Wrekin News 247

Wrekin

News November 2019

Issue 247

Free & Magazine TAKE PLEASECOPY R YOU

A spectacular

WIN A FAMILY DAY PASS!

Christmas

TELFORD AND WELLINGTON’S 100’s of taxis at LEADINGAND TAXI COMPANY TELFORD WELLINGTON’S

LOW FARES 50 10 50 50 10 50 50 10 50 LEADINGAND TAXI COMPANY TELFORD WELLINGTON’S

LEADING TAXI COMPANY We’ve 01952 got Telford covered!

01952 TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS, AIRPORTS 01952 TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS, AIRPORTS download the www.gocarz.co.uk Or easy to use APP for priority TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS, AIRPORTS Or download the www.gocarz.co.uk booking! easy to use APP

www.gocarz.co.uk

Lest We Forget

Six pages of remembrance features inside as we pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us

Christmas goodies up for grabs!

for priority booking!

Or download the easy to use APP for priority booking!

Win

Christmas Meat Voucher (Val ue £50)

at Warwick Castle!

COUNTER

CULTURE

PART THREE Ken finally gets hold of the keys to the shop - 40 years ago in the summer of 1979!

IT’S PANTO TIME! ....OH YES IT IS! WIN TICKETS TO THE PANTO!

15 Crown Street, Wellington,Telford TF1 1LP

1 Front Page.indd 1

05/11/2019 10:34

Wrekin

Wrekin

News

News November 2019

Issue 247

Published by: Plus Two Media Limited Plus2 · PO Box 515 · TELFORD · TF2 2JE Tel: (01952) 228973 Editor: James Baylis james@plus2media.co.uk Editorial Support: Tania Baylis tania@plus2media.co.uk Publisher & Design: James Baylis Contributing Photographer: Malcolm Couzens

Free & Magazine TAKE PLEASECOPY YOUR

A spectacular

WIN A FAMILY DAY PASS!

Christmas

TELFORD AND WELLINGTON’S 100’s of taxis at LEADINGAND TAXI COMPANY TELFORD WELLINGTON’S

LOW FARES 50 10 50 50 50 10 10 50 50 LEADINGAND TAXI COMPANY TELFORD WELLINGTON’S LEADING TAXI COMPANY We’ve 01952 got Telford covered!

01952 TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS, AIRPORTS 01952 TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS, AIRPORTS Or download the www.gocarz.co.uk easy to use APP for priority TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS, AIRPORTS Or download the booking! www.gocarz.co.uk easy to use APP

www.gocarz.co.uk

Lest We Forget

for priority booking!

Or download the easy to use APP for priority booking!

Six pages of remembrance features inside as we pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us

Christmas goodies up for grabs!

Win

Christmas Meat Voucher (Value

Something for everyone at Bath Bombs by JC now in Wellington

£50)

at Warwick Castle!

COUNTER

CULTURE

PART THREE Ken finally gets hold of the keys to the shop - 40 years ago in the summer of 1979!

IT’S PANTO TIME! ....OH YES IT IS! WIN TICKETS TO THE PANTO!

15 Crown Street, Wellington,Telford TF1 1LP

1 Front Page.indd 1

05/11/2019 10:34

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Contact our Advertising Sales Manager: Jodine Ashford - 07702 392528 01952 228973 · jodine@plus2media.co.uk Specialist writers: George Evans, Richard Worton, Martin Scholes, Chris Owen, Pete Jackson, Eve Nicholls, Robert Hudson, Anthony Nicholls, Syd Taylor, Lauren Morgan, Donna McGrath, Austin Powell Sports News: Jamie Morris & David Ross (Wellington CC) To subscribe to Wrekin News please call Tania Baylis on 07977 481186 Printed in Telford by PCP Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Wrekin News but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and opinions of contributors, advertisers and interviewees to Wrekin News are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions.

© Plus Two Media Limited 2019 - All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.

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

Bath Bombs by JC started in November 2018 from the dining table at our home on the edge of town!

A

FTER doing craft events and light switch on’s in the run up to Christmas and taking part in charity events, wedding fairs etc…

It quickly became apparent to us that the brand was growing beyond anything we expected, this gave us the confidence to take the massive step and become a high street name within Wellington.

Having the shop has enabled us to offer brands like Bomb Cosmetics, who hand produce products for over 70 countries around the world, whist still enabling us to support some of the local artisan makers within Telford, giving us a great variety of products, with vegan friendly items and eco refill’s on selected products.

So, whether its Bath bombs, soaps, wax melts, room sprays, car air fresheners, carpet deodorisers, pipped candles, tea lights or electric wax warmers, we have something to fit all budgets from a single item to bespoke build gift set.

Pop down and see Josh, Jenny or Courtney in our shop, located at 15 Crown Street, Wellington TF1 1LP. We look forward to meeting you!

Electric Burners Opening Hours Mon-Sat 11am / 10pm Sunday Closed

Wax Melts

The award winning

THE SILVER FISH RESTAURANT AND TAKE AWAY

10 TAN BANK · WELLINGTON “Best chip shop around fantastic service wouldn’t go anywhere else”

“Best fish and chips I’ve ever had and even better service The Silver Fish is brilliant!”

Emma-Janne Owen

Kate Swann

01952 254627 www.thesilverfish.co.uk

Gift Sets Soaps Bath Bombs

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

05/11/2019 10:47

Dream Doors showroom opens in Wellington Kitchen facelift experts Dream Doors has opened a new showroom in Wellington with the help of a £10,000 High Street Grant from Telford & Wrekin Council.

T

he makeover company specialises in kitchens and bedrooms and prides itself on providing a personal, friendly service that focusses on customer satisfaction. Since its foundation in 1999, the enterprise has expanded and now has over 90 independently owned showrooms across the UK. The Wellington showroom will be headed up by local

www.suiteexchange.co.uk TELFORD’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF SOFAS AND SUITES A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS BUILT ON REPUTATION

businessman Chris Nowell at 8-10 Church Street.

Chris said: “I always wanted my own business and Dream Doors has given me the opportunity to combine the reassurance of an established national brand along with the personal approach of my own business which I see as being part of the local community.

“As well as introducing a specialist showroom to the region, I will also be creating some new jobs. It’s an exciting time and I am very grateful to the council for their support.”

The incentive grants are one of the many ways the Council is supporting businesses and rejuvenating high

streets as part of its Pride in Our Community High Street initiative.

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for finance, commercial services and economic development, cut the ribbon at the opening. He said: “I am delighted to see yet another enterprise opening up in Wellington with the help of one of our business grants. The grants really are making a difference, and helping people to realise their dreams, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

For information about the support and grants available to businesses email joy.mcgeown@telford.gov.uk or kathy.mulholland@telford.gov.uk.

pandelbathrooms Esta blished for over 30 yea rs

CALL JODINE ON 01952 228973 TO ADVERTISE

GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES Removal of old suite can be arranged

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY FROM STOCK OPEN 6 DAYS - 18 Market Street, Wellington

(01952) 272249

Over 70 quality design suites on display. Massive savings on chainstore prices, part exchange your used suite.

STUBLEY’S

FURNITURE

Est.1977

EE FDR ESIGN

THE BEST DEALS IN TOWN!

NEW RANGE of Fi

reside Chai & Oak Collect rs ions

NOW IN STOCK

SERVICE

Support your local independent shop

www.stubleys.co.uk visit our showroom with over 20 fantastic bathroom displays T 01952 246333 · 19 BRIDGE ROAD · WELLINGTON · TELFORD

CHURCH STREET, WELLINGTON

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

2, 3 Welcome.indd 2

05/11/2019 12:22

Hannah joins the Wellington Orbit

G

reat news from Wellington Orbit! Our kitchen is open again! Hannah Davison started with us at the end of October, cooking in our kitchen. We are now serving delicious home made lunches each day from 12 - 2pm. These include freshly prepared soups (French Onion and also Sweet Potato, Red Pepper and Lentil) and weekly specials such as Sausage Cassoulet and also Mushroom and Spinach Korma. We will be aiming to offer food on a Friday and Saturday evening soon, prior to our 7.30pm screening, which will enable cinema goers to have a nice meal before they watch a film. So watch this space!

Special events this November include the screening of ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ which we will be showing on Remembrance Sunday, November 10th at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. We will also be collecting for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal during these screenings.

For one day only, we will be exhibiting the work of local artist Nick Redshaw, who is a member of the Royal Marines Art Society. It promises to be a thought provoking day.

On Saturday November 23rd, as part of the Wellington Christmas Lights Switch on we shall be screening two very special Christmas films. At 11.30am we will be screening a family film and we are asking children to dress up in fancy dress - prizes will be given! At 7pm we will be screening the classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ - directed by Frank Capra.

The film stars James Stewart and tells the tale of what life would be like if he hadn’t existed, with the help of an Angel called Clarence.

It will be a wonderful day in Wellington!

Please check our listing for the films up to November 15th, then check our website for films thereafter www.wellingtonorbit.co.uk

● Hannah Davison

Win a pair of Golden Tickets to Wellington Orbit!

Wrekin News has teamed up with Wellington Orbit to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of Golden Tickets to attend a film screening at Wellington Orbit! The Golden Tickets entitle admission for two people. It can be an adult + child, or two adults, or two children!

All you have to do to enter the prize draw is answer the following question - In the film, ‘It’s a wonderful Life’ Who loses $8,000 while intending to deposit in the bank on Christmas Eve? Send your answer along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to tania@plus2media.co.uk or post your entry to: Plus2, PO Box 515, Telford TF2 2JE. Closing date for entries is Friday 29 November 2019, good luck!

Church Farm Country House Nestled in the historic village of Wrockwardine and beside St. Peters Church you will find Church Farm

Join us for Aſter�oon Tea Taken between 2 and 4pm in the garden or by the fire, we have a classic spread waiting for you, so please let us know when booking.

Afternoon Tea - £12.50pp Cream Tea - £5.50pp

Our splendid 17 th Century Farmhouse offers 4 relaxing bedrooms, spacious gardens and comforting food using only locally sourced ingredients...

Wrockwardine Village, Telford, Shropshire TF6 5DG

Tel: 01952 251927

07799 566782 / sandie@churchfarmcountryhouse.com

a.c.h autos

• SALES • SERVICE • MOT’S

FREE RE-TEST WITHIN 10 DAYS

LAWLEY, TELFORD TF4 2PD Tel: (01952) 505010 · Mob: 07921 853621

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

05/11/2019 09:11

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Audley Avenue Business Park, Newport, TF10 7BX

Heathgates Bank Ditherington, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 4BB

newport@ableworld.co.uk

shrewsbury@ableworld.co.uk

Behind Aldi

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Tel: (01952) 820772

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Further details on all our stores can be found on: www.ableworld.co.uk

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Ableworld FP for proof.indd 1

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Love ton Wellington Water refill scheme launched in Wellington

R

EFILL Wellington is being rolled out in the town, with a wide range of businesses already signing up to take part.

Councillor Paul Davis is partnering with the Town Council and Telford & Wrekin Council to promote the scheme.

“Participating businesses agree to become ‘refill stations’ where locals and visitors can replenish their bottles with tap water,” he explained.

“By doing so we will be helping to reduce the amount of plastic bottles being produced - which is a global aim.

“We will also be keeping Wellington people hydrated and healthier by encouraging them to drink more water and saving them money as it means they will not have to buy bottled water.”

He said that the initiative was going hand in hand with another project to create ‘safe

spaces’ in the town where vulnerable people could retreat to.

“We have been really pleased with the number of businesses who have agreed to sign up both schemes and are always looking for further places which can help,” he added.

WELLINGTON LAUNCH A sche

me which aims to help the environmen t, ke healthy and save ep people money has been launched in Wellington

● Pictured from left, businesses who have signed up to the water refill scheme, Sophie Harrison of the Old Orleton, Chris Nowell of Dream Doors, Kristiyan Dimitrov of Nanny’s Craft Bakery, Councillor Paul Davis, Donna Stuart of Housewise Estates and Karen Lee of The Walnut restaurant.

Cheers to regeneration of Wellington

Rowton Brewery has produced an ale to mark the opening of the Orbit community cinema in Wellington and is donating 5p for every pint sold to the project.

Steve Preston helps to run the micro-brewery, based in a converted cattle shed on the family farm near Wellington.

He explained: “The launch of The Orbit is a big step forward in the regeneration of our market town so we were delighted to be able to celebrate its opening by creating a

special beer for people to enjoy at The Pheasant pub.

“We are a very community-based business so every pint sold helps to boost the funds of this

important venue - it’s a double win for local beer lovers.”

Orbit chief officer Sophie Eades thanked the brewery for its help: “It is

fantastic that we are supported by Rowton Brewery as we receive a donation from each pint of Orbit beer sold. Local partnerships like this really make a difference in so many ways.

“We know the drink is very popular and seems to sell out really quickly so we suggest everyone gets down to The Pheasant to enjoy a pint of this great pale ale!”

Sally Themas of the Love Wellington initiative said that she was delighted that the revival of the town was being marked in such an innovative way and that local businesses were collaborating to boost the area.

06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 06, 07 Love Wellington.indd 1

04/11/2019 23:04

#LoveWellington

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

News in

BRIEF

WELLINGTON’S GATEWAY For many it’s the gateway to Wellington - and so The Friends of Wellington Station are working to get a committee and constitution together - once that is done then they can apply for grants and help to regenerate the station here in our town. There is a meeting on Wednesday 6 November at 3.30pm at the Town Council offices for anyone who would like to come and help in this process.

#LoveWellington / #LoveWellington

Wrekin

News

Wrekin News and Love Wellington have joined forces to work together to promote #Wellington - look out for our regular monthly Love Wellington column and social media posts!

Nanny’s Craft Bakery

Menu Alabama Chocolate Fudge Cake

Cheesy sausage bread

Pizza Calzone

Ham, Gherkins, Cheddar Cheese, Olives

Cheddar cheese & Sausage

£2.50

£1.80

£2.20

MILINKA

BANICHKA

£2.00

£1.80

Sofia banitsa

Nutella Croissant

Raspberry Victoria Cake

Feta Cheese

Feta Cheese

Feta Cheese

£1.80

Carrot Cake £1.80

Nutella chocolate

£1.80

£2.00

Croissant with Turkish Delight

Donuts

£1.80

£1.80

Bacon & cheese flip

Croissant with Butter

Belgian Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Kashkavalka Cheddar & Feta Cheese

£1.60

Cheddar cheese & Bacon

£2.20

80p

Nanny`s Baklava

Bread with cheese & ham

Blueberry / Choc Tulip Muffin

Sweet dessert with Walnuts & Pistachios

10 pieces - £3.50 20 pieces - £ 6.50

Cheddar Cheese & Ham

£2.20

Hot drinks Flat white

Espresso

£1.70

£1.50

Cappuccino

Macchiato

£1.70

£1.80

Latte

Tea

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Airan

Well known Wellington figure Kath Howard has been chosen by Shropshire Cricket Board to receive the ‘Beyond the Boundary Award’.

The award is in recognition of the support in particular given to Shropshire Cricket programmes such as All Stars Taster sessions and Wicketz which have been held in the Bowring Park.

Kath will be presented with her award at the Annual Awards Dinner at The Whitehouse Hotel, Wellington in November.

GREAT BRITISH HIGH STREET The Mayor Anthony Lowe and Wellington Councillor John Alvey will represent Wellington at the Great British High Street Awards presentation on 21st November, Wellington was a shortlisted finalist in the ‘Rising Star’ category and judges visited the town to see the regeneration work that is going on in September. Fingers crossed for a good outcome!

Contact & Follow Facebook @LoveWellington Twitter @LoveWellington1 Instagram lovewellington2019

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12 Crown Street, Wellington, Telford, TF1 1LP A2 Menus.indd 1

● On the Love Wellington admin team are: Sally Thelmans, Jocelyne Fildes, Claire Dowdall, Paola Armstrong, Tania and Peter Jones, Sarah Chard, Hanna Leeson, Stuart Tyrer, Paul Kalinauckas, Kirsty Shuttleworth, Kevin Tanner, Gareth Bellamy and Naomi Wrighton.

HOWZAT KATH!

28/10/2019 08:53

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 07

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04/11/2019 23:05

George Evans The Wrekin’s favourite columnist!

REMEMBER NOVEMBER AND AN INVITATION TO A VIGIL...

“We that are left grow old”, as I used to say at Remembrance Services until the Mayor of the time told me I must not do so any more. Well, I admit I have grown old; I’m a veteran of the Last World War as well as a Pacifist.

D

O you take part in the parades, or watch in the crowds, or watch the National services on TV, or are you one of the growing numbers, who regard the parade as a recruiting exercise for the Armed Forces and stay away?

In 1974 we lost our Wellington Urban District Council and our parade that had been started by my father and other survivors of the Great War in 1920 was ended by Wrekin Council. We campaigned for both and succeeded in 1988.

From then on the parade grew rapidly; I recited, ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurens Binyon. A few years ago I added a little Peace Poem. Several people present clapped spontaneously. I thought it must be popular but a few people complained and insisted on being offended, complaining to the Mayor, who forbid me to take my usual part again.

My poem went, “I remember my friends ...And my enemies too… We all did our duty, to our countries… We went to War and killed each other… Isn’t War Stupid?”

Nobody has yet told me why anyone should be offended.

The story was reported in the local newspaper and ‘went viral’. It was taken up by many foreign papers in USA, Australia, Russia and others. Various reporters rang me, especially the Independent, and some agencies. They wanted me to answer back and ‘fight my corner’, but I would not because I’m a pacifist. Since then I have had articles printed in both English and in French War magazines (see main picture).

I became a Pacifist in the middle of the fighting for Caen in Normandy where 70% of my regiment were casualties. I helped bury some German teenage soldiers we had killed. Their faces were being eaten by maggots. I felt horrified and guilty.

08 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 8, 9 George Evans feature.indd 1

I had no quarrel with them personally. The War made no sense to me; I would kill no more. From then on I stayed with my mates but fired over the heads of the enemy. I didn’t mind frightening them a bit.

When we returned from the War we didn’t say much about the fighting because we didn’t want to swank.

Now few people understand what it was like and we oldies are dying off. I’m trying to tell what it was really like, hoping to get some people who understand before I die. We are in danger of drifting into another War. I am using the device of a collection of words that best describe the Armed Forces in Peace and in War, Please read them slowly.

The Army at Peace is about comradeship, mates, togetherness, obedience, pride, friendship, sharing, honour, jokes, fun, discipline, competition, fitness, bravery, heroism.

War is about horror, terror, wounds, death, slaughter, murder, unlucky, pain, fear, help, crashes, bangs, screams, guilt, stupidity, anger, stench, sickness, loss, shellshock, battle fatigue, hate, sadness, What causes War? Almost always overambitious politicians do. You don’t see them on the

battlefield though! War is not inevitable; it is a manmade disaster. Our enemies are almost always ordinary people just like us. We should remember their dead as well as our own. Remember that foreigners are very like us – all the same – different. Racism is not only a very bad habit, it is dangerous rubbish and completely untrue.

We don’t live in a country with a reputation for peacefulness. We used to have an empire – the

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.

05/11/2019 11:55

Invitation to a Vigil 10th November / 12 noon May I invite you to a vigil at 12 noon also on 10th November in Wellington Peace Garden?

We will be silent for half an hour, some praying, others thinking, meditating, musing, reflecting or remembering. This will be a very informal affair. We will all meet together for half an hour in silence, then go our own way. I’m a Quaker by the way and expect some fellow Quakers will come. It’s not confined to Christians; all those of any faith or none are equally welcome in silence. It’s not an excuse to persuade you to join anything, it’s just a half hour to contemplate all wars, their sadness and horrors and share a wish for World Peace. Children are welcome if they’re able to be silent for half an hour. Please do come. I’m sure you will be glad you did.

Of course the weather may be terrible and we’ll be in the open air – there may not be a vigil at all. I wish I could promise to be with you but at my age I can’t because I may not be well enough. I certainly hope and will try hard to be there.

George Evans

largest the World has ever seen, and we didn’t win that without killing a lot of men, women and children. Nationalism is fine but can be dangerous. Being proud of your country is great except when it leads you into murder. The famous Dam busters killed about 1,600 people, mainly Prisoners of War and non-combatants.

How do we stay out of wars?

First, don’t support or vote for any politician who is likely to get us into War. They don’t all look like Hitler but some insult foreign leaders, ‘asking for trouble’. Ours is not the most popular country in the World, though most English people seem to think they all love us. When we’re paying tourists anybody’s popular. Respect is not a God given right; it has to be earned. Empires are always unpopular except with the top nation. Ask a Native American or an Indian.

This year the following events have been arranged for Wellington: ● Remembrance Sunday, 10th November, starting at 10.30am, a large number is expected in the town centre of Wellington for a

parade. Another British Legion event is on 11-11-19. ● May I invite you to a vigil at 12 noon also on 10th November in Wellington Peace Garden? We will be silent for half an hour, some praying, others thinking, meditating, musing, reflecting or remembering. This will be a very informal affair. We will all meet together for half an hour in silence, then go our own way. I’m a Quaker by the way and expect some fellow Quakers will come.

It’s not confined to Christians; all those of any faith or none are equally welcome in silence. It’s not an excuse to persuade you to join anything, it’s just a half hour to contemplate all wars, their sadness and horrors and share a wish for World Peace. Children are welcome if they’re able to be silent for half an hour. Please do come. I’m sure you will be glad you did.

Of course the weather may be terrible and we’ll be in the open air – there may not be a vigil at all.

I wish I could promise to be with you but at my age I can’t because I may not be well enough. I certainly hope and will try hard to be there.

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8, 9 George Evans feature.indd 2

05/11/2019 11:55

YOUR WELLINGTON

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

A letter from the Mayor Dear Residents of Wellington, I would like to thank all those who attended the various events of this October's Wellington Festival.

I would also like to thank the volunteers, Councillors and organizer, Caroline Mulvihill, who have worked so well together.

As always, our Festival is only as good as the audiences that it attracts and we do appreciate feedback via our Wellington Town Council website or completed paper feedback forms available after each event or held at our office.

May 2020 Festival We are now planning the May 2020 Festival with provisional dates of May 2nd to 16th incorporating the annual Help our Heroes event at The Plough on Friday May 8th, which will be the 75th anniversary of VE Day. VE Day On Saturday May 9th, we will be holding a special celebratory event in Wellington Market Square to mark Victory in Europe with a tea party and period entertainment. All are welcome!

Our twin town of Chatenay-Malabry will be visiting from May 7th to May 10th and will be celebrating the end of WW2 with us.

If you would like to get involved in hosting our visitors or in making them feel welcome, PLEASE make contact via the office.

An opportunity to show that Wellington values being twinned with this dynamic and lovely French town located just to the south of Paris.

Your Support Finally, I would like to say as your Mayor, that we have so many small businesses and traders in our town, both new and old, and that they do need our support.

Only by shopping locally and using our cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and market, can we ensure that the regeneration in Wellington continues to grow.'

Rising Star Final We will find out on November 21st in Edinburgh how we have done in the Great British High Street Rising Star final, so let's all keep our fingers crossed.

We're in this together. Thanks.

Anthony The Mayor of Wellington, Cllr Anthony Lowe.

● The Mayor and Mayoress of Wellington, Cllr Anthony and Julie Lowe with performers from Three Men in a Bow Tie. ● The Mayor of Wellington, Cllr Anthony Lowe with Marc Petty from LA21

● Pictures courtesy of Ross Vickers

WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL Follow us on Twitter - twitter.com/WellingtonTCl Facebook www.facebook.com/WellingtonTCShropshire

F

Civic Offices, Larkin Way, Tan Bank, Wellington TF1 1LX Telephone - 01952 567696 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10.30am – 3.30pm

www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk Wellington Town Council Advert FP.indd 1

05/11/2019 12:24

Welling

s and ington cil

WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

THE OFFICIAL SWITCHING ON EVENT FOR THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN WELLINGTONS MARKET SQUARE

Saturday rd

2 3 Nov

ember 2019

ALL SAINTS CHURCH GROUNDS 3.00pm - 4.00pm Children’s Lantern Parade Workshop in All Saints Church - FREE EVENT 3.00pm - 4.00pm Face Painting by Fantasy Face Paints - FREE EVENT 3.00pm - 3.20pm Puppet Show - FREE EVENT 3.00pm - 4.15pm Meet Santa in his Grotto and the Elf on a Shelf - FREE EVENT 4.45pm Judging and presenting pf prizes by the Mayor for the best decorated Christmas lantern outside All Saints Church (by Sundial) 4.50pm Santa and the Parade will leave the top of Church Street and make its way into Market Square led

by Wellington Brass Band playing ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ (composed by Henry John Gauntlett who was born in Wellington in 1805)

Food Quarter

Food will be available from the following...

Spiceland Restaurant, The Crepe Revolution and drinks from The Pour Horse Mobile Bar ...available at the top of Bell Street

Fabulous Festive Fun!

Tow Council Poster 2 2019.indd 1 Wellington Town CouncilChristmas Advert FP.indd

WELLINGTON MARKET SQUARE The Orbit will be showing the film ‘The snow man and the snow dog’ (under 16s) Dress up as your favourite character to win a prize. For tickets contact the box office on 01952 743377 3.30pm The Mayor of Wellington officially opens the event with OLAF 3.30pm - 6.00pm Festive music and fun with Paul Shuttleworth (BBC Radio Shropshire’s Shuttsie) 3.30pm - 6.00pm Street entertainment by Leo’s Loco Circus to include Human Angel Statue, Stilt Walkers, Penny Farthing, Mr Sniffles, the new Zig Zag box and mascots 3.35pm Wellington Brass Band 4.00pm Loco Leo Show 4.30pm Old Hall Choir 4.00pm - 5.00pm Santa Sand Art – FREE EVENT (limited quantity and weather permitting) 4.50pm The Church Bells will ring a Christmas peal 4.55pm Mayor counts down 3...2...1 lights are switched on with Santa 5.05pm Firework Display (caution flashing lights) Opportunity for the Children to meet Santa courtesy of the Telford Lions 6.00pm Event ends 7.00pm The Orbit will be showing the film ‘It’s a wonderful life’ (original version) For tickets contact the box office on 01952 743377 11.30am

31/10/2019 10:50 10:31 04/11/2019

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):

New Midwife Led Unit to open in the New Year

W

OMEN choosing to give birth at the Wrekin Midwife Led Unit (MLU) in Telford will move into state-of-the-art new facilities located next to Consultant-led facilities in the New Year. The move will also allow The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the MLU to create additional beds to ease pressure over the winter months.

Wrekin MLU will move into a purpose-built modular building which will be located next to the Shropshire Women and Children’s Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH).

The area freed up by the move will be used to create a ward which will cater for acute medical patients, creating

more space at PRH over the winter period.

The relocated MLU will include a birthing pool and en-suite bathrooms. It is being designed with the leadership team from the Women and Children’s Care Group.

The new unit is being provided by a specialist company that has worked with NHS organisations across the country, including the Royal Derby and Milton Keynes University hospitals.

Jo Banks, Women and Children’s Care Group Director, said: “The Wrekin MLU is 30 years old. The new facility will be much more appealing to mums wanting a midwife-led birthing experience, while giving women the reassurance of being closer to the Consultant-led unit.”

The moves have been made possible after £4 million of capital funding was secured from the Department of Health.

Paula Clark, Chief Executive at SaTH, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding to improve facilities for mums using our MLU in Telford and to increase our bed space for the winter.

“I know that, to some people, the term ‘modular building’ conjures up images of the old demountable classrooms we had at school, but these modern facilities are about as far removed from that as you can imagine. They are purpose-built with stateof-the-art facilities and look fantastic.”

The new MLU is also expected to open in the New Year.

NEWS SHORTS ARLESTON CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS Once again it is time for people to nominate their Citizen of the Year for Arleston. Good friend of Wrekin News, Dave Barnett writes; We would like people to nominate anyone who lives or works in Arleston whom they consider is worthy of this annual award.

Nominations can be for work done for charity, working within the community or an outstanding carer, we will consider any applications. The award is £100 to be spent on a meal out for two.

Nominations need to be in by 15th of November please.

Please send your nominations to Councillor Angela McClements or Dave Barnett on 01952 244922. D.L. Barnett, Midfields, Arleston, Telford TF1 2NA.

WELLINGTON WALKING FESTIVAL FEEDBACK The festival ran from 8th to 15th September and comprised 28 events. The walks were divided almost equally into themed walks with expert leaders and just walks. The just walks ranged from about 1.5 miles (the shortest Walking for Health walk) and 15 miles. Many of the themed walks were fully booked.

There were around 650 occurrences of someone going to an event connected with the festival (including the film at the Orbit).

Throughout the week about 1,750 miles were walked by attendees.

The number of feedback forms received (33) is a little disappointing but they are enough to draw initial conclusions as below:Beyond those living in the borough, attendees came from a wide area covering Gnosall, Codsall, Broseley, Sedgeley, Wolverhampton, Leominster and Shrewsbury. We also are aware that we had two people staying for several days – one from Wolverhampton and one from Chicago, USA. The festival had an economic benefit to the Wellington area. As well donations to Wellington Walkers are Welcome of about £200, there were donations to Severn Hospice, Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, the Sunnycroft conservatory fund, and the Friends of Dothill LNR, Bowring Park and Apley Woods. In addition, the Wellington Orbit funds will have benefitted from the full house and pre film drinks.

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

04/11/2019 23:18

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 13

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04/11/2019 11:16

Martin Scholes It’s a very welcome return to the pages of Wrekin News for former news editor Martin Scholes with a regular column - Martin will also be updating the website and Twitter account..

Was Lewis Allen, top Hollywood Director, an Oakengates Mon? Yes. He was!

There are often plaques commemorating a building where a famous person once lived or was born in.

O

NE name that surely deserves a commemorative plaque is that of one of the most influential stage, film and TV directors of the 20th century, that of Oakengatesborn Lewis Allen.

Lewis Allen was born in Oakengates in 1905 and attended Tettendan Hall in Staffordshire.

When he left school he joined the Merchant Navy, serving for four years.

Upon leaving the Merchant Navy he spent a short time working as an actor in the theatre.

However, he found the field of theatrical management in London more to his liking, working with Canadian-American actor Raymond Massey. After which Lewis Allen worked in a similar role with Gilbert Miller.

In 1935 Lewis Allen started working as a director in Broadway theatres, where he had a number of highly successful theatre runs, working with such acting greats as Cedric Hardwicke, Helen Hayes and Vincent Price.

In 1941 Hollywood called and Lewis Allen went to work at Paramount Studios. Even though he was a highly experienced stage director Paramount Studios gave him extensive training in film/movie directing.

In 1943 he directed Freedom Comes High, a wartime propaganda film. He also did other work for Paramount before they gave him the opportunity to direct The Uninvited in 1944, a highly memorable and successful ghost story set in south

14 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 14 Martin Scholes.indd 1

west England. The film starred Gail Russell and Ray Milland.

In 1948 Lewis Allen came back to Britain to work on the film So Evil My Love, a melodramatic thriller set in Victorian London.

It’s not known if he visited his family in Oakengates. Does anyone know if he did? If so, please tell us.

He also worked with Alan Ladd on The Great Gatsby (1949). This led to him working with Alan Ladd on two subsequent films, Chicago Deadline and Appointment with Danger.

Also, did local cinemas make any references to Lewis Allen’s family links to Oakengates when they showed the films that he had directed? Once again, if you know, please tell us.

After leaving Paramount Lewis Allen had a long and highly successful career as a TV director, including 42 episodes of the popular cult Western Bonanza, during the show’s entire 14 year run. He also continued to direct films, working with notable actors such as Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, Sean Connery, Lana Turner and Marius Goring.

He was born on Christmas Day 1905 and died on 3 May 2000 in Santa Monica, California at the age of 94.

He was married twice. First to English literary agent Dorothy Skinner, who died in 1969. He later married Trudy Colmar, who survived him. He had a son with Dorothy.

Are any of the Allen family still living in Oakengates? Would

Now here is something a little different. Here is a black and white image from the Wrekin News archives. Now, with the assistance of https://demos. algorithmia.com/colorize-photos we can show a colourised version of the image. What do you think?

It’s far from perfect but it’s interesting to see how far technology has advanced, don’t you think?

Oakengates Town Council and Telford and Wrekin Borough Council be interested in considering funding a plaque for this unsung hero of Oakengates?

Are there any other unsung heroes of the towns and villages of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin who also deserve commemorating?

I think that there is a very good argument that professional research needs to be undertaken to find the names of the people from our area who helped to make major contributions to the fields of the arts, music, industry, commerce, the armed forces, politics and government, religion and so on.

And that this research must be backed with the necessary funds to produce cast iron plaques (at the working cast iron foundry at the Blists Hill LIving History Museum) to commemorate the men and women of our Borough who helped put us on the map.

What do our readers think of this idea? Please do let us know.

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.

04/11/2019 20:44

Doggy ‘temps’ ease remote workers’ loneliness and struggle to unplug

Dogalovers Missing dog wanted in your life?

Join our local host community

Become a Barking Mad holiday host

L

OCAL DOG sitting service provider, Barking Mad Telford/ Shrewsbury is offering a solution to the potential loneliness and inability to switch off that can result from remote working.

For those who work from home or are retired, and are spending large chunks of time alone, caring for a waggy-tailed companion on a temporary basis could really help to overcome feelings of isolation.

Anne Kessell of Barking Mad Telford/Shrewsbury said; “It’s like Bring Your Dog to Work Day in reverse! If you work from home, we can bring you a lovely, friendly dog to care for whilst their owner is away on holiday, subject to you meeting our host criteria. We take care of everything, included chauffeuring the dog to your home with all their essentials and providing 24/7 support. Caring for a friendly dog not only provides canine cuddles (far better than any virtual hug) but also the motivation to step away from your emails and go and take a walk at lunchtime.”

Sarah Spendlove, an artist who works from home and hosts for Barking Mad, said: “As a host, the process has been really straight forward and well organised. I’ve enjoyed the companionship, exercise and everything else that comes with dog sitting. I’d definitely recommend Barking Mad to others, as it’s brought bundles of furry joy into my home, and I always want to give them the best holiday full of walks and playtime!”

‘The State of Remote Work’, Buffer’s 2019 annual report which surveyed 2,471 workers, concludes: “Remote work isn’t always as Instagram-worthy as it may seem. In fact, many remote workers struggle with unplugging from their work, loneliness and communicating.”

CEO of fully remote company Doist, Amir Salihefendic, also recognises the problem and said: “We need to acknowledge that isolation, anxiety and depression are significant problems when working remotely and we must figure out ways and systems to resolve these complex issues.”

The community of Barking Mad host families consists of active retired people and those who either work from home or have extended periods away from work. It offers the opportunity to care for dogs in your own home, while their owners are away on holiday. Hosts experience all the benefits of dog companionship without any of the emotional or financial responsibilities of full-time pet ownership.

Companionship, friendship Companionship, friendship and fun are guaranteed! and fun are guaranteed!

• Dogs to suit your lifestyle • Dogs to suit lifestyleflexible • your Completely • Completely• flexible Trial stays to ensure compatibility • Trial stays •toFull ensure compatibility support and advice • Full support and advice • A playmate for your own dog • A playmate for your own dog

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Shropshire’s 1st organic milk vending machine Join the organic milk uprising at

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● To find out more about becoming a Barking Mad host, you can call Anne Kessell on 01952 677704, email anne.kessell@barkingmad. uk.com or visit www.barkingmad.uk.com

Organic cheese and free range eggs also available Cash and contactless payments accepted

Historical Wellington DVD available now Historical Wellington DVD by Les Edwards of LEVS Video Productions, tells the story of the market Town of Wellington from its humble beginnings to present day.

The ideal christmas present for all lovers of Wellington

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05/11/2019 07:27

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Separated parents - have you decided contact arrangements for your children at Christmas?

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OTH parents will understandably want to spend Christmas Day and the festive period with their children and deciding how to manage this situation can be difficult. There may also be added pressure from outside influences such as other family members to contend with. This can all be very stressful.

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cause upset. Once an agreement has been reached, keeping the children informed of the plan is key and reassuring them will result in less worry for them. For older children, giving them an opportunity to tell you how they feel is important and their views should be considered. ● Communication When trying to come to an agreement, communication is key.

If you find it hard to speak to your former partner, then try writing a letter, email or text with your proposals. If communication has completely broken down, and an agreement cannot be reached, then you may need advice from a lawyer to assist you in negotiating an agreement fairly and amicably, so you can spend time with your children. ● Mediation If you do not think an agreement will be reached by writing a letter, then you may wish to consider family mediation. This involves attending a meeting with your former partner with a trained family mediator being present to help guide parties towards an agreement. It can often be the preferred option, as it is fairly inexpensive compared to Court proceedings.

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16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16 Parry Carver.indd 1

05/11/2019 06:14

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04/11/2019 10:59

Lest We Forget

by Wellington Remembers 1914 / 1918

Remembering a young soldier

written by

Mary Rogers

As we remember all those affected by conflicts, let us pause to remember one young man from Wellington.

His picture and story remind us that many of those who fought and died were very young.

A Mystery...

A

s you read his story you will note that he was born with the surname Cole, fostered by the Bloomer family and enlisted under the name of Oxley. Please contact the Wrekin News if you know why he was fostered, what happened to his parents or why he enlisted under the name of Oxley 26684 Private

Ronald Claude Oxley

King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Born on 10 July 1897 Wellington, Shropshire Lived on Prince’s Street; Ketley & ‘Watville’ Watling Street Wellington Killed in action on 26 September 1917 aged 20 in Belgium Buried in New Buttes Military Cemetery; grave VIII.A.2

His Story...

Ronald Claude Cole was born on 10 July 1897, the son of Frank and Marion Cole at 9 Prince’s Street Wellington. There is no trace that Frank and Marion were married, and his birth certificate shows that Marion’s surname was Keeley.

By 1900 Ronald started to attend the Ketley Board School and Mrs Bloomer is shown as his guardian. The 1901 census confirms that he is the foster son of Alfred Bloomer, a well-known Wellington photographer and his wife Jane in Ketley.

His name on the census return was Ronald Claude Oxley, a surname he used when he joined the army.

Ronald was brought up with the Bloomer’s own children, Ernest, Robina and Kathleen. In 1905 Ernest enlisted as a boy drummer in the Royal Marines Artillery Band.

By 1911, the Bloomer family had moved to ‘Watville’ in Watling Street a house with six rooms, rather grander than many in Wellington at that time.

This time Ronald Claude Cole Oxley was recorded as a boarder in the household.

When Ronald left school he followed his foster brother Ernest, working in the large drapery store managed by Miss Jones at 47 High Street, Bridgnorth. The business was typical for its time, providing living accommodation and apprenticeships to its young employees. A good grounding that would enable them to have a retail career in a major store in Birmingham or London.

War however halted Ronald’s career, as he enlisted as 2021 Trooper Ronald Oxley in the 2/1st Shropshire Yeomanry. The reverse of the old photograph opposite suggests that this was in August 1914 and that he was a trumpeter. He was described as 5’ 8” tall with a slight build and fair complexion.

Looking at records of men with similar service numbers, it looks likely that Ronald enlisted a little later, possibly at the beginning of October 1914.

Although Ronald joined up at the start of the war he was not awarded the 1914-15 Star, which suggest that he did not see active service until at least 1916.

The Bridgnorth Journal of 20 October 1917, corroborates this posting to the 2/1st Shropshire Yeomanry. This was a second line regiment in September 1914, which served in Northumberland, first as a mounted unit before being dismounted and the battalion converted to a bicycle unit.

Annette Burgoyne suggests that it is likely Ronald was transferred to 4th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI) around 20 September 1916 before being posting to the 7th Battalion KSLI on 30 September, possibly to C Company.

The war diary confirms that a draft of 48 reinforcements arrived in the line on that day.

The 7th Battalion was involved in some of the fiercest fighting of the war. By 20 September 1917 orders were received to move to the Brandhoek area. The war diary records that when they reached their destination the accommodation was so poor that they were moved to another nearby camp. Here they prepared for the next attack, building up their strength with physical training, culminating with a practice attack on 23 September. When they marched to Toronto Camp on 24 September they had 44 officers and 963 men on strength. From here they travelled by train to Ypres by light railway and then marched to their assembly point.

Night or dawn attacks were a key feature of the war, this was no exception. When the battalion attacked at 5.50am we know that there was severe fighting and the objective was achieved.

The position was maintained the next day and the battalion was relieved in the line on 28 September.

There was a heavy price paid, the battalion had lost a quarter of its strength, with 11 officers, and 250 men killed, wounded or missing. One of those was Ronald Oxley. According to the picture above, Ronald was in the attack, wounded in the leg at 5pm on the 26 September, during a counter attack near Zonebeke. He was ‘last seen on way to the dressing station when he was reported wounded a second time in the back.’

The Bridgnorth Journal also reported his injury and added ‘and whilst being carried to the dressing station was hit again and died shortly afterwards.’ The Army Register of Soldiers’

18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk Lest We Forget - Wellington Remembers.indd 1

04/11/2019 10:55

Wellington Remembers is supported

by Heritage Lottery Funding

effects, and Soldiers Died both list Ronald as killed in action.

Ronald was buried in a field cemetery and reburied in the Butts New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood after the war. There does appear to have been some confusion whether he was serving in the 7th or 10th Battalion.

He was identified by his identity disc as 2021 Trooper Oxley, Shropshire Yeomanry, the grave registration form was corrected in red to read 7th Battalion and the Commonwealth War Graves Register notes that he served with 10th (Shropshire and Cheshire Yeomanry) KSLI, however this is unlikely to be correct as there is no record of him being in the 10th Battalion on the medal roll and the 10th Battalion did not reach France until 1918.

He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. These were sent to his family, Jane, his foster mother, received his £14 war gratuity, and arrears of pay. He is commemorated in Bridgnorth as Ronald Oxley and in Wellington as Ronald Bloomer. His foster parents continued to live at ‘Watville’, Watling Street after the war. On 24 September 1927, J Bloomer put the following tribute in the Wellington Journal:-‘Bloomer - in memory of our dear son Ron who died in France September 26 1917. O for the touch of his dear hand.’

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Wellington Remembers 1914 / 1918 ● The Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 project was a Heritage Lottery Project recording the lives of the 184 people on the All Saints Lychgate. A reference copy of the biographies is available in Wellington Library. They are also available on line: www.shropshirearchives.org.uk/learning/world-war-one-onlineresources/wellington-remembers/

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Lest We Forget - Wellington Remembers.indd 2

04/11/2019 10:55

Lest We Forget

by Wellington Local Agenda 21 Group

Building a fit country for heroes to live in

written by

Marc Petty

One hundred years ago this month, work was beginning on one of Wellington’s most enduring First World War legacies. Marc Petty, Project Officer with Wellington Local Agenda 21 Group, traces a major development that changed the town forever, helped to improve the lives of thousands of residents and now features in a new National Lottery Heritage Fund project about an era many history books have seemingly forgotten.

O

N the afternoon of October 29th 1919, an August gathering of civic dignitaries assembled in the Millfields area of town for an event long in the making. They were there to witness the turning of the first sod on Wellington Urban District Council’s new workmen’s housing scheme.

Awarded the honour of wielding the ceremonial spade that day was a person who, perhaps more than any other, was responsible for bringing it to fruition. John Wesley Clift (pictured), businessman, inventor, veteran town councillor and doyen of countless local community groups was a tireless campaigner for a programme he argued ‘could only be accomplished by the huge efforts and sacrifices on the part of the whole community’.

In wartime, he had been among the first to highlight the plight of local wives and children of men away on active service, labelling as a ‘disgrace to humanity’ the appalling living conditions many were forced to endure.

Indeed, the poor physical state of Army recruits at the outbreak of hostilities had already highlighted as much.

So when at the ceremony his long-serving colleague Councillor Harvey astutely observed ‘we can’t have A1 men when they are brought up in CIII houses’ he provided an insight into at least some

of the motivation behind the national effort to improve the situation.

A week later, the Wellington Journal reflected with pride on the town’s position in the ‘in the van of progressive effort’ but the pathway to Urban Gardens (the selfreferencing name chosen by the council for its new estate) was far from straightforward. In the 1890s, Wellington’s had been among the first wave of British local authorities to build its own housing but a downturn in the construction industry had long since brought progress to a halt by the advent of World War One. However in 1917, before the conflict had even ended, plans for 51 new homes at Millfields were being advanced. In the aftermath, the 1919 Housing Act (a key feature of Lloyd George’s post-war ‘land fit for heroes’ programme) provided fresh impetus. This groundbreaking legislation not only made council’s responsible for assessing local housing need in their districts but also addressing it, for which generous subsidies were provided by the Government.

Along with council

l After Ludlow, Wellington was the most densely populated town in Shropshire in 1919 Picture from Allan Frost

l 95 homes were constructed in the Millfields area by 1925 Picture by Gordon Dickins

surveyor George Reilly (who designed Urban Gardens), Wellington’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr White, was responsible for measuring that need. Wellington in 1919 was, aside from medieval Ludlow, the most densely populated town in Shropshire. Many of its most overcrowded dwellings lay near the centre, around Chapel Lane and High Street, where one-up one-down cottages jostled for space in notorious courtyards that typically shared a

single communal tap and rows of squalid earth privies (which were cleared by the council after midnight). To make matters worse, the town’s water supply was so poor in late 1919 it had to be turned off between dusk and dawn! Writing in his annual report, Dr White was in no doubt the new Housing Act represented an opportunity to abolish bad housing conditions and the ‘appalling load of ill-health that is the result of them’.

Work on a new borehole

to improve the water supply also began in October 1919 but solving the housing problem would not be so easy.

This was an era when most people rented their homes and, in Wellington, around 650 of the town’s 1770 householders paid less than three shillings a week for the privilege.

The council estimated the economic rent for building the first 22 properties at Urban Gardens (which cost around £32,000 each in modern money) was 21 shillings. Although it

20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 20, 21 Marc Petty.indd 1

05/11/2019 10:57

DISCOVER MORE

To discover more about the story of 1919, visit: www.wellingtonswar. co.uk where you can also download a copy of the ‘Wellington’s War and What Came Next’ heritage trail booklet (which is available in print from Wellington Library and Town Council offices).

● Pictured at Urban Gardens are - Cllr Lee Carter, Cllr Paul Davis, Daryl Brown (Design Doughnut), Marc Petty, Caroline Mulvihill (Wellington Town Council), Kevin Tanner (Wellington LA21), Majid Iqbal (Chair, Regent Street Mosque) Picture by Alec Connah

● The first 22 houses at Urban Gardens were built by Messrs Laing and Son of Carlisle

Care Centre Wellington, Shropshire, TF1 2EH

Picture by Gordon Dickins

planned to charge prospective tenants no more than seven shillings a week, one thing was abundantly clear: those trapped in the worst of the town’s slums would not be moving into them!

Wesley Clift’s answer was that the new houses should instead be taken by the better paid class of artisan, with those in the cheaper tenements moving into the properties they vacated - an idea popularly known as ‘filtering-up’.

To an extent, national design standards of housing at places like Urban Gardens - a mixture of ‘scullery’ and more salubrious ‘parlour’ properties defined by their archetypal front sitting room - reflected those upwardly mobile aspirations. An acre of playing field around the estate was another notable feature separating the new development from the crowded courtyards of old. To emphasise the clean break from the past, Wesley Clift declared that ‘three bedrooms at least should

be provided in each house’, while they would also possess separate bathrooms.

Not everyone in Wellington was convinced of the need for change though. When voting to name the new estate, Councillor Williams successfully raised a motion that ‘Millstone Crescent’ should be included among the list of contenders - for that was what he thought it would prove to be to the town’s ratepayers! In the event, the rateable value of the properties caused something of a sensation, bearing comparison to the ‘villas on Holyhead Road’ as one local politician put it. While ‘filteringup’ failed to address the true scale of housing need in Wellington in 1919 (it was estimated at least 134 houses were required), it nevertheless established a principle that led directly to the erection of other local estates at Ercall Gardens and Hollies Road that by the 1930s helped to remove many of Wellington’s worst slums.

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20, 21 Marc Petty.indd 2

Care Centre_Parish_ Wrekin News 136x97.5 May 2019.indd 1

07/05/2019 10:59

05/11/2019 12:21

Lest We Forget World War One Series: The Great War

Aftermath 1919 - 1920 War Dead: National Mourning / The Origins of the Cenotaph

I

n 1919 the king George V, was aware perhaps more than most that his own subjects were in need of closure at the enormous loss of life suffered by their fighting relatives during the war. Out of a total of 1.4 million war dead: 850,000 were UK service personnel, leaving a balance of 550, 000 Empire service personnel comprising those nations who fought under the Union Jack such as Canada and Autralia / New Zealand (ANZAC) forces.

King George’s personal loss of the Russian Tsar, his own maternal cousin Nicholas, and his entire family having been massacred on July 17th 1918, by the Bolsheviks on Lenin’s orders, weighed heavily on his shoulders.

George had refused their family sanctuary in the UK when requested after his abdication in April 1918.

At home he noted the strength of feeling for the planned Peace Day rally to be held in London on the auspiscious date of 11th November.

This was the anniversary of the original Armistice signing date in 1918. Many thousands of people were expected to turn out as they did on the pervious date and he wanted to express on behalf of the nation this terrible loss.

Deciding it was important to mark this date and the subsequent ceremony in the capital, the king created an open competition for someone to design and build a suitable monument for display to act as a focus for national mourning . The baton was taken up by the premier architect of the day Sir Edwin Lutyens who set about designing a suitable temporary edifice in mock stone ( plaster and wood) to be sited in Whitehall. Lutyens gave the name Cenotaph (meaning ‘empty tomb’) to the piece for effect. Having won hands down, when the rally and parade was over with the anticipated mass response, the popular appeal of the Cenotaph was sealed.

King George decreed it was to be a permanent memorial with a formal opening ceremony to be held on 11th November 1920 where the temporary one was replaced by the permanent stone marker we see today.

written by

Chris Owen

Meet The Author Come and meet the author at Bridgnorth Library Book Launch - where he will be signing copies of ‘Bridgnorth in the Great War’ on 9th November (10am - 2pm).

Read More . . .

Read more about this in his latest WW1 book; ‘Bridgnorth in the Great War’ written by Chris Owen – To order direct simply email chris.w.a.owen@ gmail.com or contact the Wrekin News) ● Cenotaph opening ceremony : 1920

W

orld-famous Bridgnorth town is situated on the river Severn near Kiddermin and is a very popular ster ster Kiddermin anglers’ nearhaunt and tourist destination the river Severn shadow town is ofsituated . Within the its veryon own Civil War-ravag Within the orld-famous Bridgnorth ed .castle lies a unique funicular and tourist destination haunttern and anglers’ the north-wes rail system terminus of the and is a very popular funicular rail system ed castle lies a unique famous Severn Valley heritage railway line.

Although War-ravag Civil steeped own in military history, line. railway shadow of its very Valley heritagemuch of its Great War social famous– Severn remained of theobscure history has terminus has tern until now. history north-wes This the social enthralling account explores and of its Great War unknown many surprising and history, factsmuch about Bridgnorth and many surprising and Although steeped in military account explores its wartime Home Front, drawing on of material This enthralling from diverse now. a wealth primary sources, on a wealth drawing remained obscure – until including Home Front, official news reports that its wartime the fullest andpicture disclose Bridgnorth of the terrible news disclose reports unknown facts about thethat serving men, their relatives official sacrifices their townsfolk sources, including primary and also made to Britain’s war relatives and also of material from diverse effort. the serving men, their Misledsacrifices by governmen terrible t propaganda, which implied the fullest picture of the that the men were enlisting effort. a short-term war adventuro to Britain’s for us romp, this enlisting for were patriotical little their townsfolk made men town the that implied ly sacrificed the flower of generation a, which propagandto the largely trench-bound a flower of a Misled by government bloodythe morass patriotically sacrificed the town Great commitme little War this became. nt romp, and us Their fortitude gives testament Their a short-term adventuro to became. the incredible morass the Great War Bridgnorth trench-bou, nd andbloody their losses are evidenced of the people ofbravery of the people of generation to the largely in the various commemo the incredible bravery erected testamentt to rative monuments givesthroughou the town and in surroundin monuments rative commitment and fortitude commemo g hamlets. in the various Utilizing are evidenced contempor ary documents and wartime Bridgnorth, and their losses servicemen hamlets. g ’s of poignant surroundin which in disclosed for andare letters, some town the first time, poignant letters, some erected throughout the in the Great War reveals wartime servicemen’s Bridgnorth once and prosperou documents how this s and industrious West how this Utilizing contemporary War reveals Midlands’ in the Great town endured of first time,toBridgnorth themanhood forits this cataclysmic event, the greatest sacrifice the greatest sacrifice of which are disclosed endured which was fancifully dubbed end all wars’. s West Midlands’ town ‘the war to ‘the war to once prosperous and industriou was fancifully dubbed cataclysmic event, which of its manhood to this Christopher W. A . Owen is a local historian and end all wars’.

IT graduate who lives with his wife and son. in Shropshire Although his speciality Shropshire lives the in Second World War he and IT graduate who is a logical historian prequel is a local has written to this even greater catastroph he has written Christopher W. A . Owen is the Second World War e, which was spawned out mistakes of his the speciality Although Great War. He is also of the out of the with his wife and son. was spawned ned to write about other catastrophe, whichcommissio townseven greater for this Shropshire fascinating Pen & to other Shropshire a logical prequel to this about writelocal history ned Sword series. commissio also is He War. mistakes of the Great series.

Pen & Sword local history fascinating this for towns

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Win a copy of Bridgnorth In The Great War In Bridgnorth that same year a permanent stone figure was added to the the memorial gardens to commemorate their war dead and comprised an action pose of a Bronze soldier in full marching order seemingly posed as if having thrown a hand grenade forwards.

● Bridgnorth War Memorial

Wrekin News has teamed up with author Chris Owen to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a signed copy of Chris’s new book ‘Bridgnorth In The Great War’. To enter please send your name, address and daytime telephone number via email to: tania@plus2media.co.uk. You can also enter by post send your entry to: Plus2, PO Box 515, Telford TF2 2JE. Closing date for entries is Friday 29 November 2019, terms and conditions apply.

Good luck!

22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk Lest We Forget - Chris Owen.indd 1

04/11/2019 11:38

Lest We Forget

by Wellington History Group

Legacy Fund helps to improve war memorials

DAY REMEMBRANCE

A new war memorial in Lawley which was supported by the Telford 50 Legacy Fund has officially been opened after a year of building work.

T

he new memorial which has been built on the land behind the Grazing Cow Pub was funded by Lawley and Overdale Parish Council and also the Telford 50 Legacy Fund which contributed £18,000.

Lawley and Overdale Parish Council and Nuneaton company ‘Art Fabrications’ worked together to design and construct the new memorial, which was unveiled by the parish council at a War Memorial Dedication Ceremony

yesterday.

Last year the Telford 50 Legacy fund contributed over £24,000 in total which went towards the building of the new memorial in Lawley, as well as improving and restoring a number of existing war memorials in the borough. A further £13,000 was also spent on resurfacing the Memorial Gates in Donnington, thanks to the Pride in our Community programme.

Councillor Raj Mehta, Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusivity said: “We are delighted that the Telford 50 Legacy Fund has been used to

IN WELLINGTON

support such an important building project in the borough. War memorials are such as important part of our town as a place where local communities can pay their respect to our servicemen and women who were affected by war and also their families. It’s fantastic that this funding has also been used to look after existing memorials as well as new formations in newer parts of Telford and Wrekin.”

For more information about other Telford 50 Legacy funded projects and their progress please visit www.telford50.co.uk

On 10th November 2019 the people of Wellington will gather at the Lychgate to remember those who have died as the result of every conflict.

Memorial Boards

The 2019 Parade

It will be an opportunity to see the Town’s memorial boards which incorporate many images of those named on the Lychgate by the Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 project.

The Parade will leave The Nailor’s Row car park in the centre of Wellington on Sunday 10th November at 10.25am. It will turn right into New Street, march through Market Square and into Church Street, pass The Lychgate (in front of All Saints Church) in time for the short (outside) service which will be held on the grassed area in front of All Saints Church. Following the service, at approximately 11.15am, the parade will march - by the same route in reverse - back to The Parade car park for dismissal at approximately 11.40am. The Mayor will take the salute in the Square as this is done.

ARMISTICE DAY Monday 11 November 2019 th

There will be a short service held in Wellington Market Square at 11.00am

Sunday

TOWN CENTRE LEGACY WALK . . .

Join Marc Petty, Project Officer with Wellington Local Agenda 21 Group, for a town centre walk exploring the legacy of the First World War in Wellington 100 years exactly since the first Armistice commemorations took place”. 11.30am Monday 11th November outside the Wellington Leisure Centre, walk length 45mins.

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23 Lest We Forget - Wellington History Group copy.indd 1

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Lest We Forget

by Wellington History Group

Someone to remember A year ago the Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 group and several other community groups were pulling out the stops to assemble the exhibition, put the Memorial Boards in place and arrange a parade of relatives and representatives to carry a poppy for each of the 184 WW1 names on the Lychgate.

Wellington remembered.

So what happens now?

W

E focus our act of Remembrance on 11th November so it is a fitting time to ask once again for help from our community.

Part of our project was to write a biography for each person named for WW1. These are available to read online at Shropshire Archives, search for Wellington Remembers.

The two volumes produced are available locally to view at the Library (Telford and Wellington), All Saints, St Patrick’s, Christ Church and the Town Council.

Personally I would like to know that each person on that memorial is in someone’s thoughts this November; to that end I have once again printed off a card for each. Please help me in my quest by collecting a card from Francis the Butchers in Market Street or the Town Council Offices and try to read the biography. If you do not have a card you can still access Shropshire Archives, pick a name or two and read those stories.

My second challenge is to start a simple project to find photos for the 50 men who died in WW2. The very first photo I had of a man from our war memorial was that of Thomas Edmund Jones, killed Saturday 17th Jan 1942. The information to write biographies, as we did for WW1, is not available but families may well have photos of the men who are named opposite and possibly further details. If you do, I would love to have a copy so that we can put faces to the names listed opposite -

Wellington History Group

Talks

Make a note of Wellington History Group’s next illustrated talk....

Thursday 21st November 2019 at 7.30pm in Wellington Library Allan Frost The Hiatt Ladies College, 1847-1959 Improved by women, destroyed by men Admission Free · Donations Welcome

written by

Wendy Palin

Below: Regular soldiers Eddy Jones (holding the baby) and Len Fox at Wellington Railway Station in September 1938

Above and below; Someone to remember - samples of the cards that can be picked up from Ken Francis Butchers in Market Street, Wellington.

Can you help? Do you have a photo of any of the men who are named below?

Adderley A. D.F.M. Baker G. S. Barber W.E. Barnes G. Beech J. Bickley L.W. Bowles F.C. Burrows L. Cadwallader S. Churm J. Corfield A.A. Crowe R.G. Currall A.

Dickin R.C. Duddell W.L. Fletcher N.J. Fox S.T. Gallear J.A. Gittings F. Griffiths C.W.J. Groves A.L. Hollis J. Jones R. Jones T.E. Leach W. Lowe E.D.

Carline Electrical

Magness C.G. Morris H.L. Owen L.W. Owen S. Phillips J.N. Phillips T.J. Price G.A. Pursall H.F. Quinn E. Rickards S.J. Round V. Shotton W.B. Stanton W.

Competitive prices Call now for a

FREE

estimate

Tel: 01952 257275 · Mobile: 07704803657 Domestic electrical installations, repairs, rewires, new sockets lights, CCTV Install, small jobs accepted Call Anthony Carline to dicuss your requirements Manor Rise, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2ND

www.carlineelectrical.co.uk

PART P REGISTERED

Stones J.R. Taylor W.P. Turner F.E. Vickers R.H. Ward D.W. Watkiss H.P. White J. Wilson B. Wood C.P.J. D.F.C. Wood H. Woodvine A.

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

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

24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk Lest We Forget - Wellington History Group.indd 1

04/11/2019 11:48

Pete

Jackson

‘Lie of the land’ The story of Telford Slag...

The Cinderloo project has released a new short film called ‘Lie of the land’ which explores the impact on the local environment of the industries that provided the back drop to the events 200 years ago. Here Pete Jackson and Andrew Naylor explore one of those industrial by products – Telford Slag...

T

elford has more old slag than anywhere else in the world. As the birthplace of the industrial revolution it is not surprising that the area that is now Telford has a large repository of historical slag. Slag is the waste product left behind from the smelting of iron, and in Telford, it’s everywhere.

Slag has a defining and unique role in the history and topography of the town. From ‘Slag tip to forest city’ is a strap line that summarises the transformation that the town has undergone over the past 200 years and highlights why the word ‘slag’ has a particular association with Telford. Our paths are not paved with gold but frequently the shining blue, green, purple and black gemstones, or slag, created in the industries that shaped the industrial revolution.

In its natural state iron is found in combination with sandstone and other minerals. The rust coloured, heavy stone is not much use to us in that form, but heating it in controlled conditions to 1250C separates the metallic iron from the material we don’t want. Some of it is given off as gas and some melts into a hard, durable, glassy, blue-green to black substance, slag, the byproduct, the valueless waste, The term slag has a modern usage which avoids the town celebrating what is perhaps its most intrinsic characteristic. Who knew that the Museum of Iron hosts the National Slag Collection? Another one of the towns best kept secrets!

John Box the ecologist employed

by Telford Development Corporation to protect and enhance some of the towns ecological legacy spoke recently of the fascinating backdrop

that slag provides across the town.

The pit mounds, the heath lands and formally pitted areas that Dawley, Oakengates, Donnington and Madeley provide diverse and unique habitats linked to the industries that made the area great.

The hard labour combined with science and technology provide a chemistry lesson, recently delivered

by Mike Dobby, of how under our feet the application of revolutionary industrial methods that set the town at the heart of the industrial revolution. The shiny green and blue pieces of slag that we are familiar with tell a tale of previous generations ingenuity in helping to create the tools and machines that moved the area on from a rural back water to a place renowned for its pioneering work.

But with some irony that the transformation of the former waste generated from the mining and quarrying of coal, iron ore, limestone and clay is now fiercely protected by the local community who fear the loss of the habitats that have grown on and out of these formally brutal working environments.

The Portley road pit mound gained notoriety as a handmade sign proclaiming ‘Dawley wood’ stood proudly at the top of the mound in defiance of the bull dozers that subsequently raised it to the ground.

The welcome development of nature reserves across the town are each a history and ecology lesson that tells a story of natures ability to reclaim space from humans and regenerate in the most difficult environments Residents in Lawley Gate uncovered recently different types of ‘Telford slag’ amongst the bricks and mortar of a former well. Tony Mugridge talks passionately of the hard surfaces that provide glimpses

● Andrew Naylor with Telford slag at the Lawley Gate well

of the labouring activities that went on around us. When you look closely slag forms many old walls in the area and the foundations of much of Telford’s highways are taken from the slag and clinker created out of the mines and foundries upon which the new town is built.

The town park, the ‘Jewel in Telford’s crown’ hosts a small information board entitled ‘Slag works’ telling the story of Wrekin chemical works and the ‘slag crusher’ installed by H.C. Johnson to create aggregate for roads and concrete manufacture.

Our project Cinderloo gained its name from the setting where the battle between the colliers and yeomanry took place on the cinder hills (slag heaps) at Old Park. Tom Palin was tried and hung for his role in the events, which included men and women throwing pieces of clinker (slag) in self defence against the bullets and bayonets of the yeomanry.

The image of Tom Palin dangling from a rope, described by the local press of the time as ‘……….’ In modern language a slag of a human being, literally hung out to dry is perhaps a metaphor for what slag is to Telford – the embodiment of industrial capitalism scraping the top off the smelting iron and casting it aside as the human collateral of its profits or perhaps the salt of the earth and of regeneration - a fight for social and environmental justice that is the enduring battle that Cinderloo 1821 is attempting to rekindle.

#telfordslags anyone?

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.

25 Pete Jackson.indd 1

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 25

05/11/2019 11:44

WIN THEATRE TICKETS! HOW TO ENTER Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see our feature shows.

All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number via email to: Tania Baylis - tania@plus2media.co.uk or send a postal entry to: Plus2, PO Box 515, Telford TF2 2JE. Closing date for entries is FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2019.

Terms and conditions apply.

GOOD LUCK!

The Stage this month’s top picks ALADDIN

W IN TICKET

WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 - SUNDAY 12 JANUARY 2020

BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281

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on’t miss this year’s spectacular, fun-filled, family pantomime, ALADDIN! Starring the brilliant BRAD FITT, BBC Radio Shropshire’s legendary ERIC SMITH, Shrewsbury favourite VICTORIA McCABE, and direct from the National Theatre, KATE MALYON. Shropshire’s BIGGEST pantomime will be written by PAUL HENDY and is brought to you by EVOLUTION, the same creative team behind last year’s smash hit Mother Goose.

Last year’s show was seen by over 42,000 people, so book now to avoid

S

disappointment and get ready for your fabulous flyingcarpet adventure!

KKKKK ‘UTTERLY AMAZING... A TRULY GREAT SHOW!’ loveshrewsbury.com ‘ANOTHER TRIUMPH… BRILLIANTLY TIMED COMEDY!’ shropshirelive.com ‘I LAUGHED MY SOCKS OFF!’ Shropshire What’s On ‘BRILLIANT!’ Shropshire Star

W IN TICKET

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Friday 15 - Saturday 16 November 8.00pm

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SHOWCASING EVEN MORE OF THE BEACH BOYS HITS AND CLASSICS THAT YOU KNOW AND LOVE - YOU’LL BE SINGING AND DANCING YOUR FLIP-FLOPS OFF ALL NIGHT, GUARANTEED!

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Friday 13 - Sunday 15th December 7.00pm

TICKETS FROM

£10

Saturday 4th January 2pm, 7pm to..

Saturday 25th January 2020, 2pm, 7pm

FOLLOWING THEIR SENSATIONAL PERFORMANCES AT THE THEATRE ON THE STEPS THE STONES RETURN IN 2019

NEW CONTENT FOR 2019 - BOOK EARLY THESE SHOWS SELL OUT QUICKLY

£16

Friday 6th - Saturday 7th December 8.00pm

Thursday 28th - Saturday 30th November

THE STONES

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

STRAP YOURSELVES IN, AND PREPARE FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY NIGHT AT THE THEATRE SOME ADULT HUMOUR. SUITABLE FOR 15+

£18 SURF’S UP

HOLLYWOOD HAS THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, THE BLACK COUNTRY HAS THE GREATEST SHOWENCH!

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Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 November 7.00pm

“WHAT A FANTASTIC NIGHT!” THIS SHOW ALWAYS SELLS OUT SO BOOK EARLY AND DON’T MISS OUT

S

THE THEATRE ON THE STEPS CONTINUES ITS LONG HISTORY OF PRODUCING A TRADITIONAL FUN FILLED PANTOMIME FULL OF SONGS, DANCING AND HILARITY FROM START TO FINISH AND SUITABLE FOR ALL THE FAMILY.

CONTACT

01746 766477

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

Telford’s Pantomime is the best in town!

I

11 DECEMBER 2019 - 5 JANUARY 2020

T’S NOT Christmas without a trip to a pantomime and Telford’s offer this year promises to be one of the best across Shropshire and the West Midlands.

With a fabulous set, stunning costumes, bags of comedy, amazing special effects and audience participation a-plenty, Jack and the Beanstalk has something that the whole family will love.

The star studded cast this year includes Oliver Mellor as Fleshcreep.

Best known for his appearances in Coronation Street as Dr Matt Carter, Oliver has also appeared in other popular TV shows including Cold Feet, Eastenders, Emmerdale, Doctor Who and The Royal.

Back by popular demand is Carl

BOX OFFICE: 01952 382382

Dutfield as Jack. He brought the house down last year as Buttons in Cinderella. His comedy routines and performances had audiences laughing well into the New Year.

Also starring West End star Michelle Whitney as The Fairy, From Channel 4’s Gameface Spencer K Gibbins as King Crumble, Chloe Barlow as Princess Jill and the Hilarious Tim Ames as Dame Trott.

Jack and the Beanstalk celebrates 20 years of pantomime in Telford and is set to be another huge success so make sure you’re part of it by booking your tickets now.

Tickets are available from just £8 so affordable to bring the whole family along. We offer FREE PARKING and our venue is fully accessible.

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

04/11/2019 18:04

AT

T IEC T TICK KET

FLICKS

General Manager: Annette Small

Welcome to your new Luxury Cinema here in Telford. We have 10 screens of film magic where we screen all the latest Blockbusters and more, with Live Event showings, Real 3D, and our amazing new I-Sense Screen as well as special shows like our Odeon Kids, Silver Screen, Newbies and more.

Every seat on every row has been expertly designed so you can relax and recline during your film. With less seats and extra space, you’ll have a more personal, immersive experience with every visit. Our fine selection of wines, spirits, ciders and beers from our new Oscars Bar, sit perfectly alongside our irresistible new menu of hot and chilled food.

Plus with your own table built into your seat, you can enjoy your delicious cinema snacks in maximum comfort. This is just you and the film – and cinema has never felt better. Our newly re-fitted Costa is now open and ready to delight you with the very best Coffee, and surroundings to further relax, and soak up the atmosphere.

Parking is available at the cinema for the perfect spot!

Films of the month

Just another reason to become a Limitless Member!

Limitless Members are invited to the exclusive member screening of Knives Out, a fun, modern day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas and Jamie Lee Curtis on Monday 25 November 2019 at 20:00. That’s four days before general release! It pays to be Limitless!

See all the films you want, as often as you like!

TICK

ET

T ON E

T ON E

TICK

ADMI ADMI

Wrekin News has teamed up with the Odeon Cinema, Telford to offer TWO lucky reader’s a pair of standard cinema tickets to a film of your choice. Just send your name and telephone contact via email to: Tania Baylis - tania@plus2media.co.uk or post your entry to - Plus2, PO Box 515, Telford TF2 2JE - Closing date for entries is Friday 29 November 2019

ET

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

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

Win Cinema Tickets!

27 Entertainment.indd 1

From the Academy Award-winning team - directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and producer Peter Del Vecho - and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, and the music of Oscarwinning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in UK cinemas this November.

‘Doctor Sleep’ continues the story of Danny Torrance, 40 years after his terrifying stay at the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson and newcomer Kyliegh Curran star in the supernatural thriller, directed by Mike Flanagan, from his own screenplay based upon the novel

by Stephen King. Still irrevocably scarred by the trauma he endured as a child at the Overlook, Dan Torrance has fought to find some semblance of peace. But that peace is shattered when he encounters Abra, a courageous teenager with her own powerful extrasensory gift, known as the ‘shine.’ Instinctively recognizing that Dan shares her power, Abra has sought him out, desperate for his help against the merciless Rose the Hat and her followers, The True Knot, who feed off the shine of innocents in their quest for immortality. Forming an unlikely alliance, Dan and Abra engage in a brutal life-or-death battle with Rose. Abra’s innocence and fearless embrace of her shine compel Dan to call upon his own powers as never before - at once facing his fears and reawakening the ghosts of the past.

Our New Look Combos are here - Designed to please every taste bud!

Odeon has re-designed the Combo, to fulfill each and every appetite. Whether it’s the ‘Classic Combo’ of a Soft Drink and a Popcorn, the ‘Deluxe Combo’ with Hot Film Food, a Large Soft Drink and a Side, or one of our Combos to Share with ‘The Sharer’ containing 2 Large Soft Drinks, a Large Popcorn, and a Bag of Sweets, or the mega ‘Family Feast’ with a Medium Popcorn, 2 Regular drinks, and 2 Kids Mixes we have got you covered. Don’t forget that our new ‘Kids Mix’ comes with a Kid’s size Popcorn and Drink, with 2 Kid’s size bags of Sweets, all in a handy carry tray perfect for those little hands. The Cinema Experience just got a whole lot tastier!

ADMI ONE T T ONE ADMI

Welcome

THE

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 27

04/11/2019 18:33

Win Christmas Cake

Win

Christmas Meat Voucher

Win Christmas Tree

(Value £50)

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

HOW TO ENTER

One lucky winner will walk away with all three prizes!

All you have to do to enter is email your name, address and daytime telephone number to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, or post your entry to: Plus2, PO Box 515, Telford TF2 2JE. Closing date for entries is Friday 29 November 2019, good luck!

Terms and conditions apply

Christmas Give-a-way Win a Christmas Cake Courtesy of Hip Hop Cake Shop Bespoke Celebration cakes made for any occasion. Food hygiene rating FIVE. Fully Insured. See our Facebook page search for Hip hop cake shop @hiphopcakeshop for more information. Offering a beautiful Christmas cake.

Win a £50 Christmas Meat Voucher!

Courtesy of Ken Francis Butchers, Wellington Your chance to win a £50 meat voucher, and it’s time to order your Christmas Fayre. We are currently celebrating 40 years of Ken Francis Butchers. Purveyors of the finest quality fresh locally farmed Turkeys, Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Pheasant, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Hams and wide selection of pies and pastries.

Call in the shop or ring us on 01952 249966. We’re also on Facebook.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all from Ken, Lizzie, Laura, Lee and Tony.

Anthony Nicholls Manager, Ken Francis Butchers

Win a Christmas Tree

Courtesy of Dobbies Garden Centre, Telford Choose your own Christmas Tree at Dobbies Garden Centre, Donnington, Telford.

28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 23 Christmas Prizes.indd 1

04/11/2019 20:20

AIH039_Layout 1 16/10/2019 16:08 Page 1

Christmas at Hadley Park House Festive Lunch

Served throughout December There's no better place to celebrate Christmas than at Hadley Park House Hotel.

The menu includes all of the traditional favourites, some of which have had a 'Hadley Park twist'

Two courses £17.50pp Three courses £21.50pp

Winter Afternoon Tea Served throughout December

(from 12-4pm daily excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day)

Looking for a relaxing, cosy venue to enjoy a festive-inpired afternoon tea?

£16.95pp

2 Afternoon Teas for £26.00 During November 2019, January & February 2020 Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6QJ info@hadleypark.co.uk Hadley Park House FP Wrekin News 247.indd 1

01952 677269

www.hadleypark.co.uk 04/11/2019 11:11

Win tickets to

Christmas at Warwick Castle!

Christmas is all wrapped up at the historic Warwick Castle!

T

he historic Warwick Castle has this year’s festive season all wrapped up for friends and families with treats and surprises for all ages, with a chance to win a Family Day Pass to the magical Christmas at the Castle from 23rd November to 24th December!

Seasonal storytelling and winter magic are on the wish list at Warwick Castle, open every day apart from Christmas Day to thrill and delight the family. Guests can explore the festively bedecked Castle with the 20-feet high Christmas tree taking pride of place in the Great Hall, or head over to the Princess Tower where visitors can help Princess Felice solve Christmas riddles.

Throughout winter, free History Tours led by the Castle’s expert History Team provide a glimpse at the Castle’s secrets, introducing visitors to the different periods at the Castle and some of its key inhabitants such as Daisy Greville, whose beautiful sleigh is displayed in the Royal Weekend Party exhibition. Marvel at

the twice-daily Winter Birds of Prey Show as the Castle’s magnificent avian creatures swoop low over the medieval ramparts before exploring the 64 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown designed gardens, and much more.

Hurry all entries must reach us by Tuesday 19 November 2019

How to Enter For your chance to win a Family Day Pass for Warwick Castle’s magical Christmas simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Tania Baylis via email tania@plus2media.co.uk or send your entry details to: Plus2, PO Box 515, Telford TF2 2JE Hurry all entries must reach us by Tuesday 19 November 2019 Good luck!

Terms and conditions The prize of a Family Day Pass to Warwick Castle allows day entry or up to five (5) people before 24th December. Travel, car parking and food and drink are not included, and some attractions incur an additional cost such as ice skating, Stories with Santa and Castle Dungeon experience. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Prize excludes 25th December 2019 as the Castle is closed.

For a magical festive day out, plan your visit at:

www.warwick-castle.com

30 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 23 Warwick Castle Comp.indd 1

04/11/2019 14:31

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

Tribute lunches 12.00pm – 3.00pm - £16.95 inclusive of 3-course meal, coffee & mince pies and entertainment

TOM JONES

Tribute Lunch 2nd December

BUDDY HOLLY

Tribute Lunch 4th December

FRANK SINATRA Tribute Lunch 9th December

A ROYAL KNEES UP Tribute Lunch 16th December

Tribute dinner 7.00pm – 11.30pm. £24.50 inclusive of 3-course meal, coffee and live entertainment MOTOWN TRIBUTE DINNER Wednesday 4th December 7.00pm - 11.30pm A great way to celebrate with friends, family and colleagues alike.

3-course choice menu followed by a Motown tribute performed by Babylove £24.50 per person

BOXING DAY LUNCH Enjoy the warm atmosphere and relax with friends and family.

3-course lunch including coffee and mince pies. £25.95 Adults / £12.50 Children

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for supporting us in 2019 and look forward to a prosperous 2020!

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

www.buckatreehallhotel.com

Buckatree Hall Hotel Advert 245 new v01.indd 1

04/11/2019 10:58

Treasured family traditions make Christmas extra special

J

OIN us at Wyre Forest this festive season to make choosing the perfect tree part of yours. Wrap up warm, pull on your boots and make it a day for everyone to remember at Wyre Forest.

From 30 November to 24 December, our tree team will be on hand to help you choose from hundreds of spruces, firs, and pines in the fresh, wintery air of our beautiful forest.

What makes our Christmas trees so special?

Quality: Our high-quality trees are Grown in Britain certified - so you can be proud of your superior quality tree Experience: Choose your tree from a beautiful forest location to kick off your Christmas

celebrations Expertise: With 100 years of forestry experience, our experts can help you choose the right tree for your home Support your forests: The money raised from your Christmas tree helps us maintain the forests for wildlife, for you, and for future generations Wellies crunching through twigs and leaves. Steaming hot chocolate and a cheek-warming tea. Walking trails and special memories. It’s more than a trip to pick up your Christmas tree.

Enjoy a full day out with your loved ones! At Wyre Forest we have wonderful winter walks and brilliant bike rides for you to make the experience extra special.

Santa Specials on the W&LLR Steam Railway For a bit of Christmas magic with a difference why not meet Father Christmas on the train this year? Trains run on December 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd.

Tickets are £12.50 booked in advance. The price includes presents for the children. Complimentary mince pies and mulled wine for the adults and juice for the children included. www.wllr.org.uk or 01938 810441

32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 32 Forrestry Comm.indd 1

04/11/2019 23:39

Your Christmas begins at...

Wyre Forest It all starts with the tree.

Find yours in our forest.

From lush pine to scented spruce, our specialist tree team will help you pick a tree fit for Santa.

forestryengland.uk/wyreforest Forestry England FP.indd 1

04/11/2019 11:12

● Main picture: Wellington Cattle Market in 1989 Picture courtesy of Allan Frost

COUNTER

PART

3

CULTURE B

This month, my meandering recollections reach the point when I took the reins of the business myself 40 years ago in the summer of 1979.

by Ken Francis

uying the business from Mr Jim Harper at the age of 24 was not easy.

Neither I nor my parents had large amounts of money, so Jim allowed me to pay him in monthly instalments. It seems odd to think that the day I took charge was in no way a ‘momentous’ affair. All I remember was that Jim and I finished work and on our way home to Hadley dropped into the Buck’s Head for a couple of pints (sitting in the lounge, of course, to lend the occasion at least some gravity). There he passed me the keys to the shop, along with a few more words of wisdom. I’m very glad that no fuss was made, but I suppose it was a very important moment in my life and the life I have lived ever since. Back at work, nothing much changed for me initially – Jim continued to work for maybe a fortnight, maybe a month, although I don’t recall paying him.

Down at the cattle market Whilst Jim had taught me all the butchery skills needed, his brother Mr John – for whom I had

also worked – had different skills to impart. John bought most of his meat from the local fatstock market run by Barber’s on Bridge Road – so named because the animals had been “fattened” ready for sale. As a sign of things to come, the word fatstock ceased to be used as “fat” was becoming a dirty word. John had impressed upon Jim the benefits of me learning to buy at the cattle auction, so for the previous two years I had been permitted to leave the shop early on Mondays to attend.

The ‘Pig and Whistle’ A hand bell was rung vigorously as 11am approached to alert buyers and sellers that sales were about to begin. Wellington had much less noise in 1979, so little that from the shop in Market Street I could actually hear the bell being rung for the start of buying. Pigs were up first, if I remember rightly, followed by sheep/ lambs depending on the season, then a short break for tea and a bacon sandwich in the “Pig and Whistle”. Alcohol was on sale there too, but

34 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34, 35, 36 Rob Francis Feature.indd 1

04/11/2019 15:51

for the most part it was imbibed in moderation.

Gone were the days when farmers were said to be so drunk that it was only the good sense of their horses that got them safely home – you can’t put that sort of faith in a land rover, after all.

Tea break over, it was time for the cattle. And it’s here where you would really see how livestock markets, as they had been rebranded, are such interesting places. Hierarchy, wealth, power, social standing and more – all are laid bare. If one was lacking in any way, you’d soon be found out, and as in the big, wide world, not everyone is ‘a good egg’. I was no doubt lacking, but I had on my side one of the main men – a great friend to many farmers, a star of the local social scene, raconteur, bon viveur and expert buyer: Mr John Harper.

When the fun starts!

Now selecting which animals suited you, your customers, and your pocket was the easy part. You got to know the farmers, the different breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs; which farmers fed animals well, those who really cared about their animals and their own reputation, and then those who would arrive at the last minute having given their animals feed and drink to make them weigh heavier. If you selected the very best animals to bid on, almost certainly many other buyers had too.

That’s when the fun starts! Some buyers would have a ‘friendly chat’ with others hoping to talk them out of bidding against them: “I only want the one beast, then I’ll be out of your hair.” One old butcher was infamous for forcefully jabbing your foot with his walking stick if you dared bid against him – he got me at least once. You soon learn to get along with as many people as possible, and looking back on it now, it was great fun. Big buyers are a law unto themselves, buying meat of generally average quality to supply their own

abattoirs and then sell to those butchers who didn’t attend the markets themselves. A big buyer with a lorry to fill can make things very difficult for the smaller buyers.

It must be said that big buyer does not want to alienate us little buyers completely – we need each other. But sometimes the little buyers may wish to punish the big buyer by bidding the price up on everything that he bids on – knowing he has a truck he must fill – and reminding him that we also have the power to make things difficult for

l Above: Mike Taylor and Calvin Protheroe of Barbers, and Ken Francis and Malcolm Wickstead.

Picture courtesy of Allan Frost

Continued on page 36 >

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· Mob: 07976

556460 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 35

34, 35, 36 Rob Francis Feature.indd 2

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Continued from page 35 >

always initialled ‘A.A’, for instance. When I queried this with him, he told me that Ginger did it that way to signify Jim ’Arper from ’Adley.”

him. In the end, big and small alike are all required to keep the ecosystem working. The same is true with the farmers we know deal with directly – in a bad year for the farmer, I could have the upper hand and offer him less for his animals, knowing he’s more desperate for what he can get. If he’s a good farmer producing good meat, I don’t want his business to fail – then where will I be next year? It’s in all our interests to treat each other well.

Changing Times

There’s always more to learn In many ways, shop life once I was running the business was little different from before, except that I now had the keys and so I opened and closed the shop. But I was the one with his name above the window, so I had to deal with new responsibilities. I recall a rather frantic phone call to the auctioneers, hours after the livestock market had finished, having just bought pigs, sheep and cattle in my own name for the first time. In a moment of panic it occurred to me that they will all still be in the cattle market, with no food or water, and no one there to look after them.

How awful! I phoned Barber & Sons, the auctioneers, to apologise for my stupidity, and to ask for their help to resolve this situation. “Don’t worry Ken, they’ve all been taken to the abattoir by the haulier” I was told.

“But I didn’t arrange that,” said I meekly. “And how do I pay him?” “Well Ken, he will send you a bill when he’s ready, maybe a month or two, but don’t worry, you’ll get it.” I’m embarrassed to think I knew so little.

People were incredibly helpful. The bought livestock were all marked with the initials of the buyer. Before the days of spray paint cans, this was done using a thick waxy crayon on sheep, an inking machine on pigs, and scissors on the cattle. The scissor work was done by a man named Ginger (also known, not very creatively, as ‘Scissors’). John Harper’s cattle were

THE

SWAN

My two sons tell me they vividly remember being taken to the cattle market when they were very small.

And they were just in time to see it, because in 1989 after over a century, the livestock market finally closed its gates for good – the land sold to build Morrisons supermarket. The change at Bridge Road is, I suppose, quite symbolic of the way Wellington has changed over the course of my working life. The livestock market represented a connection to farmers and farming – much less in evidence now – whilst a great big supermarket with a great big car park much better reflects the ‘suburban’ Wellington of today.

Theatre of the auction With Wellington’s livestock market gone, ‘Monday buyers’ like me started buying at the much smaller Newport market instead, or venturing out on other days of the week to attend the markets at Shrewsbury, Market Drayton and Bridgnorth. The importance of getting to know the farmers has continued, of course – knowing how they work, knowing the quality they produce. Often I have bought from them direct, visiting their farms and selecting the animals I would like. And so that close relationship with farmers remains as essential as ever it was, markets or not. But all that wonderful buzz and theatre of the auction, and the sights and sounds (and smells) of market day here in Wellington – well that is just a memory.

NEXT MONTH - Ken talks about the changes to customers shopping habits and his staff over the years.

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36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34, 35, 36 Rob Francis Feature.indd 3

04/11/2019 15:51

The

Butchers s r’ te DauCogh ok book T here’s only one thing on my mind at the moment.... SAUSAGES!!

I can proudly report, that my Dad... Darren Morgan of Morgan’s Country Butchers has just been crowned the UK Supreme Sausage Champion!

Making his 35 year old sausage recipe the best in Britain!

We are all so proud, and its an absolute honour. So what better way to celebrate than to have ....

Bangers & Mash for Supper!

INGREDIENTS

8 of Britains best sausages!!

900g potatoes, we have Farmer Rob Richard’s Wilja’s in the Farm Shop, peeled and cut into even chunks!

40g butter 1 red onion, sliced 2 level tbsp plain flour 450 ml hot beef stock 1 level tsp tomato purée 2 tbsp freshly chopped flat-leafed parsley 4 tbsp milk 2 level tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 tsp vegetable oil

Hope you enjoy

Lauren x

with

The Record Man

Austin Powell

s The Butcher Daughter, ountry Morgan’s C s er h tc Bu pton of Waters U

METHOD

1. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 15-20min until tender.

2. While the potatoes cook, melt half the butter in a small pan and fry the onion for 10min until soft and translucent. Add flour and stir in, then cook for 1min.

Add the stock gradually, stirring the gravy until smooth. Add the tomato purée and stir in, then simmer for 5min until thickened. Add the parsley, stir in and season.

3. Drain the potatoes, then add milk and remaining butter, season and mash. Stir the mustard into the remainder and keep warm.

4. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the sausages for 1012min, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

5. Serve mash and sausages on warmed plates, drizzling with gravy.

6. Nothing quite like Bangers, Mash & Onion gravy!

Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen The Singles Collection 1960-1962 Jasmine JASMCD 2664

J

UST as there was talk of a ‘boom time’ for skiffle and calypso in the late fifties, so it was with trad jazz in the early sixties.

Record labels jumped on the genre’s increased popularity which gave the bands led by Terry Lightfoot, Chris Barber, Dick Charlesworth, Bob Wallis and others a chance to bid for chart honours, but while Acker Bilk had a couple of Top 10 hits in 1960, the most successful of all of the trad jazz bands was that led by trumpeter Kenny Ball.

To all intents and purposes this 28 track collection is a ‘Best Of...’, containing as it does his biggest hits, “Midnight In Moscow” (a # 2), March Of The Siamese Children (a # 4), The Green Leaves Of Summer (# 7), Sukiyaki (# 10) and “Samantha” (# 13).

Other single releases that did less well chart-wise are also

included while the compiler has also dug out some early collectors’ rarities, titles recorded for small labels before the band was signed to the Pye label, the home of all of Ball’s hits as well as tracks culled from EPs and LPs. Never much of a trad band enthusiast myself back in the day, listening to Kenny Ball’s music today strikes me that there was more to like about it than I thought; the music remains fresh and much more attractive to listen to than I thought it would fifty plus years on.

By the time Kenny Ball formed his own band in 1958, he’d already been kicking about the jazz club scene for five years in other people’s bands, bands that he would consign to the shadows as he created his string of hits, which meant, at least for Kenny Ball, there really was a ‘trad jazz boom’.

● Austin Powell spent almost all his working life in the music business beginning in his home area of Mid Wales in the mid-sixties. For some years he managed popular Telford pop group Fluff, before moving to London where he worked in record promotion, music publishing and the management of record labels. Over the years he’s also managed several successful radio stations. Now retired, his love of music is undimmed and, although now retired, he continues to write regular features for ‘Record Collector’ magazine about the music of the sixties and seventies. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37

37 The Record Man.indd 1

05/11/2019 06:41

New online community directory is launched in Telford A new online community directory, Live Well Telford, has been launched this week, offering a single point of information and advice to help children, young people and adults live well in the borough.

L

IVE Well Telford is an all-age directory, supported by Telford and Wrekin Council and brings together in one place wide-ranging information about services, activities and support in the local area.

This includes advice on staying healthy, continued learning opportunities and where to go for help to tackle issues such as social isolation and loneliness.

Councillor Andy Burford, Cabinet member for Health and Social Care, said: “We are very lucky in Telford to have a huge range of support available to help improve the quality of life for local people.

“It’s great to have a directory that offers all this information in one place so that people can easily choose services and activities that suit their needs and lifestyle.”

Key features of the Live Well Telford Directory include: l Users being able to print, email and share service information via social media. l Search for services via key words, post code or area to find out what is available in the local community. l ‘Suggest a service’ function for members of the public to suggest services running in the community that are not on the directory. l CQC ratings visible on services that provide care, for example, home care providers and nursing homes.

The council is calling on community groups and voluntary organisations to register on the new directory. Services can provide and update their own information and will be sent regular reminders to ensure that the information they give is relevant and up to date.

To register on the directory go to livewell. telford.gov.uk and select the ‘Request a Log in’ link.

Alternatively, for more information please contact livewell@telford.gov.uk

Walking on the Wild Side Don’t let the ever- increasing chill in the air slow you down. Getting out and about in the approaching Winter days is good for us, both physically and mentally. As the days grow shorter, make the most of the sunshine and head off out for a walk. It’s free and there’s plenty of interesting places to explore right on our doorsteps here in Telford.

If it all seems a bit grey and you need some motivation, Walking For Health Telford and Wrekin offer a weekly programme of short walks from 15 different venues across Telford. These range from 30 to 90 minutes of walking and are designed to ease you in.

There is usually a social side to these groups – most end with a cuppa, some organise walks a little further afield and some have outings! Alternatively, Walking For Health are always happy to support groups, companies, venues, to set up their own walk – perhaps

before / after the school drop off or at a lunch-time? Just get in touch at info@ walkingforhealthtelfordandwrekin.org.uk Once you have made a start, there are plenty of ways to feed a walking habit, locally. Wellington Walkers Are Welcome lead regular Sunday walks and Telford and East Shropshire Ramblers lead walks on Thursdays and Sundays, exploring further afield. The local libraries and Tourist Information centres have lots of leaflets detailing local walks if you fancy heading out independently and there are even more possibilities if you search online!

So don’t let grey skies drag you down. Wrap up warm and head on out. Kick up some leaves, schlurp through some mud, paddle in a puddle, find yourself a shiny conker! There’s lots to enjoy in the great outdoors at all times of the year, go and have an adventure!

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

05/11/2019 10:47

New dedicated job website for Shropshire’s care sector Shropshire’s largest independent care provider is opening up its career opportunities with the launch of a dedicated website for jobs.

C

overage Care Services, which operates 14 care homes across the county, including Farcroft in Wellington, and employs more than 1,000 staff, has developed the new site www. carehomejob.co.uk to assist people looking to start or further their career within the sector.

The not-for-profit organisation has been providing nursing, respite and residential care services for older people and those with dementia for more than 20 years and is dedicated to providing high standards throughout its homes through effective recruitment and ongoing training for staff.

The new recruitment site will be used to maintain the quality of care at all its homes by attracting a high calibre of candidates for jobs across all areas from administrative to nursing and care assistant positions.

The site also features case studies on existing staff members and provides insights into what working life is like at its various care homes.

Samantha Woosnam, head of HR, said: “We’re really pleased to launch the new dedicated website which has been created specifically for those seeking employment, at all levels, within the care home sector. With homes throughout the county, we have opportunities which are geographically diverse.

“It’s a way of promoting all vacancies across our homes to those looking either to start a career in the care sector or to those looking for a new l Samantha Woosnam, head of HR for Coverage Care Services, shows opportunity to further their off the new Care Home Job website existing expertise. our homes but also demonstrates that as well as “All of our homes are very providing a caring and supportive environment different but the high standard of care is the same throughout. It’s important we continue to drive up for our residents, our staff also feel valued and respected,” she added. these standards and lead the way when it comes All 14 of the care services operated by Coverage to boosting employment opportunities across the Care are rated either “Good” or “Outstanding” in sector. the national rating system.

“Many of the people working in our homes l For more information on current vacancies have long-standing careers with some recently across Shropshire visit the website celebrating 20 and 25 years’ service in care provision. This not only reflects consistency across www.carehomejob.co.uk.

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Lightmoor View Telford Tel: 01952 432 412

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Farcroft Wellington Tel: 01952 223 447

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

Coverage Care page.indd 1

04/11/2019 10:59

Cash boost for local food bank

V

eolia, Telford & Wrekin Council’s recycling and waste contractor has made a donation of £2,000 to Telford Crisis Support. The donation will go towards setting up a new service for children and babies from some of the borough’s more disadvantaged families.

As well as an important food bank, the charity is looking to expand its community store to include clothing, winter coats and bedding.

The money donated will be used by the charity to fit out the store with shelves, for signage and promotional materials, as well as emergency baby boxes.

Teresa Roe of Telford Crisis Support said: “Last year the food bank provided more than 50,000 meals for people in need, but it’s clear from talking to children’s centres and food bank recipients that there is a need for other items specifically for children. Our dream is to see no-one go without the basic essentials, the funding from Veolia will help babies and children have the basics to be clothed and warm.”

Steve Mitchell, Director - West Midlands at Veolia, added: “Veolia is committed to giving added value to the local communities we work in.

We’re very pleased to be supporting Telford Crisis Support Foodbank to help people in times of hardship.”

Councillor Richard Overton, deputy leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “This is a great initiative that we are very proud to be supporting support with our partner Veolia.”

More information about Telford Crisis Support, including how to get involved and how to access services, can be found at www. telfordcrisissupport.org.uk or by phoning 01952 586646.

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

04/11/2019 23:43

Care & Community New partnership supports people with social care health needs in Telford A new partnership has been formed to provide Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to adults and all-age family carers with social care and health needs in the borough.

T

he Wellbeing Independence Partnership (WIP), a consortium of local voluntary sector organisations; Telford & Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin ((Age UK STW) and Taking Part, has been awarded the contract by Telford & Wrekin Council and Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) who are jointfunding the new service.

Councillor Andy Burford, Cabinet member for Health and Social Care said: ‘We are

delighted to award the IAG contract to the Wellbeing Independence Partnership. By combining ‘My Choice’ and ‘Carers Centre Services’ under one contract access to information, advice and guidance will be greatly simplified. Individuals will benefit from only having to tell their story once, rather than to multiple agencies.

‘People in Telford & Wrekin can expect a swift response when they contact the service, regardless of their need, disability, role or age.’

Debbie Gibbon, Chief Executive of Telford & Wrekin CVS, added:

‘This is a great opportunity for us to provide an integrated approach to help adults and all aged family carers with social care needs get the right help at the right time.

‘We all bring different areas of expertise to the partnership.

As voluntary and community sector organisations we have always worked closely so we are delighted to have secured the contract formalising the partnership under one umbrella to better support people living within Telford & Wrekin.

‘We will be working across all sectors to ensure people live well closer to where they live.’

● If you or someone you care for require first time help or if you are unsure about what help is available contact 01952 916030 or go online to livewell. telford.gov.uk, the online community directory and search for the service you require.

For further information about the new contract call Telford and Wrekin CVS on 01952 262066

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Part of www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 41

41 Community.indd 1

05/11/2019 05:27

Garden Home

A Wrekin News feature

Help keep your garden in tiptop shape this winter time

A

S I write this the weather forecast indicates that, at last, we are in for a ‘reasonably’ dry period. If like us on the nursery your grass is crying out for a trim be careful and avoid walking on the saturated soil to much as it will cause more damage than it is worth. Cutting the grass in such conditions will also chop rather than cut so creating a messing looking outcome. Much better to wait for that dry spell, when it comes, and do the mowing then.

Most people avoid going into the garden during the winter except to feed the birds. But a good garden should still be interesting in the depths of winter. This is the time of the year when

Andy Allmark Painter & Decorator

Written by

Robert Hudson of Lilyhurst Plant Centre

plant forms are at their most interesting a very good example of this is the twisted nut (corylus contorta). During the summer this has been a very uninteresting green dome, although there is a purple variety available, which would not deserve a second glance but as its leaves fall the twisted stems show clearly and later it will be covered with catkins. Some people will not consider this plant as they believe it will grow into a large tree, this is true but it takes many years and it can easily be kept to a sensible size.

I have recently visited a garden with a corylus contorta, in a pot on the terrace. On making enquiries about it the owner told me that his father had planted it over 30 years ago and apart from pruning it occasionally and keeping it watered and fed it was still only 6 foot tall with a spread of about 3 foot.

Another interesting shape is the weeping tree, here again it is the pruning which is all important for keeping the shape and size which

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is suitable for the small modern garden. Do not let these trees just become a tangled mess; this is the point at which many people just give up and rip them out. With a little time and trouble they can be opened up to produce a beautiful shape and silhouette in any garden.

This is the time of the year when the evergreens come into their own. They always form a background for all other plants but in winter they make a statement of their own.

If left unpruned they can become too large for their position but here again with a little thought they can be kept under control.

Also useful at this time are trees with ornamental bark, such as the snake bark maple and the white birch. If a straight stem is grown, or if possible and space allows, a number of stems, or even trees, the head of the tree can be pruned hard to keep it small and the interest in the stem becomes more pronounced.

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42 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42, 43 Home & Garden.indd 1

05/11/2019 10:49

Garolla: A garage door company you can rely on

G

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Made from strong aluminium, a Garolla garage door is easy to use and saves valuable space within your garage. The door neatly tucks away, allowing you to use every inch of your garage as there are no large swinging doors to worry about. Once installed, Garolla roller garage doors are operated using a wireless remote control so you can access your garage from the comfort of your car.

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42, 43 Home & Garden.indd 2

04/11/2019 10:57

Sport Wrekin News

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

Andy bowled over by top club award

Home Services

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Saturday 23rd November Wellington Spiritualist Church presents

The final of our popular Special Evening with Spirit event for 2019. Six tables with be arranged in a social setting and six mediums will rotate between each table for a 2-hour long mediumship event.

Doors open at 18.30pm for a 19.00pm prompt start £8 per person. Sandwich Platter included in price.

Tickets can be purchased at Wellington Spiritualist Church, located at the top of Regent Street, across the road from the Telford Whitehouse Hotel car park entrance.

Telephone 01952 877108

We hold a mediumship evening every Wednesday at 19.30pm - just £3 per person

SELL YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS FREE THROUGH THE WREKIN NEWS!!

l Andy Parkyn, with John and Diane Tudor of Access Covers

There was a surprise in store for veteran bowler Andy Parkyn at Wellington Cricket Club’s recent end of season awards night.

T

he 70-year-old picked up the Access Covers Inspire Award, an annual prize presented to members whose conduct and performances have proved inspirational to their clubmates.

John Tudor of Access Covers, the club’s Platinum Sponsors, handed over the award, paying tribute to Parkyn’s desire to continue playing the game, and improve his skills, into later life.

His performances have been rewarded by the England Over 65s side and he will soon be jetting off to Australia to take part in the senior Ashes this winter.

Wellington’s big awards night was well attended and there were many prizes presented for outstanding individual performances.

Meanwhile, 2nd XI captain Alex Taylor and ladies’ captain Hannah Young both picked up their trophies for leading their sides to league titles in 2019.

The full list of winners on the night are below.

l 1st XI: Batting - Wendell Wagner, Bowling - Josh Pistorius, Fielding - Dan Lloyd l 2nd XI: Batting - Steve Lamb, Bowling - Martin Weill, Fielding - George Topper l 3rd XI: Batting - Matt Earley, Bowling - Lewis Gough, Fielding - Steve Pitchford l 4th XI: Batting - Alex Brasenell, Bowling - Andy Parkyn, Fielding - William Casey-Fitton l 5th XI: Batting - Kevin Vaughan, Bowling - Phil Snape, Fielding - Ina Vidyasankar l Ladies: Batting - Hannah Young, Bowling - Ky’eisha Tuffnell, Fielding Rachel Eatough l U21s: Batting - Dan Lloyd, Bowling - Matty Simmonds l U18s: Batting - Luke Goring, Bowling - Ryan Fernando l U15s: Batting - Will Lewin, Bowling - Adithya Manigandan l Indoor Player of the Season: Martin Weill l Midweek Player of the Season: Lewis Gough l Access Covers Inspire Award 2019: Andy Parkyn

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Shropshire Festivals launch campaign to give the gift of experience this Christmas

W

ITH £42million worth of unwanted Christmas presents ending up in landfill each year, and 108 million roles of wrapping paper ending up in the bin, Shropshire Festivals believe that this Christmas we should focus on giving the gift of experience.

The local events company have put tickets on sale for all of their 2020 events to allow people to buy tickets to their festivals for Christmas presents. They have reported seeing an increase in demand in sales leading up to Christmas, and attribute that to a trend in consumers wanting to give ethical, plastic-free presents.

Beth Heath, Director of Fun at Shropshire Festivals, comments on their push for ethical gift giving.

“It’s estimated that approximately 100 million black bags full of

packaging from toys and gifts are discarded each year, which is staggering. There is a new appetite for the giving and receiving of ethical gifts – whether that’s giving experiences or memberships, buying second hand or making your own gifts.

“We’ve set our tickets live to allow people to give a gift that won’t end up in landfill or increase plastic waste. Instead replace plastic toys and boring socks with the gift of experience, with tickets to one of our brilliant events!

“In 2020 we will be making memories with the Shrewsbury Food Festival, Shropshire Oktoberfest and Kids Festivals in both Shrewsbury and Telford. There is something for everyone! And the good news is if you order tickets in advance, you save money.”

Visit shropshirefestivals.co.uk/ tickets to purchase tickets to their events.

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

05/11/2019 00:23

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39 Adverts.indd 1

04/11/2019 11:14

Sport Wrekin News

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COWAN MAKES SOME CHANGES AND BUCKS FIND THEIR RHYTHM AFC Telford produced a much better showing in the month of October which only involved two games, after the Bucks claimed their biggest scalp of the season so far following a comprehensive 4-1 over Guiseley.

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HERE wasn`t much action on the pitch compared to the usual amount of games, however there was plenty of business done off it with four new faces incoming. The Bucks had completed a deal for Matt Stenson from Solihull Moors with the striker arriving in early October at New Bucks Head.

As well as that the Bucks had poached Matt Yates with the young goalkeeper coming in from Derby County. Also incoming was right back Arlen Birch who joined up as a free agent after he was released from AFC Fylde in the summer. Another defender coming inwards is a player who has played in the football league as Ricardo Calder had switched from Bradford Park Avenue to the Bucks on a short term deal.

AFC Telford's first match last month was against York City after they managed to contain the league leaders to a draw, after James McQuilkin managed to pounce at a Brendon Daniels cross to grab an equaliser in the second half. The Minstermen did initially take the lead as the Bucks could have easily won the game in the end having several openings to find a winner. Nevertheless it was a

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FOOTBALL ROUND-UP WITH JAMIE MORRIS l James McQuilkin, on target during the impressive 1-1 draw with York City - picture Malcolm Couzens

promising performance with the two week break proving key in allowing the team to find their feet once again.

Manager Gavin Cowan said: “Not only did we match them, I thought we should've won but they're a very good side in York; they have got twenty-six pro's desperate to get in the team. It was a brilliant performance and we should've won the game.”

Then came the performance of the season so far a week later on Saturday 19th October with the Bucks hat trick hero, Aaron Williams scoring his second hat trick for the club in his second stint with the Bucks. The pick of the bunch been Williams third as he scored the home sides fourth following on from a heroic effort from the team all around. Where he had the ball rolled into his feet following a quick and short free kick. Williams made no mistake with the finish as he slotted the ball home from inside the box.

The other two goals came after his first which saw him tap in from range following a misscleared corner from the Minstermen. The second from the penalty spot as he drilled home a penalty shortly after the interval. Stenson also picked up his first goal after he did well to drive at the opposition defence before slotted away with ease from inside the box.

The Bucks will be looking to act upon their improvement during the month of November, where there will be more games with less gaps in between fortnights. The Bucks currently lie in mid table and are now hoping to put a run together that will see them ascend up the league.

Great Dawley Town Council Support of Telford Juniors Great Dawley Town Council have shown their continued support of the local voluntary football team in Dawley, Telford Juniors, with a grant to cover the maintenance of the football pitch at Doseley Road, Dawley, to County Standard.

Doseley Road football pitch has been the home of Telford Juniors for several years and has been used for their home matches by all their teams. Telford Juniors was formed in 1970 from two boys teams, Lancaster Swifts and Pool Hill United, who both played in the Oakengates Youth League and when the teams were too old to play in the Oakengates Youth League the teams joined together and so Telford Juniors was formed.

Telford Juniors have leased Doseley Road site from Telford & Wrekin Council for two years as part of their community asset transfer initiative to local clubs.

The Town Council are very proud of the partnership between themselves and Idverde that has allowed their local club to benefit with this maintenance. Idverde are Telford & Wrekin Council’s specialist contractor for grounds and cleanings services for the borough and will be providing the maintenance as part of the annual maintenance agreement.

Paul Sankey, Welfare Officer for Telford Juniors said, ‘The Club are very grateful to Great Dawley Town Council for this support and the enormous support year on year the Town Council give to the club. Without support such as this it would be very hard to provide the standards required to elevate the club to have a pitch at County standard.’

Councillor Shaun Davies, Chair of Great Dawley Town Council said, ‘The dedicated work of all the volunteers who help support Telford Juniors football club is amazing and something the Town Council is very proud of. We are extremely supportive of this club which has been in our community for 49 years and is a muchloved part of our everyone’s lives, one way or another.’

Great Dawley Town Council support a number of local clubs, groups and organisations with grant funding which benefits a wide range of residents within the community. The grant for Telford Juniors has been awarded from the Partnership Grant Scheme for 2019/20.

Telford Juniors have a number of teams that play home games and train on Doseley Road, two men’s adult teams that play in the West Midlands League and the Shropshire Premier League, four Academy Teams playing in the Three Counties League, a ladies team playing in the Shropshire 11 aside league, Under 8’s, 9’s, 10’s, 11’s boys teams playing in the Telford Junior League as well as the Wild Cats under 12’s girls team.

As well as all the teams who enjoy the ground the Club has engaged with local organisations and schools, such as Dawley C of E School, who use the ground for their outdoor sports activities and sports days.

2020 will be an exciting year for the Club as it will be celebrating being 50 years in helping and developing football for all in the community. The Club are planning their celebrations to recognise this milestone as well as recognising those longstanding individuals who have contributed to the club’s success.

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