Charity ‘Shrowsbury’ v ‘Shroosbury’ debate

News from our partners University Centre Shrewsbury

The Shrewsbury train station sign – but is it said ‘Shrowsbury’ or ‘Shroosbury’?

The long-running question of how to pronounce the name of Shropshire’s county town will be the focus of a charity debate hosted by University Centre Shrewsbury.

Historians will be stepping forward to share the arguments for each side, at the event on Thursday 2 July 2015, in aid of Shrewsbury Ark, a drop-in centre helping homeless and vulnerable people.

BBC Radio Shropshire presenter Jim Hawkins will be overseeing the debate and music will be provided by Paul and Nikki Henshaw during the break.

People are invited to the event at Rowley’s House, Barker Street, Shrewsbury, from 7pm to 8.45pm to hear the cases, before casting votes to decide the triumphant speaker and pronunciation.

The pronunciation of Shrewsbury is an ongoing topic of discussion.  Some say ‘Shrowsbury’ (as in rhyming with Grows-bury), and some Some say ‘Shroosbury’ (as in rhyming with Grews-bury), with other pronunciations also being used.

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury Deputy Provost, said:

“We thought that it would be good to find out more about how the pronunciations came about and for people to have the chance to hear about their origins.

“We’d urge people to come along, listen to the arguments for each side, help us to resolve the debate for an evening, enjoy music from the brilliant Paul and Nikki Henshaw and raise money for a fantastic charity.”

The music from Paul and Nikki Henshaw will include a performance of Ben’s Song, a song by Ben Bebbington, in whose memory the Big Busk in Shrewsbury is held.

Paul Henshaw added:

“Right now I know where I stand on the pronunciation of our county town but I can’t promise I’ll feel the same way after the debate.

“t’s fabulous to be asked to support such an interesting debate and event, and that it’s in aid of Shrewsbury Ark which is such a vital part of our town and a charity which is so close to my heart. We can’t wait to play Ben’s Song on the night, the Ark was such a big part of Ben’s later life, somewhere that helped him a great deal.”

Entry is by free ticket with donations invited during the evening.

Wine, soft drinks and Shrewsbury biscuits will be on sale.

For tickets go to www.ShrewDecide.eventbrite.co.uk.

For further information email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk.