Oswestry Life February 2019

www.oswestry.life

issue 24 february 2019

the largest distributed free publication in Oswestry

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February in focus • Graham Mitchell

Out & about • Local events

Interiors & home • Bold statements

Contents

Welcome

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

to Oswestry Life

In the spotlight - Sally Rogers............. 9 Fundraising - The Big Knit................ 14 Fitness - Oswestry 10k...................... 16 Culture - Book review....................... 18

We introduce a few new faces this month; meet our new gardening expert Pete Evans and indulge in a delicious recipe from Kassie Tanumi of Kana with Kassie, a new café in the Market Hall.

This month’s issue is dedicated to one of our trusted and loyal distributors who sadly passed away.

Art - Ros Hornbuckle........................ 19 Interiors - Maximalism..................... 21 Property news.................................. 31 Gardening........................................ 40 Fashion............................................. 42 Education......................................... 44 Out and about................................. 50

James Burke (Jim) was a familiar sight on his scooter, and delivered the magazine since our launch right up until he passed away suddenly on 5 January.

Nostalgia.......................................... 52

Jim will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with Pam and all of his family and friends.

In Focus - with Graham Mitchell..... 57

Rest in peace Jim.

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

Food and Drink................................ 53 Business............................................ 54 Health............................................... 58 Competitions.................................... 60 Motoring........................................... 61 Last word.......................................... 66

Oswestry Life

www.oswestry.life Delivered to 7,000 homes in and around Oswestry every month 7 Lower Brook Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2HG Telephone: 07986 293294

www.oswestry.life

issue 24 february 2019

the largest distributed free publication in oswestry

feb. cover

Snowdrops at Ifton Meadows, St Martins

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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 Regular contributors Graham Mitchell, David Owen, Dr Paul Middleton, Pete Evans, Richard Jones, Stephanie Dhillon, Debra Lloyd Accounts and Distribution e: info@oswestrylife.co.uk Advertising e: sales@oswestrylife.co.uk Editorial e: news@oswestrylife.co.uk

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February in focus Graham Mitchell

& about • Out Local events

& home • Interiors Bold statements

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. 2019 Printed by Imagery - When you have fnished with this publication please recycle

Business

Prestigious new office conversion on target Work is now well under way to convert the former Oswestry Co-op bank building on The Cross to prestigious new town centre offices for top tier law firm GHP Legal.

A complete refurbishment of the bank premises includes the installation of air conditioning and provision of private client meeting rooms and conference rooms. The new facilities reflect continued substantial growth within GHP Legal.

Richard Lloyd, senior partner at GHP Legal, said: “GHP Legal has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is still undergoing strategic growth.

A multi-disciplinary practice with four offices serving a client base stretching across more than 10 counties in England and Wales, we are one of the longest standing and largest independent law firms in the region. 2019 promises to be another exciting year for us as we look forward to moving into our new Oswestry premises at The Cross.”

Sales/Office Manager Oswestry Award winning Woodhead Sales and Lettings have a vacancy for a Sales/office Manager.

We are interested in hearing from suitable candidates with 3+ years’ experience, who feel that they may fit the bill.

We are particularly interested in hearing from Residential Sales Managers and Senior Negotiators. This is a busy agency where no two days are the same. From helping our buyers to find their dream property to working with sellers and landlords to make their experience as stressfree as possible, plus liaising with solicitors to ensure smooth completions, you will experience the full emotion and pride of working in the property industry Woodhead Sales and Lettings have a great market share and enjoy a high level of recognition and customer satisfaction.

We constantly strive to be the best and are looking for that special person with passion to match our own. The ideal candidate will be team players with industry experience and a proven track record, a high level of personable customer service and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

As this is a customer-facing role, a smart appearance and confident manner is a must. You will be responsible for managing the team and will certainly manage your own case load, so organisational skills are a must.

Computer literacy is essential, though full systems training will be provided where required.

56 | Oswestry life

New marketing consultancy An Oswestry mother and daughter team have joined forces to launch a new marketing consultancy aimed at small and new businesses.

Martin & Jones Marketing, based in Oswestry, is headed by marketing specialist Ruth Martin and her mother, media expert Janet Jones. The family duo brings together over 40 years of experience across marketing, PR, media and training.

The new business is offering help to small businesses who may not have the resources to support a marketing department and need to make the most of their marketing budget.

The pair have lived and worked in north Shropshire for many years. Ruth has over twelve years of marketing experience working with small family run businesses and market leading, national companies.

Her mother, Janet Jones, started her career as a journalist before becoming a public relations professional and later a university lecturer in media communications.

Further information is available at the company’s website www.martinandjonesmarketing.co.uk.

We are looking for people who are pro-active, positive and outgoing. Day to day tasks include overseeing new builds, working towards targets, increasing market share, adhering to industry legislation, handling enquiries, keeping in regular outbound contact with customers, working with internal departments to manage the life-cycle of the sale and liaising with key stakeholders including solicitors, mortgage brokers and surveyors. Experience of leading a team to success will be essential, including performance tracking, driving income, setting the team up to win, motivating individuals and the overall responsibility for sales progression, plus coaching/training staff.

We are looking for very special candidates who can drive results, whilst still maintaining a motivational, positive atmosphere. Personality is as equally important to us as experience. We are a passionate team and like our senior staff to lead from the front. This will be a high-pressure role which requires a calm outlook to ensure that the team feel well supported, with the drive and motivation to reach success.

Working hours Monday – Friday – every other Saturday morning - Competitive salary available for the right candidate.

Please apply with CV and handwritten covering letter to: Mrs Kate Howell Woodhead Sales and Lettings 12 Leg Street, Oswestry, SY11 2NL Or email both: Kate@woodheadsalesandlettings.com matthew@woodheadconsulting.com Closing date 15th February.