Bumper turnout for community party
A community party with a historical twist to mark 50 years of Telford attracted over 200 people and has been described as a great success by organisers.
The event, which was held at Newport Navy Club and featured food, entertainment, and displays by local historians, also raised around £200 for good causes.
"I'm very happy to report that it's been a great success," said organiser, club secretary Mrs Pat Brown, on the evening.
"We thought that if we had it on the same night as Newport's old time market people would be in the street and drift their way up. It seems to have worked and I think people have been really interested in the displays."
She said they had successfully applied for a £850 grant from Telford & Wrekin Council to hold a community event to mark Telford at 50.
"We got the grant so we could show people the history of Telford over 50 years and offer them free food and entertainment and we invited local historians who have come and given their time for nothing, which is wonderful.
"We've had Steve Bowers, who does the Telford Ultimate Guide, Marcus Keane, the founder of Telford Memories, Toby Neal of the Shropshire Star, Newport historian David Adams, Lynne Purcell, who brought all her late father Fred Brown's history and photographs from 1938 onwards, and Norman Hartford, who collects memorabilia about Telford.
"We've had a tombola which raised £200 and we are dividing the proceeds between the Severn Hospice, Newport Navy Club, and our ladies section towards our toilet refurbishment."
Later there was free live music provided by entertainers Jamie Jordan and Larry Shannon.
Club chairman Peter Bunting said they had been surprised that the event had gone so well.
"I think the marketing side of it has been handled very well."
