Agenda item
Motions
The following motions have been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 16:
Minutes:
The following motion had been received from Councillor Alan Holford, supported by Councillors Bernie Bentick, Neil Bentley, Gary Groves, Ben Jephcott, Sarah Marston and Chris Naylor
This Council:
1. Celebrates the homecoming performance of William Shakespear’s ‘As You Like It’ by the Shropshire Youth Theatre, which took place at Soulton Hall on 8 May 2026.
2. Recognises the deep historical and literary importance of this production, which returns the play to the specific North Shropshire landscape that influenced its creation.
3. Observes that Soulton Hall was the childhood home of Thomas Lodge, whose work Rosalynde served as the primary source for the play; and was the estate of Sir Rowland Hill, the individual who inspired the character of Old Sir Rowland.
4. Acknowledges the significant cultural heritage of the site, including the ancestral connections between the Hill family and Mary Arden, the mother of William Shakespeare.
5. Applauds Soulton Hall for its continued dedication to the arts, specifically its support of youth performance groups and its achievement in staging a substantial portion of the Shakespearean canon within the county.
6. Supports the ongoing collaboration between charitable organisations and the private sector as a powerful method for driving civic renewal and economic vitality in rural areas.
7. Resolves to promote and celebrate the unique international literary legacy of Shropshire, ensuring that the contributions of our local heritage continue to inspire future generations of residents and visitors.
This was seconded by Councillor Sarah Marston
By way of amendment Councillor Julian Dean proposed that the following be added
8. Requests the relevant portfolio holder to bring forward proposals for a refresh of the council’s “Vibrant Shropshire - cultural strategy” in the light of changes to the council’s capacity to deliver since it was drafted in 2021, recognising and addressing the threat to cultural assets and opportunities that the financial situation presents
Councillor Holford indicated that he was willing to accept the amendment and on taking a vote it was RESOLVED
This Council:
1. Celebrates the homecoming performance of William Shakespear’s ‘As You Like It’ by the Shropshire Youth Theatre, which took place at Soulton Hall on 8 May 2026.
2. Recognises the deep historical and literary importance of this production, which returns the play to the specific North Shropshire landscape that influenced its creation.
3. Observes that Soulton Hall was the childhood home of Thomas Lodge, whose work Rosalynde served as the primary source for the play; and was the estate of Sir Rowland Hill, the individual who inspired the character of Old Sir Rowland.
4. Acknowledges the significant cultural heritage of the site, including the ancestral connections between the Hill family and Mary Arden, the mother of William Shakespeare.
5. Applauds Soulton Hall for its continued dedication to the arts, specifically its support of youth performance groups and its achievement in staging a substantial portion of the Shakespearean canon within the county.
6. Supports the ongoing collaboration between charitable organisations and the private sector as a powerful method for driving civic renewal and economic vitality in rural areas.
7. Resolves to promote and celebrate the unique international literary legacy of Shropshire, ensuring that the contributions of our local heritage continue to inspire future generations of residents and visitors.
8. Requests the relevant portfolio holder to bring forward proposals for a refresh of the council’s “Vibrant Shropshire - cultural strategy” in the light of changes to the council’s capacity to deliver since it was drafted in 2021, recognising and addressing the threat to cultural assets and opportunities that the financial situation presents