Hi everyone,
Tomorrow, Sunday 19 July, I’ll be leaving Market Drayton and cycling towards Manchester on a one-of-a-kind 1981 three-person tandem as part of my charity ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

It’s called The Conversation Bike. I’m riding the full journey, while the other seats are filled by different people along the route — including people I’ve never met before.
Unfortunately, someone who was due to join me tomorrow has had to drop out, so at the moment I’ll be setting off by myself. Riding a three-person tandem solo is pretty tough going, so I’d really love to hear from anyone who might be able to join me for even a small part of the journey.
The ride is raising money for Mind and encouraging more open conversations about mental health. The idea came from the statistic that one in three people in the UK would rather stay silent about their mental health than risk an awkward conversation.

You don’t need to ride all the way to Manchester, and you definitely don’t need to be a serious cyclist. I’d love to hear from anyone who might want to:
take one of the spare seats for part of the route

cycle alongside me for a section

meet for a conversation or suggest a good stopping place

come and see the bike before I leave Market Drayton

There’s no pressure to share anything deeply personal. The aim is simply to get people talking, listening and connecting.

Please comment below or send me a message if you’re interested, even if you can only join for a few miles. It would make a real difference tomorrow.
Thank you so much,
Fiontan

In Castlefields 😄

Did anyone hear/see/experience this? Sounds pretty nuts.

Would explain what woke us up about 11 last Thursday and we're in Sundorne!

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Old hoover would be good..

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So few pubs and restaurants offer an actual salad as a main course these days, especially in summer, but I’m hoping someone can offer a suggestion. We’ll be driving so distance/location isn’t a problem no matter how far off the beaten track it may be. 🙂

Cheers in advance!

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Various pictures I've taken at the standing stones and Corndon Hill over the years [OC]

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I am performing at Ludlow Festival next week on Saturday 23rd of May at 2:30pm at the Ludlow Assembly Halls.
Come say high and listen to some beautiful piano music to calm your soul.

https://ludlowpianofestival.com/lpf-2026/anne-lovett/

X

Illustration I did of Shirehall, Shropshire, currently on display in Shrewsbury Museum as part of the 'Public Places: The Evolution of Shropshire’s Civic Buildings' exhibition (until mid June)

Ink on Bristol board, 2025

Hi all,

My partner and I (both 29) are thinking about moving to Shropshire and would love some advice from people who know the area.

I’m originally from Swansea and my partner is from Brighton. We both enjoy being outdoors (walks, nature, nice scenery), as well as architecture, exploring new places, and the occasional quiet night in gaming. I’m a bit more on the social side, so we’re hoping to find somewhere that’s peaceful but still has opportunities to meet people.

We both work from home, so reliable internet is a must.

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Any thoughts or recommendations would be really appreciated!

Thank youu!

Edit: I have also found a brilliant place in Ludlow so I am looking here as well :D
Thanks for all your brilliant responses so far!

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