Sheriff Hales

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sheriff Hales (or Sheriffhales) is a scattered village in Shropshire, England, 13.8 km (8 mi) west-north-west of Brewood, and 4.8 km (3 mi) north of Shifnal.

Despite being a small village of around 100 people, there is a primary school, a church and a local post office, as well as a playing field with football goals and a children's playground. The church parish has a population of about 700 people, however it reached 1019 people in 1850, when the Duke of Sutherland owned most of it.

It was also the home of renowned midfield general Brett Stirling. Stirling learned his trade in 'the field' or 'le stade' to the locals, who he amazed with feats of skill so awesome, it was once reputedly remarked 'that kid's the new Gordon Cowans'. Sadly laziness has meant that that potential was never fulfilled.

Sheriff Hales has its own scarecrow competition where people from the village can design and make their own scarecrows. This year (2006), a remarkable 86 people entered and they were judged at the village fayre on September 9th. Unfortunately, this event was marred by the actions of a few vandals whereby at least one scarecrow was stolen. Also at the fayre, there was a mountain bike challenge.

The most recent Tour of Britain bike race passed through the village on the first of September as part of the the Wolverhampton to Birmingham stage.