Robyn Bennett

Country Fest 2026 will take place on August 23 at Russell’s Meadow in Church Stretton. Organised by volunteer-led home education community Individual Pathways Shropshire, the inclusive rural-life festival will feature hobby horse competitions, a dog show, exotic animal encounters, forest school activities, demonstrations, local traders, food vendors and children’s activities. The event will raise funds for the organisation and support families navigating the SEND system. Charities, campaigners and special guests will attend, and children aged 12 and under can enter free.

South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson has backed the Conservative Party’s “Save the Summer Job” campaign, arguing that seasonal work provides young people with income, confidence and essential workplace experience. The campaign claims that Labour’s employment regulations and tax increases are making it harder for businesses to hire seasonal staff. In South Shropshire, 230 people aged 18 to 24 were receiving unemployment-related benefits, 45 more than the previous June. Anderson supports reducing business rates, cutting employment red tape, easing restrictions on Sunday and evening work, and removing permits for employing young people.

Commonwood Farm in Tenbury Wells has won two one-star accolades at the Great Taste Awards for its Vintage Sparkling Perry and Honey Spiced Pear Brandy Liqueur. Organized by the Guild of Fine Food and judged blind by more than 500 industry experts, the awards recognized the perry’s brightness, structure and dry finish, as well as the liqueur’s appearance, aroma and balanced honey-spice profile. Operators Sarah and Bruce Starkey said the recognition affirmed the sixth-generation family business’s slow production methods and Teme Valley heritage.