Oswestry Life April 2018 by dts media ltd

free issue 14 april 2018

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www.oswestry.life

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Rambles with a camera Designs in mind • Maximilism • • Interior style Walks around Oswestry Smashing stigma

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Contents

Welcome

Local news......................................... 4

to Oswestry Life

Oswestry Youth Music Festival.......... 8 Jolt - Smashing stigma with art....... 13 Whittington Music Festival.............. 16 Out and about................................. 19 Property............................................ 21

Welcome to the fourteenth edition of Oswestry Life magazine - a jam-packed issue which includes the story behind the newly opened Jolt on Cross Street. We also bring you the latest events and local news, as well as spotlights on some of the area’s best businesses. You’ll find the latest spring fashions, gardening tips and motoring mixed in with a local walk and a nostalgic look at two of the town’s most iconic buildings. Sit back, make yourself a cuppa and enjoy reading all about Oswestry Life.

Interiors............................................. 26 Gardening........................................ 38 Education......................................... 40 Fashion............................................. 46 Weddings......................................... 48 Food and Drink................................ 50 Business............................................ 52 Health............................................... 55 Culture.............................................. 56 Local walks...................................... 57 Nostalgia.......................................... 58 Motoring........................................... 63 Kids fun............................................ 64

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

Competitions.................................... 65 Last word.......................................... 66

Oswestry Life

free issue 14 april 2018

APRIL cover

Cover photograph Bluebells on the Hillfort by Graham Mitchell

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Unit 2, Glovers Meadow, Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire Telephone: 07986 293294 Joint Managing Directors Tracy Leonard e: tracy@oswestrylife.co.uk David Lee-Birch e: david@oswestrylife.co.uk Editor Charlotte Ruscoe e: charlotte@oswestrylife.co.uk Production Designer Aileen Selkirk e: aileen@oswestrylife.co.uk Fashion & Beauty Editor Victoria Jane McKenna Contributors Graham Mitchell, David Owen, Dr Paul Middleton, Jan Hedger, Katie Millard Accounts and Distribution e: info@oswestrylife.co.uk Advertising e: sales@oswestrylife.co.uk Editorial e: news@oswestrylife.co.uk

uth M us

Rambles with a camera Walks around Oswestry

Maximilism in mind • Interior • Designs style Smashing stigma

Oswestry Life is published by DTS Media. The views expressed within this publication do not necessarily reflect those of DTS Media. The reproduction of any material in this magazine is forbidden without the written consent of the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, DTS Media can in no way accept liability for omissions or incorrect insertions or any consequences arising from use of this publication. © DTS Media Ltd. 2018

Local news

Hospital Trust honours top tourist attraction with Community Champion award The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has honoured The British Ironwork Centre for their contribution to the Trust.

Website to commemorate the lives of WWI heroes A new website to commemorate the lives of the 300 men from the First World War remembered on the Oswestry War Memorial Gates at Cae Glas Park was presented to the Rotary Club of Oswestry. Backed by a heritage lottery grant, the stories of the lives of the First World War casualties have been researched and recorded to remember their sacrifice and preserve their memory for future generations. “Information can be accessed in three main ways: Men on the Gates, Men at the Front and Men at Home.” John Davies explained. “This is a comprehensive heritage resource documenting Oswestry’s role in the conflict, providing links to external sites such as the National Archives.” The men listed on the gates came from many different walks of life and backgrounds with connections between them including being relations, school friends, work colleagues, neighbours or members of the same church; all of these links can be examined on the website: www.menonthegates.org.uk. TOP: Rotarian David Gordon (L) with Men on the Gates project co-ordinator John Davies

Musical tour of the world Oswestry Ladies Choir will be performing a musical journey around the world on Saturday 21 April at The Marches School. The all-female choir will be singing in Swedish, Japanese, Spanish and French to name just a few at the concert named; What a Wonderful World. Joining the choir for this whirlwind musical tour is Katherine Macdonald, a young singer from Ellesmere. The concert, directed by Dawn Jaffray, starts at 7.30pm with tickets prices at £10 for adults and free for children under 16. Tickets available at the door or on 01691 654802. 4 | Oswestrylife life 4 | Oswestry

Simon Wright, chief executive of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), welcomed Clive Knowles, chairman of the British Ironwork Centre, to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and presented him with a Community Champion award in recognition of the business’ support and commitment to the Trust. The British Ironwork Centre is supporting SaTH throughout 2018 – the 70th year of the NHS – with a number of projects, including the creation of a sculpture that will be made from obsolete hospital equipment. Simon said: “I am very grateful to Clive and everyone at the British Ironwork Centre for their support and look forward to working with them on this exciting sculpture project. He has even promised me the chance to go down to the Centre in Oswestry and have a go at welding an item of equipment to the sculpture!” Clive Knowles has personal reasons for wanting to do something spectacular to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS. He said: “A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and became seriously ill, and although I have now put that behind me it has given me great empathy with the NHS and with hospitals generally. I was in hospital for three months – first at RSH and then at The Christie in Manchester – and I will always be grateful for the care I got from our National Health Service. “Our thanks go out to SaTH for this very prestigious award. We are working closely with them this year to produce the sculpture, along with a number of other projects that we will reveal very soon.” RIGHT: Clive Knowles (left) with Simon Wright of SaTH

Olive celebrates 50 years of walking for Derwen College

she is proud to support the college which is raising funds towards a new therapy and fitness centre including a much-needed hydrotherapy pool and specialist equipment. “I like walking and like collecting money for such a good cause,” she says.

Olive Morris, of Oswestry, dusted off her walking shoes to take part in her 50th Derwen College sponsored walk, having already clocked up more than 400 miles to support the charity. The sprightly pensioner has taken part in a record five decades of sponsored walks for the Gobowen college and raised thousands of pounds towards facilities for students with learning disabilities and difficulties. Olive, of College Road, will be joined around 300-400 walkers last month for her 50th walk, having only ever missed one walk - the very first sponsored walk back in 1967. She first walked in 1968 at the age of 24; she is now 74 and shows no signs of slowing down. Olive has raised thousands of pounds for Derwen College over the five decades, including nearly £400 this year alone.

“I’ve had to pick up extra sponsor forms from the college, I’m on my fourth form now!” she says. Olive says she keeps fit through gardening and is not at all worried about completing the 10k route which starts and ends at Derwen College. “The walk is actually easier than it used to be,” she smiles. “Last year, the route was changed. We used to walk 10 miles and go up Oswestry Racecourse; it was quite a pull up there!” Olive enjoys keeping fit and says

“I’ve lost count of how much I’ve raised over the years, but it must be in the thousands. For the past decade I’ve raised more than £100 every year. I raised over £300 last year and am set to top £400 this year. I’ve got some very supportive friends from church, gardening club and dancing.” Olive has no plans to retire from the walk in the near future. “When I reached 70, I said I wasn’t sure how long I’d keep it up but I’m still doing it. “I’ve probably slowed down a bit but I’ll keep going as long as I can. “I am very proud to say I support Derwen College. I visit the garden centre often and will be coming to the Summer Fete on 31 May.”

Book stalls now for West Felton Carnival

Oswestry woman’s new business venture An Oswestry woman has opened her own beauty business and set up The Nail Lounge from her home in the town centre. Sarah Evans, a mum of three who has trained at North Shropshire College and with leading beauty brand Dermalogica in York worked at the Lion Quays Spa, before taking a break to raise her family.

The organisers of West Felton Carnival are calling for stallholders and crafters to book stalls at this year’s event on Sunday 8 July 2018.

“My youngest child turned three last year and with him being in pre-school I decided it was time for me to get back into the industry I love so dearly. Aware that the beauty industry and trends had moved on from leaving my last job as a therapist I decided to put myself on two courses and qualified in Gel Manicures and Acrylic Nail Enhancement in the summer last year.”

Eileen Hamner, the carnival committee secretary, said: “Anyone involved in a cottage industry, crafting or if you have anything interesting or unusual to sell then please do try out a stall at the carnival.”

After a spell working at Butterfly Beautique, Sarah decided to go it alone and set up The Nail Lounge, specialising in gel manicures, acrylic nail enhancements and pamper parties.

“The carnival is always well attended and is a fun and lively event”.

Sarah adds: “I am keen to keep progressing in what I do and I’m always looking for the next course to expand my knowledge and skills with.” Search @thenailloungebysarah on facebook to find out more.

For more information, booking form and details of the cost please call Eileen on 01691 610629.

Oswestry life | 5

New minister for Christ Church Reverend Carole Marsden has taken the position of minister at Christ Church on Chapel Street in Oswestry. Originally from Burnley, Carole studied at Keele and Manchester University, reading Classics/Music and Theology. Ordained in 2001, she has ministered in Stockport and most recently in the south lakes area in Cumbria. Carole is looking forward to getting to know the area and the members of the church along with the local community. She says: “Everyone has been very welcoming and friendly. I am interested in history and with so many interesting places around we’re looking forward to visiting them along with exploring some local walks.” New minister at Christ Church, Reverend Carole Marsden

The group of students hoping to take on an Ecuadorian adventure with Sarah Roberts fourth from left

Students fundraising for trip of a lifetime Students at The Corbet School in Baschurch are fundraising for the trip of a lifetime to Ecuador after their GCSEs in summer 2019. Fifteen-year-old student Sarah Roberts says: “The expedition will involve many things which will be life-changing for us. “We will be working as a group helping each community we visit with a variety of things, such as building new classrooms or helping restore ones already standing, diggings ponds so the locals can fish knowing that the breeding of fish will continue and even plant trees to help with the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest. “One of the main reasons we all wanted to take part in this expedition run by Camps International is that every project they start will be finished. An adventure for us to end our expedition on will see us undertake a five-day trek up the Andes in which we will climb three summits!” To support the students in their endeavours, email Heather Roberts heathercora@btinternet.com

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In the spotlight

Oswestry Youth Music Festival hits all the right notes The Oswestry Youth Music Festival brought the sweet sound of music to Christ Church, Holy Trinity and the Methodist Church last month, as local children displayed their talents in front of crowds of hundreds who had gathered to watch the competition.

ABOVE: Morgan Darcy Deacon wins the Oswestry Town Council cup presented by Deputy Mayor, Sandy Best RIGHT L-R FROM TOP: Tom Barnes winner of the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award Emily Ashley wins the Oswestry Town Council Junior cup Bellan House, winners of The Peter Starbuck Cup Youth Choirs 11 and under Porthywaen Senior Ensemble, winners of the Churchtown Trophy Best Instrumental Ensemble 18 and under Hattie Candler wins the Young Performer of the Year award Ellesmere College Chamber Choir, winners of the Matt Dewhurst Cup (Youth Choir 21 and under) LEFT FROM TOP: Kit the youngest performer at 5 with Portywaen Junior Ensemble. Winners of Best Instrumental 12 and under Moreton Hall Chinese Ensemble, winners of the Med Aid Trophy for Instrumental Ensemble 15 and under Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concert at Christ Church

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Smashing stigma with art Tucked away at number 15 Cross Street in Oswestry is an art shop with a difference. Jolt is changing the way people can access support for mental health issues and working together are finding ways to live a better life. It comes from the team behind Designs in Mind - a working studio where adults living with mental illness join as a member of a team, making and designing commissioned artwork and products for retail. Jolt have over 25 years’ experience in how creative challenge, friends and purpose can help change minds and transform lives and the latest impact report shows that 95% of members report an increase in their own wellbeing. One person to benefit from the scheme is Lynne: “I deliberately contemplated suicide, a cry for help – I felt ashamed and guilty that nurses were spending time with me. Without Designs in Mind probably I’d be overweight, drinking too much – and the bottom line – I wouldn’t care.” Catherine Wilks, CEO at Designs in Mind says: “There are not many places that combine creativity and business. At Designs in Mind there is no hierarchy, we are all part of the team- when you walk in to the studio you can’t tell who is a member, who

is a volunteer and who is staff. That sort of environment is inspiring- a place where everyone is really working together. “The work that Designs in Mind produces is striking, and it means something, and I wanted to get involved to put it on another platform, to shout out to everyone that this work is special. So, my mission from the start was to increase the retail sales. Developing a new brand- JOLTwas the best way to do that and together we are making it a reality. “Our work is intensive, recognising the recovery path that everyone takes is

“Unlike most mental health support, we are not time limited and people are not treated in isolation.” different - no two stories are the same. Unlike most mental health support, we are not time limited and people are not treated in isolation. They learn to be part of a group, to communicate and work collaboratively, and they can stay until they are ready to move on. We see the transition from people only coming out of the house to the Designs in Mind studio; to doing their own shopping, meeting their children from school, joining other groups, volunteering or going back to work.

Top: Members of the Jolt team show off their designs Above: Jolt CEO Catherine Wilks smashing stigma with daughter Ruby.

“Our new adventure is the opening of our first shop, JOLT, on the high street making conversations about mental health every day, a place where people can get support without fear, judgement or shame. We have launched our #SmashingStigma campaign so that more people can get support when they need it. “We want to start a conversation about mental health that is powerful. No more treading on eggshells. We are not invisible, and we do not want to be hidden away anymore.” The community interest company aims to raise £40,000 to pay for the lease and overheads of the shop for the next three years. Any additional sales revenue will go into sustaining and developing the studio – meaning more people with mental illness can get support when they need it.

Oswestry life | 13

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New private GP service launches at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury A new private GP service that can refer patients to specialist consultants the same day in emergency cases has launched in Shrewsbury With increased demand on GP surgeries for appointments and longer waiting times for patients, a new private GP service at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital promises to offer patients fast access to private healthcare, including tests, consultations and diagnosis. Appointments are available at short notice, with a variety of clinics held Monday to Friday between 8am – 8pm and weekend appointments also available to fit around patients’ busy lives. Appointments at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury are between 20 – 30 minutes long, providing patients plenty of time to discuss their healthcare needs.

“They can book an appointment time quickly that’s convenient to them and gain fast access to a medical professional.” Facilities are modern, spacious and wellequipped. There’s no need to register and the service welcomes visitors from abroad. As a part of Nuffield Health, the GP service provides an easy referral system to specialist consultants, giving patients fast access to the best medical expertise. Local GP Dr Kate Jones is part of the six-strong team of GPs at the new practice. She has been a GP for 12 years and has an interest in contraception and diabetes. She said: “The new private GP service at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury is perfect for patients who have health concerns or just want to discuss a medical issue privately. They can book an appointment time

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Oswestry life | 15

Events

Musical extravaganza is coming

Whittington’s sixth music festival in the church opposite the village’s moated castle runs from 15 – 20 May and is a Brit ‘Fantasia’. Featuring no less than 15 British classical composers, it includes a reminder that many of them got their inspiration from our island’s vibrant folk traditions. If you’re a Shropshire folkie, you’ll love the Friday concert (18th) with violinist Donald Grant leaving his customary place with the worldfamous Elias Quartet and picking up his Scottish fiddle! For most of the week Donald will be playing music by such classical favourites as Elgar and Vaughan Williams with the Elias and eleven other world-class artists. Lesser known composers also feature in the programme including suffragette

16 | Oswestry life

Donald Grant, above, and the Elias quartet, right are amongst the performers

Dame Ethel Smyth and Oswestry’s own Sir Henry Walford Davies, and in the centenary year of the 1918 Armistice the Saturday and Sunday concerts (19th, 20th) will feature works composed that year. A free organ recital by Gerry Howe during Thursday lunchtime (17th) at St Oswald’s in Oswestry picks up the British theme. Workshops in four local schools and the involvement of young musicians are again part of this well-established annual week, and artistic director James Barralet is keen that local

young people take advantage of the free tickets for 8-25-year-olds. “The experience of such a wide range of music will challenge the rigid ideas we have about ‘genre’ and will make music of all kinds a lot more exciting”, he says. Tickets cost only £15 – and are selling fast. They are available from www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org. uk, at Rowanthorn in Oswestry’s Old Chapel Court, at Whittington Post Office or, if you want to try your luck, at the door.

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The Mercians & Whittington Medieval Guild

Living History Weekend Medieval encampment with living history, battle displays, cooking. Open 10-4pm each day. Free entrance just £1 to park. 22ND APRIL

The House of the Blackstar

Medieval Living History Medieval encampment, sword displays. Open 11-4pm. Free entrance just £1 to park. 29TH APRIL

Car Boot Sale

£5 per car. Cars from 8.30am. Sorry no trade stands, open 9-1ish. No need to book just turn up

Good Friday Family Day & Artisan Market

30th March – 9am until 3pm Lots of family activities on the Bailey Head with games, rides, entertainment, face painting and Easter Hunt etc. Free prizes.

Shropshire Produce Market

21st April - 9am until 3pm Handpicked Shropshire based food and craft producers selling the best the County has to offer in the town centre

Artisan Market

27th April – 9am until 3pm A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head

WHITTINGTON CASTLE Tel: 01691 662500

www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk Castle Street, Whittington SY11 4DF

@OswestryTC

Tel: 01691 680222 Oswestry life

| Oswestry life

Out&about

Information on these pages is provided in good faith but we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. Please check on dates and times before making any commitments

Until mid May

1 April

HERONWATCH 2018 The Boathouse, Mereside, Ellesmere Using state of the art video cameras, see right into the lives of the nesting herons. Find out how this year’s chicks are doing, with all the excitement and drama of a real life struggle for survival. Volunteers explain what is happening. Easy bird-watching, suitable for beginners and experts. All ages and abilities welcome, all weather and free entry. Every day until mid May 10.30am – 3.30pm. For more information: 01691 622981

30 March

Good Friday Family Day & Artisan Market Lots of family activities on the Bailey Head with games, rides, entertainment, face painting and Easter Hunt etc. Free prizes. Telephone: 01691 680222

30 March

Plant Hunters’ Fair Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington Spring plant fair offering the opportunity to pop along and visit many specialist nurseries to get your gardening season off to a great start. Free entry to the plant fair (£1 to park). Access to the grounds of Whittington Castle and Castle Gatehouse is free. 10am-4pm 01691 662500 www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

30 March – 2 April

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Chirk Castle, Chirk, near Oswestry The Cadbury bunny has hidden precious chocolate eggs at Chirk Castle. Now it’s up to you and your family to find them by joining the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. To make sure you have loads of fun along the way, get your map from Home Farm and follow the trail. Your reward will be a delicious chocolate treat waiting for you at the end. Normal admission applies (National Trust members free). A charge of £2.50 each person to take part, including a Cadbury chocolate prize. Call: 01691 777701 chirkcastle@nationaltrust. org.uk

CAR BOOT SALE Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington £5 per car. Cars from 8.30am. Sorry no trade stands, open approx. 9-1pm. No need to book just turn up Contact Castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

1-2 April

EASTER EGG TRAIL AT WHITTINGTON CASTLE Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington. Family fun - £1 per child to complete the trail to reveal the answers and then hunt for an egg. Open 10-4pm each day – you can do the trail at any time during the two days. Contact Castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail info@ whittingtoncastle.co.uk

3 April

CHOCOLAT (12A) Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry A true story about the first black circus performer, Rafael Padilla – a former slave from Cuba , who took 1890s France by storm. Together with fellow clown George Footit, they formed the duo of ‘Footit and Chocolat’ and their comic act impressed and delighted audiences across the country, despite the frequent conflicts between each other. French superstar Omar Sy stars in this acclaimed comedy drama. www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

4 April

DROP INTO SHAKESPEARE – MACBETH Oswestry Library, Arthur St Talk by Pam Johnson discussing the play’s references to the Gunpowder Plot, James I’s fascination with witchcraft, and contemporary references that influenced this tragedy. A Learning at Lunchtime event £3.. 12.301.30pm. Book with library staff: 01743 250351

31 March

WORKSHOP: BATIK FOR COLLAGE WITH JENNY O’LEARY Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Learn the art of batik on paper and tissue paper, then cut and tear to create collages; 10am-4pm; £40; 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@ gmail.com

SIXTIES, SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES DISCO Trefonen Village Hall Trefonen FC Presents a 60’s 70’s 80’s Disco 7.30pm - late £5 entry Tickets avaliable from: Howard: 07949 213 057 Janice: 07891 305 377

7 April

OSWESTRY SCHOOL RECITAL SERIES Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry Emma Johnson returns to Oswestry with pianist, John Lenehan BBC Young Musician of the Year at age 17 and described by The Times as “Britain’s favourite clainettist,” Emma Johnson will be offering such a mixed programme. One of the few clarinettists in the world to have an international reputation, Emma will be including a great Brahms Sonata, rarely performed music by Clara Schumann, as well as a virtuoso fantasy based on favourite melodies from Verdi’s Traviata, Oulenc’s sprightly sonata and other music for the clarinet in a lighter vein. For more information 01691 655711

8 April

APRIL FOOLS’ CLASSIC CAR SHOW Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington. The April Fools’ Car Show is a free local show that features classic, vintage, veteran, and interesting vehicles of all sorts. Over 100 vehicles are expected, and will be on show in the grounds of the castle. The show will be sponsored by Oswestry Classic Car Garage. Open 10-4pm, entrance is free with a £1 car parking charge and/or a donation to Whittington Castle. Contact Castle on 01691 662500 - anyone wishing to show a vehicle must register with Richard via email: youngmangonewest@hotmail.com

10 April

March 30 - April 15

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Park Hall Farm, Park Hall, Near Oswestry Join us for some eggstraordinary games and fun this Easter time. 10am – 5pm. The Great Egg Hunt will be a fantastically popular Easter activity, and with the reward of yummy chocolate. There will be lots of lambs in addition to all the usual farmyard pals. What better way to celebrate this Easter festival. Tel: 01691 671123 info@parkhallfarm.co.uk

7 April

6 April

FLYING FISH – FAMILY WILLOW WORKSHOP Oswestry Library, Arthur St A family workshop weaving willow and other bendy materials to make fish plates or garden decoration, with More than Willow. A fun way for all ages to learn simple weaving techniques. £15 per adult and up to 2 children (to include all materials) Additional children £2.50. 10am-12pm. Call to book: 01743 250351

LIFE LINKED TO FOOD AT HOME, IN EUROPE AND THE TRENCHES IN WWI Oswestry Library, Arthur St Talk by Simon Jarman MBE on how food, shortages and rationing impacted the lives of soldiers and civilians alike. A Learning at Lunchtime event £3. Suitable also for children over 8yrs. 12.30pm -1pm. Book with library staff: 01743 250351

10 April

FELT & FABRIC FLOWERS WORKSHOP Oswestry Library, Arthur St Make colourful flowers out of felt and fabric. Free drop-in event for all ages. All materials provided. Part of OsMakes 2018 “Flowers of Peace and Remembrance”. 10am-12pm Call 01743 250351

Oswestry life | 19

27th April

10 & 24 April

Artisan Market A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head. 9am - 3pm Telephone: 01691 680222

TIME TO LISTEN Oswestry Library, Arthur St Visit Oswestry library to relax and listen to poetry and stories read out loud by the staff. Enjoy meeting people in an informal setting at the library and being read to. Free, no need to book. 2pm. Free. Call 01743 250351

13 April

THE NORMAN CASTLE AT OSWESTRY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS Oswestry Methodist Church Hall, Castle Street. Organised by Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group. Roger Cooper’s illustrated talk will feature the continuing research at Oswestry Castle and future plans, including the social-political, military and economic impact of the castle in the 12th century. Members £1, non-members £3. 7.30pm - 9pm. Contact Derek Williams on 01691 661793 or email obhag@histarch.uk

13 & 27 April

‘WOW’ WORDS ‘N’ PICS OPEN WRITERS New venue - Community Room, Llwyn Fields, (off Llwyn Rd) Oswestry, SY11 1HG - with flat access, disabled facilities and kitchen available. Creative writing – beginners and all abilities welcome. Meeting fortnightly 1pm - 3pm. Interactive workshops and full support. Come along and have fun with writing! For more information contact Jan on 07702 165717 or email janhedger7@googlemail.com

14 April

HERMON FOLK: O’HOOLEY & TIDOW Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel St, Oswestry. Featuring the impressively empathetic voice and piano partnership of songwriters Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow, recently recognized by Mojo magazine as ‘one of British folk music’s mightiest combinations’ and included into the same publication’s Top 10 Folk Albums of 2016. 01691 662196 info@hermonchapel.com

14-15 April

THE MERCIANS & WHITTINGTON MEDIEVAL GUILD – LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington. Medieval encampment with living history, battle displays, cooking. Open 10-4pm each day. Free entrance just £1 to park. Contact Castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail info@ whittingtoncastle.co.uk

16 – 22 April

EAT CAKE FOR CHILDREN Hope House invite you to join in the fun and eat cake to raise vital funds to help them continue supporting local children and families. Organise a bake sale, coffee morning, afternoon tea…..the list is endless. Register at www. hopehouse.org.uk/eatcake and you will receive a fabulous fundraising pack with all the right ingredients to make your eat cake event a sweet success. 20 | Oswestry life

27 April 17 April

THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15) In the gloomy streets of Victorian London, a serial killer – dubbed The Limehouse Golem - is on the loose, leaving clues written in his victim’s blood. The seemingly impossible task of catching the killer is given to Inspector Kildare, played by the ever reliable Bill Nighy. Kildare must eliminate a long list of suspects, before the body count rises any higher. www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

17 April

WRITING SURGERY WITH READER/WRITER IN RESIDENCE DAVE ANDREWS Oswestry Library, Arthur St The surgery is an opportunity for anyone interested in writing to talk informally with Dave about their own work or ideas. Dave is also happy to talk to readers about his particular interests – literature and language. Free drop-in event 11am-12pm. Call 01743 250351

19 April

WUTHERING HEIGHTS Oswestry Library, Arthur St Dave Andrews discusses Emily Bronte’s groung-breaking novel, its free-spirited heroine Cathy and the demonic Heathcliff. A Learning at Lunchtime event £3. 12.30-1.30pm. Call to book: 01743 250351

21 April

AN EVENING WITH HALFWAY HOUSE MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT The amazing Halfway House Male Voice Choir are very kindly providing another evening of entertainment to help raise money for Hope House. The evening will begin at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and guests will be treated to a glass of wine or orange juice within the price of their ticket. Tickets are just £5 from the Hope House Fundraising Office on 01691 671671 or Paperwrite, Oswestry

21 April

SHROPSHIRE PRODUCE MARKET Oswestry Town Centre Handpicked Shropshire based food and craft producers selling the best the County has to offer in the town centre. 9am -3pm Telephone: 01691 680222

22 April

THE HOUSE OF THE BLACKSTAR – MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington. Medieval encampment, sword displays. Open 11am-4pm. Entrance is free. £1 to park. Contact Castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail: info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

CATALAN TENSION TRAYS OR TRIVETS WORKSHOP Oswestry Library, Arthur St More than Willow will be running a orkshop based on the Catalan technique for the base of a basket, where stiff rods are woven to create a firm tray or trivet. Depending on size make a beautiful fruit or bread platter, a coaster for a teapot or you can hang it on your wall. £15 to include all materials. 10am-12pm. Call to book: 01743 250351

27 April

HERMON JAZZ: TALINKA QUARTET Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel St, Oswestry. The April edition of the Hermon Jazz series features music performed by the beautifully haunting Talinka Quartet. Don’t miss this exceptional blend of music and your opportunity to meet the musicians for a chat at The Hermon Bar.

28 April

singing workshop: finding your own voice with TALINKA Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel St, Oswestry. This exciting session encourages vocalists from all backgrounds to actively seek new ways of expression and experience their own voice in the context of a competent band. 01691 662196 info@hermonchapel.com

29 April

Car Boot Sale Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington £5 per car. Cars from 8.30am. Sorry no trade stands, open approx.9am-1pm. No need to book just turn up.

01691 238227

Oswestry ticket office at rowanthorn

Oswestry’s colourful ethnic gift shop We sell tickets for events in the Oswestry area as a free public service Concerts, bands, classical. folk, charity events, opera, festivals.... 4 Old Chapel Court English Walls Oswestry SY11 2pd

01691 238227

Property

Ground floor apartment close to town centre A cosy one-bedroom ground ﬂoor apartment situated in the former grounds of High Lea House is for sale. In a quiet location on Llanforda Rise, 16 The Stables is conveniently located for the town centre and its amenities. The property features an entrance hall, kitchen, lounge, bathroom and one bedroom. It also boasts double glazing, gas central heating and two parking spaces outside.

town centre and the main road networks. The property offers spacious and flexible living accommodation comprising entrance hallway, lounge, kitchen, utility, bathroom and bedroom to the ground floor with two further bedrooms to the first floor and attic room to the second floor. Outside is a courtyard area to the rear and delightful cottage garden to the front with driveway. Coed Derw is on the market with Richmond Harvey for £210,000. Call 01691 654222 to arrange a viewing.

16 The Stables is on the market with Morris Marshall & Poole for £100,000. Call 01691 679595 to arrange a viewing.

Charming country cottage A delightful period grade two listed semi-detached country cottage has come onto the market. Dating back to the late 1700s, the property requires some modernisation. It is located in a semi-rural position on the edge of Chirk Castle estate, within easy reach of the railway station and accessible to Chirk

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www.prudentltd.co.uk Oswestry life |

DOORS WINDOWS CONSERVATORIES car ports verandahs WARM ROOFS FASCIAS & GUTTERING

Unit GM1, Glovers Meadow Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NH Telephone: 01691 650567 www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk 22 | Oswestry life

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44 modern family-friendly homes situated in the heart of the countryside. Ideally situated within a 5-minute car journey of Oswestry town centre and just 20 minutes from Shrewsbury (A5) and 35 minutes from Chester (A483). At Primoris Homes we pride ourselves on building homes we would want to live in ourselves. We believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the little touches that make a house a home as reflected in our plots on Park House Meadows.

01691 680044

www.primoris.co.uk

Oswestry life

Find out what your HOME is WORTH in 60 seconds FREE to use 3 quick and easy steps Supported by Land Registry data Visit our website to value your home now. www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

Roger Parry & Partners

Est. 1981

Incorporating Parry Lowarch

www.rogerparry.net

EW NEW

CEDARS HOUSE, LLANDRINIO

A detached period former farmhouse which has undergone a program of extensive modernisation and upgrading by the present owners to provide a modern contemporary house, but still retains a wealth of character 7/8 BEDROOMS SWIMMING and charm. The property has the benefi t of oil POOL fired central heating, recentlyA substantial fitted Nobold, doubleShrewsbury detached, period former farmhouse set in the glazing throughout, large detached brick built highly desirable hamlet of Nobold, located only minutes drive Great Ryton, Condover from Shrewsbury town centre. The original part of the building An opportunity to acquire a brand new luxury detached family house built to an extremely high standard garage, extensive off road parking andtoenclosed is thought date from the 1750’s, with later extension circa with quality contemporary fittings throughout, briefly consisting: reception hall, sitting room, dining room, 1800’s. Extensive accommodation; reception hall, sitting room, study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sun room, utility/boot room, downstairs WC and gardens to the rear. EPC rating F.dining room, snug/office, family/music room, kitchen/breakfast double garage. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with large full en-suite, 2 further bedrooms both with en-suite shower rooms, 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. At this early stage of construction, the prospective buyers can have significant input into the finishes of the property. EPC: TBC

OIRO £395,000

TWLL, BWLCH Y DDAR, LLANGEDWYN

Guide Price: £750,000

4025

room, downstairs cloakroom, cellarage, 7/8 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 en-suites. Propane gas and oil CH systems, DG, all set in manageable gardens with a range of brick built outbuildings together with outdoor swimming pool. EPC: F

Investment Opportunity with Extensive Accommodation - A unique and rare opportunity to purchase a superb versatile character town house. Offering extensive accommodation over 3 ﬂoors with excellent scope for a holiday let business or a largeWITH family home. Rear courtyard, INSPECTION HIGHLY SELF-CONTAINED RECOMMENDED SINGLE STOREY ANNEX Former Garage (Divided into two stores, one with Sauna,NrOff-street parking provision. EPC Charlton, Telford A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey annex. Indoor rating D. Viewing Fully Recommended. swimming pool, four car garage, large detached workshop, detached office block which could easily be converted to further independent accommodation subject to PP. The house and buildings are set round a central courtyard, extremely conveniently situated giving easy access to Telford, Shrewsbury and the M54 link. The property provides extensive potential to run a business from the premises subject to the necessary PP and would also suit family groups looking to reside together. EPC: D

OIRO £220,000

Guide Price: £625,000

3098 Guide Price: £475,000 TYN Y CELYN, BWLCH Y DDAR, LLANGEDWYN

Enjoying a delightful rural location with surrounding countryside views, a unique opportunity to purchase a most well-appointed 3 bedroom character detached traditional Welsh long house/smallholding with attached 1 bedroom annexe lending itself to a variety of uses, set in approx. 7.2 acres / 2.9 hectares or thereabouts. EPC rating F. Sychtyn, Llansilin

Belle Vue, Shrewsbury This highly desirable ground floor garden apartment situated in a period Grade II listed building offering spacious character accommodation briefly comprising: oak panelled entrance hall, large open plan living room incorporating luxury kitchen, contemporary fire with original surround, french doors leading out to enclosed gardens. There are 2 double bedrooms 1 with en-suite cloakroom and luxury large family bathroom. With gas fired CH, many period features and 2 allocated private parking spaces. The property also comes with a large brick built store room originally part of a former coach house. EPC Rating: C

OIRO £469,950

01691 655334

Guide Price: £395,000

A truly magical 4-bedroom detached cottage with stunning countryside views which has been sympathetically extended to include an attached 1-bedroom self-contained annexe and healing centreThe property enjoys delightful landscaped gardens PART with attached paddock (set EXCHANGE in 1.09 acres approx)CONSIDERED together with extensive Sheinton Road, Much parking provision. EPC rating F. Wenlock A charming and unusual detached stone built cottage,

An individual and substantial detached property built in the late 1920’s, occupying an outstanding elevated position in the hamlet of Sychtyn situated approximately six miles west of Oswestry. Oil CH, ample parking. Porch, hall, large inner hallway, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study/bedroom 6, large kitchen breakfast room, three ground floor bedrooms, bathroom, upstairs there are master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobes, two further bedrooms. Set in lovely gardens enjoying elevated views over surrounding countryside. EPC: E

OIRO £425,000

3882

3956 Guide Price: £365,000

offering a rare combination of a period property with parking and garden, within walking distance of the town centre. Porch, dining room, cloakroom, utility room, landing area leading to sitting room with stone fireplace and access to gardens, three good size bedrooms, family bathroom. Wood framed DG, gas CH, off-street parking with small stone outbuilding/carport. Gardens run to a good size with open fields to the rear, with large summer house, garden stores, greenhouse and water feature. EPC Rating: E

20 Salop 4024 Rd, Guide Oswestry SY11 2NU Price: £365,000 Website: www.rogerparry.net

| Oswestry life WITH 4 ACRES & OUTBUILDINGS

3602

BRAND NEW LUXURY HOUSE Sarnau, Llanymynech

Llanwyddyn, Oswestry

Pontesbury, Shrewsbury

A charming detached stone cottage set in gardens and grounds extending to four acres or thereabouts,

An extremely spacious recently constructed 3 double bedroom detached family house with underfloor gas fired central

Construction is shortly to begin on this brand new, highly individually designed, spacious detached house, situated on a small development of just four

WOODHEAD sales&lettings ✓ Telephone: 01691 680044 NO SALE GUILD GUARANTEE

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12 Leg Street, Oswestry, SY11 2NL e: sales@woodheadsalesandlettings.com

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M O NEY TO BURN? M O NE Y TO B U R N ? Paying a low up-front fee for a company to market your home may seem like a good idea, but what happens if it doesn’t sell? Your money is lost and you need to find another estate agent; you’re Paying back to square one.a low up-front fee for a company to market your home may Come in

seem like a good idea, but what happens if it doesn’t sell? Your money is lost and you need to find another estate agent; you’re andback see to ussquare to find out more. one. Come in and see us to find out more.

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The Campion, Park House Meadows, Park Hall

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Treflach, Oswestry

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OIRo £550,000

The independent agent with national coverage oswestry’s recommended agent for the guild of professional estate agents

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Oswestry life | 25

Interiors

Maximalism

▼

orget clean lines and muted colour palettes. Refined minimalism has had its day and exuberant maximalism is about to take the design world by force. Think artfully arranged clutter, vibrant colours and wallpaper so patterned it’ll make your eyes go funny! Maximalism is all about great textures, mismatched furniture and knowing that there’s always space in any design for that little bit extra.

Egil table lamp, £84 from www.darlighting.co.uk

Flowers of Thorpe summer garden carpet by Quirky B, from J&I Carpets, Oswestry; www.jandicarpets.co.uk

Tropical toucan plate, £15 from www.artwow.co

Uptown stool from www.oficinainglesa.com

Delamere medium sofa, £2310 from www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

26 | Oswestry life

TOP TO BOTTOM: Lush designs DLR shade pink orange, £56.25 from www. lushlampshades.co.uk Teasel ombre silk cushion, £69 from www. clarissahulse.com Mind the gap birds of paradise wallpaper, £150 from www. vivalagoon.com

▲ Vibrance collection rug, £179 from www.frithrugs.co.uk

Wool and cotton traveller armchair, £895 from www.iansnow.com

▼ Fishbone coffee table, £1905 from www.chaplins.co.uk

Oswestry life | 27

28 | Oswestry life

Estate & Letting Agents Auctioneers Surveyors Agriculture Commercial Agents

Jennings Road, Oswestry £149,950 2 bed, good location, gardens EPC = D

Tontine Inn, Melverley £495,000 th OPEN DAY 14 April 2018 10am to 2pm Please call in to view EPC = C

Heritage Way, Llanymynech £149,950 Three bedrooms, 2 parking spaces Backing onto farmland. EPC = C

Wootton Fields, Queenshead £425,000 Detached cottage with around 5 acres Outbuildings. Close to A5. EPC = G

16 Leg Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NN 01691 679595 oswestry@morrismarshall.co.uk www.morrismarshall.co.uk Oswestry life

Park homes for the over 50s retired and semi retired

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Viewings can be arranged by calling 01938 580768 or 07773336633 People are welcome to turn up to look around without appointments website: www.m-d.co.uk email: info@m-d.co.uk Address: Tavern Park, Forden, Near Welshpool, SY21 8NN

| Oswestry life

Oswestry life | 31

Paint with penelope

March

Thursday 29th - Flowers

April

Thursday 5th - Landscape Saturday 14th - Landscape Tuesday 17th - Landscape Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th Weekend in Pembrokeshire

May

Tuesday 8th - Flowers Friday 11th - Landscape

Please bring whatever materials, easels, sketchbooks you have. 300lb paper is for sale alongside shared use of various other materials. The day includes refreshments and a light lunch.

Cost is ÂŁ65 for the day 10am - 4pm MY STUDIO gallery IS OPEN BY APPOINTMENT Penny Timmis SWA, The Church, Rowley, Westbury, Shropshire SY5 9RY

01743 891404

pennytimmis@yahoo.co.uk 32 | Oswestry life

07709 342351

www.penelopetimmis.co.uk

Property

The rise and rise of the ‘granny’ annex They were once the preserve of the older generation, dubbed the granny flat, to provide much needed accommodation for a dependent relative.

“There has been an increase in multi-generational living recently. With people living longer and care costs so high, an annex can help parents remain independent for longer.

But the annex is making a welcome return to the home landscape as people look for new ways to adapt their properties to meet ever-changing needs.

“It’s a cost-effective alternative to an expensive care home and a smart move for mum and dad who can invest their cash in their child’s property.

Harry Reece, a Director at Shropshire’s Base Architecture & Design, said the firm has seen a marked increase in the demand for annex designs in the last year.

“An annex can also be a useful home from home for the younger generation who can’t afford to take their first step on the property ladder without a sizeable deposit. What better way to save for your first home by living with your parents? An annex is the best solution for both generations so you’re not on top of one another.

“The granny flat was all the rage in the 1970s and 80s but went off the radar over the past 20 or so years. But, as the way we live our lives has changed, so have our properties. The demand now is for much more flexible living space. “In one week recently, we had three enquiries about annexes. They were all to be created by demolishing existing garages or converting outbuildings. All featured one or two bedrooms, a kitchenette, living room with links to shared garden space for family time, with open plan living and level access throughout.” So why has the humble annex made such a forceful return? A number of reasons, according to Harry.

“There’s also the cost of maintaining large three to five bed properties that are only full two or three times of the year. Why have the hassle when you can have a smaller property with a more practical annex?” Once you’ve built your annex, there’s no end to its possibilities. The popularity of sites like Airbnb and the increase in how much you can earn for renting room in your home before paying tax, make it a lucrative source of income. Alternative uses include a home office, gym, playroom, or accommodation for a nanny or au pair.

Oswestry life | 33

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our head office branch during December 2013. Photographs areprices for illustration purposes only during December 2013. Photographs are for illustration purposes only All savings are based on previous at our head office branch

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| Oswestry life

Property

Spacious bungalow in village location A spacious three-bedroom detached bungalow is available to purchase in the popular village of Pant. The property is situated on a generous corner plot and beneﬁts from a dining hall, lounge with log burner, kitchen/ breakfast room, master bedroom with en suite, family bathroom and a generous mezzanine area. Outside there is a double garage with driveway and gardens surrounding the property. 2 The Meadows is priced at £320,000 and is for sale through Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings. Call 01691 680044 to arrange a viewing.

Maximise your living space Whether it’s for a replacement roof on an existing conservatory or a newly installed garden room or home extension.

Telephone 01691 650567 www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk

Find our brand new showroom at: Unit GM1, Glovers Meadow , Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NH Oswestry life |

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Gardening

The magic of maples Japanese maples are the perfect choice of tree for any small, compact or courtyard garden. Their character and appeal makes them ideal for creating a focal point in your garden, brightening a shaded corner, or elegantly overhanging a pool or water feature. Many acers are commonly called Japanese maples, but their parents could be derived from several different species including Acer japonicum, Acer palmatum, Acer shirasawanum or others. Among them are some extremely slow-growing forms, with trees remaining a small, manageable size without the need for regular pruning.

Japanese Maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’) ©Adam Pasco Media

Their natural shape and growing habit of branches make Japanese maples an ideal choice of small tree for gardens or growing in large patio pots. Their leaf shapes, sizes and colours vary immensely. Many have a broad palm shape, but these are often divided and dissected into the most delicate and intricate forms. Add to this their wide range of colours, from deep greens to yellow, gold, purple or even variegated patterns and you have immense variety to choose from.

With their Eastern origins in Japan, Korea and China, these small trees are suitable for developing gardens While some green or purple-leaved with Oriental themes and designs, varieties will tolerate an open choosing other suitable planting position in full sun, this can scorch partners for them, like ferns, hostas, Artboard 1 copy.pdf 2 22/01/2018 15:22 bamboo, azaleas, camellias, and more. the more delicate foliage of golden,

| Oswestry life

variegated or dissected forms. A sheltered site is more suitable, and particularly one that provides shade during the hottest part of the day and protection from drying winds. Japanese maples put on a show right through the year, starting as soon as foliage unfurls in spring and continuing until their autumn transformation into shades of gold and bronze before they eventually fall. With dozens of marvellous Japanese maples available from nurseries and garden centres you’ll be spoilt for choice when picking one to add a little maple magic to your garden.

A good goodschool school with outstanding features A with outstanding features “wherepupils’ pupils’ behaviour attitudes “where behaviour andand theirtheir attitudes tolearning learningare are exemplary” – Ofsted to exemplary” – Ofsted 2015 2015 01691 01691652446 652446

@ admin@woodside.shropshire.sch.uk @ admin@woodside.shropshire.sch.uk www.woodsideschool.co.uk

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Gittin Street, Oswestry SY11 1DT

We’ve extended and updated our Nursery. Visits are warmly welcomed. Please call the school to arrange an appointment. Oswestry life

Education

Piano week open

International Festival & Summer School Piano Week is having its inaugural Easter edition at Moreton Hall School between 25 March and 1 April. Following on from the success of the popular summer residencies held at the school in 2016 and 2017, the festival directors are thrilled to announce that the sevenstrong faculty of international concert pianists and pedagogues will be giving daily evening recitals at the school’s Musgrave Theatre at 7pm. Tickets for all performances are available to purchase by visiting: www.pianoweek.com/concerts or some last-minute admissions on the door. An impressive list of performers includes both festival directors Samantha Ward (UK) and Maciej Raginia (Poland) as well as many other award-winning concert pianists and pedagogues: Roberto Russo (Italy), Sam Armstrong (UK), Mark Nixon (South Africa), Madalina Rusu (Romania) and Alexander Karpeyev (Russia).

Slice of life at Derwen Students from Derwen College, in Gobowen, celebrated Real Bread Week with a whole host of dough-based activities last month. Hospitality and customer services students at the college for young adults with learning difficulties and

40 | Oswestry life

ABOVE: Students Britanny Jones and Alice Hurst celebrate Real Bread Week.

disabilities celebrated the week by offering visitors tasters of the breads made daily to sell at the college’s shop and eateries. Home-made baked bread is available to buy daily in Derwen College’s Farm Shop and is served with lunch and breakfast menus in the Garden Café and The Orangery Restaurant. DC shopping and leisure manager Pete Evans said: “Students have had a lot of fun experimenting with different shapes and flavours for Real Bread Week but Derwen’s home-made bread is also a serious business. “With the support from our baker Angharad Davies, students are learning life and work skills and producing bread to industry standards that we sell in our farm shop, cafe and restaurant.”

“Every girl in England should have at least a term in this environment” Good Schools Guide

Open Day - Saturday 28th April, 10am Independent Boarding and Day School - Girls 3-18, Boys 3-11

Moreton Hall, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EW www.moretonhall.org/Open-Day | 01691 773671

Oswestry life | 41

LEARN EARN LDo both with a Kronospan Apprenticeship Do both with a Kronospan Apprenticeship Wha aWha t’s in it for at’s inme? it for

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A Kron nospan Apprenticeship is your gateway to a re ewarding and successful career with the A Kron nospan Apprenticeship is your gateway world’ss largest manufacturer of wood based to a re e warding and successful career with the panel products. of wood based It is de eworld’s signed s tolargest give youmanufacturer not only a fantastic products. qualific cpanel ation, but also real money and valuable experience. It is de esigned to give you not only a fantastic This issqualific a chance of a lifetime. To learn, study, and valuable cation, but also real money develo op and be part of a global team that is experience. leading g the industry. This s a chance of awe lifetime. In retu urn for is your commitment, will help To youlearn, study, develo op and of a knowledge. global team that is to learrn new skills and be gainpart essential During gleading your training will have the opportunity g the you industry. to learrn as you work alongside colleagues who In retu for your commitment, are experts inurn their field, supplemented with we will help you formallto learning college. In other wordsessential you will knowledge. learrnatnew skills and gain do a re eDuring al job g side by side with the acknowledged your training you will have the opportunity professsionals and get paid for it. rn asyou you alongside Along to withlear money willwork earn the technical colleagues who areyou experts their field, supplemented with skills that need toinbecome an expert in your chosenformal field. l learning at college. In other words you will These do qualifications, a re eal jobcombined side by with sideexperience, with the acknowledged will givve you the opportunity to launch a great ssionals and get paid for it. long-te eprofes rm career with Kronospan.

Along with money you will earn the technical

Qualifi fications fi youyou will need be working skills that to become an expert in your towarrds include: chosen field. Techn nical These qualifications, combined with experience, NVQ Performing Engineering Operations Level 2 givveCertificate you the Level opportunity to launch a great BTEC will National 3 ermMaintenance career with Kronospan. NVQ Elong-te ngineering Level 3 HNC in n Mechanical/Electrical Engineering fications you will be working Comm mQualifi ercial fi rds include: HNC Btowar usiness BA Bu usiness Management Techn nical ManuffNVQ acturing Performing Engineering Operations Level 2 City & Guilds Award BTEC National Certificate Level 3 An Intternational Experience NVQ Engineering Maintenance Level 3 As a trruly global business, one of the unique HNC we in n Mechanical/Electrical experiences can offer apprentices is theEngineering opporttComm unity to learn new skills through training in m ercial one off our other European plants.

HNC Business BA Bu usiness Management Manuffacturing City & Guilds Award An Intternational Experience As a trruly global business, one of the unique experiences we can offer apprentices is the opporttunity to learn new skills through training in To apply, yourEuropean CV andplants. cover letter to: HR Department, Kronospan Limited, one offsend our other

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42 | Oswestry life

To apply, send your CV and cover letter to: HR Department, Kronospan Lim

Education

Golfers play in national competition

Work experience pupils making history

Oswestry School senior golf team Rhys Edkins, Connor Owen and Victoria Rafﬂe have qualiﬁed for the National Finals of the Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA) competition. The team travelled to Carden Park Golf Club to play Rydal Penrhos School in the Area Cup Final of the ISGA and after some challenging play over the day Oswestry School won 2-1.

As part of Year 10 Work Experience Week, three Marches School pupils have put together their own pieces of history at Oswestry Town Museum. The pupils are exploring and researching local history and developing projects relating to World War I and the care provisions provided by hospitals.

Director of sport at Oswesrty School, Dominic Bradburne, commented, “The team played well and managed to beat some very stiff competition after a very closely fought match. We wish them all luck in the ﬁnals on 30 April.”

Pupils, Paige Nevin, Beth Gregory and Ellie Bourne, have been discovering facts about hospitals and creating displays within the museum on three of Shropshire’s well-known hospitals; Derwen Hospital, the Orthopaedic Hospital and Oswestry and District Hospital. They have been fascinated to learn how the treatment of patients has changed over the years and how advances in medicine have impacted the level of care received today.

RIGHT: Rhys Edkins, Victoria Rafﬂe and Connor Owen who will travel to St Mellion International Resort to play the top 21 schools golf teams in the UK.

Mark Hignett, director of the Oswestry Town Museum commented, “The girls have brought some energy and enthusiasm from the Marches School and have been busy exploring and researching their speciﬁc areas. They have shown a lot of pride in what they’re doing, as their cabinet will remain inside the museum for the public to view for the next 12 months”.

The Oswestry School team will now go on to play the top 21 schools in the UK in the ISGA National Final in Plymouth.

Achievement through caring We believe: Successful, creative, lifelong learners participate in a journey of self-discovery. They know how to learn, acquire skills and feel safe to take risks with confidence and courage.

Transport We now operate buses from surrounding areas; St Martins, Ellesmere, Baschurch and Wrexham.

and Sixth Form 11 - 18 years

The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2AR T: 01691 664400 W: www.marchesschool.co.uk E: admin@marchesschool.net

Oswestry life

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44 | Oswestry life

Advertisement feature

Julia proves you can enjoy chocolate and lose weight this Easter Self-confessed foodie, Julia Davies joined Slimming World in June 2012 and has now lost over ﬁve stone. She says: “I used to think my love of food meant I was destined to be overweight forever, but since joining Slimming World I can’t believe how much my life has changed and I feel amazing. I’ve got so much more conﬁdence and yes, I still regularly enjoy chocolate too! The Food Optimising healthy eating plan is so generous that I never feel hungry or like I have to miss out on anything. Believe it or not, I’m looking forward to a fab three-course Easter dinner and chocolate on Easter Sunday – absolutely guilt-free! Julia, formally from Chirk credits her sister Claire who runs the Cabin Lane Slimming World groups for inspiring her to join her local group. “I saw how well Claire had done and even though I’d lost almost four stone on my own, I was at a standstill. Slimming World is unbelievable – I`ve met so many great friends there and I really look forward to group each week. Having them there for me every week is so valuable, and my weight loss wouldn’t be the same without it. We share tips and

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ideas and support each other to overcome challenges and stick to the healthy changes we’ve committed to. It’s not a diet, it’s a healthy lifestyle – as well as changing my eating habits I’m much more active and now do cycling challenges regularly. It’s great to see people that become your friends achieve their weightloss dreams too. I can’t champion the Slimming World plan enough and would recommend joining to anyone that wants to lose weight and keep it off for good.” Claire says: “I’m so proud of my sister and along with Emma we`d love to show more people in Oswestry that losing weight doesn’t have to be about deprivation, hunger and calorie counting, and that you can eat chocolate and lose weight! Everyone’s welcome at any of the groups in Oswestry. To ﬁnd your nearest group visit www.slimmingworld.com

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Wednesday group: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 5pm & 7pm For more information call EMMA on 07581458656

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 Oswestry life |

Satin V-neck blouse £27.50, wide leg trousers £35, M&S www.marksandspencer.com

Pastel power! This month’s spring trend to move in to your wardrobe is pastels. Think pretty and mix the pinks and lilacs… it actually works, as proven on the catwalks by Celine. Alongside this, work in some sheer fabrics, but key pieces will add something new to your favourite outfit. I love the longer jackets coming in at the moment which are a great go-between the seasons, they’re light enough to still wear a coat on top and flattering over the hips. I’m feeling a bit of romance with this trend so I hope it brightens your day after the cold blast we’ve had.

46 | Oswestry life

Mules £129 and Silvia dress £229, HOBBS London www.hobbs.co.uk

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Sock boots £14, Primark www.primark.com Norton circle bag £20, Accessorize www.accessorize.com Yellow blouse £19.99, New Look www.newlook.com Pastel green high waisted trousers £25, Pretty Little Thing www.prettylittlething.com

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Pussy bow blouse £250, www.victoriajanemckenna.com Amalﬁe £80, Dune www.dunelondon.com Duo cross body bag £90, Cath Kidston www.cathkidston.com Pink embellished dress £95, Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com

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Feather slider £25, Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com Yellow rufﬂe blouse £55 (due SS18), River Island www.riverisland.com Pastel pink blazer £39, Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com Green ﬂoral lace mini skirt £40, River Island www.riverisland.com

Our fashion and beauty editor Victoria Jane McKenna is a clothing designer and has her own fashion brand. www.victoriajanemckenna.com Oswestry life

Specialists in facial aesthetics

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WEDDINGS Shannon and Liam Brady were married at St Oswald’s Church on 1 July 2017, followed by a reception at Oswestry Cricket Club. The couple have been together for six years after meeting at age 16.

To have your wedding featured in Oswestry Life magazine, email your photograph and some details about your big day to charlotte@oswestrylife.co.uk.

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| Oswestry life

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at Hair by Rebecca May Overton Road, St. Martins Email: thelittleskinclinic@gmail.com

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EVENING DRESSES PROM DRESSES CRUISE & SPECIAL OCCASIONS DRESSES

INTRODUCTORY OFFER ACRYLIC NAIL ENHANCEMENTS - £20 (INCLUDING A GEL POLISH) GEL MANICURE - £10 Also available for girls pamper parties

All sizes catered for Please call to arrange an appointment 07891 136936 HOPKINS PASSAGE BROAD STREET WELSHPOOL POWYS SY21 7SE

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Jess Bright sweeney hall Bowen Therapy

wedding fayre

The Old Malthouse, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1AJ Call 07921 485041 am

15 april 2018 from 11

A complementary, manual therapy that involves speciﬁc moves over A complementary, therapy joints, muscle, connectivemanual tissue and nervesthat that stimulatesCourse the bodies of 3 treatments in therapy room: £90 involves specifi c moves joints, innate ability to heal. Highlyover relaxing and can be applied any of three treatments is recommended to get on top of long A tocourse muscle, connective and physical ailment. It is alsotissue helpful fornerves mental or emotional problems standing problems although effects can be noticed after only one. including stress. Suitable for men, women andtochildren of any age. that stimulates the bodies innate ability get in touch any questions. heal. HighlyPlease relaxing and canwith be applied to Home visit Bowen Treatment: £40 plus mileage

Course of 3 treatments therapy any physical ailment. It is alsoinhelpful for room: £90 Bowen treatment session at your location. I can offer discount deals if A course of or three treatments is recommended of long mental emotional problems including to get on top treating multiple people at the same location. standing effects can be noticed after only one. stress.problems Suitable although for men, women and Home Bowen Treatment: £40 plus mileage Single Bowen Treatment in therapy room: £35 children of visit any age. Please get in touch Bowen session at your location. I can offer discount deals withtreatment any questions. A relaxing and theraputic bowen treatment in the treatment room. if treating multiple people at the same location. Single Bowen Treatment in therapy room: £35 A relaxing and theraputic bowen treatment in the treatment room. Jess Bright Bowen Therapy The Old Malthouse, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1AJ Call 07921 485041 Jess BoweninTherapy mplementary, manual therapy that Course ofBright 3 treatments therapy room: £90 es specific moves over joints, The Old Malthouse, SY11 1AJ A course of threeOswestry, treatmentsShropshire is recommended to get on top of long e, connective tissue and nerves Call 07921 485041 standing problems although effects can be noticed after only one.

timulates the bodies innate ability to Highly relaxing and can be applied to hysical ailment. It is also helpful for al or emotional problems including . Suitable for men, women and en of any age. Please get in touch any questions.

Home visit Bowen Treatment: £40 plus mileage Bowen treatment session at your location. I can offer discount deals if treating multiple people at the same location.

Single Bowen Treatment in therapy room: £35 A relaxing and theraputic bowen treatment in the treatment room.

Oswestry life

Dining

Abdul Kolim of KOLIM Fine Dining

KOLIM is aiming for Michelin Star With an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine and a chef who is passionate about Indian food, new restaurant KOLIM Fine Dining is having a big impact on the Oswestry culinary scene. Located on Leg Street, the restaurant retains many of the building’s original architectural features and combined with plush modern interior furniture and clever lighting, it provides the perfect setting for an evening meal. Business owner Abdul Kolim from Chester, who got his first taste of work at the age of 14 in his uncle’s restaurant, has worked his way up from cleaner to restaurateur through “hard work and dedication”. The businessman also has other interests including the Fort of India restaurant in Malpas, a gents’ hairdressers and is currently setting up charity organisation; KOLIM Foundation. “We came to Oswestry because I realised it needed a modern Indian restaurant,” says Abdul, “we pride ourselves on the quality of food we offer, we don’t believe in cutting corners, we provide food just the way we eat at home. “We have a very upmarket and unique menu that we have put together, our style of cooking is similar to the methods used in the five-star Taj hotel. With an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine, the menu incorporates both traditional classic favourites and original new dishes that apply classic flavours with a modern twist.” 50 | Oswestry life

Abdul runs the restaurant in partnership with executive chef Forhad Ali who boasts over 17 years in the Indian curry trade. “I’ve had a deep passion for food and cooking since a very early age,” says Forhad, “the fragrances and aromas which were released from my mother’s cooking fascinated me tremendously and after finishing education, I went to work for my father’s restaurant, an award-winning restaurant called Bengal Dynasty and from there I really started to understand what cooking was all about. “I consider my food to be high end. I owe a lot of gratitude to a chef called Partha Mittra, he was an executive chef at The Taj Hotel in Kolkatta. He was also private chef to the Indian Prime Minister on his tour of Malaysia. By training with him I have been able to excel my knowledge and capability in the curry industry.” Forhad has big dreams and wants to achieve a Michelin star for KOLIM Fine Dining. He ends: “We hope that the community will appreciate the venue we have created for them and help us in making it a success for the future. I look forward to cooking quality food for the people of Oswestry.” KOLIM Fine Dining is open six days a week; Tuesday to Friday, 5-11pm. Call 01691 652566 to find out more.

Easter treats Hot cross buns (www.fabflour.co.uk) Makes 12 buns Cooking time 20 mins.

yeast and sift the flour, salt and spices into a bowl. Add the currants and peel and stir to ensure they are well coated. Add the sugar.

Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, hot cross buns are the food of the season. Delicious, fruity and steeped in ancient tradition, this sweet treat is said to guarantee friendships when shared. Easter is the perfect time to bake a batch of these fruity favourites to share with your loved ones.

Ingredients 25g/1oz fresh yeast or 10ml/2 tsp fast action easy blend yeast 150ml/6 fl oz milk 2 eggs 400g/14oz strong breadmaking flour 5ml/1 tsp sea salt 5ml/1 level tsp mixed spice 2.5ml/1/2 tsp cinnamon 2.5ml/1/2 tsp nutmeg 75g/3oz golden caster sugar 50g/5oz currants 100g/4oz mixed peel

Method Mix butter and milk and warm until the butter has melted. Add the

Stir in the liquid and beaten eggs to form a soft dough. Turn onto a wellfloured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and no longer sticky. Divide the dough into 12 and shape into buns. Place the buns well apart on greased baking tray. To make crosses, slash the buns with a sharp knife or use thin strips of pastry or pipe on the crosses using a paste made from 2tbsp of plain flour and water. Cover the buns and leave to rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour). Bake in a hot oven, 200C/gas 6 for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Brush hot buns with a sugar/water syrup.

Oswestry life | 51

In simplest terms, an HMO is any property which is tenanted by three or more people who are not a family where there are shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. The attractiveness of HMOs as a buy-to-let investment has increased in recent years not only because of the higher yields on offer but because serious investors are keener to diversify their portfolios. In the right areas, the demand for affordable, flexible housing as offered by multi-let properties will always be high.

Q&A

Local independent mortgage advice from the all-female Prudent Financial Planning team, from left: Anna Breeze, Carrie-Anne Morris and Tracy Venn.

Q: My daughter is a university student. I am

considering purchasing a property for her to live in whilst she is there and renting out the remaining rooms to other students. Will I stuggle to arrange a mortgage for this? A: There is a growing trend for this type of purchase at the moment. Houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) produced the highest buy-to-let yields in 2017, according to the latest data compiled by Mortgages for Business.

Mortgage lenders have in turn recognised this growth and the once niche handful of products on offer has expanded to a range of products to suit a variety of properties and borrowing requirements. Most mainstream buy to let lenders will now have some sort of offering. As a landlord there will be more legislation that needs to be adhered to but on the positive side if one tenant moves out, you still have income from the other tenanted rooms. There can be tax advantages to investing in HMOs too, in that more of your costs may be tax deductable. With industry rates predicted to rise in 2018, now may be the ideal time to speak to an independent mortgage adviser about the options available to you. Why not give us a free no obligation call on 01691 653335, visit www.prudentltd.co.uk, email dphumphreys@ prudentltd.co.uk or find our facebook page.

Business

Newly-qualified solicitor at law firm A Shropshire law firm has announced a newly-qualified solicitor to strengthen its clinical negligence team. Kelly Stant, from Oswestry has taken up her new position as a solicitor at Lanyon Bowdler. Colin Spanner, training partner at Lanyon Bowdler, said: “Kelly has impressed us during her time with the firm and we are delighted to welcome her on board as a fully qualified solicitor. “She will be working in our clinical negligence team, an area of law that is increasingly in demand, so Kelly will be an important addition to the team.” Kelly Stant, newly qualified solicitor

52 | Oswestry life

Arthurs ‘amazing achievement’ says Vauxhall director A rare feat has been achieved by a longstanding Oswestry family business after it came fifth in the country out of a Vauxhall dealer network of 400 for their sales and aftersales customer experience. “This is an amazing achievement,” said Vauxhall director of communications Denis Chick on presenting Arthurs with Vauxhall’s highly coveted Gold Customer Excellence Award.

within the Vauxhall dealer network.

“Arthurs is definitely punching above their weight in terms of what they have achieved for their size and this is great to see.”

Said Nigel Williams, Arthurs Managing Director: “We are market leader for new car sales in our territory and have achieved this for 20 years. Our market share is double the national average due to the loyalty and support of our customers.”

The award was Arthurs sixth with five of them ‘on the bounce’ which is believed to be unprecedented

ABOVE: The team at Arthurs win Gold Customer Excellence Award

Q&A

with GHP Legal’s James Denton with

What can we do about constant dog barking next door? Q: We own our house, but are having real problems with tenants next door who have several dogs and a new puppy. The dogs have barked constantly for the last two months and despite numerous requests their owners have done nothing. We have complained several times to the landlord who has agreed with our concerns and issued warnings but to no avail. We have complained to the council who have told us they are sending out a warning letter, but I wondered if there was anything more we could do, from a legal point of view, to put further pressure on them? A: Your complaint is certainly not uncommon; noise complaints emanate from a wide range of sources and affect a large number of people. If the noise persists following the initial letter from the council and it meets the criteria that renders it a statutory nuisance, the local authority are under an obligation to serve an abatement notice on the premises owner. Non-compliance with an abatement notice can result in the Defendant being prosecuted and ﬁned. Any claims the council make would be civil claims. Alternatively, you may wish to wish to take matters into your own hands and commence proceedings in the magistrates’ court. Sending the required ‘letter before claim’ to the property a minimum of three days prior to commencing any proceedings may just be the added pressure that will lead to ending the noise. If proceedings in the magistrates’ court are successful the court can make an order requiring the nuisance to be abated and prohibiting a repeat of the nuisance. They can impose ﬁnes of up to £5,000 for residential properties and £20,000 for business premises. If the case is successful, the court will often award the Claimant costs in the case. For further advice, you should speak to your solicitor about taking things forward.

Further information relating to this question is available from James Denton, a trainee solicitor with GHP Legal. For an appointment visit www.ghplegal.com or contact one of our ofﬁces: Oswestry 01691 659194, Chirk 01691 777949, Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313. We offer free legal diagnostic clinics (no appointment necessary). In Oswestry, Wednesdays 12noon-3pm for Personal Injury, Employment & Family matters. In Wrexham, Mondays 9.30am12noon for Employment matters, 12noon – 3pm for Personal Injury & Family matters. GHP Legal is authorised and regulated by the SRA 51566, and Lexcel Accredited.

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Oswestry life |

Business

Donations Administrator Full time position (part time will be considered) Salary Range: £15,610 - £18,310 per annum (depending on skills and experience) Hours: 37.5 per week over 5 days Working within our busy Fundraising Office; the Administrator processes incoming donations in various forms, including preparing cash and cheques for banking, processing online donations through third party platforms, logging donations into a database and producing letters to donors. We are seeking someone who is proficient in computing and able to use Microsoft Word and Excel; a knowledge of databases would be desirable but not essential. Excellent organisational & communication skills are a must, along with the ability to deal with people confidently on the telephone and the ability to prioritise a varied workload in a methodical manner. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential requirements of the role as donations need to be taken to the bank daily. To download an application pack which will include a job description and specification please visit our website: www.hopehouse.org.uk/jobs For further information please contact the HR Team by telephone on 01691 679679 or e-mail: jobs@hopehouse.org.uk Closing date for return of completed applications: 12 noon Wed 4 April 2018 The successful applicant will be required to obtain a standard disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. To meet the diverse needs of our client group, we are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sectors of society. Registered Charity Number: 1003859

Family firm branches out A Shropshire company is certainly keeping it in the family when it comes to protecting the environment for future generations. Tudor Griffiths Group has committed to a programme of sustainable forestry management on land owned by the Griffiths family in the local area. Managing director, Tudor Griffiths, said: “The first step in our programme was to plant 2000 Douglas Fir trees in three acres on the Aston Estate, just outside Oswestry, and at another site in English Frankton. “And to ensure the land is managed successfully for generations to come, we enlisted the help of my two sons Oliver and Harry, who will play a key role in the sustainable approach over the coming years.” Tudor Griffiths Group is one of the UK’s leading independent businesses supplying construction materials and building supplies, ready mixed concrete, skip hire, waste management and recycling. above: Planting the Tudor Griffiths Group trees are, from left, Maccrea Evans, Garry Lloyd, Oliver Griffiths, Kevin Jones, and Harry Griffiths

Investing in Oswestry

Supporting People, Supporting People, Businesses & Communities Businesses Communities

We’ve expanded into additional offices in Salop Road, and we’re growing our Oswestry team to help you with pensions, investments and planning your financial future. There’s lots of financial advice out there - but don’t you and your family’s finances deserve truly independent advice? Call us for a no-obligation initial meeting today!

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www.beaumont-financial.co.uk

Offices also in: Shrewsbury Bromyard Hereford Ludlow Telford Offices also in: Shrewsbury | Bromyard | Hereford | Ludlow | Telford

54 | Oswestry life

t 01691 670524 e mail@beaumont-financial.co.uk

Beaumont Financial Planners Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registered in England number 8707394. Registered address Emstrey House North, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6LG

HEALTH

Dr Paul Middleton

High Lea House Residential Home

Primum Non Nocere Hippocrates You don’t see much mention of ethics these days – a pity really. There are various ethical principles that govern medical practice and my favourite summary of them has four headings. Patients should have their Autonomy respected. They need to be informed but free to make their own decisions – even bad ones! Confidentiality is part of the same concept ensuring patients can express themselves without anxiety about who else will hear what they have said. As more information is computerised this has become a bigger issue for many of us. The next two principles are linked: Beneficence is a fancy word for doing good, a rather obvious duty of the doctor, but it is linked to Non-maleficence i.e. to do no harm. In the days of modern medicine with its powerful

Friendly and Homely. Set in Beautiful gardens. Established for over 30 years. Visitors are always welcome. Llanforda Rise, Oswestry SY11 1SY. Rated Good by CQC Inspection

Oswestry

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The GP needs to consider not just what is the best treatment for the individual but balance this against the wider needs of the NHS and society drugs and invasive procedures, this principle can be a challenge. The final concept is Justice. This covers the legal framework that governs medicine and the trickier area of moral justice. The GP needs to consider not just what is the best treatment for the individual but balance this against the wider needs of the NHS and society. This is the thorny issues of rationing that has never really been grasped. Sometimes all of this is a bit of a juggling act. Let’s take something simple like a case of scarlet fever (which is having a bit of a resurgence lately). After explaining the diagnosis and treatment the patient might decline antibiotics. Not wise, and they need to understand the implications, but this is their right. Scarlet fever is a notifiable disease, so the GP has a duty to tell the Public Health Dept about this. Doesn’t that potentially break patient confidentiality? Here the balance of doing good clearly outweighs the risks of side effects.

Mobility Scooter Servicing New batteries available ■ Battery testing ■ All parts available ■ New and used scooter sales ■

■

And the title this month? It comes from the Hippocratic Oath. All medical students used to swear this oath on qualiﬁcation. This line is considered the most important and translates as First Do No Harm – not a bad motto for life really! Oswestry life

Book review

Poetry corner

A snow garden & other stories

THE HOPE OF SPRING

by Rachel Joyce A Snow Garden & other stories, by the wonderful Rachel Joyce was a joy to read. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy were outstanding and this offering from Joyce is quite simply captivating in its own right. Seven stories in all, which link very subtly. With a prominent theme around Christmas, this collection can really be appreciated whenever you have a gap in your reading material. With our recent cold wintery weather, this is the perfect book to wrap up warm with and indulge for an afternoon. Thought provoking with family themes, break ups and ageing parents, this gem of a book deals with current 21st century issues. How do a husband and wife deal with

Fire smouldered in the belly of spring, erupting from splitting paper-skin bulbs, upwards in

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| Oswestry life

Whilst at its heart, it burned with a passionate longing; for another triumphant year! Jan Hedger www.janscreativewriting.co.uk

Debbie Lloyd

• Locals • Long Distance • Airports Contracts • Airport Shuttle Service Manchester Liverpool Birmingham

colours: seeking the feeding air.

Joyce writes with a deep insight into the everyday, putting a warm and emotional sensitivity into situations which many of us ﬁnd ourselves in. If you enjoyed her previous books, this collection will not disappoint. These stories have been read on Radio 4 as part of the Book at Bedtime.

Oswestry Cabs Single journey to or from Oswestry

shooting green of ﬂame licking

an unhappy marriage, they build a bicycle, and will a young son learn to appreciate his father whilst he still can.

The Black Gate Salop Road, Oswestry 01691 657484

@TheBlackGateoswestry

burger nights every friday Our newest addition to weekday evenings from 6-9pm Choose one of our delicious homemade burgers for just £7.95!!!

Dine out on Easter Sunday 1st April

We have plenty of room available for our delicious Sunday lunch. If you were unlucky and missed out on our homemade scotch eggs and steamed mussels on Mother’s Day, luckily they will be available on our specials board along with some tasty desserts Booking early is essential to guarantee a table between 12-4pm

be entertained on bank holiday sunday 6th may

We are happy to announce that we are welcoming a great band into our function room! ‘Like Minded’ will be playing live from 8-10pm, so come along and show your support for what we hope will become a more regular future event. FREE ENTRY and DRINKS DEALS to be announced

Left: The main bridleway Top to bottom: Early purple orchids View to the west Buzzard on the hunt Bracken unfurling A carpet of anenomes

Rambles with a camera Walker, photographer and artist Graham ‘Grum’ Mitchell focuses on some of the region’s best places to ramble.

Not so Common

April is a wonderful time to visit Llynclys Common. The new growth is starting and the first of the wild flowers are blossoming. Without full foliage on the trees you also get great views. The common is hidden away and be prepared for a bit of a climb. It can get muddy, but it is definitely worth a trip. If you worry about getting lost, a compass can be quite useful on this small but confusing common. Start from the lay-by on the A495, about 400 yards west of Llynclys Crossroads. Walk along the grass verge and then left up Turner’s Lane. Ignore the first path off to the right by the map panel but have a good look at the map. I’ll guarantee you’ll get lost, but that’s half the fun. Turn right about 10 yards further on, onto a bridleway. This takes you uphill through woodland. Keep on this path (marked with blue arrows), until you come to a fork. The Shropshire Way goes to the right, but take the left path. You will reach a surfaced track with another map panel. Take the path to the right, passing through a gate onto open grassland. This has been created and maintained for centuries by the grazing of cattle, sheep and

ponies by the commoners. As a result, you find a wonderful selection of wild flowers throughout the summer. At this time of year thousands of wood anemones look like snow drifts. In the woods you will find violets, and some of the earliest Early Purple Orchids I have come across. The common is fairly narrow and runs pretty much north/south. You have entered on the northern end. To the west is Llynclys Quarry and Nantmawr, with Moelydd Hill behind. To the South is Llanymynech Rocks, and on the east is the Shropshire Plain. If at any time you feel lost then heading east will bring you to the main bridleway, going left on this you’ll reach a road and that will take you back down to the car. If you continue south you eventually find yourself at a flight of concrete steps, known as ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. Climbing those and following the path a short way, the trees open up to give you wonderful views west into Wales with Llanyblodwel Church below. Return by retracing your route or by picking up the bridleway that runs on the east side. This is another place that needs to be revisited time and time again to appreciate its full beauty. Oswestry life | 57

Nostalgia

Down memory lane

Historian David Owen takes a walk back in time to discover the fascinating history of two of Oswestry’s iconic buildings

photo: graham mitchell

Cambrian Railway Station (circa 1910) The Cambrian Railway station has the distinction of being the largest Victorian building in Oswestry. Built in 1864 to house the newly founded Cambrian Railway company, the building housed both the passenger and goods operations as well as the boardroom and administrative offices, the latter two being on the upper floor. At that time there was only one platform, which adjoined the current building and a second platform and building was added in 1893. The building was, in fact, the second station to be built in the town, the first being the much smaller GWR station which had been built some 16 years earlier in 1848 and stood on the site now occupied by Morrison’s supermarket. That station served only the Oswestry to Gobowen link whilst the Oswestry & Newtown Railway (the forerunner of the Cambrian) opened its operation in 1860 and, in 1862, was linked into the mainline when the Oswestry, Ellesmere and Whitchurch railway commenced operations. Both of these companies (along with two others) were amalgamated to form the Cambrian Railways in 1864.

Queens Hotel (circa 1915)

In 1922 the Cambrian Railway company was absorbed into the Great Western Railway and by 1924 all passenger services used the Cambrian station with the old GWR station being relegated to goods use until its final closure in 1971 and subsequent demolition some four years later. The Cambrian building finally closed for passenger services in November 1966 although general goods services continued until December 1971

(which then occupied a much larger site in Cross Street) it was a small operation.

photo: graham mitchell

The Queens flourished when the railway arrived in Oswestry in 1848 and in 1870 the then owner, Mr John Lloyd commenced rebuilding and extending the hotel into the dominating building shown here.

The Queens Hotel on the corner of Leg Street and Oswald Road, dates back to the mid-18th century when it was a small inn which formed a part of the Lloyds of Aston estate. Like many inns of that time it was a coaching inn and, in the 1830s, the ‘Nettle’, Welshpool to Chester and the ‘Royal Oak’, Oswestry to Newtown coaches called here every day. In comparison with the nearby Cross Keys inn 58 | Oswestry life

Following WW2, the building was altered considerably to form the Queens Stores off licence on the corner whilst the buildings to the left were converted into shop units. The shop immediately adjoining the Queens Hotel was, for many years, the Lexicon Library but it’s claim to fame is that, in 1970, it became the very first Iceland store in the UK when Malcolm Walker and a colleague (both Woolworths assistant managers in the town) purchased a lease and began selling loose frozen food!

Shrewsbury Folk Festival @shrewsburyfolk

ICKET NOW

24.25.26.27 august 2018

STEELEYE SPAN

N S AL

Richard Thompson

Elec tric Trio

Ceilidh Bands Concerts Morris Teams Workshops

P@ndemonium!

TURIN BRAKES refolkus Children’s Festival

Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings

for 11-17 year olds

Craft Fair Great Campsite Singarounds and Sessions Caterers Real Ale and Cocktail Bars

SHOW OF HANDS Daoirí Farrell Trio

Gretchen Peters Daoirí Farrell Trio The Fitzgeralds

Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band

Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora

Skerryvore

Guo Yue & Joji Hirota with members of London Taiko Drummers The Mighty Doonans

Fisherman’s Friends

Peter Knight and John Spiers State of the Union O’Hooley and Tidow The Wilson Family

Rusty Shackle

|| BLOWZABELLA || BEDLAM || COMMITTEE BAND || VERTICAL EXPRESSION || KIRKOPHANY || OUT OF HAND

Johnny Coppin and Phil Beer

Brooks Williams Trio with special guests Megson

Blowzabella

Midnight Skyracer

Dance Acts:

Mankala

Yola Carter Band

plus many more! see website for latest…

C allers:

Jo Freya, Phil Bassendale Nick Walden John Kirkpatrick

www. shrewsburyfolkfestival .co.uk

SSF 2018 - 148mm wide x 220mm high.indd 1

22/03/2018 life 10:54 | 59 Oswestry

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| Oswestry life

classifieds

Where help is on hand locally

FOOT CARE

OSWESTRY FOOT CLINIC

GARDENING & PLANT HIRE

The clinic offers a spacious, quiet and comfortable ground ﬂoor setting situated half a mile from the town centre with easy access and free parking. There is a pleasant and spacious waiting room with separate toilet facilities and the adjacent private treatment room is fully equpped and maintained to the highest standard.

Judith Lea

Registered Foot Health Practitioner and Registered Nurse

Call today for an appointment

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Motoring

Clocking up the smiles Journalist, car enthusiast and new dad Richard Jones test drives the Citroen C3 Aircross at Old Oswestry Racecourse, bringing baby Isabelle along for the ride. At 11 months old Isabelle is used to seeing different cars on our driveway each week, anything from a sporty convertible to four-wheel drive tough mudders, but the Citroen C3 Aircross I’m currently road testing is the first she has ever shown any interest in. I have got used to her being obsessed with animals; we can’t pass a herd of cows without her pointing to them and saying ‘moo’, but when she waved her hands at the compact SUV and said ‘dadda dadda there’ it gave me hope that she will one day share my passion for cars as well as her grandpa’s love for farming. In truth I think it was the funky looking exterior of the 1.2-litre Aircross that grabbed her attention. A bit like Belle, the £16,200 Citroen has a unique personality; the roof bars, light surrounds, door mirrors and even the wheel centre caps are all in contrasting colours to the rest of the car’s shell, while towards the rear there is a third window on each side that has a ‘venetian blind’ pattern. The bold colours and eccentric styling may have won Isabelle over but it was the interior space that impressed me most as I began packing the car up for a day out to Old Oswestry Racecourse. The boot boasts a sizeable space of 410-litres - which can be extended up to 520-litres with the sliding rear bench option available on the range-topping Flair trim level – so

there is more than enough room to fit the pushchair in, while the opening panoramic roof makes the vehicle feel incredibly light and airy. Parents will also be assured to know that when crash-tested by Euro NCAP it received a five-star rating. Perched on the crest of the hills to the west of Oswestry, the 18th century racecourse is located on a high plateau between the north Shropshire plains and Welsh hills. It is a great place to go walking while carrying a toddler as the terrain is fairly easy and the extensive views of the surrounding countryside are simply incredible. Isabelle loves being outdoors, only the other week we scrambled up Corndon and Mitchell’s Fold and the week before we took in the breathtaking coastal paths of Pembrokeshire. For 70 years the Old Racecourse was a working, busy racetrack patronised by local lords and gentlemen, including the infamous ‘Mad Jack’ Mytton. Today it’s one of the most beautiful places in Shropshire, and it was a real joy to see the beaming smile on Belle’s

face as she took in the best of what nature can offer along sections of Offa’s Dyke and Candy Wood. Another good thing that comes from these ‘Daddy Daughter’ days is I get the chance to properly test the car I’m driving; the chance to use it in a way it will be used by 99.9% of people once it leaves the forecourt. And it didn’t disappoint! Citroen may have been slow to join the world of compact SUVs – the fastest growing sector of the new car market – but their replacement for the once popular C3 Picasso is a real winner. I have already commented on how spacious it is but the Aircross is also incredibly comfortable. Due to the raised driving position and large windows the view out is really good, while the seats are not only soft, they resemble something you’d find in the living room of a trendy studio apartment. On the road the gear box is a little clumpy and the car isn’t as fun to drive as it looks, although that said its 110bhp engine is pretty perky and it holds the road reasonably well. It is also pretty economical, with Citroen claiming it will return 56.5mpg. The C3 Aircross is an excellent family car that delivers everything you could possibly want for day-to-day living. In fact, my only disappointment was when Belle failing to master the ‘neigh’ sound when confronted with the two-headed horse sculpture at the racecourse. Instead she just looked at it, looked at me and impersonated a cow! For the record, she never said ‘vroom vroom’ in the car either!

Oswestry life | 63

Kids fun By Katie Millard of Baby Bird Café

Make:

Spring cards

This is a great activity to keep little ones busy on squally Spring days when it’s sunny one moment then raining the next! These make lovely thank you cards for all those Easter eggs too!

You will need: • • • •

Mixed buttons Glue dots or glue stick A4 coloured card Colouring pens

Method:

• Fold your card in half • Separate your buttons onto coloured groups • Place your buttons onto your card to form ﬂowers, before using glue dots or your glue stick to stick them in place • Draw on stalks and add button ‘leaves’ and ‘grass’

Bake:

Easter chocolate bark

I love making chocolate ‘bark’ for any occasion and with the pastel hues of mini eggs broken in to shards this makes a lovely gift or treat.

You will need: • • • • •

Greaseproof paper Baking tray 200g of milk chocolate (or dark chocolate if preferred) 100g of white chocolate Assorted mini eggs/sugar coated decorative eggs and ‘hundreds & thousand’ sprinkles if desired

Method:

• Lay your sheet of greaseproof paper ﬂat over your baking tray • In the microwave (or over a Bain Marie) melt your milk chocolate • Once melted, pour over your greaseproof paper, spreading out into a roughly rectangle shape, as thin or thick as you like • Immediately melt your white chocolate and spoon onto the milk chocolate in irregular blobs

• Using the end of a knife, swirl chocolates together to create a marbled effect • Bash up your mini eggs and add - also adding sprinkles if you wish • Put into fridge for at least an hour, when it’s set cut into shards • The bark looks beautiful presented in a plain jar, wrapped with ribbon

Baby Bird Cafe hosts bespoke birthday parties, vintage afternoon tea, baby showers and crafting activities throughout the holidays. www.babybirdcafe.co.uk

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EASTER HUNT FOR FIELDBOUNCE TICKETS Looking for something fun do to over the Easter holidays? Fieldbounce have organised an eggstraordinary Easter hunt from 26 March to 2 April, which promises to be great fun for all the family. The aim is to be the ﬁrst to ﬁnd all 15 eggs hidden in various public places in Oswestry, including inside some businesses. Clues will be posted via social media hinting at their whereabouts. Once found, the egg will reveal a set of instructions on how to claim your prize with some added chocolate treats.

FUN ON THE FARM Discover the delights of Park Hall countryside experience this Easter. There’s a day packed with action, fun and adventure waiting for all the family, and with a generous helping of cuddly and friendly animals for everyone to enjoy, there’s not a minute to waste. Get up close to your farmyard favourites with a regular schedule of interactive events including bottle feeding the lambs in the indoor animal barn from 1pm each day. If you’re lucky you might even see a lamb being born.

Fieldbounce music festival is taking place on Saturday 5 May at The Venue, Park Hall and is set to be a musical eggstravaganza, with an A-list line up including; Scouting For Girls, Dappy, Fuse ODG and Danny Howard. The festival will also welcome a dance competition ‘Stomp The Yard’ and a comedy tent featuring some familiar faces.

Join in the action-packed fun in the two massive indoor play barns and outdoor adventure parks. Give the kids an extra treat with their own brilliant driving activities. There’s electric cars, 4x4 land rovers, pedal go karts and a bumpy barrel train ride.

For more information email: info@ﬁeldbounce.co.uk or visit: www.ﬁeldbounce.co.uk.

Pig racing is not to be missed. The excitement is electrifying as the tension mounts at the starting gate. Only one pig will sprint to victory, could it be yours? It’s hilarious and happens twice a day.

For your chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to Fieldbounce, simply answer the following question: how many eggs have been hidden as part of the Easter hunt?

This amazing family farm park is like no other. There’s a day packed with action, fun and adventure waiting for all the family, and with a generous helping of cuddly and friendly animals for everyone to enjoy, there’s not a minute to waste. Visit www.parkhallfarm.co.uk to ﬁnd out more. We’ve teamed up with Park Hall Farm to offer two lucky winners a family pass. Headline act Scouting For Girls

To enter the competition, simply tell us: Which animals enjoy being bottle fed by visitors to Park Hall Farm?

COMPETITION RULES: Closing date for competitions is 25/04/18 unless otherwise stated. Send your entries, along with your name, address, email and telephone number on a postcard to Oswestry Life Magazine, Unit 2, Glovers Meadow, Oswestry, SY10 8NH or by email to info@oswestrylife.co.uk or enter on the website: www.oswestry.life. By entering any competition within this publication you consent to Oswestry Life and the promoters contacting you for marketing purposes. Your data will not be shared with any other party. For full terms and conditions please refer to www.oswestry.life

Oswestry life

LAST WORD Graham Mitchell Each month we’ll be giving you the chance to have the last word in Oswestry Life. This month, it’s someone whose work you will be familiar with; his beautiful images grace the front of Oswestry Life magazine each month. Where do you live? I live very close to the town centre in Oswestry. Just five minutes from the Bailey Head. My wife (a tapestry weaver) and I live in a converted warehouse which gives us plenty of room for us to have our own workshops and studios. Which school(s) did you go to? I grew up in Surrey, and went to school at Reigate Grammar School, continuing studies at college in Medical Sciences. What was your first ever job? After leaving school I became a Medical Scientist specialising in Microbiology. How did you get into photography? My grandfather was an RAF photographer in WW2 and my uncle a film cameraman, so I think it’s maybe in my genes. I was taking pictures with my Boots Beirette 35mm from about 10 years old. A few years later I moved up to a Zenith E. After a career change my job took me around the world and I started taking even more photos. Since retiring I am out every day. What camera do you use? I use a pair of Nikons; a D5200 and a D5500 with a variety of lenses. One is set up for landscape and one for wildlife. 66

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What do you enjoy photographing most? What’s in front of my lens at the time. Creating an image, arranging the composition, adjusting the exposure. That’s what I enjoy. What’s the best photograph you’ve ever taken? I suppose I am never satisﬁed. I always think I could have done better. I do particularly like my photo of a horse rider taken at Nesscliffe last autumn. A recent photograph of a cormorant on the Monty runs a close second. And the worst? Hard to say as I have taken so many bad photos; lots of bare branches, after the bird has ﬂown, people pulling strange faces, or moving at a crucial moment. But with digital photography, you can delete and have another go.

What’s your advice to budding photographers? Experiment and take lots of pictures. Learn how your camera works and take pictures that you like. Finally, editing software can turn a good photo into a great one. Best places to take photographs nearby? There are so many choices. I like Llanymynech, Blakemere or Llangollen because of the light and surroundings. But really there isn’t a bad location for photography, once you get the eye for composition Finally, what do you like most about living in Oswestry? In short, everything! I am still a newcomer, arriving in 1998. It’s the right size, not too big and not too small. We have most things close by, and Oswestrians are a friendly lot. It’s the ﬁrst place I have lived that really feels like home.

Graham posts new pictures every day on Oswestry Life’s Facebook page and if you would like to see more of his work you can visit www.gsfmitchell.wordpress.com.

DON’T FOOL AROUND WITH YOUR FINANCES April - the end of the tax year - is a time when many people regret they didn’t take advice on their finances earlier. If you’d like to give your finances a good Spring Clean and get an expert opinion from a truly independent financial adviser on how you can make your money work harder in the future, give the Beaumont team a call. We’ll be happy to arrange a FREE initial no-obligation discussion, whether you’re looking to invest, get the best out of your pension, or just want a chat about how to manage your money and protect your capital.

Beaumont Financial Planners Limited 21 Salop Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NR

t 01691 670524 e mail@beaumont-financial.co.uk

www.beaumont-financial.co.uk Beaumont Financial Planners Ltd. Head office: 21 Salop Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NR Beaumont Financial Planners Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registered in England number 8707394. Registered address - Emstrey House North, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6LG

Oswestry life | 67

OSWESTRYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIGGEST KITCHEN & BATHROOM SHOWROOM

Fire your imagination and visit the stunning new kitchen and bathroom showroom located at TG Builders Merchants Oswestry. There are over 20 beautiful kitchen and bathroom displays to view and hundreds more to choose from. Our experienced staff will take your room measurements and turn your ideas into a 3D plan so you can see exactly how your kitchen will look in your home.

Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8HA T: 01691 477 987 W: tgkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk 68

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Mon - Fri 7:30am - 5:00pm, Sat 8:00am - 1:00pm, Sun Closed