A light installation celebrating the completion of the first phase of restoration to the world’s first iron-framed building – Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.
As Shadows Return hints at 200 years of the factory’s history and is a celebration of its future. The ‘dragon on the hill’ awakens.
World renowned light artist, Andy McKeown, has reanimated the Main Mill building on the site .with silhouettes and shadows of the mechanical and human activity that once took place within. Light and sound are artfully entwined to reveal glimpses of the building’s incredible evolution, and the people who toiled within. The piece will constantly change and evolve, so there will always be reason to look again.
The Main Mill is one of the most important buildings of the industrial revolution and was the first iron-framed building in the world. It is known as the grandparent of the modern day skyscraper and changed city skylines forever. The pioneering design and layout of the mill was the forerunner of methods used by specialist industrial architects a century later. The locals called it the ‘dragon on the hill’ due to the serrated roof, the billowing steam and roars from the machinery within, and the eerie glow from the gas lighting, which was new to Shrewsbury at the time.
When
The shadowy forms will light up the building from sunset between 21 December and 31 January. You don’t have to be on site to see it; it is visible from outside the Flaxmill site to passers-by. No booking necessary. The visitor centre is open on Saturdays only from 10am – 4pm – please note that As Shadows Return only operates after the sun has set.
Take part in the conversation using the hashtag #ShadowsReturn
The Little Theatre proudly presents ‘Sleeping Beauty’, a pantomime for all the family! Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting love story over the course of 118 years, with the all important goodies, baddies and dames!!
Tickets cost £7 each / Family ticket (2 adults 2 children) cost £25
Matinee performance at 2.30pm on 19th / 20th / 26th January 2019
Evening Performance at 7.30pm on 26th January 2019
For tickets visit www.littletheatredonnington.co.uk
Our ever-popular local Amateur Dramatics group (BroADS) brings their latest panto the Birchmeadow.
This one’s based on the brothers-Grimm tale of Hansel & Gretel – you know, the couple of kids that get caught up by the wicked witch in the forest. But Director Gill Kelly assures us that it’s going to be far from grim. As she did when she directed ‘Sleeping Beauty’, she’s making as much use as possible of the plethora of performing local talent to bring us wholesome, good-fun entertainment.
ALSO on 25th, 26th, 31st – and the following weekend. And matinees.
(See yesteday’s entry too)
Bryan Shepherd’s taking on the music-man’s mantel again. The 5-piece band is going to hit us with an array of songs range from golden oldies to currect pops, and the chorus is getting its cords loosened up even now!
And more than that, thanks to the Everybody Active sessions that BroADS have been organising for older adults over the last 3 years, Gill’s able to call on Melissa Lauriello to help with choreography. A really big plus – we’re all hoping that there’ll be a tap dancing sequence including Broseley’s answer to Fred Astaire (?), that’s local Morris Dancing dude Dave Baxter.
Pop up indoor childrens market providing quality pre owned items for maternity to 8yrs. Free parking, cafe, Free soft play, pram friendly.
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
Enjoy a country walk to see the snowdrops then call in at the Guildhall (next to the church) for Teas, Coffees, and delicious Homemade Soups and Cakes. Saturday and Sunday 11-4.30 pm. For further info. ring 01743 761451.
Here’s your opportunity to see newborn lambs and even to see a live birth. From 16th Feb 2019 our huge indoor animal barn will be home to our lovely ewes waiting to have their babies
There will be lots of farmyard friends waiting to meet you too: Honey the Shetland pony, Rio and Pluto the heavy horses, and adorable rabbits and guinea pigs Don’t forget the massive indoor playbarns which ensure non stop play whatever the weather
Enjoy a country walk to see the snowdrops then call in at the Guildhall for Teas, Coffees, and delicious Homemade Soups and Cakes.
Saturday and Sunday 11 – 4.30 pm. For further info. ring 01743 761451.
Come along to our half term Childen’s Wildlife Party, learn about British Wildlife in a fun and interactive way, and join in with party games and activities. Suitable for primary school ages and below. Fairy cakes and drinks included in the ticket price. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Come along to the Cuan Wildlife Rescue half term children’s event. There will be interactive wildlife learning sessions, fun games and activities, refreshments for the children will be included in the £4 ticket price. Teas and coffees will be available for parents/carers. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Make food you could serve for Fishlegs and Hiccup. Make Dragon Scale nachos, Yaknog, Dragon Poop sweets and more! £7.50 per accompanied 4-11 year old, booking essential.
The Harry Hooligan’s are recruiting potential tribe members at SHDC. You will be judged at the end as to whether you will be able to go forward into the Dragon Initiation Program. Make a horned hat and practice your yelling, start your own ‘Incomplete book of Dragons’ notebook with the dragons that visit Shropshire. Learn some dragonese (if you swear never to let Gobber the Belch know who you learned it from). Practice catching sheep launched from a catapult.
£4 per accompanied 4-11 year old, booking advised.
Film starts at 5.30 with themed crafts, refreshments and a licensed bar available from 4.30pm. Migo is a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn’t know existed — a human. He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale. Hoping to prove them wrong, Migo embarks on an epic journey to find the mysterious creature that can put him back in good graces with his simple community. £5 per adult, £3 per child, £15 per family, booking advised.
Entry to this Plant Hunters’ Fair at Alderford Lake (formally Dearnford Lake) is completely free and offers the opportunity to pop along and visit many specialist nurseries at no charge to get your gardening season off to a great start. The plant fair has a brilliant line up of nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Simply something for every plant lover. The nursery folk will be more than happy to give you the benefit of their experience in how to plant and care for the plants you buy so you can get the best from them. You can choose to take the lakeside walks (50p charge). Full details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Delicious breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea available. The Plant Fair runs from 10am-4pm on Sunday 17th March.
SHREWSBURY FLEA – Antique and collectors fair is a fabulous mixture of Antiques and collectables, antique furniture, vintage clothing & fabrics, architectural salvage, reclamation and just that quirky stylish item that will compliment your home.
Come and see Peppa at Llangollen Railway on the 23rd & 24th March 2019. The cheeky little piggy will be appearing at intervals between 10:30am – 3.30pm on both days… don’t’ forget your camera!
Take a train ride to Carrog to see the magic show.
Face painting available at intervals on Platform 1 at Llangollen Station.
colouring sheets available
All the above is included in the ticket price
Come and see Peppa at Llangollen Railway on the 23rd & 24th March 2019. The cheeky little piggy will be appearing at intervals between 10:30am – 3.30pm on both days… don’t’ forget your camera!
Take a train ride to Carrog to see the magic show.
Face painting available at intervals on Platform 1 at Llangollen Station.
colouring sheets available
All the above is included in the ticket price
Built in 1728 Burford House and its beauiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958. At one point in the garden is the spot where the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire meet. The countryside around theses three counties is both beautiful and rich in wild edible plants and fungi. On the outskirts of Tenbury Wells, it is within easy reach of Ludlow, Leominster, Bromyard, Kidderminster, Hereford, Worcester, Bridgnorth and Shrewbury.
We will meet outside the cafe at Burford House. The course starts there with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers. Tea or coffee is available from the cafe.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the grounds of Burford House park and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different Spring shoots, plants, flowers and hopefully mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for some homemade refreshments such as our lovely hogweed and wild garlic soup.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds, a wild salad that we will pick on the day and possibly even some wild garlic pesto.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
Why not treat the special women in your life on Mothers Day
Take a return trip through the beautiful Dee Valley
Enjoy an afternoon tea with a selection of finger sandwiches, assorted sweet treats, (with tea or coffee)
and a glass of bubbly.
Adults £32.00 each Children £17.00 each
Cuan Wildlife Rescue are hosting a Family Fun Prize Bingo Night on 5th April, there will surely be some chocolate prizes as Easter is nearly upon us! Bring the whole family along for a fun evening. Refreshments will be available. Free entry, just buy your tickets on the night.
Spring is in the air and its time to get out in the garden and get planning and planting for the year ahead and where better to get inspiration than at a Plant Hunters Fair. With FREE ENTRY to this plant fair the event offers the opportunity to pop along and visit many specialist nurseries to get your gardening season off to a great start. All the nurseries attending are happy to offer expert advice to help less experienced gardeners select the right plants for their gardens. “For true ‘plantaholics’ there are always those little treasures to discover that can’t be obtained elsewhere.
Access to the grounds of Whittington Castle is free. Access to the Castle Gatehouse and Cottage is free Refreshments available. The plant fair runs from 10am-4pm on Good Friday 19th April. FREE ENTRY to the plant fair (£1.00 per car to park). Full details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
With FREE ENTRY to this Plant Hunters’ Fair the event offers the opportunity to pop along and visit many specialist nurseries from across the country to get your gardening season off to a great start. All the nurseries attending are happy to offer expert advice to help less experienced gardeners select the right plants for their gardens. “For true ‘plantaholics’ there are always those little treasures to discover that can’t be obtained elsewhere.
The visitor centre and lakeside restaurant are housed in an award winning environmentally sensitive building and serve a wide variety of home cooked meals and light refreshments including meats from the farm. Why not enjoy the spring weather and take your tea on the terrace overlooking the main pool. The plant fair runs from 10am-4pm on Easter Saturday 20th April with free entry to the plant fair and excellent Lakeside Restaurant. Entry to Beautiful 156 acre arboretum with over 3000 types of trees and shrubs is optional at normal prices. Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
The Easter Bunny will be visiting the railway on the 20th to 22nd April. Watch for Easter eggs along the line and check them off the list. All travelling children receive a handsome chocolate egg on arrival at Llanfair Caereinion.
Our yellow timetable operates during this event.
Normal fares apply for this event.
Popular Plant Fair with better than HALF PRICE ENTRY to the wonderful Dorothy Clive Gardens and Plant Hunter’s Fair returns on Easter Sunday 21st April and Easter Monday 22nd April. The event is now firmly established as a “must” in gardeners’ diaries. This special fund-raising event for the Willoughbridge Garden Charitable Trust who maintain these wonderful gardens is now in its 11th year and the garden offers a great special event price on these days of just £4.00 for garden and plant fair entry (normally, standard garden entry is £8.50). So why not make it an Easter treat that won’t break the bank!
Nurseries will of course come loaded with spring flowering plants plus plenty of later flowering plants to get planted now and this Easter there are more stalls than ever booked as this event goes from strength to strength.
All your favourites will be there.
Coming all the way from Cornwall are Roseland House with their National Collections of Clematis and Lapageria as well as a great array of stunning climbers at great value prices.
The ever popular Edrom Nurseries will be travelling down from Berwickshire and we know there will be lots of really unusual and hard-to-obtain woodland plants on their stall.
New comers to the event include: Alluring Plants from with nectar rich plants for bees and butterflies. Mynd Hardy Plants with a large range of perennials specialising in Hemerocallis and Penstemon. Artisan Plant Supports from Staffordshire with beautiful hand crafted iron garden plant supports.
If this isn’t enough there are 6 RHS medal winners at the fair: Chris Cooke (woodland and species plants); Edrom Nurseries (woodland and alpine plants); Hall Farm Nursery (a wide range of plants); Packhorse Farm (Acers and other trees and shrubs); Potterton’s Nursery (award-winning alpines) and Tissington Nursery (perennials)
The smaller, family run nurseries are always popular as a source of the new, the old or the different! Conquest Plant Nurseries have a wonderfully wide range of variegated plants. Green’s Leaves specialise in Australian plants plus a sprinkling of the newest flowering plants on the market. Jurassicplants Nurseries always cause a stir with fantastic, exotic and hardy edibles. Mayfields Plants specialise in cottage garden favourites. Shadyplants.com need no explanation! SpecialPerennials are helenium and phlox specialists. Bridge Farm Plants with lots of unusual perennials The Gobbett will be bringing shrubs especially Lilacs and perennials, with a great range of iris.
Regular visitors will be pleased to learn that Studio 8 Pottery are back with their hand-thrown and home-fired terracotta garden wares made using Staffordshire clay.
The garden is intimate, informal and inspiring. Located on the borders of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire, this lovely garden has delights and surprises whatever the season.
There are many areas of spring interest within this 12-acre, hillside garden. These include a new winter garden, an edible woodland, a woodland quarry with waterfall, an alpine scree and pool, rose walk and amazing drifts of spring bulbs.
The spring plant fair is the time to see hellebores, camellias, crocus and spring flowering bulbs making a mark on the garden along with magnolias and early flowering rhododendrons.
Dogs on leads are very welcome. Tearooms open. The plant fair runs fron 10am-5pm on Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd April. Full details of nurseries attending at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Built in 1728 Burford House and its beauiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958. At one point in the garden is the spot where the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire meet. The countryside around theses three counties is both beautiful and rich in wild edible plants and fungi. On the outskirts of Tenbury Wells, it is within easy reach of Ludlow, Leominster, Bromyard, Kidderminster, Hereford, Worcester, Bridgnorth and Shrewbury.
We will meet outside the cafe at Burford House. The course starts there with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers. Tea or coffee is available from the cafe.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the grounds of Burford House park and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different Spring shoots, plants, flowers and hopefully mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for some homemade refreshments such as our lovely hogweed and wild garlic soup.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds, a wild salad that we will pick on the day and possibly even some wild garlic pesto.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
Peep! Peep! Thomas the Tank Engine is back at Llangollen Railway Station for a Day Out With Thomas.
A Day Out With Thomas event now travel to CORWEN.
This fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas, meet The Fat Controller and enjoy trips on Thomas up and down Llangollen Station, you can ride in Rickety and Clarabelle as many times as you like. Take the Big steam Engine to Corwen and then go to Carrog to the puppet show
See Rusty and Dusty… and have some fun
The event, which has been held at Llangollen Railway for many years, is an excellent day out for all Thomas fans and there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
A Fantastically FUN Family Event!
Day Out With Thomas™ is an all day event and gates open at 10am.
To ensure all activities on offer can be enjoyed we recommend visitors arrive before 2pm.
Ticket Prices
Adults £19
Seniors £17
Children £11.50
Family (1 Adult + 1 Child) £27.50
Family (1 Adult + 2 Children) £38.00
Family (2 adults + 1 Child) £41.00
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £55.00
Children aged under 2 FREE
Your all day ticket includes:
Brake Van Rides with Thomas & Clarabel at Llangollen Station
Unlimited travel on the Steam trains and Thomas
Access to our Activity room which includes;
Face Painting
Stickers
Thomas DVD screening
Colouring & Craft Workshop
Day Out With Thomas Certificate
Balloon Modeller
Story Telling
Live Story Re-enactments
Puppet Show
A Day Out With Thomas is an all day event, no matter what time you show up, there will always be something to entertain the children. However, we do recommend that you arrive at the station before 2pm to make use of the whole day.
Our Day Out With Thomas event is NOT an event that sells out so we will have tickets no matter what time you arrive at the station. To get the most out of your day please arrive early as the ticket price is the same all day
FREE ENTRY to this great plant fair. It’s a great time to get out in the garden and get planning and planting for the year ahead and where better to get inspiration than at a Plant Hunters Fair. The plants are lovingly grown by small specialist nurseries and these enthusiastic plants people are on hand to give honest, straightforward advice on choosing and growing the right plants for your garden. The plant fair offers the opportunity to pop along and visit some wonderful specialist nurseries at no charge to get the gardening season off to a great start.
At the same time visit Battlefields 1403 excellent farm shop, deli and Sparrow’s Café. Which is a celebration of low food miles, only buying British and that means no lemons or grapes in sight, fresh seasonal products with full traceability. The cafe cooks fresh daily with local ingredients, serving loyal visitors that return time and time again. The plant fair runs from 9.30am-4pm on Saturday 27th April. For full details please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Looking for a great value day out this Early May Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday (5th & 6th May). Look no further than a visit to the wonderful Weston Park and its Plant Hunters’ Fair. With a really great value entrance price of just £3.00 for this special event which includes entry to the gardens and parkland and the great Plant Hunters’ Fair.
The plant fair has become a magnet for plant lovers from near and far with a great line-up of nurseries to create a plant lover’s paradise. The mix of nurseries ensures there’s something for every type of garden; little gems to tempt the most discerning plants person and lots of help and advice for the new or less experienced gardener.
Weston is an award-winning stately home set in 1000 acres of “Capability” Brown parkland much of it wooded and planted with spring bulbs, bluebells, azaleas and rhododendrons. There are miles of woodland walks, lakes and the beautiful formal gardens to explore. Children can let off steam in the Woodland Adventure Playground. Relax and unwind over a coffee in the Deli or enjoy lunch in the Granary Grill. The house will also be open from 1pm (additional charge). The miniature railway will also be running (additional charge) Full details from www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
You want fun? We’ve got it. And then some. Shropshire Kids Festival is back, with more super-extra-massive bonkers fun.
Kids just wanna have fun – and we serve it up right across a fabulous weekend.
We’ve got a HUGE water slide, the foamiest foam parties, mega sports zone, massive inflatables, a have-a-go music tent, zorb balls, go karts, circus tent, craft activities and just about anything else any kid aged 0-14 could possibly want.
SHREWSBURY FLEA – Antique and collectors fair is a fabulous mixture of Antiques and collectables, antique furniture, vintage clothing & fabrics, architectural salvage, reclamation and just that quirky stylish item that will compliment your home.
Kevin and Paul will be kayaking 34 miles along the River Severn on Saturday 18th May 2019. This is in aid of PSC, Organ Donor Awareness, Donor Families Support Network & memory benches, following Kevins transplant in January this year.
The finish line is The Crown Inn, Coleham. Here we will be hosted a Family Fun Day to raise awareness and funds! Please pop down from 10am to enjoy a day of live entertainment, food, drinks and peruse the stalls.
It is a fabulous riverside venue and it is all set to be a fantastic event!
Our plant fairs at The British Ironwork Centre have raised thousands of pounds for Hope House Children’s Hospices, with the £1.00 entrance fee going to this very deserving cause. Please help us raise more in 2019! There will be a brilliant line-up of top specialist nurseries who will bring a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Come for a great day out, find some lovely plants for your garden, get expert advice from the enthusiastic nursery folk.
The British Ironworks Centre not only boasts a working smithy and a showroom featuring the biggest choice of quality British ironware for both indoors and garden use but also the Shropshire Sculpture Park featuring a safari in ironwork that has to be seen to be believed! The venue has lots to see and explore with something for all ages, plus the bonus of a great Plant Hunters’ Fair to enjoy!
Entry to the Plant Fair and all other attractions is £1.00 in aid of Hope House Hospices. Free parking. The plant fair runs from10am-4pm on Saturday 18th May. Refreshments available.
Full details of the nurseries attending at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Come and see PADDINGTON at Llangollen Railway on the 25th May 2019. The cheeky little Bear will be appearing at intervals between 10:30am – 3.30pm … don’t’ forget your camera!
Take a train ride to Carrog to see the magic show.
Face painting available at intervals on Platform 1 at Llangollen Station.
The train goes all the way to Corwen and there is a magic show at Carrog, colouring sheets, miniature train ride.
Soapbox Derby Come and join thousands of spectators from across the West Midlands to cheer on our weird, wonderful and wacky soapbox downhill racers at Shrewsbury Wacky Races 2019, the first event of it’s kind to be held in the town.
Watch as our racers hurtle down our custom track in their carefully crafted carts at the Shrewsbury Quarry, tackling our 300m track and it’s chicanes and, hopefully, avoiding the icy waters of the River Severn at the end!
Our competitors will work their way through a knockout style competition with only the fastest 10 cars making it through to the final, where they will battle to take home the winners trophy!
The event will be free to attend, with pop up street food, bars and loads of fun activities for all the family.
Built in 1728 Burford House and its beauiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958. At one point in the garden is the spot where the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire meet. The countryside around theses three counties is both beautiful and rich in wild edible plants and fungi. On the outskirts of Tenbury Wells, it is within easy reach of Ludlow, Leominster, Bromyard, Kidderminster, Hereford, Worcester, Bridgnorth and Shrewbury.
We will meet outside the cafe at Burford House. The course starts there with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers. Tea or coffee is available from the cafe.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the grounds of Burford House park and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different Spring shoots, plants, flowers and hopefully mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for some homemade refreshments such as our lovely hogweed and wild garlic soup.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds, a wild salad that we will pick on the day and possibly even some wild garlic pesto.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
Enjoy a wonderful Plant Hunters’ Fair at Hodnet Hall Gardens with a special reduced entry price of only £4.00 for the gardens and plant fair. The plant fair boasts top class nurseries from across the country including RHS Gold Medal Winners and National Collection Holders offering a tremendous variety of plants and it’s just the right time to pick up some Summer flowering plants to give your garden a boost and the nurseries will have just the right plant for your garden with nurseries specialising in plants of all sizes for a wide range of garden situations from hot sun to cool shade.
Hodnet Hall has over 60 acres of breathtaking gardens with grand vistas, intimate, secluded areas, magnificent lakes and a walled kitchen garden. What more could you want on an early summer’s day?
The plant fair runs from 10am-5pm both days. Special Low Entry Price for Gardens and Fair £4.00 (Half Standard Price Entry) Children Free. Free parking. Light refreshments available in the picturesque restaurant. Dogs welcome on a lead. Full details of nurseries attending at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
SHREWSBURY FLEA – Antique and collectors fair is a fabulous mixture of Antiques and collectables, antique furniture, vintage clothing & fabrics, architectural salvage, reclamation and just that quirky stylish item that will compliment your home.
Fun dog show for all the family in aid of Hectors Greyhound rescue. £2 to enter your pet
Any father accompanied by his child travels at the child price and gets a workshop tour. Multiple generations welcome!
