ARS visits inspiring folly

Saturday's ARS (Audlem Ramblers' Society) walk was a 10-mile circuit from Craven Arms in Shropshire to the highest point on Wenlock Edge, Callow Hill. Here, in a prominent position with spectacular views in every direction, is Flounders Folly, a tall stone-built tower that has just been renovated.

The restoration project is inspiring. ARS members were fortunate to meet one of the team behind the work, Sula Rayska, who explained that the ruin had been bought for £1. The total cost of restoring the tower to its former glory was, however, over £300,000. This sum was raised by a dedicated group with a main grant of £281,000 being made by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This was supplemented by a number of other funds, trusts and local donations.

The group climbed the tower which is now in excellent order, a superb restoration of a building that had partly collapsed in 1989. It was an example of what can be done by enthusiasts and the tower is now an inspiring highlight of a beautiful landscape. If you are interested, details can be found at floundersfolly.org.uk (The website link that was here no longer works)

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