‘We Are England’ Photography Competition

Commonwealth Games England have launched the photography competition aimed at finding the ultimate photographs that best represent England in all of its glory.  The competition is to celebrate everything about England and ‘Englishness’ and the winners will be exhibited at a top London Art Gallery.

Photographs can be of anything at all that represents England – from a historic English landmark, to a traditional English game taking place in a park, or even photographs taken live at an English sporting event. All it needs to do is encompass the spirit of England to those entering.

Claire Jones, Senior Marketing Officer at Shropshire Tourism said, “This is a good opportunity for people in Shropshire to show what the county means to them, and to raise the profile of Shropshire in a nationwide competition. There are some amazing prizes on offer, including lunch hosted by double Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and Centre Court Wimbledon tickets.”

The ‘We Are England’ competition coincides with St. George’s day, and winners will also be invited to attend a champagne breakfast at the launch of the exhibition at the SW1 Gallery on Wednesday, April 21^st, and will be joined by some of the top Commonwealth Games England athletes and representatives. The exhibition of the winning photographs will run until Sunday, April 25^th. Entrance will be free of charge to the public.

The competition will be split into three categories - a professional photographer category, an amateur photographer category for the 16 and under age group, and an amateur photographer category for the 17 and over age group. Entries are to be emailed to weareengland@threepipe.co.uk, and although there should only be one photograph per email, there is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted. The deadline is 9^th April. For full terms and conditions visit www.weareengland.org

Hot off the Press - 2010 Shropshire Hills Events, Activities and News booklet

Stephanie Hayes, AONB Promotions Officer, enthused ’”The booklet is aimed and local people and visitors to the Shropshire Hills.  It includes details of local events and activities through the year, suggests things to do locally and includes news on projects underway in the Shropshire Hills.”

Stephanie continued “Last year’s booklet received lots of great feedback, including ‘best visitor guide ever seen’, so we hope the 2010 booklet is just as informative and useful for everyone living in, or visiting the area.”

Along with listings for guided walks, evening talks, local festivals and other events, the booklets also includes details on children’s school holiday activities and suggested days out, Shuttle bus information and local walks.

Stephanie continued “as well as combining resources we are able to ensure there are a variety of events in the Shropshire Hills to suit all ages and abilities, and promote some of the great projects that are happening locally.”

So, what are you waiting for, pick up your copy of the 2010 Shropshire Hills Events, Activities and News booklets today from your local Visitor Information Centre, library and other local outlets.  It can also be viewed online http://www.stmem.com/flash/Shropshirehills/demo.htm

The Shropshire Hills booklet is a joint project between the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, the National Trust, the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm and Shropshire Hills Tourism. 

Rail Rambles Leaflet Jan to July 2009 available

Welcome to Rail Rambles

The Ramblers' Association and Arriva Trains Wales's 'Rail Rambles' programme is this year celebrating years of guided walks from railway stations originally in Mid-Wales and the Marches and now extending across North, Mid and South Wales. It has, over the years, enabled thousands of people to enjoy walking in the countryside without using cars.

The walks themselves are free to join and there is need to be a member of any organisation (but of course you have to pay your rail fare!) Each walk is planned to be accessible by a day return rail journey from a number of main line and connecting stations, so there is something for everyone. Rail fares are very reasonable and good value with some discounts available.

You can download a copy of the leaflet here

Remembering Alan
Many people will know that Alan Howard, the founder of Rail Rambles, died in 2008. He was a firm believer in the use of public transport for walks and helped to establish the Lancashire Rail Rambles programme in 1975, followed in 1989 by Rail Rambles in the Marches and Mid Wales. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Ramblers’ Association from 1993 – 1995 before resigning in disgust when the RA arranged a sponsorship deal with Vauxhall cars. His intelligence, wit, outspokenness, stubborn determination and lovely twinkle enlivened the lives of all who knew him.

A commemorative walk has been arranged for 18th April in one of Alan’s favourite places (see page 15 for further details).

The programme
This Rail & Bus Ramble Walks Programme has been possible due to the support of Arriva Trains Wales and Ramblers Cymru and volunteer efforts from the Mid-Wales Rail Ramblers and the following Ramblers Cymru Groups: Aberystwyth, Bangor-Bethesda, Berwyn, Cardiff, Dinefwr, Islwyn, Meirionydd, Merthyr, Pembrokeshire, TigerBay, and Vale of Glamorgan.

For more information please contact:
Chris Jenkins on 01691 654066 (Mid-Wales region)
Gwyn Lewis on 029 2090 2633 (North or South Wales regions) or Ramblers Cymru on
029 2064 4308.

Wrekin Hillfort Leaflet now available

A new copy of the Wrekin Hillfort leaflet has been produced which is available at the Halfway House on the Wrekin Hill and via the Shropshire Wildlife Trust shop in Shrewsbury as wel as being available for download from this website.

The Wrekin Hillfort leaflet was paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of the Wrekin Forest Project run by Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

It is hoped the leaflet will help promote better understanding of the importance of the Wrekin Hillfort and let the unsuspecting new visitor in on some of the secrets of this fascinating place. 

Bishops Castle Wins Accolade to Become A Walkers Are Welcome Town

Bishops Castle in South Shropshire has become the second town in Shropshire to receive Walkers are Welcome status.

The town is one of twelve towns within the country to receive the award which was approved and awarded by the national Walkers are Welcome Network Towns committee.

Walkers are Welcome towns and villages are places which have something special to offer walkers and this new accolade will now strengthen Bishops Castle's reputation as a place for visitors to come to enjoy the outdoors.

In order to receive the accolade, Bishops Castle had to meet a number of different criteria including keeping footpaths in good repair, providing facilities for walkers and encouraging and promoting the use of public transport.

Bishop's Castle in South Shropshire is a place of outstanding beauty and tranquillity. It is much loved by visitors who want to experience unspoilt countryside dappled with small villages and hamlets. It's a place to get away to and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that is rapidly departing from other parts of England. There are no motorways and few traffic lights; you'll be deafened by the silence broken only by the calls of circling buzzards.

Church Stretton, is another South Shropshire market town with the status of Walkers are Welcome town.

Church Stretton Wins Accolade to Become A Walkers Are Welcome Town

Church Stretton in South Shropshire has become the first town in the West Midlands to receive Walkers are Welcome status.

The town is one of seven towns within the country to receive the award which was approved and awarded by the national Walkers are Welcome Network Towns committee.

Walkers are Welcome towns and villages are places which have something special to offer walkers and this new accolade will now strengthen Church Stretton's reputation as a place for visitors to come to enjoy the outdoors.

In order to receive the accolade, Church Stretton had to meet a number of different criteria including keeping footpaths in good repair, providing facilities for walkers and encouraging and promoting the use of public transport.

Church Stretton, which is located within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is often referred to as 'Little Switzerland' with its picturesque scenery and views of the Shropshire countryside. The town also holds its own annual Walking festival in June.

Bishop's Castle, another South Shropshire market town is also currently applying to become a Walkers are Welcome town.

Vacancy on the Local Access Forum

The Local Access Forum is a statutory body set up under the Rights of Way Act 2000. The Forum has been in operation since June 2003. At present there is one vacancy on the Forum. If you would like to be considered for membership of the Forum please click here for more information. For an informal discussion or more information please contact Mrs Karen Wilson, Countryside Access Development Team Leader on 01743 255061.