The Shropshire GOAT

25/07/2025

We took a visit to Weston Park for Oli & Nel's Hare-Raising Adventure.

Oli & Nel's Hare-Raising Adventure is the summer art trail at Weston Park. We went to try it out for ourselves.

21/07/2025

Sad news out of Ludlow today.

15/07/2025

Another update to the Shropshire Playground Directory with the Bell Inn at Tong added.

And not a moment too soon with the summer holidays coming up!

The best Shropshire pub playground resource - with quality of equipment and quality of beer assessed, so the whole family has a good time.

14/07/2025

12/07/2025

A sunny visit to Beech Tree Oswestry for an al fresco brunch.

Al fresco brunch on a sunny day at the Beech Tree, Oswestry. Smashed avocado never went out of fashion if you ask me.

10/07/2025

Where should I get lunch in Oswestry tomorrow? Is there somewhere you want me to test for you?

08/07/2025

My latest book...

The Campaign for Real Ale is marking a significant milestone with 50 years of beer festivals, but a tell-all book reveals the history, devastations and controversy back when it first started in the seventies

03/07/2025

Fruit beer is enjoying a modern renaissance in the UK. Tesco’s beer buyer Ben Cole says that light, fruity beers with a lower abv are the UK’s fastest growing beer trend. The supermarket giant has seen sales grow by 250 per cent in the last year.

02/07/2025

26/06/2025

Important Update: The Shrewsbury Ark Charity Shop is Closing

We’re saddened to share some difficult news: The Shrewsbury Ark’s Charity Shop is closing its doors.

For over a decade, the shop has been an important part of The Shrewsbury Ark family. However, like many others across the country, we’ve had to make the tough decision to close. Rising retail costs, increased National Insurance contributions, and the rapid shift toward online second-hand sales have all contributed to making the shop no longer financially viable.

But The Shrewsbury Ark is so much more than a shop.

Our day centre is a lifeline — offering food, warmth, support, and a path toward stability for the most vulnerable people in Shrewsbury.

Today, we are facing a critical funding shortfall of £30,000 every month.

Without urgent support, we may be forced to reduce essential services.

You Can Help

We’re asking for your help to keep our doors open. A monthly gift — no matter the size — gives us the stability to:

• Pay utility bills and essential staff
• Keep our day centre running
• Continue supporting those in crisis

Please consider becoming a Friend of the Ark and donating £3.50 each month.

With a community of supporters donating monthly, we can build a reliable foundation and continue our work for years to come.

https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/5608 #!/DonationDetails

Thank you for your continued kindness, generosity, and compassion.
— The Shrewsbury Ark Team