What's What May/June

MAY / JUN 2017

MAY / JUN 2017

The magazine & website for your local area www.whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

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elcome

Contents Local news

6 – 28

Welcome to the latest issue of What’s What!

As ever, we’re packed with local news, events and photographs; if it’s happening in our area, we’ve got it covered. From steam power at the SVR Gala to foot power at the Ironbridge Half Marathon… to the creative power of competitors at the Wenlock Live Arts Festival.

Wildlife – On Sacred Ground School news

30 – 38

Seasons are a time of change and as we move from spring into summer, WW! has made a few changes of our own. You may have noticed that we’ve grown in size, which means even more space to record what is going on in this fabulous county.

So do drop us a line at editorial@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk and tell us what you’re up to.

Local arts

38 – 48

Dairy dates and events

58 – 70

Recipes and food news

70 – 78

Home & you

78 – 90

Garden news

90 – 95

As the weather improves, many of us will be pondering whether to take part in the ‘rebranded’ Bridgnorth Lions Walk, while the not-so-sporty amongst us will revel in the area’s many festivals. As ever, we’re fully behind our fabulous community events, so do please get out and support them.

We all love to get to local events, so if you see us there, please say hello – just look for the people wearing the big WW! badge!

The WW! team What’s What Magazine

29

Local walks

94

Animal care

98

@WhatsWhatmagz

Cover photo

Business news

100 – 105

Town council news

106 – 112

Bilberry bumblebee andrewfusekpeters.com

Local experts

112

What’s that number?

114

July/August 2017 Deadlines Editorial – 2 June, Advertising – 9 June

We’ve got the local area covered!

Bridgnorth, Eardington, Worfield, Claverley, Hilton, Ackleton, Broseley, Ironbridge, Jackfield, Buildwas, Much Wenlock, Homer, Brockton, Bourton, Hughley, Harley, Cressage, Cound, Kenley, Harnage, Wroxeter, Leighton, Eaton Constantine, Little Wenlock, Lightmoor, Horsehay and Shifnal.

Hand delivered to 16,000 homes and businesses – more than any other magazine in our area.

Also available at… the Spar, Broseley; Mrs P’s, Much Wenlock; Chrisalis News, Ironbridge and Sainsbury’s, Bridgnorth.

Meet the team Leanne Platek Managing Director

Paul Kirkpatrick Sales Manager

Karl Aston Guest Editor

What’s What! Magazine 18 Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN Email: Advertising – leanne@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk Editorial – editorial@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk General enquiries – info@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk Telephone 01952 728162 whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

Kate Southan Office manager

Ed Andrews Writer

Liz Orton Guest Designer

What’s What! Magazine is published by MC Marketing Ltd. The views expressed within this publication do not necessarily reflect those of MC Marketing. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written permission consent of the publishers. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, MC Marketing can in no way cannot accept liability for omissions or incorrect insertions or any consequence arising from use of this publication.

Copyright MC Marketing Ltd 2006.

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LOCAL NEWS

Waterproof festival This year’s SunFest will be on 28 May at the Edgar Davis Rugby ground in Bridgnorth… and don’t worry about the weather, as this year’s event takes place in a marquee. With live music from midday and tickets from £5, it’s a great family day out. Overnight camping is also available; for more info visit bridgnorthfestival.org.uk

Shop share scheme Plans have been unveiled for a new community shop in Beckbury.

Located next to the village hall, the shop will run by volunteers and will provide grocery, newspapers and a small café area.

To raise the £30,000 needed, locals have been asked to invest in a £10 ‘share’.

For further information, visit beckburyparish.co.uk.

Queen mum to be crowned Every year Bridgnorth crowns a carnival queen, princes and princesses… but this year a new category has been added – Carnival Queen Mother. The organisers asked Bridgnorth residents to nominate their mums, aunts, friends or anyone they think worthy of winning the crown and leading the carnival on 24 June.

Closing date for nominations was 28 April and the carnival royalty will be crowned at a ceremony on 22 May.

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These colours run A kind-hearted Telford schoolgirl is planning to celebrate her seventh birthday by fundraising for charity instead of having a party with friends.

Kendrah Knight is going to spend her special day supporting Severn Hospice at its Colour Run on 10 June at Telford Town Park and, instead of getting birthday presents, she’s asking for donations to be made to the hospice.

Kendrah said, “My mum asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I already Kendrah Knight with her mom Jemma

have clothes and dollies so I asked if we could give something to charity instead. I’m going running with my mum and we’re asking everyone to give money to the hospice and not to buy me presents.”

To support Kendrah, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Jemma-Knight Or, if Kendrah’s kindness has inspired you to take part yourself, visit severnhospice.org.uk

Lions Walk roars into action This year’s Bridgnorth Walk will see the event mark its 50th anniversary – and it’s taking on a brand new identity as the first organised and run by the Bridgnorth Lions Club. The Lions have been encouraged by the numbers already signed up and are welcoming large teams raising money for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and Rupert’s Revenge.

Organiser Peter Parker said, “We’ve already raised over £6,000 by selling sponsorship packages, so the event has paid for itself before it’s started. We’ve had fantastic support from businesses in the town, with significant sponsorship from Grainger & Worrall, Bridgnorth Kitchens and Bathrooms and The Real Bridgnorth Windows.

Other changes include a revamp of the walk’s website and an electronic tag-check at the top of Brown Clee.

“There will be various stalls and entertainment on the High Street, offering visitors more reasons to stay in Bridgnorth on the day of the walk. Now we just need the weather to play ball… but that’s one thing about the day that is really out of our control!”

Peter Parker and friends raising money for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund

LOCAL NEWS

Hundreds protest A protest march in Bridgnorth was held in late March to support and raise awareness of the county’s midwife-led maternity units. Several hundred people took part, including local councillors and the mayor of Bridgnorth, Vanessa Voysey. The route took protesters from the hospital along the High Street and into Castle Gardens and was organised

by Bobbie Brown, who leads the Shropshire Smile Maternity Charity with husband Eddie; they also founded the campaign to raise awareness of the maternity units.

Bobbie said, “We’ve received a huge amount of support from women who gave birth in Bridgnorth Hospital. The protest wasn’t just about trying to protect our midwife-led unit, it was also about promoting the facility, as lots of people don’t know it’s here. The review of maternity services closes in July and people can sign one of our petitions to show their support. It was wonderful to see so many attend the march today… it shows how important the issue is to our community.”

Minibus for community The Bridgnorth Community Transport Group (BCTG) have taken delivery of their latest vehicle, a 14-seat minibus funded by the government’s Community Transport Minibus Fund. The new vehicle was handed over by local MP Philip Dunne to Peter Meehan, chair of Bridgnorth Community Transport Group.

Mr Dunne said, “The Group provide a valuable service to the local community, helping those with less access to transport due to age, sickness or cost, to get around in the Bridgnorth area.”

With three minibuses and 20 trained volunteer drivers, BCTG offers services running into Bridgnorth from Claverley, Cleobury Mortimer, Burwarton, Cleobury North, Ditton Priors, Hampton Loade and Alveley. Minibuses and drivers can be hired by local voluntary groups, who pay a mileage charge to cover a share of the running costs. BCTG’s office is at 16 St John’s Street, Bridgnorth, where bookings can be made.

The office hours are 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

(L-R) Philip Dunne and Peter Meehan

The plane that defected In May 1943, a German Junkers Ju88R-1 night-fighter with a crew of three took off on a mission from Denmark. Two of the crew decided to defect and flew to Scotland, where the plane was escorted to Dyce airfield by Spitfires. The third crew member wanted no part in the plan and had to be held at gunpoint during the flight. Getting the plane was a major coup for the British, as it was fitted with the latest German radar – and now that aircraft is being restored at RAF Cosford Museum.

The restoration is being carried out by GJD Services. GJD’s Gary Sporrs has a personal connection to Ju88s, as he explained; “When I was 12, I worked at the RAF base at St Athan doing odd jobs, and they were restoring Ju88s, so it’s great to be working on one of those now. Like many WW2 aircraft, the Junkers is relatively simple in construction, which is a benefit we inherit as restorers.”

Tickets for the 2017 Cosford Airshow on 11 June are now on sale; visit rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford The GJD team in front of the Ju88

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

Museum of Iron unveiled

The eagle archer statue creates a dramatic entrance (On loan from V&A Museum of Childhood)

The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron has opened after a six-month redevelopment, revealing how the remarkable events that happened in this part of Shropshire changed the world forever. Situated in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, the revamped attraction forms the centrepiece of celebrations marking 50 years of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

exhibition, said, “The Iron Bridge may be Coalbrookdale’s most recognised and inspirational structure, and the story of how events here went on to change the world is a compelling one.

The museum takes visitors on a journey through time, exploring how Coalbrookdale became the centre of the 4,000-year-old story of iron. Gillian Crumpton, curator of the

For more information visit ironbridge.org.uk

The Big Busk

Twinning group at risk

Shrewsbury’s free street music festival, The Big Busk, took place in April and raised more than £8,500 for the Shrewsbury Ark.

Much Wenlock was twinned with French town Cysoing in 2004 and strong links have been developed between the two communities. But now the Shropshire town’s Twinning Group may be in danger of closing down. Steve Stevenson, the group’s PR officer, explained that the current committee , which has been in place for over 12 years, will stand down at the AGM on 9 May.

Karen Paterson, one of the event’s organisers, said, “We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part, whether performing, volunteering or simply watching and donating. This is an incredible total and will go a long way to improving the lives of the homeless and vulnerable people in Shropshire.”

All profits from the event go directly to the Shrewsbury Ark, which relies almost entirely on charitable donations to raise the £120,000 it needs to keep running. The festival is held in memory of talented musician, poet and artist Ben Bebbington, who was killed in 2012 in an unprovoked attack. It takes place on the weekend around Ben’s birthday. Organisers have revealed they are planning to take next year off and return bigger and better in 2019.

Goodbye Ohio performing at the Big Busk

“Buildings, wars, transport and trade are all shaped by the innovations of 1709 and the world that iron built. This new museum tells that story, setting the amazing industrial innovations that began here, in their historical context.”

A scale model of historic Ironbridge is one of the exhibits

(On loan from the Science Museum Group)

He said, “The committee is anxious the group should continue with fresh leadership, bringing renewed enthusiasm and ideas. We need to appoint a chairperson, secretary and treasurer, otherwise it’s with great reluctance that the group will be dissolved.”

For further information, contact Steve via email at ajs@uwclub.net or on 01952 727884.

The signing of the Twinning Charter

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LOCAL NEWS

Folk festival A new project to celebrate cultural diversity and highlight the plight of refugees has been launched by Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Organisers of the annual four-day event, which takes place from 25 to 28 August at the West Mid Showground, have secured a £95,000 investment from Arts Council England for the 18-month Room for All project. The initiative will include a music commission featuring refugee musicians and a programme of education and outreach work in the county.

A new addition to the festival is Launchpad, a pop-up venue designed to showcase the talents of young musicians. The festival is appealing for solo performers and groups, aged 16 to 26 who live in Shropshire, Mid Wales or the West Midlands to pitch for one of the five places available.

To apply, send a short biography, links to performances (Soundcloud, YouTube etc) and your contact details to jo@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk before May 31. Only the selected performers will be contacted.

Duo O’Hooley and Tidow

Fanfare for the forties There are plenty of opportunities for people to travel back to the era of wartime Britain in the coming months, with 1940s events at the Severn Valley Railway and Ironbridge.

The historical weekends at SVR take place on 24-25 June and 1-2 July, transforming the entire 16-mile railway into a colourful snapshot of wartime Britain. Famous faces, including Sir Winston Churchill and King George VI, will travel alongside passengers on the intensive service of ‘evacuation trains’ for an exciting steam train journey. Other attractions include a battle re-enactment taking place by the Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, with a recreation of allied paratrooper landings behind German lines on D-Day. The Ironbridge WW2 weekend takes place on 27-28 May at Dale End Park and features re-enactors, a vehicle parade, vintage fairground, a battle re-enactment, 1940’s fashion pageant and a big band dance. Money raised from the day will go to Pilgrim Bandits, a charity that helps ex-service personnel injured in the line of duty.

For more information, visit svr.co.uk or ironbridgeww2weekend.co.uk

(Photo credit to Barry Phillips, Aura Photographic Studio)

Golf open day Bridgnorth Golf Club are once again holding a family open day on their picturesque riverside course. This year the club is linking up with This Girl Golfs and National Golf Month, national initiatives which aim to get more girls and ladies playing.

The open day is on 14 May, the action starting at 10am with two hours of rolling golf lessons from professional Steve Russell. The day is free and all ages and abilities are welcome.

For more info visit bridgnorthgolfclub.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

Leading her country A Bridgnorth Tennis Club coach has been selected to captain her country.

Holly Mowling will make her first appearance on the international stage when she leads England’s over-35 team at the Four Nations Championships in Glasgow at the end of April.

High street musical

Holly already made a great start to the year by winning the British Seniors Open Indoor Championships and she’s now ranked number one for her age group in Great Britain and 13th in the world. Holly said, “To be chosen to captain my country is a huge honour and my greatest achievement to date.”

Share your news with us!

A taste of Covent Garden is arriving in Shropshire this summer, with the launch of a new street festival. Organised

by Bridgnorth Promotions and set to take place on the town’s High Street on 16 July, the festival will feature circus entertainers, puppets, street foods, funfair rides and a traditional street market. There will also be live music, including acoustic sets, across two stages.

The music is being arranged by Sunflower Music, set-up by 15 year-old Tom Barras, formerly of Guitar Cubed. He said, “We’re really pleased to be bringing music to this event. Sunflower Music is about giving younger musicians an opportunity to perform” For further information, visit the Bridgnorth Street Festival Facebook page. Any musicians interested in performing should contact tom.barras@gmx.com

Send us your news and we’ll share it with 16000 homes and businesses across our area, email us editorial@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk or find us on Facebook or Twitter

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LOCAL NEWS

Footgolf?

What do you get if you combine two of the world’s most popular sports? Answer: Footgolf, a sport that combines football and golf and is growing in popularity both here and abroad. A new footgolf course opened at Horsehay Village Golf Centre in April, offering a nine or 18 hole challenge. The fun family game is played on a golf course using a size 5 football.

To find out more about this intriguing sport, visit ukfootgolf.com/horsehay

Regatta in county town The annual Shrewsbury Regatta is organised by the 148-year-old Pengwern Boat Club and takes place on the weekend of 6 May. For more information visit pengwernbc.co.uk

Bridge players sought Bridgnorth Bridge Club are looking for new members. The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and Friday evening at Morville Village Hall. Visit bridgewebs.com/bridgnorth or ring Val Steward on 01746 765391 to find out more.

Science club E:KIT (Excalibur: Kids Into Technology) is a computer science and gaming club which meets monthly at the Bridgnorth Scout hut. E:KIT costs £5 per family for regular attendees. Visit E:KIT on Facebook or email ekit.club@ gmail.com

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Exciting events at SVCP On 11 June, Severn Valley Country Park will be holding the Severn Valley Trail Run, a 5k and 10k off-road run through hills and woodlands. This year’s event is sponsored by four local companies, Stinky-Ink, Doolittle and Dalley, Integrated Grounds Maintenance and Enville Ales. Last year the 10k race sold out, with runners travelling from as far afield as South Wales to tackle the beautiful course. Online entry is available at stuweb.co.uk On 17 June, the park will host a Family Wildlife Day focused on the incredible sight of the wildflower meadow in full bloom. There will be mini-beast hunting, pond-dipping, wild food walks, owls on display, scything workshops and craft stalls. Enville Ales are sponsoring the hay-bale throwing contest, with the winner receiving a voucher for a free nine-pint tin of ale. In the evening, local folk band Whalebone and poet Kate Innes will perform a mixture of music and poetry at the Visitor Centre.

For more details, call 01746 781192 or email edward.andrews@shropshire.gov.uk (L-R): Mike Carter (IGM), Tina Carter (IGM), Jerry Hedges (Enville Brewery), James Brookes

(Shropshire Council), John Andrews (Doolittle and Dalley) and Edward Andrews (Shropshire Council)

Shropshire safari A safari through some of Shropshire’s finest countryside is being planned to raise vital funds for a county charity. The Safari Food Walk has been organised by the Clive and District Friends of Severn Hospice and starts at 10am on 14 May at The Pavilions, Hardwick Estate, Hadnall, near Shrewsbury.

Mike Perry, Severn Hospice community fundraising advisor, said, “The walk will cover a distance of approximately seven miles, though a shorter route of about five miles will be available.”

The walk will start with coffee or tea and a biscuit, and walkers will be given a bottle of water and some notes detailing points of interest along the route.

Children under 12 can attend the walk free of charge with an adult. Entry is £20 per person and registration is at severnhospice.org.uk

LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

President honoured On 29 September, Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Club will be honouring the memory of the late Freda Spickernell, their former president, with a concert in Bridgnorth’s Baptist Chapel.

For further information visit bridgnorthmusical theatrecompany.co.uk or visit the BMTC Facebook page.

Free martial arts Excalibur Martial Arts, based at Bridgnorth’s Endowed Leisure Centre, are offering a month’s free trial for new students. The club has already enjoyed a successful 2017, raising £2,710 for Leicester Hospital’s Leukaemia Unit.

Between the training sessions, the club also holds social events, such as Nerf Wars and Wacky Races.

For more information find them on Facebook or visit excaliburma.co.uk.

Railway supper The League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital are holding their annual fish and chip supper on the Severn Valley Railway on 26 May. The evening runs from 7-10pm; there will be a bar onboard, a lucky ticket draw and a raffle. Tickets cost £16.50 for adults and £10 for children call 01746 762329, 01746 766356 or 01746 716273.

Push the boat out Chelmarsh Sailing Club is holding its annual taster day on 13 May offering anyone the chance to get out on the water and experience sailing for themselves.

Experienced sailors will be on hand between 1pm to 5pm to take newcomers out on the water.

Peter Wilson, the club’s principal of training, said, “We want people to enjoy the chance to have a go at sailing. Those attending should wear something warm and comfortable, bring a windproof nylon jacket and let our experienced helmsmen and women do the rest.

“Anyone worried that sailing costs a lot of money will be pleased to know that the club’s training fleet is available for new members to use.”

To book a place on the Taster Day, contact Peter at pwilson1620@btinternet.com.

Further details of the club, membership and courses offered in 2017 are available at chelmarshsailing.org.uk

Club legend retires It’s the end of an era for a Bridgnorth sports club, as its head coach steps down after 35 years. Richard Davidson, known simply as ‘D’, took charge of Northgate Swimming Club for the final time at the Shropshire County Championships. Richard has had a huge influence on swimming in Shropshire, having coached the county and former Salopia squad.

He joined Northgate around the time it was formed in 1976 and became head coach in 1982.

A Fellow of the Institute of Swimming, he was awarded the West Midlands ASA’s lifetime achievement award in 2010. He will continue to coach with Northgate’s senior squad while helping successor Gary Barnes to transition into the head coach role.

For more information visit northgateswimming.co.uk

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‘D’ Davidson

LOCAL NEWS

Lifesaving support Residents at Hollins Park in Quatford have had an on-site defibrillator installed following the support of local organisations and businesses. Beryl Haywood led the campaign but, despite community efforts, her team were unable to raise the total amount needed funds to install the £1,600 defibrillator.

She explained, “I approached various organisations for help and the West Midlands Ambulance Service amazed us when

FANCY SAILING?

they said they would give us one for nothing. Bridgnorth Lions provided us storage cabinet and CDI Electrical installed it for free. The generosity of those people meant we had a surplus of funds which will be used for the maintenance equipment.”

Beryl added, “I’d like to thank all the organisations and residents who helped make the installation of this lifesaving equipment possible. Let’s hope this is an insurance policy we never have to use.”

Residents of Hollins Park and Bridgnorth Lions President Peter Parker with the

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The gift of giving and inheritance tax planning As we’ve entered a new tax year, it’s time to look at maximising your opportunities for inheritance tax relief including taking advantage of exempt lifetime gifts and transfers.

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An estate agent is preparing to mark the first anniversary of opening its Much Wenlock branch. Nick Tart Estate Agents opened the spacious office in July last year – at the same time they marked their 25th anniversary. Jayne Tart heads up the Wenlock branch and said it had been a personal joy to return to the town.

She said, “It’s great to be back here among people I know very well, many of who have become friends. The property market has changed so much over the years and we’re now seeing an increase in enquiries from the south, many of which are cash buyers. Our presence in London helps us connect easily with those clients, who get the added benefit of my local knowledge and experience.”

“We would not hesitate to recommend Nick Tart as a first class selling agent…”

Jayne’s 30 years of experience in the county’s property market means she now finds herself meeting clients again. Andrew Smith sold a home with Jayne 17 years ago and jumped at the chance to work with her once more, when he recently put the iconic William Penny Brookes House on the market.

Andrew says, “We were delighted that Jayne was looking after us for a second time. She worked tirelessly throughout the process; we had four viewings within the first week and a month later we had four offers to consider. Her expert negotiating skills resulted in us selling the house at the asking price. We would not hesitate to recommend Nick Tart as a first-class selling agent and extend our thanks to Jayne and her team for their hard work.”

Jayne doesn’t only deal with direct clients – she’s also happy for people to pop in for advice. She says, “I really enjoy sharing my experience with buyers and sellers, as my in-depth knowledge of the local market means I can give them insight specific to the area. In fact, people often ask if Nick and I will retire to Much Wenlock – it is a special place for us…”

18 Barrow Street, Much Wenlock, TF13 6EN T: 01952 767877 M: 07971 570905 E: jaynetart@nicktart.com

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LOCAL NEWS

Celebrating the past For the second year in succession, Blists Hill Victorian Town has received the highest Gold accolade in recognition of the quality of its visitor experience. The scheme recognises attractions that go the extra mile to create an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Paul Gossage, director of engagement at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust said that he was delighted with the award. He explained, “The staff, trustees and volunteers are all thrilled that our hard work has been recognised with a second VisitEngland Gold accolade. This is especially welcome in 2017 as we celebrate our Golden Anniversary.”

The Trust was founded 50 years ago in 1967.

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LOCAL NEWS

Record breaking performance They may have won the award for England Athletic Club of the year in 2016, but Bridgnorth Athletics Club (BAC) shows no sign of resting on their laurels. In the final meeting of the Shropshire Young Athletes League (SYAL) in Oswestry, the club wanted to repeat its record-breaking performance of 2016.

Last year they won six of the nine trophies on offer… and this year they set a new record by winning seven.

The girls’ teams had a clean sweep of titles, with the U11, U13, and U15 teams all winning their age groups. The U13 boys also won, while the U11 and U15 boys finished in third place. The girls’ and boys’ squads both won their relative titles, which meant Bridgnorth AC won the overall title as well. Having already won the SYAL cross-country title, Bridgnorth AC will now be concentrating on defending its SYAL Track and Field title in its drive to complete another clean sweep of Shropshire SYAL Athletic titles.

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

Love Bridgnorth A local Facebook page that’s been revealing ‘100 reasons to Love Bridgnorth’ has already reached an audience of 350,000.

Former WW! editor Sally Themans set up Love Bridgnorth 15 months ago. She explains, “Love Bridgnorth is a platform to celebrate our lovely town – reminding people who live and work here what a beautiful place it is and at the same time encouraging people from outside the area to visit. I wanted this to be something that engaged the community, especially during the gloomy winter months.

“We’ve featured sport clubs, music and theatre, events, shops, schools and pubs, as well as local churches and landmarks – even the resident otter and the peregrine falcons have been included – creating a ‘snapshot’ archive for the town.

The picture that attracted the most ‘likes’ was this glorious spring shot of the river taken by local resident Alison Pipe.”

England’s skipper Former Shropshire and Shrewsbury skipper John Foster is preparing for another Ashes battle with the Australians.

John, president of Shrewsbury Cricket Club and Performance Director at Cricket Shropshire, has again been appointed as skipper of England’s Over 60s team this summer. He led his country’s Over 60s side on a successful tour of Australia last autumn, when England retained the Ashes with a 2-1 victory in the One Day Test Match series.

Australia Over 60s are touring England this summer and their provisional itinerary includes a game against Shropshire Over 60s at Oswestry on 19 July. They are also playing John’s England side in three One Day International Tests during the tour, scheduled to take place in Lancashire, Kidderminster and Salisbury.

Paul returns to Sands Bridgnorth company director Paul Griffiths of Grove Metal Sections Ltd is currently taking part in the infamous Marathon des Sables or ‘Marathon of the Sands’, a six-day, 156-mile race equivalent to six regular marathons… for the second time.

The event is considered the toughest race on earth; contestants have to carry all their own kit, and water is handed out at each checkpoint.

First time round, Paul was raising money in memory of his mother, who died of breast cancer 20 years ago. This time, he’s returned to Morocco to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, for reasons that are just as personal.

“We had a close call with our wonderful daughter Ellie last year,” explained Paul. “Major surgery and the removal of a lung at just 21 years were required. Thankfully, there was nothing more sinister going on and she has made a full recovery. I can barely begin to imagine what it must be like for families with sons and daughters who are affected by cancer, so my wife Sarah and I made the decision to raise money for the Trust.”

At press time, Paul was placed 111th compared to 368th in 2012 – so he’s making a clear improvement! Visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/Paul-Griffiths54 to donate.

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LOCAL NEWS

Man without a van A local man affected by a rare disease is hoping to raise money so he can become more mobile. Ben Parker, 37, from Brockton near Much Wenlock, suffers from Pompe disease, a rare neuromuscular disorder that affects only 100 adults in the UK. Ben said, “My condition affects every part of my life; I struggle to walk, have breathing issues, the list is endless.

I am six foot seven inches tall and use a large mobility scooter, but need a van with a hoist to enable me to transport the scooter.”

Ben is holding a Spring Fete on 20 May at Corve Barn Farm, with face-painting, a bouncy castle, coconut shy, sack race, egg and spoon race, silent auction, Reiki sessions and more.

Ben continued, “My wife Jen and I have been humbled by how many people have come forward to help us.

I have a Gofundme page that’s already raised £5,000 and am hoping to get that up to £15,000.”

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Les and Jane Jones are celebrating a decade of success at The Bradeney House retirement home complex – and their latest development at the site is a collection of bungalows aimed at people who want to retain their independence.

When Les Jones drove past Bradeney House a little over a decade ago, he immediately thought about buying it. Already the owner of the Holy Cross retirement home in Shrewsbury, Les saw the potential despite it being in a tired state and in need of refurbishment.

Following its purchase, renovation work commenced in May 2007. The original building had only 36 occupants, but Les and Jane got permission to expand that to 101 in 2009. After that they began to follow their dream of turning Bradeney House into the focal point of a care village. One part of the couples’ vision is to make their ideas as environmentally friendly as possible and to that effect have installed three bio-mass boilers and even have their own borehole, for water.

Both Les and Jane acknowledge that the success of Bradeney House would not have been achieved without the support and hardwork of their staff. This includes a Well Being team that organises activities – residents have enjoyed visits from Rupert the horse as well as more exotic creatures including spiders and snakes.

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Homes of the future

“We play 60s and 70s songs and perform at local pubs and nursing homes. We have put on several performances here too and the residents absolutely love it when we play.”

The latest development of the complex has been Bradeney Drive, which has involved the construction of 14 beautifully designed bungalows in a gated cul-de-sac overlooking the home. Each bungalow has two double-bedrooms, wet room bathroom, open plan living area and a large patio area.

“our resident’s privacy, dignity independence and quality of life is of the utmost importance to us and our staff” Les continued, ‘They are ideal for people who want the support of a retirement complex, but still want to maintain their independence. Each bungalow comes with 24-hour alarm and emergency call out from nursing staff at the main house, so you really do get the best of both worlds.

“They are finished to a very high standard, with details such as granite worktops, oak fittings and underfloor heating.

The bungalows can even be altered to allow for wheelchair use, whether in the future or right now. They really do have everything people would need – there is even a charging point for electric scooters – and pets are of course very welcome!”

The retirement complex has one thing that very few others have – their own resident band “We have already sold a third of the bungalows and are now looking forward to the next phase of developing our complex, which will be the opening of the Bradeney Pavilion, a purpose-built activity centre for the assisted living bungalows. The centre will include a gym room, craft facilities and landscaped gardens.”

Bradeney Drive For more information or to visit the showroom please contact Berriman Eaton 01746 766499 or visit www.berrimaneaton.co.uk Bradeney House Nursing Home Worfield, Bridgnorth, WV15 5NT Tel: 01746 716686 25

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The retirement complex also has one thing that very few others have – their own resident band. Les explained, “We call ourselves ‘The Bradeney Bunch’ and apart from myself on guitar there is Leyton Burgess, from maintenance, on drums; John Malcolm, from reception, on keyboard and Jan Ward, from activities, as our lead singer.

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LOCAL NEWS

Castlefields pupils dressed as super heroes and raised over £460 to support their fellow pupil Rupert Beckett

£10,000 in ten days The family of a Bridgnorth boy with cancer have been stunned at the public response to the launch of an appeal to help him.

Five-year-old Rupert Beckett, from Castlefields School, suffers from rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma and a crowdfunding page has been set-up to help raise money for his treatment. The fund was set up in March and within 48 hours received over £3000 in donations; within 10 days that total was £10,000.

Having undergone extensive treatment over the last two years, Rupert has reached the end of available NHS Treatment.

His only hope now is ‘immunotherapy’, but this must be funded privately with each cycle of treatment costing a staggering £35,000.

Rupert’s mum, Sarah Beckett, launched the appeal with a target of £750,000 from his bedside at their London Hospital and simply cannot believe the response and acts of kindness they have received in such a short time.

Clare Mathias ran the Paris marathon on April 9 raising money for the campaign and a team of volunteers are planning a host of future events and fundraisers. These include a ball on 6 May, Rupertfest on 23 July and the #RupertChallenge. The latter involves videoing yourself singing the words to ‘Rupert The Bear’, posting it online and nominating others to do the same.

Liz Beckett, Rupert’s aunt said, “With such a huge target we’re so very grateful to everyone for pulling together for Rupert, the community spirit is fantastic and gives so much hope to the family.

“Without the benefit of time on their hands the family need as much support as possible. They are hoping the appeal continues to gain momentum and that Rupert can start the first cycle of the therapy he so desperately needs.”

Full details can be found at rupertsrevenge.co.uk and you can follow Rupert on twitter @Ruperts_revenge If you think you may be able to help please contact Rupert@rupertsrevenge.co.uk Donations can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ rupertsrevenge

The fund-raising team (L-R) Liz Beckett, Kelly Woodcock, Claire Mathias as Rupert The Bear and Dani Caine

Clare Mathias completed the Paris Marathon to raise money for the campaign

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WILDLIFE DIARY

The rows of headstones in the churchyard remind us of the finality of death, but the words engraved on the stones talk of everlasting life. Churchyards are now increasingly being recognised as important habitats for wildlife.

On Sacred Ground Ed Andrews introduces us to a local organisation whose aim is to conserve the counties churchyards - at the same time encouraging wildlife to thrive in these tranquil areas.

A

church has stood in Alveley since the 12th century. The walls are built of locally quarried sandstone, but the essence of the building is created by the people who spend time here. This is a place of baptisms and farewells, weddings and quiet contemplations. The rows of headstones in the churchyard remind us of the finality of death, but the words engraved on the stones talk of everlasting life. Churchyards are now increasingly being recognised as important habitats for wildlife.

Caring for Gods Acre (CfGA) is the national charity that promotes churchyard conservation and is based in Craven Arms. They have set up the Churchyard Task Team, which is a roving group of volunteers who carry out much-needed conservation work on churchyards and burial grounds all over Shropshire. The work of CfGA is vital to raise awareness about the value of churchyards for wildlife.

Churchyards often have a range of habitats within quite a small area. Being sacred ground they have escaped the plough and the ravage of herbicides and pesticides; they represent a glimpse of how Britain once looked. Veteran trees are nurtured and churchyard boundaries are often marked by old hedgerows. One such hedgerow in Alveley churchyard has been rejuvenated by the Churchyard Task Team over the winter in readiness for the nesting season that is now upon us.

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A good hedgerow for wildlife is thick and composed of a number of different tree species, offering a wide range of food for invertebrates. The branches weave together and create a fantastic nesting habitat for birds. If hedges are not managed, the trees can become gappy and sparse. The volunteers have laid the hedge at Alveley, which involved partially cutting stems (or ‘pleachers’) of hedge trees and weaving them between stakes. This stimulates growth from all along the pleachers as well as from the base of the hedge. The volunteers have also planted young trees to further thicken the hedge.

A brisk westerly wind suddenly blows through the churchyard.

It rattles the limbs of the huge lime trees and fills the wings of a magpie and a crow that are jousting for territory: Spring is here. The hedge will soon be alive with nesting birds and small mammals sheltering amongst the leaves and branches. Through April, May and June the Churchyard Task Team turn their attention to the grassland habitats that churchyards support.

Increasingly, churchyards are managed to encourage wildflowers, with less of an emphasis on tidy mown grass and more focus on bringing colour to grey days and shady corners.

Bridgnorth cemetery is renowned for its population of meadow saxifrage, a rare wildflower that will be in bloom as you read this article. Through late winter Tuckhill churchyard is studded with snowdrops and the local community make tea and cake for visitors travelling to witness the wonderful scene.

Churchyards often have a range of habitats within quite a small area. Being sacred ground they have escaped the plough and the ravage of herbicides and pesticides; they represent a glimpse of how Britain once looked.

WILDLIFE DIARY

Wildflowers are now being encouraged to grow in churchyards.

The site is a mixture of open habitat and woodland edge,so has both grassland plants such as ladies bedstraw and woodland plants like bluebell along with 53 other plant species. The survey also uncovered 28 species of invertebrate, including a caterpillar of a scarlet tiger moth. When combined with birds, mammals and trees, the total number of species found in this one-off survey was 108.

The engravings on the headstones are slowly being eroded by the wind and rain, like fading memories. The stonework is stained lime green, terracotta and grey, the colours of the lichens that thrive in the clean Stretton air. In a separate survey, 74 different species of lichen were found growing on headstones at the old cemetery, further highlighting the incredible diversity of life within the crumbling walls of our churchyards

Do one thing for wildlife this month: Saturday 3 June – Sunday 11 June is Cherishing Churchyards Week. This is a national celebration of churchyard wildlife.

Events include wildlife surveys, childrens nature trails and scything workshops. This is a great opportunity to discover more about the wildlife that lives in our churchyards. For more information, please see: caringforgodsacre.org.uk If you would like to join the Churchyard Task Team, please contact Ben Mullen (ben@cfga.org.uk or telephone 01588 673041) In 2014 staff from Caring for Gods Acre and members of the Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group surveyed a number of Shropshire churchyards and burial grounds. The aim was to try and work out just how many different types of plant and animal live on these sites. The old cemetery in Church Stretton was one of the sites that was surveyed. It dates back to Victorian times and is the final resting place of World War 1 soldiers, local dignitaries and even a 23 year-old victim of the Titanic disaster.

What’s What! nature expert and

Shropshire Council’s Parks and Greenspace Officer Edward Andrews looks at the changing seasons in each issue.

You can follow Ed on Twitter: @shropshirewild 29

SCHOOL NEWS

T A K E

A

C L O S E R

L O O K

Preparatory School Open Morning

Senior School Open Morning

Friday 5th May 9am - 11.30am

Saturday 6th May 10am - 12.30pm

Independent day and boarding school for pupils 2-18 years old.

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African adventure A group of 16 staff and students from Bridgnorth Endowed School (BES) visited Umonga Secondary School in Tanzania earlier this year as part of an ongoing educational partnership between the schools. BES have been working with the African school for six years and this latest trip’s objectives included forming links between St Leonard’s primary school in Bridgnorth and Kaloleni primary school – which is on the same site as Umonga.

Wolverhampton Grammar School student Noah Key bagged a prestigious Olivier Award as one of the cast members of the West End production of ‘School of Rock’. Noah, who is no stranger to the London stage with credits including ‘Les Miserables’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Elf’, is a music scholar at the school and manages to fit his study around his performances. He attended the star-studded ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall and was delighted to be chosen to make the acceptance speech for the Outstanding Achievement in Music award on behalf of the cast. The musical, which is proving to be a runaway success, is based on the cult film, with music

by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Wolverhampton schoolboy, who lives in Bridgnorth, said, “It was such an amazing night!

Nerve-racking… but the best night of my life!”

BES’ outgoing head Mr Loveday said, “Our objectives were fulfilled beyond my expectations and I’m particularly pleased with the developing relationship between staff and students at St Leonard’s and Kaloleni. The students and parents of Bridgnorth Endowed and St Leonard’s will be supporting the needy students in this area of Tanzania’s capital city throughout their educational journey. I’d also like to mention the Bridgnorth Tanzania project and Derek Cole, who is always keen to know what we are doing and help with our Swahili.”

BES students painting the new school gate, the cost of which was included in

their payment for the trip

Jemima powers ahead A Shrewsbury High School Sixth Form pupil has been selected to become a member of the GB Rowing Start programme.

Jemima Gould endured a tough selection process and is one of one the youngest girls on the scheme. Jemima has also been elected deputy head girl at Shrewsbury High School, where she is part of the Boat Club. The Rowing Start training will run alongside her school commitments in the evenings and at weekends.

Jemima said, “I’m so excited to have been chosen and can’t wait to start training and building on what I’ve already learnt here at Shrewsbury. It’s going to be a very busy few years… but I’m definitely up for the challenge!”

Jemima Gould

Noah pictured with Brain May,

Anita Dobson and other cast members 31

SCHOOL NEWS

Noah rocks!

SCHOOL NEWS

Former student’s festival horror A former student of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College is wowing film audiences and critics across the globe with a film he wrote and directed.

Rob Savage spent six months creating Dawn of the Deaf, an apocalyptic horror short, with help from the deaf community in London. Rob, 24, who grew up in Shrewsbury and previously attended Meole Brace School, has been living and working in London for the past five years as a film, commercials and television director.

He said, “Our aim was to create a genre film that would connect deaf and hearing audiences in an engaging, thrilling way. We wanted a tense story in which the characters’ ‘disability’ becomes their ultimate advantage over the hearing population.”

Not only has it picked up a host of awards and nominations, the film was also chosen to play at the Sundance Film Festival – the world’s largest film festival – in January. There were almost 10,000 entries to the festival and only 60 films were picked.

Rob Savage

The old hall school for boys and girls aged 4 –11

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Monday 5th June – Friday 9th June

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The Old Hall School, Wellington, Shropshire TF1 3LB admissions@oldhall.co.uk 01952 223117 www.oldhall.co.uk 32

SCHOOL NEWS

School offers extended care In their latest move to improve facilities available for pupils and parents, Morville CE Primary School is now providing before and after-school care. From 7.45am the school offers breakfast and a range of activities, and from the end of school until 5pm, children can attend sporting, craft, film and other clubs. The school is now considering opening a nursery for children aged 3 and over for the next academic year. ‚‚ Isabella Rowley, Elizabeth Ravenhall, Edward Rowley and Thomas Ravenhall

EYFS Outstanding in All Areas ISI (May 2016) Bus Routes from this area High Scholarship Success to a range of Senior Schools Nursery - age 13 01584 876 061 www.moorpark.org.uk head@moorpark.org.uk

More than just a school a community where individuals matter

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SCHOOL NEWS

ing community We are a vibrant learn inspired where individuals are tential to achieve their full po

BRIDGNORTH ENDOWED SCHOOL RATED GOOD

BY OFSTED IN THREE CATEGORIES

has improved • leadership at all levels significantly - Good y good in • teaching is consistentl od Go m for the sixth ir school • pupils are proud of the od Go and behave well

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�� B�id�n N�� '16 Headteacher: Mr P Loveday Chair of Governors: Mr M Freathy www.bridgnorthendowed.co.uk admin@bridgnorthendowed.co.uk Bridgnorth Endowed School, Northgate Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4ER

34

Rec�r� �e��lt� f�� �tt�����n� �n� �ro��es� ������ 2016

SCHOOL NEWS

Harper Adams wins again Harper Adams has become became the first university to scoop the Whatuni University of the Year two years in a row.

Harper Adams also came top in three other categories: Job Prospects, Course and Lecturers and Student Support. The full Whatuni ranking covered 127 universities, rated by 27,000 students, across 12 different categories.

Dr David Llewellyn, vice-chancellor of Harper Adams University, commented, “This is a tremendous vote of

confidence from our students. We greatly appreciate their support, as well as the many ways in which they contribute, with our staff, to creating a vibrant academic community.”

Harper Adams was a finalist in nine out of 12 Whatuni Student Choice Awards categories and was presented with its four gold, two silver and three bronze awards by event host and comedian David Mitchell.

Star bakers Castlefields School in Bridgnorth set its pupils a half-term learning challenge to bake cakes or biscuits using at least one Fair Trade product. A boy and girl from each class were then chosen by the school council to make their cake at a special Bake Off event on Red Nose Day. The winner was Year 1 pupil Jack Kinnersley, assisted by Scarlett Wright from Year 5.

Teacher Richard Nelson said, “It was really clear that the children have lots of experience of cooking at home. They amazed us all with their confident skills and everybody enjoyed the tasty creations.”

Year 2 pupil Ben Nicholson said, “I thought it was very good because I liked looking at the cakes.

It was a really fun day.”

Jack Kinnersley and Scarlett Wright

Moving forward Work is about to start on a £3 million redevelopment project at Tettenhall College. The plans for the independent school will include a new sixth-form centre, modernised library, upgraded boarding houses and additional sporting facilities.

The squash courts will be refurbished thanks to former pupil Graham Aston, who left the school a £400,000 legacy to develop the sport. The boarding houses will also be refurbished and ensuite bathrooms installed.

Head David Williams said, “We’re already proud of our educational offering to pupils and the proposed upgrades will strengthen this further. The work undertaken will blend the contemporary with the historic, which supports our drive to maintain traditional values while moving forward with the times.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

Winning at sport A school in Shrewsbury has been presented with a special award for its commitment to encouraging youngsters to play sport, both within school and in the community.

Prestfelde School has been given the School Games Silver Kitemark Award as part of a government scheme that highlights schools who provide an excellent range of competitive sports opportunities for pupils.

Tina Owen, head of girls’ games, said the award was a real accolade for the school.

She said, “Sport plays a big part in the children’s development at Prestfelde and competitive sport teaches children a lot about challenging themselves and trying their best.

“I was honored to pick up the award on behalf of the school and we’re now proudly displaying it for all to see. We’re working hard to improve the opportunities available to those children who don’t necessarily see themselves as ‘sporty’, as well as those who naturally enjoy it.”

Tina Owen with Prestfelde pupils

Endowed’s new head After eight and half years in the role, Phil Loveday is stepping down as head teacher of Bridgnorth Endowed School. He will leave on 1 June to take up the head position at Earl’s High School in Halesowen.

Reflecting on his time in Bridgnorth Mr Loveday said, “I put my heart and soul into this school and while there have been some bumps along the road, it has generally been a great journey.”

He will be replaced by Barry Worth, who said, “I believe in old fashioned values such as hard work, courtesy and manners, which fit well with our desire to provide every student at The Endowed with the opportunity to go to university.”

Phil Loveday (left) with Barry Worth

Adventures in words Oldbury Wells School (OWS) launched the Get Creative literacy competition earlier this year, with Kindle electronic readers as prizes for the six main winners. The competition was open to Year 7 pupils at OWS and pupils in Years 5 and 6 from the local primary schools of Alveley, Claverley, Highley, Morville, St John’s and St Leonard’s. The challenge was to write an adventure story of no more than 500 words and design a front cover for their story. The prize-giving ceremony was held in Oldbury Wells’ East Hall on 17 March, with prizes presented by local MP Philip Dunne.

Headteacher Sarah Godden said, “The event was a enormous success – it was lovely to see all the work from local primary schools which our Year 7 pupils showcased in a colourful exhibition. Thank you to our Governors who judged the hundreds of entries. I’d also like to thank Allied in Partnership and Hills Coaches for sponsoring our prizes.”

Henry Dwane, whose artwork ‘Dave the Treasure Hunter’

won the Y6 gold prize 36

Moffats science Science, science and more science was the theme at Moffats School recently, as pupils found out about discoveries and experiences in its many fields. Two expert guests, marine biologist Alison Curtis and GM plant researcher Dr Fiona Corke, talked to the pupils about their work, inviting them to try on diving equipment, examine seeds under the microscope and ask questions. The new school pond was surveyed for the first time, revealing a surprising amount of insect life after only six weeks.

The whole school also spent a morning building bird boxes and bug hotels for the school grounds. In addition, lessons in other subjects focused on scientific topics which included including Marie Curie, scientists of the Stuart age and the origins of chemical symbols.

Moffats head Robin McCarthy said, “We like to think we can make any subject exciting, but this wonderful week has put science right at the top of the pile for the moment, with the staff as enthused as the pupils!”

Alison Curtis encouraged Moffats pupils to ‘dive into science’!

SCHOOL NEWS

Wolverhampton Grammar School Education as individual as your child Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

Secondary School Discovery Day - Saturday 20th May Wolverhampton Grammar School Invites all Year 5 students to join us for a Secondary School Discovery Day on Saturday 20th May, 9am-3pm. Places are limited so please contact Mrs Gail Evans tel 01902 421326 or email gle@wgs-sch.net to register for a place.

School Open Evening - Thursday 22nd June 6pm-8pm “This is a remarkable school. The atmosphere we encountered as we walked round with a succession of delightful guides was smilingly friendly. There is a real feeling of happiness.�

The Good Schools Guide Registering at Wolverhampton Grammar School To enquire about registering your child please visit one of our Open Events or alternatively contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Jane Morris tel 01902 421326 or email jam@wgs-sch.net

01902 421326

www.wgs.org.uk Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB

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LOCAL ARTS

t: 01746 766477 Town Hall, High street, Bridgnorth BOOK ONLINE AT

theatreonthesteps.co.uk

What’s on May/July 2017

VIVA LA COLDPLAY SAT 6 MAY 8PM Viva La Coldplay recreate the complete anthology of Martin, Buckland, Berryman and Champion. Performing career-spanning material from 2000’s to 2015.

TICKETS: £12.00 / CONCESSIONS: £10.00

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE FRI 12 & SAT 13 MAY 7.30PM This fast-paced roller coaster of a show is anything but dull as you Join three madcap men in tights weaving their wicked way through all of the Bard’s Tragedies, Histories and Comedies, leaving you breathless and helpless with laughter.

TICKETS: £15 / CONCESSIONS: £12

DURAN DURAN EXPERIENCE FRI 19 MAY 8PM The Duran Duran Experience have been established as the premier Duran Duran tribute band in the UK since 2012 and have performed at a number of pro venues across the country including the prestigious Concord Club (Eastleigh).

TICKETS £10 / NO CONCESSIONS

HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN FRI 26 & SAT 27 MAY 8PM After their superb performances for the last four years the Official UK No.1 tribute to the gods of Rock and Roll return once again for two nights.

TICKETS £14 / NO CONCESSIONS

GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM THU 22 JUN – SAT 1 JUL 7.30PM Michelle Magorian’s stunning Goodnight Mister Tom is a tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale that celebrates the value of love and proves that friendship knows no barriers.

Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows sad young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley.

TICKETS FROM £9 - £12 38

Back to the eighties…

Remember parachute pants, shoulder pads, rara skirts and big hair? That’ll be the 1980s… and that decade’s music is coming back to the county with a bang. On 27 May, Shrewsbury’s Quarry is the venue for the family-friendly Let’s Rock Shrewsbury festival, featuring many of the biggest names in 80s music. Confirmed artists include Billy Ocean, ABC, Tony Hadley, Heaven 17, Nick Heyward, Nik Kershaw, T’Pau and Altered Images. Aimed at the whole family, the event offers are loads of free things for children to do, including circus workshops with the Bigtopmania Circus. There will be plenty of bars and food stalls, too.

Gates open at 10am, with music from midday and the event ends at 10.30pm. For further details, visit letsrockshrewsbury. com. Tickets are also available from Theatre Severn.  Eighties heroes Tony Hadley & Billy Ocean

LOCAL ARTS

Content provided Stewart Lee brings his trademark humour to the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, with Content Provider, his first brand-new show since the award-winning Carpet Remnant World. His latest stand-up sees him mixing political awareness, self-deprecation and joke-deconstruction. The show was reviewed in The Times to lavish praise: ‘the most consistently funny show of his brilliant career’. The comedian is perhaps best known for his four seasons of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle on television and he’s also been voted ‘41st funniest comedian’… much to his own amusement. The show plays for one night only, at 7.30pm on 21 June, with tickets costing £23-£24.50. Call 01902 429212 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk

An epic journey A five-year-old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometres from home. He survives many challenges and dangers before being adopted by a couple from Australia. As he grows up, he’s troubled by the memories of the brother and mother he left behind, and, unable to let his past go, he sets off on a journey to find them. Playing at The Edge Arts Centre on 12 June, Lion is a deeply emotional tale, brilliantly acted and guaranteed to leave you with a lump in your throat. The film is rated PG, curtains open at 7.30pm and tickets start at £4. Visit edgeartscentre.com for details.

Woolf at the Edge This landmark play by Edward Albee was famously bought to the silver screen in 1966, in a version starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The new stage version of ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ stars Imelda Staunton and will be streamed live from the National Theatre to the Edge Arts Centre on 18 May. The story takes place in the early hours of the morning on the campus of an American college, where Martha, much to her husband George’s displeasure, has invited a new professor and his wife to their home for some after-party drinks. As the alcohol flows and dawn approaches, the young couple are drawn into George and Martha’s toxic games until the evening reaches its climax in a moment of devastating truth-telling.

The performance starts at 7pm and tickets cost £10/11 – further information is at edgeartscentre.com

English Haydn festival Internationally recognised musicians contribute to Bridgnorth’s 24th annual English Haydn Festival, taking place between 7 and 11 June. This year’s theme is Haydn Across the Years, demonstrating Joseph Haydn’s influence on musical form from the classical period to the present day, with orchestral performances of his symphonies.

A highlight will be the world premiere of a quartet composition by Shropshire composer Luke Bedford, performed by the Salomon Quartet. The Festival includes lunchtime and evening string quartet concerts, with the Quatuor Mosaiques, plus piano and wind ensembles featuring the Florilegium Quintet and the Festival Wind Band. The Sunday choral concert is Michael Haydn’s ‘Requiem’, with soloists Miranda Westcott, Daniel Norman and Andrew Slater, supported by the Haydn Festival Chorus conducted by John Moore.

For details visit haydn.org.uk The Quatuor Mosaiques

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LOCAL ARTS

Goodnight Mister Tom This uplifting story is being staged at Bridgnorth’s Theatre on the Steps between 22 June and 1 July. Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to WW2, the classic tale follows sad young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until

William is summoned by his mother back to London. This is a tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale, celebrating the value of love and proving that friendship knows no barriers.

Tickets are priced £9 to £12 and are available from 01746 766477 or visit theatreonthesteps.co.uk

Good old days A journey back to the days of music hall is promised when the Grand Music Hall show comes to the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton on 14 June. Ian Adams is the musical host and the line-up includes Gill Jordan, Andy Eastwood, Julie Paton, Guy Rowland and Keith Minshull, while topping the bill on the night is Don Maclean. Actor and comedian Don Maclean is one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers, having spent over 40 years in show business, including appearances on the hugely popular TV show Crackerjack.

The show has performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, with tickets costing £12.50-£18. Call 01902 429212 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk

Sir Ken at Theatre Severn Ken Dodd became a ‘sir’ in the Queen’s 2017 New Year’s Honours List, a fitting tribute to a comedian of legendary status who was born in 1927 and made his professional debut in 1954. This national treasure will be delivering his Happiness Show at Theatre Severn on 23 June. You’ll be absolutely discumknockerated (that’s Knotty Ash for ‘over the moon’) by a truly tattifelarius evening of laughter and songs, from opera to ballads, presented by a comedy genius and his guests.

The show starts at 7pm and tickets cost £23.50; for more information visit theatresevern.co.uk 41

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Kirsty joins team Shropshire Law firm Terry Jones Solicitors have appointed a new family law solicitor to their Bridgnorth office.

Kirsty Rose has been practising family law in the Staffordshire and Shropshire area for almost a decade and is delighted to have taken up the role.

Kirsty, who has lived in Shropshire for some 15 years, commented: "I have successfully represented clients on a diverse range of family matters. I am passionate about offering a warm and friendly service to my clients during what can be a very emotional time and one that can leave clients feeling anxious about what the future holds for them. Terry Jones Solicitors prides themselves on offering a professional and pragmatic approach to dealing with issues and I'm looking forward to replicating this service at our Bridgnorth office".

The family department at Terry Jones Solicitors has years of experience in helping couples reach amicable agreements when they separate. They offer a free initial half hour appointment and deal with all areas of family law, including: divorce, domestic violence, separation, cohabitation disputes, financial disputes, pre-nuptial agreements. They also advise and represent parents, family members and children on all aspects of children issues matters relating to children.

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If you would like advice about a family law issue, please call Terry Jones Solicitors on 01746 768748 or email: enquiries@terry-Jones.co.uk

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LOCAL ARTS

Songs remain the same

Chris Jagger will be taking to the South Shropshire Blues Club stage in Ludlow with his band the Kronies on 6 May. Chris and the band have performed across the country for the past two years and play a soulful and tuneful mix of music featuring Chris’s own tunes with a smattering of Cajun, country, hillbilly and Irish thrown in. With their combination of guitars, double-bass and fiddle, the band are happy to play for people to dance to or just listen to. Also on the bill that night is Jack Brett’s Blue Moon Band, doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost £15 and the concert is raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin, the ‘official number one tribute act’ to the one of the UK’s best-loved rock and roll bands, return to the Theatre on the Steps on 26 and 27 May. Managed

by Warren Grant, whose father Peter was Led Zep’s manager, the band have glowing endorsements from Led Zep biographer Dave Lewis, who calls them a band with “a refreshing no-nonsense approach... they deliver every time!”

For tickets or further information or to buy tickets visit southshropshirebluesclub.co.uk

The show start at 8pm and tickets cost £14. For further details, visit theatreonthesteps.co.uk.

Jagger plays the blues

Bridgnorth Male Voice Choir & Of One Accord

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ADVANCE TICKETS

Starts 7.30pm Call 01746 710244 for advance tickets or email or £8.00 on the do bridgnorthmvc@gmail.com or www.bridgnorthmalevoicechoir.org

£7.00

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LOCAL ARTS

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LOCAL ARTS

Exploring the Kosmos Described as ‘redefining the relationship between classical and world music,’ Kosmos will be performing at Concord College, Acton Burnell on 27 May, as part of the Shropshire Music Trust Series. Their performance is a combination including tango, Gypsy, Balkan and Japanese music, plus classical pieces from composers Brahms and Dvorak. Kosmos comprises violinist Harriet MacKenzie, accordionist Milos Millojevic, and Meg

Hamilton on viola. All three are high-flying classical soloists and they have recorded concertos with the likes of the English Symphony and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.

Director of Shropshire Music Trust Kate Hogwood said, “Audiences will really enjoy what has been rightly termed breathtaking and impeccable musicianship, so this concert promises the ideal Sunday afternoon treat!”

The show starts at 3pm; tickets are available at ticketsource.co.uk/smt, or call 0333 666 3366 or 01743 367482.

Sunny Side showing An award-winning Shrewsbury artist will be showing her paintings, illustrations and designs at the county town’s annual Open Studios event. Linda Edwards, whose work includes her range of Sunny Side Art prints, gifts and cards, featuring illustrations of Shrewsbury’s streets and Shropshire landmarks, will be taking part in the two weekends, starting on June 3.

“Shrewsbury is full of creative people and the Open Studios events give people the chance to meet some of them and see their work close-up, look at the materials they use and ask how they get their ideas,” said Linda, who was recently presented with an award from the Royal Watercolour Society.

“The weekends offer an inspiring glimpse into life as an artist and this year around 30 professionals – including painters, jewellers, woodworkers and ceramicists – will take part.”

See shrewsburyopenstudios.co.uk for further details 45

LOCAL ARTS

Telephone: (01746) 710 128 Photography Studio

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LOCAL ARTS

Painless paper cuts Join Bridgnorth artist Lisa Jay and learn the techniques she uses use to create her paper art pieces. Whether you’re new to papercutting or want to hone your skills, the practical workshop is designed for everyone to enjoy. The workshop, on 13 May, takes place at Bridgnorth Endowed School, costs £35 and runs between 10am and 1pm.

For further information or to book a place visit lisajaystudio.com/workshops

Borrowed Places in Broseley Birchmeadow plays host to Miranda Sykes, who has been performing with Show of Hands since 2004, augmenting their unique sound with her powerful double bass and rich harmonies. Miranda is a vocalist, guitarist and double bassist who enthralls audiences with her musical versatility and ability as a guitarist. Borrowed Places is her latest project, which draws its inspiration from the songs and landscapes of her native Lincolnshire. With her sensational voice and musicianship, Miranda interprets the soul of the land and takes her audience on a journey that resonates with us all, wherever we live.

This Broseley Youth Theatre music event takes place on 26 May; doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12.

Visit birchmeadow.org for details.

Time travelling magicians Here is a double-act that wowed the Edinburgh Fringe, fooled Penn and Teller and were described by the Daily Mirror as ‘hugely talented.’ Looking dapper in their frock coats, Victorian magicians Morgan and West are an engaging duo who will deliver two different shows at Theatre Severn on 27 May. At 3pm they perform their show for children entitled The Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Show for Kids (And Childish Grown Ups); then they’re back on stage at 8pm with their second show entitled Parlour Tricks.

Tickets cost £8.50 for the afternoon show and £11 for the evening one; for further information visit theatresevern.co.uk

Brand of comedy Katy Brand is bringing her hit Edinburgh Festival show ‘I Was a Teenage Christian’ to the Oakengates Theatre, when she will give an honest, fascinating and funny exploration of her self-imposed conversion and total immersion in evangelical Christianity. She performed her first professional comedy gig in a London pub in 2004 and by 2008 had won a British Comedy Award for her TV sketch series Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show. She has worked as a journalist, screen writer, actor, comedian and director – and had her first novel, Brenda Monk is Funny, published in 2014. She really wanted to be an astronaut but didn’t have the maths. Katy’s show takes to the stage on 8 June at 7.30pm, tickets cost £14; visit theplacetelford.com to find out more.

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LOCAL ARTS

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Bridgnorth’s art-deco Majestic cinema has a full programme of streamed live events scheduled for 2017 including ballet, drama and opera. Among the highlights is the Royal Opera House production of Verdi’s opera Otello being shown on 28 June. The production features Jonas Kaufman making his debut as the Moorish lead in this passionate retelling of Shakespeare’s tragedy of jealousy, deception and murder.

The performance starts at 7.15pm; visit reelcinemas.co.uk

Quartet for players Cissy, Reggie and Wifred are elderly opera singers who live a comfortable life in a retirement home for musicians. Every year, the residents hold a celebration of Verdi’s birthday… but this year, the peace is shattered with the arrival of former operatic diva Jean, who refuses point blank to take part in the quartet the others have planned. But the show must go on...

By turns funny and poignant, ‘Quartet’ by Ronald Harwood is the latest production from the Bridgnorth Players.

Performances are at Chelmarsh Parish Hall on 5 May and Bridgnorth Community Hall on 6 May; curtain rises at both venues at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8/7 from bridgnorthplayers.wordpress.com

Prints charming On 27 May artist and printmaker Sue Brown is running a workshop that covers mono printing with viscosity inking.

Sue says, “This is a great technique for those new to printmaking!”

The course runs from 10am until 4pm, costs £85 and is being held in the Priory Hall in Much Wenlock. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Call Twenty Twenty gallery on 01952 727952 for details.

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LOCAL ARTS

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LOCAL ARTS

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LOCAL ARTS

Pink moon rising Nick Drake is recognised as one of the greatest songwriters of the past 50 years, and now his music and songs are being presented in a unique way. Requiem For A Pink Moon sees Drake’s songs interpreted and performed by Ensemble Phoenix, who will present an Elizabethan take on his music.

Described by Shropshire music trust director Kate Hogwood as being a concert that will make ‘ancient’ music come alive, the performance takes place on 4 May at the Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury and tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk, or from 0333 666 3366 and 01743 367482.

Austen, sonnets and revolution!

University Centre Shrewsbury’s programme continues with a range of literature-focused talks through May and June.

On 6 May at 1.30pm at the town’s Guildhall, Dr Giulia Miller will lead a Reading Group Meeting exploring the Russian Revolution through literature, 100 years after that historic event took place.

Love, beauty and tragedy He travels the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, delivering shows packed with passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing. Martin Simpson recorded his first album Golden Vanity in 1976 and is equally at home playing English traditional folk and American blues as his own compositions. He is consistently named as one of the finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world and he’s worked with Richard Hawley, June Tabor and Jackson Browne amongst many others.

Martin Simpson plays at The Hive in Shrewsbury on 7 May, with doors opening at 7pm and the performance starting at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £15; visit hiveonline.org.uk

Jane Austen’s work is under consideration at Rowley’s House on 31 May at 1pm when Professor of English Deborah Wynne explores the subtexts of Austen’s work, while another talk at Rowley’s House on 14 June at 1pm by Dr Bill Hughes explores The Sonnet: Perfection in Miniature. Professor Wynne is also running a short course in literature over six weeks in June and July. To find out more, email communications@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 297553.

Dr Bill Hughes will deliver a lecture on the sonnet..

Balding at Bookfest Described as ‘a beacon of excellence amongst literary festivals’ by patron and author Michael Morpurgo, the Shrewsbury Children’s Bookfest is at venues across the town between 28 April and 1 May. TV presenter Clare Balding opens proceedings at Prestfelde School on 28 April, while on the same day literary legend Michael Rosen will appear at Priory School. Created in 1999, the Bookfest became a registered charity in 2007 and its organisers aim to bring the world of books alive for children, inspiring and enthusing them with a love of reading. In recognition of its work in Shropshire, the event was given a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2009. Other events over the following two days include Gromit Modelling Workshops and Horrible Histories with Martin Brown.

To find out more, visit shrewsburybookfest.co.uk 51

LOCAL ARTS

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LOCAL ARTS

Anniversary concert The charismatic Carducci String Quartet are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a series of concerts in Shropshire, with the final concert taking place at Concord College in Acton Burnell. The Quartet will be joined by actor Crawford Logan

for a fascinating exploration of Beethoven and his music.

A selection of extracts from the great man’s letters, including the famous ‘Immortal Beloved’ letters to an unknown woman, will be presented between movements.

The performance starts at 3pm and tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk, or by calling 0333 666 3366 or 01743 367482.

Thank you for the music Abba took the world by storm in 1974 when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Waterloo’, going on to have hit after hit before splitting up in 1982. Now tribute band Strictly Abba replicate the sound of the Swedish super-group and provide one of the most accurate tributes out there. Featuring the vocals of Sarah Leaman and Clare Andress, two highly accomplished singers in their own right, this promises to be a night to remember.

Strictly Abba perform in Bridgnorth’s Theatre On The Steps on 16 June at 8pm. Tickets cost £13; for further information visit theatreonthesteps.co.uk 53

LOCAL ARTS

We are the Mods…

The Oddsocks company breath new life into Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, with the classic tale of doomed love turned into a musical with a Mods and Rockers theme.

‘There’s Nowhere to Run To’ for the Capulets and Montagues as violent confrontation stalks every meeting, even ‘Down at the Tube Station at Midnight’. Meanwhile, Juliet’s nurse is looking forward to a good old ‘Twist and Shout’ at the Capulet party, which Romeo’s mates are planning to gatecrash.

Romeo has doubts about going to the Capulet Nite Klub but that is where he meets his Juliet, and It ‘Must Be Love’.

Maybe, just maybe, ‘The Power of Love’ will end the families’ violent feud.

The performance takes place at the Oakengates Theatre, Telford on 29 June, with tickets from £13. For tickets ring 01952 382382 or for more information visit theplacetelford.com

Midsummer concert St Alkmund’s Church in Shrewsbury is the venue for a concert that will be performed just as dusk falls.

Summer Music by Candlelight will be performed by Ex Cathedra on 16 June. Formed in 1969, Ex Cathedra are a UK choir and early music ensemble with a repertoire that reaches from the 12th to the 21st centuries. Their performance will feature music including Summertime

by Gershwin, Dawn Chorus by Matthews, Parry’s Evening Star and Vaughan Williams’ Three Shakespeare Songs. The concert also includes readings from across the ages, and the performance starts 8pm. Tickets cost £20, £10 for under 25s and £1 for under 18s. For further information, visit shropshiremusictrust.co.uk

Gift of the Gibb Back by popular demand, the Birchmeadow in Broseley will once again welcome wandering troubadour Mr Otis Gibbs, songwriter, storyteller, painter, photographer and planter of 7,176 trees. Gibbs takes to the stage on 17 June to entertain the audience with his stories of American life. His style of social history telling has been compared to that of Woody Guthrie and he was described by Rolling Stone magazine as ‘a man you should give a damn about!’

Advance tickets are £10 from Downes’s greengrocers, Hurdley’s or online at birchmeadow.org.uk/live-music, or on the door for £12. To find out more, call 07890 057832.

Words take flight A collaboration between award-winners is taking place at the Severn Valley Country Park in June. Acoustic trio Whalebone and poet and author Kate Innes are performing ‘Flocks of Words’, an immersive, hypnotic blend of music and poetry, exploring landscape and the human soul. Grounded in the Shropshire hills, where the artists live and work, the sounds and language quickly become the audience’s own and the themes are universal.

The performance takes place on 17 June at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £6 for children and are available from 01746 781192 or at ticketsource.co.uk/whalebone 54

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DIARY DATES

Dates for your diary – May & June

SAT 29 APR – 7 MAY

Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival Various locations around Ironbridge Experienced walk leaders will take groups to the towns and villages that made their mark during the Industrial Revolution. All walks are FREE but booking essential.

01952 433424 ironbridgewalking.co.uk

MON 1 MAY

THU 4 MAY

Meccanuity

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

Enginuity, Coalbrookdale See an amazing display of working Meccano models created by Telford and Ironbridge Meccano Society. Meccano parts will also be available for youngsters to create their own Meccano wonders.

10am – 4pm Adult £9.75; child £7.65; under 5s FREE 01952 433424 ironbridge.org.uk

The Place, Oakengates Theatre Direct from its success in London’s West End, a sold out UK tour and standing ovations at every performance – The Simon and Garfunkel Story is back!

7.30pm £18 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com

MON 1 MAY SUN 30 APR – 1 MAY

Bridgnorth May Fair

Green Man Festival

High Street, Bridgnorth

Various locations, Clun The Green Man Festival at Clun is a renowned annual event – which first took place in the Thirteenth Century.

Expect music, merriment, entertainment, craft and more. clungreenman.org.uk

SUN 30 APR – 1 MAY

Morville Festival & May Fair Morville Church and Hall A two-day festival with six beautiful gardens surrounding Morville Hall including the renowned Dower House Garden. Bank Holiday Monday brings the May Day Fair with stalls, maypole dancing, musical entertainment, Punch and Judy, the Owls, plus many other family attractions.

11am Gardens £5 May Fair FREE 01746 714686

MON 1 MAY

May Day Dudmaston Estate, nr Quatt, Bridgnorth Welcome in May at a traditional event.

Tie a ribbon to the May Tree and make your wish before joining in the dancing with Shrewsbury Morris dancers. Turn your little ones into a May Queen or Green Man with children’s craft activities.

11am-5.30pm Adult £7.05; child £3.50 (free for NT members) 01746 780866 nationaltrust.org.uk/events 56

Revel in a packed day of entertainment including a food fair, handmade crafts, plants for sale and a fun fair.

10 – 4pm bridgnorthpromotions.co.uk

MON 1 MAY

Eyton Races The Racecourse, Eyton on Severn, Wroxeter Eyton Races is an amateur form of steeplechasing. There are panoramic views over Wenlock Edge, as well as a fairground and stalls with local produce.

11am £10; under 16s FREE eytonraces.co.uk

TUE 2, 9, 16 & 23 MAY

Tile Decorating Workshops Jackfield Tile Museum, nr Ironbridge Join a drop-in tile decorating workshop and try the tube lining technique to produce a tile featuring your own design and choice of colours. Activities vary from day-to-day; tiles cost from £5 each and can be fired and sent home later for a small extra charge to cover postage and packing.

10am – 2.30pm.

Adult £9.75; child £6.25; under 5’s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

FRI 5 & 6 MAY

Birmingham Royal Ballet Theatre Severn, Frankwell Quay Birmingham Royal Ballet presents a sparkling triple bill that highlights the diversity of classical ballet with live music from the acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia. £10.50-12.50 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk

SAT 6 MAY

Viva La Coldplay Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth Viva La Coldplay recreate the complete anthology of Martin, Buckland, Berryman and Champion, performing over two hours’ worth of career-spanning material from 2000’s ‘Parachutes’ to 2015’s ‘A Head full of Dreams’. This is a show that will delight both fans and novices alike.

8pm £12 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk

Peppa Pig & George Visit Severn Valley Railway Come along to meet Peppa Pig & George who will appear at regular intervals throughout the day at The Engine House, our Visitor Centre at Highley. Magic Shows will also be taking place throughout the day with A Box of Tricks. svr.co.uk

SAT 6, 27 MAY & 10 JUN

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Live the Adventure, Stottesdon, Introductory SUP lake sessions, designed to offer those new to the sport a chance to get to grips with some of the basic skills in a sheltered water location.

9.30am – 12noon £35 per person 01746 718436; livetheadventure.co

SAT 13 MAY TUE 9 – 12 MAY

Footloose Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Kick off your Sunday shoes and join HQPA to cut loose as they bring you the musical sensation Footloose.

Based on the 1980s hit film, Footloose is full of upbeat songs, dance routines and a much loved storyline.

7.30pm £14 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk

Art & Craft Markets Much Wenlock Corn Exchange & Square Selection of creative traders bringing a wide range of skills, including textiles, crocheting, embroidery, felt-making, knitting, woodcraft, papercraft, jewellery and more!

10am muchwenlock-tc.gov.uk/markets

SUN 7 MAY

Telford Kite Festival

Ironbridge Gorge An eclectic collection of over 30 steam machines will take part in a challenging road run around the Ironbridge Gorge, when engines and drivers will be tested with steep climbs and gentle descents.

The spectacular Steam Road Run will visit many of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum’s sites and historic monuments in The Gorge.

01952 433 424; ironbridge.org.uk

SAT 13 – 14 MAY WED 10 MAY

‘Fats Waller Project’ Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock Rising-star bassist, Mark Lewandowski brings together two of the most highly respected musicians on the UK jazz scene to explore the catalogue of one of the most nostalgic early innovators of jazz – the great Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller.

7.30pm £10-£12 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com

FRI 12 MAY SAT 6 & 20 MAY

Steam Road Run

Barbara Nice Squirrel Proof Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock Join the Fringe’s favourite housewife Barbara Nice for an evening of proper good fun. Entrance price includes a complimentary raffle ticket. Critically acclaimed tip-top character comedy from Phoenix Nights actress Janice Connolly. A playful life-affirming show for all the family including the chance to win a prize off Barbara’s table.

8pm £10 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com

Ludlow Spring Festival Ludlow Castle The Spring Festival brings together 200 real ales, 60 passionate local food and drink producers, toe-tapping live music and over 180 spectacular classic cars in one wonderful event. The 32nd Marches Transport Festival will also take place alongside around Ludlow Castle over the same weekend. ludlowspringfestival.co.uk

SUN 14 MAY

Blists Hill in Steam Blists Hill Victorian Town, Madeley Over 30 steam machines, which took part in the 13 May Ironbridge Gorge Road Run, will be available to view; meet the crews and see the magnificent machines in steam.

10am – 4.30pm Adult £17.95; child £11.85; under 5’s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

Telford Town Park A free event which will see kites of all different shapes, sizes and colours flying high in QEII Arena. Stay for the day and bring along a picnic or grab a bite to eat from one of the food traders. discovertelford.co.uk

SUN 7 & 28 MAY

Sunday Handmade Markets High Street, Bridgnorth Handmade market, twice monthly, held under the Town Hall, showcasing local artists, artisan produce and vintage goods.

10am – 4pm

SAT 13 – 14 MAY

Shropshire Kids Fest Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Shropshire Kids Festival is the best family-tastic time you can have in Shropshire.

Two days of great activities for children of all ages from babies through to teens.

Child (1-14 years) £8; adult £2, under 1s FREE shropshirekidsfest.co.uk

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DIARY DATES

SAT 6 & 7 MAY

DIARY DATES SUN 14 MAY

SUN 14 MAY

FRI 19 MAY

Tennis Open Day

Duran Duran Experience

Broseley Tennis Club

Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth

Great British Tennis Weekend, back by popular demand! Come along to the club and join in the fun. This day provides an opportunity for all ages to pick up a racquet and learn or reacquaint themselves with the game of tennis and have some fun.

2 – 4pm FREE

The Duran Duran Experience have been established as the premier Duran Duran tribute band in the UK since 2012 and have performed at a number of pro venues across the country including the prestigious Concord Club.

8pm £10 01746 766477 theatreonthesteps.co.uk

Alveley Spring Concert Birmingham Botanical Gardens

WED 17 MAY

Enjoy film hits such as Frozen, feel good pop classics such as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and favourites from Disney. There will be more serious pieces like Les Miserables and music from Mussorgsky for the more discerning!

2pm Adult £7; child £4.75 07825 046928

Quiz Night St Andrews Church, Shifnal Quiz night for teams up to 4 people with a cash prize for 1st and 2nd place winners!

Entry fee includes tea, coffee, juice and biscuits. There will also be a small raffle – bring friends, family and neighbours!

6.30pm 2.50 per person standrewschurchshifnal.org.uk

SUN 14 MAY

FRI 19 & 20 MAY

Open Cockpits Evening Royal Air Force Museum Cosford Get close to a wide range of aircraft including transport aircraft, jet fighters and research airframes. Visitors can experience what it feels like to sit inside a military aircraft and marvel at the technologies on show.

6 – 9pm £12.50 advance tickets only 01902 376200 rafmuseum.org.uk/Cosford

Sprint Triathlon Severn Centre, Highley Sprint Triathlon set in the heart of the Shropshire hills.

01746 860000 severncentre.co.uk

SUN 14 MAY

Wenlock Half Marathon

THU 18 – 20 MAY

Organised by Wenlock Olympian Society, the Marathon starts and finishes at the athletics track of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre.

10.30am wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/ games

Spring Diesel Festival

SUN 14 MAY

Nature Reserve Open Day Eardington Nature Reserve Take your family and friends down to the nature reserve, join in the fun and explore this special place. Get involved in activities including history and nature walks & talks, racing insects, and activities with Shropshire Wildlife Trust. There will also be Chelmarsh Owls, craft stalls, a bbq and refreshments.

Sorry no dogs due to ground nesting bird season.

11.30am FREE fenr.org.uk 58

Severn Valley Railway The Spring Diesel Festival is back with a bang: three days of visiting heritage and modern diesel locomotives, home-fleet action, evening running and one or two surprises to mark the 30th anniversary of the first Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala.

Adult £23.80; child £15.70 01562 757900; svr.co.uk

FRI 19 MAY

Dementia Awareness Day Blists Hill Victorian Town, Madeley To mark National Dementia Awareness Week, Blists Hill is inviting those living with dementia and their carers to come and enjoy a visit to the Town at a very special price of just £5 per couple.

10am – 4.30pm 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

SAT 20 MAY

Museums at Night 1960s Party Enginuity, Coalbrookdale As part of the nationwide Museums at Night Festival, and in celebration of the Museum’s 50th anniversary, Enginuity is holding a 1960s party.

Children of all ages can play old school favourite games, Fab Lab will be open for younger visitors to take part in an activity, performances from TADLOP and grown-ups can enjoy a Babycham or Blue Nun from the cash bar. Dress in 60s fashion and be in with a chance of winning a Family Annual Passport.

5.30pm-10pm FREE but tickets must be reserved 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

DIARY DATES

SAT 20 MAY

Spring Fete Corve Barn, Brockton A variety of stalls and lots of fun entertainment and games.

1pm

SAT 20 MAY

Northern Soul Night Birchmeadow, Broseley Get on your dancing shoes and boogie the night away to the funky sounds of Northern Soul! Full bar available on the evening.

7.30pm £5 07890 057832; birchmeadow.org.uk

SAT 27 MAY

Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine The Place, Oakengates Theatre

THU 25 MAY

SUN 26 MAY

Messy Church

Andy Parsons

St Andrews Church, Shifnal

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Activities, craft, worship, singing followed by a sit down tea for children and their carers. messychurch@shifnalbenefice.org.uk

As seen on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Q.I. etc. – and repeated on Dave.

8pm £16.50 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk

FRI 26 MAY

Miranda Sykes Birchmeadow, Broseley Miranda is a superb vocalist, guitarist and double bassist. With her sensational voice and accompanying herself, Miranda interprets the soul of the land and takes her audience on a journey that resonates with us all, wherever we live and it is one you won’t want to miss.

7.30pm £12 07890 057832; birchmeadow.org.uk

SAT 27 MAY

The Flaky Tarts Birchmeadow, Broseley The Flaky Tarts are an acoustic, multiinstrumental duo, featuring Tony Barrett on guitars and vocals and Glen Buglass on guitars, bass guitar and vocals.

7.30pm £8 07890 057832; birchmeadow.org.uk

A brand new show featuring the voices of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow – from the team who brought you Marty MacDonald’s Farm!

2pm £10.50 – £11.50; family £40 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com

SAT 27 MAY

Far From the Madding Crowd Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Hotbuckle productions present this indoor performance of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd, the story of the young farmer Gabriel Oak and his love for and pursuit of the elusive and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene.

7.30pm Adult £10; child £6 01746 781192

SAT 27 – 29 MAY

Bridgnorth Beer Festival Various locations in Bridgnorth A large collection of cask ales available at public houses throughout the town during Spring Bank Holiday. bridgnorthbeerfestival.co.uk

FRI 26 MAY

1920s Music Evening Blists Hill Victorian Town, Madeley Dress in 1920s costume and step back in time at a nostalgic Roaring Twenties evening in the Forest Glen Pavilion. Have a delicious meal before enjoying 1920 live music and entertainment.

6.30pm £25pp 01785 252247; ironbridge.org.uk

SAT 27 – 31 MAY

Superheroes Week Blists Hill Victorian Town, Madeley Discover more about our former heroes of engineering and inventors through fun, hands-on activities and workshops – some carry an extra charge.

10am – 4.30pm Adult £17.95; child £11.85; under 5’s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk 59

DIARY DATES

SAT 27 – 31 MAY

Superpowers Workshops Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Discover about heroes of Science, Engineering, Technology and Sports, while designing your own superhero logo for a Super Flinger Frisbee in our heat press drop-in workshops. Also test your own superhero reflexes by seeing how fast you can kick a football or tackle the Batak board.

10.30am – 3.15pm Adult £9.75; child £7.65; under 5’s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

SAT 27 – 31 MAY

Tile Decorating Workshops Jackfield Tile Museum, near Ironbridge Join a drop-in, superheroes and villains themed tile decorating workshop and try the tube lining technique to produce a tile featuring your own design and choice of colours. Activities vary from day-today; tiles cost from £5 each and can be fired and sent home later for a small extra charge to cover postage and packing.

10am – 3pm.

Adult £9.75; child £5.65; under 5’s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

SAT 27 MAY – 4 JUN

Self-led Camouflage Trail

MON 29 MAY

Bridgnorth Walk Bridgnorth High Street One of Britain’s premier charity sponsored walking events. There are both senior and junior walks and, for those who don’t fancy taking part, Bridgnorth’s High Street will be full of things to do while you wait until the intrepid walkers return! bridgnorthwalk.org

TUE 30 MAY

Children’s Adventure Day Live the Adventure, Stottesdon Range of activities to take part in, suitable for children aged 8-16 yrs.

10am – 4 pm £25 per child 01746 718436 ovac@livetheadventure.co

Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Enjoy this self-led trail around the woods of the park. See if you can use the natural items you find to help you blend into your surroundings as you look for all the clues on this trail, available every day of the half term holidays.

11am-4pm.

Trail map £2 01746 781192

WED 31 MAY TUE 30 MAY

The Great Big Tree Climb Dudmaston Estate, nr Quatt Experts from The Great Big Tree Climbing Co will be on hand to help you into your harness and safely on your way into our woodland canopy. Enjoy views from above the estate and then zip line your way back down.

10am £20 per person nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston

TUE 30 – 31 MAY

Clay Modelling Workshop SUN 28 MAY

EDG Sun Fest EDG Ground, Bridgnorth Rugby Club Organised by Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival, a fantastic and diverse line-up plus barbecue, beer, kids’ entertainment and much more.

12pm bridgnorthfestival.org.uk

60

Coalport China Museum, near Ironbridge Have a go at hands-on superheroes themed workshops to sculpt your own character from air-drying clay or paint your own design on to a paper plate and follow a fun trail around the museum.

Activities vary from day-to-day and may carry an additional charge.

11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm Adult £9.75; child £6.25; under 5’s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

Family Adventure Day Live the Adventure, Stottesdon Take on new exciting challenges and activities as a family, suitable for 7 – 97 yr olds.

10am – 4 pm £25 per person 01746 718436 ovac@livetheadventure.co

WED 31 MAY

Severn Valley Survival Skills Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Learn how to survive in the woods, build a shelter using the natural items you find on your adventure; use maps and GPS units to plan your route out of the woods. Enjoy a baked potato with cheese and beans around a camp fire.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please call to book your place Suitable for ages 6+.

10am-12pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm £5 per child; adults FREE 01746 78119

DIARY DATES WED 7 – 10 JUN

CATS Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Get Your Wiggle On come bursting to the stage with Andrew Lloyd-Webbers musical masterpiece – CATS! 2.30pm / 7.30pm £12.50 – £19 01743 281281 theatresevern.co.uk

WED 7 – 11 JUN

SAT 10 JUN

English Haydn Festival

Proms in the Pews

Various locations around Bridgnorth

St Marys Church, Bridgnorth

The 2017 Festival theme is ‘Haydn Across The Years’, focusing on Joseph Haydn’s musical influence during the classical period, continuing to the present day.

Full programme of events online. englishhaydn.com

Join Bridgnorth Sinfonia and special guests for one of the most popular concerts of the year. Tickets available in advance from the Town Council offices; licensed bar and raffle.

7pm £6 bridgnorthtownevents.org

FRI 9 JUN

Some Guys Have All the Luck

SAT 10 JUN

Richard Digance & The Broadside Boys Birchmeadow, Broseley Experience Richard’s unique humour and song. He brings his own support in the shape of The Broadside Boys, with songs inspired by their experience of country life in the East of England and the characters and events that have shaped them.

7.30pm £12 07890 057832; birchmeadow.org.uk

NT Live: Peter Pan Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock Captured live at the National Theatre, a recorded performance of JM Barrie’s much-loved tale screens in cinemas this summer.

2pm £11/£10 0333 666 3366 edgeartscentre.com

SUN 11 & 25 JUN

Sunday Handmade Markets

The Place, Oakengates Theatre The Rod Stewart Story…A brand new theatrical production celebrating the career of one of rocks greatest icons, Rod Stewart, from street busker through to international superstar!

7.30pm £20.50 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com

SAT 10 JUN

High Street, Bridgnorth

SAT 10 JUN

Severn Hospice Colour Run Telford Town Park The Shropshire Colour Run is open to people of all ages and abilities and supports Severn Hospice’s vital work across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Each participant will be given a white t-shirt and as they make their way round the course, marshals shower them with as much colour as possible.

11am Adult £15; child £5; under 5’s FREE 01952 221351 severnhospice.org.uk/support-us/ events

Handmade market, twice monthly, held under the Town Hall, showcasing local artists, makers, artisan produce and vintage goods.

10am – 4pm

SUN 11 JUN

Severn Valley Trail Run Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley A stunning off-road route through woodlands, meadows and along the banks of the Severn. Starting from the Visitor Centre take part in either a 10K or 5 K run. Fantastic scenery, tough off-road route and some great prizes to be won. Entries close 8 June.

9.30am £14 / £8 enquiries@bridgnorthrunningclub. co.uk

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DIARY DATES

THU 22 JUN – 1 JUL

SUN 11 JUN

Goodnight Mister Tom

Cosford Air Show

Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth

RAF Cosford, nr Shifnal

One of the most uplifting stories ever written, Michelle Magorian’s stunning Goodnight Mister Tom is brought gloriously to life in this stage adaptation

by David Wood.

7.30pm £9-£12 01746 766477 theatreonthesteps.co.uk

SAT 24 JUN

Cuan Open Day Fete Stretton Road, Much Wenlock

This is the Midlands premier air event, which offers non-stop entertainment both in the air with displays from a variety of aircraft and on the ground with hundreds of exhibits, stalls, trade stands, military demonstrations and children’s entertainment. £25, under 16’s FREE (advance tickets only) 0844 561 1897; cosfordairshow.co.uk

SUN 11 JUN

SAT 17 – 18 JUN

Butterflies for Beginners

High Street, Broseley

NT Much Wenlock Car Park An introduction to the butterflies of Wenlock Edge, have a look for summer species of butterfly around some botanically rich areas along Wenlock Edge. There will be a talk about how to identify the various species you encounter and learn about their ecology.

10am – 1pm £5 03442 491895

FRI 16 JUN

Get a ‘behind the scenes’ look around the wildlife hospital and see baby hedgehogs and birds being fed. Stalls, games and much more.

10 – 5pm £2 07712658259 cuanwildliferescue.org.uk

Broseley Festival A two-day music event with live entertainment, food, drink and stalls.

See website for full programme of events. broseleyfestival1.co.uk

SUN 18 JUN

Shrewsbury Half Marathon West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury Take in the views of the historic market town and countryside before finishing back at the showground collecting a medal, tech t-shirt and goodie bag. £25.50 £27.50 (non-affiliated) ukrunchat.co.uk/shrewsbury-halfmarathon

SAT 24 JUN

Bridgnorth Town Carnival Severn Park, Bridgnorth Bridgnorth’s biggest one-day community event is back for its fifth year. Procession starts at noon, ending at Severn Park; live entertainment, stalls and attractions until 10pm. events@bridgnorthtowncouncil

Strictly Abba Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth One of the most authentic and accurate tributes to Abba- a show enjoyed time and time again. This Abba Tribute surpasses all others with the motto ‘The Winner Takes It All’!

8pm £13 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk 62

MON 19 JUN

Armed Forces Day – Flag Raising Ceremony Shifnal Village Hall Community ceremony to commemorate service personnel; everyone welcome.

Refreshments served afterwards.

11am shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk

SAT 24 JUN

Shifnal Carnival Shifnal Town Centre Join this great family day out. The procession leaves Admirals Close at 2.45pm and winds its way through to the Village Hall.

2.45pm shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk

Rhythm of the Dance

DIARY DATES

SAT 24 JUN

SAT 1 JUL SAT 24 – 25 JUN & 1 – 2 JUL

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Step Back to the 1940s

This incredible live show creates a new era in Irish entertainment, featuring world champion dancers, a traditional Irish band, and the handsome Young Irish Tenors – an array of the most talented, gifted cast who keep audiences wowed all over the world.

7.30pm £25 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk

Severn Valley Railway Turn the clocks back to the 1940s with this light-hearted journey back to wartime Britain.

With a fantastic selection of attractions up and down the line, get dressed up and join the celebrations, with costumed re-enactors on stations and in trains helping to tell the wartime story.

01562 757900; svr.co.uk

WED 28 JUN

ROH: Live Opera OTELLO Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock World-famous tenor Jonas Kaufmann makes his role debut as Otello in Verdi’s passionate retelling of Shakespeare’s great tragedy of jealousy, deception and murder.

7.15pm £11 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com

Looking forward to July…

Highley Summer Fete Severn Centre, Highley Perfect family day out with children’s entertainment, live music, traditional stalls and refreshments. Free entry and parking.

1pm 01746 860000; severncentre.co.uk

SAT 1 JUL

The Comedy of Errors Dudmaston Estate, nr Quatt The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the UK’s premier all male theatre company, invite you to join them this summer for Shakespeare’s most hilarious farce, The Comedy of Errors.

7.30pm Adult £15; child £8.50 nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston

SAT 8 JUL

Chelmarsh Village Fete Chelmarsh Recreation Ground A traditional village fete with music, dancing, donkey rides, ice creams, stalls, plants, cakes and lots of activities for all ages.

2pm

SAT 24 – 25 JUN

Shrewsbury Food Festival Quarry Park, Shrewsbury With over 200 exhibitors of food, drink and crafts. Some of Shropshire’s finest craftspeople will be there to exhibit their wares, demonstrating, talking and offering plenty of samples throughout the weekend.

10am Adult £7; family £15 shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

SAT 24-25 JUN

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom

SAT 1 JUL

National Meadows Day Wenlock Edge Car Park Open day where there will be information about the beautiful meadows, the wildlife that can be found there and how NT look after them. Take a look around and test your knowledge with a fun flower identification quiz.

10am – 1pm FREE 01694 725000

The Place, Oakengates Theatre From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation live on stage! £14.50 – £16.50; family £58 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com

Submit your events at whatswhatmagazine.co.uk Every effort is made to provide correct information at the time of going to press, however it is advisable to check details with the venue concerned.

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EVENTS

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

FROM:

WALK THE BEAT!

At Blists Hill Victorian Town

HALF TERM FAMILY FUN 27 MAY 4 JUNE

BEAT THE ROBOT!

10 AWARD WINNING ATTRACTIONS IN A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

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STEP INTO

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JUNE 24/25 & JULY 1/2 2017

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Explosive battle at Highley New firefighting re-enactment Wartime replica displays Costumed re-enactors Performers and musical entertainers • 1940s wedding • Flypasts ly 1st June 24th & Ju inster Station

‘Big Band’

Show ids with air ra

PRE-BOOK AND SAVE Buy your tickets on the day or online at:

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Severn Valley Railway Families

KIDDERMINSTER • BEWDLEY • BRIDGNORTH 64

At Enginuity

All courses available as Gift Vouchers

We turn the clocks back to the 1940s with n this lighthearted journey into wartime Britai

Kidderm

TO:

2017 Courses Spaces are limited, please book in advance

Beginners Art Course

Beginners Photography Course

Get to grips with painting and drawing whilst taking inspiration from our stunning Gardens.

Learn how to manually set your camera to manipulate aperture, shutter speed and ISO to take great landscape photos.

• • • • •

13th May 17th June 15th July 2nd September 14th October

Full day workshop with some 1:1 tuition, all materials, lunch & drinks - £99

• 6th May • 10th June • 16th September Full day workshop with some 1:1 tuition, lunch & drinks - £99

Visit our website for more

information

uk www.arleyarboretum.co. *T&C’s apply. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. Please check website for more info. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467

EVENTS

Isabel Sharples and Madelene Constantinou - silver medallists Intermediate Cabaret Duet (Brookes School of Performing Arts)

Festival gold Olympic Gold medalist and triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards was a special guest at this year’s Wenlock Olympian Live Arts Festival.

The festival saw over 500 young people enter competitive classes in Speech and Drama, Music and Dance. Held each year since 1979, this year’s event took place over two weekends in March at The Edge Arts Centre at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock.

(Bottom left) Ruth Waterson - Speech and Drama Performer of the Year 2017 with Jonathan Edwards CBE (President of Wenlock Olympian Society)

Concordia Youth - gold medal winners in the Senior Vocal Group class

Lauren Turner – Senior Modern (Severnside School of Dancing)

Joshua Smith (aged two) gold medallist Primary Song and Dance (Gaston Payne)

Finalists in the Primary Strings Solo Class with Jonathan Edwards (L-R) Edith Howe (harpist bronze), Lara Debenham (cellist gold), Isobella Kelly (violinist silver), Aimee Bateson (violinist), Connor Tibbs (harpist)

Mr Edwards is the president of the Wenlock Olympic Society and was full of praise for the competitors. He said, “I was here last year and once again the confidence showed by all the young people taking part was amazing. They were absolutely fearless… if they made a mistake they just carried on!

“I’ve also been impressed with the work done by the organisers and volunteers who put on the festival – with so many entrants taking part, it’s a complex and challenging event to run.”

You can see results and photographs at wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/live-arts-festival

Grace Clark and Ella Chatterton - Senior Classical Duet (Gaston Payne) 65

EVENTS

The golden age of steam The Severn Valley Railway kicked off its 2017 season in style with an event that celebrated everything great about the golden age of steam.

The Spring Steam Gala ran from 17 to 19 March and saw three visiting locomotives starring alongside the Railway’s own stable of engines. The guest engines included Ivatt 2 No 41312, making its first visit to the SVR in 16 years, and BR Standard 9F No. 92214 – one of the most powerful locomotives in Britain. Cloudy skies did not dampen the spirits of visitors and Lewis Maddox, SVR events coordinator, declared the event one of the best in recent years.

He said, “You could ride on a brake van at Highley to experience life on a freight train, sample a selection of real ales at the pubs either end of the line, and travel into the night on our evening services. We’re still totting up the total passenger figures, but we’re hoping for an increase on last year’s event!”

An added attraction was the official opening of three all-new exhibitions at the Engine House, featuring colourful railway posters, graphic signs… and the catastrophic 2007 rainstorm that generated a repair bill of £3.8 million for the SVR. For details of the SVR’s future events visit svr.co.uk 66

EVENTS

EVENTS

Running through history First ran in 1989, the Ironbridge Half Marathon has become a popular event on the running calendar, taking in a route that includes crossing the world-famous bridge.

Organised by the Telford Harriers Running Club, this year’s event on 12 March drew runners aged from 17 to 88; there was also a fun run of just over a mile open to all ages. The route took the runners from Telford Town Park, out to the historic town of Ironbridge, then back to the finish in the Park. Race director Charlotte Gardner said, “Everything went perfectly on the day; the weather stayed dry and even the sun made an appearance. We sold out again this year and may consider increasing the entry limit to 1000 runners in 2018!”

As well as giving cash prizes for the top three male and female runners in eight different age categories, Telford Harriers also made donations to charity of just over £3,000 from this year’s run. Martin Williams (Tipton Harriers) was the first man home in a time of 1:14:48, while the first woman home was Lauren Draper (Bridgnorth Running Club) in 1:28:36.

For more information, visit halfmarathonlist.co.uk/ironbridge-half-marathon.php

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EVENTS

25. 26. 27. 28 august 2017

Ceilidh Bands Concerts Morris Teams Workshops P@ndemonium! Children’s Festival refolkus for 11-20 year olds Craft Fair Great Campsite Singarounds & Sessions Caterers Real Ale & Cocktail Bars

T

S

ICKET NOW

!

E

O

N S AL

Loudon Wainwright III ERIC BIBB Faith, Folk & Anarchy Oysterband Skipinnish The Young’uns SARAH JAROSZ Le Vent Du Nord Dance Acts:

Chris Difford Jon Boden The Unthanks Seth Lakeman The Transports || JABADAW || GLORYSTROKES Jim Moray presents Upcetera Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders || STEAMCHICKEN || LASAIR Sam Carter Cara || CONTRASAURUS || BOLDWOOD Joe Broughton’s Folk Ensemble Jamie Smith’s Mabon The East Pointers Shrewsbury Folk Festival The Fitzgeralds Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys @shrewsburyfolk Chris While & Julie Matthews Coven

more acts to be announced! see website for latest...

www. shrewsbury folkfestival .co.uk SFF A4 Advert 2017 (Colour).indd 1

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17/01/2017 11:48

RECIPE

A master stroke

Thomasina Miers fifth book is all clean lines and straightforward recipes. It pops with colour and is bolstered by Mexican influences - this is, after all, the woman who co-founded popular restaurant chain, Wahaca, which is now in its 10th year of taco slinging.

At its core though, Home Cook reflects “how we eat at home�, says Miers, 41, and how having three small children and a restaurant empire affects that.

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(Serves six) For the fish: • 1 whole sea bass

• A few lime leaves (optional)

• Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

• A few slices of lime (optional)

• 4 garlic cloves, bashed to remove the skin

• 100ml water, fish or vegetable stock

• 3 banana shallots, chopped

• Lime wedges, to serve • Coconut rice, to serve • Steamed pak choi, to serve • 1tbsp sesame oil, toasted For the Thai paste: • 2 star anise

• 3 lemon grass sticks, chopped, outer layer set aside • 6-8 bird’s eye chillies • 2tbsp fish sauce • Juice of 2-3 limes • 2tbsp demerara sugar

• 1tbsp black peppercorn

• Large bunch of coriander, leaves and stalks chopped separately

• Thumb-sized piece of fresh galangal, peeled and sliced

• 1 x 400ml can of coconut milk

• Half a cinnamon stick

• Salt

Method: First make the Thai paste: Grind the spices and put in a food processor with the galangal, ginger, garlic, shallots, lemon grass (reserving the outer layers), fish sauce, lime juice and sugar. Blitz to a rough paste.

Add the chopped coriander stalks and coconut milk to the paste with half a teaspoon of salt and blitz again until combined. Taste the paste and add more chillies (when the paste is baked, the chilli heat will reduce dramatically).

Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas mark 6. Lay out the bass in a deep roasting tin, large enough to fit it comfortably. Make a few slashes in both sides of the body and cover with enough paste inside and out so it is well coated. Stuff the inside cavity with the lime leaves, lemon grass outer layers and slices of lime if using. Mix the rest of the paste with the water or stock and pour into the tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a thin metal skewer can slide easily all the way into the thickest part of the fish.

Scatter with chopped coriander leaves and serve with lime wedges, coconut rice and some steamed pak choi laced with one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil.

Unbelievably dark and delicious chocolate cake (Makes one large cake) For the cake: • 380g butter, plus extra for the tins

For the topping: • 4 Mars bars

• 100ml whole milk

• 3 tbsp golden syrup • 380g dark chocolate • 90g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped (70% cocoa solids), chopped • 380g caster sugar • 500ml double cream • 2 small pinches ground • 3 Flakes, chopped into cinnamon 2cm lengths • Several large pinches of salt • 2 packets of Rolos • 200g plain flour • 1 large packet of Peanut • 6 eggs, beaten M&Ms (optional)

Meanwhile chop up the Mars Bars and melt with the milk, syrup, dark chocolate and 50ml of the double cream.

Whip the rest of the cream until it just holds its shape.

Sandwich the cooked cakes together with the whipped cream and pour over the Mars Bar sauce. Scatter the various chocolates and the glitter on top. Serve.

• Edible glitter Method: Preheat the oven to 190C/Gas Mark 5 and butter and line the base of two 20cm non-stick cake tins.

Melt the butter in a medium pan over a low heat; once melted, stir in the chocolate, being careful not to burn it.

When the mixture becomes smooth velvet, add the sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then slowly sift in the flour, stirring to combine. Beat the eggs into the chocolate mixture a little at a time until fully incorporated.

Pour into the prepared tins and bake for 30-40 minutes until the outside is dark and delicious looking and a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for 15 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

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RECIPE

Thai green sea bass with galangal, lemon grass and coconut

LOCAL FOOD NEWS

New festival brewing A beer festival is coming to Bridgnorth over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. The event will run from 27 to 29 May and is the brain-child of two of the town’s publicans, Bryn Masterman of the Old Castle and Dave Brown of The Fosters.

Their idea was to create a beer festival to help promote the town and its community events. To assist in this ambition they approached Major Willmore and Bill Sturt, who produce the Bridgnorth Pub Trail flyers as well as the Ale Sabrina magazine.

Major Willmore said, “The response from local publicans was much greater than anticipated, with a total of eighteen pubs wishing to take part. It’s a great opportunity to show visitors to the town the social aspects of Bridgnorth.”

The festival organisers (L-R) Dave Brown, Major Willmore, Dave Sturt and Bryn Masterman

Beer marks milestone A Shropshire company has chosen a special way to mark the milestone of 175 years in business. Tanners Wine Merchants have launched a special beer called Celebration 175 to honour their anniversary. Mark Carter is the manager of Tanners’ Bridgnorth shop and he described the new beer as a dark, amber pale ale that is quite malty, with a dry hoppy finish.

Mark explains, “We’ve created it as a limited edition, but if it proves popular, we’ll make it one of our regular beers.”

The Bridgnorth branch will host a wine tasting evening on 5 May. The Spring Walk Around Tasting will offer wines to sample throughout the store – call 01746 763148 for details.

Cheers! Mark Carter with a bottle of Celebration 175

THE DOG AND

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LOCAL FOOD NEWS

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Raven Restaurant & Bar Lounge OPEN DAILY for lunch and dinner Tantalising new menus utilising our own freshest Marketplace produce

Raven Marketplace NOW OPEN 5 DAYS Tues to Sat 9am ― 2pm Fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, dry larder goods and exceptional range of bread and baked products created by our in-house master baker

Please call or visit our website for details Barrow Street, Much Wenlock, Shropshire TF13 6EN enquiry@ravenhotel.com ravenhotel.com 73

RESTAURANT REVIEW

A Room With A View The owners of The Swan Inn at Knowle Sands each have over twenty years experience in the pub and catering trade and have used that knowledge to transform their business.

Justin Welch and Liam McCombe took over as tenants of The Swan Inn four years ago, but saw its potential and decided to buy it themselves in 2015.

Justin explained, “We did a refit as soon as we took over, but only recently completed a major refurbishment of the restaurant. The conservatory looked a bit dated and we wanted to change that dramatically – and we have.

“To date we have invested over £150,000 in The Swan and our clientele seem to appreciate the changes we have made.

Anyone who hasn’t been here for a while would be very surprised at how the pub now looks and what it offers.”

For Justin and Liam ensuring their guests enjoy a relaxing evening is a key part of how they want to run The Swan.

Justin continued, “We don’t like to rush people when they visit us to eat, we want them to have an enjoyable time and stay as long as they want.”

“We can seat 45 people in the restaurant, a lot more in the bar area and have a menu that we change frequently so that visitors know they will always get variety in their dining.

“Our customers tell us we serve the best steaks in the area and our hand battered fish and triple cooked chips are another firm favourite” “We also cater for people with special dietary needs, whether vegetarian, gluten free or whatever their needs. We don’t list those items on our menu as we prefer to prepare meals to specific requirements, so diners can get exactly what they want.”

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Justin continued, “While we have a reputation for fine food, we are also a traditional pub and welcome people who just want to pop in for a pint and a bag of crisps – and we are also very dog friendly.

“Our location has fantastic views across the River Severn which can be enjoyed all year round from our sun terrace or conservatory”

RESTAURANT REVIEW

As well as evening dining, The Swan also offers sandwiches at lunchtime, a special Sunday roast menu and a function room that can seat up to 65 people – but this is a pub that is about a lot more than just fine dining.

25% OFF our main menu Mon – Fri lunch*

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The Swan Inn BS555 Highley Road, Knowle Sands, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 5JL T: 01746 763424 swanninnbridgnorth.com Food served M on - Sat 12 - 2.30pm 6.30 - 9pm (Sun 8.30pm) Open for drinks M on - Sat 12 - 11pm (Sun 10.30pm)

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LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Bake Off returns

Old Gate top of the pubs A pub with origins dating back to the 17th century has proved it still has what it takes to succeed in the 21st century.

The Old Gate pub at Heathton near Claverley has been awarded the Pub of the Season award for Spring 2017 by Bridgnorth CAMRA. Landlord Kevin Wall received the award from CAMRA Bridgnorth chair Eleanor Haddon. She said, “The Old Gate was voted by our members as the winner because they consider it be a superb pub to visit during the springtime. It has a very pleasant beer garden in which to enjoy the quality food and real ales that it serves during the spring months.”

(L-R) Alan Thwaites of Bridgnorth CAMRA; Kevin Wall and Eleanor Haddon

A farm shop near Bridgnorth is holding its second Bake Off event after 2016’s inaugural contest proved popular.

The Bake Off will take place at Apley Farm Shop on 28 May between 10am and 4pm. Apley’s marketing manager Lady Hamilton said last year’s event had been a huge success despite the torrential rain.

She said, “This year will be more focused on bread and cakes. Instead of having chefs’ demonstrations, we’re just focusing on the cake competition and baking masterclasses run by local Shropshire chefs and baking-related businesses.

We’ve booked some experienced cake judges and listed more baking classes than last year. The standards we saw at our first Bake Off were extremely high and it was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm among those taking part.”

To find out more visit apleyfarmshop.co.uk/whats-on Lord Hamilton enjoying a taster at the 2016 Apley Bake Off

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LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Ludlow Spring treat First held in 1995, the Ludlow Food Festival has gained worldwide recognition and featured in publications as far afield as the US, Australia and Japan.

It’s also seen top names in the world of food Tom Kerridge and Glynn Purnell wow the crowds alongside many of Shropshire’s own food champions. This year’s event will feature over 180 exhibitors and takes place from 8 to 10 September.

For those keen to experience a great food and drink-filled day out but who don’t want to wait until September, the Ludlow Spring Festival takes place on 13 and 14 May. Local producers will offer everything from real ale to cocktails, plus there will be vintage vehicles, live music and more than 60 of the best food producers. There’s also a special Meet the Brewer preview evening from 5pm to 9pm on 12 May, with entry just £2 on that night, £7 on Saturday and Sunday. For more details, visit ludlowspringfestival.co.uk.

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HOME & YOU

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HOME & YOU

Fresh fragrances to scent your spring Sunnier days call for a brighter scent, and you’ll find some real corkers among the current crop of new launches.

These are the fragrance trends that will scent your spring...

Jimmy Choo Man Ice, £42 for 50ml, The Perfume Shop Michael Kors Turquoise Eau de Parfum, £62 for 50ml, johnlewis.com

Moschino Pink Fresh Couture Eau de Toilette Natural Spray, £50 for 50ml, Debenhams

L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere Eau de Parfum, £58 for 50ml, loccitane.com

Issey Miyake Pure Eau de Toilette, £52 for 50ml, debenhams.com

Coach The Fragance Eau de Toilette, £44 for 50ml, coach.com

Tory Burch Love Relentlessly Eau de Parfum, £63 for 50ml, debenhams.com

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HOME & YOU

The italian job To celebrate their 10th anniversary of opening in Much Wenlock, Salon Ten owner Nicky Marcar rewarded employees of the salon and spa with a three-day trip to the vibrant city of Milan. Nicky said, “Our amazing team have worked hard towards making us the success we are today, and this was my way of thanking them.”

Accompanying Nicky were beauty therapists Lianne and Ashleigh, and stylists Jack, Emma and trainee Ellie.

The team saw the Italian city, famed for fashion, fun and opera, from a variety of viewpoints, starting off with a segway tour before jumping aboard an open-top bus.

Their trip was polished off with a celebratory meal featuring a mouthwatering array of Italian cuisine. Nicky said, “Milan is such a beautiful city – and it was the perfect location for our style-focused team!”

“Our amazing team have worked hard towards making us the success we are today, and this was my way of thanking them…”

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That may not be strictly true, but fashion is certainly veering towards skewed edges and one-sided designs right now, injecting much-needed freshness into the high-street collections too.

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Alesha Dixon wearing Flower Embroidered Maxi Dress with Lace Choker Detail, £115, littleblackdress.co.uk

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WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL

Specialists in you.

Keeping your body fit and healthy will help you live a more active, prolonged life. And for those times when you feel that something isn’t quite right, we are here to help.

27

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital has a specialist team of highly experienced consultants dedicated solely to women’s health that offers you discreet advice on a wide range of health issues.

Thursday 27 July - 6:30pm

Our professional team of Gynaecologists, Urologists and Breast Surgeons will take care of all your healthcare needs, including routine check-ups, preventative care, advanced diagnostics, and effective treatment.

Wood Road, Tettenhall WV6 8LE

Call us today to know more or make an appointment.

JULY

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Book your place by calling us on: 01902 793 269

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01902 793 269

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Advertisement feature

Women’s health across the ages Menstrual problems at all ages can be successfully investigated by a specialist gynaecologist. At Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, multi-lingual Ms Uma Bathula is a private gynaecological surgeon who specialises in managing menstrual problems, such as those affecting adolescents, concerns over heavy periods (menorrhagia) and women reaching the menopause.

Qualifying at one of the premier medical institutes of India, JIPMER, Pondicherry, Ms Bathula completed her early medical training in India and then continued in the West Midlands, where she also undertook her specialist training.

In addition to her extensive medical knowledge, Ms Bathula is proficient in several languages as well as English, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi and Urdu. She works in the NHS as a Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust and County Hospital Stafford, as well as at her private practice at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital.

A member of the British Menopause Society, Uma Bathula, who specialises in menstrual irregularities, explains, “Heavy periods means menstrual blood loss that is more than normal. It differs from one woman to the next, so I ask my patients to tell me what their normal loss is and how this is greater or longer than the usual 2-5 days or if it is associated with clots or flooding. Where heavy periods are affecting a woman’s quality of life and she reports certain symptoms, we will investigate and then treat her for these problems, using evidence-based treatment.”

Once the cause is ascertained, a specific treatment is decided upon, based on the woman’s age and future fertility plans.

Medical, rather than surgical, treatments are usually the first option and this can include a hormonal coil, or oral contraceptive or non- hormonal treatments, such as drugs which help with clotting. Surgery may be advised where

medical treatment is ineffective or if there is no wish for future fertility. Minimal access (keyhole) techniques ensure speedy recovery and a quicker return to normal activities.

Ms Bathula is a British Society of Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology accredited Colposcopist, dealing with abnormal cervical smears.

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Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital has nine consultant Gynaecologists. For an appointment, please ring 01902 275253.

View Nuffield Health Wolverhampton’s Facebook page to see how our patients rate their experience at our hospital. If you would like to sample the services on offer, the following free patient events are being hosted by consultants at the hospital throughout July. Each event starts at 6:30pm – parking is free, and snacks and refreshments will be served:

JULY

5 July: Let’s Talk Hips 13 July: Let’s Talk Knees 26 July: Let’s Talk Shoulders, Elbows & Hands 27 July: Let’s Talk Women’s Health

To book your place at any of our events go to: www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton/ events or call us.

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HOME & YOU

Sunny side up

A yellow palette – from bright daffodil through to custard or zingy citruses – is guaranteed to bring a little sunshine into your home.

Anna Jacobs Chinese tree lampshade and base, £185, Amara.com

Orla Kiely Sicilian Lemon Reed Diffuser, £32, Amara.com

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Art of the Garden, Sanderson, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

Hay Autumn Yellow Towels - bath towels, £25 each, and guest towels, £13 each, Amara.com

HOME & YOU Rococo yellow and white units, complete kitchen from £10000, crown-imperial.com

Vegas LED plastic fun light, £19.95, boutiquecamping.com

Noukku for Scion, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

“This optimistic hue is ideal for brightening rooms and can be used to make a statement or add a complementary hint to your existing décor” says Jayne Ellis, Just Jayne Interiors Yellow clock, Roobarb, Bridgnorth

Noukku for Scion, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

Momentum for Harlequin, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

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HOME & YOU

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 

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    

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 

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GARDEN NEWS

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OPEN DAILY

Severn Hospice’s ‘Forget Me Not’ flowers are handmade by the talented team at the British Ironwork Centre... and they have the added benefit that you don’t need green fingers to care for them! Elodie Home of Severn Hospice said, “The flowers are a lovely way to commemorate a loved one, and the money raised from them is already making a difference to the thousands of families who need our support.”

Springtime show Bridgnorth Horticultural Society held its Spring Show on 1 April at St Leonard’s Church. Chair Glyn Lucas said, “Best in Show was Richard Spiers of Wombourne, with his three daffodil display.”

The flowers cost £25 or £4.99 each, and are now available from the Lakeside Plant Centre in Telford.

Visit severnhospice.org.uk/forgetmenot to find out more.

The Society formed 25 years ago and holds a meeting on the first Tuesday of the month in Bridgnorth Library. The biggest event on the calendar is the Summer Show, which takes place on 5 August.

Rows of daffodils lined St Leonard’s Church

Insect hotel Butterflies and other insects are set to dine in style as a result of a project led by West Midlands Butterfly Conservation (WMBC). Volunteers have worked with Grow Cook Learn at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms to create the county’s first Pollinators’ Garden and Insect Hotel. Plants were provided by CJ Wildlife, based near Shrewsbury.

Mike Williams from WMBC said, “Gardens can never replace natural habitats, but we hope this will inspire visitors to introduce these plants into their own gardens. We’re also looking to recruit volunteers for a project to conserve the Wood White butterfly, which has its stronghold in Shropshire and neighbouring counties.”

A Peacock butterfly

Bring out your plants!

Broseley in Bloom will be holding a plant sale on 27 May at the Victoria Hall on the High Street. This will be Broseley in Bloom’s main fundraising event for this year.

The Town Council contributes to the cost of hanging baskets and troughs, but a further £2,000 is needed for maintenance. If residents are tidying up their garden and have plants to spare, contact Carol Cooper on 01952 882715 and she will come and collect them.

Gardening advice GrowLocal is a free event taking place from 11am until 3pm on 14 May at the Greenwood Centre in Coalbrookdale. There will be a plant sale featuring flowers, vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Men in Sheds will be helping people sharpen garden knives and secateurs, and local food producers will be selling their wares. Advice will be offered on subjects including composting, beekeeping, keeping poultry, organic gardening and beanpoles. For more information, visit Facebook Transition Town Telford and Twitter @SustainTelford.

Spring yarn bomb Anyone walking through Bridgnorth’s Castle Gardens will have noticed the knitted and crocheted flowers adorning the rails near the ruins. This ‘yarn bombing’ is the work of Softly in Bridgnorth, a group set up last year by town resident Janine Harley.

Janine said, “The first project we did was for Remembrance Sunday, when about 400 flowers were put on railings in the Castle Gardens.

“We’re working on plans for this year’s yarn bomb of poppies, with a view to having them tumbling down the castle walls.

If this goes ahead, we’d need about 5,000 flowers and volunteers to help us.”

To find out more, visit Softly In Bridgnorth Facebook page.

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GARDEN NEWS

Forget me not

GARDENING TIPS

Good Gardening Tips for May & June

May your garden grow Take the time to look after your garden now and reap the rewards later in the year.

Despite a wet start to the year and a mild March, we still need to watch out for those late sharp frosts of April and May that can spoil fruit blossoms and kill tender plants put outside too soon.

There’s plenty to do in the vegetable plot and it’s a good idea to plant smaller quantities little and often to keep a steady supply of veg for the kitchen.

Grow your own There’s no need for vegetable or salad shortages when you can grow them yourself.

If your ground is still on the wet side, start plants off in pots and plant into the ground a few weeks later. Wet ground will stay colder for longer, so to encourage ground to warm up quicker, cover cultivated areas with cloches and on a sunny day it will soon warm up.

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Sow seeds under the cloches, once germinated remove the covers during the day so that too much heat doesn’t build up and scorch young plants.

Remember don’t plant out tomato plants or cucumbers until it’s warmer at night – they soon go blue if they’re cold! You can start growing them inside but they need night temperatures of approximately 15∞ C. Runner beans shouldn’t be put out till the end of May either.

Spray fruit bushes before buds burst and after the fruit has set – never when flowers are fully open. Spray first thing in the morning or in the evening to avoid scorch from the sun and pollinating insects.

Tubs and baskets Start making up hanging baskets and tubs, but don’t leave them outside at night until the beginning of June, a late frost will spoil them. Use a good multipurpose or tub and basket compost that has added moisture control and slow release fertilizer.

There are many types of baskets and liners available and for a mixed basket

GARDENING TIPS you need one good sized plant to put in the centre - geraniums or upright fuchsias are ideal for this. Then add a mixture of trailing geraniums, trailing fuchsias and any of the large range of hanging basket plants. Once planted they can be stood outside on a warm day, but brought back in at night. Don’t be tempted to put them in a dark garage or shed, they need good light levels to get established.

A popular theme at the moment is to plant up your basket with just one type of plant – million bells, Trailing petunias, and verbenas are ideal to do this with.

Water them regularly, every day when the sun starts shining and feed weekly with a plant food such as Miracle Grow All Purpose or Phostrogen. Don’t forget to dead head often and your plants will give colour right through to the autumn.

Beautiful borders Top dress or liquid feed borders regularly, as many of the nutrients in your soil are likely to have been leached away with the rain from earlier on.

Continue to look out for slug damage on young herbaceous plants and summer bedding such as marigolds. Use slug pellets or one of the natural controls that are available.

Summer bedding can be planted outside from the end of May onwards, so long as we aren’t getting any late frosts.

Antirrhinums, asters and lobelia first, leaving marigolds, begonias, impatiens and geraniums until the beginning of June if necessary. Water well to get established, feed fortnightly and dead head regularly.

Hoe borders frequently, preferably on a sunny day and any weeds will wilt and die off quickly; regular hoeing will also allow air into the top layer of soil and encourage root growth. There’s still time to put a mulch around plants; apply a top dressing of general purpose fertilizer before.

Prune spring flowering shrubs once flowering has finished – forsythia, spiraea and flowering currants - this will produce nice long growths for next spring’s flowers. Once clematis montana has finished flowering, prune back to encourage new compact growth.

As the weather improves the grass will start growing and need cutting. Do a light cut first, gradually reducing the mower height over several cuts.

Managing moss Weeds and moss can be treated with products such as Scotts ‘Evergreen Complete’ which will fertilize the lawn as well as killing weeds and moss. Never be tempted to rake out moss before killing it, you’ll just make the problem worse.

A new product from the makers of MO Bacter is Bio-Press which is an organic spot treatment for patches of heavily moss infected lawns, it’s child and pet friendly and works within days.

Happy Gardening!

Spray roses fortnightly throughout the growing season against black spot and mildew using Roseclear Ultra or Multirose.

This issue’s tips are provided by Ann Winwood of

Lealans Garden Centre, Shipley.

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LOCAL WALKS

Local walks Spring is in full swing – flowers are starting to bloom and the days are heading towards being at their longest – the perfect time to get out and about. We’ve compiled a list of local walks and groups, just call ahead to get full details and to book your place.

For more info visit our events pages whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

Local Walking Festivals IRONBRIDGE 29 April – 7 May

BISHOPS CASTLE 13 – 17 May

CHURCH STRETTON 22 – 25 June

THU 11 MAY

THU 15 JUN

Llynclys

Stokesay & Aldon Gutter

9 miles 07903 325011; tesramblers.org.uk

SAT 20 MAY

SUN 18 JUN

Cader Idris

South Stone Rock

6 miles syr.org.uk/walk

SUN 21 MAY MON 1 MAY

Guided Estate Walk, Chirk Castle 11am 01691 777701

THU 4 MAY

Haughmond Hill 5 miles 01952 324254; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 7 MAY

Walcot Bluebell Walk 10am 01694 725000; cardingmill@nationaltrust.org.uk

WED 10 & MON 15 MAY

The Bluebells of Dudmaston 9 miles 9.15am £3.50 01746 781192 94

8.5 miles 07762 083134; tesramblers.org.uk

Hopesay 9 miles 07874 713549; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 28 MAY

9 miles 9am 01952 461770; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 25 JUN

The Roaches & Lud’s Church 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

The Dee to the Dyke 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

THU 1 JUN

Much Wenlock 5 miles 01952 242346; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 4 JUN

Stowe Hill from Bucknell 9 miles 07913 562530; tesramblers.org.uk

THU 8 & MON 12 JUN

Stanmore & Claverley 9 miles 9.30am £3.50 01746 781192

Severn Strollers

Regular walking groups ALVELEY

Tuesdays at 10am

BRIDGNORTH

Mondays at 2pm Wednesdays at 10.30am Fridays at 11am

BROSELEY

Wednesdays at 10.30am

HIGHLEY

Mondays at 10.30am

MUCH WENLOCK Mondays at 10am

SHIFNAL

Tuesdays at 10.30am To sign up or for more information contact 01743 255059; mick.dunn@shropshire.gov.uk

LOCAL WALKS

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COMPETITION

Win Family Theatre Tickets…

“Somewhere, hidden amongst the thorny brambles is a little kingdom where everyone is very very small...”

From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation live on stage in Telford this June. What’s What have teamed up with Oakengates Theatre to offer our readers the chance to win one of 4 family tickets.

Little fans of this Little Kingdom will delight in seeing their favourite characters come to life, larger than life on stage.

Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan.

Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back

of Gaston the Ladybird. They all live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure.

The whole family can now join Ben and Holly, and their friends in this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence is sure to be enjoyed whether you’re 1 or 101!

Ben and Holly is showing at The Place, Oakengates Theatre on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June.

You can find out more or book tickets at theplacetelford.com or by calling the box office on 01952 382382.

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You can also enter online at whatswhatmagazine.co.uk/competition We have 4 sets of family tickets to give away and one of those could be yours if you answer the following question correctly:

Q: W hat is the name of the Ladybird in Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom? (circle your answer)

a) George

b) Gary

c) Gaston

Name:............................................................................................................

Tel No: ........................................................................................................

Address: ..................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................................

Email: ...........................................................................................................

Please cut out and send to: (winners will be notified by telephone/email) What’s What Magazine, 18 Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN Terms & Conditions: Only one entry per household. Entrants must be over 18. Performance dates are 24/25 June 2017. Family ticket admits 2 adults & 2 children. Tickets cannot be exchanged for cash or for alternative dates/times.

All entries must be received by Wed 14 June 2017.

Advertisement Feature

We feel its these little extras that encouraged our clients to vote us “one of the best 25 practice in the UK”

CONTINUITY OF CARE One of the most important things for any caring pet owner to know is when their animal falls ill, they can be seen by a vet as soon as possible.

Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre offers guaranteed same day appointments, so when there’s problem it can be dealt with quickly and professionally.

“The small team of 8 staff means you will soon get to know everyone, but more importantly they will know you and your pets!”

Sarah Probert, head vet, said that this service is part of their determination to provide the best in care.

She continued “When owners bring their pets to us we really do look after them as if they were our own. We are the only independent, dedicated small animal vets in Bridgnorth and being able to see the same people at each visit is very important to us.”

Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre has been part of the town since 2003 and in this time, has dealt with 5000 clients and treated over 9000 pets.

Always keen to keep up with the latest developments in treatments, BVC offers conventional as well as some more alternative, complimentary treatments including acupuncture and laser therapy. A popular service is their hydro-physio facility, which aids pets’ rehabilitation and those with joint issues.

“Nutrition is also a very important subject to us and we advocate the use of many different diets, including Natures Menu RAW food, and are keen to discuss diet on an individual pet basis, to get the best for your pet” Head Nurse Lynne Jones says “We provide 15 minute appointments allowing plenty of time to really get to know you and your pet and understand the problem. Another service we offer are regular nurse clinics covering different areas you may feel are concerning, but aren’t serious-enough to bother the vet. We feel its these little extras that encouraged our clients to vote us “one of the best 25 practice in the UK” by our clients.

The Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6.30pm and on Saturdays from 9am until 12pm.

An emergency vet is available outside of those hours.

For further information ring 01746 711561 or visit bridgnorthvets.co.uk 97

ANIMAL CARE

Happy Tails The wisdom of dental care

My spaniel’s ears smell badly I’ve been to the vet and there is nothing wrong with them what shampoo can I use on them?

Examining the mouth tells us a lot about the general health of our pets and as vets we routinely look in and around the mouth every time we examine an animal.

The lips, gums, teeth, tongue and the hard palate can all be brewing serious problems which may be related to dental disease. Those places are easily checked and owners should look at them regularly - except in rodents. The most important thing for pet owners is to safely and gently look in our pet’s mouths whenever they handle them, routinely checking for anything which looks abnormal.

Most conditions affecting the mouth are painful and need swift investigation and treatment. Smelly breath isn’t just a sign of old age and shouldn’t be considered normal. Bad breath is a symptom of a disease process which will progress if not dealt with. Often, it’s due to dental disease, but may be caused by a mouth tumour, a piece of foreign material stuck in the mouth, or ulceration due to a more generalised disease.

Poor and/or inappropriate diet is a major cause of dental disease in pet rabbits and guinea pigs, who require simple low energy, high fibre food like grass or hay rather than concentrated, manufactured pellets. They need to spend a lot of time chewing, otherwise their teeth become too long and irregular in shape, preventing a normal chewing action.

Insurance policies rarely cover the cost of dental treatment, unless it’s for an acute condition which couldn’t not have been prevented by good care and attention. It is our responsibility to maintain good dental hygiene wherever possible, with appropriate food, chews, toothpaste and mouth washes as part of a good dental care regimen.

The best advice I can give is to check your pet’s mouth regularly - weekly if not daily. Look at the teeth, open the mouth wide, look under the tongue and along the hard palate. Check for swellings, bleeding, plaque, foreign bodies etc. If you see anything abnormal get it seen by your vet.

Dr Penny Yates PgC SAM BVSc MRCVS Severn Edge Veterinary Practice 98

It’s good that you have sought medical advice, as there is nothing wrong there are some factors to consider. Firstly does your dog dip his or her ears in their water bowl and do the ears get wet regularly on walk? If the answer is yes then this is why your dogs ears smell, spaniels ears are well known for this. Try using a snood to keep their ears free from water during feeding times and wet walks. A natural based shampoo which is not too stripping would be best, but it would be a good idea to get advice from a professional groomer as to what is best for your dog. Simply pop your dog along to the salon, let them have a quick look and they will be able to advise you better.

We want to take our dog to the beach, but any tips on making sure he doesn’t get tangled?

Dogs absolutely adore beach walks but certainly not the grooming afterwards! If your dog is short coated, like a Labrador, you can just brush the coat when it’s dry each day and perhaps book in with your groomer when you get home. But if your dog has longer hair you will need to rinse the sand from the coat each day; you may also want to use a leave-in conditioner while you are away. Also, ensure that you remove sand debris from the facial area, especially around eyes, lips and in between the toes.

Happy holidays!

Amy Stewart of Happy Tails Dog Spa has a BSc in Animal Behaviour and is a certified pet health counsellor.

Send your questions for Amy to info@whatswhat magazine.co.uk.

ANIMAL CARE

Happy pets make happy vets SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

Call us today or book online 01746 711561 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth WV16 4QP Open: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 6.30pm Sat 9am – 12 noon

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99

BUSINESS NEWS

Google training for retailers A group of Bridgnorth retailers and businesspeople received training about growing their businesses online as part of the town’s prizewinning package from the Great British High street contest. Delivered by Google, the event took place on 7 April at Bridgnorth Golf Club and drew 60 attendees from the local business community. The audience was taken through the basics of setting up a business online and on to more exotic topics like Google Spiders.

Scott Bowler, who runs IT company DCS Worldwide, said, “I’ve been working in digital marketing for 12 years and thought the content was perfect. The key message for me was ensuring your website is mobile phone-friendly… that’s so important for any business.”

(L-R) Sally Themans (Love Bridgnorth), MP Philip Dunne, Becky Boyd (Google), Sarah Stevens (Buy Big In Bridgnorth)

A splash of art Shropshire artist Meg Hawkins has joined forces with TGS (The Glass Studio) on a collaboration that sees her designs appearing on a range of kitchen splash backs. David Hill of TGS said, “We’re privileged and excited to be working alongside this talented Shropshire artist. Meg’s range of illustrations is visually stunning and work so well with our product.”

You can see Meg’s splash backs in the TGS showroom in Shrewsbury or by visiting meghawkinsillustrations.co.uk/ collections/splashbacks

Business marches on Lifetime achievement award Bridgnorth Chamber of Commerce has presented Lifetime Membership awards to two people instrumental in setting up the town’s successful Park and Ride. De and David Deighton were nominated in recognition of their continuing efforts to ensure the scheme became a reality for the town.

Chairman Steve Robbins said, “This award is an honour bestowed upon a member who has given exceptional service to the Chamber. We’re proud to be able to recognise the work De and David have done over the past few years.”

(L-R) Jean Onions, David Deighton, De Deighton, Geoff Davies

A scheme has been launched to give businesses the tools they need to flourish and grow across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire. The Marches Growth Hub launched the Building Business Confidence Across the Marches programme on 17 April.

The project is being delivered

by Shropshire firm Good2Great, who have worked with businesses in the region for the past decade. Good2Great director Johnny Themans said, “It’s about helping people understand how to develop their commercial potential, grow sales and develop the profitability of their business.”

For more information, visit start2great.co.uk Johnny Themans

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BUSINESS NEWS

The 1851 model standing before the historic Ironbridge

Pedalling into history A new range of cycles have taken their name from the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Ironbridge Bicycles are handcrafted bikes, built from British steel and with names that echo significant dates in Britain’s history.

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Pete Bird, from Bicycles By Design, said, “It’s amazing to be launching the new Ironbridge brand that draws on our heritage and skills. The bikes are aimed at customers wanting a traditional but contemporary high quality hand-made British frame, but without the expense, involvement and waiting time of a bespoke frame.”

For further information visit ironbridge-bicycle.co.uk

Local professional financial advice Mortgages & Equity Equity Release Release Mortgages & Retirement Planning Planning Retirement Savings & Investments Investments Savings & Personal & Business Business Protection Protection Personal & Buildings & Contents Contents Insurance Insurance Buildings &

Contact Ruth Burley, Director & Financial Adviser : 01746 763656 07446 844260 ruth@rmbfinancial.co.uk www.rmbfinancial.co.uk

RMB Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of Intrinsic Mortgage Planning Ltd and of Intrinsic Financial Planning Ltd which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

101

BUSINESS NEWS

Andrea is a winner!

Jayne Ellis of Just Jayne Interiors is pictured presenting Andrea Hingley with a gift hamper. Andrea won first prize in a special prize draw organised by the much-loved Bridgnorth business.

Travel company celebrates The Travelwallet in Bridgnorth is celebrating 15 years of business in the town, and owner Maggie Rogers said the secret of their success was its focus on customer service.

She explained, “Our staff have over 100 years of experience in the travel industry and that knowledge and expertise means we can tailor holidays exactly to our clients’ requirements.

We take care of everything… people can literally book with us, turn up and go.”

(L-R) Bobby Edwards Poley, Vicki Pelucci Woodhall, Maggie Rogers, Liz

Rawlings and Vikki Downes

Fodens donates A solicitors firm in Much Wenlock has raised over £4,000 for charity through its involvement with the Will Aid scheme.

Fodens Solicitors, which have offices in Much Wenlock and Lawley, have been involved with Will Aid for several years, with money raised used to support the work of charities including the NSPCC, Save the Children and Age UK. Sophie Yates, a director at Fodens, said, “Our clients were very happy to take part in the scheme and it’s all thanks to them that we raised so much money.”

(L-R) Sophie Yates, Molly Waite and Kimberley McKenna

PR firm’s Wenlock move Shropshire-based PR agency Nathan Rous (NPR) has opened an office in Much Wenlock and announced plans to create new full and part-time jobs, as well as a free pop-in consultancy clinic. Director Nathan Rous is keen to implement an open-door policy where businesses felt welcome to drop in and discuss their needs. He said, “While many of our clients are London-based, Shropshire is a great place to work from and we’re excited about being an integral part of the community.”

NPR specialises in public relations, branding, social media and video, working with companies including Harrods and Land Rover Defender. This month the company also signed a deal to represent Britain’s last remaining luxury teddy bear manufacturer Merrythought. NPR invite people with experience in PR to call in and see them in the new office – see nathanrous.co.uk for details.

(L-R) Lily Rutherford, Nathan Hughes, Nathan Rous, Rhys Morgan and Tracey Rous

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The Smartphone Revolution – and how it changed the digital world

In 2007 Steve Jobs’ iPhone started a revolution and, 10 years later, 81% of people in the UK own

a smartphone.

Local

In 2010, a new approach came on the scene: Responsive Web Design. This meant websites could adapt to display content in a readable fashion on any screen size. Websites that implemented this approach were easy to browse and made purchasing simple from any mobile device or tablet… giving early adopters a massive advantage over competitors.

On 3 April 2017, we reached a tipping point, as for the first time the Android operating system generated more internet traffic than Microsoft Windows. In other words, more people are now browsing the web on their phone than on their desktop or laptop.

When you combine Android and iPhone usage, mobile traffic accounts for 51% of all internet traffic. To find out if your website is able to serve the

financial advice

BUSINESS NEWS

The introduction of 3G networks made browsing the web on your phone possible… but it was a clunky experience, as web content wasn’t designed for a smaller screen.

majority, enter your web address at mobilefriendly.me.uk. Even if your site has been made ‘mobile-friendly’ in the past, techniques used might not be up-to-date now. Technology is going through constant evolution and what powers your website today will be redundant tomorrow.

Generally, businesses have two options: 1. Budget to rebuild your website every couple of years, or…

2. Have your website maintained by an expert who will continually work on the underlying code to ensure it can cope with what the future will throw at it.

Scott Bowler is a digital marketer and developer with over 12 years’ commercial experience. He works in conjunction with What’s What! to deliver digital solutions to businesses across Shropshire.

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Advertisement Feature

Part of the community There aren’t many car dealerships that can claim to be a part of the community, but it is a claim that a company in Worfield can safely make.

Evans Halshaw Worfield operate on a site that formally ran under the CD Bramall and Worfield Garage identities.

Located only four miles from Bridgnorth, the site became an Evans Halshaw dealership in 2005.

Despite Evans Halshaw being an international business, with branches in Europe and America, the Worfield dealership has always maintained a strong attachment to its rural Shropshire location. Whilst community links are important, the branch is also keen to keep up with the latest developments in the motor trade and recently the site has been given a complete makeover.

The main showroom now benefits from more floor space and an additional used car display area has also been created to hold an extra thirty cars by demolishing a couple of old building on the site.

Giles Billington, the Dealer Principal, has been with the company since 1990 and said he was delighted with the refurbishment.

our team members all work in a customer-focused way, ensuring all work carried out is to a high standard

explained, “This service enables customers to visit our web site from the comfort of their home and look for a particular vehicle.

They can then arrange for the car to be moved free of charge from any of our other Nationwide Evans Halshaw dealerships direct to Worfield for them to view, test drive and buy.”

It isn’t just selling cars to the general public that Evans Halshaw Worfield excels at, they now have a fully trained on-site Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle Specialist. Mitch Sandham, General Sales Leader, said, “Oliver Jones recently qualified with Vauxhall’s Academy as a Gold Commercial Vehicle Sales specialist and has a wealth of experience with commercial vehicles.

He is on hand to offer advice to businesses who are either looking to replace a van or are looking to purchase one for the first time.”

With specialists on hand to offer advice on any vehicle, the Evans Halshaw

 Dave Jones and Terry Brookes

dealership is fully equipped to offer the best technical service to its customers.

But customer care has always been the main focus for the company. Terry Brookes, Aftersales Leader, said that repeat customers were the backbone of the business.

Giles Billington, the Dealer Principal, has been with the company since 1990 and said he was delighted with the refurbishment He said, “Our team members all work in a customer-focused way, ensuring all work carried out is to a high standard and that our customers are kept up to speed with progress to a pre-agreed time scale.

He continued, “We now have much more space, which has enabled us to offer even more choice, with value, convenience and of course our renowned customer service. Things are going really well and in March we broke our record for the highest number of retail vehicles sold and delivered in one month, which is a fantastic achievement.”

The dealership benefits from the infrastructure of Evans Halshaw, including being able to take advantage of the ‘Move Me Closer’ facility. Giles 104

 From left to right: Phil Roberts, Jordan Griffiths, Tim Bates, Dave Evans, Tim Jones, Harry Billington

Advertisement Feature

We have a monthly award scheme which rewards employees who go the extra mile with their customers while carrying out their daily duties.

“Recently we received a letter from a gentleman aged 77, who wrote to thank us for the excellent buying experience he had. The man said he had purchased cars for the past 60 years from all over the world, but his experience at Evans Halshaw Worfield with Oliver Jones was the best buying experience he had ever had. He added that he would recommend us to anyone and, needless to say, Oliver was our Extra Mile winner for that month.”  Oliver Jones and Giles Billington

Dedication to their customers is ingrained in everything Evans Halshaw does and the business is expanding as a consequence. Not only have they finished a complete site refurbishment, they have also increased their workforce by four in the past twelve months. Giles Billington summed up how he saw the dealerships role in the car market and in the local community.

 Giles Billing ton, Mitch Sa ndha m an d Terry Broo kes

He said, “We are a part of Europe’s largest motor group, which means we can offer unrivalled choice and value for money. But while we may be part of a very big company, we like to retain that small company feel.”

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Bridgnorth Road, Worfield Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV15 5NR Tel: 01746 540 800 evanshalshaw.com/vauxhall Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range: Urban: 12.7 (22.3) – 83.1 (3.4), Extra-urban: 23.3 (12.1) – 94.2 (3.0), Combined: 17.9 (15.8) – 91.1 (3.1), CO2 emissions: 373 – 82/km.

Savings shown against M.R.R.P. Pendragon Motor Group Limited is a credit broker/intermediary that can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to provide funding for your vehicle. They may incentivise us for introducing you to them. All information is correct at time of publication and is subject to change without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Vehicles available while stocks last. Images shown for illustration purposes only, and may show optional specification. Terms and conditions apply. For full details on these offers, please visit your nearest Evans Halshaw Vauxhall dealership. Terms and conditions apply. Offers end 30/06/2017.

105

BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Sponsored by Bridgnorth Town Council

News from Bridgnorth Town Council

Council elections

Join in the town carnival The annual Town Carnival takes place on 24 June, with the procession leaving the Cattle Market at 12 noon and winding its way through the streets to Severn Park.

Come and join the music and floats in the town before an afternoon of arena events and entertainment. From early evening onwards there will be music and dancing in the park suitable for all ages. There is still some availability for stalls and arena events – we will welcome floats up until the 18 June. Further information and application forms are available on www.bridgnorthtownevents.org or ring Ashley on 01746 762231.

Castle grounds facelift The Castle Grounds have centuries of history attached to them, but some of the shrubs and walls are beginning to look their age. The Town Council staff are trained to work on old walls using lime mortar and are carrying out repair work to some of the walls in the park. The park is also having a face lift with some of the old shrubs and plants removed, the areas opened-up and new planting is taking place.

106

Bridgnorth Town Council elections take place on the 4 May. All current Town Councillors are required to stand down and put themselves forward for re-election if the wish to stand. We understand that the count for Town and Parish Councils will take place on 6 May. The new Town Mayor will be inaugurated (invite only) on 15 May followed by the Adjourned Annual Meeting on 16 May. The new Mayor will hold their Civic Service on 21 May at St. Mary’s Church at 10.30am, to which everyone is invited.

Sponsor an event There are plenty of opportunities to offer sponsorship in Bridgnorth.

The town community events are costly to put on and if a business or individual would like to sponsor an element of any event, or could supply something for an event, please contact Ashley on 01746 762231. You may like to sponsor a bench, a picnic bench or flower bed or tub in the town in memory of a loved one or offer a tree or shrub to be planted in their memory. Please contact the Town Clerk on 01746 762231 for further details.

This is a meeting for the residents of the town and not a Town Council meeting. Held in the Castle Hall on 29 March the guest speakers this year were Liz Bird from the Foodbank and Lorraine Ladha from the new Bridgnorth Soup Kitchen – which will be launched on the 7 April.

Vintage Tractor Rally success The sun shone brightly for this annual event held at the beginning of April. It was a spectacular sight as some 100 or so tractors were welcomed into the town by the crowds which lined the pavements along the route and as they came through the Northgate Arch and parked up in the High Street.

The tractor rally started at Apley Farm and weaved its way from there up the ring road and down into the town, before leaving to go out back out into the countryside. The Savoir Fayre Continental Market offered a host of food and crafts from around the world and was well received in the town. This market was complimented by our local Bridgnorth craft market under the Town Hall.

Fron Choir returns The Fron Male Voice Choir is returning to Bridgnorth on Saturday 23 September. The concert will take place at St. Mary’s Church with tickets costing £10 for adults and £8 for senior citizens and children under 16. Tickets are available from the Town Council on 01746 762231.

For further information about our events including booking/ entry forms, please visit bridgnorthtownevents.org or email events@bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk.

The Town Mayor and Town Council Committee Chairman each highlighted the work of the Council and their Committee, before a report was read from Graham Downes, Divisional Surveyor of Shropshire Council in which the work on the Bridgnorth by-pass was highlighted. Inspector Thomas from West Mercia Police informed residents of the work of the local Police, the increase in the national security levels and the local crime levels, before he answered questions on licensing, levels of policing in Bridgnorth and CCTV. Shropshire Councillor Christian Lea answered questions relating to Shropshire Council. Other questions and comments received were relating to CCTV, the Town Council tax rises, the Foodbank, Facewatch and Bridgnorth Maternity Unit.

Motions were considered and agreed by those present about support for the Bridgnorth Maternity Unit.

They called on the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group to use its best endeavours to retain the choice for mothers to give birth at a local facility. In addition, and in light of recent planning permission for development on the Smithfield car park and the subsequent loss of parking spaces, that Shropshire Council reviews the car parking provision and transport in Bridgnorth with a view to ensuring accessibility issues do not constrain the town’s economy and that there is no reduction in current car parking provision.

Town Clerk MRS ANNE WILSON BA Hons AIH

Tel: 01746 762231 107

BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Annual town meeting

BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT

Bridgnorth Town Council Annual Report

Severn Park, Well Meadow and Crown Meadow are very attractive for residents and visitors to the town.

During this year the committee has discussed plans to improve and develop Severn Park and provide electricity to the old chapel in the cemetery.

Volunteers from Oldbury Wells school and the town have planted daffodil bulbs on the by-pass verge to make it more attractive to those passing through in the spring. Staff have been trained in tree maintenance techniques, as there are many trees which need pruning in town-managed areas.

The Committee visited all the main open areas in October to consider the priorities for spending and understand the scale of work required. Discussions continue with Shropshire Council about areas of their responsibility for ground maintenance alongside the river and other sites. We have been approached to consider taking over some of the areas Shropshire Council are currently not able to maintain.

Cllr Ms Vanessa Voysey Town Mayor This year we welcomed Jean Onions to the Council after a by-election.

It’s been a busy year for civic engagements as presented on the Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s diary.

Promoting Bridgnorth has been successful, with a win for the Town Council in the Small Speciality Market category at the NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities) awards, for the Christmas Light-Up event.

This builds on the success of the Great British High Street win, a highlight of my year in office.

More controversial issues included plans to develop the Old Smithfield, which was discussed in July. In November the funding and running of events was discussed to much public interest, while in December it was decided not to continue with the Severn Valley Visitor Centre project.

Much of the content of full council meetings covers matters as ratifying 108

minutes, closing cemetery plots, noting the level of reserves, etc. The typical agenda doesn’t promise an entertaining evening, so I offer thanks to those members of the public who have attended the meetings and shown interest in our work. This year the public have raised issues for discussion including speeding, markets, pensions and how we can support the food bank.

Presentations to the council were given by: Men in Sheds (June), West Midlands and Warwickshire Police (July), Women Against State Pension Inequality (September), the former Bridgnorth Round Table (October), Shropshire Smile Maternity Charity (December) and the Bridgnorth Food Bank (December and February).

Cllr Graham Mountcastle Chairman of the Property and Grounds Committee I have had the privilege of continuing as chairman of the Property and Grounds Committee for the last twelve months.

The direct labour force continues to maintain high standards of work in the open spaces managed by the Town Council. Castle Grounds, the Cemetery,

The Town Council continues to successfully enter the Heart of England in Bloom competition. Bridgnorth Rugby Club have been in discussion with the Council about developing the land next to Bandon Lane for a club house, if the club decides to concentrate its functions on Severn Park and around the Edgar Davies Ground.

Cllr Ron Whittle OBE Chairman of the Administration and General Purposes Committee I am pleased to present a report on the work of this committee over the past year. Our work incorporates the work of the previous Finance and Procurement sub-committees.

Every month we examine the list of debtors and the monthly accounts.

I am pleased to note the level of debtors, thanks to the work of Council staff, has reduced considerably over the last two years – though a few still give rise to concern, which we are monitoring regularly.

In the case of the monthly accounts, due to the juxtaposition of meeting dates, Council see and adopt these before they are seen by A&GP. Therefore our

Other items on our agenda in the last year include a discussion on examination of annual accounts, but this has not been progressed. We also recommended changes to financial regulations including that all expenditure over £10,000 should be budgeted in advance except in emergency. This latter item was not approved by Council.

We noted that expenditure of Section 106 monies relating to the Lodge Lane play area had not been subject to Council tendering procedures and confirmed that in future these must be properly applied.

The Deputy Mayor’s allowance led to a lot of discussion and reporting in the press. Although we are told this is okay as it’s part of the Mayor’s allowance, personally speaking I retain doubts as to the legality of this.

We recommended acceptance of a tender for £13640 for the Christmas Lights erection and dismantling. We also recommended progress on a media installation, together with disabled access and toilet for the Town Hall.

In addition we recommended that an insurance claim for damage to the Town Hall should not be pursued due to lack of evidence. We also recommended that installation of electric supply to the Cemetery Top Chapel at £8815, subject to agreement with a third party for a significant contribution to the cost. We recommended a hanging basket tender of £5580.

We had an initial look at the 2017/18 budget and expressed concern that it indicated a significant deficit and did not make any provision for a review we were undertaking.

A fire alarm has been installed at the football club. In addition, although not our responsibility, we have installed a new boiler at a cost of £2347 on the understanding that this will be refunded over time.

The Council employers contribution to staff pensions is to increase from 15.7% to 17.8% and we asked why the repayment period for the deficit had

been reduced, but have not been given an answer.

In January the Council approved a budget that would increase local tax by 4% and would still leave a budget deficit – still with no provision for the review.

The Employee Code of Conduct is to be updated, but we await confirmation of this.

We also recommended acceptance of a tender for £26,400 for fitness equipment on Severn Park – provided that the cost is fully covered by Section 106 (developer contribution) monies. In addition, we recommended that, other than limited sums we are required to hold separately, all earmarked reserves should be moved to General Reserves as we feel this will provide greater clarity in the accounts.

Cllr James Gittins Chairman of the Planning Committee This Committee considers in the region of 160 applications relating to the town each year. These vary from tree works, property extensions, new builds, Listed Building Consent, replacement windows and change of use, to name but a few.

We are one of the many consultees that Shropshire Council request comments from for planning applications relating to land, trees and properties within Bridgnorth town.

Any major projects, such as the retail development on the Old Smithfield site, would be considered by all Council members at a Town Council meeting rather than the Planning Committee.

Our role is purely advisory however; we have no planning powers, that lies with Shropshire Council.

The Town Council’s Planning Committee meetings are held fortnightly on Mondays at 7.15pm in the Mayor’s Parlour, College House, St. Leonard’s Close and members of the public are welcome to sit in on the meetings throughout the public sessions. They may also request to speak on a particular application if they wish to support it or raise objections.

Their views will be taken into account when our members consider the application. The Planning Committee is currently the only committee with delegated powers. This allows the

comments of members to be submitted to Shropshire Council within the limited consultation time permitted without having to wait for ratification by full Council.

All applications can be viewed prior to the meeting on the planning portal of Shropshire Council’s website and also electronically during our Planning Committee meeting. Comments can be submitted directly to Shropshire Council via their website and members of the public are strongly recommended to do this if they wish to offer their support for an application but more importantly if they wish to raise any objections.

Agendas listing applications due to be considered by our Committee are uploaded to the Town Council website.

Exceptionally, applications not shown on the agenda have to be considered during the meeting without prior notification if they are notified to us after dispatch of the agenda but if their response time is inadequate to delay their consideration until a subsequent meeting.

Finance Report Total Expenditure Less Transfer from reserves

£1,011,310 £156,541

Sub-total

£854,769

Less Income

£293,459

Precept requirement

£561,310

The precept is the amount of income the town council request from Shropshire Council to collect from council tax payers on their behalf.

Breakdown of expenditure by service: Administration and Civic £339,640 Town Services Public Conveniences Projects and Improvements

£34,900 £21,674 £150,000

CCTV

£25,068

Property and Grounds

£427,233

Other

£12,795 109

BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT

examination is often a rather pointless exercise. This does give me concern, as I don’t feel the accounts are given a rigorous consideration before approval

by Council.

COUNCIL NOTES

Council Notes

Bridgnorth Proms in the Pews Proms in the Pews will take place on 10 June and the concert will feature the highly acclaimed Bridgnorth Sinfonia and guests. Tickets and further information are available on www.bridgnorthtownevents.org or by calling the Town Council on 01746 762231.

Town Carnival The Bridgnorth Carnival will take place on 24 June. It starts at 12 noon, when the procession will wind its way through the town, from the Cattle Market to Severn Park, where there will be family entertainment and music into the evening.

Bridgnorth Walk The annual Bridgnorth Walk takes place on 29 May and will be accompanied by a street market and event in the High Street.

Information on how to enter the walk, have a stall, volunteer to help or marshal can be obtained from Bridgnorth Lions at organisers@bridgnorthwalk.org

Teddy Bears Picnic The annual Teddy Bears Picnic takes place in the Castle Grounds on 26 July from 11 am, where there will be puppet shows, entertainment and refreshments.

Volunteers Do you have a few spare hours each week or month and would like to give something back to the community in which you live? We are looking for volunteers to help with the grounds maintenance of the parks and open spaces in Bridgnorth. If you would like to offer a few hours please contact Barry on 01746 762231. If you would like to help at the town community events please contact Ashley on the same number.

that makes people love living here. One of the overriding comments heard so far is the word ‘community’. It’s a town that has grown in the past few years, but residents eel it’s a caring town, with active community groups, clubs and churches.

Members of TEAM Shifnal visited St. Andrew’s School and Shifnal Primary School and asked the pupils why they loved their town. Their answers – along with anyone else who wishes to enter – are on postcards which will be judged at the end of April. A collection post box is in the Library. Prizes for the best response from both schools will be given, as well as a prize for adults and older children. The winners will be announced on 5 May.

Spring fling The Spring Fling at Wheatfield Park takes place on 7 May with events and stalls for all the family. For more information contact councillor Caroline Killen on 07972 066726.

Annual carnival The annual Shifnal Carnival takes place on 24 June.

Commencing at 2.45pm from Admirals Estate, the float procession will go through the streets until reaching the Aston Street car park at around 4pm for the distribution of prizes.

There will be a rolling road closure during this time along the procession route.

The carnival queen, carnival prince and carnival king were selected at the annual disco on 11 March. For more information about the carnival please contact Sarah Richards, carnival Chair, on 07504 666205.

Christmas lights The Christmas lights switch on will be upon us before we know it on 24 November. If you would like to volunteer as a marshall, or would like a stall at the market on the Friday night or Saturday, please contact Caroline Killen, chair of the Christmas Lights Working Group, on 07972 066726 or Liz Goodman at the Town Council office on 01952 461420.

Issued by Mac Sandal, Town Clerk on (01952) 461420.

Council Notes

Shifnal Swimming pool The plans for a swimming pool at Haughton Road have reached the business planning stage.

Tackling anti-social behaviour Shifnal Town Council Officers have been working with Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police, Housing and The Police Commissioner’s Office in an initiative called TEAM Shifnal & Albrighton. Trialled in only two other local towns, the results of this joined-up ‘Team’ is that incidents of antisocial behaviour are being investigated earlier.

Efforts to improve people’s behaviour when it comes to picking up after their dog and reporting any incidents of antisocial behaviour have led to the I LOVE SHIFNAL competition – which aims to uncover what it is about Shifnal 110

Council Notes

Much Wenlock Nominations for Mayor and Deputy Mayor Councillor Graham Edgcumbe Venning has been nominated to become Mayor and councillor Milner Whiteman OBE has been nominated as Deputy Mayor. Councillor Whiteman is no stranger to the Mayorship and his advice and guidance will be invaluable to Mr Venning – congratulations to both of them.

The Mayor Making ceremony will take place in May.

Much Wenlock cemetery A tree fell in the cemetery during a storm on 23 February – no-one was hurt and the Benbow Brothers were called to remove the tree. The Town Council is thankful for the speed and efficiency in which they responded – thank you very

Neighbourhood Plan The Neighbourhood Plan Monitoring & Review Working Group met with Shropshire Council to discuss how the two councils will engage with each other during the review of Shropshire’s Local Plan in context with the Neighbourhood Plan.

Local policing Following our letter to the Police Commander our disappointment with the closure of Much Wenlock police station we received a response from the Chief Inspector stating her keenness to make sure that the public access phone is restored to the police communications centre.

Ironbridge Power Station Ironbridge Power Station it is to be demolished, with disposal of the site by the end of 2017 to be carried out by detonation.

We have concerns about the demolition due to asbestos in the cooling towers and feel it’s important that we are kept informed of, and allowed to comment on, future plans and be assured that good risk management will be in place.

Craft markets New fortnightly craft markets at the Corn Exchange began in April and future dates are: 6 and 20 May, 3 and 17 June, 1 and 15 July, 5 and 19 August, 2 and 16 September, 7 and 21 October.

Further details can be found on our notice boards and website at: http://www.muchwenlock-tc.gov.uk/town-markets/

Local elections Polling Day for local elections is on 4 May and new Town Councillors will attend their first meeting on 11 May, when the mayor and deputy mayor will officially take office.

Further information Information about Town Council meetings can be found on our notice boards and at: http://www.muchwenlock-tc.gov. uk/town-council-meetings/ Or visit us on Facebook http://facebook.com/ MuchWenlockCouncil or Twitter http://twitter.com/ WenlockCouncil

Council Notes

Broseley New council Following local elections on 4 May, the new Town Council will hold its Annual Meeting on 16 May at the Birchmeadow Centre at 7pm. Names and contact details for the Councillors will be published following the election.

Lloyds Bank closes Despite representations from the Town Council and customers, the Broseley branch of Lloyds Bank closed on 28 March. Lloyds maintain that falling footfall and changes in the way people bank led to the closure – we do not yet know what will happen to the building. The Post Office within the Spar can provide many personal and business banking services.

Library events A series of talks with discussion on topical issues are being presented in the library over the coming months. The next talk, entitled ‘What hope for Peace in the Middle East?’, will be held on 19 May at 7.30pm. An ecumenical accompanier will describe her work between the different communities in Israel/Palestine.

Visit Broseley Website To find out what’s happening in the town check the website visitbroseley.co.uk. You will find details of forthcoming events, information on local clubs, services, places to visit, places to eat and much more. If your group isn’t registered get in touch to make sure you’re not left out.

Dogs in the Cemetery There have recently been several instances of dog fouling in the cemetery. If you bring your dog to the cemetery please make sure that you clean up any mess it makes. It is inconsiderate and disrespectful not to bother and may lead to the Council considering restrictions on dogs in the future.

Forthcoming Road Closures Footpath/alleyway connecting Coneybury View to Coalport Road: 15/05/17 to 22/05/17 (24 hour closure) for electrical work.

Quarry Road: 31/05/17 (1 day – 08:00 to 17:00) for tree cutting.

High Street, Delphside, Barber Street and Dark Lane (High Street to Birch Meadow): 17/06/17 to 18/06/17 from midday on 17/06 to midnight on 18/06 for the Broseley Summer Festival.

For information on current and future roadworks go to: www.roadworks.org

Council Office The Town Council office is open to the public on Thursday mornings between 10am and 12 noon. Council staff can be contacted by telephone or email Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 3pm. Council and local information can be found on our website: broseleytowncouncil.co.uk.

Issued by Trudi Barrett, Town Clerk 01952 882172 broseleytc.clerk@btinternet.com

These council notes are edited from notes submitted by the Town Clerks of the four towns.

111

COUNCIL NOTES

much. The Town Council would also like to thank John Tuer from the Tree Forum, who was first on the scene to clear the fallen branches on the pavement.

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WHAT’S THAT NUMBER?

In an EMERGENCY always dial 999

What’s that Number?

Animal Care

Bridgnorth Veterinary Cuan House Rescue Dogs Trust Rehoming RSPCA Severn Edge Emergency Wrekin View Veterinary

Local Services

01746 711561 01952 728070 01952 770225 0300 1234 999 01746 763998 01952 4604799

Councils

Bridgnorth Town Broseley Town Much Wenlock Town Shropshire Council Shifnal Town Telford & Wrekin

01746 762231 01952 882172 01952 727509 0345 678 9000 01952 461420 01952 380000

Doctors

Bridgnorth Broseley Claverley Cressage Ironbridge Lightmoor Much Wenlock Shifnal

01746 767121 01952 882854 01746 710223 01952 511166 01952 432568 03300 536 456 01952 726011 01952 460414

Dentists

Madeley Pure Dental Regency House Twickel Dental

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Hospitals

Bridgnorth New Cross Princess Royal Royal Shrewsbury

01746 762641 01902 307999 01952 641222 01743 261000

Out of Hours

NHS Direct Shropdoc

111 0333 222 665

Leisure Centres

Abraham Darby Bridgnorth Idsall, Shifnal Much Wenlock Severn Centre

01952 382770 01746 761541 01952 460499 01952 727629 01746 860 000

Local Facilities

Bridgnorth Recycling Citizens Advice Shifnal Recycling Telford Recycling 114

For your local POLICE STATION in a NON EMERGENCY dial 101

0345 678 9007 03444 991100 01952 462122 01952 384384

Air Ambulance Environment Agency Fire & Rescue Health Visitors National Grid Severn Trent West Mercia Police Western Power

0800 389 8999 0370 850 6506 01743 260200 01746 711958 0800 111 999 0800 783 4444 0300 333 3000 0800 6783 105

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Bridgnorth Broseley Much Wenlock Shifnal Southwater

01746 763358 01952 884378 01952 728293 01952 462545 01952 382915

Schools & Nurseries

Alveley Primary Bridgnorth Endowed Brockton C of E School Broseley C of E Primary Castlefields Primary Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge C of E Primary Idsall John Wilkinson Primary Lightmoor Village Primary Morville Much Wenlock Nursery Much Wenlock Primary Oldbury Wells Poppets Nursery Puddleducks Pre-School Shifnal Primary St Andrew’s Primary St John’s Catholic Primary St Leonards C of E Primary St Mary’s Bluecoat Stottesdon Primary William Brookes Worfield Endowed CE Primary

01746 780284 01746 762103 01746 785671 01952 882673 01746 764072 01952 386620 01952 468400 01952 882950 01952 387620 01746 714219 01952 728807 01952 727634 01746 765454 01746 767800 01952 884420 01952 460500 01952 460226 01746 762061 01746 762781 01746 763455 01746 718617 01952 728900 01746 716606

Travel

Brambles Private Hire Bridgnorth Taxis Broseley Cars Diamond Cars Rail Enquiries Shrewsbury Taxis Traveline

01746 767076 01746 765000 01952 882666 01952 222222 08457 484950 01743 244477 0871 2002233

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE UK

If you are looking for an up to the minute design for your kitchen, bathroom or en-suite, traditional style or a modern and contemporary design for your lounge, hallway or conservatory. Tile Choice can meet your every requirement at exceptional prices.

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7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

Inside Carvers Littles Lane Wolverhampton WV1 1JY

Unit B & C Arrow Point Retail Park Brixton Way SY1 3GB

Unit 6 Easter Park Worcester Rd (Opp. Hoo Farm) DY11 7AR

Units 25&26 Longford Ind.Est Longford Rd WS11 0DG

01902 405526

01902 715482

01743 464565

01562 825720

01543 469400

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

for you nearest store - www.tilechoice.co.uk