Ironwork Centre - Oswestry

From humble beginnings in 2008 as a theatre company for amateur performers and singers this fund raising arts centre has raised money for charity and diversified into other areas resulting in a huge collection of ironworks and creative artifacts.

As you approach the main buildings you drive through a large field resplendent with large full scale models of animals from all parts of the globe. Even before you get inside you know you are visiting something special.

With resident crafts people, a warehouse full to the brim with interesting and exciting ironworks this is definitely worth a visit. For details on opening times please visit their website.

Whitehall, Aston, Oswestry, SY11 4JH 
(opposite the Oswestry Golf Course on the A5)

www.blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk

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Ashby de la Zouch

Ashby de la Zouch is famous for its castle. It also became prosperous as a Spa town in the 19th century and its main street has many fine buildings from this era.

The name Ashby de la Zouch comes from a nobleman of the 12th century but Ashby is also a word in Anglo Danish wich means Ash tree farm or settlement. The La Zouche family took lands here after the Norman Conquest but eventually the town and estate came into the ownership of the Hastings family. The castle was actually built by the first Lord Hastings in the 15th century  and today it is an impressive ruin and a tourist attraction.

Coal mining and brick making around the town were the main industries until recent times along with leather and cotton working. Today United Biscuits provides much needed emplyment in the area.

Ashby de la Zouch has its own museum which tells the story of the towns history. Nearby there is also the Heart of the National Forest Visitor Centre at Moira which provides an outdoor forest experience in a woodland setting. Throughout the year events take place here and there is an Adventure Woodland play area and woodland trails and sculptures.

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Coughton Court

Splendid Tudor House. The Throckmorton family have been here since 1409. There are ties with the Gunpowder Plot and an exhibition which illustrates the family and estates involvement. 

Features central gatehouse, courtyard and fine collections of furniture, porcelain and paintings. The walks are interesting and take into account two churches, a lake, a river, the walled flower garden and bog garden.

Alcester, Coughton Alcester B49 5JA. Telephone: 01789 400777

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Coventry

The City of Coventry, famous for its Lady Godiva legend. Whether or not this actual story is a myth or whether it is true is the subject of some dispute but historical records do show that there was a Lady Godiva who died in 1067.

Many people will be familiar with the phrase 'Sent to Coventry'. This is thought to have originated from industrial disputes of the twentieth century where workers were shunned and shut off from communication through disagreements over striking and other issues that put them in an unfavourable situation with their work colleagues. 

Trade in the 1700's records blanket weaving and ribbon making and the textile industry was originally the main trade for Coventry. This was superceded by watch and clock makers. Coventry and its industry was given a major boost by the arrival of the canals and steam engines. 

Coventry is famous for sewing machines and bicycles and the famous Penny Farthing bicycle was invented by James Starley. The production of bicycles led to motorbikes and cars for which Coventry is well known for. Coventry and its contribution to the war effort in both world wars, along with its neighbour Birmingham, was essential to the armed forces and consequently this made it a target for enemy air raids. Severe bombing during the second world war severely damaged the city and evidence of this exists today with the ruins of the old Cathedral. 

The new Cathedral in Coventry is certainly different from traditional Cathedral buildings. It was designed by Basil Spence and is situated alongside the old ruins. Coventry is now twinned with Dresden in Germany. Dresden was also heavily bombed during the war. Coventry has now developed into a modern bustling city with its magnificent cathedral and museums which include the National Motorcycle Museum and the Air Museum. 

Other notable museums and attractions include The Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, The Toy Museum and St Mary's Guildhall which dates back from 1342. In recent years Coventry has benefited from European Funding and the arrival of large modern business parks and science parks. 

The retail sector has expanded dramatically and Coventry's excellent road and rail network have encouraged many large companies to move their centres of operations to the city of Coventry. This in turn has created new leisure opportunities and Coventry hosts a fine selection of cinemas, restaurants and clubs. 

The name Coventry is thought to come from the Old English 'Cofa's tree' but a more recent survey suggests that the first part 'Cofa' (modern cove) perhaps refers to the pool by the river Sherbourne on which Coventry stands. The cove by the tree perhaps? Places were often given names after landmarks.

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Ragley Hall

Ragley Hall is the home of the Marquess & Marchioness of Hertford & the seat of the Conway-Seymour family since 1680. The Stately Home and Gardens include extensive parkland, a large lake with a picnic and play area, an Adventure Wood, Maze, Woodland Walk, Stables and the Jerwood Sculpture Park.

Refreshments of food and drink can be obtained from Bodgers cabin near the Adventure Park as well as in a dedicated Tea Room in the house. There is also a gift shop. This is an ideal location for a family day out. Take a picnic and let the kids enjoy themselves in the Adventure Wood. There are climbing frames, trampoline, swings, wooden walkways and rope climbs and plenty of places to run and hide. The 3D maze is also very popular.

Ragley Hall Gardens contain some fascinating sculptures with some very lifelike human figures and unusual stone and metal ones with various themes. Ragley Hall itself was designed n 1680 by Robert Hooke, a friend of Sir Christopher Wren. Of particular note is the Baroque plasterwork by James Gibbs which is dated 1750 and the collection of 18th century paintings, china and furniture.

The gardens and lakeside of Ragley are set in 400 acres of parkland which was landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. There are also some 18th century carriages and equestrian memorabilia with an ice house and game larder.

Many events take place at Ragley Hall throughout the year. Check their website on a regular basis for up to date details.

Website: http://www.ragleyhall.com

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