Shropshire Review

High water for the High Sheriff 

Every year, firefighters are called to water-related incidents, particularly when the Severn is in flood. On a recent training day held at Bala, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service crews were joined by the plucky High Sheriff of Shropshire, Anna Turner, who volunteered to be ‘rescued’ from a raging white-water torrent to help create a realistic scenario for the exercise.

The Sheriff also learned defensive swimming techniques as she was carried down the fast-flowing river in North Wales. She also practised how to use throw lines from the river bank to rescue victims.

“I wasn’t scared because the crews are very professional and so well trained,” the High Sheriff said. “But I have to admit I hadn’t realised how tiring it was in the water, which was surprisingly fast flowing. I thought I was quite physically fit but it was very tiring indeed.”

Other practical sessions are held in rivers and lakes in Wales before trainees return to Shropshire for the more ‘in depth’ sessions in the Severn in Bridgnorth and other riverside venues. For more information visit www.shropshirefire.gov.uk

Strictly Northgate!

Anyone who’s been bitten by the dancing bug should foxtrot over to St John’s Church Hall on Tuesdays, where Northgate Sequence Dance Club holds weekly sessions. Beginners are welcome to come along -by prior appointment please – at 7pm, before the main dance event gets under way from 8 to 10pm. A truly entertaining evening in good company. Call 01746 761013 for details.

Success and sadness for cycling Stuart

In the last issue of the magazine we told how Bridgnorth businessman Stuart Bratt was setting out on a marathon five-day cycle ride to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Stuart was inspired to attempt a solo unescorted trip from Bridgnorth to La Rochelle – nominally 500 miles – after learning that a colleague’s son, 25 year old Adam Beddard, was terminally ill with the disease.

Stuart eventually clocked up 561 miles before reaching his destination, having been given a rousing send-off from Bridgnorth High Street at 9.30am.
He covered 122 miles before stopping in Shepton Mallet. The next leg (108 miles) took in the Plymouth- Roscoff crossing and a night on board, courtesy of Britanny Ferries. Then, upon arrival in France, Stuart found that cyclists are not allowed on dual carriageways.

“This forced big changes in the route plan, and I had to buy new maps as the one I had was not sufficiently detailed,” he recalled.
However, after a bargain lunch at a truckers’ cafe, he ended up in Auray, where he polished off two whole kebab meals before bedtime – after 125 miles, he needed to recharge his batteries.

The ride south meant heavy rain and a lack of somewhere to stay when he reached Bourgneuf-en-Retz 95 miles later. Stuart and his trusty bike were eventually given a lift to an out of town B and B in the local gendarmes’ van.
Due to this remote location, dinner that night was a few chocolate bars carried as iron rations from England, but next morning brought a hearty breakfast and a pleasant surprise.

“The young husband and wife owners, Sandrine and Didier Cathrine would not accept payment for my stay; they explained that they were happy to support my ride,” Stuart said, adding that this was just one example of the generosity he encountered en route.Back in the saddle for the final 111 mile push, he was treated to drinks by a local cycling club, who added some euros to his collection box.

Six kilometres before reaching his destination the only mechanical failure of the trip occured when a rear spoke snapped, but this was soon rectified, and Stuart rode triumphantly into La Rochelle just 90 minutes behind his original schedule – a fantastic effort for a very worthwhile cause.

Young Adam Beddard died of cancer on the day following Stuart’s completion of the journey. He passed away peacefully at his home, with girlfriend Gemma at his side. However, Stuart’s sterling support of the charity continues.

“I urge Review readers to ask all their friends and family to make just the smallest donation, either to Barclays or the JustGiving account,” he said. “Let’s not allow this wonderful, inspirational young man’s life to have been in vain.”

Donations: stuartbratt@hotmail.co.uk; phone 07813 788848; Barclays: payee charity cycle; sort code 20-53-22; account 23171248.

Ceri bows out

The musical director of Much Wenlock Male Voice Choir is laying down her baton after 40 years – and the hunt is now on for a successor.

Mrs Ceridwen (Ceri) Matthews has been the driving force behind the highly acclaimed choir since its formation with just 10 members in 1969. Now 77, she has announced her intention to retire in 2010, and the group is looking for someone to take over the post.

“We all sing for pleasure and Ceri has been a wonderful influence on us,” aid chairman Tony Mathers. “It will be a difficult job to replace her.”

The new director should be able to demonstrate good teaching and communication skills, and ideally have some knowledge of male voice choir repertoire. There is no age or qualification restriction.

Now 40-strong, the choir has toured extensively at home and abroad, and has raised many thousands of pounds for charity. For more information contact secretary Doug Edwards, 01952 728137.

Title for Black Belt Neil

Bridgnorth martial arts expert Neil Morris gets his kicks the hard way – he’s recently been crowned as the winner of the GTI British Tae Kwon Do Championships.

This prestigious award is the latest in Neil’s string of successes in the sport, and Seamus McGinley of Excalibur Martial Arts, where Neil has trained for many years, said the the title is well deserved.

“Neil has put in a lot of work and is very dedicated,” said Seamus, chief instructor at the school which meets at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre. “He’s currently a Third Dan Black Belt, and is a really outstanding student. He is a very worthy winner.”

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean military martial art which teaches personal development, self-confidence and physical fitness. For more information see www.excaliburma.co.uk

Gift to town

A stunning fine art lithographic reproduction of one of Bridgnorth’s most iconic architectural landmarks, the bridge over the Severn, can now been admired in the town hall, courtesy of publishing company Reviewmedia Ltd.

The special presentation was made to mayor Mac Griffiths by managing director Martin Edwards and Shropshire Review editor Peter Wooldridge to commemorate a personal landmark in the firm’s own colourful history; its silver anniversary.

ABOVE: Left to right: Rachel Humphries town clerk, Julie Griffiths mayoress, Mac Griffiths mayor, Peter Wooldridge editor and Martin Edwards publisher, Shropshire Review

The Bridgnorth-based firm, which is deeply rooted in the community, has grown from strength to strength over the past 25 years, building respect from its readership with a series of well-received titles which include the Shropshire Review, the Local Bee business directory and its latest addition, the Shropshire Woman magazine; the only female dedicated publication in the county.

Now, to coincide with its quarter of a century celebration, the company’s fine art publishing division, Heritage County, has once again made available to the general public this limited edition reproduction, originally issued for sale a decade ago.

Martin first set eyes on the exquisite painting at a Birmingham antiques fair and was immediately captivated by its beauty as well as being drawn to its association with his home town. Keen to share such a historic view of the river with others he set about reproducing 350 quality editions of the image, utilising the specialist skills of one of the top lithographic printers in the Midlands.

The original watercolour is by celebrated Shrewsbury artist Herbert Parsons Weaver RBA, RWA, RCA. The picture shows the bridge at the turn of the 19th century.

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