Worcestershire Reports
Review of Tenbury Wells by Helen Mound on February 11th, 2007
UPDATE VERSION - SEE END
Tenbury Wells is a small traditional (some would say 'old fashioned') market town on the borders of Herefordshire (2 miles), Shropshire (20 yards) but in Worcestershire. Full of wonderfully provocative, family-run shops: wet fish shop; bakers; butchers; craft jeweller; hardware store with drawers full of odds and ends to buy one at a time; household store to purchase underware, shoes, carpets, kitchen ware, soft furnishings, etc.; a small police station; library; post office; chemist; sweet shop; ladies clothing; picture framers; small cafes; florists; small supermarkets (not a Tesco, Morrison or Sainsbury for 10+ miles); hairdressers; pubs and taverns; bi-weekly farmers market in the old Round Market building; oh and just to bring us into the 21st century, private computer shop, card shop and just out of town a private mobile phone company. I'm sorry to say there is no candlestick maker! But there are small gift shops with nice quality and variety which do sell candles.
Don't expect to be able to 'pop into town' to buy anything quickly. This is a place where time stands still and people stop to chat and pass the time of day. It's a happy town where people look surprisingly young for their age. This has probably got something to do with the incredible social life with 2 brass bands, amateur operatic and dramatic societies, tap dancing troupe, choirs, football, tennis and bowling clubs, bridge clubs, guides, brownies, scouts and cubs. A town school with only about 450 pupils.
This is a place where people matter and young people, though there is a youth cafe, join in the social life with the adults learning how to become part of the community. The High School sports unit is available for the community and we also have a swimming pool, gymnasium and ramblers clubs for people to keep active.
It's a wonderful place to live.
But what about the visitor: there are magnificent views to be seen from some of the many footpaths that surround the area. If you are a cyclist then many of the local lanes will be a joy as you are unlikely to see many cars on them and there are a few bed and breakfast places to stay if you want to experience this wonderful life for a little longer.
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