Telford & Wrekin Monopoly game now in the shops
The brand-new official MONOPOLY: Telford & Wrekin Edition game was launched yesterday, bringing the area’s famous landmarks to the world’s most popular board game just in time for Christmas.
More than 30 organisations and places across Telford and Wrekin are featured after the public was invited to send in suggestions earlier this year, including Telford Live!
“The board is a celebration of everything Telford and Wrekin,” said Ben Ladd Gibbon from the makers of the game, Winning Moves UK, at the official launch held at Harper Adams University. He added that they had been “spoilt for choice putting this MONOPOLY board together.”
The game’s top spots have been taken by the iconic Ironbridge and The Wrekin. Meanwhile, the most affordable square, a counterpart to the classic ‘Old Kent Road’, features the Coalport Bridge.
In between, the board showcases some of the region’s finest, including the Tar Tunnels Museum, the Wellington Clock, Harper Adams University, and the train stations. The board has sets themed around heritage, entertainment, shopping, and sports, reflecting the vibrancy of the area.
Winning Moves UK, who also produce official MONOPOLY games for places like Dubai and The Hamptons, says Telford and Wrekin has now “joined the world’s MONOPOLY elite!” Mr Monopoly himself was also at the launch event, gladly posing for selfies.
The bespoke edition features customised Community Chest and Chance cards, with one even fining players for disrespecting the Thomas Telford Statue. The game’s money is unique too, featuring motifs of the Iron Bridge and balloons.
Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Eileen Callear, called the board a “moment of real pride for our community.” She said: “Fantastic tribute to our town and everything that makes is special. Not just a board game, but a celebration of who we are.”
Harper Adams University not only hosted the official launch but also features on its own real estate in the game. Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan expressed his delight, saying it was “great to see so many loved landmarks chosen by our community being celebrated in the game.”
Local charity Stay, which provides vital support to vulnerable and homeless people, also features prominently on a Community Chest space. CEO Naomi Pay said she was “thrilled” with the opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness and the charity’s work.
The MONOPOLY: Telford & Wrekin Edition is available now at TGJones (formerly WH Smith), all good toy and book stores, and online.
