or update an existing one, it’s important that yo 9. Should you use a local firm? your financial affairs to ensure your loved ones are Local solicitors will have the benefit of local knowledge and will know if specifi required fortoday your purchase Talkc searches to usoratenquiries ParryareCarver about having your or whetherfor enquiries are distinctive to yourpeace area mayof be likely to free,thatfor that extra mind. be made during your sale.

Free Will Writing Se

Shropshire from the finest pure mohair and cotton velvet, and is a bear that we hope people will enjoy for generations.”

Merrythought has handmade traditional teddy bears in the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge since 1930. Merrythought is a family business famous for crafting the finest, jointed, mohair teddy bears adored by children and adults across the world. Every one of their bears is lovingly made by hand in their Ironbridge factory, giving them a unique character and superior quality that can last a lifetime.

Bevan will go on sale for £89, with a percentage from every sale being donated to the SaTH charity. He will be available from Merrythought’s Ironbridge shop and online at www. merrythought.co.uk or via www.sath.nhs.uk/about-us/nhs70/Bevan from 20 June. Bevan can also be pre-ordered by calling the Merrythought shop on 01952 433044.

More information

The Forum, Vi 7 Church Street, Wellington, Shifnal TF11 8 Telford 1BX If you would likeTF1 to discuss your sale, purchase or other property matters, pleaseTel: 01952 4 Tel: 01952 641 291 contact Sarah Clinton at Parry Carver Mon - Fri 8.30am Fri 8.30am - 5pm. Sator 9am - 12pm SolicitorsMon on - 01952 641291 email Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - Parry Carve sarah.clinton@parrycarver.co.uk

12 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 12 News NHS.indd 1

24/06/2018 18:01

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24/06/2018 08:54

A Wheelie good time for all the family

The

Butchers Daughter’s

Cookbook

H

ELLO again lovelies, for this months edition of my cookbook I had a few recipes up my sleeve, but as im still settling in to the Wrekin News family, I thought id keep it to a classic favourite!

Heres to the Saturday night Steak and sautéed Shropshire New Potatoes!

Nothing quite gets the mouthwatering like one of our 30-day matured Shropshire Steaks. From T-Bones to the Ribeye, Sirloins, Fillet and Rump – each Steak in its own right is spectacular.

If hung on the bone, off Prime Shropshire Cattle and Cut by your Master Butcher... your ¾ of the way to an absolute show stopper! The final ¼ is to cook it just right, heres how I do my Sirloin!

To Cook

● Allow your Steak an hour to come to room temperature. Once at room temperature, massage your steak with Rape Seed Oil and season with black Pepper. ● Cube your New potatoes evenly as possibly, pour a generous amount of Rape seed oil into pan and turn on heat. Placing your cubed New potatoes into the pan. ● Sautee your New Potatoes for around 15minutes until they start to give. Season well with mixed herbs, black pepper, rock salt and a squeeze of lemon. ● Add some cubed Smoked Streaky bacon, it gives the most amazing taste. Add mushrooms and red onions. Allow to simmer away and turn your attention to your Steak! ● Splash some Rape Seed Oil into a pan and turn on heat, the Pan must be HOT. ● Season your peppered Steak with Rock Salt and now place into your hot pan. ● For Medium, Im ready with my timer and do exactly 2 minutes each side. ● Allow your Steak to rest for 5-10minutes. ● Serve up your Morgan’s Sirloin Steak, sauteed Shropshire New potatoes and fresh salad. ● Truly scrumptious.

For me, these simple steps never fail. - Hope you enjoy!

Love,

Lauren

The Butchers Daughter,

Morgan’s Country Butchers of Waters Upton

Final details are being sorted for one of Wellington’s biggest events of the year –Lions Day on Wheels in Bowring Park.

For over 20 years the Lions Club of Telford have organised this free day out for the people of Wellington, this year it will be on Sunday 8th July 11am to 4pm.

SUNDAY As the title suggests wheels play a 8TH big part and the day is built around an JULY 2018 exhibition of classic cars and other motor 11am - 4pm vehicles. There is something for all tastes - some wonderful older cars on display, A free circus skills workshop will run all newer cars exhibited by proud owners, day giving children a chance to have a go military vehicles and modern vehicles at a range of activities, this year sponsored from the emergency services which

by Wellington Town Council. There will always attract the children. Other unusual be fairground rides, face painting and vehicles are expected too. sideshows too. A wide variety of food and A great day out starts with the craft stalls will be offering their wares and opportunity to win a set of wheels with a many local charities will be raising funds bike as the lucky programme prize. There for their cause. will be lots of entertainment in the arena.

T50 50 Mile Trail opened

Telford T50 50 Mile Trail was opened at 10am on Saturday 16 June in Telford Town Park near the Visitor Centre by Kate Ashbrook, Chair of Ramblers, Patron of Walkers are Welcome and General Secretary of The Open Spaces Society. The Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council Shaun Davies and The Mayor Raj Mehta where also present to cut the ribbon.

The official opening was followed by the unveiling of the trail information board at the offical starting point.

The opening ceremony was followed by a series of walks, ranging in length from 3 to 50 miles, and a relay run along the whole 50 mile route!

The new trail, which was developed by a consortium of members of local walking organisations, aims to link most of Telford’s open spaces together.

Kate Ashbrook told Wrekin News; “The T50 trail takes in the best of the region, including the Wrekin, the Ironbridge gorge, nature reserves and industrial heritage. It is a fine achievement and a great memorial to Telford’s 50 years. The consortium has done a great job.”

More details can be found at https://www.telfordt5050miletrail.org.uk/ Pictures by Derek Houghton

Walking for Health embraces the Telford T50 50 mile trail

Regular walkers from the Walking for Health, Telford & Wrekin group, that meets at Asda, Donnington Wood at 10.15am every Tuesday, took part in each event at the recent Telford T50 50 mile trail launch. Here are some of them, showing that Walking for Health caters for a broad range of walkers. One walk leader, John Potter, took part in the 50 mile walk, Naomi Wrighton, another leader and one of the group that planned and delivered

the trail, organised and took part in the Telford Harriers running relay. Walkers from the group also took part in the 16, 10 and three mile walks. The three mile walk was a specific Walking for Health walk and attracted about 30 walkers. Walking for Health caters for an even broader range of walkers, at 10.30am on Tuesdays another walk, designed for those recovering from illness or injury or with mobility problems, also sets off from Asda.

14 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 14 Butchers.indd 1

25/06/2018 20:58

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24/06/2018 15:20

WELLINGTON HISTORY GROUP

Be amazed at the richness of the history which surrounds us every day in our town

T

HERE IS a summer break in our programme of talks; no talks in the Library in July or August but we will meet again in September with an illustrated talk by Neil Clarke “Wellington Businessmen and the Railway”, when he will be using material from his latest book ‘Industries of East Shropshire’.

By Geoff Harrison This is an interesting start to the second period of talks appropriately, but incidentally following the theme of the “Wellington Makers”.

This is a project led by Rob Francis, with some local groups, and utilising the talents of artists to generate pictures on some of our prominent buildings. Rob, working with local groups, has produced a

number of local innovative events; for example we are grateful to Rob for his endeavours in reintroducing the Midsummer Fayre to the town and now he is the ‘man behind’ the series of Murals on a number of our building – no, not graffiti!

But a series of inspired images representing people who lived and worked in Wellington; people some well known, Hesba Stretton, John Barber and others less well known but who contributed to

the trade of the town, bellmakers, toy-makers and market traders of the town both past, and present.

Some of the ‘historic’ characters are readily identified, Barber, Larkin, but look more closely and you may identify present day people living and working in Wellington; can you identify them?

I read recently an outline plan for the town written in 1945 and it provided interesting reading; ‘Wellington a road and rail junction and the second largest town in Shropshire constitutes a natural centre for the surrounding area; its estimated population in 1944 is about 10,500 but it is basically a market town, with a cattle market and apart from one or two larger industries has developed a number of smaller industries suited to a town of this nature. However with a population of about 10,000 to 11,000 it is reliably stated that the shopping centre is called upon to cater for a population of up to 50,000’. How things have changed!

To return to the Mural Trail, if you didn’t collect details from the Summer Fayre there are information leaflets and guides available (I understand) in the Library. Collect yourself a copy and wander round the town and be amazed at the richness of the history which surrounds us every day.

The summer time is often the time of good dry weather so provides an opportunity to ‘stop and stare’, look upwards at the building around us – see what we have not noticed before; street names, architectural features, the ‘odd’ face on the clock of All Saint’s Church. There is much to discover about the history of Wellington just by looking and noticing. If of course you have questions about what you see you can always ask Wellington History Group, we receive questions all the time, in person, and by e-mail.

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

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

What an incredible band of brothers!

The story of the Welsby brothers in WW1

by Tony Woodhouse

Part Two

> A newspaper article of the time, listing seven of the brothers.

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 16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 23, 24 Letters.indd 1

24/06/2018 21:19

The Welsby family during World War One

❂

WELLINGTON REMEMBERS

L

AST TIME we looked at the four eldest sons.

This time we look at the youngest six sons. Six! I hear you say. I thought you said nine in all? Read on.

Alfred was born on 27 January 1890 in Shrewsbury. He grew up in Frankwell with the family and at the young age of 16 enlisted in the KSLI militia on 30 August 1906. His service was short lived for on 6 June 1908 he was discharged as medically unfit because of an overlapping toe.

He moved to Liverpool and found work as a ‘checker freight clerk’ in the Imperial Cold Storage Company in Canada Dock. In 1914 he married Maggie Akins in Aston, Birmingham and on 4 September he enlisted at Liverpool into King’s Liverpool Regiment, joining the 19th Battalion.

In 15 days he rose to the rank of sergeant. They had a son Alfred Hector who sadly died in 1915.

Alfred remained in England. He was training as an instructor when at the Aldershot gymnasium on 10 October 1917 he injured his knee. However he completed the course and on 27 October 1917 was transferred to the Army Gymnastic Corps. But his knee problems reoccurred preventing him from remaining as an instructor and had to revert to regimental duties in the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.

On 18 June 1918 he was transferred to the Royal Defence Corps, serving in 350 and 308 Company and the Depot before being discharged on 9 April 1919. His wife died in Liverpool in 1924 but by 1939 Alfred had returned to Shrewsbury where he was working as a turf accountant. He died there on 6 March 1955.

Albert Edward was born in Shrewsbury in 1892. At the age of 10 he was playing with friends on a cart when it overturned causing him a fatal injury.

Henry Clarence was born on 14 April 1894 in Shrewsbury. He lived with the family at 152 The Glen in

Frankwell until the outbreak of war in 1914. He enlisted into the KSLI and was posted to the 6th Battalion.

After training in England they moved to France via Folkestone, arriving in Boulogne on 23 July 1915. The battalion was involved in the Battle of Loos in late September. On 31 December he was gassed along with ten of his comrades while in the front line. Perhaps as a result of the effects, he was transferred in 1917 to the 16th (Transport Workers) Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment.

This was formed in April at Prescot for work on the docks on the Mersey.

It was formed from skilled personnel unfit for field service. In the same year he married Elizabeth Agnes McCormick in St Helens. He was demobilised on 15 March 1919 and remained in St Helens with his family. His wife died in 1934 and in 1939 he was working there as a market porter. He died in 1971.

Luke was born on 2 October 1895 in Shrewsbury and lived with his family in Frankwell. By 1911 he was working for a local grocer as an errand boy. On 11 August 1914 he enlisted into the KSLI and was posted to the 6th Battalion.

Unfortunately on 17 October he was discharged as medically unfit because of defective vision. This must have been disappointing for him with four older brothers serving. However, he volunteered again and succeeded in joining 7th Dragoon Guards. He went to France sometime after 1915 and was demobilised to the Army Reserve on 2 June 1919. He remained in Shrewsbury and by 1939 was working as an auctioneer’s porter.

Apparently he remained a single man and died in Shrewsbury in 1972.

In 1915, the fact that seven Welsby brothers were serving in the Army was brought to the attention of King George V. Their father received a letter from Buckingham Palace congratulating him and his sons on their contribution to ‘King and

Country’.

Frederick James Thomas was born on 21 July 1897 in Frankwell, Shrewsbury and was baptised in St George ‘s church on 8 August.

He also lived with the family in Frankwell until the Great War. He enlisted in late 1914 and joined the Royal Field Artillery as a driver.

On 30 August 1915 he crossed the Channel, probably as a member of the 24th Division Ammunition Column. It has not been possible to find his record of service but he survived to return home at the end of the war. He moved to Hampshire and in 1926 married Beatrice Clara Elizabeth Phillips in the Farnham district of Hampshire. Their first two children were born in Aldershot where the family lived at 35 Institute Road. Fred worked as a carpenter. By 1939 he was serving again, this time in the Royal Engineers. Beatrice went to live with her brother and sister-inlaw in Hythe, Kent. It appears Fred was made a Prisoner of War when the Germans invaded France in 1940.

He spent over 5 years being moved from camp to camp ending up in Marienburg (now called Malbork) in Poland in Stalag XX-B. He returned home in 1945 to find he had been transferred in his absence to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, formed in 1942. The family continued to live in the south of England. Fred died in 1987.

Hector Robert was born in 1900 in Shrewsbury. Little is know about him.

A brief newspaper article reports

that he served in the later stages of the war in the King’s (Liverpool Regiment) but no record has been found. He died on 3 March 1921 in the family home in Frankwell of chronic epilepsy. His death certificate notes that he was ‘of no occupation’ but also records ‘Ex-Army’.

Can any reader confirm his service? ● We have been contacted by a number of readers who are impressed with the brothers’ stories and we are especially grateful to Richard’s grandson for providing a family photo. This has enabled us to give a verified image to his story, which is to be published in full later in the year by ‘Wellington Remembers’.

If readers have any further information about this family or any of those named on the Wellington Lychgate please contact the Wrekin News, or Wellington Remembers at: wellingtonremembers@ outlook.com Wellington Remembers is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Wellington Remembers is supported

by Heritage Lottery Funding www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17

23, 24 Letters.indd 2

24/06/2018 21:19

Martin Scholes It’s a very welcome return to the pages of Wrekin News for former news editor Martin Scholes in what will hopefully become a new regular column . . .

A fitting tribute to a military hero in Wellington Cemetery

I

N Wellington Cemetery there is a grave marking the resting places of Lieutenant Colonel Sherwood and his wife. Although Lieutenant Colonel Sherwood’s remains are not in Wellington.

Intriguingly Launcelot Vincent Stoneham Sherwood was not a member of the British armed forces, he was, instead, an officer in the Indian Army’s Baluch Regiment.

His military service was distinguished enough that by the time of his death at age 44, killed on active service in Greece, he had become a Lieutenant Colonel and had earned the DSO and Bar. He was the Commanding Officer of the 3/10th Baluchis. He was a Major who was an acting Lieutenant Colonel of the Indian Army 209 3rd Battalion (Queen Mary’s Own), 10th Baluch Regiment.

On August 29th 1944 the battalion of which Lt.Col. Sherwood was commanding, captured important high ground which was to the south of the Foglia River, the northernmost river of the Marche region of Italy.

It was expected that this would form a secure base for reconnaissance of the river line and detailed planning for an attack on the M Croce and M Calvo sector of the Gothic Line.

The advance had been extremely rapid, so rapid, in fact, that the enemy had been taken by surprise.

As a result, orders were given for an immediate attempt against the line, and that afternoon Lt.Col Sherwood established two rifle companies in the valley and organised patrols into the enemy positions. Due to the conditions being viewed as favourable, the battalion was ordered to capture the very strongly defended area on the 30th Aug 1944.

During this operation, which was 36 hours of what was described in official regimental reports as “intense close quarter fighting”, Lt.Col Sherwood “commanded his battalion with the greatest forcefulness and courage.

“He fully realised the hazardousness of the

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Above; The military grave of Lieutanant Colonel Sherwood and opposite his head stone in Wellington Cemetery. task he had been set, as he was thoroughly in the picture regarding known dispositions and possible enemy opposition. Nevertheless, he recognised at once that the operation was essential in the circumstances and that if successful it might prove decisive in securing the left flank for the Corps advance. He inspired his officers and men with a spirit which carried them through these two days of battle under conditions which would no doubt have appalled troops less well led.

“More than once during the day the advance was held up, and only by Lt.Col Sherwood’s action in getting forward under a hail of fire to restore momentum of the attack with the local reserve was the position finally over-run.

During the two days fighting, he remained calm yet forceful in all his actions; he kept brigade HQ fully informed of the situation, making several suggestions for air and heavy artillery support which would enable him to get his rifle companies further forward towards their final objective. At the end of the second day, when Lt.Col Sherwood’s last reserve, one platoon, was mopping up the village of M Calvo, he was already re-organising his battered companies and issuing orders for consolidation of the position. Only by a detailed inspection of this enemy strong point

with his wire, deep dugouts, A-tk guns and dug-in armoured cars turrets can a full impression be gained of the severity of the fighting.

Lt. Col. Sherwood’s personal leadership and courage alone made victory possible. The brigade commander was with the battalion while the final mopping up was going on and he spoke to many of the Indian officers and men. As the stream of wounded was coming back, and as the enemy’s intense defensive fire covering his rearguards was falling, all ranks were in magnificent spirit and showed that they had gladly endured the danger and strain of the past two days as much from a sense of loyalty to their officers as from a sense of military duty. It was clear that this spirit was largely due to the personality and courage of Lt.Col. Sherwood.”

A year later Lt Col Sherwood and his regiment saw action in Greece, during which he was killed as a result of enemy action.

Who was Lt Col Sherwood? He came from a distinguished military family. He was born in 1900 in Chiswick, Middx and was the son of James Isaac and Ethel Lily Sarah Sherwood of 3 Flanders Rd, Chiswick, according to the 1901 census).

He was related to Lt. Isaac Sherwood who died at the Battle of Waterloo. Lt Colonel L V S Sherwood eventually attained the rank of Brigadier in the Indian Army.

He married Gwendoline Tucker in September 1931 in Newport, Shropshire after which they moved to India.

In 1934 the Sherwoods, with their eight month old daughter Heather, returned to England on the P & O S N Co ship Rajputana.

They returned to Shropshire and moved to Prospect House on Whitchurch Road, Wellington.

Prospect House is a large Grade II listed Georgian house. For several years it was known as the Grove Hotel, but more latterly it became the home to the Honeybuns Day Nursery.

Because he was still a commissioned officer in the Indian Army he had to leave his wife and daughter in Wellington whilst he returned to active duty in India.

From 1939 onward he and his regiment took part in various actions during the Second World War from famine relief efforts to military actions in Italy (as outlined above) and in Greece where, sadly, he was killed on active service on September 2nd 1945.

He is buried in the Phaleron War Cemetery, Athens, Greece.

His wife Gwen lived in Wellington until her death in 1965 at the age of 61. As a touching tribute to her husband, Lt Col Sherwood is commemorated on her headstone.

I would like to thank Bryan Sherwood for his great assistance in preparing this tribute.

18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18 Martin Scholes.indd 1

25/06/2018 21:59

EDUCATION A Wrekin News feature...

Print books - fashion fad or here to stay?

W

HEN I was young there weren’t many books in our house. Books were expensive, and there were always more important things that needed to be paid for, and besides, you could borrow books from the library so why waste money buying them?

To assuage my desire to escape into fictional worlds I would often, rather cheekily, acquire books when we holidayed at the houses of relatives. One year I came home from my nans house with four Enid Blyton books that I found in a cupboard! I also devoured the small stock of books my parents already owned or had inherited, which meant that by the time I became a teenager I had already read a few Mills and Boon romances as well as a couple of Zane Grey westerns. I couldn’t get enough of reading.

Coming into adulthood I managed to fall in love with a guy who was also an avid reader and when we moved in together we started our joint book collection. Over the years we have acquired in excess of five hundred books and now, thanks to the secondhand market on Amazon, we are amassing another half a dozen or so books a month. One day, in the not too distant future, I’m sure the fire brigade will have to break down our door to rescue one of us as we lie trapped beneath an avalanche of crime novels!

But the way that people own and read books has changed dramatically over the last decade and I often wonder how they will continue to change over the next ten years.

Borrowing books for free

Having spent many a happy hour in the library as a child I find the closing down of dozens (if not hundreds) of libraries across the country extremely sad. I think there will always be a need for libraries as focal points in our villages, towns and cities. They have to evolve, of course, in order to survive, merging with other community services, and introducing new facilities like the borrowing of e-books. But unless investment in local government improves, I’m afraid libraries are going to continue to be squeezed for the foreseeable future.

The development of new technologies The development of electronic books has led to a massive change in the way that people consume books, and in the way that books are published and priced. Independent Authors can react to the market in a timely way, writing genres that are in demand.

E-books are also generally cheaper than print books due to their reduced production cost. The market has flooded with new writing talent, benefitting consumers with increased choice. However, statistics show that during the last couple of years sales of e-books has plateaued, which raises the question about market sustainability. The future of e-books is difficult to predict, some people I’ve spoken to say they now do all their reading electronically and

would never go back to print books, others say they prefer to hold a physical book in their hands and e-books just aren’t for them. Given the recent articles debating levels of screen time that children are exposed to, I was surprised to discover that over 90% of sales of children’s books from Amazon in December 2017 were for print, rather than electronic, books. This compares to 25% or less of print book sales for some of the most popular adult fiction genres.

And what of audio books? The audio format has been around for a while, I can remember having to politely ask Donny Osmond to shift over at a bookstore in Manchester where he was doing a signing, because I wanted to get into the audio book cassettes situated behind him to find a Christmas present for my nan.

Of course, audio books are no longer just for those whose eyesight has deteriorated. Most people these days wander around wearing earphones, or accessing devices in their cars, so the market for audio books has blossomed. It’ll be interesting to see how it continues to develop over the next few years.

Second-hand book sales

Browsing second-hand book stores used to be the way that I would find new authors to read. I could lose half a day picking up random books, reading the blurb at the back, maybe reading the first few pages to see if I liked the style. I have a particular passion for really old books - I have a copy of W.M.Thackeray’s “Vanity Fair” printed in 1882 (purchased for the extortionate price of £1). I also love books that have former owner’s names or other messages (competition winners, birthday messages etc.) scribbled inside. It’s like owning a little bit of history.

Sadly, there are a lot fewer second-hand book stores around these days. And those that are, are usually jammed so full of books it’s hard to find the gem you didn’t know you were looking for. I guess this is partly because new books are cheaper to buy so there isn’t so much demand for second-hand, but bookstores (like libraries) need to adapt in order to survive. As

by D.A. McGrath

Children’s Author www.damcgrathauthor.com

mentioned earlier, it’s easy enough to order second hand books online these days and have them conveniently delivered to your door.

The internet

Talking about ways of finding new books to read, the development of book related websites has exploded on the internet over the last decade. There are reading club sites, book bloggers sites, author websites and sites like Goodreads that do it all. Having only recently discovered Goodreads I have to say it has proved to be a great find. You can enter onto the site the books that you have read and then, based on your info the site will give you suggestions on books you might want to read, and it’ll let you know if your favourite authors have released a new title. You can join discussion forums, which act like online book clubs, and for every book on the site there are ratings and reviews that you can peruse, and links to where the book can be purchased online. In a world where the number of books being published across all formats is increasing overwhelmingly each year, I’ve found this site especially helpful in directing me to books I’m interested in reading.

The future for books

I think it is safe to say that we will always hunger for the knowledge and entertainment that books provide. The question is in what format will it be consumed? During the years of recession, book sales (across all formats) have continued to increase, and I think there will always be a level of demand for print books. But it will be interesting to see how the way we read develops over the coming years. Will our attention spans diminish so that we can only consume information in 280 words or less? Maybe books will be released a chapter at a time, rather than all at once, to match the reading appetites of busy consumers? Will audio books start to outsell the written word? Only time will tell!

by D.A. McGrath

Looking for a thrilling summer read for your kids?

An unlikely friendship, a life-changing secret, a Gypsy vendetta about to explode…

Clara’s classmates think she is aloof and unsociable. Which is exactly what she wants them to think. Because Clara has special powers that set her apart, and she can’t risk them being discovered. Clara is a shape-shifter.

Luke has a lot on his mind. Not only is he at the centre of a family feud that’s threatening to tear his Gypsy clan apart, he has a secret. If revealed it could destroy his life forever.

All Clara and Luke want to do is enjoy the summer holidays together. But Clara’s parents have different ideas, and the Gypsy hostilities are escalating to crisis point.

Will Luke be able to protect his people and keep his secret safe? Will Clara overcome her parents resolve and help save the Gypsies from destruction?

A Gypsy Secret is the third instalment of the gripping Full Moon series. If you enjoy fantasy and magic with your adventures, then you’ll love this book.

Available from 5th July 2018 at - www.Amazon.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19

19 - Education.indd 1

25/06/2018 02:35

George

EDUCATION A Wrekin News feature...

EVANS

FUN AT SCHOOL & A COMPETITION

T

HIS month’s kiloverb is different. It is meant to interest people who are at school, whether primary or secondary and it’s about the fun things that make school more interesting.

There’s also a competition for you, with prizes for the best entries.

When I was a teacher – that’s for forty years – I was determined to make school more fun than the ones I went to as a boy. I had an English teacher who taught us fun poems and stories, a geography teacher who seemed occasionally able to bring exotic places into the classroom but we were usually bored by most of the others. Just once the chemistry teacher took us to the gas works, which was fascinating.

I started teaching soldiers in Germany, then opened a school for forces’ children, inventing a new way of teaching maths for fun – it worked and the kids loved it, so that moved with me to South Shropshire and so on. By the 1950s and ‘60s I was able to have a lot of fun teaching maths, geography, English, biology, natural history, cycling and all sorts of other things, mostly in Ercall Wood. Some of the things we did were dangerous and wouldn’t be allowed nowadays but in eleven years our only casualty was a boy who walked into a lamp post and wasn’t much hurt.

Here are some examples: 1. At Dawley National my class and I decided to collect tadpoles. We went out over the fields to a pond with jam jars and collected our ‘taddies’, put them in huge glass jars in the classroom, filled them with pond water and watched the taddies grow up, have legs, jump out of the jar and run round the classroom; we caught them and popped them back but made sure the water was lower so they couldn’t jump out. Eventually they lost their tails and we took them back to the pond. We forgot that we had protected them from their enemies, who would have eaten them as they grew up. So Dawley in about 1952 had a plague of frogs. Sorry Dawley. We wrote the story, observed the tadpoles changing into frogs, learned a lot and had a bit of fun. What’s not to like about that?

2. At Prince’s Street, Wellington, I had a group called Lookout Club every Friday afternoon. We usually went out, often in the Ercall Wood. We measured the heights of trees using a foot ruler by constructing two right angled triangles, with one standing where the tree looked the same height as the ruler. Another stood under the tree holding up a hand until it was level with the first inch on the ruler. The tree was then 12 times taller than the hand. Of course you don’t have inches and feet any more but we still have right-angled triangles. This is geometry for 8 – 11 year olds.

3. We collected varieties of grasses and learned how to identify them threw a metre square wire and mapped the wild flowers in different spots and wondered

why they weren’t the same. We learned geomorphology (yes, including the little ones) by looking at a bit of landscape and asking ourselves why it’s not flat. That, by the way, is a fascinating hobby; you can play it anywhere.

A notebook comes in useful and all sorts of maps of the place. One answer could be because they were building a supermarket, or that millions of years ago enormous earthquakes threw up a huge mountain that has taken eons to be worn down by the weather.

4. On my last day of teaching at Orleton

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE!

I am sure that everyone reading the Wrekin News and all of our friends around the Wrekin would like to join me in wishing Wellington’s very own George Evans a very happy and peaceful birthday!

George turned 95 years young on Sunday 24th June. We hope you had a wonderful celebration..

20, 21 George Evans Education.indd 1

25/06/2018 22:28

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01952 242030 / 248200 Park in Wellington I took my class of 12 year olds for a little walk. We went from school to the foot of The Wrekin, along the south side and up to the top via the saddle with the Little Hill. From there we went back to the car park at the Forest Glen, over Lawrence Hill and the Ercall and back to school via Bowring Park, where we all cooled our feet in the paddling pool. That was quite a walk and a lot of fun.

5. There have been lots more fun lessons which old boys and girls often remind me about.

Especially there were the moments someone realised that if you swim, the water will hold you up. It’s a little miracle every time students learned to swim and the enormous fun when the magic works the first time.

There are many subjects and occasions when the fun

moment happens. In music for instance, the student gifted with musical ability (and the determination to practise hard and often) can shine and feel happy but what about those not particularly able or interested? I tried this when on a temporary job after retiring. I love listening to music but can’t sing or play anything. By playing records and making up either pictures or dances we all had a lot of fun – or so those in my class at the time told me.

An old friend who was a particularly large man used to occasionally lean over young students who looked particularly bored and to say, in a very loud voice, “Maths is FUN!” before smiling in a friendly manner at the terrified youngster. He did use all sorts of tricks and maths in his class was actually great fun.

WWW.MIDCOUNTIESBROKERS.COM Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Competition time These are the sort of tales I hope my readers will be able to tell if they have teachers who enjoy teaching and like giving their classes a bit of fun during school time. To win a prize in my competition, just write me a story on a postcard or letter and send it to: George Evans, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Railway Station, Wellington, The Wrekin, TF1 1BY. Of course I’ll need to know your name and address and will send winners a copy of my latest book, ‘Round the Wrekin in Kiloverbs’ signed especially for you!

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.

20, 21 George Evans Education.indd 2

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21

25/06/2018 03:43

EDUCATION

Educational workshops at Ironbridge Gorge Museums

A Wrekin News feature...

Shrewsbury Colleges Group – The College of Choice

S

HREWSBURY Colleges Group offers a huge range of courses for all age groups and it’s not too late to apply for full and part-time courses starting in September 2018. The College’s primary focus is helping all of its students succeed and progress, whether that’s to a higher level course, an Apprenticeship, on to university, or into employment.

With fantastic bus links for students across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin and into Wales, the Colleges Group, which formed in August 2016 when Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and Shrewsbury College merged, is closer than you think.

The College is open to students of all ages and backgrounds, including school

leavers, adults, apprentices, university-level students and international students. It is Shropshire’s largest A Level provider with the widest choice, over 30 A Levels and a huge range of vocational courses in over 25 different subject areas.

Prospective students can come to one of the many advice events throughout the year, or enquire about a campus tour and view our three campuses all based in and around the town centre.

Catherine Armstrong, Group Vice Principal for Curriculum Support and Business Development, said: “We are here to help students make outstanding progress and succeed. We have many courses to choose from A Levels to BTEC vocational

courses and Apprenticeships as well as Higher Education (degree level and professional courses), and professional development and hobby parttime course. Choosing to study with us can help increase your independence and prepare you for life after College, whether that’s further or higher education or an Apprenticeship or employment.”

More Information

For more information on Shrewsbury College come to one of the upcoming Advice Events at the London Road Campus, Shrewsbury from 5-7pm on 11 July, 30 August and 4 September. Visit: shrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 342 332. For Shrewsbury Sixth Form College visit: ssfc.ac.uk or call 01743 235491.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museums in Shropshire have a range of educational workshops across the 10 sites, which complement learning visits for schools and are tailored to meet National Curriculum goals for all key stages, while providing an exciting and challenging activity.

Students have the opportunity to expand their understanding of many different subjects while visiting the Museums in areas such as history, geography, art, STEM and English. There are learning opportunities for all ages and students can follow self-guided learning journeys or take part in led-workshops.

For more details and to book call 01952 433 970 or email education@ironbridge.org.uk. For further information about the Museums visit www. ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M54 motorway exiting at Telford junction 4 or 6.

IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK WHERE WILL YOUR VISIT TAKE YOU?

TO:

CHILD’S PLAY! FROM:

FAIR PLAY!

At Blists Hill Victorian Town

At Enginuity

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22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 19 - Education.indd 2

25/06/2018 10:55

WHATEVER YOUR STARTING POINT, DISCOVER THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOUR FUTURE. UNIVERSITY CENTRE TELFORD Find us at Level 3 Southwater One Building Visit: uctelford.co.uk Tel: 01952 277 777 Email: enquiries@uctelford.co.uk Twitter: @UCTelford_wlv Facebook: @UCTelfordWLV

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24/06/2018 15:16

Hadley Under & Over 5’s where values and principles of quality childcare are still held in the highest regard

50

Celebrating

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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

4 Gladstone House · High Street · Hadley · Telford · TF1 5NF

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r 5‛s N Ove ur s

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Preschool

ADLEY Under and Over 5’s Nursey and Preschool have many people who are proud to have formed part of its history as well as the children and families who are part of their present and future achievements.

In a previous article, the Wrekin News appealed for anyone with memories from the early days of Hadley Playgroup to get in touch which prompted Tracey Chidlow to make contact through social media. Tracey introduced herself as one of the first children to attend the playgroup which was run in those days by her mum Margaret Lewis. Over an exchange of messages, Tracey and Margaret were Gill Moore and Margaret Lewis invited to visit the nursery to enjoy To celebrate the 50th Birthday of a cup of tea and a catch up with Gill Hadley Under and Over 5’s Nursery Moore, General Manager since 1968 and Preschool, the management team and current Fundraising Manager. planned a coach trip to the seaside, Tracey and Margaret had brought Llandudno was the destination of along photographs and it was lovely choice and although the day got off to to see many of the features of the soggy start, the sun came out in the Old School Building are still present afternoon and a great day was had today, a fact which is often what by all 88 who attended! A sign of a visiting prospective parents accredit to good day out at the seaside are a lot of the settings ‘homely and welcoming sleepy heads on the journey home and atmosphere’. Tracey enjoyed meeting we certainly had a few of those! the children as she currently works in The Nursery and Preschool are to early years herself, Tracey paid a huge hold a traditional Summer Fete on compliment when commenting that Saturday 14th July 2018 from 12pm ‘as much as the Nursery had evolved onwards with all the usual side stalls to remain current, it was lovely to and attractions including a hog roast, see that the values and principles of asian street food, bouncy castles and quality childcare were still held in the face painting and hope to see past, highest regard’. Margaret was quick present and future children and their to note that the ‘welcoming feel’ was families join them on the day. still evident in the old walls of The Old School Building and said; “I feel immensely proud to be part of the history of Hadley Under and Over 5’s Nursery and Preschool and to think that my efforts back in those early days to provide the children of Hadley with a Playgroup have contributed to the success story it Above: Former Playgroup member Tracey Chidlow visiting the nursery is today.”

OPENING TIMES

Hadley Und er

H

Left to right: Kerry Jones, Setting Manger. Gill Moore, Company Fundraising Manager. Margaret Lewis, Very First Leader. Tracey Chidlow, one of the first children to attend Hadley Under and Over 5’s. Children left to right Janina, Alennah, Ava, Lucas, Renelle.

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

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24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk Hadley Under 5's.indd 1

25/06/2018 21:57

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Shrewsbury Colleges Group FP.indd 1

24/06/2018 15:25

LAKESIDE Chris Owen

Wrekin News Local Theatre Reviewer

Pullin the Wool review

O

NCE again Horsehay Amateur Dramatic Society (HADS) invited the Wrekin News’s Theatre reviewer Chris Owen to cover their latest production Frank Vickery’s late 90’s Welsh comedy: ‘Pullin’ The Wool’ on finale night Saturday 12th May. Chris says, ‘From the start HADS consumate presentation skills were in evidence when a digital projector screen introduced the production, the cast and the crew and then promptly disappeared back into the ceiling above their village hall stage HQ. The play opens as we are simultaneously in the lounges of the cool suburbanite Walsh’s and the rough and ready Gibbons family who are both involved in that nerve-shredding frenetic endeavour called house purchase.

This comedy of embarassment tests the skills of even the most experienced actors with its split sets simultaneous verbal crossplay. I am pleased to say the HADS rose to the challenge.’

Chris added:’Its long and complicated solo speeches would tax any player but mix this with criss-crossing dialogue and what seems a straightforward plot at first which gets ever more convoluted as the action proceeds. This is particularly evident when the author plays about with the timeline revealing the play’s Ayckbournlike origins. Although the action could have been lost in a whelter of mistimed lines, this company is very experienced in ensemble comedy playing which literally ‘pulls’ them through the production. First time director Jan Jackman makes a triumphal debut by effortlessly blending the actors skills with consumate ease.

The cast included such stalwarts as: Jen Edwards (Gayle Walsh) Russell Lawrence (Martyn Walsh), Kane McCabe (Dave/Barrie) Jane Parkyn (Denise/Di) and two returnees to the acting strength: Hugh Jones (Ray Gibbons) and Georgia Tooley (Sheila Gibbons).

Chris adds, ‘Once again top marks must also go to the set crew: Alan Foster and Kev Jackman (construction) and Ed Davies (set design and decor) which was impeccable; as were the lighting and sound reproduction in the hands of Kev Jackman and Alex Edmonds (Stage Management).’

Pygmalion

The HADS next production will be G.B. Shaw’s: Pygmalion directed by Russell Lawrence coming up: 11-13th October 2018 - Usual contact box office details apply.

PROMS

WIN T

ICKETS

Birmingham NEC Lakeside on both Saturday 4th August & Sunday 5th August 2018!

Lakeside Proms, the perfect intimate setting for an outdoor Summer’s evening with the internationally recognised Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The line-up for each evening: SATURDAY 4th AUGUST - Symphonic Rock Hear your musical heroes come to life for one epic night Lakeside at the NEC in this must-see show of classic rock anthems and hit songs performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The electric open air show will feature a spectacular light show to accompany the iconic music of: Queen, Bon Jovi, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, The Eagles and many more, followed by a finale firework display!

SUNDAY 5th AUGUST - John Williams The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra celebrates the musical brilliance of John Williams, undoubtedly one of the world’s most prolific and respected film composers.

In this action packed open air show Lakeside at the NEC, the Orchestra will perform his superb orchestrations and legendary melodies, including music from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T., Harry Potter, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Hook, Fiddler on the Roof, Home Alone, War Horse and many more, followed by a finale firework display! Gates will open at 5pm on both evenings with a vast selection of food and drink vendors to suit all tastes. Finish time – 10pm. Please note, no food/drink can be bought into the event. Picnic blankets and fold up chairs are welcome beyond a certain point, no gazebos or tents are permitted. ● Tickets for the Lakeside Proms shows taking place on both Saturday 4th August & Sunday 5th August are available from: Box Office No: 0844 338 8000, website – www.theticketfactory.com/lakeside-proms/online/

WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE LAKESIDE PROMS!

Wrekin News has teamed up with the Lakeside Proms to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the shows. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Lakeside Proms, Wrekin News, Unit 2 Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1BY. Or email your entry to tania@plus2media.co.uk. Please don’t forget to let Tania know which show you would like to attend, you may enter for both. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 25 July 2018. Good luck!

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

25/06/2018 21:55

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The Big Transformation is underway at Odeon Telford It is very exciting times here as we are now well underway in Odeon Telford’s transformation into a fully LUXE Cinema with all recliner seating in all screens, a brand new isense screen and much much more...... Come and have a look at the progress!

Welcome

Odeon, Telford General Manager Annette Small welcomes you to 10 screens of film magic screening stunning RealD 3D. You can treat yourself to an exclusive entertainment experience with our Premier seats, cafe culture at Costa or icy indulgences at Ben & Jerry’s.

Parking is available at the cinema for the perfect spot!

ODEONSAYS

Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2”! This time Helen (aka Elastic Girlr) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (Mr. Incredible) at home with Violet and Dash to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transition for every one, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.

Incredibles 2 contains a sequence of flashing lights which might affect customers who are susceptible to photo-sensitive epilepsy.

ODEONSAYS

‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ picks up the story with Sophie pregnant, and not sure how she’s going to cope. But her mother’s story might give her some pointers…Moving between past and present, we follow Sophie as she tries to come to terms with her situation, and also see how Donna did it all those years ago, falling in love and building a home for her family on their sun-soaked island.

You can dance all over again with ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’, starring Amanda Seyfried, Lily James and Meryl Streep.

Coming Soon - Brand New Popcorn Toppers!

For just £1 for 1 Topping or £2 for 3 Toppings, treat your Popcorn to our new Rolos and Smarties Toppers as we welcome these all time favourites to our more-ish Popcorn Toppers range!

26, 27 Entertainment.indd 2

WIN CINEMA TICKETS

the Odeon s teamed up with Wrekin News ha ader’s a pair re ky luc to offer TWO your choice.

Cinema, Telford of a tickets to a film of standard cinem e and telephone contact to: m kets, Unit 2 Just send your na News, Odeon Tic kin re W s, yli Ba Telford n, Tania to ing ell W , Station co.uk Wellington Train ia. ed m : tania@plus2 TF1 1BY or email

ETS TO 2 PAIRS OF TICK

BE WON!

23/06/2018 22:58

WIN TICKETS TO THE SHROPSHIRE CIDER & SAUSAGE FESTIVAL! ‘Sausages and cider, what a perfect combination! Throw in some awesome live music and we have ourselves a new festival right in the heart of Shrewsbury!

We are so lucky in Shropshire to be surrounded by awesome producers of the finest pork and the best sausages so we thought why not create a festival to celebrate this. You’ll be able to enjoy all things sausage! Cooked to eat on site, they’ll be tasters to try or maybe even try your hand at a bit of sausage linking.

If apples are more your thing,

then get one of your 5 a day in a pint of the finest cider. Meet some of the counties top cider producers, who put their heart and soul into what they produce to bring you the best cider possible. If beer is more to your tasting then local brewers will also be on site. Drinks aplenty will be available with a gin bar, prosecco and much more for every taste.

We will also have a great lineup of awesome musicians, including the fantastic Geoff Rodgers, Vertigo and the Dirty Rockin’ Scoudrels providing live music all

day and the venue is the stunning Buttermarket right in the centre of the town. Expect fantastic street food on offer outside, loads of cider and sausage inside, great vibes, tasters galore and a great entertainment to top it off!

Just a 3 minute walk from the train station, it’s the perfect venue if you’d like a drink and if you want to stay on and party after the festival is finished your entry to the Buttermarket will be FREE! ● Tickets are just £5 and are limited, so get yours fast - www. shropshirefestivals.co.uk

WIN TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL! Wrekin News has teamed up with the Cider & Sausage Festival to offer one pair of tickets to a lucky reader.

To enter send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Sausage & Cider, Wrekin News, Unit 2 Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry details to: tania@ plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 25th July 2018, good luck!

Win tickets to the Shrewsbury Flower Show!

Friday 10th & Saturday 11th August 2018 Shropshire Horticultural Society Charity Number: 501564

Photo courtesy of John Campbell

Fri 10th & Sat 11th August 2018

Attractions for all ages including stunning floral arrangements, equestrian competitions, exciting arena entertainment for all the family, food, crafts & trade stands, advice from celebrity gardeners and cookery demonstrations by TV chefs; all topped off with world class fireworks

Tickets: Adult Advance £25 Over 60’s Advance £23 Children aged 15 and under Free Admission (when accompanied by an adult)

Membership: Adult from £46 Children £5

Call us on: 01743 234058 or visit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk ShrewsburyFlowerShow

@shrewsflowershw

shrewsburyflowershow

Since 1875 the Shrewsbury Flower Show has been held in the heart of Shrewsbury, and held on the 10th and 11th of August, this year’s Show will feature wonderful flowers, fabulous food and live entertainment!

A range of horticultural delights are showcased; there are displays from top national nurseries in the Quarry Marquee and home-grown vegetables and floral art in the Severn and Dingle Marquees.

Gardeners’ World favourite Chris Beardshaw and garden designer Penny Meadmore will be sharing their gardening expertise.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of great shopping opportunities in the large trade stands area, Craft Marquee and Artisan Crafts and Farmers Market. Children aged 15 years and under are admitted free* and can enjoy a dedicated Children’s Area with free activities.

Food fans are in for a treat - the

Foodhall will host demonstrations from Levi Roots of Dragon’s Den fame on Friday, with BBC Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt appearing on Saturday.

In the Arena, The Cavalry of Heroes have designed a display to remember the end of World War One. Combining tricks and stunts on horseback, this is a poignant way to mark this centenary.

In the summer of Mamma Mia 2, the Abba Reunion Tribute will be performing on Friday night. On Saturday, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are returning to fill The Quarry with their blend of bagpipes and rock. Performances from the Biddulph Male Voice Choir (Friday) and Of One Accord (Saturday), together with a Massed Bands and stunning firework display finale, will close the Show. * When accompanied by a paying adult.

WIN TICKETS TO THE FLOWER SHOW! Wrekin News has teamed up with the Shrewsbury Flower Show to offer one pair of tickets to a lucky reader. To enter send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Flower Show Wrekin News, Unit 2 Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 25th July 2018, good luck!

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

25/06/2018 22:16

BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL

Friday 31st August All-Inclusive Party Night

JULY JANUARY

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.

Friday 27th July End of School Disco Party Night

£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.

FEBRUARY AUGUST

Friday 10th August Telford’s 50th Birthday Celebration

DON’T MISS!

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!

An opportunity to view our newly refurbished function suite set for a wedding breakfast. You will also have a chance to meet our wedding co-ordinators and selected suppliers.

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 FROM standard room - upgrades available at an additional cost). £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)

£39.00pp Ready, steady, BOOK our All-Inclusive party. Enjoy a 2-course evening meal (main course and dessert) and a FREE bar throughout the evening whilst you dance the night away to our disco.

SEPTEMBER Sunday 9th September Wedding Fayre 11.00am - 3.00pm Experience for yourself the magic of weddings at Buckatree Hall. A complimentary drinks reception is served on your arrival as you explore options with our wedding co-ordinators and selected wedding specialists.

APRIL

Friday 21st September 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.

Friday 28th September Macmillan Coffee Morning Join us for tea and coffee in aid of Macmillan Caner Support.

A selection of cakes along with freshly brewed coffee will be available.

Sunday 26th August Wedding Open Day 11am – 3pm

MARCH

EVENT CALENDAR 2018 2016

OCTOBER Friday 19th October Country & Western Tribute Night

£24.50pp Have you been working 9-5? Are you as smooth as Tennessee whiskey on the dance floor? We want you to saddle up and Celebrating a Birthday?

Overnight book for our country and westernSpecial tribute evening.

YouParty will enjoy a 3-course evening meal followed by live tribute music including Package Free birthday cake for the thebirthday likes of Dolly John Denver andcheck-in Shania Twain. guestParton, (must be Includes from

pre-booked and minimum Friday 26th October 2.00pm, party night party numbers of 10 apply). accommodation with full Spooktacular Party Night English breakfast and a box

Hen Party? £17.50pp of chocolates in your room Who saidgo Halloween was just for(based children? andsharing Brides free on parties on Come 2 people enjoy our inspired evening with gory canapes, of 20 orHalloween more (entrance a double or twin bedded 2-course evening and dessert) and disco to the party nightmeal only,(main not course standard room – upgrades entertainment.

And of course we want you to dress for the accommodation). available at an additional PER PERSON occasion! Hopefully the legendary Buckatree ghosts will also cost).

Giftan Vouchers make appearance!

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).

£34.50

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

24/06/2018 09:07

See Mid Wales from the steam railway

M

> Picture by Adrian Cornish

ID WALES is rolling hills, rushing rivers, green farmland and grazing sheep and cattle. You can see them all from the carriage windows of the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, or even better from the open balconies.

A 45-minute ride on the eight-mile long steam railway takes you over steep hills and along the Banwy River. At the Llanfair Caereinion terminus admire the gleaming engines, have lunch or tea with cakes in the friendly tearoom, turn the children loose in the play and picnic area, or set off to explore town and countryside before your return journey.

Trains run almost every day all summer, with special events to make a return visit very worthwhile. See full details on the railway’s website at www. wllr.org.uk, and book discount tickets on-line. A family ticket is also available – great value to go with the great scenery.

THE

Christopher’s Restaurant SWAN Bar and Rooms at

The Swan Hotel SPECIALS

Free House Monday

AFTERNOON CREAM TEAS NOW BEING SERVED £6.95 per head (Bookings Only)

THE SWAN CARVERY Wednesday · Friday & Sunday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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

£7.95 £7.95 £4.95 £7.95 £15.00 £4.95 £8.95 £6.95

SATURDAY - FULL A LA CARTE MENU AVAILABLE WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE

Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 2NH

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

SKY SPORTS SHOWN HERE

CAN BE HIRED FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS & WAKES

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

25/06/2018 12:05

Care & Community A Wrekin News feature

Local charity AGE UK demonstrates success of partnership working

Over 35 years of experience in dental services at Fix-Ur-Dent We believe that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice good, old-fashioned service for state-of-the-art technology. We take time to discuss your needs and offer a friendly, welcoming environment, whilst still providing the up-to-date, high-tech advanced denture care you can expect and deserve.

With over 35 years experience in dental technology and thousands of satisfied customers we offer a complete range of express denture services at affordable prices.

We understand that your time is valuable and that finding a quick denture repair shouldn’t have you running all over town. So we provide a variety of specialised denture services all under one roof! (Well, two actually as we also offer our services at our Bridgnorth branch... But you know what we mean!).

We are here to help you achieve the healthy and attractive smile you’ve always wanted with our copy denture service and to repair, re-line or renovate your existing dentures; often within an hour! Same day! Or next day! Pop in for a coffee and a chat - we look forward to seeing you...

Simon Whitehouse BDT

Local charity Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is a key partner of My Choice - the information, advice and advocacy service in Telford & Wrekin.

My Choice is a partnership between Age UK STW, Citizens Advice, Taking Part, Alzheimer’s Society and Shropshire Independent Advocacy Scheme (SIAS). It offers a wide range of expertise and specialist knowledge to help people access the right support and help for their individual needs.

Last year, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin brought in just under £850,000 of additional benefits for older people living in the area. My Choice can be accessed by anyone living in Telford & Wrekin for advice about welfare benefits, community care, budgeting and paying for care and signposted to services to help

people remain independent.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: Over the last five years the numbers of older people we have supported in Telford & Wrekin to access the benefits they are entitled to has increased by 60% and the amount of income that we have put into their pockets has increased by 80%. On average we have brought in just over £3,000 for each older person we have supported. For an older person of a fixed pension that income makes a massive difference to their lives, health and wellbeing”.

Heather added: “We are very proud of our small team of staff and volunteers for their achievement in improving the lives of older people in Telford & Wrekin”.

For further information contact My Choice on 01952 459252 or email: mychoice@telfordcab.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 31

31 - Community.indd 1

24/06/2018 13:25

Aldersey House - a new way of providing day care 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.”

Jill Cantillon, Daughter and Carer

Care & Community A Wrekin News feature

Monday - Saturday

32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 31 - Community.indd 2

25/06/2018 03:49

Special events planned to celebrate Sanctuary Care’s 20th anniversary O UR welcoming team and residents regularly welcome the local community into our home and during 2018 we are hosting specially themed events to celebrate Sanctuary Care’s anniversary of 20 years delivering care.

Join our activities!

Set sail with us on a virtual summer cruise during July, as our residents and staff visit countries around the globe sampling mouth-watering dishes and entertainment from their chosen destinations.

Monday 23 July, 2pm to 4pm Bon voyage! As we set sail from France with live musical entertainment in the form of popular French songs.

Tuesday 24 July, 11am to 12pm Join our carnival cruise day with activities and Brazilian themed music from Eve Whitemore from Kiddley Divey.

Wednesday 25 July, 11am to 12pm We’ll be cruising to the Wild West on our America themed day with live country and western music.

Thursday 26 July, 2pm to 3pm Enjoy a talk about life in Portugal led by two of our Portuguese staff! Find out more about the culture including the food, music and history of this beautiful country.

Friday 27 July, 2pm to 4pm Join us for a great afternoon down under as we end our cruise in Australia with a garden party, games and themed fancy dress.

At all of our events refreshments will be provided.

We look forward to meeting you.

Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, Shropshire TF3 1LB Tel: 01952 594 110 www.sanctuary-care.co.uk

‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’

Lake View Residential Care Home Residential

Dementia

“I am happy living here, the staff are friendly and caring.”

Resident Our dedicated team offers care with kindness, supporting residents to live happy and contented lives full of wonderful experiences.

Tel: 01952 594 110

Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford TF3 1LB

Years Delivering Care

www.sanctuary-care.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 33

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24/06/2018 13:25

Care & Community A Wrekin News feature

IMROVE YOUR HEALTH AND MAKE NEW written FRIENDS AT

by Allen WALKING FOOTBALL Mantle

T

ELFORD Stags Walking FC were founded in September 2014 by Age UK with 16 members. Twelve of the original 16 are still playing with us today. Within months we started to run it ourselves as a non-profitable organisation and reduced subs, we had an AGM, and since then the

same gentlemen have been chairman, secretary and treasurer with one other member to form a committee which have always been re-elected.

We meet at the Bucks Head Stadium every Monday at 9.40am, pay our subs and are then warmed up by a qualified coach then at 10am play three, twenty minute games, finishing at

OUR E IT WEBSOW IS N ILE B MO DLY FRIEN

Introducing ICare Meals on Wheels VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ORDER YOUR MEALS ONLINE

The Services we offer - All our staff are fully Police and DBS checked Hot Lunchtime meal service, where the meal can be plated up if needed.

A Tea time Treat, which is a sandwich pack delivered with your hot meal ready for tea time.

A Frozen Meal delivery service.

A Home Shopping Service.

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

If there is no answer on delivery, we have a no-reply policy to follow which ensures we find the whereabouts of the customer.

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.

approx 11.00am, at present we have 50 members with approx 30 turning up each week, all are supposed to be over the age of 50, our eldest I believe is 78!

We try to make it a social club, when we started no one new each other, but these days everyone is good friends and word of mouth brings us new members.

We do play some competative matches and played in last years FA Peoples Cup and will put two teams in this years event. Two years ago we were invited for a day out to Hall Green Birmingham to play games against them, but basically when we play on a Monday, everyone tries their hardest but the scores don’t really matter.

Our first year we had a Christmas evening at the Red Lion on the Holyhead Road including wives or partners and the two years since have had a dinner and dance at The Park Hotel in Shifnal.

We now have members from Market Drayton, Newport, Shifnal, Shrewsbury with the majority coming from Telford.

We recently managed to get a diffibulator, sponsored by one of our members and eight members are taking St. Johns first aid course sponsored by Wrekin Housing Trust.

Although we play as a non-contact sport, gentlemen of our age are at more risk to illnesses, therefore we need to be one step ahead, with full medical conditions noted, but in all most of us much feel better and healthier for the sport.

Delivery times Hot Meals are delivered between 11am and 2pm Frozen Meals are delivered between 9am and 4pm How often do I have to order?

Our service runs 365 days a year. Customers can order as and when needed. There is no contract.

Place an order online to be entered into our Monthly prize draw Try a complimentary Hot Lunchtime meal and sweet delivered to your home.

Call 0845 6041125

www.icarecuisine.co.uk

JOIN THE FUN We are always open to welcome new members, if anyone is interested please contact myself Allen Mantle (Secretary) telephone: (01743) 356266 or e-mail: mantle.allen11@btinternet.com

34 ¡ www.wrekinnews.co.uk 31 - Community.indd 4

24/06/2018 14:40

And Make It Work For You FREE SPACE CREATION TIPS

DENTURE REPAIRS

PACKAGES

£299 FROM

We will fit you a loft ladder and hatch, flooring and lighting in less than a day

BEFORE You already have the space we make it usable!

EXPRESS / SAME DAY / NEXT DAY

AFTER

Quick, clean efficient, Fully insured and guaranteed

fix-ur-denture-repairs.co.uk

Call for a free quote 01952 426099

www.revealaspace.co.uk

27 WEST CASTLE ST, BRIDGNORTH, WV16 4AD

6-10 HAYGATE ROAD WELLINGTON, TF1 1QA

01746 764334 01952 253522

Asset Protection Asset Protection

I’m Sharpe, Sarah Sharpe, I’m Sarah a local a local friendly Solicitor who has friendly Solicitor who has many experience years’ experience in a many years’ in a of client privatematters client matters range ofrange private Have you considered what can happen if a surviving includingincluding Property,Property, Wills, Wills, Have you considered what can happen if a surviving Powers of Attorney, partner has to go into residential care or a nursing home?

Powers of Attorney, Court ofCourt of partner has to go into residential care or a nursing home?

Protection, Inheritance tax Assets, which may include the family home, could be used Protection, Inheritance tax Assets, which may include the family home, could be used and the to care pay for care fees. estate estate planningplanning and the to pay for fees.

Sarah SharpeAdministration Administration of Estates.

Sarah Sharpe of Estates.

Planned for future? the future?

Planned for the

can legitimately yourofshare of the family You canYou legitimately preservepreserve your share the family home on your death by making a new Property Trust Will: home on your death by making a new Property Trust Will: I prideinmyself in offering warm and approachable I pride myself offering a warm aand approachable service service  your Leave your to your children. of myand clients offer appointments suit at either  Leave share toshare your children. to all of to myallclients offerand appointments to suit attoeither our Wellington or Centre TelfordOffices.

Centre Offices.

Your share will be held in Trust after your death. our Wellington or Telford  Your share will be held in Trust after your death. own your of the home.  YouwillYou still will ownstill your share ofshare the home.

I ammore alsothan morehappy than to happy meet at clients at home, I am also meettoclients home,  Your partner will have the right live in the home.  Your partner will have the right to live intothe home. hospital or at our local hospice. hospital or at our local hospice. be achieved while of you alive This canThis be can achieved while both of both you are aliveare and in and in I am committee member for Shropshire Solicitors for the I am committee member for Shropshire Solicitors for the good health. mental Ifhealth.

If you are interested in protecting good mental you are interested in protecting your your elderly, holder of the Solicitors for the Elderly Older Client elderly, holder of the Solicitors for the Elderly Older Client home NOWit’s before it’s too late. home act NOWact before too late.

Care in Practice Award and a Dementia Friend.

Care in Practice Award and a Dementia Friend.

If you are interested about preserving yourofshare the I very much look forward to meeting with many of you in If you are interested about preserving your share the of I very much look forward to meeting with many of you in familythen home, then consider taking professional family home, consider taking professional advice. advice.the weeks theand weeks and to months months come.to come.

Speak to Sarah Sarah now Speak to now Speak to Sarah now …. . .…

Sarah Sharpe Sarah Sharpe Sarah Sharpe 7 Landau Court, Tan Bank, Wellington, Telford Shropshire Telford Shropshire TF1 1HE TF1 1HE 01952 01952 278111 278111 sarah.sharpe@clarkeslaw.co.uk Sarah.Sharpe@Clarkeslaw.co.uk Sarah.Sharpe@Clarkeslaw.co.uk

7 Landau Court, Tan Bank, Wellington,Telford, Shropshire TF1 1HE 7 Landau Court, Tan Bank, Wellington,

01952 278111

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 35

31 - Community.indd 5

24/06/2018 14:40

Care & Community A Wrekin News feature

Help at Hand celebrate 14 years in service Make your home life easier We offer a range of household tasks to make your home life easier. If you think we can help you, a family member or neighbour ask us for a quote.

We are flexible and available as long as you need us for at least an hour a week.

Choose the services to suit you

| Food shopping | Visiting | Washing and ironing | | General cleaning | Cleaning internal windows | | Making and changing beds |

01952 380924 (office hours)

Wrekin News NEW 17.pdf 1 31/03/2017 14:28:43

email helpathand@telford.gov.uk

Telford & Wrekin’s commercial services started Help at Hand in 2004 with a clear vision to provide a service to the elderly in the community; helping people to continue to live independently in their own homes.

The service provides help with general household tasks, visiting services, grocery shopping, washing and drying laundry, ironing and cleaning internal windows.

Help at Hand pride themselves on a consistent and professional approach, clients have the same support worker each time who are fully DBS checked and trained to deliver a friendly service.

Clients from the local area have commented about the Help at Hand service, Mr. R – Sutton Hill “I am very pleased with the Help at Hand Service and I’m very happy with my support worker, she works hard when she is here

and nothing is too much trouble, she is an absolute gem and a credit to your service.”

Mr. W – Wellington comments “Very happy with our support worker, she comes in every week to help with housework and ironing.”

Cllr Lee Carter – Cabinet Member for Finance, Commercial Services & Economic Development said; “Help at Hand is a fabulous initiative that provides a highly reputable service to the local community.

“The work that our support workers provide inside client’s own homes really contributes towards extending their independent living within the community.”

If this service would help you around your home or you know of someone who would be interested please call 01952 380924 for a free quote or to arrange a free home visit to discuss the service.

‘Yo

ur life loca ala line l se rm rvi ce ’

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

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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A WATCH lifeline pendant alarm provides reassurance and help when needed, 24 hours a day through a dedicated monitoring centre and response team. @WATCHalarms

facebook.com/WATCHalarms

To book a FREE home demonstration please call 01952 217151 www.watchalarms.co.uk 36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 31 - Community.indd 6

24/06/2018 13:26

Staff tackle inflatable challenge for care home funds Staff from a Telford care home have raised more than £900 for its activities fund after completing a fun inflatable 5k challenge.

T

HE 13-strong team from Chillcott Gardens in Madeley tackled 15 blow-up obstacles as part of the three-mile course at Wolverhampton Racecourse. They collected £910 in sponsorship towards the home’s fund that pays for activities, outings and entertainment for residents.

Among the challenges they faced were The Gauntlet, a 27m long route that they had to crawl through holes and then dodge swinging

balls to slide to victory and a 10m high and 30m long dropslide called The Plummet. They also had to brave a three-metre drop after negotiating a nine-metre long Leap of Faith.

Activities Co-ordinator Emma Smith said: “We are always looking for crazy stunts to take part in and couldn’t miss the opportunity to raise some money with this challenge.

“Some of the obstacles were quite scary and genuinely challenging, but it was great fun to do this as a team. The funds will allow us to lay on entertainment at Chillcott Gardens and take residents on outings. They were backing us all

Above: The team from Chillcott Gardens who have raised £910 in sponsorship towards the care home’s fund that pays for activities, outings and entertainment for residents.

the way and delighted to hear how we had got on when we came back to work afterwards.”

Chief executive of Coverage Care David Coull added: “This was a brilliant way for staff to work together, have fun and raise money for the Activities Fund. Our residents really value a varied programme of entertainment and this money will be a real boost for the fund.”

Discover near you

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

locations to feel at home.

Lightmoor View Telford Tel: 01952 432 412

Barclay Gardens Donnington Tel: 01952 605 321

Farcroft Wellington Tel: 01952 223 447

Cottage Christian Newport Tel: 01952 825 557 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37

Coverage Care page.indd 1

24/06/2018 08:09

home&garden

Time to make plans for next season . . .

T

HE EARLY summer flowering shrubs have given a wonderful display this year, the heat, and violent storms, if you have been hit by these localised events, has shortened the flowering time for a few of them but the perfume from the scented ones has been marvellous and the cytisus battendieri (pineapple broom) has done especially well this year. Once the flowering is finished it is time to carry out any necessary pruning.

If approximately one third of the old growth is removed this will reduce the size of the plant without producing an artificial shape. When lavender has finished flowering it must be trimmed back to maintain a compact bush this applies to lavender hedges as well, take care

not to cut into old wood as lavender rarely reshoots and you can get left with a bare patch which is unsightly.

Climbers used to clothe fences and structures should be trimmed after flowering because if left to their own devises they will quickly cover not only the area you require but any other shrubs or ground they can reach. Some like the golden hop grow at a tremendous rate and will soon cover everything around itself; at least this is only top growth and can be cut to ground level in the autumn, although its roots can also spread and will need to be removed, they do pull up reasonably easily.

Wisteria is a special case and causes many questions on the nursery it is this year’s new growth that is cut back to about 15cm (6 inches) in July/August this will

Andy Allmark Painter & Decorator

Written by Robert Hudson of Lilyhurst Plant Centre

> Pictured Pineapple Broom in full flower

encourage flower buds to form ready for next year.

It is also time to summer prune your fruit trees espalier and pyramid apple and pears especially. Cut back this year’s wood to about 5 leaves, but leave the leading shoots and those which are needed to expand the tree to their required size. Take this opportunity to check all the ties in case they are biting into the tree. Larger trees just need enough pruning to keep the tree ‘open’ to let the light and air into the fruit.

Take a little time off during these weeks even if you are not going away just sit and enjoy your garden.

Look around and start deciding

what you want to do during the coming seasons. Before the days of potted shrubs autumn was the busiest time of the year and it is still the best time to do major planting.

Such things as new hedges need to be planned ahead and are much cheaper if bare root plants are used, and who does not want to save some pennies at the moment. These plants will need to be ordered from the nursery, we are already taking orders, ready for when the plants are lifted from their growing fields.

So if you have anything like this in mind do come and discuss it with us we are always pleased to help and advise.

Simon Bradbury Tel: 07725 040408

CALL NOW ON: Tel: 01952 248119

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38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 38, 39 Home and Garden.indd 1

23/06/2018 21:23

Homefront UK - the f lat roof specialists Homefront UK are fully trained and authorised installers for Firestone (EPDM) Rubber Cover Roofing. This system supersedes the outdated felt systems previously used on flat roofs. Being more durable, flexible, cost effective and of course weather proof, Firestone Rubber Cover EPDM Roofing System is ideal for flat residential and commercial roofing applications. With the added advantage of being made from a single sheet of rubber, which means one piece of rubber covers the whole roof with no joins or seams, up to 15 metres wide by 30 metres long.

The family run business covers the whole of the West Midlands offering many years of experience, with a manufacturers guarantee of 20 years, plus Homefront UK gives a 10 year guarantee on their workmanship, however, with an expected lifespan of 50 years, you can rest easy in the knowledge your extension or replacement flat roof will stand the test of time.

Don’t take it from us, this is what some happy customers said; Mrs Pickering, “No pressure salesman. Workmen friendly and professional no unnecessary mess. Product and services first class.

We are highly satisfied and have recommended you to a family member.”

Beverly Matthews, “Choosing rubber roofing has been one of the best home improvement decisions myself and my husband have made. Not only does our kitchen roof look professional, but it’s hard wearing and another load off my mind. The long guarantee leaves me and my family stress free. Not only was the job completed to a high standard, the staff were friendly and hardworking and the job was completed in no time. I will recommend Rubber Roofing to everyone. Our roof was in a terrible state the roof was rotten and the beams were rotten. They have now all been replaced new beams and new board all looks a fantastic job.”

Please visit their website for more reviews, pictures and information.

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www.homefrontuk.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39

38, 39 Home and Garden.indd 2

25/06/2018 10:41

Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

Volvo

THE HIGHWAY OF DREAMS

H

ERE’S a thing. Or rather, ‘Listen up’.

Pay attention at the back. If you’re not sharp about it you will miss the experience of a lifetime. To call the Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine R-Design Pro simply a car is to mock this quicksilver quintessence of virtuous velocity and synergy of power and ecological endeavour - achieved

through engineering development of the sort you would expect to find only on THE HIGHWAY OF DREAMS. Listen to this. A car that clocks a sub five seconds dash to sixty mph.(By the hammer of Thor - Does it ‘Go’ in sport mode!) One that will exceed a ‘ton and a half’ in the top speed stakes. That will easily accommodate, family,

S90 T8 Twin

Engine R-Design Pro

luggage and lap dogs. One that is so safe it has the elfs packing their bags. (Geddit? Elf and safety). One that converts to 4x4 at a whisper of a suggestion. A car credited with an incredible mpg figure of - wait for it - one hundred and forty one point two. (If you charge it up and use the battery properly, that is).

This Volvo is a high performance hybrid

40 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40, 41 Syd Taylor.indd 1

24/06/2018 07:49

The Tipple! combines 2.0 litre petrol power with electric propulsion. As a Volvo it embodies just about every driver aid and safety enhancement you can think of. For instance, its CITY SAFETY portfolio of protectives includes pedestrian, animal and cyclist recognition systems, deploying emergency braking when Brock the Badger pops up. For the driver you get PILOT ASSIST - the motoring equivalent of the aeronautical auto pilot.

Passengers are kept safe and secure behind moat, portcullis and castle walls as they sit comfortably in one of the most harm free locations ever to thwart the besieging forces of menacing fate. And should winter bite with its wicked winds and fearsome frosts, never forget that Volvo is a Swedish born company.

I smiled at the heated steering wheel option; not to mention the heated screen washer nozzles. And for the dark nights, directional headlights point to the right way to go. At the other extreme, whenever it gets too sunny, integrated suncurtains diminish the dazzle through windscreen and windows. And best to remember, it gets sunny in winter too.

Perhaps the best way to illustrate the virtues of the Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine R-Design Pro is to deploy a little of what they call role play.

You are a successful somebody.

You have a splendid country home in The Cotswolds with or without shepherds hut in the garden. Work occasionally calls and you must go

up to The City. Heaven forbid you should use the creaking Victorian infrastructure called the railway.

Indeed, you might take to the air but sometimes even for you that is not practicable. So what do you do?

Canal boats are out of the question.

So you open your garage doors, bid your family adieu and climb into the opulently accommodating S90. Very quickly, owing to its high performance and excellent handling you reach the motorway. Oh Dear!

We know what they are like. But as our antipodean chums say ‘No worries’.

With ‘pilot assist’ you swan down the carriageway with senatorial insouciance relishing the cossetting - all managed by the touch screen.

Now and again as you manipulate the lever of the eight speed automatic gearbox a smile comes to your lips. This model has a crystal gear knob. It reminds you of the control stick of H. G. Wells time machine. The thought strikes you that you are indeed heading into the future in this Volvo.

As the congestion zone looms - Aha! You switch to battery and whisper your way forward with silky smoothness. Then on the return the vehicles kinetic energy can replenish the cells.

Did I mention that this is a stunningly good looking car? And the cost? (£68,825). Well, unfortunately if you need to ask.....Hear that sound of smashing crockery? It’s me taking a hammer to my piggy bank. May I have one in Cotswold Yellow please?

By

Sue Ladds

£20b Brexit windfall set for the NHS

T

ERESA May has got her “I’m in charge” Superwoman cape back from the cleaners and announced improved funding for the N.H.S. £20 billion per annum extra by 2023. The Brexit windfall apparently.

Not paying unelected EU bureaucrats very large saleries, nor paying into the EU budget which has failed audits for 20+ years is fine by me. Of course, some of our money was returned for EU sanctioned projects; mainly brainwashing kids in schools and colleges.

However, N.H.S. waste must be tackled, not discussed. Hospitals are paying far more for cheap drugs eg. Aspirin, Paracetamol than wholesale prices to supermarkets.

Bureaucrats say there is a “Special Reason” for this. Pulling. Wool.

Eyes.

In Telford, should you require the expertise of a consultant you are initally referred to TRACS. This wholly unnessessary bureaucratic world is a glorified

booking office, matching the patient with the specialist, which is easily superceded by a list of hospitals and telephone numbers.

Appointments within five days, so they say. After FOUR WEEKS of duck alignment failure, l went private. Their leaflet suggests that, should you have any issues with the service, you send them a picture. Perhaps the complaints mananger can’t read. I recommend black paint with red spots.

More recently, Telford has had to reorder Prescriptions through P.O.D. (Prescription Orders Direct).

Doctors, Pharmacies and patients have been over-ordering drugs with profit in mind, presumably.

Deliberate fraud in the N.H.S. must be massive. Removing bad wood is essential, not replacing with a cover up office to add to the wages bill. It’s all automated! I hear from the call-takers. So why does it take even longer?

Teresa May admits to having received excellent treatment from the N.H.S. It’s a pity we’re not all treated the same.

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

Plus all distilation requirements.

Very competitive prices at all times.

Delivery service throughout UK and Europe.

Enquiries please to: sales@brewgenie.co.uk

www.brewgenie.com

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

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 · 41

40, 41 Syd Taylor.indd 2

24/06/2018 08:29

Mind, body & soul

July

2018

by Joanna Summers ARIES (March 21 - April 19) Compelled to be impulsive Aries must try to find that point where they show a little discernment! Is this possible…You lead with your head first, but then you are spontaneously empathic which often serves you well when you have left before you realise what you have gone and let yourself in for…

This month take a moment if you can and do not leave yourself too short on time for yourself.

with

Joanna Summers from the Sacred Healing Centre

Spotlight on meditation

W

E ALL know that typically our favourite foods are generally reputed to be unhealthy… even if they give us an inner feeling of happiness, all be it for a few moments.

Neuroscientist Dr Joe Dispenza explains that every time we have a thought we release chemicals in our brain and it is these chemicals that create the feelings associated with whatever thought we are having.

So could our inner feeling of happiness connected to our external world?

The potential for a resounding YES is my answer… Before we begin you have to take into account the health eating choices that a doctor or NHS health professional as directedSo back to the original question ‘Has food got anything to do with well being?’

If we eat a very delicious slice of chocolate cake which reminds us of that birthday party we celebrated with our loved ones or finishing off a pack of hard boiled sweets, takes us back to the memories of that moment in time when we would be visiting the sweet shop for an extra treat or sitting in the back seat in the car with our family journeying to the seaside.

These memories have a strong happy place memory. When we eat the food we are transported back in time, strengthening the memory and body neurochemistry.

Maybe there is another more healthy way…

Could the image, smell or even just the thought of the favourite food elicit the same or similar response?

Dr Joe Dispenza talks about a test done in America.

People that never played the piano were divided into groups. The first group physically played one-handed finger exercises like scales and cords, and as a result of the new activity, their brains changed. The before and after results of functional brain scans showed new areas of the brain activated. In essence, not only did they make a new mind, literally new brain circuits flourished.

However, when a second group was asked to mentally rehearse the same scales and cords in their mind for the same amount of time, they grew the same amount of brain connections as the group who physically demonstrated the activity.

Simply put, when we are truly focused and attentive, the brain does not know the difference between what is happening in the external world!

So as we imagine ourselves taking a bite of our favour chocolate cake or pick up a boiled sweet and smell it then pretend to eat it, our brain will still release the chemistry into our body and release the happy feeling we love so much.

This does not mean we stop eating our favourite treat foods… We just understand that there is more going on than the eating when we are attracted to that happy food…we just might want to remember that moment that fills us with well-being and inner happiness.

Joanna Summers is a natural empath working in Alternative and holistic health in Shropshire at The Sacred Healing Centre. You can find her on Facebook www.facebook.com/sacredhealingcentre8/ l We run weekly classes and monthly groups and circles. l Gentle Kundalini Yoga and meditation classes l Shropshire Drumming Circle l Shropshire Womens group A red Tent.

For these and other upcoming events, workshops and classes find us on Facebook.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Always walking firmly, in a straight line, towards the goal, step-by-step, not leap by leap. Leaves you perfectly content to reap the harvest of your well deserves rewards in their own due season.

Misfortune or bad luck barely disturbs your tranquility!

You may carry a heavy load of responsibilities and bravely accepted, wearying duties-sometimes your great heart burdened nearly to breaking with painful memories-but the strong Bull goes on walking, this month seeing that steady and patient plodding being crowned with sweet success.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) With your vibes, rhythms and mental perspectives working so awesomely this month! You see life through a wide-angle zoom lens.

Seeing life as knowing that a broken rhythm may not be orthodox music, but it makes great jazz!The trouble is, while Gemini is jazzing around you may miss the swiftly passing scenery. This month advice is to stop, take ‘root’ for a while, you will inevitably get bored and start again, but in the mean time give yourself some downtime.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22) This is your month to celebrate all it is to be you!

This month sees you being a little more sensitive than usual, the gift in this is to be sensitive with yourself first. What me? We hear you say, when you love being there for others first… In fact you find so hard to say no. Please give yourself that time to come home to yourself first before you make everyone else at home in themselves.

Well, you could just give it a try.

LEO Hello Leos…with your splendid ability to light up the room, you are always so attracted to the sun.

You are like this to others who love, love, love to blanketed in the warmth of your sunshine.

So this month you are ok to behave, at times, like a spoiled monarch, occasionally allow yourself to lecture the shortcomings and be a bit bossy. You are in your element when you do this anyway.

With your warm, loving and affectionate nature you will use your playfulness to sweeten the lecture.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) Each day in a new beginning to your often busy thinking mind. Remember that when you go to bed you die a little bit to the day before. This month sees you mulling and can we say, over thinking the same thoughts…So let go for one night as you think of something else, try meditation or distraction maybe reading a book as you begin to relax.

Maybe the thoughts worries or nagging responsibilities may be there in the morning, this is a fresh day with your batteries refreshed from a full nights sleep, you can start the day anew LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) The older Librans grow, the wiser they become.

After playing judge and jury weighing the decisions of yes or no, wrong or right, stop or go, thousands of times, a person gradually begins to have confidence in what they are doing-it takes practice.

So this month with your natural ability to weigh the scales of fairness and morality spend time with your loved ones, they know you the best.

Where in the past you may have made mistakes in judgement, and feel like you cannot catch up on the relationships that have always remained. Take that all important time to follow up on those who know just how lovable you really are.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) With your long memory, you do not like injustice.

Especially if it is done to you! Your natural skill is to seek revenge…there its been said! You typically would not go out and seek revenge but if the opportunity came your way, then for sure you would level the playing field…your other side is what your advice is for this month. You also have an amazing ability to be compassionate and forgiving. You know that once you put your mind to something there is no stopping you, so find yourself turning the other cheek and aspire to be harmonious throughout June/July.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) It is always about the trust for Sagittarians, nothing else comes close. You would rather be told bluntly than be passed over with half truths from those with kind intentions.

This month be patient with those loved ones and associates who still find it hard to believe you would just want the hard truth and give them a bit of leg room to be themselves.

After all your other wonderful Sag’ characteristics are being versatile and multi-talented, so you are more than able to find your patience with others.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) As you grow older you become younger, after normal children have long since become boring adults, trotting off to work, their briefcase under their arms, Capricorns-who were all born looking and behaving like their own great-grandparents-will be starting to reverse gears and travel backward toward the blooming cheeks, light hearts and merry, twinkling eyes of true children.

But you would not see this as anything else than a blessing, you hardly ever see fault as anything other than your greatest strength. So this month see yourself making a gigantic success from the small scraps of possibilities. Utilise all that comes your way, always able too retreat before any disaster, twist and turn fate to some sort of advantage and enjoy yourself.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) The truth is odd things happen to all of us, every few years or so, and we do not notice right away they have happened; we only notice the oddity of the incident or event later on. However, odd things happen to Aquarians on the average of once a day or more! So why not take this month of sunshine and fine weather to celebrate your natural dingbattyness, brilliant, genius oriented and patty cake after all you bring the party to life and make life more interesting.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20) Well, as always there is lots of choices open to you this month, the challenge is to find the ones that bring you most joy. You are naturally patient and perceptive, so use this to your advantage…out swim the choices that lead to too much mischief.

Be gently warned sometimes your dream of what you want to be may not live up to your expectations.

Be prepared to drop the potential, rather than struggle in a futile fashion… as you are true to yourself as you allow your wonderful ability to swim in both directions-so to speak-and find the fun, playful and sometimes naughty side of yourself.

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.

42 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42 Stars.indd 1

25/06/2018 22:07

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43 Adverts.indd 1

24/06/2018 08:20

Lumps and Bumps

Wrekin U3A welcomes new members

by the team at Severn Edge Vets

O

VER the last few weeks we’ve seen quite a few pets brought in with ‘lumps and bumps’, so I thought I would share a few insights about them and what they might be.

A lump on your pet can be one of many things. Sometimes it will be nothing to worry about, but occasionally it will be a sign of something nasty – and if so we need to know early so we can help your pet get better.

We recently had a beautiful sixyear-old black Labrador named Jet brought into our branch to see me.

Her owner had noticed a lump on her side which was getting bigger. It had started relatively small but the lump had progressed to being about the size of a tennis ball.

With most lumps, it’s often not possible for a vet to tell exactly what it is by look and touch alone. In cases such as these we will take a small sample with a needle and look at it under a microscope in a laboratory.

This can normally happen right away, without having to put the dog under anaesthesia, and more often than not they don’t even notice that

we’ve taken a sample! Most of the time this is all we need to do to work out what it is.

Back to Jet – she was good as gold when I took a sample of her lump – she didn’t even flinch! When I looked at it under the microscope, I could see it wasn’t just a fatty lump (a lipoma) so I sent the slide off to the lab to tell me exactly what cells they were. The laboratory identified it as a cancer, and one that could potentially spread. As a result, I knew that the lump had to come off and I had to be sure I removed the whole thing otherwise it would come back.

Jet was booked in for surgery a week after we got the results back and I’m pleased to say it was a success, and she is recovering nicely.

When Jet and her mum recently popped in to have her stitches checked she looked great. She is now cancer free and can look forward to years of happy, healthy life ahead.

So please remember: if your furry friend develops a lump or bump, take them to your vet so they can make sure there’s nothing to worry about. Hopefully it will be nothing, but if it isn’t then they will need to act quickly like we did for Jet.

What is a U3A? Learning; laughter; friends. We meet for a general meeting with a speaker in Shifnal Village Hall, at 2pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month, except December. There are also over 40 special interest groups, offering a wide range of learning, leisure and social activities, which meet at other times during the month.

Who can join? Anyone not in, or seeking, full time employment can join, with no lower age for membership and no other qualifications. The U3A approach is ‘learning for pleasure’. There is no accreditation or validation and no assessments or qualifications to be gained.

How can I join? Come along to Shifnal Village Hall on the fourth Tuesday of any month except

December, to sample a meeting or two and meet our members before making up your mind.

What does it cost? The annual subscription is currently £14. There is a small entrance fee for monthly meetings and participating in interest groups may incur some costs.

Some of our talks to look forward to: 24th July: Halley, a British Antarctic Base 28th August: The life of Charles Rolls, cofounder of Rolls Royce 25th September: History of RAF Cosford 23rd October: Barrow to Baghdad and back, one man’s travels and how he started to write novels, with Philip Cain.

More information - www. u3asites.org.uk/wrekin

Telford Stamp and Coin Fair The next Telford Stamp, Card and Coin Fair takes place on Saturday 14 July at the Belmont Hall, Wellington Centre, Telford, TF1 1LU. From 10am to 3pm with free entry and a good range of stalls offering free valuations, buy and sell. Home made refreshments will also be available.

Free adjacent car park and train station close by. Bus via Telford Centre to nearby local bus station.

For further details from Bob Pilkington telephone 01299 211737 or email: sbpilkington02@outlook.com (Tables may be available.)

Dog Dog lovers lovers wanted wanted

Join our local host community Join our local host community

Speak to us about our FREE Nurse Clinics • Noise phobia advice • Dental checks and advice • Dietary advice • Weight checks and weight management plans • Lifestage checks puppy/kitten/adult/senior • Worming • Flea control • Basic behavioural training • Pre/post neuter advice • and much more - just ask

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44 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 44 Vets.indd 1

24/06/2018 19:08

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BobBlind Advert.indd 1

24/06/2018 08:14

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25/06/2018 21:22

Sport WREKIN NEWS

LEARN Authentic Japanese Shotokan KARATE

Kihon - Basics Kata - Forms Kumite - Sparring Bunkai & Oyo - For self defence Taiso - Stretching & conditioning At Wrekin College Sports Hall Wed 6.30pm & Sat 10.30am

Afiliated: SKIF Japan (Shotokan Karate-do International Federation, soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, 10th dan)

Contact Tony 07841 839372

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

All to do for struggling Wellington

W

ELLINGTON Cricket Club have it all to do if they are to preserve their Birmingham League status as the season moves into July, writes David

Ross.

Simon Khomari's side are 32 points from safety at the foot of Division One after nine games, having managed only a losing draw in their latest encounter at Halesowen. Jack Twigger's 5-61 was the highlight for the Orleton Park side who dismissed their hosts for 222.

That score always seemed on the heavy side for Wellington's misfiring batting card - and so it proved. Nevertheless some lower-order steel and

Matthew Simmonds' 46 helped pick up a draw on 143-9. Khomari will be looking to new signing Imran Arif to make an impact in his first game against Tamworth on 30 June, whilst he will also be able to call on the services of Wendell Wagner, who missed the Halesowen match through injury.

If they can achieve a much-needed victory it will only be the second success of the season, after a seven-wicket success against Himley on 2 June.

Wellington’s campaign so far has been marred by batting fragility - particularly in close finishes which denied them routine home victories against Kidderminster and Bromsgrove.

On the bowling side, the standard has been high with spinner Khomari claiming 19 wickets.

However, no batsman currently averages over 25 and this lack of runs will need to be address in the coming 13 games if Wellington are to avoid a return to the Shropshire Cricket League in 2019.

T: 01952 820810

Access To Angling A letter from Jon Portman My name is Jon Portman and I will be running a free fishing event called Access to Angling at Little Apley Pool opposite the new Charlton school on Saturday 14 July.

This event is for people with disabilities and special needs and I want to show what angling can do to help groups and individuals.

On the day there will be food cooked by the Shropshire Lad aka Adam Purnell, Sweet cart, ice cream van, face painting and hopfully a bouncy castle.

Registered level two coaches and voulenters will be making sure everyone catches a fish and enjoys themselves and for those taking part they will get some free food! Each participant will also get a medal to celebrate their 30 miniute taster session.

Coaches are all DBS checked and it’s open to any age but we would like people to book on if possible BUT we won’t turn people away.

For more information please call Jon Portman on 07990570779.

62 High Street Newport TF10 7AQ

FIXTURES Sat 30 June Home v Tamworth 12pm Sat 07 July Home v Barnards Green 12pm Sat 14 July Away v Shifnal 12pm Sat 21 July Home v Bridgnorth 12pm Sat 28 July Home v Oswestry 12pm

SPECIAL OFFER! July 50% off a child’s meal with any full paying adult with this advert

Food served Monday to Saturday 10am - 3pm

(Bookings required for Parties)

Open Late nights till 2am Fri & Sat Live Music every last Friday of the month Look out for our Theme Nights!

BOOK YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION AT THE BARLEY IDEAL VENUE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES, CHRISTENINGS, ETC..

Breakfasts Served from 10am - 3pm

Tuesday - treat yourself over 60’s new menu

50% off

www.thebarleynewport.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 47

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THE WALNUT WITH THE WOW FACTOR Our wonderful four bedroom Walnut showhome is now open Help to Buy

Come and be wowed by our fabulous four bedroom “Walnut” showhome at Oaklands Park located in the village of Shawbury, just 8 miles from Shrewsbury and 15 miles from Telford. Own one just like it and cook up a storm in the superb fully integrated kitchen, then relax in the fabulous sun lounge.

Choose from a range of 5 Star Award winning 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes priced from £192,500 to £400,000

Oaklands Park Shrewsbury Road, Shawbury, SY4 4NR

House to sell? Ask about Part Exchange & Assisted Move*

Call: 03330 110 601

Free carpets throughout if you reserve before 31st August*

Come and find out how easy it is to upgrade to your dream home

Showhome & Marketing Suite open 10am to 5.30pm daily www.lioncourthomes.com *All offers available on selected plots only and are subject to terms and conditions, please ask our Sales Executive for full details. Carpets offer excludes wet rooms and are from Lioncourt Homes standard range only. Photographs show indicative images of Lioncourt homes. Help to Buy cannot be used in conjunction with Part Exchange and offer can be withdrawn at any time. Help to Buy is a government-led scheme and availability is subject to qualification. For full terms and conditions visit www.helptobuy.org.uk. Prices and offers correct at time of print.

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