Author: Andy Smith

College gathers together to remember

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

Students and staff from Telford College took part in the annual remembrance parade and commemoration today, to honour the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms.

The parade was led by the college’s public uniformed services students, and included representatives from the British Army reserves, Royal Marines, West Mercia Police, and Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service.

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Goodbye, Oakengates Theatre

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

“Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.” – Alan Carr, 2025.

The majority of the theatre is being completely rebuilt to transform both the exterior and interior of the building.

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Major improvements coming to councils ‘My Telford’ service

Telford News

My Telford is the Council’s online portal, accessible via web or mobile app and available 24/7, that makes it easy to report issues like fly-tipping, potholes, or damaged street furniture, request services such as bulky waste collections, permits, or new bins, and track the progress of those requests.

The update will include a refreshed dashboard, improved navigation, and the introduction of two-step verification to provide a more secure login and better protect personal data.

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New trustees for cancer charity

Feature

Dr Laurence Ginder and Dr Amruta Lacy-Colson were recently recruited to the board for a term of five years. Both have a significant understanding of local and regional cancer care, and have extensive experience working directly with those in the community facing cancer.

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Telford writer blends myth for a new novel

Telford EntertainmentTelford NewsTelford People

Local author Stephen Anthony Brotherton is set to publish his third novel on 28th November 2025, offering a gripping blend of Greek mythology and afterlife adventure. The writer, based in the Telford area, is releasing ‘Borrowed Time’ with The Book Guild.

The new novel is a story exploring love, loss, and redemption. It is perfect for fans of mythic fiction and supernatural thrillers.

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Hospital director wins air ambulance award

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

Lisa Challinor, a divisional director at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), has been honoured with the Inspiration Award at the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s annual Saving Lives Charity Ball.

The Divisional Director of Operations for Surgery, Anaesthetics, Cancer and Critical Care at SaTH was seriously injured in March 2024 when she was struck by a car travelling at speed on the wrong side of the road.

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Halls’ launch new ‘Priority Preview’ service for home sellers and buyers.

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

Local estate agent Halls is launching a new service designed to match sellers with buyers without having to go to the wider market.

“This new service is designed to help our buyers find their next home without the need for them to constantly wade through endless and unsuitable listings on Rightmove.” explained Jon Quinn, Halls’ Managing Director.

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Sowing the seeds to help nature thrive

FeatureTelford News

Wildflower meadow areas are set to increase as part of Telford & Wrekin Council’s ongoing work to improve green spaces for the benefit of wildlife and residents.

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Engineering employer hub discusses key skills issues

Telford BusinessTelford News

Representatives from some of the area’s biggest businesses attended Telford College’s latest engineering employer skills hub to discuss key staff development issues.

Among the businesses represented at the latest session were RBSL, Muller, Kraft Heinz, Aga Rangemaster, Hoshizaki Europe, Pickstock, i2r Packaging, Keysight Technologies, plus the NHS and Jobcentre Plus.

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New affordable apartments and bungalows for rent in Wellington

HighlightsTelford News

An upcoming event in Wellington will give local people the chance to explore brand-new retirement living apartments and bungalows soon to open at the former New College site on King Street.

Housing Plus Group is inviting anyone interested in affordable rental homes to drop in on Thursday 13 November, between 10am and 3pm, at The Wrekin Housing Group Wellington Hub, Tan Bank, TF1 1HE.

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Hospitals to gain new beds this winter

FeatureTelford News

A major financial boost for the county’s two main hospitals will help to improve access to urgent and emergency care for patients in Telford and across Shropshire. The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is investing in Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) to create additional inpatient beds and assessment spaces ahead of the winter period.

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Old Fire Station is venue for special evening

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

Love Shifnal, in partnership with the Shifnal History Group, will host a special open evening at The Old Fire Station on Shrewsbury Road on Thursday 13 November, from 5pm to 6:30pm.

The event is open to Shifnal business owners and members of the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the town’s rich history and heritage. Visitors will be able to view fascinating exhibitions and learn about Shifnal’s historic buildings and notable families, with insights provided by local historians.

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Family launch two Christmas light displays

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

A Dawley family are illuminating the area by decorating two houses this Christmas to raise money for a poignant local cause. The Pickerings are inviting residents to view their elaborate Christmas light displays which officially switch on this week.

The main display at 69 Webb Crescent, Dawley, is already shining brightly. The family have outlined the house and hedges with lights, creating a sparkling display in the front garden that is open for people to visit and take pictures.

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Support for male victims of domestic abuse highlighted

FeatureHighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

According to UK charity ManKind Initiative, one in every five men will become a victim of domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, yet they make up only one in 20 victims accessing the support available from local specialist services. 

As today is Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day, the PCC is highlighting the range of services he funds, that are available to men across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. 

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Rare commercial investment opportunity offered at Shifnal

Telford BusinessTelford News

Four, well-positioned commercial units and two yards at Shifnal Industrial Estate, Lamledge Lane, Shifnal are available on a 299-year lease for £480,000, reflecting a net initial yield of 10.2%.

James Evans, head of Halls Commercial, said Units 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D and Yards 6 and 7 are fully income-producing and represent a secure investment option, with a current net annual rent of £51,052.

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Six charities win funding for community-led projects

HighlightsTelford News

The fund has been split between six of the 33 applications for grants. Brightstar Boxing Academy, based in Shifnal, has been awarded the largest grant of just under £10,000 for its training academy. It plans to train at least 50 grassroots sports coaches to improve the quality and inclusivity of youth programmes across Telford and Wrekin. 

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Car crash leads to diagnosis of brain tumour

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

An aggressive brain tumour was discovered in a Shropshire man after he suffered a seizure while driving and was involved in a car accident. The discovery led to a devastating diagnosis for former Shifnal engineer Chris Blakemore, who died 17 months later.

His daughter, Carrie Stokes, has since raised over £9,321 for research into brain tumours by hosting a charity ball in his memory.

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Let’s get Telford on the Bake Off

HighlightsTelfoodTelford NewsTelford People

Could we get Telford represented in The Great British Bake Off?

Time to step up our baking game as the application window for the 17th series of The Great British Bake Off is rapidly closing. The production team is actively seeking a mix of contestants to reflect the range in age, location, gender, and diversity of amateur bakers in Britain, meaning a local resident has a strong chance.

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Details released for Wellington lights switch on

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

Wellington is set for a bright Christmas as the Town Council has invested significantly in a new festive lighting scheme across the town. The new LED displays, which are intended to enhance civic pride, will be officially switched on by Mayor, Councillor Reg Snell, on Saturday, November 29.

The investment is the first major renewal and enhancement of the festive lights in over a decade. Crucially, it has allowed for the scheme to expand into new areas. Residents will soon see new displays lighting up the neighbourhoods of Shawbirch, Brooklands, and Arleston, alongside a striking display on the busy Morrisons roundabout.

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Keira Mayhew: Trailblazer at British Citizen Youth Award 2025

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its ninth year, honoured 22 young people from across the UK on Thursday 30th October, including Keira Mayhew from Telford.

This was the first time that anyone from Shropshire had been honoured. Each young person has made a positive impact on their communities or wider society.

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44 months for drug dealer who made £5k a day

FeatureHighlightsTelford CrimeTelford News

Andrew Lane, of Laburnam Lane in Telford, was sentenced on Friday (31 October) at Shrewsbury Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

During a police interview Lane admitted to making £5,000 a day from selling drugs, which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle, often enjoying holidays abroad to Mexico, Turkey and The Netherlands.

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Appeal launches for charity Tree of Light

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

The annual Rotary Telford Tree of Light appeal was launched on Monday inside the Telford Centre. Money raised will support seven local causes, including Severn Hospice, Hope House Children’s Hospice, The Telford MNDA, Telford Prostate Cancer Support Group, Telford MIND Support Group, Shropshire Search and Rescue, and the Veteran’s Cafe in Madeley.

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Shropshire Warriors winning streak

HighlightsTelford EntertainmentTelford NewsTelford Sport

The Shropshire Warriors Men’s National League team are riding high after a commanding 107–82 victory over the Walsall Wizards last weekend, their third consecutive win, and will be looking to keep that momentum going, as they return home to the Telford College Arena this Saturday.

Tip-off is at 4:00 PM on 1st November 2025, with doors opening at 3:30 PM at the Telford College Arena (Haybridge Rd, Wellington, Telford TF1 2NP) and better yet entry is completely FREE.

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Duo impress rugby star with 10 stone loss

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

Two women from Telford have celebrated reaching the finals of a national weight-loss competition after shedding more than 10 stone between them. Kelly Nurse and Carla Smith were two of only 42 women from across the UK and Ireland to reach the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2025.

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Three town council seats go to the ballot box

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

Residents across Telford are preparing to vote in a trio of crucial local by-elections next month as three vacant seats on various town and parish councils need filling. The polls will open on Thursday, November 20.

The three contests cover three distinct areas, prompting local parties and independents to put forward candidates to represent their communities.

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Shropshire charity recruiting for new leadership role

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

A long-standing local charity serving residents across Shropshire, Citizens Advice Shropshire, has begun the recruitment process for a new Chair to lead its Trustee Board.

The search comes as current Chair, Chris Boote, prepares to step down from the role in 2026 after six years leading the board. The new Chair will be joining an organisation that has served the community for more than 80 years.

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Wellington Cricket Club Big Blast on Saturday

HighlightsTelford EntertainmentTelford News

Wellington Cricket Club is gearing up for its annual fireworks spectacular, ‘The Big Blast’, this Saturday, 1st November, and organisers are urging people across Telford to buy their tickets now. The event is strictly online-only admission, meaning absolutely no tickets will be available to purchase at the gate.

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Telford’s Talbots Law expands Agricultural Law team

HighlightsTelford BusinessTelford News

Sara Pickerin and Nicholas Playford, who have more than 40 years’ collective experience in the sector, join the fast-growing firm as part of its commitment to supporting hundreds of clients in rural areas.

This latest growth in the Agricultural team forms part of the business’ wider expansion strategy, an expansion strategy that has seen it grow from £18m turnover in 2021 to more than £40m annual fees this year.

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