New lives born out of war

SOUTH COPYRIGHT SHROPSHIRE STAR JAMIE RICKETTS 30/08/2022 - Ukrainian Artist Svitlana Dzedzei is a refugee and staying in Cleobury Mortimer. She is showing off her paintings and commissioning them locally. Photos also for SHROPSHIRE MAGAZINE.

Ukrainian refugees have been given new homes, new lives and jobs by the people of Cleobury Mortimer. Matthew Panter takes up their story   The peace and serenity of a Shropshire town offers an escape from harrowing scenes and the daily horrors of war.Life in Cleobury Mortimer must seem a world away from the dreaded sound… Continue reading New lives born out of war

Accidental duchess

Emma Watkins went from farmer’s daughter to duchess of Rutland. Heather Large finds out more about her extraordinary life.  Life changed beyond recognition for Emma Watkins when she fell in love with the future Duke of Rutland.When she first met David Manners, the pony-mad daughter of a Welsh farmer had no idea that he was heir… Continue reading Accidental duchess

Comedy horror is simply wicked

Daniel Morris chats to the makers of wolf manor – a new werewolf movie filmed against the stunning backdrop of the Shropshire countryside. Having been known to have inspired the likes of Charles Dickens, Mary Webb and Edith Pargeter, Shropshire is no stranger to serving as a muse for the creative – the beauty of… Continue reading Comedy horror is simply wicked

Breaking down the barriers

SHREWS COPYRIGHT SHROPSHIRE WEEKLY SHROPSHIRE STAR JAMIE RICKETTS 30/05/2018 - Darren Edwards, who broke his back rock climbing is now disabled but using rowing as part of his rehabilitation at Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury.

  After life-changing injuries following a cliff fall, Darren Edwards vowed to live life to the fullest. He chats to Matthew Panter about his next challenge – seven marathons in seven days.  Seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. When you say it out loud, it sounds impossible. At the very least, rather improbable.And… Continue reading Breaking down the barriers

Ark of hope for the homeless

SHREW COPYRIGHT SHROPSHIRE STAR STEVE LEATH 30/06/2022 Pics at The Ark Shrewsbury, where Lord Lieutenant Anna Turner was invited to officially open the building. She is pictured here on the right, and with her is: Client: Danny Parton, Emily Bell (Chair at the Ark), Wendy Faulkner (Manager).

Daniel Morris looks at the work of charity Shrewsbury Ark as it marks its 50th anniversary year. ] For five decades a local charity has helped the homeless and served some of those most in need without hesitation. Now, as it celebrates its golden anniversary year, its work is more vital than ever, and support… Continue reading Ark of hope for the homeless

Forever autumn

LAST COPYRIGHT TIM STURGESS SHROPSHIRE STAR...... 10/11/2021 Autumn colours reflect in the river Severn as seen from Greyfriars bridge Shrewsbury.

Heather Large explores what the county has to offer in its most spectacular season. Every autumn, our parks and woodlands are filled with a rich colour palette of reds, oranges, yellows and golds. As trees prepare for the winter months, their leaves start to change, as their green chlorophyll breaks down, and we’re treated to… Continue reading Forever autumn

To the manor born

Heather Large visits the 200-acre Oteley Estate in Ellesmere. Every month the idyllic stable yard at the Oteley Estate in Ellemere is transformed into a bustling marketplace. Local businesses and producers sell a wide range of food, drink and gifts, including honey, cheese, jam and coffee. Also on sale is Oteley’s home-reared beef, pork, lamb… Continue reading To the manor born

Bringing nature to the people

Andy Richardson meets members of Shropshire Wildlife Trust as they celebrate their 60th anniversary with the opening of an accessible bird hide.   It’s been a remarkable year for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. The organisation that brings together communities, volunteers and businesses to champion wildlife is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary.   Among the projects that… Continue reading Bringing nature to the people

Sweet treats for our troops

Louise Bennet has been baking her ‘buns of mass production’ to ship out to troops abroad for nearly 20 years. Heather Large chats with the mother of three. When Louise Bennet sent a fruit cake to her son while he was serving in Iraq, little did she know it would be the start of a… Continue reading Sweet treats for our troops

Turning the pages on stately story

WOLVERHAMPTON COPYRIGHT SHROPSHIRE STAR STEVE LEATH 23/05/2022 Heather feature photos. Pic at Weston Park of Cuartor: Gareth Williams, who has written a book charting all things Weston Park. He lives in Shropshire.

The curator of Weston Park has written a book recounting the full story of the estate. Heather Large went along to meet him at the stately home It’s one of the region’s most treasured landmarks. Today many of us travel to Weston Park to enjoy a concert, attend a classic car show, stroll through the… Continue reading Turning the pages on stately story