





An exhibition for LGBT History Month 2019. Exploring the life and work of author, artist and photographer Samuel Butler.
Butler is most known for his satirical novels ‘Erewhon’ (published anonymously in 1872) and ‘The Way of All Flesh’ (published posthumously in 1903), a semi-autobiographical novel which attacks Victorian family values.
Butler had strong connections to Shrewsbury; his grandfather (also Samuel) was headteacher at the Shrewsbury School, he himself was a pupil, he owned a prominent mansion house in the town (Whitehall in Cherry Orchard) and named four streets in the area, including Alfred Street after his clerk Alfred Cathie.
Samuel Butler’s father Thomas was a noted local botanist and donated over 220 plant specimens to the museum. Samuel Butler also had a long correspondence with naturalist, geologist and biologist Charles Darwin, who was born and grew up in Shrewsbury.
Members of the local LGBT community and Museum volunteers have been working together to plan, research, interpret and design the exhibition.
It will include items on loan from St Johns College Cambridge and items from SM&AG and Shropshire Archives. These include photographs of people and places around Shrewsbury taken by Samuel Butler.
The exhibition has been part funded by the West Midlands Museums Development Trust Small Grants Programme.






An exhibition in association with The Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute featuring recent paintings of Greenland by Andrew Lansley prior to his trip to Antarctica as Artist in Residence 2019 for The Friends of the SPRI. Plus, work by previous Artists in Residence, Nicholas Jones and Shelly Perkins.
Also exhibiting gallery artists: Mike McGowan ceramic sculptures, Ruth Brownlee paintings and Sarah Jenkins ceramics, all of whom are fascinated by weather, erosion and the natural world.






This February, we will celebrate Shrewsbury as “The Origin of Independent Thinking” and birthplace of Charles Darwin – the most independent thinker of them all.
From free guided tours to brainteasing lectures and dance performances – join in the host of interactive events being staged in and around the town.
This two and a half week programme is the first of its kind and cements Shrewsbury’s rightful position as not only the birthplace of Charles Darwin but the inspiration behind his independent thinking which went on to change the story of evolution around the world.
For more information about the festival visit
https://originalshrewsbury.co.uk/darwin-shrewsbury-festival





FRIENDS OF THE FOLLIES WEEK – February Half Term – 16th-24th Feb
A Half Term of special offers as a thank you to our friends and visitors who have supported The Follies over the years.
Offers for all visitors:
– 25% off Annual Passes
– 25% off Friends of the Follies Memberships
– 10% off in the Gift Shop
FREE admission for anyone with an SY4 postcode
Annual Pass Holder Special Offers:
– Bring up to 6 of your friends for half price admission
– 10% off in Caspian’s Tea Room
– FREE Follies History & Guidebook
Friends of The Follies Members Offers:
– Bring up to 12 of your friends for half price admission
– 10% off in Caspian’s Tea Room
– FREE Follies History & Guidebook
Open 10am-5pm daily from 16th February 2019, last admission 4pm. Special offers available onsite only from 16th-24th February inclusive. Does not include online purchases.
* Free postcode admission applies to every adult who can show they live in the SY4 area with an original Utility Bill, Bank Statement or Drivers License. Children with these adults will also be permitted free of charge.
Standard prices can be seen here: http://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/opening-times-and-prices-2/






We will be open between 10am and 4pm with an exclusive opportunity to get inside the buildings and see the works in progress at the site.
We will be running general tours throughout the day, going up through the south stairwell, which we’ve never had open to the public before. This will lead to the top floor, a huge and open space, with light flooding in through the newly fitted windows and with views out and across the town. Tours will be led by a Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings’ volunteer who will talk about some of the history of the site and about the renovation works in progress. These tours will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
In addition there will be three ‘Contractor Led Tours’ during the day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. These will be more detailed tours with the Site Manager for Croft Building and Conservation Ltd, the main contractor for the project, and a representative of the Historic England team. You will hear about the scale and complexity of the repairs to the Main Mill and Kiln. These tours are part of the Heritage Skills programme at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation .
All tours are on a first come, first served basis so please turn up on the day to book onto a tour.
The Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings are working in partnership with Historic England and Shropshire Council on a major National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project to repair Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, the first cast-iron framed building in the world and the forerunner to the modern skyscraper.






This first Tablet Academy Annual Convention brings together like-minded individuals from the fields of Education and Technology to participate in joint hands-on workshops and networking activities.
£100 (+VAT) per person to attend.
Maximum of 2 people per organisation.
Opportunity to claim a free device worth £400*.
Suitable for school leaders, IT leads and classroom teachers (KS2 – KS5).
The convention has been designed to be a little different to your standard conference and exhibition so prepare to be guided, alongside your colleagues, through a series of short, 30 minute activities delivered by industry and Tablet Academy experts nestled amongst the historical Royal Air Force Museum exhibits.
Don’t worry, plenty of time has also been allocated to allow delegates to explore and network, including during afternoon tea and following the summary presentation.






Bring your teddy bear along for free advice on identification, age or ‘clinical’ needs. Some treatments such as eye replacements and claw stitching may be available for a small charge on the day (depending on time available). Other more complex repairs and restorations can be taken back to the studio workshop to be carried out.






The Spring Gala event will see up to 10 engines in steam, trundling along the beautiful Severn Valley. From the distant clank of a goods trains, to Autotrains puffing back and forth, prepare to venture back in time!
http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=65






Wedding Open Day at Goldstone Hall Hotel open to all future Brides, Grooms and their family and friends. The event is free of charge to attend and includes the opportunity to browse around the award winning hotel and garden including the Marquee, Oak Pavilion, 12 bedrooms and walled garden.
The special occasion’s team, who head up the wedding and events at the hotel, will be there to show guests around and to ask any questions they may have. All those who attend will receive a complimentary glass of fizz plus canapés designed by Head Chef, Liam Philbin.
Those interested are asked to reserve an appointment by calling 01630 661 202 or emailing enquiries@goldstonehall.com






On the weekend of March 30th -31st the American Civil War society (ACWS) will be holding this years training event at Whittington Castle in Shropshire come along and see the infantry, cavalry (subject to availability) and Artillery being put through their drill, wander through the authentic living history encampments of the Union and Confederate forces listen for the crackle of muskets as you are taken back to 1861-1865 American Civil War.






On the weekend of March 30th -31st the American Civil War society (ACWS) will be holding this years training event at Whittington Castle in Shropshire come along and see the infantry,cavalry (subject to availability) and Artillery being put through their drill, wander through the authentic living history encampments of the Union and Confederate forces listen for the crackle of muskets as you are taken back to 1861-1865 American Civil War.






Two locations linked by two unusual beasts depicted by Church Stretton artist Diana Nuttall. Painted mainly in acrylics,her bold and colourful style will make you smile or laugh. Affordable prices!
There will also be cards, prints,coasters, placemats and a few cushions of other artwork by Diana. NB Exhibition open Fri, Sat, Sun & Mondays in April






Meet cartoonists from around the world as they work on big boards drawing cartoons on the theme of animals. Exhibitions, talks and workshops at various venues. Visit the website for more details:- www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.com






Our event has grown rapidly over the past few years, from humble beginnings based in a local pub to an event which attracted around 11,000 visitors for the 2018 weekend.
Set in the stunning backdrop of the Ironbridge Gorge, we recreate the experience of life during WW2 on both the home front and in occupied Europe with civilian, Allied and Axis re-enactors.
This is a non-profit making, charity fundraising event in which we raise funds for Pilgrim Bandits. So far last year’s event raised over £10,000, with donations still to be collected.
Please note the Royal Warwicks are attending this event as re-enactors and are not hosting the event






Clwyd Veteran and Vintage Machinery Society Ltd are pleased to announce that THE ANNUAL VINTAGE VEHICLE AND MACHINERY RALLY AND CRAFT SHOW will once again take place on SATURDAY 15th and SUNDAY 16th JUNE 2019 at the Oswestry Showground, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4TB.
Sections including Steam Engines; Vintage Commercial Vehicles, Fire Engines, Buses and Campervans; Stationary Engines; Horses; Vintage Tractors and Horticultural machinery; Vintage Caravans; Outdoor Displays and Collections; Organs; Classic, Vintage and Veteran Cars; Vintage Pedal Cycles, Vintage Motor Cycles. Spectators will be able to see many of these vehicles in motion in the Ring. There is also a Model Hall, Craft Hall, Trade and Auto Jumble Stands.






We turn the clocks back to the 1940s with this light-hearted journey back to wartime Britain – don’t forget to dress up!
With a fantastic selection of daytime attractions up and down the line, get dressed up and join in with the celebrations with costumed re-enactors on our stations and in our trains helping to tell the wartime story! The return of the Battle, Big Band Show and a whole host of other much-loved attractions will keep you entertained.
Your tickets permit ‘Freedom of the Line’ travel, so you can visit each station and their attractions and gain entry to The Engine House Visitor Centre on the day of your choice.
More information available soon.






Living History Weekend – exact details to follow shortly but The Beaufort Companye portrays the household of a retainer to the Dukes of Somerset and the Beaufort Family during the late 15th Century, specifically the period known as the War of the Roses. Our aim is to bring to the public a new and exciting interpretation of the period via our authentic and interactive portrayal of medieval military and civilian life






A light hearted look at life in a small rural town in the 1940s. As you walk around the town, you will be captivated by Re-Enactors and Entertainers in period costume, vintage vehicle displays, trade stands, music and dancing; all with a 1940’s theme. There will also be special activities for children.




