Wrekin News 249

Wrekin

News January 2020 Issue 249

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WREKIN PAVILION PROJECT PROVES A SUCCESS...

ALL THE KETLEYS Where the work gets done!

RETRO SHACK OPENS IN WELLINGTON!

IT’S ALL GO FOR YOUNG JACOB!

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09/01/2020 09:42

Young People’s grant helps Jacob become successful

Wrekin

News 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

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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.

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A 25 year old man, who received a grant from Telford & Wrekin Council to help him launch a successful career as a sculptor, has thanked the “little town with a lot of heart that supports the members of the community.”

Since Jacob Chandler from Wellington was awarded money from the Leader’s and Cabinet Members’ Young People’s Grant Scheme two years ago he has been commissioned to produce a number of high profile sculptures and has exhibited around the world, in New York, Moscow, Philadelphia and Athens.

His most recent work was unveiled last month in Telford Town Centre’s new fashion quarter.

Jacob applied for a grant in the very first round of awards in 2017. In November this year, he spoke to the latest grant recipients at a ceremony in Southwater.

He said: “A few years ago I was here and I was lucky enough to be awarded some money. Since then I’ve given up my part-time job, gone full-time with the sculpting and … there’s a new sculpture just outside the town centre which is one of mine which was put up a few weeks ago. It’s come a long way from where I was and the support was hugely helpful for that.

I still walk past and there is always a big smile on my face (as I think) ‘That’s

mine! What is happening?’ It’s really unbelievable.”

“I’m currently working on another two commissions. It’s all go.

“I find it difficult to envisage what’s happening next because if you asked me two years ago where I would be, I wouldn’t say ‘here’ doing this, talking to the next generation of talent.

“It wasn’t my original plan. I loved sculpture. It was a hobby. I wanted it to become a career but I thought ‘Who makes money out of hobby?’ So, I went to uni, studied architecture, but got really ill and had to drop out and I thought this is my chance to pursue my passion. The support from the councillors is really fantastic … to have a little town with a lot of heart that supports the members of the community.”

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

09/01/2020 09:43

A great programme of films now showing at Wellington Orbit...

Firstly, we’d like to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year from the Directors and Staff of Wellington Orbit.

O

ur current programme runs until February 7th, and we have a great programme of films including ‘Little Women’, featuring a fantastic female cast. On Sunday 12th January we are holding an Afternoon Tea with Prosecco after the screening at 2.30pm. Afternoon Tea does not automatically include cinema entry so this has to be booked separately. The cost is £16.50 per head. Please pop in and book for the afternoon tea and for any further information.

Other films we have screening this month include Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Much anticipation for this film, as the battle between the Jedi and the Sith comes to a thrilling conclusion in this final chapter of the Skywalker Saga.

We are also screening: ‘Citizen K’, ‘Ordinary

Love’, ‘StarDog and TurboCat’, ‘Spies in Disguise’, ‘JoJo Rabbit’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’ and the hugely anticipated ‘Cats’ as well as many more!

Our website lists all our films and you can also book tickets either online or by calling us on 01952 743377.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our website is at www.wellingtonorbit.co.uk Our menu also includes a few new items, such as the Mediterranean Breakfast Dish ShukShuka – a delicately spiced tomato mixture with a cracked egg served with flat breads. We also have a Prawn Cocktail on the menu, made with our own home made Marie Rose sauce as well as Hot Pot and a Pepperonata Tart. We are baking our own Ham too, for our tasty Ham Sandwiches.

Did you know, you can hire out the whole cinema for your event? We have had parties, business events and more hire our screen and have included a delicious buffet for between 2060! Please contact us for further details.

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The Probus Club of Wellington meets at 10.30am on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, at the Buckatree Hall Hotel.

(December excepted and only one meeting in the summer months of July and August).

We have speakers at most meetings, all of which are entertaining.

If you are interested in crown green bowls, we have a section. If you have never played members will be delighted to help you learn.

We arrange dinners, lunches, coffee mornings at the the Buckatree and outings to interesting places, all of which are attended by members and guests.

If you are a retired gentleman, feel free to check that we are a friendly crowd and give our Secretary Patrick Stuart a call on 01952 790485 for more information.

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04 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 4 The Orbit copy.indd 1

09/01/2020 03:26

15 Crown Street, Wellington,Telford TF1 1LP

Art for all

The Art Group at the Methodist Church in Wellington, Shropshire enjoyed great success with their exhibition again this year.

As well as a wonderful celebration of art from the Art Group, many artists in the area also exhibited, a total of over 200 pieces. There were many wonderful comments on the work, also how much visitors had enjoyed the event.

Visitors to the exhibition were able to vote for their favourite piece of art.

Mayor of Telford and Wrekin Council, Steve Reynolds presented prizes to the adult’s winner Wendy Bonigal (pictured) for her wonderful ‘Japanese Anemones’ painting and to the children’s public vote winner Daniel Burkitt (pictured), for his super interpretation of the Blue Planet – ‘Live gentler upon this earth’.

The Art Group meets weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, hosting a visiting artist at least twice a year and enjoy sketching days and gallery trips. They look forward to seeing new members whether they are new to art or have been drawing and painting for some time. For more information call Barbara Murray on 07592 881108.

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09/01/2020 03:03

Love ton Wellington Wrekin pavilion project proves a success A two-year project to transform a neglected pavilion on the Wrekin has been successfully completed.

J

enny Joy, who has been walking up the hill every day for 30 years, has led the campaign to get the Halfway House restored and re-opened as a much-needed community educational facility which has created five part-time jobs.

The space can now be used by schools and groups such as cub and brownie packs and also provides a natural habitat to encourage wildlife.

Wellington resident Jenny explained that she knocked on the door of owner Sean Saward two years ago as she heard rumours that he was selling up.

“As a person who cares about The Wrekin passionately, I did not want this historic gem to be lost to local people,” said Jenny.

“In the past year my focus has been getting planning and restoring the pavilion then finally getting it open.

“There used to be swing boats and donkey rides outside the Halfway House and people used to order their ham and eggs on the way up the Wrekin to eat on the way down.

“Being involved in the restoration of something with such a great history has been a real pleasure and there is huge scope for what we can do in the future.

“Sean Saward lives in Cambridge but spent time around here during his childhood. He has invested lots

● Visitors to the pavilion, Michelle and Simon Williams with children Isla and Alexa with Halfway House staff Alana Worrall and Elysia Davison and Joy Jones. of his time and money on the Halfway House and without his ownership of it, the part I have played would never have happened.

“We are similar in what we want the place to do which is why we have been able to work together effectively.”

Jenny is now planning a ‘Friends of the Wrekin’ group which can take on projects both at the Halfway House and on the Wrekin itself.

Wellington Mayor Anthony Lowe commented: “The Wrekin has a special place in the hearts of the people of Wellington and beyond and this important and fantastic community asset is a welcome half way stopping off point - and one that we must cherish.”

Contact & Follow Facebook @LoveWellington Twitter @LoveWellington1 Instagram lovewellington2019

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

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

08/01/2020 19:00

#LoveWellington / #LoveWellington / #LoveWellington

RETRO SHACK OPENS IN WELLINGTON The Retro Shack opened its doors on Duke Street next to the Gratitude Cafe on 14 December. Cutting the ribbon was Cabinet member and Cllr for Wellington Lee Carter. The Retro Shack is the outcome of an idea and months of planning by Wrekin College pupils, who will run the shop which will sell vintage records, sweets and clothing.

The team were winners in the Young High Street Challenge 2018 - organised

by Telford & Wrekin Council in which Love Wellington’s Sally Themans was one of the judges, “They gave a very detailed plan and their enthusiasm and commitment shone through. The as well.” presentation was very professional.

As part of the prize the pupils were awarded a ‘start-up’ So delighted to see another great new fund to get their retail business off the ground. We wish business open its doors in Wellington them well!

News in

BRIEF

SOCIAL MEDIA HITS

More Wellington folk engaged with the Love Wellington social media channels than ever before in December - and none more so than the thousands who ‘tuned in’ to the Facebook Live Stream of the Ironbridge Cooling Towers as they were demolished.

HALFWAY HOUSE ON TV

Companion & Driving Service Base locally e rovide a rus ed and es oke service o mee e individual needs of c ildren older eo le eo le i u ism or learning difficul ies as ell as ose i ysical disa ili ies or o er eal needs. e offer muc more an us rans or a ion e rovide e o or uni y for inde endence and com anions i . ur e erienced rivers om anions are fully icense an ns re n ance DBS c ecke irst i traine and also De entia rien s. ur ve icles are all also fully eelc air accessi le if re uired . riving iss aisy is of en descri ed as eing family en family can e ere .

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Paola Armstrong has joined Wellington Town Council staff and will be dividing her time between organising events, receiving visitors to the council offices and enhancing the work of the Love Wellington project. One of the founder volunteer members of the Love Wellington Team, Paola is absolutely ‘delighted and honoured’ to be able to work to promote and enhance Wellington.

The new decade saw the launch of ‘100 reasons to Love Wellington’ - a daily reminder of a good reason to Love Wellington. The reasons will cover everything - from the mundane to the magnificent; the everyday to the extrordinary.

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Wellington was in the media spotlight once more as Midlands TV visited the Halfway House following Love Wellington’s Jocelyne Fildes telling them all about the amazing transformation which has taken place there.

Jenny Joy hosted Bob Hockenhull and was able to share some of the vision she has for this wonderful venue as well as some amusing stories from past glories.

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FABULOUS FEBRUARY FIVER!

Throughout February Love Wellington will be encouraging people of Wellington to spend a fiver in Wellington. The idea is to divert £5 a week which you would normally spend elsewhere and shift your spending to a local supplier, retailer or trader. If the entire adult population of Wellington just made this small effort and changed their habit it could make a huge difference - £75,000 to the local economy every week! Look out for offers for a fiver from retailers to support the initaive in the next edition and around town...

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 07

06, 07 Love Wellington.indd 2

08/01/2020 19:00

George Evans The Wrekin’s favourite columnist!

ALL THE KETLEYS Where the work gets done!

M

y first visit to Ketley was on 1st April 1940. I was going to take the Civil Service Exam but it was cancelled because of staff call-ups so I decided to get a job. I’d applied for Assistant Storekeeper at James Clay’s foundry, where Aga has recently been. I had never seen an iron foundry before and assailed by new sights and smells. I’d also not realised that ‘All Fools Day was faithfully kept in some factories. The lads from all over Ketley came for spotted and striped paint, short weights, long stands, and so on – anything to catch out the High School kid who’d just arrived. I was even accused of losing 300 tons of pig iron.

Next day I was sent across the road to Allied Ironfounders at Sinclair’s Works to a different office. The boss was Offley Lander, who lived at Sunnycroft. He paid me 12 shillings and sixpence (five half-crowns or 5/8 of £1 ) a week for working 9am to5pm. The work was interesting and fairly easy but even then the pay was poor.

I learned to use mechanical adding machines and remember they had made the rain pipes for the British Embassy in Baghdad. Later I watched

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

the men pouring liquid iron into a sand mould, admiring their perfect timing and courage (it seemed a very dangerous job) and saw the expertise of the pattern-makers. There seemed a lot of skill needed in these factories and I wondered if the men were properly respected.

When I discovered that Sankeys were paying twice as much for office boys and transferred my job was taken over by three girls at ten shillings a week I laughed. The cupolas were called cubulos as in Coalbrookdale.

One local Vicar called himself ‘Vicar of ‘all the Ketleys’, meaning Ketley Town, Ketley Brook, Ketley Dingle, Ketley Bank and Red Lake.

Fortunately many families have kept going in the long history of Ketley through the Industrial Revolution to enable the newcomers of Telford to find stable communities already in place as neighbours.

Research in my copy of Michael Raven’s Shropshire Gazetteer shows that Ketley means ‘the wood of the wild cat’ and was so until in 1757, Then Thomas Goldney, Abraham Darby and Richard Reynolds consorted to build a factory on 14 acres between Ketley Brook and

Holyhead Road. That began the Industrial Revolution for Ketley, when it was discovered that in some places the rocks just under the soil were more valuable than the farmland on top. So in Shropshire global warning began. Should we celebrate?

The land was owned by Earl Gower, of the Levison Gower (pronounced Looson Gore) family of Lilleshall. By 1806 the ironworks was the second largest in Shropshire and had an international reputation for high quality produce.

This was the site of Sinclair’s in 1940 where I worked. Light railways went from there to mines for coal, ironstone, clay, limestone, and other materials including Limekiln Wood and Black Hayes (see last month Wrekin News) Apart from having a reputation as highly skilled miners and factory workers Ketley men were thought a rather rough lot with their love of bull and bear baitingk and cock fighting. The Lord of the manor ordered 500 bulldogs to be destroyed. These must have been the descendents of the folks who emigrated from surrounding farms to work in the new factories in the 18th Century. Remember

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.

08/01/2020 17:27

Christmas tree collection from Telford Lions Did you have a ‘real’ Christmas tree this year? Wondering what to do with it in January? Now you could have it collected from your home for environmentally friendly disposal and support the Severn Hospice and other charities at the same time.

For the first time Telford Lions are joining forces with JustHelping to run a Christmas tree collection and recycling service. The collections will take place, over the weekend of 11th and 12th of January. The service will be provided in the TF1 postcode only for this year, although Telford Lions hope to be able to extend the service across other parts of Telford in subsequent years.

Simply contact the JustHelping website: www. charityxmastreecollection.com to arrange for your tree to be collected. They will take bookings online, take voluntary donations (including claiming gift aid where relevant) and plan the collection routes. More than fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Severn Hospice with the rest split among other local good causes In return for your donation Telford Lions will provide the volunteers and additional resources to collect and recycle the real Christmas trees appropriately. There is no need to cut up the trees, just leave at the end of your drive or by the gate on the appropriate date. Trees will be shredded and all shreddings used in the local area.

For more information about this event, please see the JustHelping website: www.charityxmastreecollection.com You can keep up to date with Telford Lions events via the Facebook page: fb.me/TelfordLionsClub

that the Industrial Revolution was preceded by the Agrarian Revolution caused by the introduction of labour-saving machinery. If I remember right, before the Last World War Ketley lads, especially the miners were known as ‘hard men’. Since the infliction of Telford from the 1970s another wave of immigrants mainly from the Black Country, West Indies and Asia has arrived and is still arriving.

It is fortunate that they have had a well-developed series of communities who have mostly accepted their presence.

More recently many different industries have been developed other than ‘metal bashing’. These include the Shropshire Star and some satellites like the Telford Journal took over from the Black Country Express and Star and Wellington Journal in a large works in Ketley. I remember they brought a new system of printing and many of the senior staff attended a course on local history

by Birmingham University and the inventor of the expression ‘Industrial Archaeology’; I helped with the walks. Looing in Wikipedia I find it says that Ketley is a suburb of Telford, which is bound to insult most of the population. Someone should change it.

The Victorian school building has been well adapted for use as a community centre. I remember doing a ‘gig’ there on

Victorian education. I parked my car at the pub opposite and stalked across wearing cap, and gown and carrying a cane. The traffic stopped obediently and blew horns in appreciation. I thanked the drivers for waiting to considerable amusement.

The trend seems to be for housing estates to replace factories as they become redundant, though there is still a fair number of industrial activities going on. Few of Kelley’s buildings have been ‘built to last’ as the ancient Thomas Telford insisted that his structures should be done.

One Ketley man could be regarded as worthy of international fame – Parkes Cadman. Born and brought up in a mining family he took to work as a local preacher and became famous within his community.

He then migrated to the United States and when it was possible to use the radio to preach he did so. This gave him fame and fortune in America and started a trend for radio and then television preaching which mad him quite wealthy. You could say that Parks Cadman of Ketley began what is now a very large and wealthy industry.

There are indeed several quite different places within the civil parish of Ketley but they are all interesting communities with unique stories. It’s worth going to look; this is not just typical new town.

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Care Centre_Parish_ Wrekin News 136x97.5 May 2019.indd 1 8, 9 George Evans feature.indd 2

07/05/2019 10:59 08/01/2020 17:27

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..

What do you do if you see someone in difficulties or if you identify a problem?

T

here might be children who are in need of foster parents. Could you foster a child? To learn more visit www. telfordfostering.co.uk to learn more about fostering opportunities within the Telford and Wrekin Borough area.

January is often a time of year when people are at a low ebb for one reason or another.

Relationships that were already strained finally broke down over Christmas, for example, or perhaps a temporary job contract has ended.

People need help and The Samaritans can provide that vital listening ear. If you think you could provide that non-judgemental listening ear, please give them a call on 03705 627282.

Do you have an elderly or a disabled relative, family member or friend who needs a helping hand around their home?

Then they might benefit form Help at Hand, a service offered by Telford and Wrekin Borough Council.

They offer a range of helping services like food shopping, visiting, washing and ironing, general cleaning and cleaning inside windows (but not

10 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 10 Martin Scholes.indd 1

outside windows) and making and changing beds.

They can be available for a few hours a week, or longer, it all depends on personal and individual needs.

You can call them on 01952 380924 or email them on helpathand@telford.gov.uk.

For people who are living outside the Wrekin News area your own local authority might offer such help. Please give them a call.

Know an older person who needs help or assistance? Age UK might be able to help. Visit them on www.ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 678 1602 Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year.

Have you been approached by someone who says they are homeless, or are begging? Giving them money might not be of real benefit to them, because they might have an addiction that needs treatment, not feeding.

If you see a rough sleeper, please be aware that help will be available to them to provide them with accommodation.

If you see a rough sleeper you can call the Local Rough Sleeper Lines on 01952 248248 or 07772 890017.

Kip, Maninplace, Stay and the YMCA are working together to help rough sleepers, offer them support, alleviate rough sleeping and keep a count of how many rough sleepers there are in the Borough.

If you are reading this outside of the Wrekin News area then you can please check with your local council who should be able to refer you to the local rough sleeper helpline in your own area. In Shrewsbury / Shropshire Shrewsbury Ark provide an outreach service on 01743 363305.

Offering an apparently homeless person the 10 pence or 50 pence they ask for might apparently solve an immediate problem but will not do anything to deal with their long term requirements. But phoning the above numbers just might be the key to helping them get their lives back on track.

Have you seen fly tipping, locally? You can call Telford and Wrekin Council on 01952 384384 (office hours) or 03451 559955 for out of hours reports.

In Shropshire you can call 0345 678 9006.

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.

09/01/2020 10:18

YOUR WELLINGTON

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

A LETTER FROM THE MAYOR OF WELLINGTON

HAPPY NEW YEAR Dear Residents of Wellington,

W

hen was the last time that you visited Wellington to go shopping, get your hair or nails done, see a film at The Orbit cinema or have breakfast, lunch or dinner?

As you read this, I hope that your answer is today, yesterday or this week!

Wellington is coming on in leaps and bounds as a destination.

Our shop frontages are being face lifted, our market is on the up and about to be refurbished by its new owners, many of our vacant properties are now re-occupied by new businesses and others have been sold to new owners awaiting modernization into apartments or small retail units.

So please come on down to take a look because the future prosperity of Wellington lies with you!

Footfall is not an abstract concept, it is you and me: visiting, enjoying and spending!

I am half way through my Mayoral term of office and I am trying to meet as many traders, voluntary groups, potential inward investors and residents as possible and to attempt to lead by example.

The Mayor’s Charities this year are the following organisations, both located in Wellington ● Maninplace – Working with the marginalized in our society who are deprived of their basic right to have a home. For more information please visit the website http://maninplace.org.uk ● Strickland House – Recovery through discovery Telford Aftercare Team (TACT) at Strickland House in Wellington is a center of recovery from alcohol and drug dependency offering structured daily activities For more information please visit the website: http://www.tacteam.org.uk/ Donations via Wellington Town Council website please (click on the Mayoral Charities icon) or post or drop in a cheque or cash to Wellington Town Council office below the library.

As I write, we await the outcome of the Rising Star Great British High Street competition 2019 which will be announced on January 23rd at a ceremony in Edinburgh.

Please put Wellington 1st, 2nd and 3rd every day so we all have the town that we deserve and can be proud of. Let us all “take ownership” of our historic market town for the 2020s.

Thank you!

WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL Follow us on Twitter - twitter.com/WellingtonTCl Facebook - www.facebook.com/WellingtonTCShropshire Civic Offices, Larkin Way, Tan Bank, Wellington TF1 1LX Telephone - 01952 567696

Cllr Anthony Lowe

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10.30am – 3.30pm

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

07/01/2020 16:12

Win a family ticket to see The Little Theatre Panto!

S

now White and The Seven Dwarfs - the enchanting tale of Snow White who is banished to the forest by the Evil Queen Morgana and is taken under the wing of The Magnificent Seven.

Follow the comic exploits of Prince Rupert, his valet Buckles, Dame Honoria, the royal Nurse and Lord Pierre, the Chamberlain as they come to her rescue! With the help of Toby, the Prince’s faithful bloodhound, will they be able to track Snow White down before the Wicked Queen makes her take a bite of the poisoned apple? And how does Dame Honoria get on when she visits the Royal Beauty Parlour? Book now to find out! ● 18/19/25 January 2020 at 2.30pm ● 25 January at 7.30pm ● All tickets £7.00 / Family ticket (2 adults/2 children up to 10 years old) £25.00 Visit www.littletheatredonnington.co.uk for more information...

Matinees at 2.30pm:

18, 19 & 25 January 2020 All seats: £7.00

Evening performance at 7.30pm

25 January 2020

Family amily ticket: £25.00

(Family ticket is 2 adults & 2 children)

WIN THEATRE TICKETS! HOW TO ENTER Wrekin News has teamed up with The Little Theatre Donnington to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to see Snow White on Saturday 25 January at 7.30pm.

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 TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020.

Terms and conditions apply.

GOOD LUCK!

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12 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 12 Page.indd 1

09/01/2020 10:15

EVENT CALENDAR 2020 2016 Calendar

BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL

JANUARY January

Saturday 11th - Festive Re-Wind £15.95pp

If, like us, you have been so busy ensuring everyone else has a great Christmas and New Year this is for you! Join us as we re-create all the festive fun and roll Christmas & the New Year into one party night.

3-course Christmas dinner, crackers, novelties and dancing till late.

February FEBRUARY

Sunday 9th - Wedding Fayre

Experience for yourself the magic of weddings at Buckatree Hall Hotel. A selection of Shropshire’s finest wedding specialists join our wedding co-ordinators to answer your questions and guide you on your special journey.

Friday 14th & Saturday 15th Valentines Dinner £49.00 per couple

Enjoy a sensuous 4-course, candle lit dinner in the traditional surroundings of our Lakeside restaurant.

Includes a rose for the ladies and chocolate petit fours.

14th-16th Romantic Weekend Breaks £159.00 per stay

An extra special 2-night break to include, full English breakfast and a candle lit dinner on either the first or second night with a glass of chilled Prosecco.

Friday 21st - Tribute to McCartney and The Beatles £17.50pp

Our Beatles tribute is the perfect antidote to a ‘Hard Days Night!’- Enjoy a 3-course evening meal followed by a live performance and dance the night away.

March

Sunday 22nd - Mother’s Day Lunch £17.50 adult | £8.95 child

MARCH

Give mum the perfect Mother’s Day gift and treat her to lunch at Buckatree Hall. Includes a delicious 3-course lunch followed by coffee and a gift for all mums on the day.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea £16.95 adult | £7.50 child

A chocolate lover’s afternoon tea with Prosecco and traditional accompaniments.

Saturday 28th - Motown Magic £17.50pp

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to keep you from getting your booking ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ Enjoy a 3-course evening meal followed by a live performance of some of the best Motown hits and dance the night away.

April

Sunday 12th - Easter Sunday Lunch £15.95 adult | £8.95 child

A traditional roast Sunday lunch with children’s entertainment.

Friday 24th - Soul Diva Tribute £17.50pp

Enjoy a 3-course evening meal followed by a live tribute performance to some of the greatest female vocalists of all time including Whitney Houston, Gladys Night, Diana Ross and Tina Turner.

APRIL

May

Friday 22nd - Cher Tribute £17.50pp

Do you believe in life after love? - Enjoy a 3-course evening meal followed by a live performance from our Cher tribute and dance the night away.

June

Sunday 21st - Father’s Day Lunch £15.95 adult | £8.95

Treat Dad to Sunday lunch. Includes a delicious 3-course lunch and a gift for the man himself.

Father’s Day ‘Hobson’s Best’ Afternoon Tea Celebrating a Birthday?

Special Overnight Party £16.95pp Package

Free cake forup thewith Hobsons brewery to We birthday have teamed birthday guest (must beafternoon Includes check-in from bring dad a special tea which includes pre-booked and minimum 2.00pm, party night a Shropshire ale sample board and a selection of party numbers of 10savoury apply). treats. accommodation with full English breakfast and a box Hen Party?

Friday 26th - of chocolates Maniain your room Brides go free on parties (based on 2 people sharing £17.50pp of 20 or more (entrance a double or twin bedded Leap for joy and Gimme!

Gimme! Gimme! - Enjoy to the party night only, not standard room – upgrades a 3-course evening meal followed by a live perforaccommodation). available at an additional mance of ABBA classics andcost). dance the night away.

Gift Vouchers FROM Looking for the perfect gift? £15.00 single supplement £34.50 To book any of our events Personalised vouchers applies.

PER PERSON available for all events at the Call: 01952 641821 hotel plus much more.

Looking for the perfect gift? Personalised vouchers Email: sales@buckatreehallhotel.com available for all events at the hotel plus much more.

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Visit www.buckatreehallhotel.com

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

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

Buckatree Hall Hotel FP WN issue 248.indd 1

07/01/2020 16:09

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):

Complete family catastrophe provision

New MLU lifted into place The building which will house a new state-of-the-art Midwife Led Unit (MLU) at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford has been lifted into place.

T

he new MLU, which is being created next to the Consultant Led Unit, will also allow The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs PRH, to create additional beds to ease pressure over the winter months.

Wrekin MLU will move into the purpose-built modular building. 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 has been 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.

The modular building was installed on Saturday and Sunday last week, with a large crane being brought onto the PRH site to lift the components into place.

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 expected to open in the New Year.

With Toni Laycock

Parry Carver Solicitors

I

had the unfortunate experience of dealing with an estate this year whereby the deceased died with a Will, but whereby she had named only one beneficiary and that beneficiary was her only surviving relative. That relative predeceased the deceased and the lady did not update her Will after her relative’s death. Consequently, the estate passed to The Crown. [ I hasten to add that I hadn’t drafted the will] It was as if the deceased had died without making a Will at all, save for the appointment of the executor. She had not considered what would happen if all her named beneficiaries died before her.

It made me think about my own Will and including something called a “complete family catastrophe” clause. Whilst I hate to think of my own mortality and even more so the death of my loved ones, I do not want to risk not having a say about what happens to my money if my family is totally lost.

A family catastrophe clause [sometimes called or a Longstop clause or a disaster clause] makes provision for what should happen to your assets should all of your named beneficiaries die before you. Although this rarely happens, sadly, in some cases the “what if wishes” do come into effect.

Take for example British businessman Richard Cousins. He was flying with his family in Australia, when the light aircraft he was travelling in crashed, on New Year’s Eve 2017.

There were no survivors. A year before his death he had updated his Will and included a family catastrophe clause, so that if he and his children were to die at the same time, the bulk of his fortune would go to charity. His named charity was Oxfam and they inherited 41 million pounds.

The “complete family catastrophe” clause is the last clause in a professionally drafted Will, it is a final say as to what should happen to all of your hard earned possessions if all other provisions fail. Not including this clause in your Will might mean, depending on your circumstances, your estate could end up bona vacantia with The Crown or with relatives you no longer see. ● If you would like some help or advice in respect of your Will, then please contact Toni Laycock at Parry Carver Solicitors on 01952 460777 (Shifnal) or Catharine Thomas or Joyce Anderson at the Wellington office on 01952 641291.

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

07/01/2020 16:28

Free Will Writing Service

Parry Carver Solicitors are supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Free Will Writing Service, which is available for those aged 55 and over. Whether you are looking to make your first Will or update an existing one, it’s important that you properly plan your financial affairs to ensure your loved ones are looked after.

Talk to us at Parry Carver today about having your Will written for free, for that extra peace of mind.

7 Church Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BX

The Forum, Victoria Road, Shifnal TF11 8FE

Tel: 01952 641 291

Tel: 01952 460 777

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm. Sat 9am - 12pm

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm. Sat by appointment

Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - Parry Carver SRA 71413

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 15

Parry Carver full page advert.indd 1

07/01/2020 16:14

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 24 JANUARY 2020.

Terms and conditions apply.

GOOD LUCK!

The Stage this month’s top picks JANE EYRE Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park Arts Centre

BY CHARLOTTE BRONTE ADAPTED BY NICK LANE

MONDAY 10 - WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2020

BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281

A gothic masterpiece of tempestuous passions and dark secrets, JANE EYRE tells the thrilling story of an orphan girl and her journey from a childhood of loneliness and cruelty to a life at Thornfield Hall and an unlikely relationship with the mysterious Mr Rochester. Falling in love, she gradually uncovers a hidden past to the gloomy, forbidding Thornfield Hall, a terrible secret that forces her to make a heart-wrenching choice.

One of the greatest works of English fiction.

Captivating, brooding and intensely powerful,

JANE EYRE is a moving and unforgettable portrayal of one woman’s quest for equality and freedom, and lives as one of the great triumphs of storytelling.

MON-WED 7.30PM | WED MATINEE 2.30PM £22- £17 CONC. £2 OFF SCHOOLS £11

W IN TICKET S

www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson

BOX OFFICE 01746 766477

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS EARLY BOOKING ESSENTIAL

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

Mirror Mirror on the wall -who is the fairest of them all?

Saturday 25th January 2020, 2pm, 7pm

Snow White, The Wicked Queen Avarice, Edna Bucket, Chuckles, The handsome Prince Ferdinand, Merlin, Slurp and Scribbles...

TICKETS FROM

£10

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

THE MUSIC OF JUDY GARLAND Starring Denise Nolan Nolan Sister and West End leading lady

F

ew names in the world of entertainment deserve the title legend, Judy Garland is one of those names. Garlands illustrious career saw her star in some of the most iconic films of all time including The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis and the original A Star is Born.

Join original Nolan Sister, West End leading lady and Internationally renowned cabaret star Denise Nolan with her band of West End, musicians led by Dave Bintley

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020

BOX OFFICE: 01952 382382 for an evening of remarkable music including ‘The Man That Got Away’, ‘Stormy Weather’, ‘Zing Went The Strings’, and the timeless classic ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.

With anecdotes about Garland’s life and comparisons to her own career that includes performing alongside the late great Frank Sinatra, Nolan brings her own vibrant style and world class vocals TICKETS to classic Garland hits.

WIN

WHAT’S ON AT THE PLACE - www.theplacetelford.com

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

09/01/2020 10:09

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

Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair.

Walter is... not. But what Walter lacks in social skills he makes up for in smarts and invention, creating the awesome gadgets Lance uses on his epic missions.But when events take an unexpected turn, Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. And if this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril. ‘Spies In Disguise’ is an animated comedy set in the high-octane globe-trotting world of international espionage.

The only place for luxury cinema!

There is no-where else in Shropshire like it. Perfect Cinema delivered the way you want it: In ultimate comfort, luxury, and atmosphere. Big Films, Big Screens, Big Sound, all with the comfort of home. It simply doesn’t get better than this!

For the love of Star Wars To celebrate one of the all time great Film Franchises Odeon are giving you this wonderful twist on our much loved Popcorn Combo. Indulge in the ultimate Film Food Treats and take home a memorable Collectors Cup and Tin. With different designs to collect the reason for coming again and again just got even more tempting!!

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

TICK

ET

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27 Entertainment.indd 1

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 24 January 2020. - GOOD LUCK!

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers - Blake’s own brother among them.

ET

Imagine being able to see all the films you want, week in, week out. Midweek 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.

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Welcome

THE

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17

08/01/2020 20:49

Wellington HISTORY GROUP

Walkers Street

Walker Street - Edgbaston House looking east - 2016 Picture courtesy of Allan Frost

..... No I haven’t made a mistake!

Above: Walker Street 1838

Inset: WUDC offices in Walker Street 1930s

By Heather Duckett Wellington History Group

T

hose of us who are familiar with Walker Street in Wellington perhaps on visits to the library or post office, both at one time located there, may perhaps have wondered about the origin of its name. No there wasn’t a Mr Walker. In the 13th and 14th centuries the street was known as Walkers Street. In the medieval cloth trade fulling was the process of cleansing and thickening of the cloth by beating it in water. Men tramped on the cloth pounding it with their feet as it was laid out in troughs of water. Those who did the work were known as fullers or walkers and it is believed that they lived and worked in what later became known as Walker Street.

As the town grew Walker Street was developed with houses and workshops for tradesmen, and in the 19th century with the town’s administrative premises. Walker Street in 1838 can be seen in the accompanying map.

The debtors’ gaol was located adjacent to the present-day market entrance. The state of the gaol in 1802 is known from a report published

by James Nield in a book ‘State of the Prisons in England, Scotland and Wales’. The gaoler was William Tonge, gentleman, a sheriff’s officer and part of the report reads: ‘the gaol consists of five rooms in the keeper’s house, three of which are totally dark: the gaoler, paying window tax has stopped them up, a little loose and dirty straw on the floor for bedding …

1802 November 4th – no prisoners’.

Eighty-year-old Tonge and his family were still there in 1821 three years before his death. By 1827 Robert Garbett was in Walker Street and combined his building business with that of keeper of the gaol. He died in 1840 and the 1841 census recorded his wife Ann as gaoler and three prisoners including a former attorney at law. In 1844 imprisonment for debts under £20 was

abolished and the gaol closed.

A Dispensary for medical care was founded on 1834 and located in premises opposite the gaol. Local doctors gave treatment free of charge to the working class in a charitable service supported by patrons, a president and vice presidents who were all local land-owning gentry. Subscribers gave initial donations and pledged annual subscriptions and balls in support of funds were held in the Town Hall.

The Dispensary had a number of surgeons who could be called on. Thomas Fryer Webb, the uncle of Matthew Webb the swimmer, was a surgeon at the Dispensary as was John Rider who served for forty years living at Crescent House which was the home and surgery of Dr Davidson in the 1960s. The 1854 annual report recorded a total of 820 patients among whom 460 were cured and 26 deceased and among the payments were £2. 10. 8d. for leeches.

Like all streets in Wellington, Walker Street had its fair share of pubs and inns, the oldest being the Sun Inn built in the mid-1700s. By 1830 under landlord Thomas Turner, who was also the Magistrates’ clerk, a room was used for Petty Sessions business and by 1836 the workhouse Board of Guardians met there. By the mid-1850s the Sun ceased to trade as a public house and was more and more used for parish business and by the mid-1890s the Board of Guardians purchased the building which had become known as Edgbaston House (see photograph).

The Raven was in existence by 1821 when Richard Lewis was the innkeeper and probably many years before. It was owned for many years by the Wheatley family and in more recent years the licensee was Eddie Sykes who, with his wife Ada, ran the pub for ten years from 1957. For a while in the first years of the 21st century, for some inexplicable reason, and no doubt remembered

by Wellington people, it was renamed Rasputins, but its original

18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19 Wellington History Group.indd 1

08/01/2020 23:45

Wellington History Group next illustrated

Talk

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Two pubs opposite each other at the Haygate end of Walker Street, the Groom and Horses and the Cross Keys probably opened following the Beerhouse Act 1830 which allowed any rate payer, on payment of two guineas for a licence, to brew and sell beer. In 1891 Benjamin Garbett was the publican at the Groom and Horses and he also managed the Union Brewery set up in the old workhouse buildings opposite the pub. The pub closed in 1898 when magistrates refused to renew the licence. The Cross Keys was next door to the brewery and closed due to restrictions imposed by the Defence of the Realm Act in the First World War. The tax office was later built on the site.

Walker Street was gradually becoming the administrative centre of the parish; the Board of Guardians met in offices at the Sun from 1836 and by the mid-1850s the beginnings of local government as we know it was taking place in Walker Street when Parliament passed The Wellington (Salop) Improvement Act 1854. At

their monthly meeting fifteen elected commissioners dealt with all aspects of the governance of the town. Items dealt with included house building and street numbering, lighting and footpaths, pollution and rubbish, scavenging, and other matters like ash pits, privies and urinals.

In 1877 the Commissioners secured a loan to purchase the old Malthouse and yard in Walker Street from Mr Poole. By 1883 the new offices, fire engine house, stable and the yard, which was made suitable for looking after the engine, were complete. On 19 May the Improvement Commissioners met in the new boardroom in the offices located on the opposite side of Walker Street from former Sun Inn. The Local Government Act 1894 saw the Board of Commissioners replaced

by Wellington Urban District Council which continued to meet in the Walker Street offices. The building still stands (see photograph) with one of the arches forming the entrance to the market. The Eastern Balti has occupied the old council chamber for many years. The bell turret, part of which is still in situ, once housed the fire bell.

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18, 19 Wellington History Group.indd 2

08/01/2020 23:45

Letters to the Editor

Donnington Wood colliery

Send your letters to: james@plus2media.co.uk

The old industrial communities around the Wrekin John M. Smith writes again from North Carolina....

John was born in Hadley and attended Hadley Boys School and Wellington Grammar School.

He studied at University College London, before obtaining a Ph.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His career was spent in research and development in the computer field at both university and industry specializing in large database systems.

L

ike many people in the Wrekin Shop front 1898 area, my ancestors migrated from agricultural work to fill jobs created by the early industrial revolution. For up to 200 years, starting in the middle 1700’s, my ancestors had all lived in the same industrial communities: Donnington Wood, Wrockwardine Wood, St. Georges, Snedshill, New Hadley, Wombridge, and Trench Lock. The men were predominantly employed in the mines and foundries, while the women took care of the home. Working conditions could be dangerous and unhealthy, and sometimes it was hard to get enough food on the table.

All too often, families had to be resilient with use and the weather. The winder had to rely in dealing with the premature death of a parent or on the two marks, and his best judgement, to avoid infant. Nevertheless, some families were able to crashing the miners at the bottom of the shaft, or overcome the odds and thrive while others faced a winding them over the pit wheel at the top.” harder struggle.

Richard’s first daughter, Elizabeth, married To illustrate the scope and diversity of life in those William Latham, and she bore him eight children. old industrial communities, I will introduce you William was a miner working for the Lilleshall to three families in my ancestry. The information about them was obtained from genealogical records, Company, who became the famous Shropshire Miner’s Agent. Among many other important family anecdotes, articles in the Wellington Journal roles, he went to Russia to attend a Trade Union and Shrewsbury News, and the Blists Hill Museum. conference as the representative of the British On my mother’s side, Great-grandfather Richard Miner’s Federation. Richard’s second daughter, Gittins (born 1836) was the “engine winder” at a Mary, had a daughter Bessie who married Sidney colliery in Donnington Wood. He lived ‘over the Wynne a cousin of Wellington’s famous Greville banks’ at the Waxhill Barracks with his wife Sarah (Broxton) and eight children. He was an early riser Wynne. Greville also went to Russia, not as a tradeand would also roust his slumbering neighbors with unionist, but as a British spy. He served 18 months in Lubyanka Prison before being exchanged for the the refrain “Get thee up! No good lyin’ abed - me Russian spy known as Gordon Lonsdale. missus ‘as already got ‘er washin’ on the line!”. In The first son of Richard Gittins, my grandfather addition to doing “er washin”, Sarah was recognized within her community as a midwife - at a time before formal training was required. Richard was at the colliery early to get the steam engine ready to lower the first shift of miners down the pit shaft.

The photograph above is of the Donnington Wood colliery and is said to include Richard Gittins. He and Sarah lived on beyond their sixtieth wedding anniversary.

An engine winder was personally responsible for the safety of miners. The demonstrator at the Blists Hill museum explained: “The steam engine winder would make two marks on the winding rope – one mark corresponding to when the miners were at the bottom of the shaft, and the other to when they were at the top. The length of the rope changed

Frederick, married Elizabeth Bloor. The photograph opposite shows their wedding party in 1903. By family account, Richard himself was not present in the photograph as he was unable to take time off from the colliery.

On my mother’s side, Great-grandfather Moses Bloor (born 1843) was also involved with steam engines. While living in Woodhouse at the age of 17, his first job was “engineer” for a pit engine (most likely at the Woodhouse Colliery).

Subsequently, while living in Snedshill, he was an “engine driver”. He may have operated a stationary engine at Snedshill Iron Works, or actually driven a mobile engine on the Mineral Railway in Priorslee.

He lived with his wife Emily (Richards) and six children (another child had died at a young age).

Moses was also a respected Primitive Methodist preacher on the Wrockwardine Wood circuit. By 1892, Moses and Emily had opened the Bloor Grocery and Confectionary Shop on Gower Street in St. Georges. A couple of years later, Moses died tragically at the age of 51 from a fractured skull.

He had been placing a corrugated iron roof on a stable in St. Georges. He overbalanced and fell to the ground.

After Moses’ death, his wife Emily and some of her children continued to run the Bloor Shop.

The photo opposite shows the shop decorated for Christmas in about 1898. Emily is standing to the right of the shop entrance. Many years later, the shop was abandoned and fell into a very dilapidated condition. In 1973, the frontage of the shop was removed to the Blists Hill Museum where it was restored as the frontage to the Printing Shop and can be seen there today.

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

08/01/2020 14:42

Wedding party, 1903

On my father’s side, my grandfather (and namesake) John Smith (born 1871) grew up in Ragfield Row, a terrace of small miners’ cottages in New Hadley. Many years ago, my sister and I were fortunate to meet a retired postman who led us to the location of my grandfather’s early home – his cottage had been demolished with only broken china left to mark the spot. By trade, John was a miner and iron worker but, during an extended period of industrial unemployment, he worked for

Colonel Patchett as a gardener at Haybridge Hall.

John’s wife, Mary Ann (Forester), died aged 40 following the birth of their seventh child. With help from his children and support from other relatives, John overcame his tragic loss and successfully raised his family. He lived to about 90 years of age.

However, his daughter, my Aunt Emily, sacrificed her future aspirations to look after John until his death -- she never married. Subsequently, Aunt Emily became a well-known figure in Hadley as the “Miss Smith” who managed the counter at Mrs. Quinn’s Shop. In the December 2017 edition of this newspaper, Kath Parton wrote “How many village people bought their wool for knitting in the winter evenings from Mrs. Quinn. A very kind genteel lady named Miss Smith worked there for many years”.

Later, Emily retired to a small bungalow built on the Haybridge Hall grounds once tended by her father.

I tip my hat to my kinfolks, and to all the other good folks, who lived in the old industrial communities around the Wrekin. They were pioneers of the industrial revolution. They sometimes had to struggle with poor living standards and untimely death. Nevertheless, they persevered and their efforts began a period of dramatic economic growth as the industrial revolution spread to other parts of the UK and around the world. This economic growth led in turn to improvements in healthcare, education, housing and working conditions that benefited future generations … my generation included. For that I am very grateful.

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21

20, 21 Letters.indd 2

08/01/2020 14:42

Roadtest WITH THE WREKIN NEWS MOTORING EDITOR SYD TAYLOR

Fiat 5000.9

Rockstar Twin Air

Yearning for a little winter warmth

W

hen looking out of your window at the spectre grey bleakness of barren mid-winter you may be forgiven for yearning for a little warmth, a little style, a little tinkling of merry bells. I wandered lonely as a lost ticket down to the local tuck shop in quest of comfort food. I was indeed on foot. I told myself I needed the exercise. In the dank cold air my frosty breath wreathed my nose in coils of vapour. Despite my energetic striding, my toes - clad in the finest designer trainers money can buy - were beginning to feel numb. It was not a moment to relish. Nor when I arrived at the shop did I relish the discovery that I had left my capacious wallet at home and lacked the wherewithal to buy a plump pasty. So back I went.

And strangely my spirits rose. And strangely I began to grin.

And very strangely I almost broke into a trot. The reason?

I knew that there waiting for me on the drive outside my exclusive chateau was an irresistible package. The package in question? The bundle of joy that is the latest incarnation of the fabulous Fiat 500. The ‘Rockstar’ specification 0.9 Twin Air. This is the £17,015 variant with the remarkable in-line two cylinder 875cc, 85hp petrol engine that is lively enough to take you to 106mph yet return over 50mpg should you use the throttle and slick five speed gearbox sensibly. But wait...a note of caution...Wonderful as this dynamic engine is, it has a delightful ‘gruffness’ when pulling away and under load: an endearing ‘Grrrrr!’ that might at first prove unsettling to prospective buyers expecting anodyne smoothness and silence from the off. Here is character, here is fun! But rest assured; within five minutes you’ll adapt and relish this distinctive characteristic.

Here is a car to warm the cockles of your heart: an eyepleasing evocation of the good life on wheels; a car that rings in the new while acknowledging the classic charisma belonging to bygone happy days. Here then is the perfect tonic for banishing gloom. The perfect antidote to the prevailing negativity that is regrettably such a feature of our dreadful times.

Mounting the front steps I trotted in past the footman at the door, scooped up the keys and trotted out again

as quickly as you can say ‘yes please’. Already a plan was formulating in my mind. A crazy plan. I intended to drive the Fiat 500 to the best destination I could think of. During the journey I would occupy my mind by conjuring up five hundred reasons for endorsing the advantages of this new 500. Just to make sure I wouldn’t cheat I intended to pick up a passenger and challenge her to a bet. The daring nature of the scheme filled me with excitement.

Dr. Beulah Benedict - the well known Emeritus Professor of Classical Aesthetics was duly collected from her prestigious address in Tipton. I explained the nature of the challenge while introducing her to the Fiat 500 Rockstar with its 7 inch touchscreen, cruise control and satellite navigation. She approved of the arrangements and expressed deep admiration for the car. In fact she seemed somewhat disappointed at not being asked to take the wheel herself. She was content, however, to sit back on the comfortable seat and to log the virtuous qualities one by one as I enumerated them, at the same time agreeing to pay me five hundred new pence should I succeed in reaching the desired number. In the event of my failure she was to receive a like sum from me.

As to that destination, we were forced to abandon any thoughts of visiting the Codsall Cat’s Eyes Museum owing to resurfacing taking place there. More disappointment followed as we learnt that the Goldthorn Urban Museum

of City Street Art was also shut for business owing to an attack of vandalism by graffiti sprayers. Nothing daunted we pointed the small little Fiat northwards towards a location of a very well known hotel and restaurant where we were both confident of being able to enjoy a classic combination of cuisine and comfort.

Along the way I trotted out with consummate ease an unending roll call of automotive advantages as embodied in the grand small car called Fiat 500 Rockstar. I shan’t bore you with the complete list, but for those interested you can check it out on the entirely spurious website www. pureinventionfakenews.com.

Just to give you a taster for starters: there’s no getting away from those looks. It’s as cute as bottled Cianti and as bubbly as a cooling hot tub on wheels can be. In the cabin pleasure is to be had at the touch of the touchscreen offering Android Auto and Apple Car Play. And as for the trimming there is a comprehensive range of tasteful stylistic enhancements available according to customer preference.

Professor Benedict asked me how did I counter claims from critics who maintain that retro styling of a car like the Fiat 500 represents a triumph of style over substance.

“I refute such claims” I declared, in the manner of a latter day Dr. Johnson, “By expressing contempt for their ignorance. Had these fools knowledge whereof they speak they would never expose themselves to ridicule by voicing such nonsense.”

Dr. Benedict smiled at my feigned pomposity. Relaxing as she was in the front passenger seat, she had formed a sufficient acquaintance of the car’s virtues. The high level of comfort, design and performance moved her to admiration.

She was, as she told me, persuaded of the Fiat’s success in integrating with aesthetic flair, the many and disparate elements that go into the making of a modern horseless carriage.

Having dropped her off at Tipton I headed home. Back at Chateau Codsall I parked up. It was dark and cold. The moon shone. It’s light gleamed evocatively on the Fiat. It no longer felt like winter. Rather the 500 seemed to radiate a foretaste of Spring.

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

09/01/2020 01:23

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30/05/2019 19:18

Garden Home

A Wrekin News feature

January - not a month for doing much in your garden!

W

ith its short days and low temperatures January is not a month for doing very much gardening. It is much better to view the garden from the windows at this time of the year. Do, however, keep an eye on the stakes and ties, so many trees have put on a great deal of growth during the last year and you will probably find that the ties are quite tight and if left they will restrict the plants further growth. After last year’s strange weather the stakes could have rotted at ground level and you may find that it is the plant which is holding it in place. It is also worth checking your herbaceous plants to see that the growing tips are not covered with fallen leaves and other debris which can cause the plants to rot.

Any plants which are in the wrong place can be moved but avoid doing this in frosty conditions as to do so will bury the frost around the roots and this will keep the soil cold for longer and hence delay any root growth. It is also still possible to put in bare root plants especially after our very wet autumn which delayed lifting for many nurseries.

The ground conditions were too poor in November and December to enable much lifting to occur then.

Some pruning can be carried out when there is some sun, especially on trees, do a little at a time, if necessary go and have a hot drink and when you return the next cut will be obvious.

If snow is forecast do remember that the evergreens will be heavily laden as their leaves will catch and hold the snow. This added weight can cause damage so be prepared to brave the conditions and knock some of the weight off the plants.

Telford Wildlife Forum

Written by

The first Telford Wildlife Forum of 2020 will be held at 7:30pm on Tuesday 21 January at Horsehay Village Hall, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford, TF4 2NF when Bob Kemp, local photographer and dragonfly enthusiast, will tell us which of these dazzling winged insects can be found in Shropshire.

There will also be a round-up of local wildlife and conservation news.

Entrance is £2 for Shropshire Wildlife Trust members and £3 for nonmembers, which includes coffee/tea and biscuits.

For further details see the poster below or contact Stephen Mitchell - 01952 590820 / 07842 137410 or Rob Doran - 01952 407021 / 07926 387733.

Robert Hudson

Wrekin Forest Volunteers

Telford’s Shropshire Wildlife Trust volunteers Presents

of Lilyhurst Plant Centre The hellebores and snowdrops will soon be in flower, if they are not already showing, which will at least give us hope that spring will be arriving. Those of you who have hellebores in the garden should remove some of the old leaves which will by now be ‘tatty and discoloured’ this is not so much for neatness but it will allow the flowers to be seen as they are usually below the old leaves.

Telford Wildlife Forum

Speakers, wildlife and volunteering news, and good company!

Shropshire Dragonflies An illustrated talk by

Bob Kemp

Andy Allmark Painter & Decorator 7:30pm – 9:30pm Tuesday 21 January 2020 Horsehay Village Hall, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford, TF4 2NF All welcome: £2.00 Shropshire Wildlife Trust members; £3.00 non-members

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

09/01/2020 00:43

Care home completes clean sweep for Coverage Care Independent healthcare watchdogs have praised an “exceptionally effective” Telford care home and its staff following its latest unannounced inspection of the service.

B

arclay Gardens, a purpose built care complex in Donnington run by Coverage Care Services, promotes a “positive culture of person centred care” and has “extremely vigilant staff ”, according to the recently published report by the Care Quality Commission.

The inspection team visited Barclays Gardens, which is home to up to 40 older people including many living with dementia, in September and spoke to residents, relatives, staff and healthcare professionals as well as reviewing medical and staff records and care plans.

Barclay Gardens received an overall good rating with its effectiveness ranked as outstanding. It was last assessed in 2016 when it was ranked as good across the five key criteria.

This latest inspection means all 14 of Coverage Care services in the county are ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ in the national rating system.

Inspectors commented that residents and relatives described the service as exceptional with health professionals praising the outstanding working

“To get such positive feedback from residents and relatives and to have our staff described as amazing, thoughtful and respectful is hugely gratifying. We are delighted to receive this endorsement and will continue to provide high quality care and support people to live their life the way they want.”

Chief Executive of Coverage Care, Chris Wall, added: “The kindness and care that Debbie and her team deliver and the way they treat every person with dignity whilst allowing them to live as independently as ● Barclay Gardens in Telford is an ‘exceptionally effective’ care home possible was clearly apparent to the inspection team. relationship they had with staff and managers at the “We are committed to delivering the best care we home. can for our service users and will build on this report to The report added: “One person told us, everything ensure we maintain the highest possible standards of is thought of. We do not have to worry about our care across the board.” health and all of our needs are well catered for. The Coverage Care Services is a not-for-profit staff are always there for us, to help us, chat with us company, meaning that any surplus income is and entertain us and they know us so well. So for us, put back into facilities, services and staff, rather this place is perfect.” than being paid to shareholders. The organisation Barclay Gardens’ manager Debbie Ellis said: “This has homes in Shrewsbury, Telford, Wellington, excellent report is testament to the hard work of a Bridgnorth, Newport, Bishops Castle, Market Drayton, very dedicated team of staff.

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Cottage Christian Newport Tel: 01952 825 557 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 25

Coverage Care page.indd 1

07/01/2020 16:11

Help for families coping with dementia at wide network of support groups If you, a friend or loved one are struggling with dementia, there is help out there…

Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin run dementia services across the county, offering activities for those with a diagnosis of dementia and respite for carers. Experienced staff and volunteers welcome those with memory problems or dementia, and their family, friends and carers.

Sandra and Arthur Foxcroft (pictured) have been attending the Dawley Dementia Support Group for just over a year, continuing to attend even after moving to Newport. Sandra, 81, only recently retired from her job on the checkout at Asda, Donnington, and Arthur, 85, was a gardener until two years ago.

The couple have two children and five grandchildren.

Arthur developed dementia at the age of 80 and Sandra finds the support at the group a real help.

“We’ve both really enjoyed getting to know people. It’s good for Arthur to get out and about. You find the same people will come along each time.

You make friends and feel relaxed and in good company after two or three visits.”

Sandra knows it can be hard for people to open up about a loved one developing dementia and adds: “We need to talk more about dementia and Alzheimer’s because it’s quite an

invisible illness. If you look around the room at this support group, you can’t actually tell who has dementia and who hasn’t.”

Age UK STW offers a wide range of dementia support services. Gina Shirley, Day Services Support Officer, helps plan and facilitate activities and says: ‘The aim across all our dementia support services is to provide high quality activities by trained providers in a relaxed and friendly setting.

We put on a range of activities for people to join in, helping people feel supported and welcome, and are happy to help you and your family if you feel you may need us. We have room for more people to benefit from our services, so if you know anyone who is struggling do get in touch.” l Pictured are Sandra and Arthur Foxcroft at Dawley Dementia Support Group.

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

08/01/2020 23:22

Care & Community Scam alert as older people in Telford become target of criminals

Age UK’s top five steps to reduce the risk of being scammed:

Concerns for vunerable older people are mounting as reports of scame and telephone fraud escalate.

R

ecent official crime figures show that an older person in England and Wales becomes a victim of fraud every 40 seconds, according to analysis by Age

UK. West Mercia Police has seen a sharp rise in reported incidents of telephone fraud, including callers pretending to be police officers from the Fraud Squad. Victims are being told that there has been fraudulent activity on their bank accounts and are asked to transfer money into another account, operated by fraudsters. Some people have also withdrawn large amounts of money which is later collected on the doorstep by ‘couriers’ working for organised crime gangs who pretend to be from the police or other agencies such as HMRC. Fraud incidents have increased nationally by nearly 20 per cent to 3.8 million and older people are three times more likely to be a victim of fraud

than burglary. The Crime Survey found that eight per cent of respondents aged 65 and older reported being the victim of fraud in the last year – equivalent to over 800,000 older people in England and Wales.

Graham Donaldson, Rural and Business Crime Officer for Shropshire, emphasised that the police or other professional organisations will never ask for bank details or a withdrawal of money, and warned: “Don’t trust anyone who calls you about your bank details. Always hang up immediately and wait ten minutes then call 101 and report it.

“Do not accept any offers to call them on numbers they supply. The police will never ask you to call 999 unless it is an emergency. Do not use 1471 to try and gain the number called as this may reconnect to the original callers.”

Age UK is calling for a new national strategy to tackle fraud. People looking for advice can call

1. STOP – Never do anything you don’t want to or make any decisions on the spot 2. CHECK – Always check their credentials 3. ASK – Always ask someone you trust for a second opinion 4. MINE – Do not give away personal information 5. SHARE – Share your experience with others to lower their risk of being scammed Age UK’s free national advice line all year round on 0800 169 65 65 (lines open 8am – 7pm).

Older people and their families can also find advice on Age UK’s website where there are downloadable guides on Avoiding Scams, Staying Safe and Internet Security at www.ageuk.org.uk/ shropshireandtelford/our-services/informationadvice/

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Part of www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 27

27 Community.indd 1

08/01/2020 22:44

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Now Forgotten 70s Various Artists / Now B07YMJR3ZF

L

et’s clear one thing up straight away. These hits aren’t forgotten; every one of them is probably somebody’s favourite, so let’s call them ‘not often compiled’ instead because that’s more the reason why some of these tracks don’t show up on CD reissues as often as others.

Take CD 1, Gudbuy T’Jane (Slade), The Pushbike Song (The Mixtures) and Sad Sweet Dreamer (Sweet Sensation) to name but a few are readily available elsewhere, but not so with Stephanie De Sykes (Born With A Smile On My Face), Hotlegs (Neanderthal Man) or Lynsey De Paul (Sugar Me).

CD 2 follows the same pattern. Tracks

by Bonnie Tyler, Diana Ross and Elkie Brooks aren’t ‘forgotten’, but Carole Bayer Sager’s wonderful You’re Moving Out Today, New World’s Tom Tom Turnaround and David Parton’s Isn’t She Lovely aren’t regular inclusions in 70s compilations. It’s nice to see We Do It (R & J Stone) included, a classy record that first graced the charts in 1975 and for those who like their faves to be novelties, there’s also Gimme Dat Ding

by The Pipkins !

CD 3 includes more tracks that make

this five CD set a ‘must buy’. Bang Bang

by B. A. Roberston, (Blame It) On the Pony Express (Johnny Johnson & The Bandwagon) and Substitute by Clout while there’s more novelties in Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron by The Hotshots, Car 67 from Driver 67 and Convoy by C.W. McCall, the latter a wonderful throwback to the days of C.B. Radio.

CD 4 gives us a chance to re-hear Robin Sarstedt’s My Resistance Is Low, Jack In The Box (Clodagh Rodgers), Lobo’s I’d Love You To Want Me and I Can’t Stand The Rain (Eruption) while Friends by Arrival is reason enough to buy the box set just for that track alone.

CD 5 gives us It Should Have Been Me by Yvonne Fair, a wonderful slice of Motown magic and I Get a Kick Out of You by Gary Shearston, another track rarely compiled these days. The Chosen Few by The Dooleys and Sally by Gerry Monroe also illustrates the breadth of styles available.

Check out this box set for around a tenner; your ‘forgotten favourite’ may well be here. Some of mine certainly were.

Happy New Year to you all!

● 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.

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29 Adverts.indd 1

08/01/2020 21:59

Sport Wrekin News

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

THE BUCKS HAVE A SPRING IN THEIR STEP AFTER PUTTING A POOR START BEHIND THEM AFC Telford United produced a good end to the year after taking back to back victories in their final two outings and ended the month of December on the cusp of joining the race for the play-off push.

T

he Bucks managed to win by their biggest scoreline of the season to date due to the emphatic win over Alfreton Town (3-0) and managed to back that up with an impressive victory in the next game away to Gloucester after taking a 1-0 victory. The Bucks may look to the poor turnout in the FA Trophy as a turning point after losing to Leamington.

Ryan Barnett got his first goal since rejoining Telford on Boxing day, they eased their way to three points against Alfreton at New Bucks Head. The team looked in the mood for goals and even managed to keep a clean sheet for what was the first in a while.

There was an own goal from Ryan Qualter as Alfreton got off to the worse possible start early on with Matt Stenson rounding off the scoring.

Then came the 1-0 win against Gloucester with the last game of the year maybe not been the most entertaining on the pitch but when

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looking at the bigger picture if was a vital three points for the Bucks as their new found resilience at the back paid off. Matt Stenson was amongst the action again as his poachers finish before half time proved to be the difference in the game.

The new found defensive solution may have started when after a miserable loss to Leamington in the cup; the Bucks managed to go to high flying Chester and walk away with a point to their name.

Chester had been in the top three for much of the season with the final score 0-0 in what was a frustrating day for the hosts but one that seems to be a turning point for the Bucks. This then started the record of having three clean sheets on a row.

In the defeats within December Leamington was the heaviest after a 5-0 defeat at New Bucks Head with any hopes of repeating the famous FA Trophy run from earlier in the year subsiding although it seemed to push the Bucks on following that game.

They also lost the first game of the month following a 2-0 defeat to play-off chasing Farsley Celtic at home as the away side put up a professional performance despite Telford arguably playing the best half of football they have played in all year.

AFC Telford United may have started the month with a set of underwhelming results but in the latter stages of it they shone. They will now look to continue their recent revival and unbeaten spell into the new year where they may finally click into gear and push onwards towards the play-offs.

Chris Owen

World War One Series: The Great War

Bridgnorth in The Great War Emma Spenser of Bridgnorth Library invited Wrekin News feature journalist Chris Owen to further promote the launch of his new book: ‘Bridgnorth in the Great War’ as part of their annual ‘Meet the Author’ event.

“Once again we were very grateful”, Chris commented, “to accept Emma’s kind invitation.”

It proved a very successful event where even more signed copies of my books were sold.

Chris added: "The event was also graced by a visit from the current Mayor of Bridgnorth Ron Whittle and his lady wife Carol.

Emma commented: “This is an annual event which has been growing year on year and was very successful this year for all the participating authors. We are especially pleased to receive the further interest in Chris’s book about our town in WW1 which we launched on 9th November to great local acclaim."

Chris added: “We should all commend and support Bridgnorth and indeed, all of our libraries during their various literary events throughout the year particularly when featuring the local history of our towns and cities.

“Hope to see you all next year at this and other wonderful local library events.”

● Chris with

Bridgnorth Mayor Ron and Carol Whittle

Read More W

orld-famous Bridgnorth town is situated on the river Severn near Kidderminster and is a very popular Kidderminster anglers’ nearhaunt and tourist destination. the river Severn shadow town is ofsituated Within the its veryon own Civil War-ravaged Within the orld-famous Bridgnorth haunt and tourist destination.castle lies a unique funicular rail system and anglers’ the north-western system terminus of funicular and is a very popular famousrail Severn Valley heritage castle lies a uniquethe War-ravaged railway line.

CivilAlthough steeped in military history, line. railway shadow of its very own Valley heritagemuch of its Great War social famous– Severn remained of theobscure history has terminus has until now. ThisWar social history and the north-western account explores many of its Great enthralling unknown history, surprising and 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 about the disclose terrible sacrifices reports unknown facts thethat serving men, their relatives official news 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 government terrible propaganda, which implied the fullest picture of the that the men were enlisting effort. a short-term war adventurous to Britain’s for romp, the little enlisting for were patriotically their townsfolk made men town implied thatthis sacrificed the flower of generation to which propaganda, the largely trench-bound a flower of a Misled by government bloodythe morass patriotically sacrificed the Great War became. commitment romp, this little and town Their fortitude gives testament Their a short-term adventurous to became. the incredible morass the Great War Bridgnorth, trench-bound andbloody their losses are evidenced of the people ofbravery of the people of generation to the largely in the various commemorative the incredible bravery erected testament to givesthroughout monuments fortitude the town and monuments and in surrounding hamlets. commitment in the various commemorative Utilizing are evidenced contemporary documents and wartime Bridgnorth, and their losses servicemen’s poignant hamlets. of surrounding which in disclosed andare letters, some town for the first time, poignant letters, some erected throughout the in the Great War reveals wartime servicemen’s Bridgnorth once andand prosperous documents how this 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 town endured which was fancifully dubbed Midlands’ end West all wars’. ‘the war industrious to ‘the war to once prosperous and 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 catastrophe, he has written Christopher W. A . Owen is the Second World War which was spawned out mistakes of his the speciality Although Great War. He is also of the of the with his wife and son. was spawnedtoout write about other Shropshire catastrophe, whichcommissioned townseven greater for this fascinating Pen & to other Shropshire Sword a logical prequel to this about writelocal history series.

War. He is also commissioned mistakes of the Great series.

Pen & Sword local history towns for this fascinating

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uk £9.99

us $00.00

uk £9.99Cover design:

us $00.00 Jon Wilkinson Cover design: Jon Wilkinson

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● If you would like to read more about

Shropshire towns in the Great War and would like to purchase a signed copy of Bridgnorth in the Great War or any of his two other books featuring: Wellington and Ironbridge in the Great War, please contact him direct on chris.w.a.owen@gmail.com or via the Wrekin News.

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

09/01/2020 10:01

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