Henstone wins in Gin Guide Awards

Henstone Distillery’s lightly oak aged Rosé Gin has won ‘Best in Britain 2023’ in the prestigious Gin Guide Awards. Their London Dry and Navy were also winners, and they took home the ‘Distillery of the Year 2023’ award too.

Hundreds of gins from over 35 countries around the world took part in The Gin Guide Awards 2023. Categories are based on the most popular styles of gin and their countries of production, as well as Design and Branding and Environmental Sustainability categories.

The winners are selected through a rigorous blind tasting process conducted by an esteemed panel of distinguished gin experts, including distillers, spirits buyers for retailers, authors, and mixologists. Each gin’s appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, finish and overall quality are assessed to determine the highest scoring gins, based purely on the spirit itself and with no influence from branding, marketing or the country of origin.

Chris Toller, Co-Founder and Director of Henstone Distillery said, “Our Rosé Gin has been in production for nearly five years and for it now to win Best in Britain is amazing! We are all so proud that we have achieved this in such a crowded category. Also, for our distillery, based in rural Shropshire, to win Distillery of the Year against stiff international competition is the icing on the cake.”

Hope House Cycle Challenge returns for 2023

Hundreds of cyclists will once again be using pedal power to raise money as the Hope House Cycle Challenge returns for 2023.

The challenge on Sunday 6 August will see cyclists take on one of two routes from Hope House Children’s Hospice in Oswestry heading on a 56-mile route around Lake Vyrnwy or a 70-mile journey to Lake Bala, finishing back up at the hospice.

The longer Lake Bala route takes in Bwlch y Groes – one of the highest public road mountain passes in Wales with a summit altitude of 545 metres.

Last year the Cycle Challenge raised more than £11,000 and with cyclists already signing up in their droves this year’s event is shaping up to be another success.

Fundraiser Bekki Fardoe said, “It’s going to be great to see all of our riders again here at Hope House and out on the route.

“We are so grateful to our sponsors Recycling Group UK, for their incredible support in helping us to put on such an amazing event which will raise vital money to support children and families that need care at our hospices.

“The Cycle Challenge is one of our most popular events, so if you want to take part and make sure you get your hands on one of our incredible medals then please do sign up early to avoid disappointment and take advantage of the early bird fee of £27.50. Sign-up on the day will be £35, subject to availability.

If you would like to sign up and secure your place in the Cycle Challenge then please visit www.hopehouse.org.uk/cycle

Oswestry Archers plan 24-hour shoot

From midday 7 July to midday 8 July, the Oswestry Archers are holding a 24-hour non-stop archery event to fundraise for two charities dear to Club Secretary, Robert Batts.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Robert’s daughter was diagnosed with MS a few years ago, which has affected her life considerably in many ways. This is a horrible condition that attacks the nervous system, and can be life threatening, and at present there is no cure.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

Explaining why he is supporting Alder Hey, Robert said, “I currently coach an 11-year-old girl, who has severe Epilepsy and was diagnosed with this condition when she was 7 months old. She can have seizures every day of the week and sometimes more than one in a day. Her schooling is disrupted due to seizures and other than archery, which she can cope with in small sessions, she finds it really hard to do other sports and things in life that other children do. Alder Hey have been brilliant with her over the years and are now looking at doing a major brain operation on her to try and alleviate the symptoms.

“We wish to raise as much money as we possibly can for these two really deserving charities, so they can continue with the brilliant work they do.”

If anyone wishes to donate or sponsor the event, text Robert on 07585 591662

Oswestry Community Games 2023

On 11 June, Oswestry Community Games more than met organisers’ expectations and over 1000 people of all ages turned up to enjoy the free activities in Cae Glas Park, provided by diverse local organisations covering sports and dance. The live music was once again provided by the Bartells, who lived up to their growing reputation.

James Manford, Lead Organiser said, “It was a delight to be in our beautiful park today. Many thanks go to all our local sponsors – Oswestry Town Council, Oswestry BID, Oswestry Sports Forum, Shropshire Rural Housing Association Bunning Gas and DRE Accountants. Thank you to all the club volunteers who have given their time today so willingly, and to David Davies who was again in fine form as our MC for the day.

I would also like to thank Andy Hunt from Oswestry Photographic Society for undertaking his role, to Mal Molloy for his filmmaking, our Town Crier Phil Brown and to Sue Cameron Head Park keeper and her team for making the park again look so good and a relaxing place to be. Thanks go to my colleagues Kelly

Clarke and Clive Knight, who worked tirelessly throughout the year to help me make this great community event happen again.”

Guest of Honour Kat Driscoll, World and European Gold Medallist in Trampolining, threw herself enthusiastically into her role trying out a range of activities that she had not tried before as well as talking to many people.

Many thanks to our Commonwealth Games Ambassadors, and local volunteers who played a key role helping with the running of the Games. including overseeing the raffle and charity boxes in support of Kat’s chosen charity “Stroke Association”.

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