Oswestry North Pole Toy Drive

This year, a new initiative has been set up by local Katie Millard – the Oswestry North Pole Toy Drive. The toy drive will be collecting new toys for distribution to local families who are struggling with the Christmas period looming. Families can sign up by registering via email or phone with no questions asked and everything is confidential.

When asked, why she felt it important to set this up, Katie explained, “With the rising cost of living, lots of families will be struggling who maybe haven’t before. Families can self-refer to the scheme whether or not they’re already in touch with other agencies.”

In August this year, the Office for National Statistics reported, ‘Around 9 in 10 (89%) adults in Great Britain continue to report that their cost of living has increased, equal to around 46 million people,’ and ‘Nearly 6 in 10 people who have seen their cost-of-living rise, cut spending on nonessentials.’

With this in mind, you can understand why things like gifts for children are pushed to the bottom of the list because heating and food are just critical, especially during the winter months as we spend more time inside.

Having a toy from Santa or Mum and Dad can really make a child’s Christmas special and there are now a few drop off points in Oswestry for donations to be given. “Businesses have also come on board,” said Katie, “Arla staff are collecting, Zest Ladies Gym are asking members to drop off toys there, along with HSBC UK Oswestry branch.” You can bring new toys to the following drop-off points:

Osnosh

Oswarm Stall – 19 November, 3 December

Liar Liar coffee shop HSBC Bank Morrisons

The Works – buy a gift at the checkout Arla – staff donations Zest Ladies Gym – members donations

Katie has also set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money to purchase toys for any age groups that may be short of gifts once collections are complete and also to purchase wrapping materials. “I’m doing this because I was so fed up hearing all the cost-of-living doom and gloom and thinking how many families were going to struggle this year. I just wanted to help,” Katie explained.

“We need toys for newborns up to 18 years. We’ve had a lot of gifts for girls, so some for boys are needed. All the toys will be distributed by volunteers to make sure they get to the families.”

To donate to help with the purchase of more gifts and materials, visit https://gofund.me/ b916b5f0 or search for Oswestry North Pole Toy Drive at www.gofundme.com

To register as a family who would like to receive this support, email katiemorda@gmail.com or call/ message 07912 435221. All personal information and conversations will be dealt with confidentially. LAST DATE TO APPLY: SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER

LAUNCHING THE OSWESTRY CHRISTMAS VIDEO FOR 2022

Christmas is a special time for families and friends, when memories are made and stories are told - that is the spirit infusing this year’s Oswestry Christmas video, brimming with the magic of seasonal storytelling - it’s a cracker! Whilst the storyline is under wraps, top secret, and guarded by elves - you really need to see it - what we can tell you, is that it takes you on a journey from the delightful backdrop of Cae Glas Park, through the glorious streets of Oswestry, and on to the drama of a snowy Oswestry Railway Station - featuring the most magical performances along the way. All this amid the rich setting of our wonderful independent shops, eateries, venues and townscape. Oh yes, this one’s a corker! The Oswestry Christmas Video launches in mid-November, and we’re excited to shout out Oswestry’s message of a fabulous place to shop, visit, eat, drink, live and work in, to audiences far and wide! We want to give our town’s footfall a welcome boost over the Christmas period and into 2023, supporting all our businesses, while proudly promoting the magic and warmth of Oswestry. Watch out for teaser snippets on the Facebook page at OneOswestry, and the Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels at @OneOswestry. Or visit Oswestry BID’s town website at oneoswestry.co.uk.

Exclusive behind the scenes and clip from the new video.

The Oswestry BID Ballot Result

In other news, an independently run ballot overseen by Civica, the UK’s leading provider of election services, took place from 6 October to 3 November to decide on a second term for Oswestry BID (Business Improvement District). In order for a positive ballot result, two tests needed to be satisfi ed: 1. A simple majority by number of those voting must be in favour, and; 2. Those voting in favour must represent the majority of rateable value of those voting.

A total of 151 votes were cast in the ballot with 60% in favour by number, and 62% in favour by rateable value. The result of ballot was therefore positive and so Oswestry BID will continue for a second fi ve-year term commencing 1 April 2023.

BID Chair, Ian Follington, said, “The BID Team, the Board and I are all naturally delighted with the positive ballot result and wish to thank our Levy Payers for their vote of confi dence in Oswestry BID.”

“We are all proud of what Oswestry BID has been able to achieve over the past four and a half years and would like to thank our partners and everybody who has been part of that achievement for their hard work and dedication. I would particularly like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the BID Team and the strong support we have received from both Shropshire Council and Oswestry Town Council.”

“The focus will now be to deliver the second term Business Plan over the next fi ve years, building on the positive achievements and strong relationships already formed.”

“Finally, I would like to wish all of our Levy Payers all the best and every success in these troubled economic times and please be assured of our continued best efforts on your behalf for the next fi ve years.”