Shrewsbury

Mr S is spoiling himself again this year; instead of steam engines this year he wanted to drive a Diesel Engine.  Here he is at the end of the day with his cheeky grin which means he has enjoyed his day.  As he booked this course, we planned on exploring the area a little and booked a B & B in Shrewsbury.  We stayed at an excellent place: Anton Guest House within walking distance of the town centre.

We were amazed by the City, the old part of which is encircled by a wide deep and fast flowing river, with a lovely river side path.  On one of our walks from the Railway Station, below the walls of the castle we took the path right round to the park below St Chad's.  We walked alongside young people being trained to row, with their trainers on bikes with megaphones.  We very nearly missed the delights of the Dingle in the Quarry Park.  It is surrounded by a hedge and fence and when we went through the gates, we found a little paradise.

In the very bottom on the garden there is a small lake, with interesting shrubbery, statues and fountains.  I have just one criticism, it is that there were those little plaques with the names of donors or distinguished people.  I would prefer a large plaque somewhere near the entrance saying that people had supported the garden, rather than signs by each and nearly every plant!

At every turn within the city there were pleasant views, interesting architecture, exciting shops, and enticing coffee shops and restaurants.  We visited St Chad's and stayed for a concert by Robin Ward a Harpist from New Zealand, who even made his harps, later in the days we gazed in awe at some very early medieval stained glass in St Mary the Virgin.

I was very interested in the special exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery celebrating the life of Charles Darwin who was born and educated at Shrewsbury Grammar School.

Our journey up to and from Shrewsbury led us through interesting places.  On the way up we stopped off and had a tour of Wightwick Manor, an interesting place with its many arts and crafts details.  A little closer to Shrewsbury, we stopped off at Much Wenlock.  In addition to viewing an exhibition by the Guild of Embroiders in the church, we toured the Priory.  

It is very tidy and the topiary in the grounds were delightful.

On the Sunday on our way home, we visited Attingham Park, which is just outside Shrewsbury.  We went on the first tour of the day, and were richly entertained by our guide.  After lunch we explored the grounds, and ended up in the walled kitchen garden, where Mr S sat down on a bench, whilst I inspected the wall trained fruit trees, the little piglets, chickens and the bees kept in old fashioned straw skeps.

Their Rhubarb was doing very well!

I bought a rhubarb plant and a new interesting auricula to add to my collection.  It isn't named but it has interesting pale leaves with very little meal on them, and the flowers are well shaped with paste around the middle.