The Strettons Podcast

Acton Scott is more than a working Victorian museum, it's a living breathing tight-knit village. Merle Wilson describes growing up without basic amenities, the death of her mother and farming with her father. She paints a picture of a supportive vibrant community in which people look after for each other and work to continue the spirit of the community.

Happy new year from Sian and Pete. This week we’ve been stroking hedgehogs at a rescue centre in Edgton and been to see the monument to the last sin eater in the churchyard at Ratlinghope. We look back and forward to 2026 and see what events are coming up in the next two weeks.Hedgehog RescueMartin And Tanis Jordan, email tmjordan559@gmail.comMidland Gliding Club cafe franchisee enquiriesTim Murphy email secretary@midlandgliding.clubTimingsLast Sin Eater 02:17Hedgehog Rescue 11:10What’s On 23:21

Richard Hill from Batchott talks about the family he worked for all his life, his love of tractors and lost opportunities. Poignant memories of family members he has lost coupled with stories of teenage trouble-making paint a vivid picture of what life was like growing up in Batchcott on the Long Mynd.

Part 2 of Pete's selection of his favourite bits from 2025.TimingsTom Norris 2:28Bug hotel. 8:07Brian Pope 13:56Lucinda the potter 21:15John Sankey 27:35Terry Davies. 35:58

Jim grew up in an old mill in Walkmills near Leebotwood, and worked hard helping his father on the farm. Today his success in business can be put down to his parents instilling in him a strong work ethic, and his general happiness is partly attributed to keeping donkeys. He talks about the mills which operated along the valley, and about his ‘water-powered’ childhood. And if anyone ever wondered what the courtroom in the old Shire Hall in Shrewsbury used to look like, they can see a lot of it in the drawing room of Jim’s house. 

Pete's selection of his favourite bits from 2025.TimingsSteve Paige 2:10Losing my religion 6:53Anne Morris 10:10Snailbeach Mine. 15:08Nick Churton. 21:34Ragleth Fidget menu 26:24