2005 Press
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Shropshire Star 11th April 2005

2004 Press
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• In October of 2004, the BBC broadcast a short documentary / news piece on Mickey's 2004 Maize Maze! We were filmed on 25/5/04 and the Beeb returned 17/7/04 to do some more filming after the maze matured and visitors had been using it.

Shropshire Star 6th Sept 2004

South Shropshire Journal July 23rd 2004

South Shropshire Journal June 25th 2004

South Shropshire Journal June 25th 2004

2003 Press
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South Shropshire Journal May 30th 2003

Ludlow Advertiser May 29th 2003

South Shropshire Journal June 13th 2003

Shropshire Star July 15th 2003

The Advertiser July 24th 2003

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Battle to build play site is won.
(Reproduced from, and © of, The Advertiser - 29th July 2004)
A south Shropshire tourist attraction has won its battle to build an indoor play area, despite planning officers' advice that the scheme be dropped.

Colin & Jenny Bowen, who run Mickey Miller's Maize Maze near Craven Arms, will convert an agricultural yard so they can provide entertainment when the weather prevents a trip through the maze.

"We are very pleased and delighted," said Mr Bowen

"We can look forward to getting building inderway in about a month and have everything finished in time to open at Christmas"

"We're looking forward to providing a much-needed all-weather play facility for the area"

South Shropshire planning officers suggested the scheme be rejected by councillors on traffic grounds and because it would be detrimental to the character of the open countryside.

However, local support was shown for the project with a 546 signature petition.

Councillors visited the site before deciding and also took into consideration various points raised by residents and concerned parties.

Although planning permission was granted, several conditions were imposed.

The materials used in the building must be soundproof to prevent noise pollution and the play area is not to be extended outside the building for the same reason.

Chief planning officer James Caird said, "The planning committee debated the issues and decided the pros outweighed the cons and that the project would aid the regeneration of Craven Arms as a market town"
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Play barn couple's pledge to residents
(Reproduced from, and © of, South Shropshire Journal - 23rd July 2004)
The couple behind plans for south Shropshire's first ever indoor play area, granted planning permission on Wednesday, have moved to allay the fears of neighbours.

South Shropshire's District Council's development committee granted Colin Bowen permission to convert farm buildings at Oakfield Farm, Watling Street, Craven Arms, to a covered family play area.

Colin & Jenny Bowen told the Journal: "We are obviously delighted that our planning application has been approved and that the families, other tourist attractions, local businesses and accomodation providers in the area will be able to benefit from this much needed facility"

"We would like to thank everyone who supported the application by submitting letters of support and signing petitions"

"We would like to reassure those that have expressed concerns that we will make every effort to ensure that the facility will not adversely affect the lives of our neighbours"

The couple said at the moment their priority was running their Mickey Miller's Maize Maze, which is open until September 12th.
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Playbarn at farm given go-ahead
(Reproduced from, and © of, Shropshire Star - 22nd July 2004)
South Shropshire will get its first all-indoor play area at Craven Arms, thanks to planners.

South Shropshire District Council's development control committee yesterday gave Colin Bowen permission to convert an agricultural building at Oakfield Farm, Watling Street, Craven Arms, into a covered all weather, family play area.

Earlier that day, planning committee members had visited the Oakfield Farm site.

The committee were sent a flurry of letters, both in favour and against the scheme.

Opponents felt that the playbarn would increase traffic on narrow local roads, cause a noise nuisance and also spoil the landscape with its slide tower.

Supporters stated that the playbarn would bring visitors into the area, and also give local families somewhere to go.

Councillors agreed by six votes to four to grant permission, subject to a host of conditions, including no outside play.
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Wide Support for Play Barn plans
(reproduced from & © of South Shropshire Journal - April 27th 2004)

A new tourist attraction – which would attract 15,000 visitors a year – could be open by September.

Colin and Jenny Bowen are behind plans to expand their Mickey Millers Crazy Maize Maze complex at Oakfield Farm, Watling Street, Craven Arms, and create a covered, all-weather play area in empty farm buildings.

The Mickey Millers Playbarn will feature large slides, soft play equipment, and a refreshment area.
The playbarn would be open from 10am-6pm at weekends during school term times, and all week during the school holidays.

In a statement, the couple said: “We have a planning application in. It has been designated as a delegated matter, so is obviously being viewed favourably by the planning officers.

“Planning is expected to be granted by the end of May. We already have the written support of a number of local businesses, South Shropshire District Council Regeneration Department, several youth organisations, councillors, families and over 200 individuals have signed a letter of support.

“As soon as the planning permission is granted, we are ready to start work so that we can open mid-September to coincide with the end of the Maize Maze.”

In 2003, the Bowens created Mickey Millers Maize Maze, which attracted 7,500 visitors and created seven jobs for locals.

The maze will operate again this summer, and is expected to pull in over 10,000 visitors.

Mr and Mrs Bowen believe that the success of the maze showed the need for facility for families in the Craven Arms area.

Mr Bowen tried and failed to get the play barn idea off the ground in premises at Shrewsbury Road, Craven Arms, but he’s confident that this latest scheme will go ahead.

His research show that some parents from south Shropshire, travel 40 miles to indoor play areas.
Mr Bowen said: “The needs for, and benefit of, play provision for children and young people are well documented. Local bodies, youth groups, councils, councillors and the local MP have also highlighted the lack of such facilities in the area.

“In our research, mothers indicated that they which to meet in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, where refreshments are available and where they can supervise and interact with their toddlers and play in a secure and safe environments.”

Mr Bowen told the Journal that the new play barn would create two full time, and five part time seasonal jobs.

He added that the income from the play barn would help secure the future of the small family farm and boost the rural economy.
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