Oswestry Life February 2018 by dts media ltd

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free issue 12 FEBRUARY 2018

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Rambles with a camera • Valentine’s day • Interiors & home • Walks around Oswestry Six of the best Ultra violet interiors

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

to Oswestry Life

In the spotlight................................... 8 Six of the best Valentine’s gifts......... 11 Health............................................... 12 Property............................................ 20

Our February issue has been lovingly put together to include all of your favourites: a walk down memory lane with local historian David Owen, fabulous February fashions with Victoria McKenna and wintry walks with Graham Mitchell. We cast a spotlight on a local group called OBHAG (read on to find out what that stands for…) and feature a group of local authors working together to achieve their publishing ambitions. Finally, if you’re in the mood for love, check out our Valentine’s day recipe and six of the best Valentine’s day gifts.

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

Interiors............................................. 24 Nostalgia.......................................... 34 Maesbury Road feature................... 35 Six of the best for fitness................... 41 Culture.............................................. 42 Fashion............................................. 46 Out and about................................. 48 Food and drink................................. 50 Education......................................... 53 Business............................................ 56 Local walks...................................... 59 Kids fun............................................ 64 Motoring........................................... 65 Last word.......................................... 66

Oswestry Life

free issue 12 FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY cover Cover photograph Black Bryony at Llanymynech Rocks by Graham Mitchell hi

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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, Kate Howell, Katie Millard, Grace Goodlad and Debbie Marais Accounts and Distribution e: info@oswestrylife.co.uk Advertising e: sales@oswestrylife.co.uk Editorial e: news@oswestrylife.co.uk

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Welcome

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Contents

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with a camera • Valentine’s day • Interiors & home • Rambles Walks around Oswestry Six of the best Ultra violet interiors

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

Joanne Bull from Gwent Police

Gwent Police support Knife Campaign L to R: Ann Edwards, Sarah Evans, Hayley Jackson and Julie Powell presenting the cheque to Dr Mark Smith, Gina Caton and Dr Jeff Butterworth from SaTH

Superintendent Joanne Bull of Gwent Police visited the British Ironwork Centre to add her support to the “Save a life surrender your knife” campaign.

Fund launched by Shropshire estate agent donates £22,000

It was a return to her home town for Superintendent Bull, who grew up in the area and went to Oswestry School. Joanne was involved in initiating an amnesty in Gwent, South Wales, 12 months ago. Amnesty bins were supplied by the Ironwork Centre and placed at police stations in the region.

Nearly £22,000 has been presented to The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) following a mammoth fundraising effort launched by a Shropshire estate agent after he was diagnosed with cancer. Stephen Powell launched the Stephen Powell Cancer Research Fund when he was diagnosed with Gastro-Oesophageal cancer in 2012, to help others if they were ever diagnosed. Stephen, who was a well-known auctioneer and estate agent in Oswestry, lost his battle in 2014. He had raised more than £16,000. Fundraising efforts continued for the Fund, and his sister Julie Powell, who is a nurse at SaTH, helped to present a cheque for £21,191.74 to the Trust’s Endoscopy Unit, where Stephen was treated. Julie said: “My brother was diagnosed in 2012, and the first thing that he did when he was diagnosed was start the Stephen Powell Cancer Research Fund. He underwent radical treatment but unfortunately lost his battle on December 1, 2014 – Stephen wanted to help the people of Shropshire and Powys so if they were ever diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer, the money would go towards diagnosis/treatment.”

4 | Oswestrylife life 4 | Oswestry

“It was an incredible experience to come to where I grew up and see the angel. We supported the amnesty in Gwent and we have recently seen a downturn in violent

“When you gaze up at the statue and see how many knives have been used and what they represent - weapons taken off the streets all around the UK - it delivers a very powerful message.” crime with injury. Every knife surrendered is potentially a life saved,” she said. Superintendent Bull commented that the knife angel delivered a very powerful message. “It is an incredible sculpture, an amazing piece of art. When you gaze up at the statue and see how many knives have been used and what they represent weapons taken off the streets all around the UK - it delivers a very powerful message. “The impact of knife crime is not only on victims but on the families and on witnesses.” Superintendent Joanne Bull inscribed the words: ‘Heddlu Gwent Police, fighting knife crime, saving lives’, in both Welsh and English, onto a blade on the sculpture at the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry.

Festival ready to hit high notes

The Oswestry Youth Music Festival will be captivating audiences around the town from 28 February to 4 March. Performances will take place across three venues: Christ Church, Holy Trinity Church and the Methodist Church. The event draws 1000 young people and their families into the town over the festival period. New classes for 2018 include musical theatre ensemble, church organ, drum kit with backing track and baroque piano solo. To find out more about the festival, visit the Facebook page: Oswestry Youth Music Festival.

New Reader/Writer in Residence

Dave Andrews, author of ‘The Oswestry Round’ and ‘Gobowen to Everest’, is to be Oswestry Library’s first Reader/Writer in Residence. Dave, who is from Wrexham originally, has lived near Oswestry for 25 years and has contributed regularly to the library’s popular Learning at Lunchtime programme. He has published nine books and is currently working on his tenth, ‘Wilfred Owen: Poet of Oswestry’. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be Oswestry Library’s first Reader and Writer in Residence,’ Dave said. ‘I’ve really enjoyed giving talks at the library on various aspects of English and Welsh literature during the last eighteen months and I’m looking forward to contributing to the 2018 programme of ‘Learning at Lunchtime’ talks and to giving creative writing workshops for new and experienced writers.”

‘Biggest Book Show on Earth’ to visit town

World Book Day will be working closely with local partners in Oswestry to bring a special one-off event at The Marches School to life, arranging bookselling and coordinating with local schools to invite children and young adults to attend on 27 February. The event will feature authors and illustrators: Jennifer Bell, Abi Elphinstone, Olaf Falafel, Andy Griffiths and Katherine Woodfine. World Book Day marks the world’s biggest celebration of reading, where the UK and Ireland’s entire book industry works proactively together to address falling literacy levels and create readers of the future. Visit www.worldbookday.com to find out more.

Planting a lasting legacy

Staff and students at Derwen College, near Oswestry, rounded off a milestone year by planting the final tree in their 90th birthday avenue of 12 trees. The December tree was sponsored by Shropshire accountancy firm Whittingham Riddell LLP. Students at the college, in Gobowen, have been planting a tree every month to mark the college’s 90th year. The tree plantings took place throughout 2017 and have created an avenue of trees, each one chosen to reflect the relevant month. Kathy Griffiths (left) and Katie Lane from sponsors Whittingham Riddell LLP at the Derwen College tree planting.

Oswestry’s first fully vegan restaurant opens

The town is celebrating its first fully vegan restaurant as Fat Rabbit run by Linda Clark has moved into new premises on Bailey Street. Featuring a menu of options that contain no animal products, the ethical eatery fast gained popularity while it was located in Liar Liar coffee shop. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm, the new restaurant will also open evenings from 1 February. L-R: Alfred Clark, Aine Lamour-Jones, Linda Clark, and Taliesin Lamour-Jones

Oswestry life | 5

Hospital remembrance bench for ‘Woody’ A maintenance assistant who passed away is being remembered with a memorial bench at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital. Terry Wood, commonly known as Woody, started working at the Oswestry-based hospital back in December 2005 but sadly passed away in September after a battle with illness. The Estates Department decided to have a bench installed in his memory. RJAH staff members were asked to give contributions and an amazing £350 was raised. As well as the bench collection, Rob Adams, Electrician, and Peter Pan Nursey held a cake sale in his memory which raised a further £310. Woody’s wife Janet Wood, his daughter Tina Bache and his son Carl Wood all attended to pay tribute along with his four grandchildren – Keeley and Summer Bache and Lucas and Jadien Wood. Tina said: “Dad would be so overwhelmed and touched on how all of his work friends have come together and remembered him in such a lovely way. “We, as a family, will visit dad’s bench and sit and think of all the wonderful memories we have of him.”

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In the spotlight

History group turns 40 Derek Williams, honorary secretary of Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group (OBHAG) tells us in his own words the impact OBHAG has had on remembering the history and architecture of the area.

For the past five years OBHAG has worked closely with Oswestry Heritage Forum by contributing many events to the very successful National Heritage Open Days programme

Last year OBHAG marked its 40th birthday. Formed in December 1977 as the Border Counties Archaeological Group by enthusiastic volunteers supporting Professor Barri Jones’ excavation of the Roman marching-camp near Weston Rhyn, the organisation continues to focus on the rich heritage of the Oswestry area.

In August 2015 OBHAG’s imaginative display for the Lle Hanes exhibition at the Welsh National Eisteddfod at Meifod demonstrated the extent of Welsh influence in Oswestry. The panels can now be viewed at Oswestry Museum.

Over the last four decades, OBHAG has initiated or supported a number of archaeological and historical projects. Its 1981 booklet Oswestry Town Wall outlined the history of the wall and included details of the excavations carried out by the group between October 1979 and September 1980 with further excavations in 1983 and 1984. In the mid-1980s, the Morda Valley Research Project looked at topics such as local field and place names, the presence of Offa’s Dyke, the mills formerly operating along the valley, and the small Oswestry Coalfield and its associated local transport system. A decade later, Old Oswestry Landscape and Archaeology Project (OOLAP) involved OBHAG working with Oswestry Borough Council and others to increase understanding of the landscape surrounding the Hillfort. An integral part of this was the series of very successful annual seminars at the Marches School which covered the archaeology and history of the Northern Marches from the earliest times to the Norman Conquest. 8 | Oswestry life

The ongoing Oswestry Castle Research Project (OCRP) has developed from an excavation in the castle garden area during Heritage Open Days week in 2014. Led by archaeologist and OBHAG member Roger Cooper, this Lottery-funded project involves biannual excavations of the castle site in May and September. OBHAG provides popular programme of monthly talks which are open to non-members and are held at the Methodist Church Hall, Castle Street at 7.30pm on the second Friday of the months between January and April and again between September and December. Over the years, these have covered an enormous variety of subjects, including ‘The Work of the Egyptian Exploration Society’, ‘The Walled Garden of Attingham’, ‘Place-names of Oswestry’, ‘The Temperance Movement in Shropshire’, ‘Monastic Military Orders’, ‘Shropshire Saints’, ‘Oswestry’s Silver Collection’ and ‘Saxon Shrewsbury’. Matt Williams of Time Team and Digging for Britain fame has often been our ‘celebrity’ speaker, while other regulars have included Fiona Gale (Denbighshire County Archaeologist), Andy Wigley (now Shropshire

LEFT: The group’s visit to Montgomery. RIGHT: Matt Williams shares some behind-the-camera secrets of Time Team.

Natural Environment Manager), various representatives of the Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, and our president, local historian John Pryce-Jones. In early summer there are two evening visits to local places of interest, while in July there is a full-day excursion with an expert guide. This year’s very successful outing to Leicester to see Richard III’s tomb and the nearby cathedral grew out of Robert Woosnam-Savage’s intriguing talk the previous autumn entitled ‘Killed the Boar, Shaved his Head’! Previous visits have been to Anglesey, Lichﬁeld, Rhuddlan, Denbigh, Mellor Mill (Stockport) and Wigmore Castle/ Mortimer’s Cross/Leominster Priory.

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2018’s talks will include ‘Llanwddyn before Lake Vyrnwy’, ‘Graveyard Grafﬁti in north-east Wales’ and ‘Oswestry Heritage Comics’, while the mid-summer trip will be to Hereford to see the Mappa Mundi and the city’s historic waterworks

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We welcome new members and full details of how to join can be found on our website at www. oswestry.histarch.uk, by emailing obhag@histarch.uk, by phoning the Secretary on 01691 661793, or by coming along to one of the monthly meetings at the Methodist Hall.

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Catherine and Gary Jones, both from Oswestry, were married at Llansilin Church, followed by a farm marquee on 19 August 2017. Pictured with pet dogs Patch (centre) and Mallorie (right). To be included in next month’s magazine, send your wedding picture along with your names, where you both live and when and where you got married, to charlotte@oswestrylife.co.uk

1 There’s no one-size-ﬁts-all when it comes to buying Valentine’s gifts for that special someone. Get in the mood for love with our pick of the best Valentine’s gifts for the lady in your life.

3 4 6 5

1. Best friends biscuit, £9 from Biscuiteers Baking www.biscuiteers.com 2. Hallmarked silver and cultured opal pendant, £68 from Purple Pixie available from her Etsy store: PurplePixiebyDenise 3. Everlasting Valentines rose decoration, £25 from British Ironwork Centre, www.blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk 4. Set of six heart tealights, £16 from Laura Ashley www.lauraashley.com 5. Everlasting trainers, £80 from Dune London www.dunelondon.com 6. Sequin heart notebook, £10 from Paperchase www.paperchase.co.uk It’s beautiful Oswestry life

HEALTH

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What is Febuary’s most famous day? Febuary the 14th is St Valentine’s day and most of us would know that. How many of you - and I am not joking - know it is also National Impotence Day? The words we use to describe emotive issues tend to evolve over time, particularly where there is embarrassment or stigma involved. I was taught about impotence as a student but that word has negative connotations and so was replaced with erectile failure – possibly even worse! Now we tend to use erectile dysfunction to try and lessen the threshold where people will seek help and recognise it as an issue that

Because men as a whole are not particularly good at asking for help, less than a third seek advice for a condition that is highly treatable. can be talked about and treated. About 1 in 10 men will suffer from impotence during their life and, because men as a whole, are not particularly good at asking for help, less than a third seek advice for a condition that is highly treatable.

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Often in younger men it has a stress or lifestyle element. Most, if not all men, have the occasional erection problem and some then get what is termed “performance anxiety”. They worry it will happen again and the anxiety ensures it does! That is fairly easily resolved in most cases often after a single consultation. Cigarettes and alcohol are common culprits too and just reducing usage can sort the problem out as well as having other health beneﬁts. In older men there is often reduced circulation and the problem may help reveal other health issues before they become too serious. In this situation Viagra, and its newer more modern equivalents are usually highly effective. Many men will try and avoid seeing a doctor, by buying on-line where up to 50% of products are either inactive or even contain harmful ingredients. A very useful, and reliable, website for more information for this, and most other health issues, is patient.co.uk. So, excusing my puns and sense of humour, for the men it’s less of the stiff upper lip if you want some stiffness elsewhere! Help is waiting!

| Oswestry life

Ladies - You are Invited! Read on to find out more details of this exclusive invitation just for ladies... You are invited to our bespoke Women’s Health Fayre at the Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital on the 17th March 2018. This event will include several workshops including a breast care seminar, talks on both bladder and bowel pelvic floor dysfunctions and other women’s health issues. Guests at the event will be able to attend several seminars during the morning as well as talking to our experts over refreshments. The first set of workshops will start at 10.15am and the topics are as follows: • 10.15 Mr Andrew Tapp & Mrs Rachel Bromley Pelvic Floor (Bladder) Dysfunction • 10.15 Mr Adam Farquharson Pelvic Floor (Bowel) Dysfunction • 10.15 Mr Tamoor Usman Risk factors for breast cancer • 10.15 Dr Banchhita Sahu Irregular periods in late 40’s These workshops will then be repeated throughout the morning, we will also be joined by our breast care nurse Wendy Farlow, a team from the Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre as well as other experts in Women’s Health.

Places are limited so booking is essential. All appointments must be pre-booked and can be booked online at nuffieldhealth.com/book Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital Longden Road Shrewsbury SY3 9DP Call 01743 282628

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Oswestry life

all over the UK. The symptoms are similar to normal flu, but more severe and will last longer. This year almost three times as many people are dying of flu than last winter.

the flu. Use hand sanitiser if you can’t get to a sink.

What are the symptoms of Aussie flu?

Public Health England have advised that flu jabs are the best way to protect against flu. Boots and Superdrug claim that their trivalent and quadrivalent flu vaccines for this winter will protect against the strain. If you’re not eligible for a free flu jab, they are available for around £12.99 from Boots stores, chemists and GP surgeries.

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A deadly strain of influenza has hit the UK this year, leaving us facing the worst flu season in 50 years

Headache Sudden fever Dry, hacking cough Muscle ache Loss of appetite Fatigue Nausea and sickness

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The most at risk group are the over 65s, pregnant women, young children and those with existing conditions like diabetes, HIV and heart disease.

To help you recover more quickly, the NHS advises you to:

How do you catch it?

What is it? The Aussie strain of flu called H3N2 has wreaked havoc down under and is now infecting large numbers

Will the flu jab protect against Aussie flu?

Like any other flu strain, Aussie flu is highly infectious and is usually spread through droplets when someone with the illness sneezes or coughs. The NHS recommends washing hands regularly to avoid

• Rest and sleep • Keep warm • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration If you’re concerned about any of your symptoms speak to your GP or call NHS 111.

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The Cambrian Pharmacy will be celebrating its 5th birthday this month and would like to thank all their customers for all their support over the last 5 years.

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Oswestry life

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New nursery to open its doors A new nursery is set to open its doors this February. Unicorn Day Nursery, which is on the site of the old Maesbury Primary School is currently undergoing a massive transformation. Nursery owner Louise BathamWilmore came across the empty school last year and thought it would make an ideal location for a nursery. “I was told there was a lot of upset when the school closed, and we want this building to be the focus of the community, not just for the nursery but for other events and the local people to enjoy the facilities,” she said. “I came across the place by accident really, I was driving through Maesbury, wasn’t actively looking for another nursery but when I saw

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it I couldn’t believe my luck. It was ideal. I thought it would make a fantastic nursery and only about 10 minutes away from Oswestry.

nursery and comes at a time when, due to funding cuts, a nursery has been forced to close nearby in Oswestry.”

“We have already had a tremendous response and loads of enquiries - it’s funny, but every workman who has been working on the refurbishment says they went to the school. This whole project has generated a lot of interest.

Unicorn Day Nursery will be catering for children from six weeks to five years old and hopes to run a Forest School.

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Osw-L-ad_Layout 1 18/01/2018 6:40 PM Page 1

Only the best childcare in Oswestry

In 2012 Maesbury Primary School closed its doors for the last time, and it looked as if a marvellous facility had been lost to the people of Shropshire for good. Now it is re-opening, as Unicorn Nursery, Maesbury, and a new generation of children in the Oswestry area will soon be enjoying what this glorious setting has to offer. Completely refurbished, inside and out, the Day Nursery has all the latest in educational resources. Offering a complete nursery experience for children from six weeks to five years, Unicorn has a firm educational base, with structured learning — amongst the play — set by experienced teachers. In its first summer, a Forest School will open on its beautiful one and a half acre site.

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OPEN DAY Saturday Jan 27th

Unicorn Nursery cordially invites all interested parents, and parents-to-be, to our Open Day on Saturday January 27th 2018. Come and see our great facilities and educational resources, Just a few minutes from speak to our experienced staﬀ — and bring your little children the Mile End roundalong too! We will have a bouncy castle, face-painting and reabout, s/p Maesbury freshments available — with some special Childcare oﬀers on the SY10 8HD (Just past the table as well, such as a free week’s care once your child has been Original Ball pub) with us for six weeks. We’re there from 10 am to 2 pm.

OFFICIAL OPENING Thursday February 1st

       

Teacher-guided Early Years Education Very reasonable daily & weekly rates 30 hours FREE childcare for 3-4 year olds 15 hours FREE childcare for 2 year olds OFSTED registered and approved Great facilities Top educational and play resources Experienced staﬀ from outstanding settings

We will be open for your children from February 1st. Any parents booking before March 1st are GUARANTEED a place with us, in what we believe will be the best Nursery in Oswestry and the surrounding area.

More details? e-mail us at maesbury@unicornnursery.co.uk or phone: 01691 655550

MAESBURY 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 18 | Oswestry life

10%

Plumbing • Heating • Gas Engineers

LOVE OUR PRICES

GAS BOILER SERVICE

Free-Phone 0800 9247 467 Email: info@mtec-gas.co.uk *Not including ﬁre/back boiler units.

Oswestry life

Property

The female factor Did you know that only 16% of financial advisers are women? According to a recent report by research firm Kantar, the world of financial services is “aggressively masculine” and puts women off buying mortgages, pensions and investments. A local company is challenging the status quo when it comes to female financial advisers. Prudent Financial Planning Services on Church Street in Oswestry has a trio of women - all dedicated to independent mortgage

“We are strong advocates of face to face advice and our company’s aim is to create, manage and protect wealth. advice. Anna Breeze and Carrie-Anne Morris are both fully qualified mortgage advisers and Tracy Venn is their dedicated mortgage managerial support. Carrie commented: “Our team often receives feedback that approaching a financial adviser can be intimidating. We hope that this isn’t the case in our office as we try to provide the friendliest and most welcoming service possible.

From left: Carrie-Anne Morris, Tracy Venn and Anna Breeze of Prudent Financial Planning

“As female mortgage advisers we not only give our clients the best advice and customer service - we also hold their hand all the way through the service.” Anna adds: “We are strong advocates of face to face advice and our company’s aim is to create, manage and protect wealth. We recognise that everybody’s situation is unique and so each client is treated as such.” To ﬁnd out more about the team at Prudent, visit www. prudentltd.co.uk.

Independent Mortgage Advice

Finding the right mortgage and provider isn’t always easy. Let us search hundreds of lenders all in one place and ﬁnd you the best deal. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Call now for Independent mortgage advice on:

01691 653335 or email abreeze@prudentltd.co.uk

www.prudentltd.co.uk 20

| Oswestry life

10%

Oswestry life | 21

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

PONT Y MEIBION, GLYN CEIRIOG, LLANGOLLEN

LINDISFARNE, MAESBROOK

Pont y Meibion’ is situated within the picturesque Ceiriog Valley with delightful countryside views. The sale offers the opportunity to purchase a character grade II listed 4-bedroom detached farmhouse with 2.9 acres approx. (further7/8 landBEDROOMS of SWIMMING up to 40 acres and buildings may be available by POOL Nobold, separate negotiation). Oil Fired Central Heating,Shrewsbury A substantial detached, period former farmhouse set in the Double Glazing, EPC rating F. highly desirable hamlet of Nobold, located only minutes drive Great Ryton, Condover

An opportunity to acquire a brand new luxury detached family house built to an extremely high standard with quality contemporary fittings throughout, briefly consisting: reception hall, sitting room, dining room, study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sun room, utility/boot room, downstairs WC and 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

OFFERS OVER £350,000

TYN Y CELYN, LLANGEDWYN

Guide Price: £750,000

4025

from Shrewsbury town centre. The original part of the building is thought to date from the 1750’s, with later extension circa 1800’s. Extensive accommodation; reception hall, sitting room, dining room, snug/office, family/music room, kitchen/breakfast 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

An excellent opportunity to acquire an outstanding small holding with a spacious 4 bedroom family home extending in total to 6.84 acres (2.77 hectares) with an extensive range of outbuildings. The property has the beneﬁt of: Double Garage, Arboretum, Static Caravan, Approx 6.84 acres (2.77 INSPECTION HIGHLY WITH SELF-CONTAINED RECOMMENDED SINGLE STOREY ANNEX ha) , 4 large outbuildings, River frontage. Charlton, Nr Telford A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey annex. Indoor 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

GUIDE PRICE £775,000

Guide Price: £625,000

3098 Guide Price: £475,000 YM MOCHNANT PANDY COED, LLANRHAEADR

3882

4-bedroom detached cottage with stunning countryside Enjoying a delightful edge of village location, a views which has been sympathetically extended to unique opportunity to purchase Pandy Coed a include an attached 1-bedroom self-contained annexe most well-appointed 3-bedroom detached cottage and healing centre which could easily be converted into with attractive terraced gardens and riverside further self-contained living accommodation subject to paddock located opposite. Oil Fired Central the necessary permissions enabling bed and breakfast/ Heating, UPVC Double Glazing where stated, Off PART EXCHANGE holiday use or for the working from home professional. Road Parking Provision CONSIDERED and Garage. EPC rating F. Sheinton Road, Much Wenlock The property enjoys delightful landscaped gardens with A charming and unusual detached stone built cottage, offering a rare combination of a period property with Sychtyn, Llansilin Belle Vue, Shrewsbury attached paddock (set in 1.09 acres approx) together with parking and garden, within walking distance of the town An individual and substantial detached property built in the late 1920’s, occupying an outstanding This highly desirable ground floor garden apartment situated in a period Grade II listed building offering extensivesixparking provision. AWAITING EPC. character accommodation briefly comprising: oak panelled entrance hall, large open plan living centre. Porch, dining room, cloakroom, utility room, landing elevated position in the hamlet of Sychtyn situated approximately miles west of Oswestry. Oil CH, spacious 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 £469,000

OIRO £320,000

01691 655334

Guide Price: £395,000

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

3956 Guide Price: £365,000

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

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.

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

A beautifully presented three bedroom house with double garage, generous gardens and views across Oswestry school field. The property briefly comprises three bedrooms which all have an en-suite, a master bedroom with balcony, a kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, spacious living room, cloakroom, study, double glazing and gas central heating. Externally, there are generous gardens surrounding the property, a double garage, and a driveway providing ample parking. EPC RATING C

OIRO £525,000

Glentworth Place, Oswestry

This new build four bedroom detached house is the last remaining plot on the civic society award winning development. Offering high spec contemporary living with natural materials this impressive property boasts a kitchen/dining room/ snug, living room with dual aspect windows, downstairs cloakroom, utility room, master bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, there is covered off road parking and gardens to the front and rear. Part exchange considered. EPC RATING A

OIRO £319,950

Old St Martins Road, Gobowen

• • • •

2 BED TERRACE HOUSE MODERN KITCHE/DINER PARKING EPC RATING D

OIRO £115,000

West Felton, Oswestry

Briggs Lane, Pant

Impressive four bedroom detached house with double garage. Located in the popular and sought after village of West Felton, Grove House enjoys a semi-rural position and offers generous living space which includes a reception hall, three reception rooms, a modern kitchen/ breakfast room, cloakroom, utility room, galleried landing, master bedroom with en suite and modern family bathroom. Outside the property boasts a double garage and private rear gardens. EPC RATING D

OIRO £400,000

OIRO £330,000

Oerley Way, Oswestry

Bwlch-Y-Cibau, Llanfyllin

Built in 2016, the property benefits from oak flooring with underfloor heating downstairs and views across the surrounding countryside from the rear of the property. This family home briefly comprises: living room, a modern kitchen/diner, a utility room, a downstairs WC, master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside there is ample off road parking, a garage with storage space above and garden with a patio entertainment area. EPC RATING C

OIRO £310,000

Albert Road, Oswestry

• • • •

WOODHEADS are pleased to present to the sales market this spacious three bedroom detached bungalow situated in the popular village of Pant. The property is sat on a 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. EPC RATING D

This well presented, four bedroom detached family home benefits from a sought after location within the town of Oswestry, which internally offers an open plan living/ dining room, a kitchen with a utility room, a spacious conservatory, gas central heating, double glazing, downstairs WC, four bedrooms and bathroom. Externally there is off road parking for family vehicles, a garage, two sheds with power and lighting and stunning gardens to the front and rear and side. EPC RATING D

OIRO £285,000

Meadowbrook Court, Gobowen

2 BED TERRACE HOUSE KITCHEN/DINER CLOSE TO TOWN CENTRE EPC RATING C

• • • •

OIRO £114,995

2 BEDROOM BUNGALOW NEWLY DECORATED CONSERVATORY EPC RATING E

OIRO £68,500

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

associated london office

Oswestry life | 23

LEFT: Hare clock, £25.95 by Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk TOP RIGHT: Star studded stag ultra violet, £70 by Arthouse Range www.arthouse.com; Heather check throw, £59.99 by Bronte by Moon, available from Upstairs Downstairs, Oswestry www.globalcookshop.co.uk; Candy stripes cushion, from £20 by Louise Mead www.louisemead.co.uk; Velvet purple fabric from Textile Express, Oswestry www.textileexpressfabrics.co.uk Pop decanter, £228 by Jonathan Adler www.jonathanadler.com

ULTRA V Pantone recently announced their colour of the year for 2018 is “ultra violet” a vivid purple.

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute says: “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us towards the future. “The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reﬂection of what’s needed in our world today.” The rich hue is inspired by galaxies and exploration. In the home we will see it in rich velvet throughout the winter and then more vibrant accessories and ﬂoral prints going into the summer. It also complements bright pinks and the jungle greens of recent years.

Super stripe lilac wallpaper by Opera Fun, available from www.arthouse.com

| Oswestry life

A VIOLET RIGHT: Arizona mid-century velvet cocktail chair, £132 by Cult Furniture www.cultfurniture.com; Agate coasters, £12 each from Raj Tent Club www.rajtentclub.com BELOW: Violet vase, £15.60 from The Garden Centre at Derwen College, Gobowen www.visitderwen.co.uk; Pleat vase – heather, £32, Black by Design www.black-by-design.co.uk BELOW RIGHT: Smithﬁeld Chesterﬁeld sofa purple violet, from £2791 by Rume www.rume.co.uk

Oswestry life

26 | Oswestry life

Want to move to a bigger home? or retire to a smaller one? Buy your first house? Invest for the future? Help your children? Or just sell and move to the place of your dreams?

? e t a r b e l e c o t g n i h t Some

call us, we can make it happen 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

PRICES

FROM

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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

Advertisement feature

Enjoy a hassle-free retirement in Oswestry Ashwood’s rented apartments and bungalows offer peace of mind and security to those looking to enjoy a hassle-free retirement. Exclusively for the over 55s, the restaurant, lounges and landscaped gardens offer space for relaxation and socialising. A 24-hour onsite team of friendly and supportive staff organise social and leisure activities and also offer a range of ﬂexible care and support services which are tailored to individual needs. The spacious and modern accommodation consists of one or two bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/diner/ lounge, fully accessible bathroom and excellent storage. Each apartment is designed for security and peace of mind. Karen Bate, Area Manager for ShireLiving, explains: “Ashwood is now open and we have a few remaining apartments and bungalows available to rent. If you would like to arrange a viewing, we can offer a personal tour and also answer any questions you may have about our ShireLiving schemes.” New resident Rosemary moved into her apartment recently and is already feeling the beneﬁts: “I moved here for the company primarily, as I don’t like to be

alone. The stairs were also starting to become an issue. When I ﬁrst stepped into this apartment I knew this would be so right for me. My life has been enhanced by moving here. Everyone is really lovely and I enjoy the gardens and terrace. I have already made some good friends and we get together for coffee and to have a chat in the lounge downstairs. I use the restaurant most days for a bacon sandwich or light breakfast but tend to make my own dinner in my kitchen. The laundry room has been really handy.” If you think that Ashwood could be the place for you, a friend or family member, then call 01691 677980 to arrange a tour. You can also ﬁnd out more and apply by visiting www.shireliving.co.uk .

Stylish apartments for the over 55s Ashwood now open!

01691 677980 Call to arrange a viewing.

Our rented ShireLiving apartments offer peace of mind and security to those looking to enjoy a hassle free retirement. 24-hour staff offer flexible care and support.

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Ashwood Withywood The Coppice |

Oswestry Shrewsbury Bicton

info@shireliving.co.uk

ShireLiving is a partnership between The Wrekin Housing Trust and Choices Ashwood now open advert 148 x 107.5.indd 1

16/01/2018 12:52:44 Oswestry life

Advertisement feature

What is ground source heating? Extracting energy from the ground to heat a property is a sustainable use of the Earth’s natural resources and could reduce your fuel bills and carbon emissions. A few metres below the ground, the temperature is constant throughout the year, typically 11°C. This energy can be harnessed to heat your home and water.

GROUND BREAKING HEAT SOURCE AVAILABLE TO ALL HOMES In winter many of us have a niggle that the boiler might not get us through and we become more aware that we need to be thinking about the future of our heating system. As your current system gets older and less efﬁcient, waiting for it to break down before making a distress purchase does not always mean you will make the right replacement choices. Don’t wait for it to break down – look now at how a ground source heating system could be the right choice for you. The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is available with ground source being a very good tariff for domestic and non-domestic properties. Dragon Drilling (Water & Energy) Ltd are experts in their ﬁeld and not only were they award winners at last year’s Daily Post Business Awards, but they are the largest environmental drilling company in the UK.

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If the answer is yes to one or more of these questions then call us on 01824 707 777 or visit www.dragondrilling.co.uk to ﬁnd out how we can solve your water problems and save you money GROUND SOURCE HEATING Heating systems for both commercial and domestic properties. Heat your own property with renewable energy from the ground and ALSO RECEIVE PAYMENTS FROM THE RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE WATER BOREHOLES Be self sufﬁcient and independent of mains water. THIS MEANS NO MORE WATER BILLS! We also maintain & service existing boreholes

Dragon Drilling installs ground source boreholes for many leading renewable heating installers. They drill boreholes from which a ground source heat pump can extract, convert and transfer energy for domestic properties, commercial facilities such as leisure complexes, caravan parks, hotels, and industrial units.

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On average, 75% free renewable energy Government incentives available Fixed and stable energy costs Lower carbon emissions Constant heat 24 hours a day Fuels both hot water and heating Directly replaces your existing boiler Reversible to provide cooler temperatures in summer • Suitable for virtually any property • Can add value to property For more information visit their website www.dragondrilling.co.uk or call 01824 707777.

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| Oswestry life

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ALE

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Banbury have been manufacturing windows and doors at their Bewdley factory since 1976, and are renowned throughout the industry for their quality and value for money. Banbury products will enhance the value of your home.

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Alton Works,Shrewsbury Long Bank, Bewdley, Heathgates, SY1 4BBWorcestershire DY12 2UL Alton Works, Long Bank, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2UL Openinghours: hours:MonMon-Fri 9am-5pm 10am-4pm Opening Sat 9am - 5pm • • Sat-Sun Sun 10am - 4pm Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

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 |

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Property

Picturesque property A spacious semi-detached stone cottage is available to purchase just six miles outside Oswestry. With a delightful blend of character features and modern conveniences, the cottage is in an idyllic location, offering stunning countryside views. The property is double glazed and has oil fired central heating. The spacious living accommodation briefly comprises: utility, kitchen/breakfast room, lounge, oak framed sun room, inner hallway and downstairs WC. On the first floor there are three double bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside there is a garage, gym and office as well as parking and gardens with entertaining areas. Fron Lledrod is on the market with Richmond Harvey for £350,000. To arrange a viewing call 01691 654222.

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TO F

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| Oswestry life

TO F

35 UP % TO OF F

www.banburywindows.co.uk

Banbury have been

An attractive sandstone cottage believed to date UP is for sale in Knockin Heath. SA fromVE the 1830s 45% TO The semi-detached property is constructed from ” sandstone and set in cottage style Shropshire ON “Ared gardens. Located RATED in a highly sought-after area, there are good road links to Oswestry and Shrewsbury. WINDOWS The extended ground ﬂoor accommodation includes a lounge, kitchen/dining room and bathroom. Upstairs there are two bedrooms.

2 Sandstone Cottages is on the market with Morris Marshall & Poole for £220,000. Call 01691 679595 to arrange a viewing.

Escape to the country This delightful detached family home, nestled in the heart of the countryside has come onto the market with Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings. Sycharth Smithy, near Llansilin, is a sympathetically and tastefully extended four-bedroom property with the addition of a one bedroom detached bungalow in the grounds.

CAMBRIAN HOUSE EMPORIUM FREE PARKING

Set in one acre, the charming property enjoys a picturesque and tranquil setting near the River Cynllaith in the Tanat Valley. Formerly a Blacksmiths, the oldest part of the property dates back to the 1750s and retains many original features, including exposed beams and vaulted ceilings. The fireplace in the sitting room was part of the original forge and the bread oven is still in situ in the cosy snug. The property seamlessly combines these traditional features with a comfortable and generous living space Downstairs there is a kitchen with a further back kitchen to the rear, utility room, WC, four receptions rooms, conservatory and a bedroom with en suite. Upstairs there are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally Sycharth Smithy offers well maintained gardens with ample parking and a generously sized outbuilding which has potential for further development (subject to planning permission). Sycharth Smithy is on the market for ÂŁ499,950 through Woodhead. Call 01691 680044 to arrange a viewing.

CAMBRIAN WORKS, GOBOWEN ROAD, OSWESTRY SY11 1HS Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

TEL: 01691 652257 MOBILE: 07837 245769 EVE: 01691 778607

Email chemporium@hotmail.com

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Oswestry life | 33

Nostalgia

Down memory lane

Historian David Owen takes a walk back in time to discover the fascinating history of two of Oswestry’s best-known streets

Arthur Street This ancient street was also known as the Butcher’s Arms Shut and, like the Butcher’s Arms itself, dates back to the mid-17th century. The building itself was actually used for Nonconformist worship, having been granted a royal licence in 1672. The buildings adjoining the Butcher’s Arms were a malt house until the mid-18th century when the ‘New Chapel’ was constructed on the site, becoming the first Nonconformist church within the town. So popular was it that it had to be redeveloped in 1830 and the building which now houses the cinema was built.

Butcher’s Arms) was demolished to provide an extension to Roy Evans’ garage.

The cottages that had later been built between the Butcher’s and the church were pulled down in the 1960s when the area that fronted them in Willow Street (adjoining the

On the opposite side, the building that now houses the library was constructed in 1841 as the British Elementary School and later became The Arts School. Further

Bailey Street Bailey Street takes its name from the enclosed courtyard (or Bailey) of Oswestry Castle which encompassed the area in medieval times. This has always been one of the main commercial streets of the town and has been much altered over the years. At one time a series of ‘courts’ ran off the street each TOP LEFT: Bailey Street circa 1910 LEFT: Bailey Street now. Image courtesy of Graham Mitchell

34 | Oswestry life

LEFT: Arthur Street circa 1906 RIGHT: Arthur Street now. Image courtesy of Graham Mitchell

down, the commercial premises are a fairly recent addition but have, in the past housed a watchmaker and travel agents. containing half–timbered cottages but these were demolished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the street was modernised and the Market Hall extended. At the same time, New Street was created to provide a link for vehicle traffic (horse drawn mostly) between Bailey Street and Willow Street. The building in which Aston’s are seen was built around 1900 (when New Street was constructed) and was originally The Tower Café. In the background can be seen the original, ornate tower on the Powis Hall market. This survived until the 1920s when the tower began to crumble and ‘was placing enormous strain on the frontage’ and so it was demolished, and a simpler, arched facia replaced it.

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It’s the beating heart of Oswestry’s business district, home to hundreds of businesses trading locally, nationally and internationally. Maesbury Road Industrial Estate incorporating Mile Oak Industrial Estate and Maes-Y-Clawdd, is located just off the A5 and A483, close to Mile End roundabout – the ‘gateway’ to Oswestry. The estate has excellent transport links that attract businesses from around the UK.

The estate is home to over 100 companies, boasting an impressive range of high proﬁle occupiers, including Arla, Jewsons, Skyjack and Howdens - as well as big local companies like Lindstrand, TG, Guttercrest, Coldmove and Wynnstay.

Covering around 60 acres, the business park is Oswestry’s largest employer and is just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre.

The future With plans for a garden centre which will create up to 70 new jobs and the opening up of land on the south side of Mile End roundabout – Maesbury Road Industrial Estate looks certain to continue growing well into the future.

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Spring your lawn back to life!

Spring cleaning your house is just around the corner, but your lawn also deserves the same TLC to keep it healthy, weed-free, and looking its best for the busy summer ahead. So says lawncare expert GreenThumb Oswestry & Bridgnorth, who have been based on the Maes-y-Clawdd Enterprise Units since 2010. As winter recedes, your lawn – On dry, sunny days lawnmowing which can start to grow in ground can begin again, so start yours with temperatures of 10 degrees – now a highest and sharpened blade cut, needs some early attention. Rake any just to snip the tops. Cutting the bare patches and carefully sow some grass too short, too soon can attract grass seeds mixed with top-soil - or unwanted weeds and moss. let local specialists GreenThumb do it for you with their bespoke Good Spring weather allows local seed and excellent top-dressing. Be lawn care specialists GreenThumb patient though, as seeds will take to apply a special seasonal fertiliser some time to germinate in colder – formulated to work even in cooler soil temperatures. ArtboardRemember 1 copy.pdf to 2 22/01/2018 15:22 temperatures – to give grass essential water well while seedlings sprout. nutrients to grow strong with

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vibrant colour. They also control any emerging, young weeds – especially broad-leaved such as daisies, dandelions and buttercups – with a selective post- emergence herbicide. You can measure your lawn online at www.greenthumb.co.uk/measure for a treatment price estimate; or contact the Oswestry and Bridgnorth local branch on 01691 655111 direct to book their professional and costeffective service.

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Pure celebrates 10 years The Oswestry-based electrical contractors have been operating across Shropshire for 10 years. Pure Electrics and Energy, based in Oswestry was formed by friends Dan Turner and Steve Hill back in 2008 when the pair decided to leave their respective employers and ‘go it alone’, working from their Oswestry homes. With continued growth the business moved to its own premises on Unit 6 Maes y Clawdd Industrial Estate five years ago.

The pair strive to stay ahead of the trends, recently offering Electric Charging Points for vehicles to their list of services.

Servicing domestic and commercial customers and specialising in renewable solar energy, the pair strive to stay ahead of the trends, recently offering Electric Charging Points for vehicles to their list of services.

harness the power of solar to achieve good energy ratings on new build homes.”

“It was a big step to take working for ourselves and it took time to build up a customer base,” says Dan, “but we managed to do it by word of mouth and we still have some of the same customers that started out with us 10 years ago.”

Both Steve and Dan live in Oswestry are passionate about serving the town. “We’re local lads who want to work in our local community,” says Dan, “the benefit of using us if you live locally is that we’re always around and willing to help if there’s a problem.”

The pair, who have recently been working on a barn conversion in Lake Vyrnwy are passionate about solar energy.

Steve and Dan will probably be too busy working to celebrate their tenth anniversary on 3 February, but, they joke they might have time for a quick KFC.

“There is a big misconception that solar is expensive,” says Steve, “but payback can be in as little as 7-8 years and we are increasingly finding developers keen to

Steve ends: “We’re really grateful to both our customers and our suppliers who have kept us going this long and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Your local electricians • Periodic testing & inspection • Extensions & conversions • Fuse board upgrades • Kitchens & bathroom refurbishments • Smoke alarms • Outside security lighting • Free Quotations Celebrating 10 years of customer satisfaction Office:01691 681051 Steve:07813 815333 Dan:07976 526189 E:sales@pureelectrics.com www.pureelectrics.com

Unit 6 Maes y Clawdd Industrial Estate Maesbury Road Oswestry SY10 8NN Oswestry life | 37

Discount Trade Supplies are online suppliers of fast moving quality construction and DIY supplies at discount trade prices. The firm offers an extensive range of branded supplies from their Oswestry premises; 7/8 Enterprise Units on Maes-Y-Clawdd. The extensive website www.discount-trade-supplies.com features hundreds of products, with free same day delivery available on many items. By keeping costs low, the firm can ensure that its customers enjoy consistently low prices for top quality brands like UNIFIX, TALON, CATNIC, EVERBUILD, REISSER, FISCHER & MARCRIST to name but a few. Fixings, fasteners, sealants, adhesives, plumbing and electrical, building products, hand and power tools, PPE safety, site essentials and much more. DTS were founded in 2010 by a team with over 25 years of experience in the fixings and tools industry, whose product knowledge and customer service are second to none. Call 0330 999 8665 to find out more.

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| Oswestry life

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The style, look and feel of any home can be transformed by its windows. As well as allowing light to flood in and illuminate the beauty of your home, the windows of any property are reflective of its personality and that of its owners. Malcolm Lewis are proud to showcase one of the UK’s best ranges of state-of-the-art windows that will visually complement and enhance the aesthetic of any home, including heritage properties made beautiful by timber window frames that need to be replaced. Residence 9 windows are a clever blend of the old and new, fusing classic aesthetics with a twist of modern materials. The traditionally elegant flush exterior and stylish decorative interior create that classic aesthetic. The twist is a modern composite material which lends itself to the sometimes frantic pace of modern living by being virtually maintenance free.

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Transform the look of your home It can accommodate triple or double, highly efficient glazed units with market leading thermal and acoustic performance. British designed and made, Residence 9 is proud to have achieved one of the highest classifications on the British Standard weather test due to its robust design. As well as superb quality windows, a fantastic range of front doors are also available. Your front door is the heartbeat of your home – it gets the most use, protects you from the elements and it keeps you safe. Whether you’re planning a whole house renovation or a simple lick of paint, the impact of a new front door can transform any property. With Solidor you can find a front door that sets the style for your property and gives you essential protection from the outside world. Whether your style is traditional or contemporary, maybe you’re

looking for a standard size or perhaps you’d like a door which is bespoke. Solidor has everything you need. Leave yourself more time to enjoy your beautiful home with virtually maintenance free windows and doors, needing no more painting and staining. For further information, visit www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk

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

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

If you’re looking for a new workout space and you are focused on long-term fitness goals, the newly opened Core Gym on Maesbury Road Industrial Estate has got exactly what you need to get in shape.

Pictures courtesy of Tim Mitchell

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Oswestry’s newest gym and fitness centre

With a suite of brand new equipment and highly qualified staff, Core Gym is well equipped to help clients reach their fitness goals. New clients are treated to a full induction in the wide-range of equipment available, along with regular fitness assessments to set and monitor progression. Programmes are changed every six weeks to keep clients mentally as well as physically stimulated. For anyone that needs an extra push, a personal training service is available with level three instructors.

Twelve months membership is just £220 when paying for the year upfront. No contract memberships of £24.95 a month or £19.95 a month for the over 55s are also available.

Core Gym’s apparatus is all their own branded, courtesy of their existing business which shares the same premises and specialises in British manufactured commercial gym equipment.

If you’re looking for a fitness club that offers a high-quality service at an affordable rate, Core Gym is the perfect place to start. Visit www.coregymoswestry.co.uk to find our more.

To gain a free weeks pass to kick start your new year please get in contact with us and use your code #CORELIFE

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| Mile Oak Industrial Estate | Maesbury Road | Oswestry | Shropshire SY10 8GA

Monday to Thursday 6:30am - 10pm Friday 6:30am - 8pm Saturday and Sunday 9am - 3pm 40 | Oswestry life

Fitness

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Summer bodies are made in the winter, so stock up on everything you’ll need to stay in shape and carry your fitness resolutions through 2018.

E B

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ladies training leggings, £24.99 from H&M; Glass water bottle with spokes, £30 from www. amara.com; Nike Air Max 95 women’s trainers, £130 from JD Sports; Eat clean lunch box, £8 from www.paperchase.co.uk; Cardio shopper, £10 from www.paperchase.co.uk; Fitbit Blaze, £189.99 from www.very.co.uk

Oswestry life | 41

Book review

Jo Cox: More in common by Brendan Cox

This book is not always an easy read with its very personal and intimate portrayal of the raw grief of Jo Cox’s surviving family. It is however very well written and a very accessible account of a family’s journey through loss, interspersed with a chronological account of Jo’s life, beliefs and journey to becoming an MP. It provides a glimpse behind the scenes of the politics of this country at a very interesting time in history,

covering both Brexit and the election of Donald Trump.

Poetry corner

I was left humbled by Jo’s intense energy and integrity in the way she lived her life and by how her husband strives to bring those principles to the life of their children. Her over-riding belief was that we have ‘more in common’ than we have differences and that if we start from this point, we have more hope of living in harmony with those of different backgrounds, faith and cultures living together within our society.

PALOMA I am the white dove gliding freely through the air. You, my friend are the gentle breeze beneath my fragile wings. I stare at the Spanish orange sunset.

Jo lived life to the full - with her ﬁrst child named after just one of the mountains she scaled. We follow her journey from a working class, northern family, through studying at Cambridge and all the social and philosophical obstacles she faced. We see real understanding gained of foreign policy in action through her work in Europe, and with Oxfam in many troubled areas of the world. Although it is about politics, the book is not dominated by a single political party.

Closing my eyes I slowly drift away, hearing the sweet music of your guitar. Below is a slight dusting of snow. I think of Buddy Holly and the winter dance party all of those years ago.

The book ends with a plea by Brendan for unity and as he says, ‘her death was intended to silence a voice but instead has meant that many, many more have heard that voice’. A challenging but illuminating read.

Tracy Silson - Jones

Debbie Marais, Oswestry Library 10/18/2017

Rule The World Poster 2017.jpg

SHROPSHIRE PRODUCE MARKET 17th February - 9am until 3pm Handpicked Shropshire based food and craft producers selling the best the County has to offer in the town centre

ARTISAN MARKET 23th February - 9am until 3pm A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head

Youth Music Festival

@OswestryTC

Tel: 01691 680222

Saturday 14th April 2018 7.30pm at The lion Quays Hotel & Spa inc. 3 course meal and disco Tickets £45 . Tables of 10 available All money raised will go to The Brain Tumour charity For tickets contact Nicola Barkley 07871 761096 OSWESTRY

28th Feb to 4th March Over 300 talented young performers compete in this respected competition aimed at encouraging musical development. There is a huge number of classes using various instruments. The performances are free to watch and are held in local venues concluding with the Sunday ﬁnal at Christchurch. For further details contact 01691 680222 www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk

We’re vocal about local

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Culture

Budding authors are working together A group of aspiring Oswestry authors have come together to support each other publishing their books. Leaf by Leaf Press is a publishing co-operative made up of six local, ambitious writers. Founding member Vicky Turrell tells us in her own words about the group and its progress.

“After the enthusiasm of our first meeting, we realised how much we had to learn. We had to find out about copy editing, proof reading, preparing for printing, book covers, printing and finally presentation and sales.”

Founded in 2016 we are all writers who believe that if we work together we can publish quality books. We pool our resources and skills to help each other achieve long held ambitions.

I have also very recently published a little book called Robin on my Tea Cup. This is a collection of nature notes and photographs.

After the enthusiasm of our first meeting, we realised how much we had to learn. We had to find out about copy editing, proof reading, preparing for printing, book covers, printing and finally presentation and sales. Some of these skills we had ‘in house’ and others had to be bought in.

Recently, Bernard Pearson has published a book of poetry called In Free Fall. It spans 40 years of his life in verse. The poems tell of someone trying to make out whether ‘that is the sky or the ground beneath him’. He says that when the reader turns the page, we are all there together, in a moment, a memory, a pause for mutual reflection.

After nine long months our first book was born – Ron Turner’s A Perfect Alibi. The story begins with the naked body of a young woman discovered at the bottom of an open grave when a funeral is about to take place. The plot leads into the murky world of people trafficking and there is a thrilling denouement. A successful launch was held at the Willow Gallery last March with positive reviews. In May, came my own book called It’s Not a Boy! which is based on real events in my life. I was born on V.E. Day in 1945. It relates to how I grew up on a farm deep in the countryside in the 1940s and 50s, which was different in nearly every way from childhood today. The book describes how I was the third girl in a farming family who must have wanted me to be a boy. To try to do well and not disappoint my parents again, I devised a list of things that I was good at. But is the list good enough for the outside world?

In the near future we will also be publishing Here and There which is a collection of stories drawn from experiences in Australia and Great Britain. The author, Wendy Lowdon, calls both countries home. Half of her life in one and half in the other. In these stories she delights in the way that character is affected by environment and experience. You can find our books in Booka Bookshop and the Willow Gallery in Oswestry as well as on line. You can keep up to date and read all about our members and our exciting venture at www. leafbyleafpress. com or check us out on Facebook.

Members of Leaf by Leaf Press, from top: Vicky Turrell, Wendy Lowdon, John Heap, Bernard Pearson, Ron Turner and Trixie Roberts

Oswestry life | 43

Culture

Debut novel from Pant author JW Bowe Local author JW Bowe has released his debut novel, The Meifod Claw. The Pant-based writer describes the novel as ‘a cross pollination of Grimoire and Science Fiction, blended into a comedy for those young of heart and bold of mind.’ In a story that takes place in the early to mid-1990s, Herbert and his two allies, Derek and Benjamin move to a quiet corner of North Wales and turn an old farmhouse into a base of operations for beguiling scientific endeavour and otherworldly divination. “Their world is that of chosen isolation”, Bowe explains, “but Herbert and Benjamin are also in their twenties and find themselves navigating more than their own home made flying saucers. Love and other distractions lay in wait for them, and none of this they are entirely sure they can trust. It is by and large a cautionary tale!” Already gaining excellent reviews, the novel is poised to put the local area on the literary map. We speak to JW Bowe to find out more about his life and influences.

Q: Did you learn anything from this book and what was it? A: Keep your hand held out for the audience but remember that they probably already know more than you do.

Q: If you couldn’t be an author, what would an ideal career for you be? A: Gardener, Freemason.

Q What books have most influenced your life? A: That’s already a very big question; there’s not even been an offer of a cup of tea yet. Off the top of my head it would be… The Earthsea Quartet, I Capture the Castle and Richard Pryor’s autobiography, Pryor Convictions.

Q: Were you good at English in School? A: I attended Llanfyllin High School in Powys, so…

Q: What were you like at school? A: Penetrative for the exit.

Q: How much research do you do? A: Always aim for nearly enough. Side note; you wouldn’t believe how much goes into writing a novel that you can’t claim back on tax. 44 | Oswestry life

Q: Have you written anything in collaboration with other writers? A: Have you ever met the people that I know? The answer is no.

Q: Do you write full time? A: As often as I can reasonably expect to get away with it.

Q: Do you have a specific time to write or how is your day structured? A: Use what you have, get it while you can. I might like to save the denser stuff for the evening. Ideally, I like to write in the morning, research things like duck hides and four-cylinder engines in the afternoon, then back on the writing in the evening when everything closes in.

Q: Where do your ideas come from? A: Listening, and paying attention when the moments require it. Or else pacing around and thinking on something else until counter intuition gets it’s done.

Q: Do you proof read/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you? A: Get someone else. Let them clean it up and be thankful while they do it.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing this book? A: Answering questions is suddenly ranking very high, and most of the answers are available by purchasing The Meifod Claw.

Q: In what formats is your book available? A: All, including (at a substantial charge) me driving to your home and reading you The Meifod Claw aloud and unabridged.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors? A: Enjoy it. What else are you up to in the evenings anyway?

Q: Where do you see your publishing going in the future? A: Off shore. Monaco looks sunny.

Are you thinking about a new you for 2018? If so, why not enjoy a mini complimentary advice session on us!

A new cosmetic consultant with a special interest in aesthetic breast surgery, body contouring and liposculpture has joined the team at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital. After a very successful open event in 2017, Mr Ismail is delighted to be able to offer another evening on Thursday 8th February 2018.

Mini complimentary advice sessions Thursday 8th February 2018 5.30pm - 8.30pm Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital Longden Road Shrewsbury SY3 9DP

All appointments must be pre-booked and can be booked online at

nuffieldhealth.com/book Mr Ismail joins Mr Dan Prinsloo in offering plastic surgery at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital for more information on the services available please go to: nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/shrewsbury/cosmetic-surgery NUF1117467762-1

Oswestry life

Fabulous H! by Henry Holland dress £40 & jeans £35, Red Herring bag £30, Faith Shoes £29, Debenhams www.debenhams.com

February

46 | Oswestry life

It’s time to break in to the spring/summer trends but there’s still a chill in the air so wrap up. The pastels for the season are shades of lilac and sweet induced colours, which are already in the shops. Block primary colours are back and perfect for now as we’re still on the edge of winter weather. Fringing and balloon sleeves are the exciting trims of the moment with fringes hanging around dresses and jackets but if you want to be super trendy and ahead of the pack, break out the double denim and make it dark blue in keeping with the season’s royal palette.

CORPORATE COOL

Light blue DB blazer £42 (due Feb/March), Miss Selfridge, www.missselfridge.com M&S Collection red check skirt £25, M&S, www.marksandspencer.com Hombre Ombre point court heels £72.00, Office, www.office.co.uk Red balloon sleeve jumper £25.99, New Look, www.newlook.com

keep it casual Outfit 1

Pink Bardot jumper £35, Miss Selfridge, www.missselfridge.com Jeans £15, Primark, www.primark.com Principles Jacket £50, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com Hombre Ombre point court heels £72, Office, www.office.co.uk

Outfit 2

Burnt orange jumper dress (new in Jan/Feb), River Island, www.riverisland.com Green belted trench jacket (new in Jan/Feb), River Island, www.riverisland.com M&S Collection shoes £49.50, M&S, www.marksandspencer.com

Late Nights

Purple wrap jumpsuit £19.99, New Look, www.newlook.com Light brown suede fringe coat £49.99, New Look, www.newlook.com M&S Collection shoes £49.50, M&S, www.marksandspencer.com

Our Fashion and Beauty Editor Victoria Jane McKenna is a clothing designer, blogger and has her own fashion brand. www.victoriajanemckenna.com Oswestry life | 47

Out&about 8 February

DROP INTO SHAKESPEARE – TWELFTH NIGHT Oswestry Library, Arthur St Talk by Pam Johnson in time for live screening at Kinoculture on Wednesday 14 February. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £3. 10am – 2pm. Call 01691 677388 to book.

9 February

Until 24 February

NEW YEAR OPEN EXHIBITION Willow Gallery, Oswestry Featuring a variety of work from emerging and established artists; Free admission; 9.30am-5pm willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

2 & 16 February

‘WOW’ WORDS ‘N’ PICS OPEN WRITERS Creative writing – beginners and all abilities welcome. Meeting fortnightly 1 – 3 pm. Interactive workshops and full support, Contact Jan on 07702 165717 or email janhedger7@googlemail.com

3 February

Workshop: GARDENS & ALLOTMENTS with JENNY O’LEARY Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Create your own batik fabric art on the theme of gardens/allotments; 10am-4pm, £40. 01691 657575 Email:willowgalleryoswestry@ gmail.com

3 February

Course: CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION Oswestry Library, Arthur St Half day course to improve your confidence in getting your message across in life, work or in business with Salt Solutions. 9.30am – 1pm, £20. Call 01691 677388 to book.

4 February

PANT TEA AND CAKE CLUB Pant Memorial Hall, Pant Socialising, chatting, tea and cake at the village hall. Bring and buy bric-a-brac for hall funds, meet new people - a relaxed social time for a Sunday, 2pm-4pm. Free entry. For more information contact: secretary@pantmemorialhall.org.uk

6 February

THE BIG SICK (15) Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry. 7.30pm. When Pakistan born stand-up comic Nanjiani falls in love with Emily they struggle as their cultures clash. www.oswestryfilmsociety.com 48 | Oswestry life

OSWESTRY HERITAGE COMICS Oswestry Methodist Church Hall, Castle Street. Organised by Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group, John Swogger considers how ‘Oswestry Heritage Comics’ present a new approach to public outreach for local archaeology, history and heritage. Members £1 – non-members £3. 7.30pm – 9pm. Contact Derek Williams on 01691 661793 or email obhag@histarch.uk

10 February & 10 March

Course: NATURAL HISTORY ILLUSTRATION (SHELLS) with TERESKA SHEPHERD Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Capture the colours and forms of shells in watercolour and mixed media; 2 sessions; 10am-3.30pm; £55; Book through Aberystwyth University Lifelong Learning: 01970 621580 / learning@aber.ac.uk

20 February

THE LEVELLING (15) Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry After the 2014 Somerset floods, a young woman returns to the family dairy farm following the tragic death of her younger brother. 7.30pm. www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

20 & 27 February

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. 11am. Call 01691 677388

Starting 12 February

21 February

14 February

23 February

Course: PAINTING GARDENS with TERESKA SHEPHERD Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Capture the atmosphere and moods of gardens in watercolour and mixed media; 7 sessions; Feb-July; 10am-3.30 pm; £220; Please book through Aberystwyth University Lifelong Learning: 01970 621580 / learning@aber.ac.uk SOLDIERS IN LOVE … FROM INK TO ASH DIAMOND Oswestry Library, Arthur St A talk by Mark Hignett (Oswestry Museum) on the letters between two WWII soldiers that inspired the Gilbert and Gordon project earlier this year. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £3. 12.30pm – 1.30pm. Call to book 01691 677388

17 February

HERONWATCH 2018 The Boathouse, Mereside, Ellesmere Using state of the art live video cameras, see right into the lives of the nesting herons. Volunteers are on hand to explain everything, and help you enjoy this easy, beginners bird-watching experience. Open everyday to mid May, this free event is open to all ages and abilities, and is all weather 10.30am – 3.30pm. For more information contact: 01691 622981

17 February

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

THE SHROPSHIRE LANDSCAPE IN CRIME NOVELS Oswestry Library, Arthur St An exploration by local author Ron Turner of the way in which several crime writers have used the Shropshire landscape in their novels. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £3. Please book with library staff. 12.30 – 1.30PM Call to book: 01691 677388 ARTISAN MARKET Bailey Street and Bailey Head A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head, 9am – 3pm.

28 February

DISABILITY OSWESTRY MEETING Hope Church, Laburnum Drive, Oswestry, SY11 2QR. 10.30 - 12.00 am. Tudor Humphreys, Macmillan Partnership Manager for the West Midlands, talks about the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. E-mail: disabilityoswestry161@gmail.com. Call:01691 680382

28 Feb to 4 March

YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL Various locations Over 300 talented young performers compete in this respected competition aimed at encouraging musical development. There is a huge number of classes using various instruments. The performances are free to watch and are held in local venues concluding with the Sunday final at Christchurch. www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk. Call:01691 680222

Oswestry life

Heaven on a plate this Valentine’s Day

It’s time to fall in love all over again this February with Le Gateau Coeur au Chocolat from Bonne Maman. A delightfully moist cake recipe perfect to share with loved ones on Valentine’s Day it combines velvety beetroot, raspberry conserve and milk chocolate to create the ultimate heart-shaped showstopper. Chocolate and hazelnut crumb combined with fresh raspberries provides the perfect, sumptuous finish. Tu as mon coeur …

Ingredients: (Serves 6-8) 100g cooked beetroot, roughly chopped 5 tbsp raspberry conserve 125g milk chocolate, chopped 125g unsalted butter, diced 125g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 6 tsp cocoa powder 3 medium eggs, separated 110g golden caster sugar 15g finely chopped hazelnuts Fresh raspberries and icing sugar to decorate

Method:

Heat the oven to 180C, fan oven 160C, gas mark 4. Grease and line a 15cm wide, 8cm deep heart-shaped tin with baking parchment.

Put the beetroot and 2 tbsp of the conserve in a blender and blitz for a few seconds to puree. Put 100g of the chocolate and 100g of the butter into a large heatproof bowl and set over a saucepan of gently simmering water for 10 minutes to melt. Meanwhile, sift together 70g of the flour, the baking powder and 5 tsp of the cocoa.

Stir the melted chocolate and butter together until smooth. Now beat in the egg yolks until smooth. Fold in the beetroot puree.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff then gradually whisk in 85g of the sugar until the egg whites are stiff and shiny. Fold into the beetroot mixture. Now sift the dry ingredients again into the bowl and fold in quickly using a large metal spoon. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, turn the oven down to 160C, fan oven 140C, gas mark 3. and put in the oven for 45mins to 1hr. A skewer pushed into the centre should come out clean. Leave to cool in the tin before turning out.

Meanwhile, make the chocolate crumbs. Put the remaining 55g of plain flour, 1 tsp cocoa, 25g caster sugar and 25g of butter into a small bowl and rub together until crumbly. Spread on a foil-lined baking sheet and put into the oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly baked. Cool. Finely grate the remaining 25g chocolate into the cold crumbs and add the hazelnuts.

Turn the cake bottom up and spread with the remaining conserve. Spoon over the chocolate crumbs and pat down well into the conserve. Put a heart of fresh raspberries on top and dust with icing sugar before serving. 50 | Oswestry life

Craft Beer trends in 2018 Now that Dryanuary is over people are trying new drinks again, from what I can see this is what we can expect to see in the craft beer world this year.

Competition

Gary’s Top 5 Wine Tips

Experiment! There are literally thousands of wines available to us here in Shropshire. We have far more choice than consumers in large wine producing countries such as France or Italy that overwhelmingly sell their own domestic product – we have the entire world to pick from. We also have our own vineyard at Wroxeter too - www.wroxetervineyard.co.uk

Win £50 voucher for a wine tasting course A local wine enthusiast is embarking on a radical career change as he launches the county’s ﬁrst independent wine education company.

Gary Carter, from Shrewsbury, is launching Shropshire Wine School, offering an exciting range of tastings and courses for those who are keen to learn more about wine.

Used to travelling round Europe working in a €billion multinational business, this new venture will bring Gary back to his home town of Shrewsbury to begin his own personal wine business adventure on a very local scale.

Spend a little more than you’re used to. In a £5 bottle of wine there is almost £3 which is just tax. Step up to a £7 bottle and the tax is still only around £3, so you’ve got a lot more wine for your money. Buy wine from places where you can ask the staff about the wines they sell. Local independent merchants such as Tanners and national specialists such as Majestic have knowledgeable staff who are happy to help.

Be wary of ‘was now’ price promotions on big brands in supermarkets. Most of these price promotions don’t really offer value for money. Bide your time and wait for the ‘25% off everything’ periods that they all run, and THEN buy the wines that YOU want at a bargain price.

Join The Wine Society. It’s a not for proﬁt on-line retailer owned by its members, and all wines at all price levels are good value.

The school will offer tastings at all levels from introductory evenings to 8-week courses, and Saturday wine experiences including Champagne and lunch. Food and wine matching workshops as well as unique wine tasting experiences for corporate and private clients will also feature at the school. The school opens its doors in February 2018, but places are now available to book at www. shropshirewineschool.com. For your chance to win a £50 voucher, simply tell us in which local town is the Wine School going to be based? To enter, visit www.oswestry.life - Terms and conditions apply and can be found on the website.

Lots of IPAs,and DIPAs (India Pale Ales and Double India Pale Ales), these have been hugely popular in the craft world for some time now but brewers are pushing the boundaries more and more. Expect high alcohol and low alcohol versions, and tons of hops, from tropical fruits to musky and funky. Sour beers are gaining in popularity. There are different types of sours such as Lambics and Gose but all sours have a tartness that pairs well with food and has lots of complexity. To balance the sharp sour ﬂavours they are often fruit beers and recently here in Oswestry we have seen people rave over blueberry, raspberry, passionfruit and pomegranate sours. This summer they will be the craft beer “go to” for a refreshing summer drink. Craft Lager. Lots of the big craft brewers are starting to experiment with lagers, expect to see lots interestingly hopped, lighter refreshing craft beers. Imperial stouts are becoming more adventurous. More and more brewers are trying different and interesting things with imperial stouts adding fruit, or ﬂavourings such as vanilla pods and star anise. Although these are normally very high alcohol they are a lovely sipping beer to be savoured like a good wine. A note to regular readers – as of 1st February Bailey Head Bottles will be relocating to within the Bailey Head Pub – you will still be able to buy craft beer to take home but with far longer opening hours!

By Grace Goodlad

Grace is from the award winning Bailey Head public house. Oswestry life

SPRING OPEN EVENTS VISIT US AT OUR OPEN EVENTS FOR 2018 Oswestry Careers Fair Wed 31st January 2018 Walford Careers Fair Thur 1st February 2018

OPEN EVENTS

Oswestry Campus -

Wed 7th February 2018 - 5pm-8pm Walford Campus, near Baschurch Sat 10th February 2018 - 10am-2pm Shipley Campus Wed 7th February 2018 - 5pm-8pm Aspire Centre, Burford Wed 28th March 2018 - 3.30pm-7pm

SPRING LAMBING DAY Walford Campus - Sun 25th March 2018 - 10.30am-4pm

WWW.NSC.AC.UK 52 | Oswestry life

01691 688 000

Education

Seal of approval for Bellan House Bellan House School has been accepted into the prestigious Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) after close scrutiny of its quality. The IAPS believe that schools should be unfettered by government interference and with fewer ﬁnancial and other resourcing constraints than state schools, ensure that their members’ educational provision is tailored to the needs of the individual children. Having accreditation to this group is a great achievement as IAPS is a kite mark of quality that only accredits those schools that can demonstrate they provide the highest standards and sets member schools apart in worldclass levels of education and care. Claire Belk, Head of Bellan House, commented, “This is a commendable achievement for us and something

Head of Bellan House, Claire Belk, with pupils

of which we can feel very justiﬁably proud. It is conﬁrmation of the highquality provision and commitment to the wellbeing of our pupils that we know is the intrinsic fabric of the Bellan experience.”

Sixth form taster morning The Marches Sixth Form will be opening its doors to prospective students on Saturday 3 February, offering them the opportunity to experience life as a Sixth Form student. In the morning, parents

will be welcomed by the Associate Headteacher and will receive a talk from the Head of Sixth Form about the curriculum on offer, academic and pastoral care approaches and post 16 reform whilst students take part in taster lessons by subject specialist teachers. Students applying to the Sixth Form from September 2018 will be able to choose from the 24 A Levels and 6 BTEC level 3 courses on offer. For more information, please contact Mrs Boyes, Head of Sixth Form on 01691 664400 or email boyes.c@marchesschool.net.

The Marches

Apply now to study at The Marches Sixth Form and discover the courses and enrichment opportunities available for you starting in September 2018. Save the date! Taster day on Saturday 3rd February 2018 www.marchesschool.co.uk | 01691 664400 Oswestry life

Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

Education as individual as your child Wolverhampton Grammar School is one of the oldest schools in the country, founded in 1512. As a selective and co-educational independent school, it enjoys an outstanding reputation.

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL JUDGED “EXCELLENT” IN ALL AREAS BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

School Open Evening Thursday 21st June, 6pm - 8pm To arrange a guided tour or to learn about one of our open events please contact Mrs Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar tel 01902 422939 or email jam@wgs-sch.net “This is a remarkable school. The atmosphere we encountered as we walked round with a succession of delightful guides was smilingly friendly. There is a real feeling of happiness.” The Good Schools Guide

| Oswestry life

01902 421326 www.wgs.org.uk Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB

Eden

Eden Retre

Eden

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Shropshire family launches educational health and fitness retreat in tranquil countryside A Shropshire family has launched a new educational health and fitness retreat in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Located just outside Church Stretton, Eden Hills Health Retreat offers six-day residential courses in fitness and nutrition to help people improve their general health and wellbeing. The new venture is the brainchild of father and son duo Ian and Sean Roberts, from Sambrook, near Newport, who believe consumer appetite for improved health and wellbeing is set to soar in 2018. Together Ian and Sean have years of experience and excellence in the hospitality, health, fitness and nutrition sectors. Sean, who currently works in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council providing personal training classes across council-owned gyms will be the centre’s head of fitness. As a Level 5 nutritional therapist, the 31-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the retreat including a specialism in diabetes and obesity. Ian, who over the last 25 years has owned a number of businesses in

the hospitality sector, will take on the role of operations manager for the retreat. The pair will be joined at the centre by a team of trained experts and professionals in health, fitness and nutrition, including Maxine Boulton, who will run the retreat’s studio fitness classes; bodybuilder and nutritionist Natalie Rouse, who will run workshops in nutrition and wellness coach Steve Hollis, who is currently training to become a member of the Paralympic squad for Team GB in discus and javelin. Sean’s sister Sammy, has also returned from maternity leave to oversee the administration of Eden Hills Health Retreat. Sean said: “We are extremely excited to have launched the retreat. “The bespoke programme provides guests with a combination of practical and educational sessions aimed at improving health, fitness, nutrition and general wellbeing. “What we hope to achieve at the end of each course is to have put in place a number of starting blocks

Clockwise from left: Ian and Sean Roberts, founders of the new Eden Hills Health Retreat, ready to educate guests on healthy nutrition; The health retreat is located at the beautiful Eaton Manor Country Estate near Church Stretton; Fitness expert Sean is ready to help guests get into shape

which will enable people to adjust their lifestyle for the better. “The residential retreat is about equipping guests with the right information and tools to enable them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “We don’t believe in fad diets or quick fix changes and the problem for many people wanting to lose weight, get in shape or just live a bit more healthily is that there is so much conflicting information out there. “During the retreat we guide guests through all this information and put in place a programme to suit individual needs. “During the retreat, guests will take part in various fitness classes and attend workshops in life coaching and nutrition. We’re not a bootcamp meaning there is also plenty of time for relaxation. “Post retreat we help guests with their on-going planning and provide continued support when it comes to their fitness and nutrition.” For more information on the retreats and latest courses visit the website at www.edenhillshealthretreat.co.uk or contact 0800 107 6383.

Oswestry life | 55

Q&A

with GHP Legal’s Hannah Fynn

with

Stevens Lucas

Solicitors, Solicitor-Advocates & Barristers

Can I make alterations to commercial premises I am looking to rent? Q: I am looking to open a high street hairdressing salon and have been offered a lease. The shop front is perfect but I need to renovate the inside and possibly knock walls down. As the inside is dark, I would also like to put in a skylight? Could I make these alterations to a rented property? A: You would need to consider the demise of the

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| Oswestry life

property to be granted under the lease in order to determine what part of it is yours to renovate and decorate, and also to determine the extent of any repair and maintenance obligations you will be required to keep. The lease will specify if there are any prohibitions relating to alterations. Often, non-structural alterations to property are permitted provided you obtain the Landlord’s prior consent, for which you should be prepared to pay reasonable administration costs. In a lease for this type of property there is likely to be an absolute prohibition against making any structural or external alteration to the property. You should therefore determine if any of the walls you want to knock down are load-bearing. If they are you will not be able to knock them down. Installing a skylight would be considered an external alteration to the roof which would not be permitted under the lease. With this type of property, the Landlord will insist on a full repairing and insuring lease which means the Tenant is responsible for all maintenance, repairs and insurance costs for the property. Ensure you are fully aware of the property’s condition before entering into the lease, as the lease will require you to “keep the property in repair” irrespective of whether it was in a poor state of repair at the commencement of the lease. Your solicitor can advise how you can limit the repairing obligations in the lease. Further information relating to this question is available from Hannah Fynn, a 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.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS OFFICES AVAILABLE

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The Church Ofﬁces, Salop Rd, Oswestry

Investing in Oswestry

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

www.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

Supporting People, Supporting People, Businesses & Communities Businesses Communities Wedon’t don’t just just sell sell time; We time; we we sell sell experience, experience, expertise, know-how know-how and expertise, and results results

39--41 41 Church Church Street, Street, Oswestry 39 OswestrySY11 SY112SZ 2SZ 01691 652241 www.lblaw.co.uk info@lblaw.co.uk 01691 652241 www.lblaw.co.uk info@lblaw.co.uk | | | | Offices also in: Shrewsbury Bromyard Hereford Ludlow Telford Offices also in: Shrewsbury | Bromyard | Hereford | Ludlow | Telford

Oswestry life | 57

Q&A

with Anna Breeze of Prudent Financial Planning

Can I consolidate debt onto my mortgage? Q: I was made redundant last year and as a result ended up with considerable credit card debt. Fortunately, I am now working again but the cost of repaying these debts doesn’t leave me with much surplus spends each month, as the interest rates are so high. I don’t have a great deal of equity in my property but wondered if I might be able to consolidate some of this debt onto my mortgage in order to reduce my outgoings? A. In theory, yes! Remortgaging to consolidate debt is permissible subject to satisfying a number of factors, primarily affordability and the amount of equity in your property. We are asked this question on a regular basis and although it does often provide a solution to your immediate problems, it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly.

Since mortgage interest rates are generally cheaper than that of other credit, reducing your monthly outgoings can lift a weight from your shoulders and perhaps afford you some extra luxuries. On the flip side, the cost of adding debt to your mortgage can be costly over the long term given that the term of a mortgage is usually longer. It also goes without saying that upgrading unsecured debt onto a secured loan (a mortgage) has more severe repercussions if you are unable to meet the monthly payments. An independent financial adviser will be able to sit down with you and look at the various options and assist in helping you to decide what is best for your own circumstances. An independent adviser has no bias towards a certain lender and will be able to help you achieve the very best to satisfy your goals and objectives and give you the peace of mind that you need. Why not give us a free no obligation call on 01691 653335 or email dphumphreys@prudentltd.co.uk “I’m currently putting together a big charity challenge that I hope all our loyal customers will support me on.” This will be the first charity partnership for Ocean Telecom, a leading provider of business mobile, landline, broadband, IT and hosting based on Mile Oak Industrial Estate.

Future farming talk planned From left Victoria Handbury-Madin and Curtis Langley of The Movement Centre with Jeremy Rose, MD at Ocean Telecom.

Business news

Charity partnership

Ocean Telecom has announced a partnership with The Movement Centre, a charity that helps children who have a disability that affects their movement control. The telecoms provider will be organising fundraising initiatives to raise money for the charity, which is based on the grounds of the RJAH hospital near Oswestry. Jeremy Rose, managing director of Ocean Telecom, said: “After visiting The Movement Centre and seeing them in action and meeting a young child who goes to the charity to receive Targeted Training, I was so impressed that I wanted to do something to contribute to the fantastic work going on there. 58 | Oswestry life

Farmers and rural business owners will be a “fly on the wall” during a discussion between a farmer and his professional advisors as part of a special event in Welshpool. The event, called ‘Your Future, Your Farm’, will see a panel of experts imparting their advice to a guest farmer who is considering succession planning, diversification and other options for the future of his business. Members of the audience will be able to listen to the discussions and ask their own questions and at the end of the seminar. The event is free to attend and will be held on February 15 at Welshpool Livestock Sales, Buttington, near Welshpool, starting at 6pm.

The panel will be made up of Brian Evans, managing partner and head of Lanyon Bowdler’s agricultural law team, Colin Jones of Whittingham Riddell, Adrian Jones of Barclays Bank and Richard Corbett of Roger Parry & Partners. To book, visit www.whittinghamriddell.co.uk/yourfuturewales

Left: Cascades Top to bottom: View from the road; into the hills; the arch; the main cascade

Rambles with a camera

Walker, photographer and artist Graham ‘Grum’ Mitchell focuses on some of the region’s hidden gems on a walk around his beloved hometown of Oswestry

Fall in Love

A while back I came across an old rhyme written by an anonymous 18th century English traveller. It lists the seven Wonders of Wales, and (unlike the eight Wonders of the World) they are still all there! Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham steeple, Snowdon’s mountain without its people, Overton yew trees, St Winefride’s wells, Llangollen bridge and Gresford bells I am not sure I would agree with all the selection, but note that the traveller must have been going out on day trips from Oswestry. I am sure no-one would argue about the first choice though. At 240ft Llanrhaeadr (Tan-y-Pistyll) Waterfall is the highest waterfall in England or Wales. The Afon Disgynfa falls in three stages over a cliff face. From the bottom of the falls the river is known as the Afon Rhaeadr. The tallest single drop is estimated at about 120 feet. The Falls are taller than Niagara Falls, but carry far less water. They are reached from Llanrhaeadr-YmMochnant, only 12 miles from Oswestry. BUT the last few miles to the waterfall are along

a single-track road, prone to flooding and pot holes. Nervous drivers, or those not keen on reversing should find someone else to drive! This little road seems to be far longer than expected, but the stress disappears as you reach the top of a rise and see the falls in the distance. Go early and “off peak” if you wish to find spaces in the free roadside parking area. The best time to visit is after heavy rain to see the falls in full force. The paths around the falls are steep and can be slippery, so if you wish to follow one of the footpaths then be prepared with proper footwear. Most just stand on the little iron bridge and just stare at this natural wonder. The eroded arch half way up the falls gives them an added “fairytale” appearance, and the roar of the water is deafening. If you feel fit, a footpath takes you to the top of the falls and takes about 20 minutes. Children and dogs must be supervised at all times, especially at the top of waterfall. Do not attempt to climb the rocks around the falls. It is very dangerous and there have been very serious accidents. Keep to the marked footpaths. Oswestry life | 59

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| Oswestry life

AGA034_- 02/08/2017 14:44 Page 1 AGA034_- 02/08/2017 14:44 Page 1

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Useful numbers Councils

Oswestry Town Council.................................... 01691 680222 Shropshire County Council ................................. 0345 678 9000

Dentists

Church Street Clinic .............................................. 01691 671413 My Dentist ............................................................. 01691 658114 Oswyn House Dental Practice ............................. 01691 652424 Thomas Dental Care............................................. 01691 653074 Willow Street Dental Practice .............................. 01691 652143

Doctors Surgeries

Cambrian Surgery ................................................. 01691 652929 Caxton Surgery .......................................01691 654646 /653600 Caxton Surgery Prescriptions ......................................... 01691 659250 NHS Direct ............................................................................. 111 Plas Fynnon Surgery ............................................. 01691 655844 Shropdoc (Out of hours) .................................. 0333 222 66 55

Hospitals

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital................................... 01743 261000 The RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital......................... 01691 404000 Wrexham Maelor Hospital .................................. 01978 291100

Schools

Holy Trinity School ................................................ 01691 654832 Moreton Hall School............................................. 01691 773671 Oswestry School ................................................... 01691 655711 Our Lady and St. Oswalds Catholic School ........ 01691 656080 The Marches School ............................................. 01691 664400 The Meadows School ........................................... 01691 656080 Woodside School ................................................. 01691 652446

Services and helplines

Alert Furniture Scheme ........................................ 01691 655895 CHALK CIC ............................................................ 01691 655895 Childline ..................................................................... 0800 11 11 Citizens Advice Bureau ....................................... 03444 991 100 Crime Stoppers ...................................................... 0800 555 111

Electricity power loss emergencies .................... 0800 001 5400 Gas Emergencies ................................................... 0800 111 999 Oswestry Library ................................................... 01691 677388 Police-Ambulance-Fire .......................................................... 999 Police non emergencies ........................................................ 101 Severn Trent Water .............................................. 0800 783 4444

Sport and Leisure

New Saints Football Club .................................... 01691 684840 Oswestry Cricket Club ......................................... 01691 653 006 Oswestry Leisure Centre ..................................... 0345 0007 006 Oswestry Rugby Club ........................................... 01691 652949 The Venue at Park Hall ......................................... 01691 684840

Transport

Arriva..................................................................... 0344 800 4411 Gobowen Train Station ........................................ 01691 681010 Tanat Valley Coaches ............................................ 01691 780212

Vets

Park Issa Surgery ................................................... 01691 670067 RSPCA................................................................... 0300 1234 999 Border Veterinary Centre ..................................... 01691 670395 Oakwood Veterinary Centre ................................ 01691 679699

Useful websites

www.attﬁeldtheatre.co.uk www.kinokulture.org.uk www.oswestrychamber.org.uk www.oswestry.life For the latest www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk local news and www.oswestrymuseum.org.uk sport follow www.shropshire.gov.uk Oswestry.life www.tnsfc.co.uk www.veolia.co.uk/shropshire Oswestry Household recycling centre 9am-5pm (Closed Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day)

Oswestry life

Kids fun Baby Bird Café CIC has craft days every Sunday 9.30-11am 23 Cross St, Oswestry, SY11 2NF.

Katie Millard of Baby Bird Café explains how to make salt dough shapes and delicious homemade fudge perfect for Valentine’s gifts.

Make:

Salt dough shapes

Making salt dough is the perfect rainy-day activity and with Valentine’s Day this month, beautiful little decorations can be made for family and friends as gifts.

You’ll need: • • • •

250g plain ﬂour 250g table salt Water to combine Acrylic paints

Method:

• Empty your dry ingredients into a bowl and mix • Add water and mix with your hands until a dough is formed • Tip out onto a ﬂoured surface, roll out and cut out your chosen shapes by hand or using a cookie-cutter • Poke holes through if you wish to hang your creations • Dry out your shapes in an oven at low temperature until shapes are hard

• Let the shapes cool then decorate

Bake:

Homemade fudge

This is a great quick and easy recipe for homemade fudge. The weighting and shape cutting can be done by little ones, but the cooking must only be done by grown-ups as the fudge is extremely hot.

You’ll need: • • • • • •

400g of condensed milk 150 ml milk 450g demerara sugar 115g butter Heavy-bottomed pan Sugar thermometer (if available)

Method:

• Put all ingredients into pan and heat until combined and sugar dissolved • Bring to boil then simmer for at least 15 minutes until thermometer reaches at least 118 degrees • If no thermometer is available drop some fudge into a jug of cold water and a soft ball of fudge should form if ready 64

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• Transfer the fudge from the heat and beat until the mixture becomes ﬁrm, then spoon into your lined tin and ﬁrm down • Once cooled, turn out your fudge and - using a cookie cutter - cut your pieces of fudge • Present in a pretty box as a gift

Motoring

Clocking up the smiles with Richard Jones

Get a motoring column; write a car review, easy they said. Just tell us how much it costs, throw in a few key facts and figures and, using a ridiculous metaphor, describe how it drives. But I don’t intend this to be your stereotypical motoring column. Instead I envisage the light-hearted scribe of a young father whose love of cars takes him on ‘daddy days’ around Oswestry and the surrounding areas. For the record: I am driving a £36,365 Volvo S90 R-Design that has top speed of 140mph, goes from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds and if driven sensibly should be able to do 64 miles to the gallon. With its elegant design working in perfect harmony with cutting edge innovations it is so typically Swedish (ignoring the fact it’s now Chinese) that if it were a piece of furniture from Ikea it would be a luxurious three-piece sofa on wheels with a 190bhp diesel engine strapped to its undercarriage. But enough of that, Isabelle and I were off to explore Whittington Castle – and if that wasn’t magical enough I had the car on loan during the week of the heavy snowfall, making its Gatehouse Tower look something out of the Disney film Frozen. Isabelle was nine-months-old at the time of the snow and was very excited to wake up to find our home marooned in a deep covering of white powder. I was a little less excited, I wanted to get out and explore the area in my sporty saloon test car; however we were stranded for two days so instead of getting behind the wheel of Volvo’s sexiest variant of the S90 to date, I dug out the sledge and

took Isabelle on a tour of the garden ‘Inuit-style’. This was all great fun until she decided to put snow in her mouth, like she does with pretty much anything, only to experience her first bout of brain freeze. Thankfully, after two days of building snowmen and watching terrible films, we were able to get out of our house, into the car and out onto the open road to Whittington. This was good fun because not only does the S90 R-Design look gloriously smouldering from the outside, the interior is also a thing of beauty. Aside from the sheer quality of the fit and finish, there is just so much space. Those of you will children you will know how important this is. For example, the boot is deep and easily takes a pushchair, while the passenger legroom is more than ample for tall friends, or in our case toys to drop off at the grandparents later that day. Isabelle seemed to enjoy the ride to. In fact, it was so smooth she fell asleep within minutes of leaving home, giving me time to play around with Volvo’s distinctive nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Having woken up in Whittington feeling rather refreshed, Isabelle was keen to explore the delights of Whittington Castle with Elinor, my wife and I. For those of you who have not been there, or like myself have driven past it on many occasions without stopping, I really do recommend it. Its picturesque and romantic ruins, all set in about 12 acres of ground,

are steeped in much history and was recently subject to a £1.5m repair and restore project with the assistance of £950,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. I would also recommend stopping off in one of the traditional local pubs, as we did, for a hot chocolate to warm up should you go in winter. Had I been given a choice to start this new feature in the same week the snow came down I’d have said ‘not a chance’ but actually it all worked out rather well. The castle looked stunning and, apart from a few children throwing snowballs, it was magnificently peaceful. It also gave me the opportunity to test drive the Volvo in the most testing of conditions, and to give the S90 its credit, it performed very, very well!

Oswestry life | 65

LAST WORD What’s love got to do with it? What does Valentine’s Day mean to you - A box of chocolates? twelve red roses? a carefully chosen card? - or perhaps just the disappointment of an empty post box? Whether you’re happily shacked up or going it alone this February 14, you’re unlikely to be able to escape the commercial juggernaut heading towards you right around now.

on February 14, the day of his execution. And so, St Valentine’s day was born.

Call me unromantic, but I suspect most people will be disappointed this Valentine’s Day, that is unless you’re a restaurateur or a greeting card manufacturer - because Valentine’s Day is the second most lucrative time of year, after Christmas.

It wasn’t until the middle of the 18th century that Valentine’s day started to gain popularity in the UK. Lovers sent each other cards with images of ﬂowers, ribbons and cupid. In 1913 Hallmark started to mass produce Valentine’s cards – and now around one billion are sent every year.

You might detect a hint of apathy from me for this upcoming day of love and affection, and you’d be right. But before you call me a Valentines’ scrooge, know that I’m not alone. Sixty-four per cent of UK adults don’t look forward to the occasion either - because they think it has become too commercialised and 40 per cent said it’s too much of a cliché, according to a poll by Durex.

It was the Victorians who started sending anonymous cards as they thought it bad luck to sign their name. They also started the rosegiving trend, which is still going strong today.

The details of how Valentine’s day came to be are somewhat sketchy, but it seems to be agreed by most that St Valentine was a priest from Rome in the third century AD who arranged marriages in secret after they were banned by Emperor Claudius II. After he was sentenced to death, Valentine was imprisoned and fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. He sent her a love letter signed ‘from your Valentine’ 66

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If you’re planning on presenting your partner with a bunch of roses you might want to reconsider –over half of women are disappointed when their partner gives them ﬂowers on February 14 and would rather be given a different gift according to a survey of 2,000 people by Caption Fragrance Co. Thirty-eight per cent thought fresh ﬂowers were a waste of money, while 70 percent said they would prefer a gift that lasts forever. Diamonds perhaps? Maybe you’re considering you might ‘say it with chocolate’ as an old Cadbury’s advert once urged. The

ad managed to persuade us that a bar of processed chocolate was the best way of telling someone we love them. Indeed going back in time, a box of chocolates seems to have been on the agenda for any young suitor trying to woo his lady. Such was the link between love, sex and chocolate that Victorian etiquette books warned that single ladies should not accept chocolates ‘from gentlemen to whom they are neither related nor engaged’. Seems like sound advice to me. Advertisers over the years have tried to persuade us that the bigger and more expensive the gift, the stronger the love. Judging by the spike in sales on Valentine’s day it’s the ideal last-minute gift and available in a range of affordable price points - for those that don’t want to declare too much love on the big day. Confess your undying love, send roses, send a card, send a text message. Or don’t. The choice is yours and if things don’t work out the way you wanted, you can always celebrate Singles Awareness Day on February 15 instead. Happy Valentine’s Day x

Charlotte Ruscoe

e: charlotte@oswestry.life

LOOK AFTER THE ONES YOU LOVE There’s lots of financial advice out there – but don’t you and your family’s finances deserve truly independent advice? Whether you’re just staring out on your financial journey, or looking to get the best out of your pension pot, call us today for a no-obligation initial meeting!

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

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