Category Archives: Gallery

On Saturday, 2 March 2024, we held a sale of duplicate 25″ second edition Ordnance Survey maps of Shropshire, dated 1900-1903. The maps are used, and some have annotations or may be torn, but many are in good condition.
We had a good deal of interest on the day with the morning being very popular especially as people had to brave heavy rain and even snow!
Income from the Map Sale on the day amounted to £784 50p and there still may be some payments to be received.
Many thanks to all who came and spent their money.

Fordhall Organic Farm is England’s first community-owned farm following a high profile campaign in 2006. At the time over 8000 people across the world supported siblings Charlotte and Ben Hollins to save their family home. Now owned by the community and farmed by Ben Hollins, Fordhall is a wonderful example of community spirit and real organic farming. The Friends visited Fordhall on 3 August 2023. Our group enjoyed an inspirational talk by Charlotte who then led us on a tour of the farm. This was followed by a delicious soup and sandwich lunch and and a visit to the farm shop.

Our country house visit this year was to the Grade 1 listed Hawkstone Hall in Weston. This was slightly different to our usual arrangement in being self-guided using hand-held audio devices, however this enabled everyone to explore the building at their own pace and we were fortunate in having the whole property available. Freshly baked scones accompanied our tea and coffee afterwards which we enjoyed in the Snug, one of the many comfortable reception rooms.

Our 2023 AGM on 13 June at Shropshire Wildlife Trust in Shrewsbury was well attended on a very warm summer’s day, the venue proving delightfully cool with easy access. After the essential business was completed, local archaeologist Nigel Baker entertained us with a delightful illustrated talk of his research and recent discoveries at Shrewsbury Castle. Nigel is an engaging speaker and we learned a lot about the history of the castle and its origins as well as the various archaeological investigations he has led.

The Friends first visit in 2023 was to the wine merchants, Tanners, in Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury. We were taken for a tour of the cellars and back-room offices of the ancient buildings and shown many pieces of equipment and storage used over the preceding 3 centuries.

We were welcomed by staff with a glass of champagne and the three leaders Alix, Jo and Howard guided us through the labyrinth of cellars and spoke of the company’s development.

The building itself was fascinating with evidence of 15th century beams which themselves would have been ancient when first put in place. On some beams were carpenters marks and even ‘witches marks’ apparently burned in place centuries ago. Many thanks to Tanners and their staff for a truly interesting and eye-opening visit.

We were delighted to welcome Thomas, second Lord Berwick of Attingham, to Shropshire Archives to tell us about his ancestors, his life – and his descendants! Martin Jones took on the persona and regaled us with ‘tales and travails’ of his family and the history of Attingham Park. Facts, interpretations and stories were imparted with flair and humour giving us a very entertaining and enjoyable event.

Our visit to Acton Scott Hall was enthusiastically guided by our hosts, Francis and Alison Acton who each took three groups of us in turn round different parts of the interesting house which dates back to the late 16th Century. Friend and volunteer Tam guided us round the grounds where we were grateful for the shade of the trees on one of the hottest days of August! The walk included a wander through the rock garden created in the old quarry. Edward Acton Scott, son of the family, served a very welcome tea.