Shropshire

Issue 13 - 2015

Historic Houses | Festivals

Gardens | Museums | Tourist Attractions

www.countysignpost.co.uk

The Ultimate Annual County Guide

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ContentS
Historic Buildings
Gardens & Outdoors
Festivals & Shows
Attractions & Museums

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Welcome to the 2015 edition of Shropshire
Signpost, your indispensable guide to the
best tourist attractions and days out the
county has to offer.
We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure to
read, both interesting and informative, and that
you will take it away with you, to use again and
again.

We offer a taster of the visitor attractions and

events within the County, for both locals and
those who wish to visit from afar.
We are always interested to receive your
comments and suggestions for future
features - please contact the editor

For a free download please visit

our new map-driven,
online magazine website

www.countysignpost.co.uk

Click the QR code for

local bus times.

Cover image Ludlow Food Festival

Published by: County Signpost Ltd

Editor: Adam Davison
All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware,
correct at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd does
not accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies
which slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd
2014. No part of this magazine may be used or
reproduced without the written permission of the
publisher.

Please mention

Shropshire Signpost

when visiting any of

the attractions.
County Signpost Ltd
01743 874098
info@countysignpost.co.uk

Signpost - page 1

nationaL tRuSt

attingham Park, national trust images/ John Millar

With fascinating history and breathtaking

countryside, National Trust properties in
Shropshire offer something for everyone.

As well as delighting in country house splendour

and beautiful scenery, visitors can enjoy a wide
range of activities and events in 2015.

For even more great value days out, ask the

reception teams about annual National Trust
membership which gives free entry and parking
at more than 300 historic houses and gardens.

attingham Park, near

Shrewsbury

Attingham Park is one of Shropshires most

popular attractions and is a favourite with
visitors of all ages. The striking Regency
mansion, tranquil walled garden, deer park and
adventure playfield offer a fantastic day out for
all the family. Open daily throughout the year,
Attingham has a wide range of events and
seasonal highlights for all to enjoy.

Signpost - page 2

Owned by one family for more than 160 years,

Attingham has a history of rising and falling
fortunes. Designed by George Steuart, it was
built in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick, with
parkland landscaped by Humphry Repton in
1797. The mansion was completed and
furnished by the 2nd Lord Berwick but the
extravagant tastes of the lord and his wife led to
bankruptcy and almost the entire contents of
the house being sold. The house was then leased
to the 3rd Lord Berwick, who turned
Attinghams fortunes around.

Whether you are a family looking for activities

both inside and out or someone in search of a
traditional inspirational visit to a historic house
and parkland stroll, youll find it here.
Attingham, Shropshires leading year-round
place to visit, has something to inspire and
intrigue all visitors.

There are four catering outlets and two shops

offering a variety of experiences and styles,

including the Carriage House Caf (open daily)

Lady Berwicks tea-room, the Mansion tearoom, Greedy Pig Catering and the Stables shop
and the Grooms Room second-hand bookshop.

Seasonal spectacles include displays of spring

bluebells, summer blossom, autumn tree colour
and winter snowdrops. Event highlights include
Easter, Halloween, Christmas in the mansion
and themed tours and walks. Daily family trails
and activities are held during all school holidays.

Visitors can also find out about one of our most

important conservation projects to date, to
install a state-of-the-art secondary roof to
protect the magnificent John Nash roof over the
picture gallery. With the new roof now in place,
restoration work has moved on to focus on the
staircase and picture gallery. Why not visit the
temporary conservation studio to see the
painting conservation up close?
Attinghams parkland is open every day except
Christmas Day, and until 7pm during July and
August. During the mansions open season,
Wednesdays are costume days, with house guides
and volunteers dressed in period Regency

costume. Dogs are welcome within the grounds

in designated on- and off-lead areas.

For admission prices, opening times and a full

list of events, contact Attingham Park on
01743 708162 or visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park

Benthall Hall, near Broseley

Located on a plateau above the River Severn

gorge, Benthall Hall is a fine stone house with a
stunning interior, carved oak staircase, decorated
plaster ceilings and oak paneling. Theres even an
Elizabethan skittle alley in the garden.

A family home for more than 500 years, the

current house was built in 1535. However, the
Benthall family can trace their lineage back to
the Saxon period on this site. Throughout its
existence, Benthall Hall has been a part of many
interesting events, from the Civil War to the
Industrial Revolution.

In the early 18th century, the Benthalls lost

ownership of the estate, until 1934. As a result
of the halls proximity to Ironbridge leading to
the availability of coal and clay, new tenant

Benthall Hall national trust images / tony Houghton

Signpost - page 3

George Maw and his brother established their

tile business at Benthall. They even used
Benthall 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 from
around the world in the garden, including a large
collection of crocuses, which can still be seen
today in the spring and autumn.
The garden also boasts a beautiful Restoration
church which is open to visitors, a rose garden
and an old kitchen garden. Dogs are welcome in
the park and woodland only.

For admission prices, opening times and a full

list of events please call 01952 882159 or visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/benthall

Carding Mill Valley and the

Long Mynd

Comprising of almost 5,000 acres of heathercovered hills, Carding Mill Valley and the Long
Mynd offer stunning views of the Shropshire
Hills.
This ancient landscape, created when rocks
along the Church Stretton fault line where
pushed to the surface, has been shaped by
human activity for thousands of years, with
scattered archaeological remains from the

Signpost - page 4

Neolithic to the Victorian period.

An important place for wildlife, geology and
archaeology, the area has been designated an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site
of Special Scientific Interest as it contains a
number of habitats supporting wildlife and
plants. Heather, bilberry and gorse cover much
of the hilltop and the streams and bogs of the
sheltered 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 relax
with a picnic. There are excellent visitor facilities
including a car park, tea-room serving local food
including hot lunches and shop selling gifts,
souvenirs and pond nets. Were also designated
as a Dark Skies site; a great place for stargazing
away from light pollution.

Alternatively, use the valley as your base for the

day and head on up the hill for an adventure,
where youll find miles of paths for walking,
cycling and horse riding. You don't have to
venture far out of the valley to find your own
piece of solitude on the Long Mynd.
You can enjoy exploring the heathland at
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd 365 days
a year. For information, call 01694 725000 or
visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill

Carding Mill Valley national trust images

the Dudmaston estate, national trust images / Michael Caldwell

Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth

Built in the 17th century, Dudmaston Hall has
been a thriving family home for over 875 years
and offers enchanted wooded parkland,
sweeping gardens and a house with an
unexpected surprise, its art collections.
It is a true house of contrasts, from the
intriguing Modern Art Movement galleries
assembled by diplomat Sir George Labouchere,
to the classical collections of botanical drawings
and watercolours put together by his wife
Rachel, Lady Labouchere.

The nine acres of gardens provide amazing

vistas and the orchard is the perfect place to
relax. The woodland playground and free trails
are a great way for the children to let off steam.
For tranquillity and stunning views, head to the
Big Pool and Dingle, while the wider estate
provides extensive walking routes ranging from
1.5 to 5 miles.

Visitor facilities include the Orchard tea-room,

serving lunches and afternoon teas, .the Apple
Store serving snacks, the ice cream parlour and
the Stable Courtyard shop.

For admission prices, opening times and a full

list of events please call 01746 780866 or visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston

Sunnycroft, near Wellington

This rare suburban villa and mini-estate, tucked
away in Wellington, is an Edwardian time
capsule. Its original contents and features will
transport you back to the pre-First World War
country house lifestyle. Given to the National
Trust in 1997, Sunnycroft tells the story of a
brewer, a widow and three generations of a local
industrialist family.

Typical of houses that were built for prosperous

professionals on the fringes of Victorian towns
and cities, this red-brick villa is furnished with
original wallpaper, Maws tiles and award
winning fireplaces. Packed full of everyday items
belonging to the families who lived here, you are
sure to feel the familiarity and comfort of this
home despite all the features of a grander house,
such as the Billiard Room,Drawing Room and
impressive Staircase Hall.

The five acres of garden reflect the early

Edwardian period, complete with a magnificent
avenue of Wellingtonia, glass houses, a
conservatory, kennels, pigsties and stables and is
perfect for a wander, a game of croquet or a
picnic.
For admission prices, opening times and a full
list of events please call 01952 242884 or visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sunnycroft

Signpost - page 5

WHittington CaStLe
Visit these strikingly
picturesque and romantic
ruins which are steeped in
much history, tales of
bitter border warfare,
romance and legend.

Tearoom serving snacks

and cakes, gift shop and
second hand bookshop.
The Castle has a license
for Civil Ceremonies,
birthday parties, meetings,
group tours; school visits,
Paranormal Ghost Vigils
can all be arranged.

opening times

Open Wed to Sun 10am-4pm Summer

Open Thurs to Sun 10am-4pm Winter
Free entrance
Whittington Castle, Castle Street
Whittington
Oswestry SY11 4DF
Telephone 01691 662500
E-Mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk
Website www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Signpost - page 6

events 2015

28th-29th March - Living History Weekend with

Napoleonic Riflemen
5th/6th April - Easter Egg Hunt
2/3/4th May - Norman Invasion of the Castle
by Norman Re-enactment Group - Historia
Normannis
Sunday 17th May - The House of Blackstar Living History
27th May - 7th June - Wrexham Art Society
Exhibition
31st May - Outdoor Shakespeare Production of
"As You Like It"
2nd June - SHAAC Car Club Meeting
Sunday 7th June - The House of Blackstar
Living History
21st June - Planthunters Fair
25th/26th July - Multi Period Living History
Weekend
Sunday 20th September - The House of the
Blackstar - Living History
25th October - Halloween Afternoon Event
28th/29th October - Ghost Tours of the Castle
31st October - Halloween Evening Event
15th November - Christmas Craft Event
13th/20th December - Christmas Grotto plus
Craft stalls

tHe PontCySyLLte
aQueDuCt anD CanaL

Chirk aqueduct

the Stream in the Sky

Spanning the borders of Shropshire and Wales is
one of the UKs most unusual and spectacular
World Heritage Sites., the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
and Canal. This eleven mile stretch of the
Llangollen Canal is officially recognised by
UNESCO as one of the most outstanding
heritage sites in the whole world.
It
encompasses not one but two amazing
aqueducts which carry the canal high above the
Ceiriog and Dee valleys.

To walk across the 126 foot high aqueduct of

Pontcysyllte or the only slightly lower Chirk
aqueduct, four miles away, is to put your faith in
the genius of Thomas Telford and the skill of
eighteenth century engineers and workmen. At
Pontcysyllte, crossing the stream in the sky is a
unique experience as birds fly beneath you and
boats glide beside you. At Chirk the canal and
towpath cross high above the River Ceiriog and
alongside the nineteenth century railway viaduct
before plunging both walkers and boats into the
400 metre long tunnel, The Darkie.

Its easy to visit the World Heritage Site from its

Shropshire end at Chirk, from Trevor for the
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and from Llangollen for
the scenic Horseshoe Falls. Trains from
Shrewsbury & Wrexham go to Chirk just
minutes from the Chirk Aqueduct and there are
bus services connecting all the main parts of the
site.
For more information visit :
www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

Contact Visitor Information at Oswestry Mile

End Tel: 01691 662488 email :
oswestrytourism@shropshire.gov.uk

Or Visitor Information at The Heritage Centre,

Oswestry Tel: 01691 662753
email :obt.ltd@btconnect.com

Signpost - page 7

SeVeRn VaLLey
CountRy PaRk

In the peaceful, scenic valley of the River Severn

there awaits a delightful countryside experience.
Green Flag award-winning Severn Valley
Country Park offers 126 acres of beautiful
countryside and wonderful views, spanning both
sides of the longest river in the country. The
woodlands, ponds and meadows in the park are
full of many species of plants and animals, some
of them quite rare.
The park acts as a gateway to the excellent
footpath network through the woodlands &
meadows of the Severn Valley, between
Bridgnorth and Bewdley.

A fantastic day out for all the family. Enjoy the

natural play area with a climbing frame. Take
time to follow the waymarked trial to help you
discover the hidden corners of the park. Make
the most of the Route 45 national cycle route or
spend some quiet time in the fully accessible bird
hide.

The park boasts a fantastic visitor centre with

plenty of information about the history and
wildlife of the area. There is also a kids corner
with activities for younger people to enjoy while
mum and dad relax with a well-earned cup of tea
and a slice of delicious homemade cake.

the River Severn

The riverside meadows are great places to see
invertebrates including the rare club-tailed
dragonfly. Wander through the orchard in
Autumn and sample some of the local
provenance apples that grow here. The bridge
over the river was rebuilt in 2006. It is an
excellent place to see bats hunting as the sun sets
over the valley. The original bridge was built to
take coal and miners across the river and was the
first concrete cantilever bridge of its kind in the
world.

Signpost - page 8

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 Austens
Persuasion

Fri 14th August Outdoor theatre production

William Shakespeares The Tempest
telephone 01746 781192
WV15 6ng

NABMA Winner of Great British Market Award 2015 & Oswestry

Christmas Live winner - Best Small Speciality Market

oSWeStRy

Oswestry Town Council plays a vital role in

making Oswestry a vibrant market town for
both visitors and residents

Markets in Oswestry date back some

800 years. The Indoor Market is open each
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and Outdoor
Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday.

The local Farmers Market is normally held on

the last Friday of each month. Oswestry Markets
received a great accolade in being awarded the
Best Local Council Market for 2013 by the
National Association of British Market
Authorities. This acknowledged the huge
investment that the Council has made in the
Indoor Market in terms of facilities and
promotion.

The Town Council supports the town centre

with many events throughout the year.
Continental, specialist and local community
markets appear regularly alongside the weekly
traditional market days. The Oswestry Youth
Music Festival attracts over a thousand
youngsters each March, and Oswestry Christmas
Live, on the first Friday in December, gives the
town streets a buzz with fairground rides, stalls,
live music, ice rink and a stunning firework
finale.
www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk

Cae Glas Park is widely recognised as the local

jewel in the crown. Throughout the year the
gardens are a blaze of colour and the Park has
been a major factor in Oswestry receiving a
10th consecutive Gold Award from Heart of
England in Bloom. In the Park are traditional
games such as bowls, tennis and crazy golf and
a childrens playground, that has been
substantially refurbished.

Through the summer a series of Sunday

concerts are held in the bandstand. Why not
bring a picnic and enjoy this wonderful open
space in the centre of our town?

Signpost - page 9

SHRoPSHiRe RaFt touRS

Thousands of tourists a year will enjoy a new
Scenic Float raft tour down the River Severn
when a new company launches in Shropshire.
Shropshire Raft Tours will be opening their
doors for their 12-person specially made, oversized 25ft rafts in late March of this year for
families, tour operators, school teachers, youth
group leaders, events management owners,
sports clubs leaders and business owners from
across the UK.
The five-kilometer scenic float trip will start
from the Abbey Sports & Social Club including
a round trip lasting up to two and a half hours,
taking in wonderful views as the raft passes
under the Iron Bridge, part of the UNESCO
Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Manager and Guide of Shropshire Raft Tours,

Nigel Winfield, has been a qualified kayak and
white-water raft guide with over 20 years of
experience and 3,000 commercial trips on some
of the top five white-water rivers across the
world. Mr Winfield has worked in France,
Mexico, Spain, Costa Rica and Canada.
The company plans to invest more than 18,000
into the rafts alone, along with a further 5,000
on safety equipment and accessories.

Shropshire Raft Tours is aiming to provide a

scenic guided float trip along the River Severn
and under the Iron Bridge from the whitewater
style raft for people aged from one up to the
retired.

Mr Winfield explains: we provide family fun from

toddler to Grandparents. Its the only rafting trip where
the whole family and extended family can go together.
The company motto is mild not wild and he is
hoping to attract pensioners travelling to
Ironbridge on coach trips and local families with
young children who want a weekend or school

Signpost - page 10

holiday adventure and also exclusive trips

including school educational trips and special
birthday parties. Even businesses dont miss out
with corporate floats and team building
exercises.

Mr Winfield, who lives in Ironbridge, said:

Shropshire Raft Tours will be offering mild not
wild adventures - the main attraction will
obviously be viewing the magnificent historic
Ironbridge Gorge from the open raft without
any viewing restrictions and going under the
Iron Bridge too of course.

It will be a fully guided trip with a photographer to

capture the experience with a great birds eye view of the
raft and the best bit is that you get the rafting experience
whilst the guides do all of the hard work.

The water enthusiast said he had witnessed a raft

trip with a 101-year-old woman in Canada on a
similar float tour and has guided a trip on class
IV river himself with a 83-year-old passenger on
board. (Note: classifications of rivers go from I
to VI, I being a mild float and VI being
commercially impossible to run) Retired people
arent necessarily old these days - they want exciting
activities and have a wonderful sense of adventure and
fun. Many children miss out on raft trips due to age
restrictions but this is milder rather than a wilder
adventure so they get to go too.
Shropshires World Heritage Site offers so much and I
hope the company will add to the footfall and to the
wonderful attractions which are already here.
I will be appointing booking agents in Ironbridge so
tourists can book their place there and then. They meet us
by the Ironbridge Information Centre (next to Wharfage
car park) before boarding the free shuttle bus for a short
5 minute drive to the start of the trip and onto the raft
for their mini-adventure, he said.

Shropshire Raft Tours are looking forward to

offering employment opportunities to people
who share their passion but they need to be a
UKCC Level 1 Raft Guide certified and licensed
through the British Canoe Union. There are onthe-job
training
positions
for
driver/photographers too.

Anyone who would like to reserve a group

booking and receive an early bird rate for 2015
email shropshirerafttours@icloud.com
or call T: (01952) 426 100 or M:07580966686.
Customers can book online at
www.shropshirerafttours.co.uk/reservationform/

Visit www.shropshirerafttours.co.uk to view

their promotional video for more details and
follow them on Twitter @shropshireraft
(ShropshireRaftTours) and Facebook at
Shropshire Raft Tours

Mr Winfield said the managing of such a

company was his dream job.

Im managing this project because I love what I do. Since

returning to the UK from working abroad I have literally
been like a duck out of water.
Guiding on the water and sharing my enjoyment is what
I love doing - the launch of Shropshire Raft Tours is a
dream job come true for me, he said.

Signpost - page 11

SHReWSBuRy
FooD FeStiVaL

June 27th - 28th

Shrewsbury Food Festival

More than 20,000 people will descend on

Shrewsbury's Quarry Park for the town's third
annual food festival on June 27 and 28.

The event will generate more than 500,000 for

local businesses and showcase the best food and
drink from the region.

There will be celebrity chef demonstrations, free

activities for children, a showcase of the best
local music, a hot food court, artisan bars and
more besides.

Today festival chair Andy Richardson said:

"We're in cracking shape for the third Shrewsbury Food
Festival. It's going to be an exceptional weekend of food
and family fun."

Signpost - page 12

Mr Richardson said entry prices were being kept

low to make sure that people from across the
region could enjoy the fun - and be able to save
their money to spend on great food and drink.
He said: "It'll be 6 for adults and 12 for a family
of four. We've done our research and our tickets are less
than any comparable event. We're committed to building
a really big event for the town that everyone can attend.
Twelve pounds for a family of four is amazing value - it
means visitors will have plenty left over to spend with the
exhibitors or at the hot food stands and bars."
The food festival was founded in 2012 and
proved an instant success. It is run with the help
of a team of 100 volunteers, called
#TeamOrange. The event has helped
Shrewsbury to build a reputation as being a
centre of gastronomic excellence.
Beth Heath, festival chief executive, said: "People
from around the UK are really starting to link
Shrewsbury to great food. It's getting a fantastic
reputation around the country. There are more
restaurants, more producers and there's more fun to be
had.
"The festival has become a key event in Shrewsbury's
calendar and we can't wait to return on the last Saturday
and Sunday in June for our third festival. It'll be the
biggest and best yet. We've even booked the sunshine."
The event is on course to sell out and there will
be more than 200 exhibitors on site.

Exhibitors, volunteers and members of the

public
can
find
out
more
at
www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk or follow
@shrewsfoodfest on Twitter for regular updates.

Signpost - page 13

LuDLoW SPRing
FeStiVaL

May 8th - 10th

Spring Festival gives

more, more, more

This years Ludlow Spring Festival promises to

be a real corker bringing together the very best
regional beer, food, music, plus gorgeous classic
cars in the form of the Marches Transport
Festival.
This is a beer festival and so much more, with
200 glorious beers from more than 60 local
brewers available to taste over the weekend. For
those not so keen on beer, dont worry there will
also be ciders, perry, fruit flavoured liqueurs and
local wines.

Signpost - page 14

There will also be plenty of artisan producers

too, so dont wait till the September Festival to
stock up on your favourite products.

The talks and demonstrations area in the inner

bailey has been a roaring success over the last
couple of years and there will be a full
programme throughout the weekend. In this
years masterclasses you can try your hand at
pork pie making, creating gorgeous canaps and
the perfect afternoon tea, or what about a great
Shropshire brunch on Sunday morning. For
details of the workshops check the festivals
website www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk

brewers about their beers and sample the full

selection. With prizes handed out early in the
weekend, favourites sell out quickly so the Friday
preview is an opportunity not to be missed.

For further details, opening times and ticket

prices see the festivals website at :

www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk
Telephone 01584 873957

As always the beer and food are accompanied by

a wealth of great music from jazz and blues to
Latin and folk, as well as The Marches Transport
Festival. Youll be able to peruse pre war gems
right through to modern days classics of the 70s
and 80s.

This years Ludlow Spring Festival runs 9-10

May, however; there is a special preview evening
on Friday 8 May when visitors can Meet the
Brewer. Its a unique opportunity to talk to

Signpost - page 15

nationaL FaLConRy
& RaPtoR FaiR

May 3rd - 4th

The 2015 British Falconry & Raptor Fair - that

organisers call the UK's Premier Falconry and
Hawking Event - is being held at Chetwynd
Park, Newport, Shropshire on the Bank Holiday
Weekend of Sunday 3rd May and Monday 4th
May. The event is being held in beautiful
Shropshire countryside, and promises to be a
fantastic two-day family-fun weekend which will
showcase some great entertainment that will
include some fabulous flying displays; the 2015
International Society of Arboriculture Tree
Climbing Competition, and by popular demand
the return of Ian Griffiths, Professional Dog
Trainer.

An eagle display titled The World of Eagles will

be co-ordinated by members of the British
Falconers Club Eagles Group giving visitors the
opportunity to experience the majesty of the
eagle close-up. There will also be an extensive
programme of stunning flying demonstrations
and displays by the best falconers, including the
internationally-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 organisations
will add to the ingredients for a fantastic
weekend... all part of the worlds premier
falconry event for 2015.

This years Falconry Fair is sponsored by

Kiezebrink, and will host many specialist
exhibitors from across the UK; Europe and
North America. Visitors can find out everything
they need to know about falconry, from the art
of flying; rearing, breeding, management,
conservation, art, equipment, telemetry and of
course see some premier falcons and raptors.
They will also be able to take part in some

Signpost - page 16

hands-on falconry workshops. In addition to a

superb static display of trained hawks and
falcons there will also be several trained hunting
eagles on static display.

Country Fair. The two-day family-fun weekend

is also host to a popular Country Fair which
highlights a highly-entertaining range of country
leisure pursuits including an Invitation Beagle
Show (on Sunday), and Stickdressing and Ferret
shows (on Monday). Rolls Royce enthusiasts will
be providing a splendid display when they bring
their superb vintage vehicles to the showground
on the Sunday.
ticket/admission information: Additional
information about the event and show day
facilities (Licensed Bars & Catering) are available
from www.countryfairs.info
Enquiries: (01588) 672708.
Show starts 10am Closes 6pm. Arena events
start 11am. Dogs on leads welcome. Free Car
Parking. Satnav Postcode: tF10 8aa
Photographs Philip Davies 2014

Competition - Win a family day ticket !

Q - What year was the Eisteddfod founded ?

A- email to - info@countysignpost.co.uk - by the 15th June

LLangoLLen inteRnationaL
MuSiCaL eiSteDDFoD
July 6th - 12th
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is
more than a renowned choral music festival. It is
a celebration of music, dance, costume and
culture from nations around the world.

Every summer since 1947 Llangollen has staged

one of the worlds most inspirational cultural
festivals. Each year around 4,000 performers and
as many as 50,000 visitors converge on this
beautiful small Welsh town and its International
Pavilion; to sing and dance in a unique
combination of competition, performance, and
international peace and friendship.

but of course no-one knew who Pavarotti was then.

I do have a limited edition picture of Pavarotti when he
came back to the Eisteddfod in 1995 and Im happy to
loan that to the Pavarotti exhibition being staged at this
years event in July.

Superstar tenor Alife Boe is heading back to

North Wales. The classical heart-throb, has sold
one and a half million records, been at number
one in the classical charts many times and
performed on Broadway, will be taking centre
stage at this year's Llangollen International

Its competitions climax with the prestigious

Choir of the World, which determines the best
overall choir of the event.

In 2005 Luciano Pavarotti added his name to the

competition in recognition of his appreciation
of the festival and its influence on his career.
Organisers of an exhibition to celebrate the
links of superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti to a
top festival have been delighted with the
fantastic response. Among those who got in
touch was retired nurse Hafwen Ryder who has
vivid memories of Pavarotti at the Llangollen
International Eisteddfod.
She was still a teenager and a
volunteer usher in the marquee
where the Chorus Rossini from
Modena in Italy performed to win
the Male Voice Choir competition
in 1955.
Hafwen, 75,who now lives in
Chirk, said: I remember the choir
performing and that they were very good

Musical Eisteddfod. Boe, dubbed Britain's

Favourite Tenor, will be performing songs from
musical theatre and movies at the glitzy evening
concert on Thursday, July 9.
To book tickets and for more details on
the 2015 festival go to the website at
www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Signpost - page 17

PReSteigne FeStiVaL

27th august - 1st September 2015

2015 looks to be another amazing year for the
Presteigne Festival. With a particularly strong
Nordic flavour and, as ever, a number of
exciting aspects to the music programme.

The Festival marks the 150th birth anniversaries

of both Nielsen and Sibelius with performances
of orchestral, chamber and vocal works,
complimenting their music with contemporary
pieces by Nordic composers Einojuhani
Rautavaara and Pteris Vasks.

Two concerts from violinist Fenella Humphreys

Bach to the Future project are featured, where
each programme includes one of Bachs solo
violin pieces presented alongside specially
commissioned contemporary works.

Matthew Taylor (a great admirer of all things

Sibelian) is composer-in-residence, being
represented by a wide range of music including
Pastorals a new work for violin and string
orchestra.

Other commissions number a concerto for

piano and chamber orchestra from David
Knotts, a string quartet from Joseph Phibbs, a
set of three songs from Cecilia McDowall and a
solo violin piece from Michael Small (the 2014
Royal Philharmonic Society/Presteigne Festival
Alan Horne memorial commission). A further
highlight will be the premiere of David
Matthews Three Housman Songs in a new
version with string orchestra accompaniment.

The Festival continues its successful relationship

with Nova Music Opera, who bring together
contemporary chamber operas from Charlotte
Bray and Thomas Hyde about a pair of
misunderstood individuals caught up in the
grubby London glamour of the 1950s and

Signpost - page 18

1960s. Staged in the sixtieth anniversary year of

her execution, the end of Ruth Ellis life is
examined in Charlotte Brays work
Entanglement, while Thomas Hydes That Man
Stephen Ward, first performed to great acclaim
in 2008, charts the demise of one of the more
tragic characters involved in the Profumo
scandal.

The contemporary element of the programme is

carefully balanced with twentieth century
classics and a wide variety of music from the
standard repertoire which this year includes
pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy,
Dvok, Haydn, Poulenc and Ravel.

As always a fabulous array of complementary

events will include exhibitions, literary and
music-based talks, poetry and a great deal more.
To complete the recipe, the artist list is
particularly stellar:

Navarra Quartet, Nova Music Opera, Fenella

Humphreys violin, Tom Poster piano, Gillian
Keith soprano, Kathryn Thomas flute, Timothy
End piano, Joseph Tong and Waka Hasegawa
piano duet, the Choir of Royal Holloway under
director Rupert Gough and the ever-popular
Presteigne Festival Orchestra conducted by
Artistic Director, George Vass.
Brochures will be available at the end of April
2015 from:

P O Box 30, Presteigne,

Powys LD8 2WF

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

navarra Quartet

Fenella Humphreys

gillian keith
tom Poster

kathryn thomas

Choir of Royal Holloway

Signpost - page 19

CHuRCH StRetton
aRtS FeStiVaL

July 25th - august 8th

This years Festival opens with
world-famous
cellist
Guy
Johnston, accompanied by Katya
Apekisheva; Guy has been an
international star since becoming
the BBC Young Musician of the
Year, and Katya is one of Europes
foremost pianists, so this should be
a night to remember. Our closing
night features the Piccadilly Dance
Orchestra, who will provide a toetapping climax to the fortnights
entertainment.

Regular
Festival-goers
will
remember the stunning recital
given by Huw Wiggin (saxophone)
and James Sherlock a couple of
years ago, and they make a return
visit by popular demand. Their
virtuosity and musicality were
astonishing!

In 2013 there was a guitar duo, and this year the

Festival features the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet,
who have received wonderful reviews in The
Gramophone for their recent CD.

guy Johnston

In addition there is Retorica Violin Duo, two

young virtuosi who are increasingly in demand
around the world, the Aurora Wind Quintet with
Joanna Smith (piano), and an evening of piano
duets given by local pianist Susie Allan with Ros
Jones. Our teatime concert is
devoted to The Glorious Violin
and will be given by Michael
Bochmann with some of his pupils.
In lighter mood, Ultimate Elton
and the Rocket Band will provide an
evening of great entertainment for
lovers of Eltons music.

Huw Wiggin

Signpost - page 20

Brochures:

Church Stretton Visitor Information Centre.

Tickets available from Gloria Carter, 49 Ludlow
Road, Church Stretton SY6 7AD (01694)
724106, John R Thomas (florist) 3 Sandford
Avenue and Church Stretton VIC. Ring and
Ride Transport available free for all events;
telephone (01694) 720025. Art Exhibition
information from Joan Arnfield 01694 724170.

www.strettonfestival.org.uk
twitter - @StrettonFest

Retorica

Shannon Donovan and Andrew Eastwood will

be guest artists at the annual Art & Crafts
Exhibition. They are master ceramicists with
quite different approaches to their medium. It
will be fascinating to compare their work, and, of
course, to enjoy the huge range of contributions
by local artists and photographers.

Lovers of drama will enjoy Fernhill the poetry

of Dylan Thomas brought to life by Guy
Masterson, My dearest girls: the letter book,
which tells the story of 6 women based on their
letters written between 1917 and 1920 and a
dramatisation of Jane Austens Emma by
Heartbreak productions.

art exhibition - eastwood icarus

Signpost - page 21

May 2nd - 3rd

LionStoCk

Music festival in the gardens of the

Lion, Leintwardine - headlining top local bands:

Whilst visiting Lionstock be sure to have a look

around the Lion Hotel and its restaurant - the
Chef and his team have spent a lot of time and
effort sourcing local producers of quality, fresh
ingredients.

You can enjoy a meal in the stylish lounge bar

or dine more formally in the restaurant or
private dining room all year round and in the
summer dine in the gardens where the lawn
gently slopes down to the river, with
picturesque views of the Welsh Marches
beyond.

Head
down to the Lion
Hotel in Leintwardine, near Ludlow
and Craven Arms, for their annual Lionstock
music festival in May.

Lionstock is held over the May Bank Holiday

weekend in the stunning riverside grounds of
the Lion Hotel in the picturesque village of
Leintwardine.
The festival is a a couple of days of family fun
and music on the banks of the River Teme in the
gardens of the Lion.
Lionstock is a charity fund raising events and
over the last couple of years Lionstock has
raised 1000s for local charities

Childrens entertainment
al fresco food and drinks.
Battle of the Bands competition
Saturday 2nd May 4pm 11pm
local bands, al fresco food and
drink. ticket price: 5.00
Sunday 3rd May 2pm 10.30pm
Battle of the Bands - a competition
of local bands, al fresco food and
drink. ticket Price 2.50.
telephone 01547 540203
www.thelionleintwardine.co.uk

Signpost - page 22

tHe Lion at LeintWaRDine

SHRoPSHiRe
SteaM RaLLy

30th - 31st august

The County of Salop Steam Engine Societys

2015 Rally, taking place at Onslow Park,
Shrewsbury on the August Bank Holiday, Sunday 30th August and Monday 31st August
will be celebrating and commemorating the
100th anniversary of the Sentinel factory being
established in Shrewsbury.

edward goddard, Chairman & Sentinel

Edward Goddard, Society Chairman said: As a

born and bred Salopian I am extremely passionate about
Sentinel engines, so the Society is planning a special
Sentinel Spectacular, where the return of these
magnificent steam waggons will be a great delight for
people attending the Rally. Sentinels are a typical
example of the exhibits that we are privileged to see and
enjoy at the Shrewsbury Steam Rally, and it is a tribute
to the skill and hard work of their owners that we are
still able to see and enjoy them still today.

Static tractor display

Signpost - page 24

new for the 2015 Rally - The Welsh Horse

Yeomanry will be presenting spectacular arena
displays - THE WELSH HORSE MUSICAL
RIDE and CADFARCH (Welsh War Horse)
each performed by eight troop horses. Troop
Leader Gareth Blyth TD, a former Major in the
Royal Welch Fusiliers, said: "We are most proud and
pleased to be able to demonstrate the considerable heritage
and history of the Welsh Horse Yeomanry, and we will
be paying tribute to their significant role in the First
World War. We will present the 'Welsh Horse Musical
Ride and Cadfarch (Welsh War Horse) each with eight
Troop Horses. Cadfarch is a re-enactment showing the
initial commandeering of civilian horses by the Army in
the early days of the First World War, and then training
them for their new military duties. In addition, the
Living History Camp will be open all day.
The Working Field will take a nostalgic look at
the farming of 'days gone by' and demonstrate
an exciting mix of impressive working machines
and shire horses that capture the history and
heritage of farming in the Victorian era.

The diverse range of attractions includes the

wonderful spectacle of working steam engines,
and beautifully preserved classic vehicles from
yesteryear, all to delight visitors to the highlypopular annual event.

The Rally covers 45 acres of beautiful parkland,

with 6 acres of Trade Stands. The Rally hosts a
variety of preserved commercial vehicles, that
includes lorries, buses, fire engines and a large
display of military vehicles. The Olde Time Fair
offers lots of fun, with steam-powered rides for
all - accompanied by vintage fairground music.
Finally we have some excellent miniature steam
engines, and a Craft Marquee - which gets bigger
each year!"

The family-friendly event provides some

enjoyable entertainment with a full Arena
Programme on both days, including the highlypopular and majestic cavalcade of Showmans
engines, traction engines, steam rollers and
steam cars. Spectators can enjoy the annual
highly-popular interactive display of birds of
prey.

Full information from

www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk
Adult: 12, Pensioner: 11, Child: 1. Under
5's -Free.
Enquiries: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk
(01743) 792731
Postal address: COSSES, PO
Box 4706, Shrewsbury.
SY5 0WT.
Photographs Philip Davies 2014

Signpost - page 25

BuRWaRton SHoW
6th august 2015

a great Day out in glorious

Shropshire countryside
Something for all the family will take place on
the first Thursday in August Burwarton Show
one of the best one-day agricultural shows in
the country.

Come early the first classes start in the Main

Ring at 8.15am with horse classes including the
hallmark heavy horse classes leading up to the
Foxhunter Show Jumping class at midday. That
is only a taster there are seven yes, seven
other rings in the Horse Field each offering
something different in equine interest including
show jumping, carriage driving, dressage and
mounted fancy dress.
Not to be outdone, in the Livestock Field you
will find displays of sheep, cattle, pigs and goats
in competitive classes with entries from far and
near, the quality of which will be unequalled
anywhere.

Entertainment in the Main Ring is headlined by

the White Helmets, the Royal Signals Motorcycle
Display Team offering all the thrills, and none of
the spills (we hope), of the skilled riders. They
are supported by Bob Hogg
and his Sheepdogs. If you
think herding cats is difficult,

watch the fun as Bob, his helpers and his dogs

attempt to get a gaggle of geese moving in the
desired direction.

This is only a taste of what is on offer. The

sheep shearing displays have been growing in
popularity and there is a regular crowd of
onlookers throughout the day. You can also
enjoy the fly fishing demonstrations, the
conservation area, grab an alpaca and marvel at
the TLC lavished on vintage tractors and
stationary engines. For the younger visitors there
is the Village Green with entertainment
throughout the day.

But also dont forget the trade stands. Each year

the range of stands grows and the competition
to be allocated a stand becomes more of a
competition in itself. Space is usually all allocated
by April with emphasis on things agricultural,
but you can find anything from a tee-shirt to a
tractor, plus a range of stands to tempt young
and old most of the twenty thousand or so
visitors who will come to enjoy a day in the
country at the Burwarton Show.

The Showground is at Cleobury North WV16

6RP on the B4364 between Bridgnorth and
Ludlow and parking is free. Tickets are 15
adults, Concessions 14, Children 5-16 years 5
or a Family tickets for two adults plus up to three
children 35. Tickets are available pre-show at
discounted prices from outlets throughout the
county, on-line at www.burwartonshow.co.uk
or direct from the Show Office on 01746
787535.
Email at info@burwartonshow.co.uk

You can find out more about the show and

follow
the
news
for
2015
on
twitter@burwarton_show

Signpost - page 26

images Mark Sissons & Barrie Wilson FRPS

Signpost - page 27

LuDLoW FooD
FeStiVaL

11th - 13th September

a feast for all the senses ...

The Ludlow Food Festival was first run in 1994
and was the result of a pub table conversation
amongst likeminded friends looking to preserve
and promote the independent shops and
producers of the town and surrounding area.
These principles still guide everything the
festival continues to do today.

The event has grown from an initial 500 visitors

to the current 20,000 plus and is renowned
across the globe for with visitors from across the
UK as well as the United States, Japan and
Australia having attended.

Organisers of the Ludlow Food Festival are hard

at work bringing together a host of new and
favourite attractions for visitors from 11-13
September.

This will be the 21st Ludlow Food Festival and

there will be more than 160 of the very best

Signpost - page 28

local food and drink producers sharing their

skills, enthusiasm and of course amazing
products across the weekend.

The line up of chefs, food experts and

enthusiasts across Ludlows two main stages,
promises to be full of exceptional talent and
variety with some new faces promised this year.
In the past we have welcomed great chefs such
as Tom Kerridge, Will Holland and a host of
Great British Menu and Great British Bake-off
winners. Keep an eye on the festivals website
www.foodfestival.co.uk for details in the coming
months.

Masterclasses have been incredibly popular the

last two years and this area is expanding this year
with more classes to try your hand at. Little ones
wont miss out either with a special kids cookery
school.

Of course the ever-popular sausage, ale and

bread trails will also be taking place around
Ludlow along with the pudding tasting and the
Sunday producers market.

For more details about the festival please visit

the website www.foodfestival.co.uk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzfRupZrJ9o

telephone
01584 873957

For those who want to learn more about

particular ingredients or methods of cooking the
Taste Workshops are a must. Led by expert
producers or chefs, they will guide you through
a tutored tasting. Previous talks have included
snout to tail, sherry tasting and the art of fruit
distillation.

Signpost - page 29

LuDLoW MeDieVaL
CHRiStMaS FayRe

28th - 29th november 2015

At Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre on the

28th & 29th November, in the stunning
Medieval setting of Ludlow Castle, visitors will
be treated to a full day and evening opening on
Saturday from 10am 9pm, joining Medieval
knights, maidens, entertainers and stall holders
as the sun sets across South Shropshire and the
castle comes alive for an evening of fiery
Medieval Revelry. On Sunday visitors will be able

Signpost - page 30

to enjoy a day filled with Medieval festivities

from 10am 4pm.

On both days explore over 100 stalls selling

seasonal wares, food and drink, crafts, historical
goods and more; its the ideal chance to find the
perfect, original gift or indulge in a unique treat.
With a wide range of food and drink stalls to
tickle your taste buds, grab a mulled wine, a
spiced cider or head over to our local Beer Tent
to whet your appetite for our full programme of
entertainment. With the bone-crunching
Plantagenet Society knights, medieval music and
fire juggling, theres entertainment throughout
the castle all weekend. And keep an eye open for
our 10 giants!
image Richard Shakespeare

From St. Nicholas in his magical den to try-on

armour, have-a-go archery and cross bow and
birds of prey, there is something for all the
family to enjoy. Head to the Inner Bailey across
the flambeau-lit moat for hands-on-history,
storytelling, demonstrations and activities, and
enjoy beer, sausages and roast chestnuts.

For the latest information and updates, head

over to www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk
or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Pictures abigail Dakin

Signpost - page 31

BRiDgnoRtH CLiFF
RaiLWay

Next to the Top Station are The

Winding House Tearooms viewing
panels through to the Engine Room,
and a Terrace area with wonderful
views across the River Severn.

Directly above the Bottom Station,

the Stoneway Guest house offers a
unique B&B experience.

Do visit Englands only remaining

inland electric funicular railway !

For over a 120 years Bridgnorth Cliff Railway

has been transporting the people of Bridgnorth
up and down the 111 ft sandstone cliffs that
separate High Town from Low Town and the
River Severn.
It is first and foremost a working railway; its
importance to both the townspeople of
Bridgnorth and to visitors to the town is
undiminished by age.

The railway operates two carriages on parallel

tracks. Connected by steel cables, the carriages
serve to counterbalance each other - as one rises
to the top station, the other runs to the bottom
station.

The cars are now powered by an electric winding

engine, but were originally driven by a system of
water balance, each carriage carrying water
ballast in a tank beneath the passenger
compartment.

Signpost - page 32

1.20 return fare

Telephone 01746 762052
www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.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.uk

BRIDGNORTH BEWDLEY KIDDERMINSTER

S HREWSBURY
S TEAM R ALLY
ONSLOW PARK

Sun 30th - Mon 31st

AUGUST BANK
HOLIDAY
~ 2015 Special Celebration ~

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

ut
t D a yF aOm i l y
a
e
r
G
A
The
For All
Enjoy the Sights, Sounds & Smell of Steam
Over 1,000 Exhibits and Something for Everyone
Adults: 12.00 ~ Senior Citizens: 11.00 ~ Children: 1.00

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

Signpost - page 33

tHe JuDgeS LoDging

One of the worlds most appealing small

mu seums
Dr John Davies, historian.

Truly inspirational is how HRH Prince of

Wales described The Judges Lodging on his visit
last year to this stunningly restored Victorian
courthouse. 2014 was also the year this
fascinating museum won Britains Best Hidden
Gem in the Hudsons Heritage Awards and
Historic Royal Palaces Curator & historian, Lucy
Worsley exclaimed WHAT a stunning place!
after filming for the BBC in the building.

You really do need to see for yourself what all

the fuss is over this exceptional courthouse in
the tiny Welsh border town of Presteigne. The
Judges Lodging has long had a reputation for
liking the quirkier side of history, so a visit to the
museum will treat you to all sorts of fascinating
insights into Victorian living, from jelly-making
and napkin folding to toilet habits and
household maintenance hints. This awardwinning historic judges accommodation and
court offers a most unusual journey back in time.
Wander through the judges private apartments
and make yourself at home, for The Judges
Lodging an historic house with a difference
you can touch!

You can lie on the beds, read the judges books

and even pump water in the kitchen. Below stairs
there is the full range of servants rooms to
explore, with kitchens, sleeping quarters and
workrooms; a whole gaslit world to discover.
The tour is finished by a trip to the vast echoing
courtroom, where you are haunted by the echoes
of trials long since concluded. You are guided
through this Victorian world by an
eavesdropping audiotour featuring the voice of
actor Robert Hardy.

This year you will find a host of special events

and exhibitions to add to your entertainment.
Kicking off the season in the spring, you can
explore the local farming community over the

Signpost - page 34

last century in Farming Memories of east

Radnorshire. This exhibition combines
wonderfully entertaining audio clips of farm
workers talking of their lives, photos galore,
farming implements and more. Find out about
the piglet who needed a teddy bear, the
labourers hiring fairs, driving the sheep to
markets and how a mans word was his bond, all
from the voices of those who lived through
them.

Throughout the summer, you will have a chance

to see objects from throughout the county in
napoleon & Powys, an exhibition looking at
the local effects of the Napoleonic Wars, on the
200th anniversary of the decisive Battle of
Waterloo. There will be regular mini- exhibitions
on the Great War, plus talks, activity trails and
more. Look out for special events and news
throughout the year on the website, or follow on
facebook.com/theJudgesLodging

The Judges Lodging has also teamed up with the

owner of Stapleton Castle, whose ruins occupy
a commanding position over the town, to offer
guided walks throughout the year. Tours last
about an hour, taking in the 12th century castle
site, ruins of the later house, the mill site and a
stroll through the gardens. There is no general
public access to the site and tours are only by
prior arrangement, but bookings can easily be
made by calling the owner on 01544 267327,
preferably giving 24 hours notice. They will
endeavour to suit your requirements. Your
personal tours are 5 per person, with a
minimum charge of 25. All proceeds from the
tours will be donated equally to The Judges
Lodging and the National Garden Scheme.

If you want more information on the castle

walks, the museum and any of its activities, visit
the website or just call the staff who are always
happy to chat.
Telephone 01544 260650
www.judgeslodging.org.uk

Judges Procession in the 1950s

Farming Memories of
east Radnorshire

guillotine made by French

napoleonic PoWs

Stapleton Castle alex Ramsay

Signpost - page 35

iRonBRiDge goRge
MuSeuMS

Visit the ten ironbridge gorge

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

Step back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town

and chat to the Victorians in their homes, shops
and places of work as they go about their daily
life. Marvel at magnificent china in Coalport
China Museum and walk through period room
settings adorned with decorative tiles at Jackfield
Tile Museum, also home to the world class John
Scott collection of magnificent tiles and panels.

Signpost - page 36

Blists Hill Victorian town

Visit the Darby Houses, once home to the old

ironmasters, and see Abraham Darbys original
furnace where the Industrial Revolution began.
The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron celebrates
the early iron industry while the Museum of The
Gorge explains the areas importance.

Then let your imagination go wild as you play

with the huge interactive exhibits at Enginuity;
test your reaction against the speed of a robot,
generate power from water or pull a 10 ton
locomotive by hand. More unusual attractions
are the 900-metre Tar Tunnel, where you can
don a hard hat and see the tar seeping slowly
from the rock, and Broseley Pipeworks; a
wonderfully preserved time capsule which has
changed little since the workers left in the 1950s.

Finally cross the worlds first Iron Bridge and

imagine what life was like around 300 years
ago when industrial development began.

Jackfield Tile Museum runs hands-on

workshops during school holidays when
families can try activities such as tile
decorating. Enginuity also runs interactive
sessions looking at how things are made and
work. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day
and some carry an extra charge in addition to the
admission fee.

A great value Annual Passport Ticket allows

entry into all ten museums, valid for twelve
months and unlimited return visits, it costs
27.95 per adult, 21.50 for the 60 plus,
16.95 for students and children and 68 for
a family of two adults and all their children
aged up to 18 years in full time education
(terms and conditions apply); under 5s free.
Individual museum entry tickets are also
available. For more details including opening
times contact
Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit
www.ironbridge.org.uk.

Blists Hill Victorian town - Squatters Cottage

Blists Hill Victorian town - tin Smiths

Signpost - page 37

SHRoPSHiRe MuSeuMS

Shropshire Museums runs seven museums

across the county. The museums offer a fascinating glimpse into Shropshires rich heritage
and are the perfect place to start your exploration of the surrounding area. Staff are happy
to help you with your enquiries about local
attractions, events, days out and places to stay.
For further visitor information please visit:
www.shropshire.gov.uk/museums.nsf

acton Scott Historic

Working Farm Museum

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is one of

the country's leading working farm museums.
We specialise in bringing nineteenth century
farming to life through practical demonstrations
using traditional skills and period horse-drawn
machines. See farm life unfold before you on the
land, around the farm and in the cottage.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is open

weekends and school holidays from April 7th to
the 2nd November. To find out about our opening times and events call us on (01694) 781306,
visit www.actonscottmuseum.com or follow on
Facebook.

For stop press news from all Shropshire

Museums venues follow us on twitter at
www.twitter.com/ShropsMuseums
Open daily 10am - 4.30pm Weekends and
Shropshire School holidays for general admission, & Shropshire Schools term time weekdays
for pre-booked schools, coaches and groups
only.

Signpost - page 38

www.actonscottmuseum.com
nr Church Stretton, SY6 6QN
Telephone 01694 781 306

Snailbeach Mine

Set in the beautiful Shropshire hills Snailbeach

mine has one of the best collection of original
lead mine buildings and artefacts in the country.

Snailbeach was the biggest lead mine in

Shropshire and it is reputed to have yielded the
greatest volume of lead per acre of any mine in
Europe. Underground mining ceased here in
1955 but it is reputed to date from Roman times
and the surface buildings are the most complete
set 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 government grants, did extensive work in the early
1990s to make some of the shallow workings
safe for the villagers. At the same time, they
acquired many of the surface buildings and preserved these. The Shropshire Mines Trust now
manages the site for the Council.

The free visitor centre will be open on Sundays

during the summer. Here can see a short video
which explains the mine and its place in local
history. You can also see displays which explain
the mining history and social conditions and talk
to our guides.
There is a short underground trip into a tunnel
next to the visitor centre. (2-00)

www.shropshiremines.org.uk/snailbeach/
index.htm
Snailbeach Lead Mine
Snailbeach, Nr Minsterley
Shropshire. SY5 0NS

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Signpost - page 39

Much Wenlock Museum

Much Wenlock seems an unlikely place to look
for the origins of the Modern Olympic Games
but it was here in 1850 that local doctor and philanthropist William Penny Brookes staged the
first Wenlock Olympian Games. This annual
event was inspired by the ideals of the ancient
Greek games and is still held every year.

However, the museums displays tell many other

important stories about the town and surrounding area. You can discover how the town developed around the fine medieval priory to serve
visiting pilgrims, much as it welcomes visitors
today. You can also explore the rich geology of
Wenlock Edge and study its rocks and fossils as
the early geologists did around 150 years ago.

This child friendly museum has a range of activities for all ages from stamping your own Roman
coin to researching your family history in our
Local History Centre.

Described by Mark Rowe of the Independent

newspaper as "...one of the world's great little
museums." Much Wenlock Museum and Visitor
Information Centre is the perfect place to start
your exploration the town and the surrounding
countryside. The staff are happy to help you
with your enquiries about attractions and events,
days out and places to stay.
Much Wenlock Museum is open throughout the
year (reduced opening hours over the winter). To
find out about our opening times and events call
us on (01952) 727679,

Signpost - page 40

visit www.muchwenlockmuseum.co.uk or follow

us on Facebook. For stop press news from all
Shropshire 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 UK

and 2014 will see it move to the Buttercross at
the heart of Ludlow. The museums collections
tell the towns history and explain how Victorian
geologists unravelled the meaning of Ludlow's
rocks, making them internationally famous.
Ludlow is also home to the Museum Resource
Centre which runs a full and varied programme
of exhibitions and courses.
For details of opening times please see
www.ludlowmuseum.co.uk or
telephone on 01584 813665

Shrewsbury Museums

Shrewsbury Museum & art gallery at

the Music Hall
The new Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is
located in the 19th Century Music Hall and 13th
Century Vaughans Mansion on The Square in
the town centre.

Coleham Pumping Station

It uses a variety show of different ways to

inspire you to think about Shrewsbury and
Shropshires heritage. Throughout the four
main galleries Pre-history and Roman,
Medieval and Tudor, Stuart and the Shropshire
Gallery we have included fine art from our collections that reflect the periods and themes
explored. The hundreds of museum artefacts
and pictures from Shropshires collections will
suggest many opportunities to get out and
explore the countys heritage.

The special exhibition programme begins with a

selection of contemporary art from the collection of Frank Cohen until 30th June. Check the
website for details of our temporary exhibitions.
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is home to
the towns Visitor Information Centre, which
will help you to plan your days out in Shropshire.
Enjoy a coffee and snack in our Caf Bar and
visit the shop on the ground floor.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery opened in

March 2014. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm
until the end of October and closed on
Mondays from November to Easter. Winter
opening hours are on the website.

www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk
The Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LH
Tel: 01743 258885
Visitor Information Centre
Tel: 01743 258888
Email: visitorinfo@shropshire.gov.uk

Coleham Pumping Station

Coleham Pumping Station was built in 1900 to

house two steam-driven beam engines as part of
a major upgrading of Shrewsbury's sewerage
system. Two massive steam-driven beam engines
were built by Renshaw's of Stoke-on-Trent during 1897-1898; and a brick building, resembling
a Victorian chapel in style, was constructed in
1900 to house them. The pumping station was
opened by the mayoress of Shrewsbury in 1901.
The Shrewsbury Steam Trust was founded in
1992 with the aim of restoring the steam engines

and the two coal-fired Cornish boilers that provided the steam.

Both steam engines may be seen running together on the several Open Days that are held at the
museum each year.

In 2015, the dates will be

Sunday 12th April

Sunday 17th May
Sunday 14th June
Saturday 12th September
Sunday 13th September
Sunday 25th October

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

the Regimental Museum

The Regimental Museum was established in

Shrewsburys mediaeval Castle in 1985 combining regimental collections from various locations
in the county.

It now forms one of The Rifles heritage museums and houses the collections of:

The 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment 1755 1881

The 85th (Kings) Light Infantry 1759 1881
The Kings Shropshire Light Infantry 1881 1968
The Militia, Volunteers and Territorials of
Shropshire
The Shropshire Yeomanry 1795 1970

Signpost - page 41

The Shropshire Artillery Volunteers 1860 -1908

The Shropshire Royal Horse Artillery 1908 1967
There are also displays on the county Lord
Lieutenancy, the Modern British Army and the
history of the castle.

With over 30,000 artefacts and a related archival

material, it covers the service of the county regiments over 250 years.

With much of its material being donated by local

families, it perpetuates the service of the men of
Shropshire since 1755. It has comprehensive
collections of uniforms, decorations and medals,
silverware, china and many other colourful and
interesting items of local and even national
importance.
Admission: 3.00 for adults; 2.00 concessions.
1.00 child 5-17

Many of Shropshires
Museums need
VOLUNTEERS...
Signpost - page 42

SPRing oPening HouRS

16th February 2015 to 24th May 2015
Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 4pm
NOTE: open Easter Sunday 3rd April 2015

SuMMeR oPening HouRS

25th May 2015 to 13th September 2015
Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 5pm
Sunday 10.30am to 4pm

autuMn oPening HouRS

14th September 2015 to 19th December 2015
Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 4pm

WinteR CLoSuRe
The Castle will be closed during the winter period from December 20th to February 14th to
allow for essential maintenance work.
Note: Four and under, students and regimental
veterans are admitted free of charge.

Postcode: SY1 2AT Telephone : 01743-358516

www.shropshireregimentalmuseum.co.uk

LLanyMyneCH LiMeWoRkS
Heritage area
Follow the path taken by the limestone quarried
from Llanymynech Rocks down the inclined
planes to the lime kilns and thence to the canal
or railway. Visit one of only 3 remaining
Hoffman Kilns in the country (the only one
complete with chimney) and explore it both
inside and out! You can also wander and picnic
in the woodland and meadows.
The site is always open. There is car parking
adjacent to the canal or behind the Dolphin pub
in the village.
Visit the website www.llanymynech.org.uk to
download a map and other information.
Telephone 01691 839147, or
email llanymynech@hotmail.co.uk

Location: on the A483 next to the canal in

Llanymynech. Grid Ref: SJ266211. Post Code
SY22 6EA

Wharf Visitor Centre

Open 1.30 - 4.30 Sundays and Bank Holidays

from Easter to end of September

Boat Trips, Exhibition, Gifts and Light

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

tanat VaLLey LigHt RaiLWay

Tanat Valley Light Railway Company, Nant

Mawr Visitor Centre, Nant Mawr, Near
Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 9DW

Telephone 01948 - 781079

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

Just off the A495 at Porthywaen near Oswestry

opening times from Easter to September open

10 - 5 every day, other times open most Tuesdays
and Weekends, group visits or tours by prior
arrangement, phone for details

Facilities include Toilet, woodland walks, nature

trail, picnic area, car parking, small museum,
wildlife pond, all free to visit (donations very
welcome).

SHRoPSHiRe HiLLS
DiSCoVeRy CentRe

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is the

perfect place to start your exploration of the
Shropshire Hills.

The award winning visitor attraction, voted as

'Best Family Day Out (small venue)' by the general public.

The grow Cook Learn organisation recently

took over as tenants of the Discovery Centre
and their aim is to create a training centre for
food-related employment. The Ludlow Food
Festival has recently given 11,000 to install a
training kitchen at the Discover Centre. The plan
is to build on the excellent facilities already available at
the Centre while working towards a refurbishment that
develops their eat the view theme
If you are looking for a Shropshire day out with
a difference over the winter months there is
something to do inside or out. Take a stroll in
our meadows, relax in our cafe with lovely views
over a delicious home-cooked meal, a frothy coffee or a Shropshire cream tea. We are open daily
throughout the year 10am - 5pm.
Get up close and personal to Shropshires larger
than life mammoth and step back into the Iron
Age.

Take a virtual balloon ride over the Shropshire

Hills - You can see all the best bits and get the
finest views without leaving the ground or
climbing a single hill!

Signpost - page 44

Discover a unique range of gifts, cards, books,

home ware, local artisan crafts and local food
products in the shop much of it made in
Shropshire and reflecting the beauty of the natural landscape. There is also a wide range of
locally made cards, postcards and calendars.
Every 4-6 weeks the gallery features amazing
works of art by local artists and craft people
inspired by the Shropshire Hills. You are guaranteed to take home a little bit of Shropshire.

Just outside theres the 30 acre Onny Meadows,

well signposted for gentle strolls along riverside
paths, through wild flowers and woodland. Well
behaved dogs are welcome so everyone can
stretch their legs.
On the first Saturday of every month you will
find the Craven arms Farmers Market (from
9.00am - 1pm) - for a wide range of local produce as well as artisan products.

opening Hours

Open 7 days a week 10am 5pm

The last entry to the Secret Hills exhibition is
4.30pm.
Telephone 01588 676060
Craven Arms
www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

Signpost - page 45

DanieLS MiLL

A picturesque working water mill with 38ft. cast

iron waterwheel producing wholemeal flour
traditionally. Family owned for 250 years.
Personal guided tours for all visitors, by millers
Alan & Peter George.

Daniels Mill is set in the idyllic Shropshire

countryside, deep in a wooded valley crossed by
a 19th Century viaduct carrying the Severn
Valley Railway to Bridgnorth. Visitors are taken
back in time when the mill wheel turns and a
steam train crosses the viaduct at the same time.
Heavy French Burr millstones turn locally
grown wheat into flour in the traditional way
used for centuries.
There are conducted tours for all visitors to the
mill. A small gift shop is open and 100%
wholemeal flour is available for sale. The tea
room offers scones made from our own flour.

Organised parties and schools are welcome by

prior appointment throughout the year. Evening
parties accepted throughout the year. Please

Signpost - page 46

allow up to 2 hours to visit. Reductions for

parties numbering 20 and over. Light
refreshments available by arrangment - see the
website for more details. The Stables Tearoom,
serving light bites and drinks.

Directions

Daniels Mill is brown sign posted from

Bridgnorth. From the Severn Valley Railway in
Bridgnorth (Holybush Road) turn onto B4363
Cleobury Mortimer road. After mile turn
right on to the B455 towards Eardington.
Daniels Mill is situated approx mile on right.

Prices

5.00 Adults, 4.00 Concessions

open times

Easter - end of October, 11am-4pm

Telephone 01746 762753

www.danielsmill.co.uk

BRiDgnoRtHS
noRtHgate MuSeuM

The Museum has a varied collection of objects

to show the history of Bridgnorth from the
stone and bronze ages through the civil war
period to it's industry influence on many other
industries. The Town was a very busy market
town with it's cattle market and supporting
shops, printers, theater and public houses and
one time race course. The displays have a
number of clay pipes and coins and information
on the first high pressure steam engine in the
form of a model of Trevethic engine that pulled
the first fare paying passengers, before
Stevensons' Rocket.

The Museum was created by the Historic Society

in 1951 for the Festival of Britain and is housed
in the old Burghes room over the Northgate,
hence the name and was part of the Norman
Castle, and Moat Street is near by. It's website is
www.bridgnorthmuseum.org.uk which shows
the collection and opening times during the
period from Easter to the end of October each
year. The website also shows the winter lectures

each month until April and new members are

always welcome either by attending one of the
lectures or contacting the membership secretary
on 01746 762206 or the Curator on 01746
711486

The Museum now has Accreditation by the Arts

Council, England which means it is nationally
recognised as one that has well displayed and
protected artefacts to the national standard and
leading to TV companies contacting and loaning
an item to be televised.
Opening times: from Easter to October Saturdays
1.30 pm to 4 pm
Sundays
11.00 am to 4 pm
In school holidays during this opening period:
Monday-Friday
11.00 am - 4.00 pm
Saturday
1:30 pm - 4.00 pm
Sunday
11 am - 4.00 pm
Postcode : WV16 5AE

Signpost - page 47

WHitCHuRCH
HeRitage CentRe
2015 opening Hours
Tuesday 11.00 - 16.00
Thursday 11.00 - 16.00
Friday 11.00 - 16.00
Groups by arrangement

FRee entRy
Whitchurch is renowned for being the only town
in Shropshire to have been continually inhabited
on the same site since being built in Roman
Times.

The Heritage Centre is home to Whitchurch

Museum and Archives and contains displays and
exhibits that reflect the towns historic roots. It
forms part of the towns Local History Centre
where the public can carry out research.

Permanent displays include

Sir Edward German - Whitchurch-born
composer and musician
Randolph Caldecott - Artist and illustrator
who worked in Whitchurch
History of Joyces Clocks - a Whitchurchbased company famous for its tower clocks
Themed interactive displays geared towards
younger children
There are also numerous temporary displays
which tell stories connected to Whitchurch and
the local area.
The Gallery contains a selection of original
works, in both oil and watercolour, by Randolph
Caldecott and other local artists.

Signpost - page 48

Museum is wheelchair accessible

Disabled parking adjacent to Heritage Centre
Gift shop selling souvenirs and local history
publications

Contact Details
12 St Marys Street
Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1QY
Tel 01948 664577

Collection & Research enquiries

info@whitchurch-heritage.co.uk

Websites
www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk
www.thegreatwar.whitchurch-shropshire.co.uk
www.allourstories.whitchurch-shropshire.co.uk

Social Media
www.facebook.com/whitchurch-heritagecentre
twitter.com/WHSHC

oSWeStRy

Visitor & exhibition Centre

The Centre is set within Oswestry Parish
Churchyard formerly called Holbache House it
was the second oldest grammar school founded
in 1407. It now houses Oswestry Tourist
Information centre, a coffee shop and art
exhibitions which change monthly.

Opening times; Every day except Sunday 10am4pm. Longer opening in summer.
Entry is free

Postcode SY11 2TE

Telephone 01691 662753
www.oswestry-welshborders.org.uk
escape@oswestry-welshborders.org.uk

oswestry town Museum

Housed on the 3rd floor of the Guildhall, Lift

Access available, in the former Oswestry
Magistrates Court rooms.

As part of their plans to make Oswestry Town

Museum a true reflection of the History of the
Town of Oswestry the group behind the project

Signpost - page 49

have announced that the Museum will include a

Timeline stretching from the formation of the
rocks that Oswestry sits on right up to the
present day and with space to update it in the
future on an annual basis. Mark Hignett for the
group said We have to remember that what happens
this year is next years history adding in particular
visitors to the town next year could be interested in what
happened the previous year as being part of the history of
the town.
For more information:
www.oswestrymuseum.org.uk
E-Mail: info@oswestrymuseum.org.uk
Telephone : Mark on 01948 781079

Open on market days

Wednesday 10 4
Friday 10 4
Saturday 10 3.30

Other times and group visits by

prior arrangement.

FLax MiLL
MaLtingS SHReWSBuRy

conservation and redevelopment. This will

transform the heritage site into a visitor
attraction as well as a place for learning,
workspaces and community use.
The Flax Mill Maltings is a unique and
internationally important site, containing seven
listed buildings including the worlds first iron
framed building.

Despite its extraordinary historic importance

that changed the way we live and work today, the
buildings have stood derelict for over thirty
years. That is all about to change as due to a
unique public partnership, of Shropshire
Council, English Heritage and the Friends of the
Flaxmill Maltings. In July 2013 the Flax Mill
Maltings Partnership received a confirmed grant
of 12.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund
(HLF) to support the first phase of its

Shropshire archives

Do want to trace the

history of your house or
local area?

Are you interested in

family history?

Do you have a local history project for school?

Do you need to research historic documents for

a legal enquiry?

This is the archives and local studies service for

the historic county of Shropshire, which
includes the Borough of Telford and Wrekin.

The Archives preserve and make accessible

documents, books, maps, photographs, plans
and drawings relating to Shropshire past and
present.

Signpost - page 50

The Friends have made these important historic

buildings accessible so that organisations,
groups and individuals can explore, learn,
participate in and enjoy the unique and varied
heritage. Community access in the form of
guided tours and open weekends in May and
September will continue during the construction
phase coordinated by the Friends.

To find out how you can visit or get more

involved with the project

visit www.flaxmill-maltings.co.uk or call

01743 360213.

To find out more check the

www.shropshirearchives.org.uk

website

opening times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 10am-8pm (advance orders for
original items after 5.30pm)
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm (advance orders for original
items)
Sunday: Closed

You can also discover the heritage of Shropshire

by visiting a Library Local History Centre. It may
be the starting point for inspiration and
encouragement for you to go further with your
own learning and research. There are Local
History Centres in libraries at Bridgnorth,
Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Ludlow and
Oswestry.

CLun
MuSeuM

Based on a private collection of a local

shopkeeper, Mr. Tom Hamar, which in 1932,
due to its popularity, was re- housed in part of
the ground floor of the Town Hall, built in 1780
by the Earl of Powys.

Since those days, under the auspices of the Clun

Town Trust (Registered Charity 208408) the
Museum has grown to fill both floors of the
Town Hall and houses a multitude of local
historical and agricultural artefacts from the
Clun Forest area.

ground Floor The items on display reflect the

diversity of Trades in this once self contained
market town - the centre of a large Farming
community; Smithy, Wheelwright, Clog maker,
Saddler, Tailor, Baker, Brewer, to name but a
few. It also houses a nationally recognized
collection of Flints which were traded along the
Clun/Clee Ridgeway.

First Floor Here the main theme is local

memorabilia of both the First (1914 1918) and
Second (1939 1945) World Wars, including
uniforms of all three Armed Forces, Nursing
and Womens Land Army, together with our
photographic collection and a Digital Photo
frame.

Schools, Historical Societies and Clubs are very

welcome and special opening times can be
arranged.
We are active members of the Shropshire
Heritage Forum and validated providers for The
Shropshire Childrens University.

access for all We have audio, Braille and two

large print guides together with an illuminated
tactile map of Clun and pictures for the use of
visually impaired visitors. A stairlift is installed
for easy access and a portable ramp available at
Main Entrance.

opening times

Easter - 31st October

tueSDayS: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
SatuRDayS & Bank HoLiDayS:
(Mondays & tuesdays)
11.00am- 1.00pm
2.00pm - 5.00pm

For special openings at other times Contact

Curator:
Email: clunmuseum@gmail.com
Websites:
www.clunmuseum.org.uk
www.shropshirehistory.org.uk

Signpost - page 51

BiSHoP'S CaStLe HeRitage

ReSouRCe CentRe

documents held at Shropshire Archives. These

are too bulky and precious to leave Shrewsbury
and have therefore been digitally photographed,
and can now be viewed on-screen at BCHRC,
and selected pages printed. This means that
researchers can view an image of the original
document, with no risk of transcription errors,
and of a much higher quality than existing
microfiche images.

Bishop's Castle's geographical remoteness has

served to protect its heritage, and the town has
kept much of its historic character. Bishop's
Castle Heritage Resource Centre is a volunteerrun activity centre which opened in 2004 to
celebrate local history and keep it within the
community for people to use and share. It is
owned and run by the House on Crutches
Museum Collection Trust, which also manages
the House on Crutches Museum.

BCHRC has a secure museum standard store, in

which the Museum's reserve collection is kept in
safety, as well as other artefacts, documents and
ephemera. You can view some of the collection
online at www.bchrc.co.uk. Individuals and
organisations can deposit their archives in the
store for a small fee. More information on
depositing can be found on the website.

An index of these resources is available at

BCHRC or to download from the website
www.bchrc.co.uk. BHRC is open to visitors
from 10.30am to 1.00pm on Thursdays, Fridays
& Saturdays or at other times by arrangement.
Please phone 01588 630556 (answerphone) or
email mail@bchrc.co.uk.
BCHRC is at 5
Chapel yard, just off Bishop's Castle's High
Street.
Other facilities and services are offered, from
photocopying and laminating to specialised
services such as the production of displays and
digitisation of documents. The small meeting
room is ideal for meetings and workshops up to
a maximum of 12 people, and there is a small
range of equipment for hire,
such as display boards. There is a
small charge for these.

In 2009 BCHRC secured a Heritage Lottery

Fund grant to develop as a Local History Centre,
and the volunteers worked closely with staff
from Shropshire Archives to identify materials
and resources relating to the Bishops Castle area
that would enable them to help visitors with
their family history or social history query. These
resources include parish registers, tithe maps,
electoral rolls, census returns and other

Signpost - page 52

Working at BCHRC

tHe HouSe on CRutCHeS

MuSeuM

also replica items of period costume, and you

can try some of them on! This is also the home
for changing temporary displays or exhibits and
items for sale exclusive to and representative of
the House on Crutches and Bishop's Castle and
district.

The House on Crutches Museum in Bishops

Castle is situated in a remarkable timber framed
building dating back to Elizabethan times. It
houses an extensive social history collection
covering many aspects of community life and
agriculture in Bishop's Castle and South West
Shropshire. It is tucked away up a cobbled street
adjacent to the Town Hall at the top of the High
Street.

The story of this unique small town is told

through displays of local artefacts and
memorabilia, mostly from the 19th and early
20th centuries. Rural life and farming were very
important in this area on the remote borders
between England and Wales, but the town
supported thriving industries such as brewing,
shoemaking and tanning. It also provides a
glimpse into domestic life at a time when
industrial innovations began to find their way
into rural homes across the country.
The first room you enter is the kitchen. Here you
will find a replica cooking range and accessories
and a display devoted
to wash days. There are

Upstairs, the Town

Room displays the
history
of
local
businesses. Here you
will find displays on the
clog and shoe making industries, the story of
drovers, also local breweries, chemists, tailors
and other trades in the town.

The Agriculture room is devoted to farming and

countryside pursuits in Bishop's Castles
surrounding rural area. Here is the museums
collection of tools used in and around the home
and farm.

The Parlour houses the museum's collection of

childrens toys and domestic pastimes from the
19th century. The dolls house dates from the
1920s and was made locally by an elder brother
for his young sister. Much of the furniture inside
is original. Visiting children enjoy playing with
the toys in the Parlour.

The museum is managed and staffed by

volunteers, and opening times are generally
weekend afternoons between Easter and
Michaelmas. Groups and those requiring tailored
educational visits are welcome at any time during
the museum's opening season by prior
arrangement. Please contact the museum on
01588 630556 (answerphone) or by email via
the website www.hocmuseum.org.uk to
discuss your requirements.

Signpost - page 53

MaRket DRaytonS
oWn MuSeuM

the story of Drayton

Its called The Story of Drayton,

because thats exactly what it is.

Its all about the Town. Everything

in the Collection was donated by the
people of Market Drayton, used by
them, and often manufactured by
them. So the families, lifestyle,
events, and stories emerge from all
these bits and pieces.... more than
10,000 of them, collected over the
course of nearly thirty years..

In the Shop they sell the Town.

Thats to say you will be given a
potted history in five quick chapters, from
earliest times to the present. Theres also the
odd diversion and digression.

Dont miss the house behind, where a home is

on display.... with the trophies on the
mantelpiece, china in the dresser, books in the
bookcase, medicine in the bathroom, and so on
in kitchen, yard and outhouse. Here, as you can
imagine, the past often rubs shoulders with the
present.

The things you can see range from a prehistoric

plant stem to a hand-pulled hearse, a bottle
collection, panoramic school photographs, a
horse-drawn seed drill, lamps, money boxes, and
mangles. And youll find stories ranging from
Clive of Indias pies to gingerbread secrets, the
WC War, and death at the theatre, not to
mention Arthur Phillips vertical take-off
aircraft of 1908.

opening dates from 5th May to 31st October

Signpost - page 54

at the following times:

Tuesday: 10.30am - 1.00pm

Wednesday: 10.30am - 1.00pm
Friday: 10.30am - 1.00pm
Saturday: 10.30am - 1.00pm

Entry is free, but as the Museum is totally run by

volunteers without help from 'the rates', we
would appreciate a donation.
You are assured of a warm welcome, at the same
time helping you share the past (and present) of
this the largest and most important market town
in the area.
53 Shropshire St
Market Drayton,Shropshire, TF9 3DA
Telephone 01630 654300
e-mail ipictonr@talktalk.net

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Shifnal Local History

exhibition

Shifnal Museum and Archive Centre opened in

December 2009 in the former Fire Station in
Shrewsbury Road . The exhibition comprises a
collection of over 1900 photographs, local artefacts and sources of information for local and
family history research.
The museum holds lots of useful information
on the people in the towns past, such as births
deaths and marriages, and census information
right back to 1841.

The Museum is open on Friday afternoons from

2.00 to 4.00, and on Saturday mornings from
10.00 to 12.00. There are also special events
throughout the year.
Old Fire Station, Shrewsbury Road,
Shifnal TF11 8AQ

Admission is FREE and members of the Shifnal

Local History Group are always on hand to
provide a welcome and answer questions

Ditton Priors Local History

Centre

The Centre holds an extensive archive, much of

it on a database, on the history of the village.
There is a recently researched story of Ditton's
wartime Admiralty Armaments Depot, and the
next project is on evacuees in the village.
The Centre is adjacent to the Oak Farm shop
and Tearooms, which are open Wednesday to
Saturday throughout the year.

Opening hours are Saturdays 12 -4pm from

Easter to end October. Or by appointment
Ditton Priors Local History Centre
By Oak Farm Tearoom
Station Road
Ditton Priors
WV16 6SS

Signpost - page 55

SeVeRn VaLLey RaiLWay

the 50th anniversary year

The futures not just bright; its golden for the
Severn Valley Railway (SVR) as it looks forward
to celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015 with a
special programme of events alongside its usual
schedule of family and enthusiast favourites.

Following on from a successful 2014, staff and

volunteers are now preparing for a bumper year
of celebrations for the anniversary, marking the
first meeting of a group of young railway
enthusiasts in a Kidderminster pub on 6th July
1965, who formed the Severn Valley Railway
Society.

Signpost - page 56

The original SVR line closed two years earlier

under the notorious Beeching Axe; a cost-saving
measure introduced by Dr Richard Beeching, the
then chairman of the British Transport
Commission, which saw more than 2,000
stations shut across the country.

Five years after that initial meeting, the first

section of the preserved SVR line, between
Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade, was opened
for public passenger services in May 1970,
following a successful period of fund-raising.

Victoria Bridge Bob Sweet

A series of truly unique events will bring those

pioneering days to life throughout 2015, with the
founding members joining current staff,
volunteers and supporters in celebration.

Pump trolleys epitomised in films and used

extensively by the early SVR volunteers take to
the tracks once again as part of an exciting
competition, which will see teams test their
endurance travelling a total of 50 miles along the
original four-and-a-half mile stretch of line
between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade on
April 27th.

Founding members will also board a special

dining train on July 6th, to mark 50 years to the
day of that initial meeting, following
presentations at Kidderminster Town Station.
A special anniversary programme will be in place
for the Spring Steam Gala one of the lines
favourite events held over the weekend March
20th 22nd. The Gala will feature the official
public opening of a superb new exhibition at
The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley,
which celebrates the first 50 years of the Railway
in words and pictures, while visitors can also
pick up a copy of a special souvenir Golden
Jubilee Commemorative Edition of the Express
& Star in the main stations and at The Engine
House.

Signpost - page 57

Special guests during this years gala include a

former resident, as loco GWR/London
Transport pannier tank No. L92, returns to the
line, whilst unique WD 2-8-0 No. 90733 'Dub
Dee' will make
its debut at the SVR,
representing a class of freight locomotives used
right up to the end of steam in the late 60s.

These special events will join the SVRs

extensive programme of popular events
throughout the year including the Family Fun
Weekend, Step Back to the 1940s Weekends,
Autumn Steam Gala, Ghost Trains and Santa
Season Services.

Clare Gibbard, the SVRs marketing and

communications manager, said: Reaching our
50th year is an incredible milestone for the Railway and
just goes to demonstrate the on-going dedication, passion
and hard work of the founding members, volunteers and
staff who keep the Railway running smoothly throughout
each year each walking in the footsteps of those first
supporters who made history in 1965.
Of course, we also wouldnt be here without the support
of all our visitors, both enthusiasts and families, and we
are thrilled to be bringing a host of brand new events to
the Railway in 2015, alongside our annual schedule.

Signpost - page 58

The year is gearing up to be very special and exciting for

us and we cant wait to celebrate this amazing
achievement and legacy with all those who mean so much
to the Railways success.
Telephone 01562 757900 for the SVR:

or 01746-862387 for The Engine House:

Visit www.svr.co.uk
the engine House

arley

Statio
n

Signpost - page 59

HaWkStone PaRk
FoLLieS

Oft had I heard of Hawkston e Park, Its

mu ch frequented grou nd, But all descri pti on
was but dark, Compard wi th what I fou nd.
From a poem entitled The Beauties of
Hawkstone Park by J W Salmon, published
around 1800

Constructed around dramatic sandstone cliffs

rising abruptly from the Shropshire Plain and
with so many attractions to see, it is little wonder
that Hawkstone was once one of the most
visited landscapes in Britain.

Historic Hawkstone Park, with its hidden

pathways, concealed grottos, secret tunnels and
remarkable collection of follies, is perhaps the
most magical and wondrous tourist attraction
Shropshire has to offer.

Created in the 18th Century by Sir Rowland Hill,

the woodland fantasy of caves and cliffs has
been described as a lost world deep in the heart
of Shropshire and is one of the greatest
naturalist landscape creations in Britain.

Signpost - page 60

The monument to Sir Rowland Hill bears the

inscription The righteous shall be held in
everlasting remembrance and was restored in
1992. The view you are afforded after climbing
the 153 steps is truly breathtaking; on a clear day
you can see thirteen (of the old) counties of
England & Wales !

This first class tourist attraction benefits from a

Three Star Country House Hotel, the
Hawkstone Park Hotel, located within its
grounds. The hotel has sixty en-suite bedrooms.

The site also has a picturesque tearoom serving

refreshments and snacks throughout the day, a
picnic pack service, gift and book shop and free
parking. A packed lunch is advisable as you may
be some distance from the tearoom when
hunger strikes - this also makes Hawkstone Park
Follies a very good value day out.

Telephone 01948 841777 / 841700

www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

Signpost - page 61

events at Hawkstone Park Follies in 2015

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

19th July

Remembering
Waterloo

Chainsaw sculpting

Re-living our connections with

the bicentenary

29th - 31st August

Robin Hood at
Hawkstone

Wolfshead Bowmen bring the

past to life

10th September
18th October

Signpost - page 62

Mud Run

Hawk Day

Chainsaw talent display in the

park
Come and watch people run
the Follies covered in mud !
Feather Perfect Hawk
interaction

Shropshires ancient woodland

launches new tree trail
Visitors to Hawkstone Park Follies will be
looking skywards this summer in the Pinetum
Trail. This woodland walk will showcase some of
the parks most spectacular conifers, with species
originating from all over the world.

One of the most rare trees is the Giant

Redwood, which is native to California and
recognisable for its distinctive cinnamoncoloured bark and towering height. The Silver
Fir, originating from the mountains of Europe,
is another highlight. With its needle-like leaves
and strong pine scent, this was the first ever
species to be used as a Christmas tree.
Other trees to spot include the Western Red
Cedar, Coast Redwood, Chilean Pine, Monterey
Cypress and Douglas Fir. Visitors will be able to
learn more about the different species, their
origins and history, going on a sensory journey
of colours, smells and textures. Each season will
offer a new experience, from the warm oasis and
dappled shade of summer to the fiery colours of
autumn, when the trail will be dotted with fallen
pinecones.

The Pinetum was originally planted by the Hill

family, former owners of the Hawkstone estate,
in the mid 19th century. Park warden Barry
Fewster says, The trail gives us a fascinating
insight into the culture and fashions of the time.
There were people known as tree hunters who
would travel all over the world in search of

exotic species, sending back the seeds to be

planted, which is how our rare collection came
to be. Were very proud of it and excited to be
sharing our work with visitors as part of the new
trail.

Visitors to the park can also enjoy a picnic in the

woods or lunch in Caspians Tearooms, before
walking through the historic Follies, featuring
the magical caves and passages of The Grotto.

Hawkstone Park Follies is open Thursday

Monday in June, 3rd to 31st July, and 7 days a
week in August. (last admission 3pm on the
gate). Tickets are priced adult 7.95; child 5.50;
concession 7.25. Family tickets are 25.00 (2
adults + 2 children) and 28.00 (2 adults + 3
children).

Further information is available by calling

01948 841777 or visiting :
www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

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

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

www.burwartonshow.co.uk
-7
.00
pm

Ticket prices: Adults 15, Concessions 14, Child 5

Discounted pre-show tickets available

8.1
5am

A great day out for all the family

Explore
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ascinating w
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Victorian
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Stunningly
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restored and
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and vas
vastt ccourtroom
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Open: 1 March - 31 October, 10am - 5pm Tu
Tues - Sun (Open Bank Holiday Mondays)
1 - 30 November 10am - 4pm We
Wed - Sun, 1 - 22 December 10am - 4pm Sat - Sun
The Judge's Lodg
dgin
ing, Broad Street, Presteig
igne
ne, Powys, LD8 2AD.

01544 260650
www.judgeslodging.org.
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ww.judgeslodging.org. u
uk
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Signpost - page 64

H A W K S T O N E

P A R K

C
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A Powerful and
Timeless Landscape

AS SEEN ON COUNTRYFILE