Photographer recognised by initiative celebrating the best of Wrexham

Two family businesses in Wrexham have teamed up to create a new project focussed on the town.

After 18 months of uncertainty during the pandemic, Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service have created the The F Jones Initiative.

The first winner of the award is 13-year-old Ruby White who has been recognised for her bravery, kindness, and willingness to put others first despite her own challenges.

But the awards are also celebrating local people whose talents have set them apart.

Steve Warrilow and his stunning photography work.

The first of these winners is Steve Warrilow for his stunning photography work.

Steve worked as a merchant seaman for Blue Line Shipping Company of Liverpool in the early 1970s.

He then served for 12 years with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, with five tours of active service in Northern Ireland, at the height of the troubles. It was in Ireland that he became interested in photography and taught himself while serving with his regiment in Northern Ireland, photographing the troubles on the streets.

Sharon Roberts, project lead for the F Jones Initiative, explained why Steve was considered for the award.

She said: "Steve sadly became a homeless veteran, however he was thankfully put in touch with the Wrexham Royal British Legion, who secured him temporary accommodation. This led the way to Steve’s name being put forward for a housing self-build project in Wrexham, that builds homes for veterans. First Choice Housing (FCHA) operates across Wales and Shropshire and provides quality, well designed, bespoke accommodation, for veterans and also people with a range of specialist needs, disabilities, that enables them to achieve independence and realize their potential, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives.

"Steve took part in building the accommodation and now lives in one of the apartments.

"Now faced with limited job opportunities, Steve decided to apply to Glyndwr University, was accepted on a degree course and has now been awarded a BA degree with Honours in Photography. He is presently working towards his master’s degree, currently studying portraits and self-portraits.

"Steve has a website that displays some of his work, absolutely breath- taking photographs of the Offa’s Dyke, North Wales area and the Spanish Camino, Frances Route, Santiago de Compostela, which he has trekked on three occasions, one of them fundraising for St Ormond’s Street Children’s Hospital Charity."

Steve Warrilow (centre) with Joss Roberts and Jon Roberts of Wrexham Lager.

Director of Wrexham Lager, Jon Roberts added: "We loved Steve’s story of how he turned his life around, however his photography has impressed us so much, the photographs literally pop out the screen at you, absolutely stunning!

"Good luck Steve, we wish you well with your future endeavours and hope we have helped in some small way, to highlight the immense talent you have for photography.

Take a look at stevewarrilowphotography.com for more of Steve's work.