CO

UN

TRY&

BO

RD

ER LIFE

The country m

agazine for Wales &

the English B

order Counties

October 2010

Mid

No.1 f or Wale s & the Engl i sh Border Count i e s

October 2010

Book it!Hay-on-Wye, the country’s literary capital, is the perfectplace for a day out

What a pictureThe landscapes of renownedlocal artist Richard Corbett goon display in Herefordshire

A £300 SPA BREAK FOR TWO AT A LUXURY WELSH BORDER HOTEL

Discover Shropshire’s

berried treasureMeet the blueberry grower

who’s impressing food lovers

WIN!

Enjoy the fruits of autumn

From Llangollen Food Festival to ghostly walks in Shrewsbury, the new season awaitswww.cbl.org.uk

Issue 82 • £2.50

Cover_CBL82_Mid_FinalREV_Layout 1 17/09/2010 12:04 Page 1

News &

8 October 2010 Country & Border Life

various venues around thetown. Highlights willinclude the europeanUnion Chamberorchestra, a pianorecital by Sofya gulyakand an AmericanSpectacular with Carlo Curley.k Bridgnorth Jazz Festival. 29th-31stOctober. At various venues. Bridgnorth,Shropshire. Tel: 01746 765737.

k Autumn In Malvern Festival. Eventsthroughout October. Great Malvern,Worcestershire. Tel: 01684 892277.

www.malvernfestival.co.uk

TEE-OFFA buzz has been building in Wales forsome time, and it’ll reach fever pitchas the ryder Cup takes place from the1st to 3rd october at the CelticManor resort in the Usk Valley.

The competition pits the bestgolfers from europe against the topplayers from the USA. to celebratethis year’s ryder Cup being so closeto home – and the fact that the club’sthe only one in the country to havehad two members who have served as

ryder Cup captains: Harry Weetmanand ian Woosnam – oswestry golfClub in Shropshire will be holding anopen day on 9th october.

Harry Weetman, born in 1920, waselected along with his wife as anhonorary member of the club in 1959and went on to captain the europeanteam in 1965. ian Woosnam, born inoswestry, was elected as an honorarymember in 1985. He captainedeurope’s squad in 2006.

The open day will include freecoaching on the practice grounds for

beginners (whatever your age),membership deals for thoseinterested in joining, and golfers willbe able to play the course (this mustbe booked in advance).

A fun day out with lunch available,it’s going to be a great family event for anyone who’s interested inplaying golf!k 9th October, 10am-3pm. Oswestry Golf Club, Aston Park,Queen's Head, Oswestry, Shropshire. Tel: 01691 610535.www.oswestrygolfclub.co.uk

eventsThe best seasonal activities and latest developments across the region

Wales and the Borders will be alive withthe sound of music this month.

The Bridgnorth Jazz Festival on thelast weekend of october will open witha Billie Holiday tribute and culminatewith a jam session at the river HouseKitchen. The festival is supported byBridgnorth District Council, Bridgnorthtown Council and tanners Wines Ltd.

The Autumn in Malvern Festivaltakes place throughout october at

Hitting tHe rigHt note

REVISE_Final_News_CBL82_Layout 1 16/09/2010 06:36 Page 8

Get involvedDo you have a favourite river? If so,you can now vote for it online aspart of the Our River campaign.Voters are being asked to choosethe ‘best’ or ‘worst’ river in Englandand Wales to celebrate the finestones and bring attention to thosethat need the most help.

The river with the most ‘best’votes overall will be awarded a

commemorative panel orsculpture donated to

the winning town,while the ‘worst’

river will receivea visit from ateam of expertswho’ll conduct

a one-dayworkshop with the

local council and/orlocal groups to help

develop an action plan tohelp improve the condition of theriver and bring back the wildlife.Vote for your local river now!k To cast your vote, visitwww.ourrivers.org.uk. Voting remainsopen until 31st October 2010.

Read all about itIf it’s culture you crave, head to oneof the many literature festivals on inthe Borders this month.

Cheltenham Literature Festival,sponsored by The Times, is a firmfavourite. Guests include SimonPegg and Maureen Lipman.

Emphasis is on local talent at theWellington Literacy Festival inShropshire. Speakers includeBirmingham-based crime writerJudith Cutler.

Chester Literature Festival inCheshire will be attended by AlexeiSayle, Sally Vickers, AlastairCampbell and some of Cheshire’sbrightest stars.

And Julia Jarman and AndrewPeters will be attending NorthShropshire’s Worldwise Family Litfest.k Cheltenham Literature Festival. 8th-17th October. Tel: 0844 5768970. www.cheltenhamfestivals.comk Wellington Literary Festival. 2nd-26th October. Tel: 01952 567697.www.wellington-shropshire.gov.ukk Chester Literature Festival. 18th-31st October. Tel: 0845 241 7868.www.chesterfestivals.co.ukk Worldwise Family Litfest. 28thOctober-3rd November, contact PamParish 01743 255031.

Fun to the coreApple-lovers will bedescending on the GrosvenorGarden Centre in Cheshireon 9th and 10th October forits annual apple weekend.

Villagers and customerswill be asked to bring alongtheir apples so they can beturned into bottles of juice forthe villages to sell at fêtes andother village events to raisefunds for the community. Forthose with their own apple trees, Les Armstrong, head gardener at Eaton Estate,

will be on hand to identify them. Around 3,000 varieties are grown in Britain.An apple press will be making juice on the day for visitors to try, and

there’ll be cooking demonstrations, competitions, children’s natureactivities, storytellers, music, food tasting and much more.k 9th and 10th October. 11am-3pm. Grosvenor Garden Centre, Wrexham

Road, Belgrave, Chester. Tel: 01244 625200. www.grosvenorgardencentre.co.uk

NEWS & EVENTS

October 2010 11Country & Border Life

Suite talk St George’s Hotel in Llandudno isadding an independent and exclusivefunction facility, with room for morethan 120 people. The new functionroom, the Menai Suite, will feature anopen terrace to provide it with its ownprivate entrance at the side of the four-star hotel, which is also celebrating beingawarded a Gold Award by Visit Wales.

“This is an extremely exciting tim e forthe team at St George’s,” says generalmanager Tony Burns. “The Menai Suitewill have the ability to offer events withcomplete independence from the mainhotel. It’ll be unique in North Wales.”k St George’s Hotel, The Promenade,Llandudno. Tel: 01492 877544.www.stgeorgeswales.co.uk

Tony Burns andNathan Cousins of StGeorge’s Hotel withmayoress Ann Yates

REVISE_Final_News_CBL82_Layout 1 16/09/2010 06:43 Page 11

60 September 2010 Country & Border Life

Glorious gardens and a stunning hall on the banks of the Severn provide a uniquely tasteful setting for the Welsh Food Festival

Words: Will Harris Pictures: Kate Hamer

The magnificentGlansevern

Glansevern_CBL81_CBL_Master_Grid 19/08/2010 11:28 Page 60

At a tranquil spot near the villageof Berriew, in the midst of some25 acres of beautiful gardens

and with awe-inspiring views of therolling Powys countryside, stands themagnificent 18th-century GlansevernHall. Just 30 years ago, however, thehall and gardens were a little less striking than they are today.

“The house and grounds unexpectedlycame up for sale while we were livingeight miles away in the Banwy Valley,”says barrister Neville Thomas who, withhis wife Jenny, is the proud owner ofGlansevern Hall. “We both fell for it immediately; we both fell in love, onemight say, with a wreck.”

“It was the very special view from thefar side of the lake, looking back at thehouse, that caught us. It’s like a fairytale, it’s beautiful,” adds Jenny. “Loveaffairs are dangerous!”

Neville was born and raised in NorthWales. Though he’s lived in Londonand worked as far afield as Hong Kong,Welsh is his first language and he’snever felt distant from his roots.

“I was spending an awful lot of timeoverseas, and, yes, we had a Londonflat, but I never regarded London asanywhere other than a place fromwhich to work; my home has alwaysbeen here in Wales.”

They’ve certainly made Glansevernhome. It’s hard to believe the propertycould’ve been anything other than thecountry paradise it is today – a beautifulsite that also happens to be the locationof the popular annual Welsh Food Festival (4th and 5th September).Neville and Jenny believe it’s one of thebest locations for a food festival, beingboth practical and unique.

“It’s the only food festival that I’maware of that takes place in a 25-acregarden,” beams Neville. “And that obviously has an enhancing value.”

“It’s intimate enough but you’ve alsogot space; I think food festivals canoften be quite a claustrophobic experience,” adds Jenny.

It would be difficult to imagine a national food festival taking place herewhen they bought the property in 1982.

“The back wall was disintegrating fastand had to be completely rebuilt. Thewhole house had to be reroofed, there

was dry rot as well as water coming ineverywhere. Sheep were grazing rightup at the walls of the house, and thesecond ‘walled garden’ was being usedas an intensive pig rearing unit!”

Rise and fallThe house and garden have a historyspanning more than two centuries; thehouse was designed by the architectJoseph Bromfield, who was commissioned by Sir Arthur DaviesOwen to build it in the 1790s or 1800s.

Bromfield was heavily influenced bythe neoclassical movement (Glansevernwas described by the architectural historian Pevsner as an “austere Greekrevival house”), and he is responsiblefor much of the plasterwork seen in theregion’s grand houses, including Nannau and Rug in North Wales andOakley Park, Walcot Park and Attingham Park in Shropshire. It’s believed Glansevern Hall, however, wasBromfield’s masterwork.

The Owens prospered and with themthe Glansevern estate. The gardens, reputedly magnificent, were tended byeither nine or 14 gardeners in full-timeemployment up to 1939. The last yearsof the Owen ownership saw a decline inthe upkeep of the house and gardens,before it was eventually sold in 1951.

Over the following years, ownershipof Glansevern changed four times andthe grounds suffered as a result (thefirst buyer was a timber merchant whotook his share of the woods before selling it on).

RestorationWhen Neville and Jenny took over theownership of Glansevern Hall and gardens, they made every effort to return it to its former glory by restoringits original appearance. However, thisproved to be much more difficult thanthey’d expected.

“Research was attempted but turnedout to be a failure,” says Neville. “Thereare 7,000 folios of Glansevern papers atthe National Library of Wales inAberystwyth, deposits made by thefamily who built the house when theyleft, but from those I wasn’t able to findanything really definitive. What onewould have wished to have is old

September 2010 61Country & Border Life

GLANSEVERN HALL

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32 August 2010 Country & Border Life

Once the area’s major stronghold, PowisCastle is definitely worth a visit, withbeautiful gardens, a grand Elizabethanlong gallery and even audio trails

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August 2010 33Country & Border Life

Move to...WelshpoolSurrounded by unmarred countryside stretching

into the distance, Welshpool is a rural gemthat’s friendly and full of character

Words: Will Harris Pictures: © Crown Copyright Visit Wales

Lying in undulating scenery in theWelsh Borderland, surroundedby calm canals and quiet

countryside – and just a stone’s throwfrom offa’s dyke – is the rural markettown of Welshpool, or y trallwng inWelsh (literally meaning ‘the marshy orsinking land’, due to the site uponwhich it was founded).

This paradigm of rural culture has apleasant, friendly atmosphere andthough often busy is never hectic orcrowded. The town has plenty to offersomeone who’s looking for a quieter,more relaxed place to live.

CharaCter and historyWelshpool became a borough under thetitle of Burgus de Pola by charter in1263, although it seems certain that thesettlement is much older – recordsmention a castle here in 1196, which isprobably the motte and bailey earthwork lying near the railway station. during the rest of the 13th century, the new borough was laid outalong what is now Broad street andhigh street, and the town grew rapidly.

it was at this time that Powis Castle,still standing just south of Welshpool,developed as the area’s major stronghold, however the surroundingarea still has many great ruined castles,notably dolforwyn (built by Llywelynap Gruffydd in 1273) and the normanruin of Montgomery.

For a long time the town was knownsimply as Pool, but it had its namechanged to Welshpool during the 16th century to differentiate it from Poole in dorset.

today, you can trace Welshpool’shistory through the great variety ofbuilding styles that adorn its streets,with 16th-century, Georgian and Victorian architecture to admire. eventhe local cinema, purpose-built in 1938,is pleasingly characteristic of its era.

Relax on the Montgomerycanal; the timber-framed

Framework Studio and TheButtery (above)

Move_to_Welshpool_CBL_Master_Grid 14/07/2010 15:29 Page 33

Whistling In TheDark, JoyceLathamRRP: £12.99. ISBN

978-0750950374.

Sutton Publishing.

www.thehistory

press.co.uk

Following on fromthe success of thelate JoyceLatham’s first

book, which details her childhood daysduring the wartime years in the Forest ofDean, this second volume of her autobiography sees Joyce through heradolescent years, from grammar schoolto marriage. An emotional and pleasurable read, Whistling In The Darkcan be both cheerful and saddening. Itincludes a selection of the author’s enlightening poems, and there are photographs to accompany the text.

Pick of theBunch: TheStory ofTwelveTreasuredFlowers,MargaretWilles RRP: £19.99.

ISBN 978-1851243037. Bodleian Library

Publishing. www.bodleianbookshop.co.uk

Remarkably, the list of Britain’s favouriteflowers has barely changed for morethan 400 years, and in this illustratedbook Margaret Willes studies 12 of themost popular. The list includes, perhapsnot surprisingly, the rose, iris, carnationand lily. She looks at their social history, etymology and symbolic associationsthrough the ages. Anyone with an interest in British flowers will find thisbook fascinating, but its appeal as abook on British history is universal.

Beekeeping,Joanna RydeRRP: £7.99.

ISBN 978-

1847734358.

New Holland

Publishers.

www.new

holland

publishers.com

If you’ve beeninspired by the feature on p. 58 to helpBritain’s bees, this is the definitive bookon apiculture, or beekeeping, witheverything a would-be beekeeper needsto know: essential tools and equipment,setting up and maintaining a hive, harvesting and selling honey and wax,and even honey recipes. Each chaptergoes into the advantages and disadvantages of certain methods andtools in-depth, and one even features aseasonal reference guide.

Undiscovered Wales:Fifteen CircularWalks, KevinWalkerRRP: £12.99. ISBN

978-0711228672.

Frances Lincoln Ltd.

www.frances

lincoln.com

In this handypocket-sized guide Kevin Walker presents 15 circular one-day walks takingin relatively unseen parts of the Welshcountryside, covering spots both inNorth and Mid Wales as well as closer to his home in Brecon. The walks vary in difficulty, and each route is accompanied by illustrations and interesting local history, providing somegreat ideas for a Sunday outing, treadingthe paths of undiscovered Wales.

Local From treasures in the earth to those in the hive, life in Shropshire to childhood in theForest of Dean, walks in Wales and the Borders and Britain’s best flowers, here’s thismonth’s pick of the best regional books

LITERATURE

92 May 2010 Country & Border Life

The list of Britain’sfavourite flowers has

barely changed for 400 years

91_95_Creations_CBL77_CBL_Master_Grid 21/04/2010 17:22 Page 92

COUNTRY CREATIONS

The Riches BeneathOur Feet, Geoff CoyleRRP: £20. ISBN 978-

0199551293. Oxford

University Press.

www.oup.com

With mineral richesin its earth, Britainhas a long history of

mining. Here, Geoff Coyle looks intohow mining shaped Britain: its landscape; technology; and society. Informative and interesting, Coyle devotes a large portion of the book tothe abundant Welsh mines, which hedoes with enthusiasm and authority.

It Happened in Shropshire,Bob Burrows RRP: £7.99. ISBN 978-

1906122195. Merlin

Unwin Books.

www.merlin

unwin.co.uk

Shropshire’s famousfolk and events are highlighted in this

The Big Walks of theSouth, David BathurstRRP: £8.99. ISBN 978-

1849530248.

Summersdale

Publishers.

www.summersdale.com

The author of a number of walking

guides to Great Britain, David Bathursthas now written individual books splitbetween north and south, with the lattercovering some great routes in Wales, including Offa’s Dyke Path and Glyndwr’sWay. Routes vary in difficulty for eitherthe casual walker or more experiencedtrekkers, and the author makes sure to include mention of all nearby historic orgeographic areas of interest.

Charlotte van Praagh finds IrisGower’s novel has a real-life twist House of Shadows, Iris GowerRRP: £19.99. ISBN 978-0727869074.

Severn House Publishers. Tel: 020 8770 3930.

www.severnhouse.com

The latest offering from Wales' best-lovedauthor, Iris Gower, is set in the Second WorldWar and based on real-life events atAberglasney Hall in Carmarthenshire.

In the 17th century, six maids were alleged to havedied in Aberglasney's Blue Room, from asphyxiation or arsenic poisoning.Since then, there have been reports of ghostly occurrences. Iris Gower takesthis historical event as the basis for her solid, well-structured period mystery.

Artist Riana Evans falls in love with the dilapidated Welsh mansion, despiterumours of its being haunted, and buys it. The ‘ghosts’ prove good forbusiness, inspiring her paintings and ghost-spotting weekends. But it soonbecomes clear the house holds many secrets – which Riana tries to uncover.

Book of the month

To 22nd May

Showcase exhibitionWork from artists displaying a

diverse range of styles.

10am-8pm. Oriel Theatr Mwldan,

Bath House Road, Cardigan,

Ceredigion. Tel: 01239 621200.

www.mwldan.co.uk

1st to 3rd May

Spring Craft FairDemonstrations and items for sale.

11am-4pm. Erddig Hall, near

Wrexham. Tel: 01978 355314.

1st May to 27th June

Mick CassonExhibition of the ceramicist’s work.

10am-5.30pm. Ruthin Craft

Centre, Park Road, Ruthin,

Denbighshire. Tel: 01824 704774.

www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

9th May

Pottery Open DayElspeth Soper invites you to the

launch of her new range.

11am-3pm. Willey Furnace

Pottery, Barrow Road, Broseley,

Shropshire. Tel: 01952 885759.

15th May

Spring FairFood, arts and crafts, and plants.

10am-4pm. Shropshire Wildlife

Trust Visitor Centre, 193 Abbey

Foregate, Shrewsbury.

Tel: 01743 284280.

www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

CreativeDIARY

May 2010 93Country & Border Life

book, a lively account of the county’s heroes – including Wilfred Owen andCharles Darwin – battles, discoveries andeven its crimes. The most well-read Salopian is likely to learn something newabout their county from Bob Burrow’sfascinating book.

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Through the thin mist we could make outa number of semi-wild horses runningdown the mountainside. “That’s a sightwe don’t see on the outskirts of Chester”

A path drops down to the Wye Valley with the Brecon Beacons in the distance

102 July 2010 Country & Border Life

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July 2010 103Country & Border Life

COUNTRY WALKS

Walkers look ahead to theclimb up Pen y Fan – the

highest point in South Wales

the Peak District but Patricia and Ihave never been to the Brecon Beacons. We felt if we tried it on ourown we’d end up missing somethingout. This gives us the best of bothworlds: a variety of walks without having to worry about where we aregoing to park or how we reach thestart; a local guide who knows the areaand can pass on her knowledge; andthe comfort of relaxing in luxury at theend of our day.”

Yesterday’s sunnier walk along thetranquil banks of the River Wye hadbeen a gentle introduction to the area.“The walks are not necessarily meantto be long and hard going. They’requality walks that’ll deliver a realmountain experience or a calm andtranquil interaction with the countryside and nature when walkingat a lower level,” explains Sarah.

“Walking should be fun and done at apace that suits you, allowing plenty oftime to enjoy the views and observethe flora and fauna.”

Unlike today, when we were pickedup from the hall in a private vehicleand dropped off at our starting point,yesterday’s walk began from the frontdoor. The River Wye sweeps past thehall’s grounds and there are several

different routes to explore along it,with the opportunity to watch swans gliding gracefully on the water, leapingsalmon at spawning time and, for thelucky ones, the occasional otter fishingin the rapids.

Today, our path along the Rhiw yrYsgyfarnog ridge is relatively level andeasy going, although boggy in places.As we descend gently towards ourjourney’s end, Sarah explains abouther leading experience. “Since 1995,I’ve led treks and mountain bike expeditions to countries throughoutthe world, including the Atlas mountains in Morocco, the Andes inPeru, Namibia, the Libyan desert andFinland, as well as here in England andWales. My main experience is leadingin Morocco and this developed overthe years through a love of the countryand the people I have made friends

Walk_CBL79_CBL_Master_Grid 16/06/2010 21:13 Page 103

Galloping gourmet

Country

Spears for springThe asparagus season only lasts from Mayto June, but this delicious vegetable mustn’tbe missed. As it deteriorates relativelyquickly, freshly picked British asparagus ispreferable to jet-lagged imported packs. Orwhy not try growing your own?

Traditionally matched with hollandaisesauce, enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil, atwist of black pepper and perhaps a fewshavings of Parmesan cheese. Alternatively,it is great steamed or boiled and is ready inminutes, best served firm to the bite. It’salso great roasted, chargrilled or barbecued,developing an intense smoky flavour. Fine,young spears also work well sautéed, stir-fried or in a salad.

Packed with iron,potassium and folicacid, this spear-shapedsuperfood alsohelps protectagainst cancerand heart disease.And don’t forget itsaphrodisiac properties!

Whether boiling or steaming,

it’s a good idea to tie

asparagus in bundles of 10-12

spears for cooking, so they

can be removed from the

water all at once.

Tip

What? British asparagus and purple sprouting broccoli with caper butterWho? Serves 6 (as a side dish)Why? A simple but tasty dish to satisfy everyone’s taste buds

Prepare: 1 tbs capers, rinsed • 2 tbs flat-leaf parsley • 75g/3oz butter, slightlysoftened • 1 small garlic clove, crushed • 2 bundles British asparagus •200g/7oz purple sprouting broccoli • Sea salt and black pepper

Make:1. Roughly chop the capers with the parsley and add to a bowl with thebutter, crushed garlic and seasoning and mix together with a fork.2. Steam or boil the asparagus and purple sprouting broccoli for about 5 minutes or until tender. Drain and place in a warmed serving dish.3. Add the caper mix and combine, then dot the surface with a little morebutter and serve immediately with sauté potatoes and sprinkled with theflat-leaf parsley.

May 2010 73Country & Border Life

KitchenToss those spears into the pan to celebrate the start of the asparagus season,

and there’s the chance to win some wonderful Emma Bridgewater china

In season

73_77_Kitchen_CBL77_Layout 1 21/04/2010 17:49 Page 73

From a tiffin to tealights, travel to teapots – and plenty for the garden, too!

ArcadianhomeBELOW: Ideal for finishing off an apron, dress,or bag, each one-metre length of ric rac comeson a hand-turned reel. Vintage set of four,£7.50. Available from Pearl and Earl. Tel: 01903 885456. www.grannyknits.co.uk

LEFT: Thesecharming Fairtradeblossom tealightsall have a floralscent and are idealfor using with orwithout holders.Blossom TealightsMixed Flowers, boxof 10 assorted,£4.99. Availablefrom StrawberryFool. Tel: 0845 2269177. www.strawberryfool.co.uk

BELOW: Brighten up the breakfast table withthis delightful red polka dot teapot. It has an800ml capacity and is available with matchingmug, cup & saucer, bowl and egg cup. MW Polka Dot Teapot in Red, £12. Available from Maxwell & Williams. Tel: 020 8200 5100. www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk

ARCADIAN

68 May 2010 Country & Border Life

LEFT: Keep yourpassport pristinewith this prettyFrench-style

passport holder. Wild& Wolf Keepsake

Passport Holder, £18.Available from Breeze.Tel: 01223 354403.www.breeze.uk.com

BELOW: In pretty frosted sorbet shades,these Amina Tea Glasses look beautiful anywhere. Each glass (height 6cm x diameter 6cm) hasa delicate filigree-look rim and holds a standard tealight. Comesas a set of four. Boxed Set of Amina Tea Glasses, £18. Availablefrom Berry Red. Tel: 01432 274805. www.berryred.co.uk

RIGHT: Crafters willlove these vintage

quilting squares. Pictured here packagedin jam jars and topped

with a square from the set. Vintage-

quilting Squares WithJar, £12.50. Availablefrom Pearl and Earl.

Tel: 01903 885456.www.grannyknits.co.uk

ABOVE: This gorgeous tiffin has been hand painted by craftspeople from Kashmir,helping to provide much-needed employment. Each tiffin has four compartmentsand includes four metal plates. Perfect for storing cakes and biscuits, or as servingbowls. The word ¡’tiffin’ means ‘light lunch’. Handpainted Eva Tiffin (25cm x 21cm),£60. Available from Funky Olive. Tel: 0118 988 7330. www.funkyolive.co.uk

67_71_Arcadian_CBL77_CBL_Master_Grid 21/04/2010 17:01 Page 68

… to take to the streets and be jolly. There’s no better time to visit Shrewsburythan during its vibrant Summer Season, when the historic market town is

filled with the very best in entertainment Words: Will Harris

74 June 2010 Country & Border Life

The streets are packed withlively, chattering people.The roads are closed offand the centre of Shropshire’s county town

is buzzing with excitement. It can meanonly one thing: Shrewsbury SummerSeason is here again, and it’s biggerthan ever.

Walking through the town during theSummer Season among the crowds of

people, enjoying a warm sun and lightbreeze, it’s hard to imagine that, sevenyears ago, there wasn’t a big event likethis for local people to take part in.Now people flock to Shrewsbury, manycoming a great distance, to see the culmination of festivals and shows thatthe Summer Season has to offer.

“Every year I hear more and moredifferent accents,” says Dominic Wallis,business development manager for

Shropshire Council. “Scottish accents,London accents – people are starting tocome from all over the country. I thinkit’s really getting a reputation.”

There are a number of reasons forthis success, says Dominic, who’s beeninvolved since the season’s inception.

“There’s this word going round at themoment: ‘staycation’. I think it’s beginning to stick because more andmore people are staying in Britain to

’Tis the Season74_79_Shrewsbury_Summer_Season_CBL78_Let it snow 19/05/2010 21:19 Page 74

June 2010 75Country & Border Life

SHREWSBURY SUMMER

go on holiday. Shrewsbury’s in themiddle of the country, so it’s easy to getto and has this wonderful, lively towncentre; there’s always plenty to dowhen you come here. Increasingly,people use the town as somewhere toshop during the day then go see or dosomething in the evening.”

Shrewsbury certainly does have a lotgoing on. There are more than 150events held from May to September

under the banner of Shrewsbury Summer Season, with something tosuit all ages and interests. That’s a significant increase, given that the firstseason took place as recently as 2004.

“There was a Shrewsbury before theSummer Season and there’s now aShrewsbury with it,” says Dominic.“The theatre used to be dark at highseason, and now we have this great opportunity every year for people to

just get out there and do stuff, enjoyingwhat’s on offer and participating, too –just bringing the town alive.

“We really try to use the landscape ofthe town as a canvas, and the paletteused to colour in that canvas is thelocal residents of Shrewsbury, who helpto put the whole thing together.”

We show just how colourful that canvas can be, previewing a selection ofthe best of this year’s events.

74_79_Shrewsbury_Summer_Season_CBL78_Let it snow 19/05/2010 21:20 Page 75

Frost Bound"The tree in this picture is onethat I see daily. On thisparticular winter’s day, all ofthe branches were covered infrost, and there was no touchof warmth in the entirelandscape except for thislovely woodpecker.

"As a printmaker, I'm veryinterested in the compositionof pictures and the recurrentpatterns in nature. I drew asketch outside, and decidedto put the image intolinocut because it had such agreat contrast."Thelma Sykes SWLA, fromSaughall, Chester.www.swla.co.uk

80 July 2010 Country & Border Life

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LOCAL WILDLIFE ART EXHIBITION

LabradorDuck"I thought it would beinteresting to do a sculpture ofa bird that had been extinctsince 1875; it's more of achallenge to create somethingpurely from bits ofinformation, photographsof old stuffed birds andillustrations from otherartists, then put them alltogether and try and comeup with something accurate.

"I take a lot of inspirationfrom the local area, mainlymaking woodcarvings ofindigenous waterfowl;there's plenty of placesaround here to see them."Philip Nelson, from Gresford,Wrexham.

First day at school"This is a pencil drawing of somepenguins, which not only lendthemselves to black and white, but as Iwork for the Born Free foundation, Itend to concentrate on species thatare threatened."

"Wildlife is a source of inspiration forso many of us, and I think once you'veseen animals in their natural habitatthen that in itself is an inspiration. Ioften used to go on holidays in MidWales, and I remember always beinginspired by the wide open spaces andthe wildlife; it was there I saw both redkites and badgers for the first time."Chris Wright www.cwright.co.uk

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