Major steps down as Shropshire folly trust chairman
The champion of a Shropshire landmark who helped get it renovated and opened to the public has retired.
Chelsea pensioner Major Adrian Coles MBE, a long serving trustee of Flounders' Folly on Callow Hill near Craven Arms, has retired from the role at 85.
The 80ft high tower, built by Benjamin Flounders in 1838, had fallen into total disrepair until brought back by the Flounders' Folly Trust.
Now, thanks to the Trust, it has been completely renovated according to the original plans.
It is regularly open to the public – when the flag of St George flies from the tower – but is only accessible by foot.
Major Coles, of Knowbury, has been a champion of the tower for decades.
He said: "I have retired having achieved my ambition of having this important historical Shropshire landmark restored and at my age, 85 years, have sufficient interests.
"I now live in London as a Chelsea Pensioner and am a Freeman of the City of London and a Freeman of the Borough of Shrewsbury and Atcham, an Honorary Alderman of Shropshire and a Member of the Shropshire Society in London – quite enough to keep me going."
Major Coles was recently visited by Ludlow MP Philip Dunne, who served with him for several years on South Shropshire District Council, at the Royal Chelsea Hospital for the annual Founder's Day parade. Mr Dunne said "
I was very pleased to see my former colleague Adrian Coles settling into his life at the Royal Hospital and proudly representing Shropshire veterans on Founder's Day."
