FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 Issue 235

For: , Baschurch Village , Stanwardine, Newsletter Walford and Yeaton

The Thepromise Promise of of thingsThings to to Come come

River Perry Artisan Food A Canal Walk a new tourist project following in the family on Weston Wharf tradition www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com [email protected]

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Editor: Community Matters Pam Elson

Our aim in this issue is to be uplifting and business on page four; we have heard of Finance: upbeat. We just can’t stomach any more bad several students finding ways to earn some news. There’s a lot of help out there in our money through lockdown, see Georgina’s Paul Daulman community, whether from the surgery or story, Mr Shaw Clean’s daughter, below. from Linda and the team at the Church; Businesses are upping their media Distribution: Maggie and Jackie provide some phone and presence, and as you will see from the Maggie Lokier web contacts to get information, help and increased colour ads in this issue, there is reassurance. optimism out there. Stay busy with Our Contributors: There is a ‘go-do attitude’ as Anthony hobbies and projects, the vaccine has Revd. Linda Cox expresses with his new tourist initiative; arrived and there is promise of brighter

personal trainer, Emma, launches her things to come. Pam Elson Pat Davies Anita Weeks Anita Thomas Georgie’s Story Steve Bennett Completing her degree and bookmarks. After the The job hunt continues but course in Earth and success of launching her new you never know where her Eileen Serini Environmental Science last business at Market art will lead. It’s on view at Julia Bennett summer, Georgie Shaw, like Drayton’s Walking Market in The Vision Gallery in Maggie Lokier so many graduates, found August, she took on her first , on Facebook Kathy Daulman herself in an unprecedented professional event, a and Instagram: Lynne Siviter job market. So during Sunday market. @GeorgieShawArt, geor- Dr. Adam Booth lockdown, she took up her Advice and support from [email protected] . Jackie Jones hobby of painting. Georgie’s local traders encouraged her Howard Jones art is inspired by wildlife and to invest in her business; Georgina Shaw nature and, combining her purchasing a professional love of the outdoors and her market stall to survive the passion for art, her new great British weather. A big thank you to business began. Currently, Georgie is busy all our 30 distributors “Georgie Shaw Art”, sells painting commissions, for keeping the show originals, prints and gifts designing a 2022 calendar on the road. such as cards, mugs, coasters and fulfilling orders online.

The Promise of Things to Come Advertise With Us

Our cover shows the Gatten Valley near All prices for six editions: (Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec.)

Stiperstones where Jane Hulton-Harrop planted Black and White: 170,000 daffodil bulbs in 2015 to bring joy each 8th of the month prior to spring and to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer £50 for 1/8 page business published nurses. Flowering in profusion, the daffodils are on card size edition is the DEADLINE for printing the a north facing slope at 1,100 ft above sea level and £75 for 1/4 page £95 for 1/2 page Newsletter. so it is worth noting that they are late to bloom. You Please limit articles to can park at the site and there are benches available. Colour Insertions: 300-350 words maximum. It is a 40 min. easy drive from Baschurch so a walk

in the stunning countryside and a picnic should also £75 for business card size The BVN goes to 1,180 be on your itinerary when restrictions allow. There £110 for 1/4 page homes in the Baschurch is a red box at the gate for donations or visit the £140 for 1/2 page Parish and is distributed £195 for full page by Maggie Lokier and JustGiving/daffodils page. GPS ref: SY5 0SJ her 30 helpers Cover photo: John Hayward, Shropshire and Beyond baschurchnewslet- [email protected]

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Community Matters — Giving Good News

All Saints’ Church Inside this issue: Homemade for You and Hamper Raffle Riverside Cabins 5 Many thanks to all who supported our fund-raising effort on behalf of our village Church. We were huge effort Off-Line Sources 6 overwhelmed by the response - both the orders and the kind comments we received. It was truly heart-warming to receive such support from our community and as a huge Artisan Pies 7 result we raised the grand total of £3,435. demand Apologies to those people who we could not supply and Prescott Surgery 10/11 thank you for being so understanding. With all our usual fund-raising still on hold and given the success of this Weston Canal Walk 15 venture we will be looking to do something similar in the huge future. So as they say.....watch this space!! Pat Davies success Nature Notes 18 The winners of the Hamper Raffle were: Drinks Hamper Carol Finney The Knife Angel 31 Food Hamper David Coulson Food Hamper Georgina Balmer Christmas Cake Gwen and Roger Dix Coffee al Fresco ( Donated by Hunkington House Kitchen) The Serini’s coffee and cake sale in the garden raised £200 Christmas Wreath Ruth Hodson Walker with a further £410 from Just Giving for Macmillan Cancer Chocolate Hamper Richard Newman Support. Food Hamper Julie Birtles Eileen and Carlo Sereni would like to thank everyone who Christmas Cake Claire Edgley supported their fund raiser last September. Eileen said that Fairtrade Hamper Katy Whitall the nurses were absolutely wonderful in helping Carlo Pamper Hamper Linda Gordon through his treatment and that they will be holding another Chocolate Hamper Barbara Price cake sale this year in the hope of topping the £610. Beauty Voucher Andrew Balmer( donated by Hayley)

Holy Trinity Weston Lullingfields A huge thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets The grand total raised (which included some generous in our Holy Trinity Hamper Raffle, our only fundraiser donations) comes to just over £733.00. Anita Weeks in 2020. We are amazed at the result. Shrewsbury Food Hub

Our Christmas collections from food well as their local communities. Baschurch families and Millington stores were amazing this year. 1,100 Steve and I brought back many trays Close. Other trays went to the trays of food, equivalent to 12 tonnes, of veg and surplus bread and pastries children’s home on Shrewsbury Road were collected by Food Hub to Baschurch on Monday 28th and the three care homes at the Old volunteers. The tonnage was nearly as December. Pauline, who lives in Vicarage. A win-win situation and a big much as we distributed in our first Nobold, kindly put them out on her thank you to everyone who helped us year of harvesting food in 2016! driveway and in just three hours to reduce food surplus. More than 1,500 families came to cleared almost all the food to people All are welcome at the food-share our Shrewsbury food-share tables. passing by on foot or in cars. Surplus tables in Shrewsbury to save good food There was so much veg, carrots, food collected is distributed on a pay as from going to waste. parsnips, potatoes, sprouts, you feel basis with an optional Where to find a food-share table? cauliflower, celery and even mangos donation. Very generous donations Look on Facebook and Twitter or (yummy mango chutney I hear you were made that day... over £100.00. www.shrewsburyfoodhub.org.uk. say) that volunteers were encouraged We returned the following day with Julia Bennett to take supplies to their own more food from our depot and Tina households, friends and neighbours as Lord, with helpers, distributed it to

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Home Directory

G. T. Harper & Son Ltd

The Garage, Church Road, Baschurch Tel: 01939 260239 Mobile: 07715007808 Proprietor: Gary Harper

MOT Testing Repairs, Servicing, Bodywork, Welding, Engine Crypton Tuning, Petrol & Diesel Vehicles

CAR SALES All makes and models obtained at reasonable prices. Good clean cars bought for cash. OPEN: Mon - Fri 8am – 6pm

Shiatsu Shin Tai Therapist Tai Chi Qi Gong Instructor Relieve pain and stiffness Release fears and anxieties- Strengthen your immune system whilst improving posture and breathing BECOME A HUMAN BEING AGAIN – NOT JUST A HUMAN DOING Jean Studd: 01939261299 [email protected] www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 5

Riverside Cabins — the New Tourism Initiative

Self-catering holidays have a lot overlooking the with plans for Top left: each cabin has a going for them at present and a well more. With the weeping willow trees along private balcony; right: all kitted out log-cabin in the woods by a the banks, the scene is set for the characters mod cons: below left: river, amid beautiful countryside, sounds from Wind in the Willows or Shrek to make Baba welcomes the guests just the ticket. That’s the hope of an appearance. Chilled, peaceful, right: front seat on the river Anthony who's started one of our newest tranquil and #visitshropshire are his above: well spaced cabins businesses in SY4 with his new tourism buzzwords when you talk to him. by the river. initiative The project started back in 2012 when Photos: Sally Sparrow A new tourism project right now may sound Anthony was paddling the River Perry with like a crazy or nightmare scenario but on his sidekick 7 and thought ‘how lucky are The Riverside Cabins the positive side, it looks as if holidays in we to be living in such a wonderful location the UK will be on the cards for the in such a magical place’. He set out to project aims to employ foreseeable future. With this in mind, create something sustainable and chose a local people. From Anthony accompanied by his Labrador local Shropshire based company March onwards, there sidekick called 7, have slowly progressed SJ Roberts to build the cabins. He says they will be opportunities in the Riverside Cabin project on his ten-acre had great design ideas, but most administration, site between Baschurch and Wykey. importantly they had a 'can-do attitude' Anthony is not a newcomer to tourism, he from the start. Local employment is also marketing, was the Business Director for PGL Travel at key to this project and Riverside Cabins will housekeeping, Boreatton Park until May 2019 and, using carry on developing local partnerships for maintenance, his twenty years plus experience, his aim small business. With this in mind, Anthony physio, wellbeing, Yoga, has always been to develop a high-end has a good selection of activity ideas and personal 'boutique’ log cabin development nestled places to visit on the website which is worth along the woods of his home to welcome a look: riverside-cabins.co.uk fitness instructors visitors and encourage them to discover the His enthusiasm continues nine years on as and 'pamper staff'. best of Shropshire and its magnificent the concept comes to fruition. Between Watch the website for news: countryside. lockdowns, the first visitors have riverside -cabins.co.uk There are four well-spaced cabins with been enthusiastic and press coverage is underfloor heating and balconies good—Bonne Chance Anthony!

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Caring For Our Community

Off-line Sources of Help On TV/radio and in the press, they Deliveries from Spar/Moor Farm with For those of you who are off-line: tell you to access www/check out a phone call, or supermarkets via Shropshire Council - our website/download the app. For friends and family ordering. general enquiries many there is indeed an app for Delivery of repeat prescriptions/ 0345 678 9000 most things. But is this true for all medicines from the surgery/chemists. asks Maggie Lokier? Citizens Advice Bureau What off-liners lack most [apart from a Adviceline Shropshire - Before we fixated in downloading/ hug maybe] is on-line access. They are 0344 499 1100 swiping/buying on-line/posting to off-line because they don’t have (Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm) social media there was a real world. equipment or really don’t want such Citizens Advice Consumer We shopped in local shops paying cash access. This isn’t a plea for laptops or or cheque, we saved for the special smart phones it’s a request for you, Helpline - 0808 223 1133 things or, if desperate, bought on businesses and government to Age Concern credit [cards]. There are many of us remember people who are off-line. 0800 678 1602 free, who do this today. I use my local shops How often on TV, radio or news do we confidential adviceline open because, as proved in Lockdown, local hear of people ripped off through 8am-7pm, 365 days a year was there for us. Many fought for slots, on-line use. Spam, scams, identity did click & collect and shops increased theft, are the negatives of on-line. Samaritans - 116 123 any time, profits. Every day vans are here All technology costs money day or night, free to call from dropping off food/drink and parcels including electricity to run/charge landlines and all mobiles we can’t live without. Let me give you them. How much does it cost in Baschurch Covid-19 another perspective: electricity for all the online things we Community Support Group No smart phone - a land line use, battery charging, TVs in every Co-ordinators: No interactive tv - an aerial and room, smart controls for everything? Freeview Aggie Caesar-Homden No e-books, downloads, emails, 07868-707894 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram - no Alison Wallace broadband/no computer 07702-558240 Sounds hell doesn’t it except that there Helen Jones are: Books on shelves, music on CDs, TV/ 07980-660271 radio, newspapers/magazines Tina Lord delivered. 07950-830483

Parish Council Contact Details

The dates for Cllr Sarah Richards (Chair) Weston Lullingfields Ward Tel: 01939 261396 the Parish Cllr Brian Welti (Vice Chair) Baschurch Ward Cllr Patricia Budgen Weston Lullingfields Ward Tel: 01939 260207 Council Cllr Roy Roberts Weston Lullingfields Ward Tel: 01939 260031 Meetings, held Cllr Bernard Leeden Baschurch Ward Tel: 01939 261533 remotely Cllr Terry Feltus Baschurch Ward Tel: 01939 260780 st Cllr Steve Gregory Baschurch Ward Tel: 01939 260751 are: Monday 1 Cllr Matt Feline Baschurch Ward Tel: 01939 260532 February and Cllr Geraldine Tomlins Baschurch Ward Tel: 01939 260892 Monday 1st Cllr Wendy Lowdon Baschurch Ward Tel: 01939 260424 Cllr Andy Woodthorpe Baschurch Ward Tel: 07801 034053 March 2021 at Cllr Anthony Prince Baschurch Ward Tel: 07711 092743 7.30pm. Clerk to the Parish Council: Mrs Anne Howls, The Newlands, Crosscut Lane, Baschurch. 01939 260442. [email protected] www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 7

Powell’s Pies — In the Family Tradition

Our motto is “never put anything into a pie that you wouldn’t want to see on your plate.”

Shropshire is a county which prides grandfather’s pie recipe as a hobby abattoir in Wrexham and 98% of the itself on the artisan food products eight years ago and such was the pie filling is pork so the jelly is natural made here. You only have to visit one success, that three years later it and with the seasoning, you get the full of the vibrant food markets to see the became the family’s full-time business. flavour.’ To form the hot water crust choice of meat, jams or deli produced He and his wife Marie make the pies at pastry, wooden dollies are still used as using well tried processes and their shop in Whitchurch, with the help they were in Victorian times (centre non-industrial methods. Powell’s Pies of one part-timer. Then at weekends, photo above). In quantity, this pastry is is one such enterprise where the recipe they head off to the farmers’ markets not easy to work with – it is either too for pork pies has been handed down from Nantwich to . At present hot or too cold, and fluctuates with the through four generations. Shrewsbury market in the square is temperature conditions. At their For over 55 years, the Powell family out of bounds to them as one of their busiest, they have turned out 1200 pies has lived in Walford, and Andrew was competitors and friend has the pitch. in a week, no mean feat. born there in Stone Cottage. Great So what makes a good pork pie from For details of the markets, follow grandfather was a master butcher in an average one? Without hesitation, Powell’s Pies on FB or order on 07967 Shrewsbury and since the early 1800s ‘the quality of the ingredients’ says 828142. Andrew will drop off your pies the sons have been plying their craft. Andrew. ‘We buy locally sourced on his way home. Andrew decided to resurrect his ingredients; the pork is from a family

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All Saints’ Church — New Life for the New Year

I woke this morning to a and care for each other and Over this last year we have All Saints glorious crisp and frosty day to turn away from all those seen a lot of love and care "100 Club" with the sun shining through. things that cause harm to being given, our It is a day when we see the others and to ourselves. communities have become Winners earth at its best, the Jesus came to be our Saviour, stronger for it. At Christmas glistening cobwebs to mend the broken there were deliveries of food Dec 2020 shimmering in the light, the relationship between God and Christmas dinners to No 12 trees and grass tipped with and us and to open the way those who were in need or Fenella Nicholas white. Despite the gloom of for us to know eternal life alone, to bring some joy and No 91 the news on our televisions, through him. good cheer. Barbara Price the earth was a picture of Whatever you believe, or This New Year has only just No 93 beauty and delight that don’t believe, the ways of begun, but we know it’ s not Gary Harper brought a smile to my face, loving and caring for each going to be an easy year, so No 102 and as I looked closer a saw other and for the earth are lets remember to show love Barbara Davies the first signs of spring with important messages. and care as we go forward, No 103 the bulbs beginning to poke When we show love and let’s smile at those little Andrew through the frosty ground. care for the earth, it things like the cobwebs in Downton New life and fresh hope, both blossoms and blooms for the frosty morning and No 120 of which are much needed at all and produces good continue to look for the signs Faye Dickson No 129 present. things for us to share. of new life and hope. Christians of course know January Incles new life and hope through Wishing you all a Happy New Jesus whose birth we have When we show love and Year from the Rectory, Jan 2021 just celebrated. A baby born care to each other we Linda No 38 to a world in need, who grew too blossom, and in turn Mrs B Jones to be a man who came to we pass on that love and No 110 show the world how to love care to others. Sophie Gasser Our Services Light Fantastic As I write this services are currently I would like to thank all those who participated in the Advent suspended in the church buildings, but are Windows; each one was amazing, unique and truly a joy to see. Lots still available every Sunday online. They of people have commented on them and if you missed any they are can be accessed via the website or directly all on a video on the church website. www.allsaintsbaschurch.com from the Facebook page for All Saints’ Church at 11am. Community Lunches In ‘normal’ times volunteers provide a Community lunch at All Saints’ If anyone would like a regular copy of the weekly, on Thursday lunch time. Obviously in light of the Covid service and the weekly reflection on paper situation the lunch is postponed at present but we hope to resume once then please let Linda know and one will the present crisis is over. be delivered to your door. The lunch is open to anyone from the surrounding area who wishes to come along for good food, a chat and usually a good laugh. This is a Updates on when the church will be open community venture. Neither volunteers nor those lunching with us for worship will be posted on the Website need to be members of the church. The food is provided and brought to the church by the volunteers on and Facebook pages. Notices will also be duty that particular week and consists of soup, cheese and biscuits, often displayed at the churches and in the fruit and cake and tea or coffee. We have a varying number of people villages, so please keep checking. attend from 10 to 25 each week and the lunch is free although most

people give a donation towards the cost of the food. Any monies taken Whilst the churches are shut for worship go towards reimbursing the volunteers for the food provided and any if anyone needs to access the building for left over goes into church funds. At present each pair of volunteers pro- private prayer or for some quiet space vide the lunch on a rota every six weeks. We would love to be able to then it can be arranged, call Linda,01939 have more volunteers which obviously would reduce the frequency for 260304 [email protected] everyone. If you feel able to volunteer, we would be delighted to

hear from you. Lynne Siviter on 01939 262654

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Prescott Surgery Patient Newsletter

Help Us To Help You

A New Year, A New Beginning

Each Jab Welcome to 2021 and on behalf of the Patient Group and all the Doctors and staff of Prescott Surgery we wish all patients a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Brings Last year was unprecedented as we all experienced the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately we start 2021 with the same challenges Hope however we do have a positive outcome on the horizon with the launch of the coronavirus vaccine.

At the surgery we continue to be extremely busy with a significantly increased demand for pre-bookable and urgent appointments. We have increased appointment capacity to try to match this demand; we also have access to appointments based in Shrewsbury and Oswestry (often with Doctors who also work here at Prescott Surgery) – please discuss with reception the most appropriate appointment for your needs.

All GP appointments are initially carried out over the telephone and you will be asked to come in for a face to face appointment following this if needed. Please only come in to the surgery building if you have a pre-booked appointment or are collecting medication. Please do not bring anyone else with you unless absolutely necessary. Please order repeat medication online or by telephone.

Another issue for the practice has been a high volume of queries regarding the Covid vaccine. This is all being directed by NHS , not at practice level. Patients will be contacted directly, so please do not contact the practice about it. Please keep an eye on our website for up to date information. www.prescottsurgery.co.uk

The Partners would also like to make a polite request that the surgery car park is only used for our patients. There have been recent occasions where our staff members witnessed people parking, leaving their vehicle, going for a walk and returning some time thereafter. The surgery car park is provided for patients who visit the surgery. Please be considerate of this. Thank you. www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 11

Prescott Surgery Patient Newsletter

Help Us To Help You

The surgery is currently the busiest it has been for many years and the Doctors would urge you to treat minor ailments/ injuries yourself if you can. The NHS website and app can be useful if you aren’t sure about self-management or whether you need to seek further medical advice. The website has an A-Z Health menu, which is so easy to use – www.nhs.uk

Prescott Surgery Appointments: 01939 260210 The NHS APP is available to download from the App Store or Google Play. You can register; check symptoms and book repeat prescriptions. Here are some examples of issues that can be sorted out without involving the GP Repeat surgery: Prescriptions: Call 119 if you are concerned about Coronavirus or wish to book a COVID test. 01939 261403 Dental Queries – please contact your own dentist. Dentist can prescribe pain relief or antibiotics if needed. They are able to do a more thorough dental assessment than a doctor can, including x rays if needed, to guide better prescottsur- treatment. Emergency dentists are available on 01691 663684 and 01743 gery.co.uk 341898. Eye Conditions can be dealt with by certain local opticians under the ‘minor eye conditions service’ – call 01743 297027 to find your nearest participating optician. Hospital appointment queries – please call Shrewsbury and Hospital NHS Trust on 01743 261000, or Robert Jones and Orthopaedic Hospital on 01691 404000 and ask for the relevant department or specialist’s secretary. Counselling/ CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)/ and support for any emotional or psychological problem can be arranged through IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) without speaking to your GP by calling 0300 123 6020 Mental health concerns for adults can be discussed with the ‘Access Team’ Newsletter on 03001240365 or by [email protected] prepared by Dr Children and Families with Emotional Health and Wellbeing issues can seek Adam Booth, GP help and advice via ‘BeeU’ at https://camhs.mpft.nhs.uk/beeu Partner and Jackie Jones, Chair of Help us to Help You – Patient Online Services the Patient Fewer than 30% of our patients are registered for patient online services. Online services Group, Prescott will allow you to request repeat prescriptions at a time that is convenient to you – day or Surgery night. It can also mean not having to travel to the surgery and will also free the phone lines for people without access to a computer or those in need of an emergency, same day appointment. Online access also provides you with access to a summary of your medical records. When not in the pandemic, online services will also allow you to book appointments online. Please ask the team at Reception for a registration form. You will need to provide proof of ID (Driving Licence) and will be provide with a User ID and a temporary password.

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Gardening

GARDEN CONSTRUCTION Acorn

Gardening Fencing - Established: 2007

Patios - Drives Border Renovation Ponds - Walls - Turfing Weeding Planting Pruning General maintenance

David Ayers FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE RHS 2 Certificate in Horticulture Diploma in Garden Design Tel: Baschurch 01939 261073 Mobile: 07773 741265

PREMIER GARDEN SERVICES

FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS

Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Pruning Treework Planting Weeding

Please contact Daytime: 07817 106305 Eves/wkends: 01939 291248

Seth Bradbury LTD Tree services

Ashmore, Rodefern Lane, Montford Bridge, SY41AT

FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL SETH ON 07946172908

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE SURGERY WORK CARRIED OUT BY FULLY INSURED NPTC QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS, iNCLUDING DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL, PRUNING AND HEDGE CUTTING. www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 13

Gardening

G.W.R. LTD

FENCING, AGRICULTURAL & TIMBER SUPPLIES FENCE PANELS GATES & FITTINGS CONCRETE POSTS DECKING GRAVEL BOARDS SAWN TIMBER Garden Design & Construction POST MIX RAILWAY SLEEPERS

New Gardens GARDEN BARK WOOD PEELINGS LOGS AND CORDWOOD AVAILABLE Combining Old with New STOCKISTS OF:

GALLAGHER POWER FENCE Renovating Existing PRODUCTS Plant Expertise MORRIS LUBRICANTS CK TOOLS www.gwrltd.co.uk DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Call 01939 261235 TEL: 01939 234880 stuartchambers.co.uk SLEAP, NR HARMER HILL, SHROPSHIRE, SY4 3HE.

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The Canal Walk Map

The route starts at Holy Trinity Church www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 15

A Canal Walk - The Weston Canal and Wharf

Put on the wellies and join Howard survives and can be clearly seen. gate on your left. Jones as he leads the way Just after the warehouse building on You will pick up the footpath again the other side of the road you can look here and having passed through the We started our walk from Holy Trinity across from a farm gate and still make gate head off diagonally across this Church on New Year’s Eve 2020 and out the original canal wharf basin field following the line of old oak trees. called in to see the wonderful Turret which is now much overgrown. When you reach the next hedge you Clock which is maintained in full Imagine the scene back in the will see a footpath marker directing working order. The clock mechanism, 1800s with 72ft horse drawn you to the right along the field like many others in Shropshire was boundary but before you follow this, narrowboats loading and built by the famous J. B. Joyce Clock turn left and walk for a few yards along Company of Whitchurch and was unloading goods at the wharf. the hedge. In front of you now you will installed in 1897. The church is also The canal continued beyond Weston see, across the barbed wire, the final fortunate in having a rare Hilditch pipe wharf across the fields to terminus of the original Ellesmere organ. Holy Trinity church was built in terminate in a field almost opposite canal main line. Walk a few more yards 1857 and paid for by Mrs C. Barrett of where we started the walk at Holy and you will find this section still Prescott. It has an unusual wooden Trinity church. remains in water. Returning along the cloister linking the church with the Continue down Revision Row and hedgerow follow the marked footpath former vicarage and also a wooden take either the first track on your left up to the road and either cross the bellcote containing two bells. passing Bridge Farm which is being road for a loop around the village of Leaving Holy Trinity we walked north restored or walk straight ahead and Weston Lullingfields or turn left to along the road for a short distance take the second track on the left. return to the church. until reaching the war memorial at Following the first track you will Weston Common. Turn left by the reach Yew Tree Farm on your left and Memorial down Revision Row and then take the footpath off to your right. after a short distance you will pass an After a short distance a footpath old canal warehouse on your left with crosses from right to left and here take a raised wooden access door. the left path which will bring you to a Opposite, it is possible to walk down stile. Here the footpath should carry into the bed of the old canal and there straight on across the field but it has you will be standing next to the site of been obliterated by ploughing. Instead A typical 72ft Narrowboat “Gertrude” the old canal bridge. The original 1797 you can walk to your left and follow from the Samuel Barlow Fleet and brickwork on the bridge approach still the field boundary around to a field owned by Howard for many years.

A Brief History of the line continuing south towards machine were constructed. The branch Ellesmere Canal Shrewsbury. was opened in 1797 and closed in Construction of this section was later 1917 after a major breach of the canal In 1793 an act of Parliament was abandoned in a field just north of occurred at Dandyfield (now passed enabling construction to start Weston Lullingfields where a 487 yard Dandyford). Howard Jones on the Ellesmere Canal. The Chief tunnel had been planned. If the canal Engineer was William Jessop and the had gone ahead it would have passed General Agent was . through Eyton, Walford, Heath The grand plan was to connect the and Alkmund Park before connecting River Mersey at Ellesmere Port with with the Severn at Shrewsbury. The the at Shrewsbury. The partially completed 5.5 mile section main line was to be constructed from Frankton became known as the through Chester, Wrexham and the Weston Branch of the Ellesmere canal. new canal would continue south via The Ellesmere canal company built Chirk to Frankton. At Frankton the several wharfs along this branch canal would have a branch which including the final one at Weston terminated at Llanymynech and Wharf just north of Weston another to Whitchurch with the main Lullingfields where lime kilns, a public house, a Clerk’s house and a weighing Section of the 1795 plan of the Ellesmere Canal

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The Tail of a Dog — Seeing Stars in the New Year

those extra special nibbles of blanket though as Missus accompanied by a deep cut food. Well, the presents were won’t risk the shocks if I or two. After the cut was fine. I had a new bed with decided to chew it. Honest stapled and following owls on that she reckons she really doesn’t trust me x-rays and manipulation it could last a year if I don’t does she? Finally, I had a big appears that I’m OK but shred it. I love a challenge, sack of rabbit’s ears – oh have whiplash. I saw no

don’t you? I also had bliss and other treats from whip and I only have a Shona here – unbelievable a pyjamas, zebra striped her friends for which thank leash. So not sure what the whole year gone and what a covering all four legs and a you very much…… dogtor is on about. I’m fine, year it was. I quite liked the little hood. Though a bit And let’s bring you up to Missus, let me off lead for a lockdowns if Missus made difficult to get into they do date on my accident. Yes, I run. Nope, not allowed for sure of supplies for my keep me snug at night and had a close encounter of the a while. I’m not sure how meals and treats. Her Missus reckons I’m sleeping post kind. After doing all the long a while is!! I will have company was also welcome better as she is not being got important things a dog has to ask my hound friends though she seemed to need out of bed half so often. I was to do on our walk, i.e. pee/ when we next meet up. more reassurance and cold and the blanket kept poo and sniffs I was allowed I forgot to say I spent support than I normally give. coming off, that was my off lead for a run. And what a Christmas Day with my Oh well at least she was here excuse. Now I’m snuggly and run it was – in, round, hound friend Milo and his for me. And I did end up sleeping so soundly Missus swerving all over the place family. He is sooo cute needing her …… more on must set the alarm. I also with Missus using her torch following me around and that later. have a thermal pad under to light the way. One swerve sharing his treats. Lovely Christmas, a time of the blanket to improve my too many and I head butted a day that was…Love Shona presents and treats and heating. It isn’t an electric post. Concussion AJ’S Pet sitting SERVICES Give your dog the comfort of it’s own home -Going on holiday? ✔ -Day out? ✔ Not enough time to walk the dog? ✔ I can provide: Dog walking, Pet sitting, (dogs, cats, rodents, small mammals, reptiles) Livestock care(cattle, goats, etc.) Feeding Daytime visits Overnight stays All services in your own home. Kennel experience and a Triple Distinction* grade in Lev- el 3 animal management. Alice– 07377937004

SILVER BIRCH CATTERY ROBERT SADLER & SON

(Licenced) Plumbing and Heating Bathroom Installation Old Woods, General Building Refurbishment Wall and Floor Tiling 01939 290455 Country Garden Setting Call Rob: 07506 526343 Call Russ: 07497 658699 Individual Attention Call: (01939) 260182 www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 17

Bookworm — Treasure Troves

Do you remember the excitement of like a bee to pollen. friends share a bottle of wine and going into a sweetshop as a child? Most readers have a favourite genre wake up one day to find that they have Remember what it was like to choose they tend to stick to, but how about been transported back to 1954. You’ll something only to change your mind making 2021 the year you try some- find nostalgia and escapism in this several times before you made a final thing different? Be adventurous, step book, just what we all need right now. decision. You knew when you parted out of your comfort zone and challenge Rosie is a memoir by Rose Tremain, with that precious coin it had to be yourself to try new authors. The three which starts in post war Britain. Large right; you didn’t want to end up with a books listed below are all quite differ- parts of London are still in ruins and stick of liquorice when a gobstopper ent, yet they are linked by the past. the young Rosie finds food and would last so much longer, hence the Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms is a affection equally rationed. This dithering. Well bookshops have that vintage classic. In 1918 Ernest memoir will unsettle and shock; effect on me. It is true though, faced Hemingway volunteered for the despite a privileged life, it is not with- with a large number of displays you ambulance service in Italy. He was out its hardships. This is a tale of self- are instantly tempted and beguiled. wounded and decorated twice; this discovery; a quiet drama. It is also I’ve found some marvellous new book is based on his own wartime sheer nostalgia. authors in small bookshops because experiences. He re-creates the fear, Bookworm I’ve been able to focus without the courage and comradeship of war, but it distractions. That doesn’t mean I’m not is also a love story, filled with drama tempted by the larger shops, of course and passion. The author’s introduction I am. I just have a special fondness for at the start of the book is enough to the smaller, more tranquil places; one make you gasp. In the year he started of my favourite places even served writing it, several momentous events coffee and cake. Heaven! happened. Some of those events were Browsing in a bookshop is my personal, others were world events. equivalent to window shopping. I jot He finished the book in a year; a down titles of promising books in a staggering achievement given what note pad or use my phone to was happening in the background. photograph the covers. If money was Vintage 1954 by Antoine Lauren is a no object, I would certainly emerge time travel romp through 1950’s with a dozen or two. I realise that this . Who could resist a fine borders on addiction, but Bookworms Beaujolais? Not the residents of a just can’t help it; they are drawn, just Parisian building. Four newfound

Holy Trinity Church, Weston Lullingfields

Well, Christmas was certainly different the benefice. We walked around the lanes with no travel and no family visits. It was and we visited Attingham Park, the first time in 45 years of marriage that witnessing some glorious sunrises and we had Christmas lunch on our own. Our clouds, flooding after all the rain and Can you open the lock family sent us some imaginative presents, close up views of the Attingham Fallow using these clues? including gifts to charity. And we received Deer. It has been especially busy at lots of cards from friends and family, with Attingham over the Christmas break and messages and photos. We made more it was obvious that we were not the only 682 One digit is right telephone calls, had Zoom and Skype ones who enjoyed it. and in the right place 614 One digit is right meetings. While walking the local lanes we have but in the wrong place As a family we met online over the enjoyed exchanging season’s greetings 206 Two digits are Christmas period with silly Christmas with friends and neighbours on foot, with right but both are in the jokes, quizzes, stories and poems. All our dogs, on bikes and on horseback. Hearing wrong place. grandchildren entertained us with other people’s Christmas plans impressed 738 All digits are musical performances on the various us with the level of responsible wrong. instruments they play - and chatting. compliance with Covid advice and rules. 380 One digit is right We joined in the on-line church Clearly we all need to keep this up, for but in the wrong place. services and greatly appreciated the others as much as for ourselves. Advent booklet which Linda provided for Anita Weeks Answer page:21

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Nature Notes

A World Record for the Bar–tailed Godwit, and nature, like us, is in Since writing the last Nature fieldfares and redwings. A I will finish with an amazing Notes in early November mixed flock of over 500 of World record. Some of you hibernation 2020 we have had floods, these two thrush species will be familiar with snow and ice, but as far as I stripped berries from a Bar-tailed Godwit as a quite Picture: know it has not rained cats hedge on the eastern flank of large wading bird seen in ‘Ready for Take-off’ and dogs. This is a very quiet Baschurch in a couple of spring and autumn on UK the Bar–tailed Godwits time of year in some ways days in early December. mud and sand flats. It breeds by David Tipling, with few fungi, other than Note that the robin, across northern Russia, brackets, most trees and blackbird, song thrush and Siberia and across the Bering plants dormant or semi starling in your garden may Strait to Alaska. An Alaskan dormant, some animals have migrated here from bird was ringed and fitted hibernating, and others Russia or northern Europe with a satellite tag in unobtrusively getting on to join those that live here all Summer 2020. On 16 with survival. Squirrels, rats year round. Your friendly September it left with three and rabbits are active as are robin may be a Viking! others and headed badgers with a lot of fresh Notable bird sightings southwards over the digging at one local sett. For include a pair of stonechats Aleutian Islands and over those of you who know Dave by the Stanwardine road on the Pacific Ocean. It arrived the llama he has in recent Christmas Eve and a in Auckland, New Zealand, times killed three foxes as he woodcock seen on several on 27 September after a protects a flock of Jacobs occasions in a local wood by nonstop flight of about sheep. friends walking their dogs. 12,200km!!!! The UK has warmer winter Before lockdown we had a Stay safe. Let us hope for temperatures and food is good sighting of that better times by Spring. easier to find than in colder oversized sparrowhawk, the Steve Bennett European countries, so we goshawk in the south of the

are a ‘go to’ destination for county.

Baschurch Plant Sale Sunday 6th June 2021

Following on from the success of the plant sale held last year, I would like to host another plant sale in 2021 in aid of Severn Hospice & Shropshire Mind. If you have any plants to donate or could sow a few extra seeds over the winter then please get in touch. Please come along to support us. Fi English, Wimborne House, Nobold, Baschurch, SY4 DZ, 01939 260 167

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Home Directory — Pets

‘

‘Lesley Palmer Art’ Equestrian and Animal Fine Artist Available for commissions Please Tel: 07952721551 www.lesleypalmerart.com

Riding Instruction & Livery GREEN HOLLOW With SARAH WARNER (BHS Stage 4 Coach) VETERINARY SURGERY D.W.Thurston BvetMed MRCVS School Road, Ruyton XI Towns 01939 261216

Domestic pet, horse and farm animal practice Lessons available on site plus clinics at many local venues 24 Hour Emergency Service. across the region Consultation by appointment 30 years experience teaching all levels and ages Morning, afternoon and evening surgeries. ALL NEW CLIENTS WELCOME and competing in eventing to CCI3* & dressage to PSG KC Listed, Puppy Socialization Classes and Full or part & holiday livery available Good Citizen Dog Scheme Large brick stables in an American barn Farm Animal Services Available: Routine Fertility Work 25/60m outdoor arena, All year turnout Herd Health Plans Sheep and Goats, Alpaca Work Small Animal Services Available: Good hacking locally Microchip Identity For more information contact: Diagnostic X-ray and Ultrasound In-house Laboratory Testing T: 07976600453 Pet Food and Accessories E: [email protected] Horse Work W: sarwarnerequestrian.co.uk Wormers available Lodge Farm Livery, “Vetting” Baschurch, SY4 2FD www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 21

Answer to the lock code on page 17:

042 The Flower Club

The importance and refreshments overlooking the Our area has been arranging Are you between enthusiasm of our Clubs is River Severn. Later that competitions and Zoom shown here. Despite all, evening some Members meetings to watch 11 and 18 years the Flower Club has been booked into the Boat House demonstrations on a Tuesday old? getting it together over the for a very enjoyable meal – all at 2.30p.m., if you would like We would like to past months to enjoy their socially distanced and well to participate in any of these include articles/ pastime managed. Lovely to have a and need the necessary blogs by budding Like many other Clubs we relaxing catch up - actually access code please let me young journalists in have been unable to meet as instead of virtually. know. the newsletter on usual in the Village Hall for Some Members during the Sue and I have been trying to anything that workshops and first lockdown had placed keep in touch with Members demonstrations and were images of their gardens on either through emails, texts interests you from unable to carry out of fund- our Facebook Page (by put- or phone calls – if you haven’t video games to vegan raising and social activities – ting Baschurch Flower Club heard from either of us and living, science to which has been a great loss in into your search) which kept wish to find our any more raising money for our social calendar – both for us connected – so why not do information please contact charity. the Club and personally. the same with the me on 07985 082172 or Contributions should Despite the above doom and workshops? 01939 290969 or email at be a maximum of gloom, a few of us managed Firstly, we did a Harvest anitaandjohnthom- 300-350 words and to meet up in the Shrewsbury Basket then Hallowe’en [email protected] do include images to Quarry for a “Mingle in the followed by Christmas I would like to wish everyone illustrate your piece. Dingle” where the planting Wreath. Many thanks to all a safe and virus-free New baschurchnewslet- was very colourful and mood- who contributed either with Year, best wishes and keep [email protected] lifting – followed by welcome arrangements or comments. safe……Anita Thomas

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Health and Beauty

No needle dermal/Lip fillers/No needle fat dissolving from £80 Laser lipolysis/Ultrasound Cavitation fat reduction from £40 Microblading/Digital machine powder brows from £100 Small Tattoo and Smpu removal from £50 Microneedling/Mesotherapy/Collagen Induction therapy from £90 Led light therapy skin rejuvenation from £20 Hair Extensions from £110 Hair Extension training from £99 Hairdressing services from £10

Eyebrow/Lash Tint /Shape from £8

Call Lynsey in Baschurch on 07581 361136 www.divineyou.co.uk

Facebook: divineyouXx

Beauty and Wellbeing Style Care Hair and Beauty with Jo Bomere Heath SY4 3 NX

Mobile and Salon Based Beautician

Treatments include: Gel Polish Just need a trim, or a whole style change? All waxing including intimate Facials Full colour, foils, perms, Manicures and Pedicures highlights, Indian Head and Hopi Candles blowdrys, children’s cuts,

Massage all available Lash lift Nail extentions 01939 290664

Call Jo on 07771 738746 Open: Tuesday 9—5

Wednesday 9.30-2.30 Look out for special offers Thursday 9-5

Friday 9-5 www.beautyandwellbeingwithjo.com Saturday 8.30-3 www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 23

Health and Beauty Clare’s Foot Care Foot Health Practitioner

Clare Tunnadine DipCFHP, MPSPract

Specialist foot care treatment in the comfort of your own home including: Nails trimmed Callus removal Corn removal Fungal nail treatment Verrucae Thick nail reduction Other foot health problems

Please call Clare on 07951 497307 For appointments and enquiries enquiries.

Mobile Beauty Therapy By Jo Parker IHBC (1986) ABT Treatments in the comfort, privacy and convenience of your own home Facials, Massage, Waxing Eyebrow shaping Lash & brow tinting Shellac UV Nail Polish

Manicures & Pedicures Wedding make-up Indian head massage Gift vouchers available

For appointments Monday - Saturday contact Jo on 07941 033155

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Home Directory

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Home Directory

at Graham WITHERS & Co SOLICITORS Murivance House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury SY1 1JW Telephone: +44 (0)1743 236 345 www.grahamwithers.co.uk Specialising in CONVEYANCING, WILLS & PROBATE Appointments at Oakleigh, Eyton Lane, Baschurch Telephone: +44(0)1939 260 081 Home visits can be arranged also by solicitors experienced in other areas of the law

J T HARVEY

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Church Road Garage (Baschurch) Limited Window Cleaning 7 Church Road, Baschurch, SY4 2EF General Home Repairs Fencing, Guttering, Plastering The friendly team at Church Road Garage (Baschurch) Painting, Plumbing and more... Ltd offer a full range of motoring services for you and your vehicles including: Phone John: 01743 622973 0781 6967164 MOT Testing - Cars & Light Vans -Tyres Tracking, Punctures, Balancing Servicing to manufacturers schedules with OE quality parts

Air Conditioning - Service & Repair Diagnostics using the latest equipment Repairs: Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes, Suspension, Lights, Steering,Exhausts, Batteries etc. Fully skilled, helpful and friendly team, with a service second to none! Advice is always free! Phone: 01939 260702 Email: [email protected] Website: www.churchroadgarage.com

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www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 27

Home Directory

Talking heads Boreatton Hall Farm Baschurch

Stunning, Private, Luxury Accommodation

in Historic Setting

Sleeps 2 ( King-size bed)

Short/Long Stay

CAPTURE THE MOMENT WITH A MODEL Four Minutes (1.1miles) from the centre of SCULPTURE HEAD OF CLAY Baschurch

For more information apply to Artist in clay—ruth on Call Susie 07802 353019 01939 260257 or

Mobile: 0795 5307398 [email protected]

Quality Day Care for Children

• Fully inclusive day care from 12 weeks - Preschool • Funded places available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds

• Open daily 51 weeks, 07.30 – 18.30 • Unique quality setting with focus on outdoor play • Fresh home cooked food using locally sourced products

Only a mile off the A5 at Nesscliffe 01743 741554 www.littlepixiesnursery.co.uk Kinton Business Park, Kinton, Nr Nesscliffe, SY4 1AZ

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Home Directory

Stephen Morris Master Chimney Sweep Ltd

HETAS APPROVED

Rotary Power Sweeping/Service and Maintenance

Of Wood/Multi Fuel Stoves Cowls, Bird Guards Supplied and Fitted 01588 620250 We used to live in Baschurch and although we have now Established 1989, Fully Insured, Certificates Issued moved from the village we would like to still provide our services to the local community. Services we offer include: 01691 860616 0780 2655145

All Plumbing and Heating, Complete bathroom re-fits, including tiling, plastering and flooring, Oil Boiler Installation, Service and Repair, Underfloor heating, Drainage and PEST PROBLEM? Solve it with… Groundworks

Shropshire Pest and Mole Control Fast response 10% off labour for all new customers Domestic, agricultural and commercial No call out fees, free quotations Local, professional and affordable! www.homefixplumbingandheating.co.uk Wasps, Hornets, Rats Mice, Squirrels, Ants, Cluster Flies Mole Control Expert Call Alan on 01939 260813 mobile 07976 817859 www.shropshiremolecontrol.co.uk

Ian Dudley Property Services

General Building Carpentry Property Repairs

[email protected] Call Ian on 07432868116 www.baschurchvillagenewsletter.com Page 29

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Home Directory

ALAN DOVASTON Quality Carpenter and Builder Free Estimates Alterations & Extensions, Maintenance, Windows Timber & PVC, Plastering & Painting, New Doors and Security Locks, Tiling, Fitted Bathrooms, Kitchens, Wardrobes Roofing, Flooring, Loft Conversions

07752074562 01939 261240 [email protected]

ALAN POWELL www.supportmycomputer.co.uk

Electrical Contractor New PCs & Laptops installed at home Spyware Removal/Installation of All types of Domestic, Commercial Leading Edge Spyware Prevention and Agricultural Installations and Repairs. Performance Tuning and Business PC Support Upgrades and Automated

Backup Remote Support/Annual PC 35 years experience - no job too small Health Check Telephone 01743 352379 For low fixed Prices from £19.95 mobile 07775873302 PC/Laptop Stopped running or running slow or need a replacement? Call Justin on 01691 830822 or 07772 596029

Ross Hines Chimney Sweeping

Clean Chimney are safe chimneys

Brush and Vacuum – Leakage testing – Nests removed –Cowls, Bird Guards and caps supplied and fitted. Open fire, multi fuel stoves, Aga, domestic and commercial. Fully Insured with NFU, Certificates given. For a Fast, Friendly and Clean Service or just help and advice.

Call 01939 768319 24 The Wheatlands, Baschurch, Shropshire N.A.C.S Member: 12/05

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The Last Word Sculpture Has Issues — More Than Words Can Ever Say... The Knife Angel

Standing in front of some of our great cathedrals such as Chester, Coventry, Liverpool and Derby, the Knife Angel has sent a poignant message about the evil of knife crime. Created as a monument against violence and aggression, the hands of the Angel gesture ‘Why?’

In an interview with the Met. chief recently, Dame Cressida Dick said that knife crime in London remains a top priority – there were nearly 16,000 offences in the year to March 2020. But, of course, this is not a problem unique to the capital; there are victims in all our cities, and the North West had the second highest number of incidents last year after London. When the knife epidemic first hit the headlines seven or so years ago, the British Ironwork Centre came up with the idea of the Angel. With the blessing of the Home Office, the British Ironwork Centre paid for and supplied the knife bins to police forces around the country and the knife amnesty began: ‘Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife’. Forty three constabularies contributed their bin collections. The Knife Angel is 27ft tall and is made from Using 100,000 knives, metal sculptor Alfie Bradley first made a steel structure to form the basic shape for 100,000 weapons surrendered to amnesty knife welding the knives onto and this was clad with steel bins. It weighs three and a half tonnes. sheeting. The blades had to be blunted before they were used to make the feathers on the wings. The British Ironwork Centre on the road to People who had lost a loved one in a knife crime Oswestry is famous for its metal sculptures were invited to place a message on one of the blades. in all shapes and sizes. From the Spoon The response was overwhelming. Gorilla, the eye-catching idea to promote By the end of 2018, the Knife Angel was ready to go on business, the metal sculpture has become tour. Up until March 2020 when the pandemic struck, the tour schedule was fully booked; hopefully it will be more serious, highlighting some of today’s outside Hereford Cathedral in June this year it has just issues nationwide. been announced. Each hosting city has to commit to 30 As Chairman of the British Ironwork Centre, Clive Knowles, days of intensive youth anti-violence workshops and photo above, is the impetus behind the Knife Angel and his programmes so leaving a lasting legacy in each task, to educate youngsters and make them aware of the region that it visits. problem on our streets which shows no signs of going away. It is noticeable that the places welcoming the statue so With the help of the West Murcia Police, primary and far have been are in the north of the country, Rochester secondary schools are engaging in youth knife intervention being the exception. Calls for the Angel to go on the programmes and the Knife Angel tour, that great publicity fourth plinth of Trafalgar Square have been declined by platform, will resume once the pandemic allows. Clive the Mayor of London, saying that it would deter tourists. Knowles has found a way to draw attention to some of the Outside a church such as Westminster Abbey may be a problems of our times and through his philanthropy the better solution for this National Monument Against message is getting across and being heard. Pam Elson Violence and Aggression. As more weapons arrive at the Ironworks, expect more conceptual art in the future. www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk