Heather Large meets an artisan blacksmith who offers courses teaching traditional skills and takes on sculptural, architectural and decorative ironworks From the moment Jake Hedge forged his first piece of steel, he knew he wanted to become a blacksmith.Captivated by the glowing hot metal and flying amber sparks, he enrolled at the National School of Blacksmithing.Now… Continue reading Forging the future of ancient iron craft
Ahead of her visit to the county, lexicographer Susie Dent talks to Daniel Morris about her spoken word tour and her fond memories of Countdown host Richard Whiteley. A lady who needs absolutely no introduction, Susie Dent has been the Queen of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner for over 30 years.With more than 5,000 episodes having… Continue reading WISE WORDS
Shining a light on unsung heroes. Stepping into her new role as high sheriff of Shropshire, Mandy Thorn talks to heather large about some of the duties she’ll be undertaking this year. They can be found in every community across the county, carrying out acts of kindness while never expecting anything in return.These unsung heroes… Continue reading SHINING A LIGHT ON UNSUNG HEROES
Heather Large meets a man determined to continue raising funds for a cancer charity, through music, in memory of his mum. When Mark Fielden’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, he wanted to help the charity supporting her through her treatment.He decided to organise a musical fundraiser called Chords Crush Cancer and it proved so… Continue reading THE POWER OF MUSIC
Heather Large chats to a Shropshire artist who uses a Japanese method of paper marbling to create unique designs As a young bookbinder, Sarah Amatt was fascinated by the decorative endpapers on the old books she was repairing.These patterned papers were traditionally used to hide the lumps and bumps caused by leather turn-ins and cords and… Continue reading THE MAGIC OF PAPER MARBLING
Matthew Panter chats to panto star Anna Kumble about her role in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. You might think channelling her inner baddie is a bit of a challenge for Anna Kumble. After all, as 90s pop star Lolly, she was loved by young fans through a string of top-ten hits including Viva… Continue reading From Lolly Pop to Wicked Queen
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
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
