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Shropshire

Issue 13 - 2015Issue 13 - 2015

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Inside Ludlow Castle

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9th & 10th May 2015 - Inside Ludlow Castle

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ContentS

Signpost - page 1

Welcome to the 2015 edition of ShropshireSignpost, your indispensable guide to thebest tourist attractions and days out thecounty has to offer.

We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure toread, both interesting and informative, and thatyou will take it away with you, to use again andagain.

We offer a taster of the visitor attractions andevents within the County, for both locals andthose who wish to visit from afar.

We are always interested to receive yourcomments and suggestions for future

features - please contact the editor

County Signpost LtdCounty Signpost Ltd01743 87409801743 874098

info@countysignpost.co.ukinfo@countysignpost.co.uk

Historic Buildings

Festivals & Shows

Gardens & Outdoors

Attractions & Museums

Published by: County Signpost LtdEditor: Adam Davison

For a free download please visitour new map-driven,

online magazine website www.countysignpost.co.uk

Please mentionShropshire Signpostwhen visiting any of

the attractions.All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware,correct at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd doesnot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracieswhich slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd2014. No part of this magazine may be used orreproduced without the written permission of thepublisher.

Click the QR code for local bus times.

Many of Shropshire’sMuseums need VOLUNTEERS...

Cover image © Ludlow Food Festival

Signpost - page 2

With fascinating history and breathtakingcountryside, National Trust properties inShropshire offer something for everyone.

As well as delighting in country house splendourand beautiful scenery, visitors can enjoy a widerange of activities and events in 2015.

For even more great value days out, ask thereception teams about annual National Trustmembership which gives free entry and parkingat more than 300 historic houses and gardens.

attingham Park, nearShrewsbury

Attingham Park is one of Shropshire’s mostpopular attractions and is a favourite withvisitors of all ages. The striking Regencymansion, tranquil walled garden, deer park andadventure playfield offer a fantastic day out forall the family. Open daily throughout the year,Attingham has a wide range of events andseasonal highlights for all to enjoy.

Owned by one family for more than 160 years,Attingham has a history of rising and fallingfortunes. Designed by George Steuart, it wasbuilt in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick, withparkland landscaped by Humphry Repton in1797. The mansion was completed andfurnished by the 2nd Lord Berwick but theextravagant tastes of the lord and his wife led tobankruptcy and almost the entire contents ofthe house being sold. The house was then leasedto the 3rd Lord Berwick, who turnedAttingham’s fortunes around.

Whether you are a family looking for activitiesboth inside and out or someone in search of atraditional inspirational visit to a historic houseand parkland stroll, you’ll find it here. Attingham, Shropshire’s leading year-roundplace to visit, has something to inspire andintrigue all visitors.

There are four catering outlets and two shopsoffering a variety of experiences and styles,

attingham Park, © national trust images/ John Millar

nationaL tRuSt

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including the Carriage House Café (open daily)Lady Berwick’s tea-room, the Mansion tea-room, Greedy Pig Catering and the Stables shopand the Grooms’ Room second-hand bookshop.

Seasonal spectacles include displays of springbluebells, summer blossom, autumn tree colourand winter snowdrops. Event highlights includeEaster, Hallowe’en, Christmas in the mansionand themed tours and walks. Daily family trailsand activities are held during all school holidays.

Visitors can also find out about one of our mostimportant conservation projects to date, toinstall a state-of-the-art secondary roof toprotect the magnificent John Nash roof over thepicture gallery. With the new roof now in place,restoration work has moved on to focus on thestaircase and picture gallery. Why not visit thetemporary conservation studio to see thepainting conservation up close?

Attingham’s parkland is open every day exceptChristmas Day, and until 7pm during July andAugust. During the mansion’s open season,Wednesdays are costume days, with house guidesand volunteers dressed in period Regency

costume. Dogs are welcome within the groundsin designated on- and off-lead areas.

For admission prices, opening times and a fulllist of events, contact Attingham Park on01743 708162 or visitwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park

Benthall Hall, near BroseleyLocated on a plateau above the River Severngorge, Benthall Hall is a fine stone house with astunning interior, carved oak staircase, decoratedplaster ceilings and oak paneling. There’s even anElizabethan skittle alley in the garden.

A family home for more than 500 years, thecurrent house was built in 1535. However, theBenthall family can trace their lineage back tothe Saxon period on this site. Throughout itsexistence, Benthall Hall has been a part of manyinteresting events, from the Civil War to theIndustrial Revolution.

In the early 18th century, the Benthall’s lostownership of the estate, until 1934. As a resultof the hall’s proximity to Ironbridge leading tothe availability of coal and clay, new tenant

Benthall Hall © national trust images / tony Houghton

George Maw and his brother established theirtile business at Benthall. They even usedBenthall Hall as a show home for their work,laying tiled floors throughout the house.

George Maw was also a distinguished botanist;he assembled a collection of rare plants fromaround the world in the garden, including a largecollection of crocuses, which can still be seentoday in the spring and autumn.

The garden also boasts a beautiful Restorationchurch which is open to visitors, a rose gardenand an old kitchen garden. Dogs are welcome inthe park and woodland only.

For admission prices, opening times and a fulllist of events please call 01952 882159 or visitwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/benthall

Carding Mill Valley and theLong Mynd

Comprising of almost 5,000 acres of heather-covered hills, Carding Mill Valley and the LongMynd offer stunning views of the ShropshireHills.This ancient landscape, created when rocksalong the Church Stretton fault line wherepushed to the surface, has been shaped byhuman activity for thousands of years, withscattered archaeological remains from the

Neolithic to the Victorian period. An important place for wildlife, geology andarchaeology, the area has been designated anArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Siteof Special Scientific Interest as it contains anumber of habitats supporting wildlife andplants. Heather, bilberry and gorse cover muchof the hilltop and the streams and bogs of thesheltered valleys are home to birds of prey,plants and insects.

In Carding Mill Valley you can play in the stream,watch birds from the hide, pond dip and relaxwith a picnic. There are excellent visitor facilitiesincluding a car park, tea-room serving local foodincluding hot lunches and shop selling gifts,souvenirs and pond nets. We’re also designatedas a Dark Skies site; a great place for stargazingaway from light pollution.

Alternatively, use the valley as your base for theday and head on up the hill for an adventure,where you’ll find miles of paths for walking,cycling and horse riding. You don't have toventure far out of the valley to find your ownpiece of solitude on the Long Mynd.You can enjoy exploring the heathland atCarding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd 365 daysa year. For information, call 01694 725000 orvisit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill

Carding Mill Valley © national trust imagesSignpost - page 4

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Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth

Built in the 17th century, Dudmaston Hall hasbeen a thriving family home for over 875 yearsand offers enchanted wooded parkland,sweeping gardens and a house with anunexpected surprise, its art collections. It is a true house of contrasts, from theintriguing Modern Art Movement galleriesassembled by diplomat Sir George Labouchere,to the classical collections of botanical drawingsand watercolours put together by his wifeRachel, Lady Labouchere.

The nine acres of gardens provide amazingvistas and the orchard is the perfect place torelax. The woodland playground and free trailsare a great way for the children to let off steam.For tranquillity and stunning views, head to theBig Pool and Dingle, while the wider estateprovides extensive walking routes ranging from1.5 to 5 miles.

Visitor facilities include the Orchard tea-room,serving lunches and afternoon teas, .the AppleStore serving snacks, the ice cream parlour andthe Stable Courtyard shop.

For admission prices, opening times and a fulllist of events please call 01746 780866 or visitwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston

Sunnycroft, near Wellington

This rare suburban villa and mini-estate, tuckedaway in Wellington, is an Edwardian timecapsule. Its original contents and features willtransport you back to the pre-First World War‘country house’ lifestyle. Given to the NationalTrust in 1997, Sunnycroft tells the story of abrewer, a widow and three generations of a localindustrialist family.

Typical of houses that were built for prosperousprofessionals on the fringes of Victorian townsand cities, this red-brick villa is furnished withoriginal wallpaper, Maw’s tiles and awardwinning fireplaces. Packed full of everyday itemsbelonging to the families who lived here, you aresure to feel the familiarity and comfort of thishome despite all the features of a grander house,such as the Billiard Room,Drawing Room andimpressive Staircase Hall.

The five acres of garden reflect the earlyEdwardian period, complete with a magnificentavenue of Wellingtonia, glass houses, aconservatory, kennels, pigsties and stables and isperfect for a wander, a game of croquet or apicnic.

For admission prices, opening times and a fulllist of events please call 01952 242884 or visitwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/sunnycroft

the Dudmaston estate, © national trust images / Michael Caldwell

WHittington CaStLeVisit these strikinglypicturesque and romanticruins which are steeped inmuch history, tales ofbitter border warfare,romance and legend.

Tearoom serving snacksand cakes, gift shop andsecond hand bookshop.The Castle has a licensefor Civil Ceremonies,birthday parties, meetings,group tours; school visits,Paranormal Ghost Vigilscan all be arranged.

opening timesOpen Wed to Sun 10am-4pm SummerOpen Thurs to Sun 10am-4pm WinterFree entranceWhittington Castle, Castle StreetWhittingtonOswestry SY11 4DFTelephone 01691 662500E-Mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.ukWebsite www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

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events 201528th-29th March - Living History Weekend withNapoleonic Riflemen5th/6th April - Easter Egg Hunt2/3/4th May - Norman Invasion of the Castleby Norman Re-enactment Group - HistoriaNormannisSunday 17th May - The House of Blackstar -Living History27th May - 7th June - Wrexham Art SocietyExhibition31st May - Outdoor Shakespeare Production of"As You Like It"2nd June - SHAAC Car Club MeetingSunday 7th June - The House of BlackstarLiving History21st June - Planthunters Fair25th/26th July - Multi Period Living HistoryWeekendSunday 20th September - The House of theBlackstar - Living History25th October - Halloween Afternoon Event28th/29th October - Ghost Tours of the Castle31st October - Halloween Evening Event15th November - Christmas Craft Event13th/20th December - Christmas Grotto plusCraft stalls

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the Stream in the Sky

Spanning the borders of Shropshire and Wales isone of the UK’s most unusual and spectacularWorld Heritage Sites., the Pontcysyllte Aqueductand Canal. This eleven mile stretch of theLlangollen Canal is officially recognised byUNESCO as one of the most outstandingheritage sites in the whole world. Itencompasses not one but two amazingaqueducts which carry the canal high above theCeiriog and Dee valleys.

To walk across the 126 foot high aqueduct ofPontcysyllte or the only slightly lower Chirkaqueduct, four miles away, is to put your faith inthe genius of Thomas Telford and the skill ofeighteenth century engineers and workmen. AtPontcysyllte, crossing the stream in the sky is aunique experience as birds fly beneath you andboats glide beside you. At Chirk the canal andtowpath cross high above the River Ceiriog andalongside the nineteenth century railway viaductbefore plunging both walkers and boats into the400 metre long tunnel, ‘The Darkie’.

It’s easy to visit the World Heritage Site from it’sShropshire end at Chirk, from Trevor for thePontcysyllte Aqueduct, and from Llangollen forthe scenic Horseshoe Falls. Trains fromShrewsbury & Wrexham go to Chirk justminutes from the Chirk Aqueduct and there arebus services connecting all the main parts of thesite.

For more information visit :www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

Contact Visitor Information at Oswestry MileEnd Tel: 01691 662488 email :oswestrytourism@shropshire.gov.uk

Or Visitor Information at The Heritage Centre,Oswestry Tel: 01691 662753 email :obt.ltd@btconnect.com

tHe PontCySyLLte

aQueDuCt anD CanaL

Chirk aqueduct

In the peaceful, scenic valley of the River Severnthere awaits a delightful countryside experience.Green Flag award-winning Severn ValleyCountry Park offers 126 acres of beautifulcountryside and wonderful views, spanning bothsides of the longest river in the country. Thewoodlands, ponds and meadows in the park arefull of many species of plants and animals, someof them quite rare.

The park acts as a gateway to the excellentfootpath network through the woodlands &meadows of the Severn Valley, betweenBridgnorth and Bewdley.

A fantastic day out for all the family. Enjoy thenatural play area with a climbing frame. Taketime to follow the waymarked trial to help youdiscover the hidden corners of the park. Makethe most of the Route 45 national cycle route orspend some quiet time in the fully accessible birdhide.

The park boasts a fantastic visitor centre withplenty of information about the history andwildlife of the area. There is also a kids cornerwith activities for younger people to enjoy whilemum and dad relax with a well-earned cup of teaand a slice of delicious homemade cake.

the River SevernThe riverside meadows are great places to seeinvertebrates including the rare club-taileddragonfly. Wander through the orchard inAutumn and sample some of the localprovenance apples that grow here. The bridgeover the river was rebuilt in 2006. It is anexcellent place to see bats hunting as the sun setsover the valley. The original bridge was built totake coal and miners across the river and was thefirst concrete cantilever bridge of its kind in theworld.

telephone 01746 781192WV15 6ng

SeVeRn VaLLey

CountRy PaRk

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events 2015

Fri 3rd April & Fri 10th April Geocache Easter Egg Hunt

Thurs 9th April Illustrated talk – The Medieval Bowman with Kevin Goodman

June (Date TBC) Severn Valley 5km Trail Race

Fri 19th June Outdoor theatre production Jane Austen’s‘Persuasion’

Fri 14th August Outdoor theatre productionWilliam Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’

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Markets in Oswestry date back some800 years. The Indoor Market is open eachWednesday, Friday and Saturday and OutdoorMarkets are held every Wednesday and Saturday.

The local Farmers’ Market is normally held onthe last Friday of each month. Oswestry Marketsreceived a great accolade in being awarded theBest Local Council Market for 2013 by theNational Association of British MarketAuthorities. This acknowledged the hugeinvestment that the Council has made in theIndoor Market in terms of facilities andpromotion.

Cae Glas Park is widely recognised as the localjewel in the crown. Throughout the year thegardens are a blaze of colour and the Park hasbeen a major factor in Oswestry receiving a10th consecutive Gold Award from Heart ofEngland in Bloom. In the Park are traditionalgames such as bowls, tennis and crazy golf anda children’s playground, that has beensubstantially refurbished.

Through the summer a series of Sundayconcerts are held in the bandstand. Why notbring a picnic and enjoy this wonderful openspace in the centre of our town?

Oswestry Town Council plays a vital role inmaking Oswestry a vibrant market town forboth visitors and residents

The Town Council supports the town centrewith many events throughout the year.Continental, specialist and local communitymarkets appear regularly alongside the weeklytraditional market days. The Oswestry YouthMusic Festival attracts over a thousandyoungsters each March, and Oswestry ChristmasLive, on the first Friday in December, gives thetown streets a buzz with fairground rides, stalls,live music, ice rink and a stunning fireworkfinale.

www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk

oSWeStRy

NABMA Winner of Great British Market Award 2015 & OswestryChristmas Live winner - Best Small Speciality Market

Thousands of tourists a year will enjoy a newScenic Float raft tour down the River Severnwhen a new company launches in Shropshire.Shropshire Raft Tours will be opening theirdoors for their 12-person specially made, over-sized 25ft rafts in late March of this year forfamilies, tour operators, school teachers, youthgroup leaders, events management owners,sports clubs leaders and business owners fromacross the UK.

The five-kilometer scenic float trip will startfrom the Abbey Sports & Social Club includinga round trip lasting up to two and a half hours,taking in wonderful views as the raft passesunder the Iron Bridge, part of the UNESCOIronbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Manager and Guide of Shropshire Raft Tours,Nigel Winfield, has been a qualified kayak andwhite-water raft guide with over 20 years ofexperience and 3,000 commercial trips on someof the top five white-water rivers across theworld. Mr Winfield has worked in France,Mexico, Spain, Costa Rica and Canada.

The company plans to invest more than £18,000into the rafts alone, along with a further £5,000on safety equipment and accessories.

Shropshire Raft Tours is aiming to provide a“scenic guided float trip along the River Severnand under the Iron Bridge” from the whitewaterstyle raft for people aged from one up to theretired.

Mr Winfield explains: “we provide family fun fromtoddler to Grandparents. It’s the only rafting trip wherethe whole family and extended family can go together.”

The company motto is “mild not wild” and he ishoping to attract pensioners travelling toIronbridge on coach trips and local families withyoung children who want a weekend or school

holiday adventure and also exclusive tripsincluding school educational trips and specialbirthday parties. Even businesses don’t miss outwith corporate floats and team buildingexercises.

Mr Winfield, who lives in Ironbridge, said:“Shropshire Raft Tours will be offering mild notwild adventures - the main attraction willobviously be viewing the magnificent historicIronbridge Gorge from the open raft withoutany viewing restrictions and going under theIron Bridge too of course.

“It will be a fully guided trip with a photographer tocapture the experience with a great bird’s eye view of theraft and the best bit is that you get the rafting experiencewhilst the guides do all of the hard work”.

SHRoPSHiRe RaFt touRS

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The water enthusiast said he had witnessed a rafttrip with a 101-year-old woman in Canada on asimilar float tour and has guided a trip on classIV river himself with a 83-year-old passenger onboard. (Note: classifications of rivers go from Ito VI, I being a mild float and VI beingcommercially impossible to run) “Retired peoplearen’t necessarily old these days - they want excitingactivities and have a wonderful sense of adventure andfun. Many children miss out on raft trips due to agerestrictions but this is milder rather than a wilderadventure so they get to go too.”

“Shropshire’s World Heritage Site offers so much and Ihope the company will add to the footfall and to thewonderful attractions which are already here.

“I will be appointing booking agents in Ironbridge sotourists can book their place there and then. They meet usby the Ironbridge Information Centre (next to Wharfagecar park) before boarding the free shuttle bus for a short5 minute drive to the start of the trip and onto the raftfor their mini-adventure,” he said.

Mr Winfield said the managing of such acompany was his dream job.

“I’m managing this project because I love what I do. Sincereturning to the UK from working abroad I have literallybeen like a duck out of water.”

“Guiding on the water and sharing my enjoyment is whatI love doing - the launch of Shropshire Raft Tours is adream job come true for me,” he said.

Shropshire Raft Tours are looking forward tooffering employment opportunities to peoplewho share their passion but they need to be aUKCC Level 1 Raft Guide certified and licensedthrough the British Canoe Union. There are on-the-job training positions fordriver/photographers too.

Anyone who would like to reserve a groupbooking and receive an early bird rate for 2015email shropshirerafttours@icloud.comor call T: (01952) 426 100 or M:07580966686.Customers can book online atwww.shropshirerafttours.co.uk/reservation-form/

Visit www.shropshirerafttours.co.uk to viewtheir promotional video for more details andfollow them on Twitter @shropshireraft(ShropshireRaftTours) and Facebook atShropshire Raft Tours

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More than 20,000 people will descend onShrewsbury's Quarry Park for the town's thirdannual food festival on June 27 and 28.

The event will generate more than £500,000 forlocal businesses and showcase the best food anddrink from the region.

There will be celebrity chef demonstrations, freeactivities for children, a showcase of the bestlocal music, a hot food court, artisan bars andmore besides.

Today festival chair Andy Richardson said:"We're in cracking shape for the third Shrewsbury FoodFestival. It's going to be an exceptional weekend of foodand family fun."

SHReWSBuRy

FooD FeStiVaLJune 27th - 28th

Shrewsbury Food Festival

Signpost - page 13

Mr Richardson said entry prices were being keptlow to make sure that people from across theregion could enjoy the fun - and be able to savetheir money to spend on great food and drink.He said: "It'll be £6 for adults and £12 for a familyof four. We've done our research and our tickets are lessthan any comparable event. We're committed to buildinga really big event for the town that everyone can attend.Twelve pounds for a family of four is amazing value - itmeans visitors will have plenty left over to spend with theexhibitors or at the hot food stands and bars."

The food festival was founded in 2012 andproved an instant success. It is run with the helpof a team of 100 volunteers, called#TeamOrange. The event has helpedShrewsbury to build a reputation as being acentre of gastronomic excellence.Beth Heath, festival chief executive, said: "Peoplefrom around the UK are really starting to linkShrewsbury to great food. It's getting a fantasticreputation around the country. There are morerestaurants, more producers and there's more fun to behad.

"The festival has become a key event in Shrewsbury'scalendar and we can't wait to return on the last Saturdayand Sunday in June for our third festival. It'll be thebiggest and best yet. We've even booked the sunshine."

The event is on course to sell out and there willbe more than 200 exhibitors on site.

Exhibitors, volunteers and members of thepublic can find out more atwww.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk or follow@shrewsfoodfest on Twitter for regular updates.

Spring Festival gives more, more, more

This year’s Ludlow Spring Festival promises tobe a real corker bringing together the very bestregional beer, food, music, plus gorgeous classiccars in the form of the Marches TransportFestival.

This is a beer festival and so much more, with200 glorious beers from more than 60 localbrewers available to taste over the weekend. Forthose not so keen on beer, don’t worry there willalso be ciders, perry, fruit flavoured liqueurs andlocal wines.

LuDLoW SPRing

FeStiVaL

Signpost - page 14

May 8th - 10th

There will also be plenty of artisan producerstoo, so don’t wait till the September Festival tostock up on your favourite products.

The talks and demonstrations area in the innerbailey has been a roaring success over the lastcouple of years and there will be a fullprogramme throughout the weekend. In thisyear’s masterclasses you can try your hand atpork pie making, creating gorgeous canapés andthe perfect afternoon tea, or what about a greatShropshire brunch on Sunday morning. Fordetails of the workshops check the festival’swebsite www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk

As always the beer and food are accompanied bya wealth of great music from jazz and blues toLatin and folk, as well as The Marches TransportFestival. You’ll be able to peruse pre war gemsright through to modern days classics of the 70’sand 80’s.

This year’s Ludlow Spring Festival runs 9-10May, however; there is a special preview eveningon Friday 8 May when visitors can ‘Meet theBrewer’. It’s a unique opportunity to talk to

brewers about their beers and sample the fullselection. With prizes handed out early in theweekend, favourites sell out quickly so the Fridaypreview is an opportunity not to be missed.

For further details, opening times and ticketprices see the festivals website at :

www.ludlowspringfestival.co.ukTelephone 01584 873957

Signpost - page 15

The 2015 British Falconry & Raptor Fair - thatorganisers call the UK's Premier Falconry andHawking Event - is being held at ChetwyndPark, Newport, Shropshire on the Bank HolidayWeekend of Sunday 3rd May and Monday 4thMay. The event is being held in beautifulShropshire countryside, and promises to be afantastic two-day family-fun weekend which willshowcase some great entertainment that willinclude some fabulous flying displays; the 2015International Society of Arboriculture TreeClimbing Competition, and by popular demandthe return of Ian Griffiths, Professional DogTrainer.

An eagle display titled ‘The World of Eagles’ willbe co-ordinated by members of the BritishFalconers Club Eagles Group giving visitors theopportunity to experience the majesty of theeagle close-up. There will also be an extensiveprogramme of stunning flying demonstrationsand displays by the best falconers, including theinternationally-renowned Jemima Parry Jones,MBE, and famous falconer Bob Dalton.Informative exhibitions by the Hawk Board,Raptor Rescue and the Campaign for Falconry,and major national countryside organisationswill add to the ingredients for a fantasticweekend... all part of the world’s premierfalconry event for 2015.

This year’s Falconry Fair is sponsored byKiezebrink, and will host many specialistexhibitors from across the UK; Europe andNorth America. Visitors can find out everythingthey need to know about falconry, from the artof flying; rearing, breeding, management,conservation, art, equipment, telemetry and ofcourse see some premier falcons and raptors.They will also be able to take part in some

hands-on falconry workshops. In addition to asuperb static display of trained hawks andfalcons there will also be several trained huntingeagles on static display.

Country Fair. The two-day family-fun weekendis also host to a popular Country Fair whichhighlights a highly-entertaining range of countryleisure pursuits including an Invitation BeagleShow (on Sunday), and Stickdressing and Ferretshows (on Monday). Rolls Royce enthusiasts willbe providing a splendid display when they bringtheir superb vintage vehicles to the showgroundon the Sunday.ticket/admission information: Additionalinformation about the event and show dayfacilities (Licensed Bars & Catering) are availablefrom www.countryfairs.info Enquiries: (01588) 672708. Show starts 10am Closes 6pm. Arena eventsstart 11am. Dogs on leads welcome. Free CarParking. Satnav Postcode: tF10 8aa

nationaL FaLConRy

& RaPtoR FaiR

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May 3rd - 4th

Photographs © Philip Davies 2014

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Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod ismore than a renowned choral music festival. It isa celebration of music, dance, costume andculture from nations around the world.

Every summer since 1947 Llangollen has stagedone of the world’s most inspirational culturalfestivals. Each year around 4,000 performers andas many as 50,000 visitors converge on thisbeautiful small Welsh town and its InternationalPavilion; to sing and dance in a uniquecombination of competition, performance, andinternational peace and friendship.

Its competitions climax with the prestigious‘Choir of the World’, which determines the bestoverall choir of the event.

In 2005 Luciano Pavarotti added his name to thecompetition in recognition of his appreciationof the festival and its influence on his career.Organisers of an exhibition to celebrate thelinks of superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti to atop festival have been delighted with the‘fantastic’ response. Among those who got intouch was retired nurse Hafwen Ryder who hasvivid memories of Pavarotti at the Llangollen

International Eisteddfod.

She was still a teenager and avolunteer usher in the marqueewhere the Chorus Rossini fromModena in Italy performed to winthe Male Voice Choir competitionin 1955.

Hafwen, 75,who now lives inChirk, said: “I remember the choirperforming and that they were very good

but of course no-one knew who Pavarotti was then.“I do have a limited edition picture of Pavarotti when hecame back to the Eisteddfod in 1995 and I’m happy toloan that to the Pavarotti exhibition being staged at thisyear’s event in July.”

Superstar tenor Alife Boe is heading back toNorth Wales. The classical heart-throb, has soldone and a half million records, been at numberone in the classical charts many times andperformed on Broadway, will be taking centrestage at this year's Llangollen International

Musical Eisteddfod. Boe, dubbed Britain'sFavourite Tenor, will be performing songs frommusical theatre and movies at the glitzy eveningconcert on Thursday, July 9.

To book tickets and for more details onthe 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

July 6th - 12th

LLangoLLen inteRnationaL

MuSiCaL eiSteDDFoD

Competition - Win a family day ticket !

Q - What year was the Eisteddfod founded ?A- email to - info@countysignpost.co.uk - by the 15th June

PReSteigne FeStiVaL

2015 looks to be another amazing year for thePresteigne Festival. With a particularly strongNordic flavour and, as ever, a number ofexciting aspects to the music programme.

The Festival marks the 150th birth anniversariesof both Nielsen and Sibelius with performancesof orchestral, chamber and vocal works,complimenting their music with contemporarypieces by Nordic composers EinojuhaniRautavaara and Pēteris Vasks.

Two concerts from violinist Fenella Humphreys’‘Bach to the Future’ project are featured, whereeach programme includes one of Bach’s soloviolin pieces presented alongside speciallycommissioned contemporary works.

Matthew Taylor (a great admirer of all thingsSibelian) is composer-in-residence, beingrepresented by a wide range of music includingPastorals – a new work for violin and stringorchestra.

Other commissions number a concerto forpiano and chamber orchestra from DavidKnotts, a string quartet from Joseph Phibbs, aset of three songs from Cecilia McDowall and asolo violin piece from Michael Small (the 2014Royal Philharmonic Society/Presteigne FestivalAlan Horne memorial commission). A furtherhighlight will be the premiere of DavidMatthews’ Three Housman Songs in a newversion with string orchestra accompaniment.

The Festival continues its successful relationshipwith Nova Music Opera, who bring togethercontemporary chamber operas from CharlotteBray and Thomas Hyde about a pair ofmisunderstood individuals caught up in thegrubby London glamour of the 1950s and

1960s. Staged in the sixtieth anniversary year ofher execution, the end of Ruth Ellis’ life isexamined in Charlotte Bray’s workEntanglement, while Thomas Hyde’s That ManStephen Ward, first performed to great acclaimin 2008, charts the demise of one of the moretragic characters involved in the Profumoscandal.

The contemporary element of the programme iscarefully balanced with twentieth centuryclassics and a wide variety of music from thestandard repertoire – which this year includespieces by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy,Dvořák, Haydn, Poulenc and Ravel.

As always a fabulous array of complementaryevents will include exhibitions, literary andmusic-based talks, poetry and a great deal more.To complete the recipe, the artist list isparticularly stellar:

Navarra Quartet, Nova Music Opera, FenellaHumphreys violin, Tom Poster piano, GillianKeith soprano, Kathryn Thomas flute, TimothyEnd piano, Joseph Tong and Waka Hasegawapiano duet, the Choir of Royal Holloway underdirector Rupert Gough and the ever-popularPresteigne Festival Orchestra conducted byArtistic Director, George Vass.

Brochures will be available at the end of April2015 from:

P O Box 30, Presteigne, Powys LD8 2WF

www.presteignefestival.comwww.facebook.com/presteignefestival twitter: @PresteigneFest 01544 267800

27th august - 1st September 2015

Signpost - page 18

kathryn thomastom Poster

navarra Quartet

gillian keith

Choir of Royal Holloway

Fenella Humphreys

Signpost - page 19

This year’s Festival opens withworld-famous cellist GuyJohnston, accompanied by KatyaApekisheva; Guy has been aninternational star since becomingthe BBC Young Musician of theYear, and Katya is one of Europe’sforemost pianists, so this should bea night to remember. Our closingnight features the Piccadilly DanceOrchestra, who will provide a toe-tapping climax to the fortnight’sentertainment.

Regular Festival-goers willremember the stunning recitalgiven by Huw Wiggin (saxophone)and James Sherlock a couple ofyears ago, and they make a returnvisit by popular demand. Theirvirtuosity and musicality wereastonishing!

In 2013 there was a guitar duo, and this year theFestival features the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet,who have received wonderful reviews in TheGramophone for their recent CD.

In addition there is Retorica Violin Duo, twoyoung virtuosi who are increasingly in demandaround the world, the Aurora Wind Quintet withJoanna Smith (piano), and an evening of pianoduets given by local pianist Susie Allan with Ros

Jones. Our teatime concert isdevoted to ‘The Glorious Violin’and will be given by MichaelBochmann with some of his pupils.In lighter mood, Ultimate Eltonand the Rocket Band will provide anevening of great entertainment forlovers of Elton’s music.

July 25th - august 8th

CHuRCH StRetton

aRtS FeStiVaL

guy Johnston

Huw Wiggin

Signpost - page 20

Signpost - page 21

Shannon Donovan and Andrew Eastwood willbe guest artists at the annual Art & CraftsExhibition. They are master ceramicists withquite different approaches to their medium. Itwill be fascinating to compare their work, and, ofcourse, to enjoy the huge range of contributionsby local artists and photographers.

Lovers of drama will enjoy Fernhill – the poetryof Dylan Thomas brought to life by GuyMasterson, ‘My dearest girls: the letter book’,which tells the story of 6 women based on theirletters written between 1917 and 1920 and adramatisation of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ byHeartbreak productions.

Brochures:Church Stretton Visitor Information Centre.Tickets available from Gloria Carter, 49 LudlowRoad, Church Stretton SY6 7AD (01694)724106, John R Thomas (florist) 3 SandfordAvenue and Church Stretton VIC. Ring andRide Transport available free for all events;telephone (01694) 720025. Art Exhibitioninformation from Joan Arnfield 01694 724170.

www.strettonfestival.org.uktwitter - @StrettonFest

Retorica

art exhibition - eastwood icarus

May 2nd - 3rd

Headdown to the Lion

Hotel in Leintwardine, near Ludlowand Craven Arms, for their annual Lionstockmusic festival in May.

Lionstock is held over the May Bank Holidayweekend in the stunning riverside grounds ofthe Lion Hotel in the picturesque village ofLeintwardine.

The festival is a a couple of days of family funand music on the banks of the River Teme in thegardens of the Lion.

Lionstock is a charity fund raising events andover the last couple of years Lionstock hasraised £1000s for local charities

Whilst visiting Lionstock be sure to have a lookaround the Lion Hotel and its restaurant - theChef and his team have spent a lot of time andeffort sourcing local producers of quality, freshingredients.

You can enjoy a meal in the stylish lounge baror dine more formally in the restaurant orprivate dining room all year round and in thesummer dine in the gardens where the lawngently slopes down to the river, withpicturesque views of the Welsh Marchesbeyond.

LionStoCkMusic festival in the gardens of the Lion, Leintwardine - headlining top local bands:

•Children’s entertainment•al fresco food and drinks.•Battle of the Bands competition

Saturday 2nd May – 4pm – 11pm– local bands, al fresco food anddrink.  ticket price:  £5.00

Sunday 3rd May – 2pm – 10.30pmBattle of the Bands -  a competitionof local bands, al fresco food anddrink.  ticket Price £2.50.

telephone 01547 540203www.thelionleintwardine.co.uk

Signpost - page 22

tHe Lion at LeintWaRDine

The County of Salop Steam Engine Society’s2015 Rally, taking place at Onslow Park,Shrewsbury on the August Bank Holiday, -Sunday 30th August and Monday 31st Augustwill be celebrating and commemorating the100th anniversary of the Sentinel factory beingestablished in Shrewsbury.

Edward Goddard, Society Chairman said: “As aborn and bred Salopian I am extremely passionate aboutSentinel engines, so the Society is planning a specialSentinel Spectacular, where the return of thesemagnificent steam waggons will be a great delight forpeople attending the Rally. Sentinels are a typicalexample of the exhibits that we are privileged to see andenjoy at the Shrewsbury Steam Rally, and it is a tributeto the skill and hard work of their owners that we arestill able to see and enjoy them still today”.

SHRoPSHiRe

SteaM RaLLy

Signpost - page 24

30th - 31st augustedward goddard, Chairman & Sentinel

Static tractor display

new for the 2015 Rally - The Welsh HorseYeomanry will be presenting spectacular arenadisplays - THE WELSH HORSE MUSICALRIDE and CADFARCH (Welsh War Horse)each performed by eight troop horses. TroopLeader Gareth Blyth TD, a former Major in theRoyal Welch Fusiliers, said: "We are most proud andpleased to be able to demonstrate the considerable heritageand history of the Welsh Horse Yeomanry, and we willbe paying tribute to their significant role in the FirstWorld War. We will present the 'Welsh Horse MusicalRide’ and ‘Cadfarch’ (Welsh War Horse) each with eightTroop Horses. Cadfarch is a re-enactment showing theinitial commandeering of civilian horses by the Army inthe early days of the First World War, and then trainingthem for their new military duties. In addition, theLiving History Camp will be open all day”.

The Working Field will take a nostalgic look atthe farming of 'days gone by' and demonstratean exciting mix of impressive working machinesand shire horses that capture the history andheritage of farming in the Victorian era.

The diverse range of attractions includes thewonderful spectacle of working steam engines,and beautifully preserved classic vehicles fromyesteryear, all to delight visitors to the highly-popular annual event.

The Rally covers 45 acres of beautiful parkland,with 6 acres of Trade Stands. The Rally hosts avariety of preserved commercial vehicles, thatincludes lorries, buses, fire engines and a largedisplay of military vehicles. The Olde Time Fairoffers lots of fun, with steam-powered rides forall - accompanied by vintage fairground music.Finally we have some excellent miniature steamengines, and a Craft Marquee - which gets biggereach year!"

The family-friendly event provides someenjoyable entertainment with a full ArenaProgramme on both days, including the highly-popular and majestic cavalcade of Showman’sengines, traction engines, steam rollers andsteam cars. Spectators can enjoy the annualhighly-popular interactive display of birds ofprey.

Full information fromwww.shrewsburysteamrally.co.ukAdult: £12, Pensioner: £11, Child: £1. Under5's -Free. Enquiries: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk(01743) 792731 Postal address: COSSES, POBox 4706, Shrewsbury. SY5 0WT.

Signpost - page 25

Photographs © Philip Davies 2014

a great Day out in gloriousShropshire countryside

Something for all the family will take place onthe first Thursday in August – Burwarton Show– one of the best one-day agricultural shows inthe country.

Come early – the first classes start in the MainRing at 8.15am with horse classes including thehallmark heavy horse classes leading up to theFoxhunter Show Jumping class at midday. Thatis only a taster – there are seven – yes, seven –other rings in the Horse Field each offeringsomething different in equine interest includingshow jumping, carriage driving, dressage andmounted fancy dress.

Not to be outdone, in the Livestock Field youwill find displays of sheep, cattle, pigs and goatsin competitive classes with entries from far andnear, the quality of which will be unequalledanywhere.

Entertainment in the Main Ring is headlined bythe White Helmets, the Royal Signals MotorcycleDisplay Team offering all the thrills, and none ofthe spills (we hope), of the skilled riders. They

are supported by Bob Hoggand his Sheepdogs. If youthink herding cats is difficult,

watch the fun as Bob, his helpers and his dogsattempt to get a gaggle of geese moving in thedesired direction.

This is only a taste of what is on offer. Thesheep shearing displays have been growing inpopularity and there is a regular crowd ofonlookers throughout the day. You can alsoenjoy the fly fishing demonstrations, theconservation area, grab an alpaca and marvel atthe TLC lavished on vintage tractors andstationary engines. For the younger visitors thereis the Village Green with entertainmentthroughout the day.

But also don’t forget the trade stands. Each yearthe range of stands grows and the competitionto be allocated a stand becomes more of acompetition in itself. Space is usually all allocatedby April with emphasis on things agricultural,but you can find anything from a tee-shirt to atractor, plus a range of stands to tempt youngand old – most of the twenty thousand or sovisitors who will come to enjoy a day in thecountry at the Burwarton Show.

The Showground is at Cleobury North WV166RP on the B4364 between Bridgnorth andLudlow and parking is free. Tickets are £15adults, Concessions £14, Children 5-16 years £5or a Family tickets for two adults plus up to threechildren £35. Tickets are available pre-show atdiscounted prices from outlets throughout thecounty, on-line at www.burwartonshow.co.ukor direct from the Show Office on 01746787535. Email at info@burwartonshow.co.uk

You can find out more about the show andfollow the news for 2015 ontwitter@burwarton_show

6th august 2015

Signpost - page 26

BuRWaRton SHoW

Signpost - page 27

images © Mark Sissons & Barrie Wilson FRPS

Signpost - page 28

a feast for all the senses ...

The Ludlow Food Festival was first run in 1994and was the result of a pub table conversationamongst likeminded friends looking to preserveand promote the independent shops andproducers of the town and surrounding area.These principles still guide everything thefestival continues to do today.

The event has grown from an initial 500 visitorsto the current 20,000 plus and is renownedacross the globe for with visitors from across theUK as well as the United States, Japan andAustralia having attended.

Organisers of the Ludlow Food Festival are hardat work bringing together a host of new andfavourite attractions for visitors from 11-13September.

This will be the 21st Ludlow Food Festival andthere will be more than 160 of the very best

local food and drink producers sharing theirskills, enthusiasm and of course amazingproducts across the weekend.

The line up of chefs, food experts andenthusiasts across Ludlow’s two main stages,promises to be full of exceptional talent andvariety with some new faces promised this year.In the past we have welcomed great chefs suchas Tom Kerridge, Will Holland and a host ofGreat British Menu and Great British Bake-offwinners. Keep an eye on the festival’s websitewww.foodfestival.co.uk for details in the comingmonths.

11th - 13th September

LuDLoW FooD

FeStiVaL

Signpost - page 29

Masterclasses have been incredibly popular thelast two years and this area is expanding this yearwith more classes to try your hand at. Little oneswon’t miss out either with a special kids cookeryschool.

Of course the ever-popular sausage, ale andbread trails will also be taking place aroundLudlow along with the pudding tasting and theSunday producers market.

For those who want to learn more aboutparticular ingredients or methods of cooking theTaste Workshops are a must. Led by expertproducers or chefs, they will guide you througha tutored tasting. Previous talks have included‘snout to tail’, sherry tasting and the art of fruitdistillation.

For more details about the festival please visitthe website www.foodfestival.co.uk

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzfRupZrJ9o

telephone 01584 873957

At Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre on the

28th & 29th November, in the stunningMedieval setting of Ludlow Castle, visitors willbe treated to a full day and evening opening onSaturday from 10am – 9pm, joining Medievalknights, maidens, entertainers and stall holdersas the sun sets across South Shropshire and thecastle comes alive for an evening of fieryMedieval Revelry. On Sunday visitors will be able

to enjoy a day filled with Medieval festivitiesfrom 10am – 4pm.

On both days explore over 100 stalls sellingseasonal wares, food and drink, crafts, historicalgoods and more; it’s the ideal chance to find theperfect, original gift or indulge in a unique treat.With a wide range of food and drink stalls totickle your taste buds, grab a mulled wine, aspiced cider or head over to our local Beer Tentto whet your appetite for our full programme ofentertainment. With the bone-crunchingPlantagenet Society knights, medieval music andfire juggling, there’s entertainment throughoutthe castle all weekend. And keep an eye open forour 10’ giants!

LuDLoW MeDieVaL

CHRiStMaS FayRe28th - 29th november 2015

Signpost - page 30image © Richard Shakespeare

From St. Nicholas in his magical den to try-onarmour, have-a-go archery and cross bow andbirds of prey, there is something for all thefamily to enjoy. Head to the Inner Bailey acrossthe flambeau-lit moat for hands-on-history,storytelling, demonstrations and activities, andenjoy beer, sausages and roast chestnuts.

For the latest information and updates, headover to www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.ukor find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Pictures © abigail Dakin

Signpost - page 31

Signpost - page 32

For over a 120 years Bridgnorth Cliff Railwayhas been transporting the people of Bridgnorthup and down the 111 ft sandstone cliffs thatseparate High Town from Low Town and theRiver Severn.

It is first and foremost a working railway; itsimportance to both the townspeople ofBridgnorth and to visitors to the town isundiminished by age.

The railway operates two carriages on paralleltracks. Connected by steel cables, the carriagesserve to counterbalance each other - as one risesto the top station, the other runs to the bottomstation.

The cars are now powered by an electric windingengine, but were originally driven by a system ofwater balance, each carriage carrying waterballast in a tank beneath the passengercompartment.

Next to the Top Station are TheWinding House Tearooms viewingpanels through to the Engine Room,and a Terrace area with wonderfulviews across the River Severn.

Directly above the Bottom Station,the Stoneway Guest house offers aunique B&B experience.

Do visit England’s only remaininginland electric funicular railway !

£1.20 return fare

Telephone 01746 762052www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk

BRiDgnoRtH CLiFF

RaiLWay

Signpost - page 33

Set in the village of Leintwardine, this country restaurant with rooms is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, dinner,

or stay the night in an excellent location for exploration of Herefordshire, South Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.

The Lion, High Street, Leintwardine,

Shropshire, SY7 0JZ T: 01547 540203

www.thelionleintwardine.co.uk

Every journey ends with a memory.A day on the Severn Valley Railway is a day to remember. Enjoy a day out on a heritage steam train and make some memories that will last forever.

Severn Valley Railway Families

www.svr.co.ukBRIDGNORTH · BEWDLEY · KIDDERMINSTER

SHREWSBURYSTEAM RALLYSHREWSBURY

TEAM RALLYSHREWSBURYSTEAM RALLY

Adults: £12.00 ~ Senior Citizens: £11.00 ~ Children: £1.00

Email: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk Tel: 01743 792731

ONSLOW PARK

Sun 30th - Mon 31stSun 30th - Mon 31stSun 30th - Mon 31st

AUGUST BANKHOLIDAY

AUGUST BANKHOLIDAY

AUGUST BANKHOLIDAY

www.ShrewsburySteamRally.co.ukwww.ShrewsburySteamRally.co.ukwww.ShrewsburySteamRally.co.uk

A Gr e a t Day Ou t

F o r A l l Th e F am i l y

Over 1 ,000 Exhib i t s and Someth ing f or EveryoneOver 1 ,000 Exhib i t s and Someth ing f or EveryoneOver 1 ,000 Exhib i t s and Someth ing f or Everyone

En j oy the Sights , Sounds & Smel l o f SteamEnj oy the Sights , Sounds & Smel l o f SteamEnj oy the S ights , Sounds & Smel l o f Steam

~ 2015 Special Celebration ~

‘One o f the wor ld ’s mos t appea l ing smal lmuseums ’Dr John Davies, historian.

‘Truly inspirational’ is how HRH Prince ofWales described The Judge’s Lodging on his visitlast year to this stunningly restored Victoriancourthouse. 2014 was also the year thisfascinating museum won ‘Britain’s Best HiddenGem’ in the Hudson’s Heritage Awards andHistoric Royal Palaces Curator & historian, LucyWorsley exclaimed ‘WHAT a stunning place!’after filming for the BBC in the building.

You really do need to see for yourself what allthe fuss is over this exceptional courthouse inthe tiny Welsh border town of Presteigne. TheJudge’s Lodging has long had a reputation forliking the quirkier side of history, so a visit to themuseum will treat you to all sorts of fascinatinginsights into Victorian living, from jelly-makingand napkin folding to toilet habits andhousehold maintenance hints. This award-winning historic judge’s accommodation andcourt offers a most unusual journey back in time.Wander through the judge’s private apartmentsand make yourself at home, for The Judge’sLodging an historic house with a difference –you can touch!

You can lie on the beds, read the judge’s booksand even pump water in the kitchen. Below stairsthere is the full range of servants’ rooms toexplore, with kitchens, sleeping quarters andworkrooms; a whole gaslit world to discover.The tour is finished by a trip to the vast echoingcourtroom, where you are haunted by the echoesof trials long since concluded. You are guidedthrough this Victorian world by aneavesdropping audiotour featuring the voice ofactor Robert Hardy.

This year you will find a host of special eventsand exhibitions to add to your entertainment.Kicking off the season in the spring, you canexplore the local farming community over the

last century in Farming Memories of eastRadnorshire. This exhibition combineswonderfully entertaining audio clips of farmworkers talking of their lives, photos galore,farming implements and more. Find out aboutthe piglet who needed a teddy bear, thelabourers’ hiring fairs, driving the sheep tomarkets and how a man’s word was his bond, allfrom the voices of those who lived throughthem.

Throughout the summer, you will have a chanceto see objects from throughout the county innapoleon & Powys, an exhibition looking atthe local effects of the Napoleonic Wars, on the200th anniversary of the decisive Battle ofWaterloo. There will be regular mini- exhibitionson the Great War, plus talks, activity trails andmore. Look out for special events and newsthroughout the year on the website, or follow onfacebook.com/theJudgesLodging

The Judge’s Lodging has also teamed up with theowner of Stapleton Castle, whose ruins occupya commanding position over the town, to offerguided walks throughout the year. Tours lastabout an hour, taking in the 12th century castlesite, ruins of the later house, the mill site and astroll through the gardens. There is no generalpublic access to the site and tours are only byprior arrangement, but bookings can easily bemade by calling the owner on 01544 267327,preferably giving 24 hours notice. They willendeavour to suit your requirements. Yourpersonal tours are £5 per person, with aminimum charge of £25. All proceeds from thetours will be donated equally to The Judge’sLodging and the National Garden Scheme.

If you want more information on the castlewalks, the museum and any of its activities, visitthe website or just call the staff who are alwayshappy to chat.

Telephone 01544 260650www.judgeslodging.org.uk

tHe JuDge’S LoDging

Signpost - page 34

Signpost - page 35

Farming Memories of east Radnorshire

Judge’s Procession in the 1950s

guillotine made by Frenchnapoleonic PoWs

Stapleton Castle © alex Ramsay

Visit the ten ironbridge gorgeMuseums

A fun and informative day out is ensured at theten Ironbridge Gorge Museums, which are seteither side of the stunning River Severn valley,Telford.

Step back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Townand chat to the Victorians in their homes, shopsand places of work as they go about their dailylife. Marvel at magnificent china in CoalportChina Museum and walk through period roomsettings adorned with decorative tiles at JackfieldTile Museum, also home to the world class JohnScott collection of magnificent tiles and panels.

Visit the Darby Houses, once home to the oldironmasters, and see Abraham Darby’s originalfurnace where the Industrial Revolution began.The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron celebratesthe early iron industry while the Museum of TheGorge explains the area’s importance.

Then let your imagination go wild as you playwith the huge interactive exhibits at Enginuity;test your reaction against the speed of a robot,generate power from water or pull a 10 tonlocomotive by hand. More unusual attractionsare the 900-metre Tar Tunnel, where you candon a hard hat and see the tar seeping slowlyfrom the rock, and Broseley Pipeworks; awonderfully preserved time capsule which haschanged little since the workers left in the 1950s.

iRonBRiDge goRge

MuSeuMS

Signpost - page 36

Blists Hill Victorian town

Finally cross the world’s first Iron Bridge andimagine what life was like around 300 yearsago when industrial development began.

Jackfield Tile Museum runs hands-onworkshops during school holidays whenfamilies can try activities such as tiledecorating. Enginuity also runs interactivesessions looking at how things are made and‘work’. Activities and workshops vary day-to-dayand some carry an extra charge in addition to theadmission fee.

A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowsentry into all ten museums, valid for twelvemonths and unlimited return visits, it costs£27.95 per adult, £21.50 for the 60 plus,£16.95 for students and children and £68 fora family of two adults and all their childrenaged up to 18 years in full time education(terms and conditions apply); under 5s free.Individual museum entry tickets are alsoavailable. For more details including openingtimes contact Tel: 01952 433 424 or visitwww.ironbridge.org.uk.

Blists Hill Victorian town - Squatter’s Cottage

Blists Hill Victorian town - tin Smiths

Signpost - page 37

Signpost - page 38

Shropshire Museums runs seven museumsacross the county. The museums offer a fasci-nating glimpse into Shropshire’s rich heritageand are the perfect place to start your explo-ration of the surrounding area. Staff are happyto help you with your enquiries about localattractions, events, days out and places to stay.For further visitor information please visit: www.shropshire.gov.uk/museums.nsf

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is one ofthe country's leading working farm museums.We specialise in bringing nineteenth centuryfarming to life through practical demonstrationsusing traditional skills and period horse-drawnmachines. See farm life unfold before you on theland, around the farm and in the cottage.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is openweekends and school holidays from April 7th tothe 2nd November. To find out about our open-ing times and events call us on (01694) 781306,visit www.actonscottmuseum.com or follow onFacebook.

For stop press news from all ShropshireMuseums’ venues follow us on twitter atwww.twitter.com/ShropsMuseums

Open daily 10am - 4.30pm Weekends andShropshire School holidays for general admis-sion, & Shropshire Schools term time weekdaysfor pre-booked schools, coaches and groupsonly.

www.actonscottmuseum.comnr Church Stretton, SY6 6QNTelephone 01694 781 306

Set in the beautiful Shropshire hills Snailbeachmine has one of the best collection of originallead mine buildings and artefacts in the country.

Snailbeach was the biggest lead mine inShropshire and it is reputed to have yielded thegreatest volume of lead per acre of any mine inEurope. Underground mining ceased here in1955 but it is reputed to date from Roman timesand the surface buildings are the most completeset in the district and probably the country.Although the miners mainly extracted lead ore(galena), smaller quantities of Barite, Calcite,Fluorspar, Silver and Zinc were also obtained.

The Shropshire County Council, using govern-ment grants, did extensive work in the early1990s to make some of the shallow workingssafe for the villagers. At the same time, theyacquired many of the surface buildings and pre-served these. The Shropshire Mines Trust nowmanages the site for the Council.

The free visitor centre will be open on Sundaysduring the summer. Here can see a short videowhich explains the mine and it’s place in localhistory. You can also see displays which explainthe mining history and social conditions and talkto our guides.

There is a short underground trip into a tunnelnext to the visitor centre. (£2-00)

www.shropshiremines.org.uk/snailbeach/index.htm

Snailbeach Lead MineSnailbeach, Nr MinsterleyShropshire. SY5 0NS

SHRoPSHiRe MuSeuMS

acton Scott HistoricWorking Farm Museum

Snailbeach Mine

Signpost - page 39

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GAME-ON-GAMES

Much Wenlock Museum

Much Wenlock seems an unlikely place to lookfor the origins of the Modern Olympic Gamesbut it was here in 1850 that local doctor and phi-lanthropist William Penny Brookes staged thefirst Wenlock Olympian Games. This annualevent was inspired by the ideals of the ancientGreek games and is still held every year.

However, the museum’s displays tell many otherimportant stories about the town and surround-ing area. You can discover how the town devel-oped around the fine medieval priory to servevisiting pilgrims, much as it welcomes visitorstoday. You can also explore the rich geology ofWenlock Edge and study its rocks and fossils asthe early geologists did around 150 years ago.

This child friendly museum has a range of activ-ities for all ages from stamping your own Romancoin to researching your family history in ourLocal History Centre.

Described by Mark Rowe of the Independentnewspaper as "...one of the world's great littlemuseums." Much Wenlock Museum and VisitorInformation Centre is the perfect place to startyour exploration the town and the surroundingcountryside. The staff are happy to help youwith your enquiries about attractions and events,days out and places to stay.

Much Wenlock Museum is open throughout theyear (reduced opening hours over the winter). Tofind out about our opening times and events callus on (01952) 727679,

visit www.muchwenlockmuseum.co.uk or followus on Facebook. For stop press news from allShropshire Museums’ venues follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/ShropsMuseums

Ludlow Museum and Resource Centre

Ludlow Museum is one of the oldest in the UKand 2014 will see it move to the Buttercross atthe heart of Ludlow. The museum’s collectionstell the town’s history and explain how Victoriangeologists unravelled the meaning of Ludlow'srocks, making them internationally famous.Ludlow is also home to the Museum ResourceCentre which runs a full and varied programmeof exhibitions and courses.For details of opening times please see www.ludlowmuseum.co.uk or telephone on 01584 813665

Shrewsbury MuseumsShrewsbury Museum & art gallery at the Music Hall

The new Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery islocated in the 19th Century Music Hall and 13th Century Vaughan’s Mansion on The Square inthe town centre.

Signpost - page 40

Signpost - page 41

It uses a ‘variety show’ of different ways toinspire you to think about Shrewsbury andShropshire’s heritage. Throughout the fourmain galleries – Pre-history and Roman,Medieval and Tudor, Stuart and the ShropshireGallery we have included fine art from our col-lections that reflect the periods and themesexplored. The hundreds of museum artefactsand pictures from Shropshire’s collections willsuggest many opportunities to get out andexplore the county’s heritage.

The special exhibition programme begins with aselection of contemporary art from the collec-tion of Frank Cohen until 30th June. Check thewebsite for details of our temporary exhibitions.Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is home tothe town’s Visitor Information Centre, whichwill help you to plan your days out in Shropshire.Enjoy a coffee and snack in our Café Bar andvisit the shop on the ground floor.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery opened inMarch 2014. It is open daily from 10am to 5pmuntil the end of October and closed onMondays from November to Easter. Winteropening hours are on the website.

www.shrewsburymuseum.org.ukThe Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LHTel: 01743 258885Visitor Information CentreTel: 01743 258888Email: visitorinfo@shropshire.gov.uk

Coleham Pumping Station

Coleham Pumping Station was built in 1900 tohouse two steam-driven beam engines as part ofa major upgrading of Shrewsbury's seweragesystem. Two massive steam-driven beam engineswere built by Renshaw's of Stoke-on-Trent dur-ing 1897-1898; and a brick building, resemblinga Victorian chapel in style, was constructed in1900 to house them. The pumping station wasopened by the mayoress of Shrewsbury in 1901.The Shrewsbury Steam Trust was founded in1992 with the aim of restoring the steam engines

and the two coal-fired Cornish boilers that pro-vided the steam.

Both steam engines may be seen running togeth-er on the several Open Days that are held at themuseum each year.

In 2015, the dates will be

Sunday 12th AprilSunday 17th MaySunday 14th JuneSaturday 12th SeptemberSunday 13th SeptemberSunday 25th October

enquiries@colehampumpingstation.co.uk www.colehampumpingstation.co.uk

the Regimental Museum

The Regimental Museum was established inShrewsbury’s mediaeval Castle in 1985 combin-ing regimental collections from various locationsin the county.

It now forms one of The Rifles heritage muse-ums and houses the collections of:

•The 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment 1755 – 1881•The 85th (King’s) Light Infantry 1759 – 1881•The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry 1881 -1968•The Militia, Volunteers and Territorials ofShropshire•The Shropshire Yeomanry 1795 – 1970

Coleham Pumping Station

•The Shropshire Artillery Volunteers 1860 -1908•The Shropshire Royal Horse Artillery 1908 -1967

There are also displays on the county LordLieutenancy, the Modern British Army and thehistory of the castle.

With over 30,000 artefacts and a related archivalmaterial, it covers the service of the county reg-iments over 250 years.

With much of its material being donated by localfamilies, it perpetuates the service of the men ofShropshire since 1755. It has comprehensivecollections of uniforms, decorations and medals,silverware, china and many other colourful andinteresting items of local and even nationalimportance.

Admission: £3.00 for adults; £2.00 concessions.£1.00 child 5-17

SPRing oPening HouRS16th February 2015 to 24th May 2015Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 4pm NOTE: open Easter Sunday 3rd April 2015

SuMMeR oPening HouRS25th May 2015 to 13th September 2015Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 5pmSunday 10.30am to 4pm

autuMn oPening HouRS14th September 2015 to 19th December 2015Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 4pm

WinteR CLoSuReThe Castle will be closed during the winter peri-od from December 20th to February 14th toallow for essential maintenance work.

Note: Four and under, students and regimentalveterans are admitted free of charge.

Postcode: SY1 2AT Telephone : 01743-358516www.shropshireregimentalmuseum.co.uk

Signpost - page 42

Many of Shropshire’sMuseums need VOLUNTEERS...

LLanyMyneCH LiMeWoRkS

Tanat Valley Light Railway Company, NantMawr Visitor Centre, Nant Mawr, NearOswestry, Shropshire, SY11 9DW

Telephone 01948 - 781079

website www.tvlr.co.uke-mail admin@tvlr.co.uk

Just off the A495 at Porthywaen near Oswestry

opening times from Easter to September open10 - 5 every day, other times open most Tuesdaysand Weekends, group visits or tours by priorarrangement, phone for details

Facilities include Toilet, woodland walks, naturetrail, picnic area, car parking, small museum,wildlife pond, all free to visit (donations verywelcome).

tanat VaLLey LigHt RaiLWay

Heritage area

Follow the path taken by the limestone quarriedfrom Llanymynech Rocks down the inclinedplanes to the lime kilns and thence to the canalor railway. Visit one of only 3 remainingHoffman Kilns in the country (the only onecomplete with chimney) and explore it bothinside and out! You can also wander and picnicin the woodland and meadows.

The site is always open. There is car parkingadjacent to the canal or behind the Dolphin pubin the village.

Visit the website www.llanymynech.org.uk todownload a map and other information.Telephone 01691 839147, or email llanymynech@hotmail.co.uk

Location: on the A483 next to the canal inLlanymynech. Grid Ref: SJ266211. Post CodeSY22 6EA

Wharf Visitor Centre

Open 1.30 - 4.30 Sundays and Bank Holidaysfrom Easter to end of September

Boat Trips, Exhibition, Gifts and LightRefreshments

www.llanymynech.org.uk www.duchess-countess.org.uk

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is theperfect place to start your exploration of theShropshire Hills.

The award winning visitor attraction, voted as'Best Family Day Out (small venue)' by the gen-eral public.

The ‘grow Cook Learn’ organisation recentlytook over as tenants of the Discovery Centreand their aim is to create a training centre forfood-related employment. The Ludlow FoodFestival has recently given £11,000 to install atraining kitchen at the Discover Centre. The planis ‘to build on the excellent facilities already available atthe Centre while working towards a refurbishment thatdevelops their “eat the view” theme’

If you are looking for a Shropshire day out witha difference over the winter months there issomething to do inside or out. Take a stroll inour meadows, relax in our cafe with lovely viewsover a delicious home-cooked meal, a frothy cof-fee or a Shropshire cream tea. We are open dailythroughout the year 10am - 5pm.

Get up close and personal to Shropshire’s largerthan life mammoth and step back into the IronAge.

Take a virtual balloon ride over the ShropshireHills - You can see all the best bits and get thefinest views without leaving the ground orclimbing a single hill!

SHRoPSHiRe HiLLS

DiSCoVeRy CentRe

Signpost - page 44

Discover a unique range of gifts, cards, books,home ware, local artisan crafts and local foodproducts in the shop much of it made inShropshire and reflecting the beauty of the nat-ural landscape. There is also a wide range oflocally made cards, postcards and calendars.Every 4-6 weeks the gallery features amazingworks of art by local artists and craft peopleinspired by the Shropshire Hills. You are guaran-teed to take home a little bit of Shropshire.

Just outside there’s the 30 acre Onny Meadows,well signposted for gentle strolls along riversidepaths, through wild flowers and woodland. Wellbehaved dogs are welcome so everyone canstretch their legs.

On the first Saturday of every month you willfind the Craven arms Farmers’ Market (from9.00am - 1pm) - for a wide range of local pro-duce as well as artisan products.

opening Hours Open 7 days a week 10am – 5pmThe last entry to the Secret Hills exhibition is4.30pm.Telephone 01588 676060Craven Armswww.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

Signpost - page 45

A picturesque working water mill with 38ft. castiron waterwheel producing wholemeal flourtraditionally. Family owned for 250 years.Personal guided tours for all visitors, by millersAlan & Peter George.

Daniels Mill is set in the idyllic Shropshirecountryside, deep in a wooded valley crossed bya 19th Century viaduct carrying the SevernValley Railway to Bridgnorth. Visitors are takenback in time when the mill wheel turns and asteam train crosses the viaduct at the same time.Heavy French Burr millstones turn locallygrown wheat into flour in the traditional wayused for centuries.

There are conducted tours for all visitors to themill. A small gift shop is open and 100%wholemeal flour is available for sale. The tearoom offers scones made from our own flour.

Organised parties and schools are welcome byprior appointment throughout the year. Eveningparties accepted throughout the year. Please

allow up to 2 hours to visit. Reductions forparties numbering 20 and over. Lightrefreshments available by arrangment - see thewebsite for more details. The Stables Tearoom,serving light bites and drinks.

DirectionsDaniels Mill is brown sign posted fromBridgnorth. From the Severn Valley Railway inBridgnorth (Holybush Road) turn onto B4363Cleobury Mortimer road. After ¼ mile turnright on to the B455 towards Eardington.Daniels Mill is situated approx ¾ mile on right.

Prices £5.00 Adults, £4.00 Concessions

open timesEaster - end of October, 11am-4pm

Telephone 01746 762753www.danielsmill.co.uk

DanieLS MiLL

Signpost - page 46

Signpost - page 47

The Museum has a varied collection of objectsto show the history of Bridgnorth from thestone and bronze ages through the civil warperiod to it's industry influence on many otherindustries. The Town was a very busy markettown with it's cattle market and supportingshops, printers, theater and public houses andone time race course. The displays have anumber of clay pipes and coins and informationon the first high pressure steam engine in theform of a model of Trevethic engine that pulledthe first fare paying passengers, beforeStevensons' Rocket.

The Museum was created by the Historic Societyin 1951 for the Festival of Britain and is housedin the old Burghes room over the Northgate,hence the name and was part of the NormanCastle, and Moat Street is near by. It's website iswww.bridgnorthmuseum.org.uk which showsthe collection and opening times during theperiod from Easter to the end of October eachyear. The website also shows the winter lectures

each month until April and new members arealways welcome either by attending one of thelectures or contacting the membership secretaryon 01746 762206 or the Curator on 01746711486

The Museum now has Accreditation by the ArtsCouncil, England which means it is nationallyrecognised as one that has well displayed andprotected artefacts to the national standard andleading to TV companies contacting and loaningan item to be televised.

Opening times: from Easter to October - Saturdays 1.30 pm to 4 pmSundays 11.00 am to 4 pmIn school holidays during this opening period:Monday-Friday 11.00 am - 4.00 pmSaturday 1:30 pm - 4.00 pmSunday 11 am - 4.00 pmPostcode : WV16 5AE

BRiDgnoRtH’SnoRtHgate MuSeuM

Signpost - page 48

Whitchurch is renowned for being the only townin Shropshire to have been continually inhabitedon the same site since being built in RomanTimes.

The Heritage Centre is home to WhitchurchMuseum and Archives and contains displays andexhibits that reflect the town’s historic roots. Itforms part of the town’s Local History Centrewhere the public can carry out research.

Permanent displays include● Sir Edward German - Whitchurch-borncomposer and musician● Randolph Caldecott - Artist and illustratorwho worked in Whitchurch● History of Joyce’s Clocks - a Whitchurch-based company famous for its tower clocks● Themed interactive displays geared towardsyounger children

There are also numerous temporary displayswhich tell stories connected to Whitchurch andthe local area.

The Gallery contains a selection of originalworks, in both oil and watercolour, by RandolphCaldecott and other local artists.

2015 opening HoursTuesday 11.00 - 16.00Thursday 11.00 - 16.00Friday 11.00 - 16.00Groups by arrangement

FRee entRy

Museum is wheelchair accessibleDisabled parking adjacent to Heritage CentreGift shop selling souvenirs and local historypublications

Contact Details12 St Mary’s StreetWhitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1QYTel 01948 664577

Collection & Research enquiriesinfo@whitchurch-heritage.co.uk

Websiteswww.whitchurch-heritage.co.ukwww.thegreatwar.whitchurch-shropshire.co.ukwww.allourstories.whitchurch-shropshire.co.uk

Social Mediawww.facebook.com/whitchurch-heritagecentretwitter.com/WHSHC

WHitCHuRCH

HeRitage CentRe

Visitor & exhibition Centre

The Centre is set within Oswestry ParishChurchyard formerly called Holbache House itwas the second oldest grammar school foundedin 1407. It now houses Oswestry TouristInformation centre, a coffee shop and art exhibitions which change monthly.

Opening times; Every day except Sunday 10am-4pm. Longer opening in summer.

Entry is free

Postcode SY11 2TETelephone 01691 662753www.oswestry-welshborders.org.ukescape@oswestry-welshborders.org.uk

oswestry town Museum

Housed on the 3rd floor of the Guildhall, LiftAccess available, in the former OswestryMagistrates Court rooms.

As part of their plans to make Oswestry TownMuseum a true reflection of the History of theTown of Oswestry the group behind the project

have announced that the Museum will include aTimeline stretching from the formation of therocks that Oswestry sits on right up to thepresent day and with space to update it in thefuture on an annual basis. Mark Hignett for thegroup said “We have to remember that what happensthis year is next years history” adding “in particularvisitors to the town next year could be interested in whathappened the previous year as being part of the history ofthe town.”

For more information:www.oswestrymuseum.org.ukE-Mail: info@oswestrymuseum.org.ukTelephone : Mark on 01948 781079

Open on market daysWednesday 10 – 4Friday 10 – 4Saturday 10 – 3.30

Other times and group visits byprior arrangement.

Signpost - page 49

oSWeStRy

The Flax Mill Maltings is a unique andinternationally important site, containing sevenlisted buildings including the world’s first ironframed building.

Despite it’s extraordinary historic importancethat changed the way we live and work today, thebuildings have stood derelict for over thirtyyears. That is all about to change as due to aunique public partnership, of ShropshireCouncil, English Heritage and the Friends of theFlaxmill Maltings. In July 2013 the Flax MillMaltings Partnership received a confirmed grantof £12.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund(HLF) to support the first phase of its

conservation and redevelopment. This willtransform the heritage site into a visitorattraction as well as a place for learning,workspaces and community use.

The Friends have made these important historicbuildings accessible so that organisations,groups and individuals can explore, learn,participate in and enjoy the unique and variedheritage. Community access in the form ofguided tours and open weekends in May andSeptember will continue during the construction phase coordinated by the Friends.

To find out how you can visit or get moreinvolved with the project

visit www.flaxmill-maltings.co.uk or call01743 360213.

FLax MiLL

MaLtingS -SHReWSBuRy

Shropshire archives

Signpost - page 50

Do want to trace thehistory of your house orlocal area?

Are you interested infamily history?

·Do you have a local history project for school?

·Do you need to research historic documents fora legal enquiry?

This is the archives and local studies service forthe historic county of Shropshire, whichincludes the Borough of Telford and Wrekin.

The Archives preserve and make accessibledocuments, books, maps, photographs, plansand drawings relating to Shropshire past andpresent.

To find out more check the websitewww.shropshirearchives.org.uk

opening timesMonday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 10am-5pmThursday: 10am-8pm (advance orders fororiginal items after 5.30pm)Friday: 10am-5pmSaturday: 10am-4pm (advance orders for originalitems) Sunday: Closed

You can also discover the heritage of Shropshireby visiting a Library Local History Centre. It maybe the starting point for inspiration andencouragement for you to go further with yourown learning and research. There are LocalHistory Centres in libraries at Bridgnorth,Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Ludlow andOswestry.

Based on a private collection of a localshopkeeper, Mr. Tom Hamar, which in 1932,due to its popularity, was re- housed in part ofthe ground floor of the Town Hall, built in 1780by the Earl of Powys.

Since those days, under the auspices of the ClunTown Trust (Registered Charity 208408) theMuseum has grown to fill both floors of theTown Hall and houses a multitude of localhistorical and agricultural artefacts from theClun Forest area.

ground Floor The items on display reflect thediversity of Trades in this once self containedmarket town - the centre of a large Farmingcommunity; Smithy, Wheelwright, Clog maker,Saddler, Tailor, Baker,∙ Brewer, to name but afew. It also houses a nationally recognizedcollection of Flints which were traded along theClun/Clee Ridgeway.

First Floor Here the main theme is localmemorabilia of both the First (1914 –1918) andSecond (1939 –1945) World Wars, includinguniforms of all three Armed Forces, Nursingand Women’s Land Army, together with ourphotographic collection and a Digital Photoframe.

Schools, Historical Societies and Clubs are verywelcome and special opening times can bearranged.

We are active members of the ShropshireHeritage Forum and validated providers for TheShropshire Children’s University.

access for all We have audio, Braille and twolarge print guides together with an illuminatedtactile map of Clun and pictures for the use ofvisually impaired visitors. A stairlift is installedfor easy access and a portable ramp available atMain Entrance.

opening times Easter - 31st OctobertueSDayS: 2.00pm - 5.00pmSatuRDayS & Bank HoLiDayS:(Mondays & tuesdays)11.00am- 1.00pm2.00pm - 5.00pm

For special openings at other times ContactCurator:Email: clunmuseum@gmail.comWebsites:www.clunmuseum.org.ukwww.shropshirehistory.org.uk

CLun

MuSeuM

Signpost - page 51

Bishop's Castle's geographical remoteness hasserved to protect its heritage, and the town haskept much of its historic character. Bishop'sCastle Heritage Resource Centre is a volunteer-run activity centre which opened in 2004 tocelebrate local history and keep it within thecommunity for people to use and share. It isowned and run by the House on CrutchesMuseum Collection Trust, which also managesthe House on Crutches Museum.

BCHRC has a secure museum standard store, inwhich the Museum's reserve collection is kept insafety, as well as other artefacts, documents andephemera. You can view some of the collectiononline at www.bchrc.co.uk. Individuals andorganisations can deposit their archives in thestore for a small fee. More information ondepositing can be found on the website.

In 2009 BCHRC secured a Heritage LotteryFund grant to develop as a Local History Centre,and the volunteers worked closely with stafffrom Shropshire Archives to identify materialsand resources relating to the Bishop’s Castle areathat would enable them to help visitors withtheir family history or social history query. Theseresources include parish registers, tithe maps,electoral rolls, census returns and other

documents held at Shropshire Archives. Theseare too bulky and precious to leave Shrewsburyand have therefore been digitally photographed,and can now be viewed on-screen at BCHRC,and selected pages printed. This means thatresearchers can view an image of the originaldocument, with no risk of transcription errors,and of a much higher quality than existingmicrofiche images.

An index of these resources is available atBCHRC or to download from the websitewww.bchrc.co.uk. BHRC is open to visitorsfrom 10.30am to 1.00pm on Thursdays, Fridays& Saturdays or at other times by arrangement.Please phone 01588 630556 (answerphone) oremail mail@bchrc.co.uk. BCHRC is at 5Chapel yard, just off Bishop's Castle's HighStreet.

Other facilities and services are offered, fromphotocopying and laminating to specialisedservices such as the production of displays anddigitisation of documents. The small meetingroom is ideal for meetings and workshops up toa maximum of 12 people, and there is a smallrange of equipment for hire,such as display boards. There is asmall charge for these.

BiSHoP'S CaStLe HeRitage

ReSouRCe CentRe

Signpost - page 52 Working at BCHRC

Signpost - page 53

The House on Crutches Museum in Bishop’sCastle is situated in a remarkable timber framedbuilding dating back to Elizabethan times. Ithouses an extensive social history collectioncovering many aspects of community life andagriculture in Bishop's Castle and South WestShropshire. It is tucked away up a cobbled streetadjacent to the Town Hall at the top of the HighStreet.

The story of this unique small town is toldthrough displays of local artefacts andmemorabilia, mostly from the 19th and early20th centuries. Rural life and farming were veryimportant in this area on the remote bordersbetween England and Wales, but the townsupported thriving industries such as brewing,shoemaking and tanning. It also provides aglimpse into domestic life at a time whenindustrial innovations began to find their wayinto rural homes across the country.

The first room you enter is the kitchen. Here youwill find a replica cooking range and accessoriesand a display devotedto wash days. There are

also replica items of period costume, and youcan try some of them on! This is also the homefor changing temporary displays or exhibits anditems for sale exclusive to and representative ofthe House on Crutches and Bishop's Castle anddistrict.

Upstairs, the TownRoom displays thehistory of localbusinesses. Here youwill find displays on theclog and shoe making industries, the story ofdrovers, also local breweries, chemists, tailorsand other trades in the town.

The Agriculture room is devoted to farming andcountryside pursuits in Bishop's Castle’ssurrounding rural area. Here is the museum’scollection of tools used in and around the homeand farm.

The Parlour houses the museum's collection ofchildren’s toys and domestic pastimes from the19th century. The doll’s house dates from the1920s and was made locally by an elder brotherfor his young sister. Much of the furniture insideis original. Visiting children enjoy playing withthe toys in the Parlour.

The museum is managed and staffed byvolunteers, and opening times are generallyweekend afternoons between Easter andMichaelmas. Groups and those requiring tailorededucational visits are welcome at any time duringthe museum's opening season by priorarrangement. Please contact the museum on01588 630556 (answerphone) or by email viathe website www.hocmuseum.org.uk todiscuss your requirements.

tHe HouSe on CRutCHeS

MuSeuM

Signpost - page 54

the story of Drayton

It’s called “The Story of Drayton”,because that’s exactly what it is.

It’s all about the Town. Everythingin the Collection was donated by thepeople of Market Drayton, used bythem, and often manufactured bythem. So the families, lifestyle,events, and stories emerge from allthese bits and pieces.... more than10,000 of them, collected over thecourse of nearly thirty years..

In the Shop they sell the Town.That’s to say you will be given apotted history in five quick chapters, fromearliest times to the present. There’s also theodd diversion and digression.

Don’t miss the house behind, where a home ison display.... with the trophies on themantelpiece, china in the dresser, books in thebookcase, medicine in the bathroom, and so onin kitchen, yard and outhouse. Here, as you canimagine, the past often rubs shoulders with thepresent.

The things you can see range from a prehistoricplant stem to a hand-pulled hearse, a bottlecollection, panoramic school photographs, ahorse-drawn seed drill, lamps, money boxes, and mangles. And you’ll find stories ranging fromClive of India’s pies to gingerbread secrets, theWC War, and death at the theatre, not to mention Arthur Phillips’ vertical take-offaircraft of 1908.

opening dates from 5th May to 31st October

at the following times:

Tuesday: 10.30am - 1.00pmWednesday: 10.30am - 1.00pmFriday: 10.30am - 1.00pmSaturday: 10.30am - 1.00pm

Entry is free, but as the Museum is totally run byvolunteers without help from 'the rates', wewould appreciate a donation.

You are assured of a warm welcome, at the sametime helping you share the past (and present) ofthis the largest and most important market townin the area.

53 Shropshire StMarket Drayton,Shropshire, TF9 3DATelephone 01630 654300e-mail ipictonr@talktalk.net

MaRket DRayton’SoWn MuSeuM

Many of Shropshire’s

Museums need

VOLUNTEERS...

Signpost - page 55

Shifnal Local Historyexhibition

Shifnal Museum and Archive Centre opened inDecember 2009 in the former Fire Station inShrewsbury Road . The exhibition comprises acollection of over 1900 photographs, local arte-facts and sources of information for local andfamily history research.

The museum holds lots of useful informationon the people in the town’s past, such as birthsdeaths and marriages, and census informationright back to 1841.

The Museum is open on Friday afternoons from2.00 to 4.00, and on Saturday mornings from10.00 to 12.00. There are also special eventsthroughout the year.

Old Fire Station, Shrewsbury Road, Shifnal TF11 8AQ

Admission is FREE and members of the ShifnalLocal History Group are always on hand toprovide a welcome and answer questions

Ditton Priors Local HistoryCentre

The Centre holds an extensive archive, much ofit on a database, on the history of the village.There is a recently researched story of Ditton'swartime Admiralty Armaments Depot, and thenext project is on evacuees in the village.

The Centre is adjacent to the Oak Farm shopand Tearooms, which are open Wednesday toSaturday throughout the year.

Opening hours are Saturdays 12 -4pm fromEaster to end October. Or by appointment

Ditton Priors Local History Centre By Oak Farm Tearoom Station Road Ditton Priors WV16 6SS

Signpost - page 56

the 50th anniversary year

The future’s not just bright; it’s golden for theSevern Valley Railway (SVR) as it looks forwardto celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015 with aspecial programme of events alongside its usualschedule of family and enthusiast favourites.

Following on from a successful 2014, staff andvolunteers are now preparing for a bumper yearof celebrations for the anniversary, marking thefirst meeting of a group of young railwayenthusiasts in a Kidderminster pub on 6th July1965, who formed the Severn Valley RailwaySociety.

The original SVR line closed two years’ earlierunder the notorious Beeching Axe; a cost-savingmeasure introduced by Dr Richard Beeching, thethen chairman of the British TransportCommission, which saw more than 2,000stations shut across the country.

Five years after that initial meeting, the firstsection of the preserved SVR line, betweenBridgnorth and Hampton Loade, was openedfor public passenger services in May 1970,following a successful period of fund-raising.

SeVeRn VaLLey RaiLWay

Signpost - page 57

A series of truly unique events will bring thosepioneering days to life throughout 2015, with thefounding members joining current staff,volunteers and supporters in celebration.

Pump trolleys – epitomised in films and usedextensively by the early SVR volunteers – take tothe tracks once again as part of an excitingcompetition, which will see teams test theirendurance travelling a total of 50 miles along theoriginal four-and-a-half mile stretch of linebetween Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade onApril 27th.

Founding members will also board a specialdining train on July 6th, to mark 50 years to theday of that initial meeting, followingpresentations at Kidderminster Town Station.A special anniversary programme will be in placefor the Spring Steam Gala – one of the line’sfavourite events held over the weekend March20th – 22nd. The Gala will feature the officialpublic opening of a superb new exhibition atThe Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley,which celebrates the first 50 years of the Railwayin words and pictures, while visitors can alsopick up a copy of a special souvenir GoldenJubilee Commemorative Edition of the Express& Star in the main stations and at The EngineHouse.

Victoria Bridge © Bob Sweet

Special guests during this year’s gala include aformer resident, as loco GWR/LondonTransport pannier tank No. L92, returns to theline, whilst unique WD 2-8-0 No. 90733 'DubDee' will make its debut at the SVR,representing a class of freight locomotives usedright up to the end of steam in the late 60s.

These special events will join the SVR’sextensive programme of popular eventsthroughout the year including the Family FunWeekend, Step Back to the 1940s Weekends,Autumn Steam Gala, Ghost Trains and Santa Season Services.

Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing andcommunications manager, said: “Reaching our50th year is an incredible milestone for the Railway andjust goes to demonstrate the on-going dedication, passionand hard work of the founding members, volunteers andstaff who keep the Railway running smoothly throughouteach year – each walking in the footsteps of those firstsupporters who made history in 1965.

“Of course, we also wouldn’t be here without the supportof all our visitors, both enthusiasts and families, and weare thrilled to be bringing a host of brand new events tothe Railway in 2015, alongside our annual schedule.

“The year is gearing up to be very special and exciting forus and we can’t wait to celebrate this amazingachievement and legacy with all those who mean so muchto the Railway’s success.”

Telephone 01562 757900 for the SVR:

or 01746-862387 for The Engine House:

Visit www.svr.co.uk

Signpost - page 58

the engine House

Signpost - page 59

arley Station

“Oft had I heard of Hawkstone Park, It ’ smuch f r equented g round , But a ll d es c ri pt i onwas but dark, Compar’d wi th what I found”.From a poem entitled “The Beauties ofHawkstone Park” by J W Salmon, publishedaround 1800

Constructed around dramatic sandstone cliffsrising abruptly from the Shropshire Plain andwith so many attractions to see, it is little wonderthat Hawkstone was once one of the mostvisited landscapes in Britain.

Historic Hawkstone Park, with its hiddenpathways, concealed grottos, secret tunnels andremarkable collection of follies, is perhaps themost magical and wondrous tourist attractionShropshire has to offer.

Created in the 18th Century by Sir Rowland Hill,the woodland fantasy of caves and cliffs hasbeen described as a lost world deep in the heartof Shropshire and is one of the greatestnaturalist landscape creations in Britain.

The monument to Sir Rowland Hill bears theinscription “The righteous shall be held ineverlasting remembrance” and was restored in1992. The view you are afforded after climbingthe 153 steps is truly breathtaking; on a clear dayyou can see thirteen (of the old) counties ofEngland & Wales !

This first class tourist attraction benefits from aThree Star Country House Hotel, theHawkstone Park Hotel, located within itsgrounds. The hotel has sixty en-suite bedrooms.

The site also has a picturesque tearoom servingrefreshments and snacks throughout the day, apicnic pack service, gift and book shop and freeparking. A packed lunch is advisable as you maybe some distance from the tearoom whenhunger strikes - this also makes Hawkstone ParkFollies a very good value day out.

Signpost - page 60

HaWkStone PaRk

FoLLieS

Telephone 01948 841777 / 841700www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

Telephone 01948 841777 / 841700www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

Signpost - page 61

Signpost - page 62

3rd - 6th April Easter Egg Hunt Find the clues around the park

2nd - 4th May Medieval Weekend Go back to the 12th Century

18th - 21st June RememberingWaterloo

Re-living our connections withthe bicentenary

19th July Chainsaw sculpting Chainsaw talent display in thepark

29th - 31st August Robin Hood atHawkstone

Wolfshead Bowmen bring thepast to life

10th September Mud Run Come and watch people runthe Follies covered in mud !

18th October Hawk Day Feather Perfect Hawkinteraction

events at Hawkstone Park Follies in 2015

Shropshire’s ancient woodlandlaunches new tree trail

Visitors to Hawkstone Park Follies will belooking skywards this summer in the PinetumTrail. This woodland walk will showcase some ofthe park’s most spectacular conifers, with speciesoriginating from all over the world.

One of the most rare trees is the GiantRedwood, which is native to California andrecognisable for its distinctive cinnamon-coloured bark and towering height. The SilverFir, originating from the mountains of Europe,is another highlight. With its needle-like leavesand strong pine scent, this was the first everspecies to be used as a Christmas tree.

Other trees to spot include the Western RedCedar, Coast Redwood, Chilean Pine, MontereyCypress and Douglas Fir. Visitors will be able tolearn more about the different species, theirorigins and history, going on a sensory journeyof colours, smells and textures. Each season willoffer a new experience, from the warm oasis anddappled shade of summer to the fiery colours ofautumn, when the trail will be dotted with fallenpinecones.

The Pinetum was originally planted by the Hillfamily, former owners of the Hawkstone estate,in the mid 19th century. Park warden BarryFewster says, “The trail gives us a fascinatinginsight into the culture and fashions of the time.There were people known as ‘tree hunters’ whowould travel all over the world in search of

exotic species, sending back the seeds to beplanted, which is how our rare collection cameto be. We’re very proud of it and excited to besharing our work with visitors as part of the newtrail”.

Visitors to the park can also enjoy a picnic in thewoods or lunch in Caspian’s Tearooms, beforewalking through the historic Follies, featuringthe magical caves and passages of The Grotto.

Hawkstone Park Follies is open Thursday –Monday in June, 3rd to 31st July, and 7 days aweek in August. (last admission 3pm on thegate). Tickets are priced adult £7.95; child £5.50;concession £7.25. Family tickets are £25.00 (2adults + 2 children) and £28.00 (2 adults + 3children).

Further information is available by calling01948 841777 or visiting :www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

Signpost - page 64

SHSHOOWW BURWARTON

www.burwartonshow.co.ukTicket prices: Adults £15, Concessions £14, Child £5

Discounted pre-show tickets available

THURSDAY 6 AUGUST 2015The Showground, B4364 between Ludlow & Bridgnorth

8.15am

- 7.00pm

A great day out for all the family

The ROYAL SIGNALS MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM - THE WHITE HELMETS

and BOB HOGG SHEEPDOGS

• Trade Stands • Food Hall • Handicrafts • Horticulture• YFC Displays • Sheep Shearing • Craft Demonstrations

Explore the fascinating world of the Victorian judges at this award-winning historic house.Stunningly restored and totally hands on.Damp cells and vast courtroom included!

www.judgeslodging.org. ukwwww

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A S S E E N O N C O U N T R Y F I L E

A Powerful andTimeless Landscape

H A W K S T O N E P A R K

CAVES

CLIFFS

WOODLAND