Oswestry life July 2017 by dts media ltd

free issue 5 july 2017

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h t r y M e n ’s S

ambles with a camera Out & about Interiors & Home • RWalks • • around Oswestry Local events Asian inspiration

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Contents

Welcome

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

to Oswestry Life

In the spotlight................................... 9 Kick off for good causes................... 12 Interiors............................................. 14 Property............................................ 17

Welcome to the fifth edition of Oswestry Life magazine. Summer has well and truly arrived in Oswestry; mini heatwaves, al-fresco dining and the town in full bloom. How marvellous - it’s my favourite time of the year. This month we take you for a walk down memory lane (page 57) with a focus on Whittington and a stroll along Queens Head canal with Graham on page 55. Find out what happened when I visited Oswestry Mens Shed on page 9 and don’t forget to visit our beautiful summer brides on page 42.

Gardening........................................ 28 Education......................................... 30 Out and about................................. 35 Fashion & Beauty............................. 39 Food and drink................................. 45 Health............................................... 48 Six of the best................................... 49 Social scene...................................... 50 Business............................................ 51 Local walks...................................... 55 Nostalgia.......................................... 57 Culture.............................................. 58 Kids fun............................................ 64

I hope you enjoy the read.

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

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

Oswestry Life

Unit 2, Glovers Meadow, Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire Editor Charlotte Ruscoe e: charlotte@oswestry.life Editorial & Production Director

www.oswestry.life

free issue 5 july 2017

David Lee-Birch t: 07713 609148 e: david@oswestry.life

JULY COVER

Sales & Marketing Director

Tracy Leonard t: 07986 293294 e: tracy@oswestry.life Production Designer Aileen Selkirk e: aileen@oswestry.life Fashion & Beauty Editor Victoria Jane McKenna

Oswestry’s annual food festival by John Waine see page 45

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Tim Mitchell t: 0780 0547297 e: timmitchell.photo@gmail.com Advertising e: sales@oswestry.life Editorial e: news@oswestry.life

•

Photographer

h t r y M e n ’s S

Rambles with a camera Walks around Oswestry

& about & Home • Out • Interiors Local events Asian inspiration

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. 2017

Community news

Hospital rated No 1 in England Overall patient experience at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has been highlighted as the best in England in the results of the latest Adult Inpatient Survey. Patients who spent at least one night in hospital, and who were discharged during July 2016, were given the opportunity to participate in the national survey carried out by the Care Quality Commission – and the results for the Oswestry-based hospital make for encouraging reading. RJAH received the highest scores in the country in 17 of the 72 questions relevant to their patients – including the question asking patients to rate the overall experience of the care they received. Their score came out as 9.2 (out of 10) – an improvement on the 9.0 scored in 2015. The other trusts in the top three were the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, who both scored 9.1. The specialist orthopaedic hospital also attracted the top overall scores in the ‘hospital and ward’, ‘doctors’ and ‘operations and procedures’ sections of the survey. Mark Brandreth, Chief Executive, said: “The results of this survey really do make great reading for everyone connected with RJAH. They truly reﬂect our determination to provide world class care and support.

“Feedback like this from our patients is very gratifying, but I also know we will not rest on our laurels. We can and will look for opportunities to make continuous improvement to deliver ever better patient experience and outcomes.”

“It reﬂects the commitment, the dedication and the skill shown by staff in all areas of our hospital.

Highlights within the report included that patients at RJAH had more conﬁdence and trust in the doctors treating them than at any other hospital in the country (with an average score of 9.8 out of 10).

“We see and hear so much about the pressure the NHS is under at the moment and the difﬁculties it faces, but these results remind us that there is still so much that we can be proud of.

Hospital food was also rated the best in the country for the second year running. Cleanliness also scores well, with toilets and bathrooms rated cleanest in the country and wards and rooms rated second cleanest.

Proms in the Park a musical success June’s Proms in the Park at the British Ironwork Centre was a musical success. Hundreds of guests brought their finest picnic blankets, hampers and bubbly to the lawns to enjoy an evening of classical entertainment. Pre-show performances by the Clwyd Clipper Barbershop Quartet and Lilly Whitehurst solo violinist set the atmosphere before the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra played classical favourites to an enchanted audience. The event ended with a spectacular firework finale set to music to the delight of the guests. Sophia Knowles, operations director of the Ironworks, said: “Tonight was sensational, we are already planning 4

The dedicated staff at RJAH

| Oswestry life

next year’s Proms! It was wonderful to see a stiff upper lip attitude following driving rain all of Saturday morning and afternoon, the guests’ resilience paid off as the sky cleared shortly after the start.” Clive Knowles, chairman of the Ironworks, said: “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to so many that made this possible, particularly Highways England who suspended roadworks on the A5 to ensure the guests and orchestra could get in and out of the Centre unaffected. “Roll on 2018, we always aim higher and next year’s event will be even bigger and better!” ABOVE: Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the guests

Carnival fever in West Felton West Felton, near Oswestry, has planned a carnival day fun-packed with entertainment on Sunday 16 July 2017, which all launches with a grand procession led by a carriage carrying the Carnival King and Queen and followed by decorated ﬂoats touring through the village from the Punch Bowl pub at 1.00pm. “This year’s entertainment includes Kelly Border Counties Gymnastics, Morris Dancers, the Porth-y-Waen Youth Silver Band and The Animal Man Simon Airey with his exotic animals”, explained Eileen. “There’s truly something for everyone, including, Andrew Healy the Juggler on Stilts, Shropshire Falconry, a fun fair, carousel ride and a traction engine!” “The village’s playing ﬁeld on Tedsmore Road (SY11 4EH) will host the event with gates opening at 2pm and everyone’s welcome to come along and join in the fun”, she added.

Cancer survivor, Delyth, beats run time target to raise funds for Cancer Research

Service recognised An Oswestry firefighter has been commended for 20 years of service at an evening celebrating the achievements of Shropshire’s fire fighters. Chief fire officer Rod Hammerton said that in a fire, explosion or car crash, firefighters run towards danger when most are running away. “They are willing to dedicate their lives to keeping the public safe in the firm understanding that on occasions they will have to put themselves at risk. Not one of them will consider themselves heroic in any way. They are just doing their job.” “They put others before themselves and for that alone they deserve our admiration, respect and thanks.” ABOVE: Simon Evans receiving his long service award from Lord Lieutenant Algernon Heber Percy

area’s leading law ﬁrms, was joined by 12 work colleagues from the Wrexham and Oswestry ofﬁces of GHP Legal at the event which took place at Llay.

colleagues at GHP Legal have been so supportive, especially those who put their running shoes on and joined me, and I am so grateful to them and my friends and family.

A breast cancer survivor who ran a Race for Life exactly two years after the day that she was diagnosed with the disease, beat her target time and helped to raise more than £2,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Delyth began running as part of her recovery programme to rebuild strength following months of gruelling treatment. Her aim was to run 5km and prior to Sunday’s event her best time was 31 minutes. However, urged on by the colleagues, friends and family who had sponsored her she achieved the distance in 28 minutes.

“Between us, with gift aid, we have so far raised £2162 for Cancer Research UK from the run and there is still some pledged money to come in. We did this run for fellow staff members, family and friends and everyone who has undergone or is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.”

Delyth Underwood, assistant practice manager at one of the

“I felt exhausted but exhilarated,” said Delyth afterwards. “My

ABOVE: The GHP Legal team, with Delyth Underwood standing third from right

Oswestry life

CAMBRIAN HOUSE EMPORIUM FREE PARKING

Anniversary celebrations at family restaurant A charity night held at The Simla restaurant on Beatrice Street in Oswestry has raised £3,282 for charity. The event was held to celebrate the family-run restaurant’s 41st anniversary and featured a four-course meal and bhangra dancing. Money raised will be split between local charities. Right: Restaurant owner George Miah (pictured left) and Naz Rahman with Lynsey Kilvert of Hope House

In safe hands Forty extra “life savers” are now in the community thanks to Cambrian Rotary and the Oswestry Community Responders. Led by volunteer community responder Effie Cadwallader, the group were put through their paces in the practical sessions where they had chance to learn how to recognise a heart attack, deal with severe bleeding and to practice resuscitation, cardiac compression and chocking on baby, child and adult manikins. Attendees were also show how to use one of the defibrillators now available to the public in the wall-mounted yellow boxes in town and a number of villages around Oswestry. The session was organised by Oswestry Cambrian Rotary Club and held at the Wynnstay Hotel, Church Street. Organiser Mike Lade said: “Each attendee went away with a richly deserved Heart Start certificate issued by the British Heart Foundation which means that each now has the skills to sustain life until the ambulance crew arrive.”

30 years at surgery

A dedicated receptionist at a doctor’s surgery in Oswestry is celebrating after completing 30 years in her job.

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| Oswestry life

Muriel Marston, from Park Hall has worked at Caxton Surgery since 1987, helping patients book appointments with GPs at the surgery on Oswald Road. Muriel has no intention of retiring just yet and continues to welcome patients to the surgery. Left: : Receptionist Muriel Marston was presented with a bouquet of ﬂowers

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In the spotlight

Oswestry

Mens Shed

Charlotte Ruscoe meets the team of men building their own social space on the Oswestry Showground The shed at the back of the garden. For generations men have retired there to sharpen their tools, pot plants and ﬁx things, perhaps even escape from the wife. All over the country the shed movement has been growing. Communal ‘men’s sheds’ are providing a place to meet, socialise and be active. Last week I was invited to Oswestry Mens Shed – our very own local version of the national phenomenon. Despite being the wrong gender and possibly the wrong age for this type of thing, I was given a warm welcome nonetheless. And the members I met were quick to tell me everyone was welcome at Oswestry Mens Shed. It’s a safe, friendly and inclusive space made up of a portacabin lounge area with seating and a kitchen and a large workshop next

door ﬁlled with tools and machinery. Founded in 2014 with three members, the project developed quickly after being offered a plot by Oswestry Showground. Located on the showground in Park Hall, the team built the workshop from which they offer their handyman services to the local community. Recently completing projects for CHALK, Cambrian Railway and Whittington Castle. With lottery funding, the group is set to expand later this year with the addition of a third shed to help cater for the 29 members who regularly meet here to socialise and share skills and interests. Terry Rosamond, 74 from St Martins ﬁrst joined after moving to Oswestry from Essex. “I spotted the shed while I was at Oswestry Show with my wife. She encouraged me to join and I’m glad I

did. There’s people here from all walks of life; married, divorced, old, young. It’s a space for people who don’t want to be on their own. “Men retire and they miss the banter and camaraderie they used to have at work. One of the things I like about the shed is there’s no hierarchy – we’re all equal and decisions are made after discussing things with everyone.” The registered charity is reliant on grant and lottery funding as well as generous donations from local residents, businesses and other charities who value the work the group do in the community. If you’d like to make a difference in the local community, make friends or just escape from the house, Oswestry Mens Shed is open from 10am – 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Annual membership costs £48. Visit the website to ﬁnd out more www.oswestrymensshed. co.uk or call them on 01691 670069. Oswestry life

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FIX AUTO AUTO WREXHAM WREXHAM MOVES MOVES TO TO NEW NEW 11,000 11,000 SQ SQ FT FT SITE SITE FIX if required. The new site features a if required. The new site features a customer reception and waiting area customer reception and waiting area incorporating the new Fix Auto brand incorporating the new Fix Auto brand standards. standards. Commenting on the rapid development Commenting on the rapid development Lee, said: “The business opportunities Lee, said: “The business opportunities offered by a larger repair facility became offered by a larger repair facility became apparent shortly after we opened the apparent shortly after we opened the original Fix Auto Wrexham operation in original Fix Auto Wrexham operation in May 2015. Our target then had been May 2015. Our target then had been to repair up to 25 vehicles a week, but to repair up to 25 vehicles a week, but it soon became clear that we could it soon became clear that we could significantly outperform that number. significantly outperform that number. Now that we have the extra space and Now that we have the extra space and the additional facilities we are looking at the additional facilities we are looking at repairing at least 50 vehicles per week repairing at least 50 vehicles per week for our customers. for our customers. “Once we had the go-ahead, we “Once we had the go-ahead, we were able to implement carefullywere able to implement carefullyconstructed plans to ensure we would constructed plans to ensure we would be fully operational in a short time. I be fully operational in a short time. I would like to say thanks to Richard would like to say thanks to Richard Edwards, Lisa Jones and Shane Price Edwards, Lisa Jones and Shane Price who have worked incredibly hard to who have worked incredibly hard to ensure that this new site opened ahead ensure that this new site opened ahead of schedule.” of schedule.”

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Ian Pugh, of Fix Auto UK, said the Ian Pugh, of Fix Auto UK, said the decision to invest in a larger site decision to invest in a larger site demonstrated a confidence in the demonstrated a confidence in the future that would resonate across the future that would resonate across the network. “As a well-established repairer, network. “As a well-established repairer, Lee was able to identify the commercial Lee was able to identify the commercial opportunity and has put everything opportunity and has put everything in place – quickly and efficiently – to in place – quickly and efficiently – to ensure he will maximise the return on ensure he will maximise the return on investment. His approach is typical of a investment. His approach is typical of a smart, energetic and forward–thinking smart, energetic and forward–thinking Fix Auto business owner. I congratulate Fix Auto business owner. I congratulate him on his vision and achievement.” him on his vision and achievement.”

Fix Auto Wrexham Managing Director Fix Auto Wrexham Managing Director Lee Hitch (right) and Operations Lee Hitch (right) and Operations Director Richard Edwards stand proud Director Richard Edwards stand proud in the new 11,000 sq ft bodyshop that is in the new 11,000 sq ft bodyshop that is now fully operational. now fully operational.

We are an accident repair centre who specialise in vehicle We are an accident repair centre who specialise in vehicle repairs to a high standard. repairs to a high standard. Our sister site has been operational since April 1973. Our sister site has been operational since April 1973. We are approved by most leading insurance companies We are approved by most leading insurance companies and manufacturers. and manufacturers. We are a Honda and Hyundai approved Bodyshop. We are a Honda and Hyundai approved Bodyshop. We undertake repairs for private individuals, fleets and We undertake repairs for private individuals, fleets and management companies – please ask for further details on management companies – please ask for further details on our specialist packages. our specialist packages. We have used our experience and expertise to produce a We have used our experience and expertise to produce a state-of-the-art new Bodyshop in Wrexham. state-of-the-art new Bodyshop in Wrexham. Our 6 Bay moveable spray booth helps us to repair and Our 6 Bay moveable spray booth helps us to repair and paint vehicles 5 x quicker than a traditional spray booth, paint vehicles 5 x quicker than a traditional spray booth, whilst maintaining our high standards of quality. whilst maintaining our high standards of quality. Due to demand we have installed a brand new, bigger Due to demand we have installed a brand new, bigger Spray Mate spray booth, which can take light commercial Spray Mate spray booth, which can take light commercial vehicles and long wheel based vehicles (up to the size of a vehicles and long wheel based vehicles (up to the size of a Mercedes Sprinter). Mercedes Sprinter). Fix Auto guarantees your cars body and paint repair for life. Fix Auto guarantees your cars body and paint repair for life. With our brand new facilities, we have our technicians who With our brand new facilities, we have our technicians who are trained to the highest industry standards, and all have are trained to the highest industry standards, and all have the required training standards. This will reduce the time the required training standards. This will reduce the time your vehicle is off the road, using the latest repair and paint your vehicle is off the road, using the latest repair and paint technologies, without compromising quality. technologies, without compromising quality. Whilst having your vehicle repaired why not take advantage Whilst having your vehicle repaired why not take advantage of our new customer waiting area, have a hot drink and read of our new customer waiting area, have a hot drink and read a magazine or use our free Wi-Fi. a magazine or use our free Wi-Fi.

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Fix Auto Wrexham has completed its Fix Auto Wrexham has completed its relocation and is now fully operational relocation and is now fully operational at a new site on the Wrexham Industrial at a new site on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, just seven weeks after Estate, just seven weeks after Managing Director Lee Hitch collected Managing Director Lee Hitch collected the keys to what had previously been a the keys to what had previously been a disused furniture factory. disused furniture factory. The move is the latest chapter for the The move is the latest chapter for the local business that ﬁrst established a local business that ﬁrst established a vehicle repair centre in Wrexham just vehicle repair centre in Wrexham just over two years ago. over two years ago. While the business is relatively new While the business is relatively new to Wrexham, the Hitch family who to Wrexham, the Hitch family who own and run the operation have a rich own and run the operation have a rich history in the industry having been history in the industry having been repairing vehicles at its parent site in repairing vehicles at its parent site in Llanymynech, near Oswestry, for more Llanymynech, near Oswestry, for more than 40 years. than 40 years. A traditional static spraybooth suitable A traditional static spraybooth suitable for cars and LCVs forms part of the for cars and LCVs forms part of the new 11,000 sq ft production facility, new 11,000 sq ft production facility, as well as a six-bay moveable booth as well as a six-bay moveable booth that was transferred from the previous that was transferred from the previous Fix Auto Wrexham site. There is also Fix Auto Wrexham site. There is also a secure compound, ample parking a secure compound, ample parking and additional space for future growth and additional space for future growth

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Celebrities to play in

charity football match

Sunday 2 Jul

CHARITY FOOT Park Hall Stad

y 2017

BALL MATCH

ium (TNS FC)

Emmerdale’s Danny Miller will be returning to Oswestry for the third year running as Hope House Children’s Hospice hosts a celebrity football match on 2 July. The actor will be bringing a squad of celebrities from Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, X Factor, Little Boy Blue and ex-footballers from Manchester United, Manchester City and Sunderland. They’ll be taking to the pitch at The Venue at Park Hall, competing to win a memorial trophy against a local Zack’s XI team. The match is in memory of Zackery Dell – who passed away just minutes after he was born and has been organised by his mother Gemma Dell and family

friend Graeme Sutton, both from Oswestry. A total of £11,000 has been raised and shared between Hope House and Danny Miller’s charity Once Upon A Smile since the first match. The match kicks off at 2pm, gates open from 11.30a.m. Eighty VIP tickets, priced at £15 are available on a first come first served basis. All tickets can be purchased from The Venue and Owen’s Coaches. Adult tickets are priced at £8, children (3-16) £4 and under-3s are free of charge. A family ticket is available for £20. Oswestry Life are delighted to be official sponsors of this year’s event.

IN AID OF

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All proﬁts will be split 50/50 between Once Upon A Smile (Charity Number: 1143190) and Hope House (Charity Number: 1003859) in memory of Zackery Dell. All players’ appearance are subject to working schedules.

| Oswestry life

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Asian inspiration Do you ever get the chance to really relax at home? With most of us committed to a fast-paced, busy lifestyle, how would it feel to come back to a peaceful, tranquil home? A place of harmony and serenity that awaits you at the end of each working day. An Asian-inspired room could help you to achieve the perfect relaxation space. Asian design is a fusion of different styles from Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and India. Designers tend to focus on their proximity to nature and the use of natural woods like bamboo is typical.

Colours Take inspiration from the colours of nature against a neutral backdrop like white, grey or cream. Layer with deep, rich wood tones on the ﬂoor, window shutters and furniture. Don’t be afraid to introduce a colour – vibrant accents can stand out against your neutral setting. Choose vibrant reds, deep purples or cherry blossom pinks. For a touch of luxury introduce some gold colour accessories.

Greenery Plants and shrubs add a natural element to the room, bring the outdoors in and create a calming atmosphere. With undeniable exotic beauty, the widely available orchid adds instant beauty to a room. Use orchids as a backdrop to an otherwise quiet space. Set on a shelf, a row of orchids will add symmetry and create a feature. Make the most of single plants by placing in front of a mirror.

Furniture If you have some time on your hands and some old furniture to rescue, why not try painting your way to an Asian oasis. Choose a paint that’s dark and glossy. Alternatively invest in a traditional carved chair to set the scene.

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| Oswestry life

An Asian style can work in all rooms of the house. Give the bathroom a zeninspired makeover using a natural stone material on the ﬂoors and walls for

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Oswestry life

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Approved Installers P r o f e s s i oof n a l lGuardian y InstalleP d r obfye sasWarm u as ltley dI nl soRoofs c obm itor n tcaal lle d y paatnr y. usted local compan A l l w o r k f u l l y g u a r a n tAelel dw. o r k f u l l y g u a r a n t e e d .

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3 ROOF TERRACES

For fur ther information do not hesitate to to contact us or come and see our new showroom

F o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n d o n o t h e s i t a t e t Telephone: o t o c o n t a c t u01691 s o r c o650567 m e a n d s ewww.malcom-lewis.co.uk e o u r n e w s h oFworrofou m r ther information do not h

10, Business Centre, Glovers Meadow, Telephone: 01691 650567 www.malcom-lewis.co.uk Find Our brand new showroom at Unit

Telephone: 016 Oswestry SY10 8NH Unit 10, Business Ce Unit 10, Business Centre, Glovers Meadow, Oswestr y SY10 8NH Unit GM1, Glovers Meadow Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NH www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk

Telephone:

01691 65056710%

16 | Oswestry life

Property

Stunning family home An exceptionally designed and stunning detached family home, superbly situated and offering scenic far-reaching views over the Shropshire and Powys countryside is on the market. The four-bedroom property is fully double glazed, has solar panels and is warmed by oil central heating. The flexible and well-presented living accommodation briefly comprises: porch, entrance hallway and cloaks WC. The lounge, dining room and kitchen/breakfast room open onto a large balcony entertaining area, taking advantage of the views. Edwards Close, Pant is on the market for ÂŁ425,000 with Richmond Harvey

Luxury apartment A delightful ground floor apartment is available now. Situated in an impressive private gated residential development on the edge of Oswestry town centre. Offering spacious, executive, luxury accommodation which comprises: hallway, lounge, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom and shower room. There is a private garden, garage and parking. The apartment is offered for sale with no upward chain and an early viewing is highly recommended for the property and its location to be fully appreciated. EPC Rating E. Plot 1 Valley Court, Morda Road, Oswestry is on the market with Richmond Harvey for ÂŁ299,000

Oswestry life | 17

Property

Escape to the country Sycharth Smithy 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. 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 Woodheads. Call 01691 680044 to arrange a viewing.

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

The independent agent with national coverage oswestryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommended agent for the guild of professional estate agents 18 | Oswestry life

associated london office

WOODHEAD sales&lettings Telephone: 01691 680044

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

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

Paper Mill Cottage enjoys stunning views of the surrounding countryside and boasts from generous living space which offers three reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, downstairs WC, galleried first floor landing, master bedroom with en suite, two further bedrooms and bathroom. The grounds extend to approximately one and a half acres with a triple garage, ample off road parking, pretty gardens and a paddock. EPC Rating E

Llansilin, Oswestry

Pant, Oswestry

Sycharth Smithy, near to Llansilin Oswestry, is a sympathetically and tastefully extended detached family home with a separate, one bedroom detached bungalow within its one acre grounds. The property seamlessly combines traditional features with a comfortable and generous living space and boasts a kitchen with a further back kitchen to the rear, utility room, downstairs WC, four receptions rooms, conservatory, a downstairs bedroom with en-suite, three further bedrooms upstairs and a family bathroom. EPC rating E

OIRO £499,950

OIRO £525,000

Selattyn, Oswestry

OIRO £425,000

This spacious four bedroom detached family home enjoys a sought position within the popular village of Trefonen near Oswestry. Benefiting from three reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, downstairs WC, galleried first floor landing, master bedroom with dressing room and en suite, three further double bedrooms, family bathroom, oil central heating, double glazing, off road parking, double garage and enclosed gardens. EPC rating D

OIRO £399,950

Bentley Drive, Oswestry

• • • •

5 BED 3 STOREY SEMI DET HOUSE 3 RECEPTION ROOMS MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE EPC RATING C

OIRO £235,000

OIRO £495,000

Broomhall Close, Oswestry

Carneddau Close, Trefonen

This exceptional property sits in approximately one and a half acres of land and enjoys stunning views across the surrounding countryside. Benefiting from a spacious entrance hall, two reception rooms, conservatory, rear porch, cloakroom, WC, master bedroom with dressing area and en suite, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. EPC rating

The Five Kilns is a unique property with impressive views across the surrounding countryside. Benefiting from a triple aspect living room with sun alcove, dining room, triple aspect sun room with glass wall, modern fitted kitchen, utility room, master bedroom suite with en suite, bedroom two with en suite, two further bedrooms, bathroom, first floor study and first floor games room. The gardens extend to approximately 1.7 acres with ample parking and two double garages EPC rating D

This exceptional four bedroom detached house is set within a particularly sought after location in Oswestry. Benefiting from a kitchen, four reception rooms, sun room, conservatory, utility room, downstairs WC, gas central heating, double glazing, galleried first floor landing, master bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms and bathroom. Externally, there is off road parking, double garage and beautiful gardens. EPC rating C

OIRO £395,000

Park Meadow, Park Hall

• • • •

Drenewydd, Park Hall

3 BED DET HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE 2 RECEPTION ROOMS EPC RATING C

OIRO £235,000

• • • •

3 BED SEMI DET HOUSE NEWLY FITTED KIT. & BATHROOM PARKING & GARAGE EPC RATING C

OIRO £195,000

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

associated london office

Oswestry life | 19

Why choose Richmond Harvey? Free Market Appraisals. Accompanied viewings - if required! In house sales progression. 24hr online coverage. Prime window display in town centre. Friendly and experienced staff, covering all areas of property. Free floor plans, and premium photographs taken. Regular feedback and updates after viewings. Distinctive “For Sale” and “To Let” boards. Advertised on key sites; Rightmove, Prime Location and Zoopla. Also in local magazines and papers. Social media marketing and a newly formed, user friendly website. An Independent agent who is large enough to cope, but small enough to care! Discounted fees offered on production of this advert Oswestry Office 27 Cross Street Oswestry, SY11 2NF Phone: (01691) 654222 www.richmondharvey.com 20 | Oswestry life

RICHMOND HARVEY

Meadowdale Llanymynech Shropshire

Two and three bedroom new homes available to reserve now for completion in early 2018

Meadowdale is located on the edge of Llanymynech at Barley Meadows and is situated between the Montgomery Canal / Heritage Area and the Village Hall playing fields

For more details call us on 01691 679595

MORTGAGE ADVICE AT A TIME AND IN A PLACE TO SUIT YOU

Find out about all the different mortgage types and rates for: First Time Buyers For those Moving Home Buy to Let Re-mortgaging Call 01691 679595 and arrange to speak with a specialist at any MMP branch or in your own home

Mortgage Advice Bureau is a trading name of TIME Mortgage Experts Limited which is an appointed representative of Mortgage Advice Bureau Limited and Mortgage Advice Bureau (Derby) Limited which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.TIME Mortgage Experts Limited. Registered Office: C/O Dpc Ltd, Vernon Road, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2QY. Registered in England Number: 08124266

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

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The Showroom, Victoria Garage, Victoria Road, Oswestry, SY11 2HR Ofﬁce: 01691 650031 Email: darrenpgas@hotmail.com @DPowellShowroom

Secret Agent London Calling While it’s safe and stable living in the micro-climate that is Oswestry’s property market, I don’t ever like to rest on my laurels. That’s why for the past nine years I have been taking Oswestry’s properties to London, to reach the most lucrative of the UK’s property market investors. Being a part of the prestigious Guild of Property Professionals means we have access to their Park Lane ofﬁce, which displays our properties via touchscreens 24/7. We have secured dates for our sought-after, exclusive exhibitions in the capital for 7 September, 6 October and 11 November this year and I’ll be there myself to meet and talk to London buyers, to promote and sell the best property that Oswestry has to offer. I always look forward to these visits – not just for the change in scenery – but to catch up with my Guild colleagues from all over the country. Being able to share

insights with my contemporaries is important to keep my knowledge fresh and ﬁnd out what’s happening in the rest of the country. London has the highest house prices in the country, for example, the average house in Kensington and Chelsea costs £1,342,600 - six times higher than the national average of £223,766. Meanwhile Oswestry, according

It doesn’t take long to realise that for Londoners and investors alike, Oswestry is a very attractive offering. to Rightmove has an average selling price of £178,338. When you see the figures next to each other, it doesn’t take long to realise that for Londoners and investors alike, Oswestry is a very attractive offering. Especially considering our fantastic scenery, road networks, hospitals, schools and proximity to big cities and steady house prices that don’t fluctuate with the rest of the country. If you have a property you’d like to be valued, we’re offering free, no obligation valuations to all prospective vendors this month with a view to taking on new properties for the first of the London events this August. Call 01691 680044 to arrange.

Property

Drenewydd A semi-detached family home in the hamlet of Park Hall, just outside Oswestry has recently come on the market. Just outside the sought-after village of Whittington, this property offers great road links for commuters. This property is recently redecorated and benefits from a newly fitted oak kitchen with under floor heating, downstairs WC, living room, three bedrooms and newly fitted bathroom. There is gas central heating, double glazing and off-road parking with a garage/workshop and gardens to the rear.

4 Drenewydd is available through Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings at £195,000 Oswestry life

Property

New showroom is unveiled Customers at a Shropshire builders’ merchants will now be spoilt for choice thanks to the launch of a new kitchen and bathroom showroom. The TG Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms showroom has been unveiled at TG Builders’ Merchants, in Maesbury Road, Oswestry, and will employ three full-time staff. General Manager Mark Evans said customers could now explore ten full-sized kitchen displays and ten full-sized bathroom displays in the 220 sq m store.

Manager Ben Jones in the new TG Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms showroom in Oswestry

“Our aim was to create a showroom that gave customers the opportunity to see some of our products and accessories in a relaxed and realistic setting. Sometimes it’s difﬁcult to imagine what a range would look like in the home environment, so by creating 20 full-sized displays, it’s much easier for customers to picture our styles in their own home.”

The kitchen displays offer all kinds of design styles including Timeless, Shaker, modern, inline, handleless, and gloss, as well as over 20 door options, and all types of worktop ﬁnishes such as granite, quartz, mirostone, solid wood, pvc edged laminate, and bull nose laminate.

Mark said the showroom was already proving extremely popular with customers, with the vast array of displays attracting a lot of attention. “It’s creating a real buzz with our customers because in a more typical kitchen and bathroom showroom, you only see smaller parts of a display – but we wanted to give our customers an experience that sets us apart from other suppliers, and it’s proving to be a great success.”

“We’ve also introduced a new free service using the latest computer aided design software to help customers design their dream kitchen, which helps them to explore the opportunities before deciding on a purchase,” said Mark. “We’re very proud of our new showroom, and we’re continually expanding the range of products on offer to give our customers the greatest possible range of choice.”

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Oswestry life |

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| Oswestry life

Greenthumb FP Advert_Double Page Editorial 06/04/2017 10:57 Page 1 Greenthumb FP Advert_Double Page Editorial 06/04/2017 10:57 Page 1 Greenthumb FP Advert_Double Page Editorial 06/04/2017 10:57 Page 1

Advertisement feature

GARDENING FEATURE

GARDENING GARDENING FEATURE FEATURE

We all love to relax in the garden in the summer, but what looks We all love to relax in the garden in the summer, but what looks like lovely green grass can,inonthe closer inspection, be a depressing We love to relax in the summer, buta what looks like all lovely green grass can,garden on closer inspection, be depressing like green on closer inspection, depressing mix of moss and weeds. If youcan, are determined to have aalush mix lovely of moss and grass weeds. If you are determined tobe have a lush moss weeds. If you are determined to have alawn lush lawn for mix theof summer, now is now the ideal time to give lawn an an lawn for the and summer, is the ideal time to your give your lawn for the now is the ideal time give overhauloverhaul to ensure itsummer, remains in the peak of health overyour the lawn to ensure it remains in the peak oftohealth over the an overhaul to ensure it remains theasimple peak oftips health the coming summer months. Here are ainfew from lawn coming summer months. Here are few simple tipsover from lawn coming summer months. Here are a few simple tips from lawn company GreenThumb, expert Jason Bell, of Bell, lawnoftreatment expert Jason lawn treatment company GreenThumb, expert in Jason treatment Oswestry, tolawn get the perfect lawnkeep andGreenThumb, keep it that based inbased Oswestry, toBell, getofthe perfect lawn company and it that wayway based in Oswestry, to get the perfect lawn and keep it that way right through the year. right through the year. right through the year.

most important is toyour givelawn your lawn a much-deserved The mostThe important thing isthing to give a much-deserved The most important isthe to give your lawn a much-deserved drink. Water atwhen timesthing when moisture is likely to soak in rather drink. Water at times the moisture is likely to soak in rather drink. Water at times when the moisture is likely to soak rather than evaporate - early morning or late evening is the best.inWhen than evaporate - early morning or late evening is the best. When than evaporate - early morning lateaevening the best. it’s dry, a good soaking once or or twice week is ismuch moreWhen it’s dry, ait’s good once oronce twice a week is much moremore dry, soaking a good soaking or twice much beneficial for your lawn as opposed toa aweek light issprinkling every beneficial for your lawn aslawn opposed totoagrow light sprinkling every beneficial your opposed to ashallow light sprinkling every to day, as thisfor can cause theasroots and be prone day, as out. this can cause the roots to at grow shallow and be keeping prone day, as this can cause roots to grow shallow and abe prone to to drying Try the to mow your lawn least once week, drying out. Trythe toyour mowlawn your at once least once a week, keeping drying out. to mow atlawn least a or week, keeping theTry height of grass to about 25mm (1”) 50mm (2”) during the height of theto grass totoo about 25mm orencourage 50mm during the height the grass about 25mm (1”) or(1”) 50mm (2”) (2”) during dryofspells. Avoid cutting short as this will weeds dry spells. Avoid cutting too short as this will encourage weeds dry spells. Avoid short asInthis weeds and mosscutting to entertoo your lawn. hot,will dryencourage weather your lawn will toyour enter your lawn. hot, weather and mossand to moss enter lawn. hot,Indry weather your lawnlawn willofwill become stressed and itIn is advisable todry reduce the your amount become stressed and it is advisable to reduce the amount of mowing, and allow your grass to grow longer. become stressed and it is advisable to reduce the amount of mowing, and allow your grass to grow longer. mowing, and allow your grass to grow longer.

which is common theOswestry Oswestryregion, region, the which is common ininthe the amount amountofofwater water which is to common in the Oswestry thebyamount of water needed keep grass green canbe beregion, reduced up to 80%, sosoyou needed to keep grass green can reduced by up to 80%, you needed to less keeptime grasswatering green can reduced up to 80%, so you spend andbe more timeby enjoying cancan spend less time enjoyingyour yourlawn. lawn. can spend less timewatering wateringand andmore more time time enjoying your lawn. At this time year,GreenThumb GreenThumbprovide provide an At this time of of year, an Early EarlySummer Summer At this time of year, GreenThumb provide an Early Summer treatment. This will continue to nourish the grass plant using a treatment. This will continue to nourish the grass grassplant plantusing usinga a treatment. This will continue to nourish controlled release fertiliser, whilst keeping the growth and colour the growth andcolour colour controlled release fertiliser, whilst keeping the growth and controlled release fertiliser, whilst keeping over the warm summer months. Weeds are also targeted to over the warm summer months. Weeds also targeted to over the warm summer months. Weeds are also targeted to ensure that any remaining weeds are controlled. ensure that any remainingweeds weedsare are controlled. controlled. ensure that any remaining Often the centrepiece that sets oﬀ spectacular ﬂowering borders,

Often the centrepiece that setsoff off spectacular spectacular Often centrepiece that flowering andthe links patio to pond or sets sundeck to shrubbery,flowering the lawnborders, isborders, links patio to pond sundeck to shrubbery, shrubbery, the lawn andand links patio toleast pond ororsundeck to the‘Weeds lawnisisare frequently the cared-for feature in the garden. frequently least cared-for feature in the garden.is‘Weeds are the banethe ofthe many and feature spring-time onwards good time frequently least lawns, cared-for in the garden. a‘Weeds are the bane of many lawns, and spring-time onwards is a good time tackle them,” says Jason. “Our treatment controlsisdandelions, theto bane of many lawns, and spring-time onwards a good time to tackle them,” says Jason. “Our treatment dandelions, daisies and clover, well as other weeds.” controls Hotter weather and dry spells over the summer can lead to your to tackle saysas “Our treatment daisiesthem,” and clover, asJason. well as other weeds.” controls dandelions, Hotter weather and and dry spells over the summer canreally lead to your lawn turning yellow drying up. There are some daisies and clover, as well as other weeds.” Hotter weather and dry spells over the can leadreally to your lawn turning yellow and up.summer There are some You can rest assured, we will have a solution to transform your effective treatments out drying there that can grass stay greener lawn turning yellow and drying up. There arehelp some really You can assured, we the will size, haveinto a solution transform your effective treatments out there that can help grass stay greener piece of rest grass, whatever a lush, to green, weed-free for longer, such as the Oasis treatment from local lawn care Youpiece can rest assured, we will a solution to transform your effectivefor treatments outasthere thattreatment can help grass stay lawn greener of grass, thehave size,your into a lush,in green, longer, such the Oasis from local care lawn, for you towhatever enjoy. Booking garden for a weed-free treatment is specialist GreenThumb. The surfactant attaches itself to the piece of grass, whatever the size, into a lush, green, weed-free for longer, such as the Oasis treatment from local lawn care lawn, for you to enjoy. Booking your garden in for a treatment specialist GreenThumb. The surfactant attaches itself to the easy – simply call 01691 655111 or find your local branch onlineis molecules in the soil to conserve any moisture, helping to reduce easy 01691 655111your or find your in local online is molecules soil conserve any moisture, helping for– simply you to call enjoy. Booking garden forbranch a treatment specialistthe GreenThumb. Thetosurfactant attaches to theto reduce at www.greenthumb.co.uk amountinofthe watering needed. Where soilitself type is mainly clay, lawn, at –www.greenthumb.co.uk theinamount needed. Where soil type is to mainly clay, easy simply call 01691 655111 or find your local branch online molecules the soiloftowatering conserve any moisture, helping reduce at www.greenthumb.co.uk the amount of watering needed. Where soil type is mainly clay,

Oswestry life | 27

Gardening

The rise of the ‘Terrennial’ Millennials are getting green-fingered in the name of wellbeing Survey unearths fact that young people are ﬁnding peace in their gardens and spending more time than the over 55s on their green spaces A new study has found that 25% of millennials believe that gardening offers them a greater sense of wellbeing, and over a third (35%) said that just by owning a garden they feel better in themselves. In addition, a third of young parents said it was important for their child’s wellbeing to spend time in the garden. On average, millennials are spending at least one hour in their gardens every week, with more than a quarter (28%) growing their own fruit and vegetables. One in seven (15%) revealed they would rather spend time in the garden than partying.

Sophie Rowe, PR executive from Marshalls, who carried out the research, said: “Gardens have always been a place where we go to get away from it all, so it makes sense that younger people are making the most of their green spaces. It’s interesting to see that younger people are actually spending more than the over 55s – the demographic who are most associated with gardening. This could be for a number of reasons, such as spending more time socialising in the garden with friends.

When it comes to the perfect garden, millennials have their own ideas that are a little different to the more traditional fare. A barbecue was top of their wish list, followed by outdoor furniture, a treehouse, a hot tub, a swing and a pool. Although all age groups agreed that they wanted a space that could be enjoyed by the entire family.

“There is certainly a trend towards mindfulness, particularly with the younger generation. You see people using colouring books and more people taking digital detoxes where they switch off from social media, so it’s easy to see why the garden is attractive to those who want to de-stress and get away from their screens.”

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| Oswestry life

Oswestry life | 29

Education

Kiwi study trip for Agriculture students Students from North Shropshire College have spent three weeks on a study tour in New Zealand. The group spent their time at Taratahi Agricultural College, near Masterton in the North Island. The College owns/manages over 50,000 sheep, cattle and deer as well as 2,500 dairy cows. Sian Spear agriculture assessor said: “The study tour was a chance not only to learn a range of farming methods and analyse the difference from the UK farming industry, but to have a once in a life time opportunity to visit a fantastic country.” Students visited sheep, deer, goat and dairy farms, as well as popular tourist areas of the

North Island. They got the opportunity to focus on practical skills such as; fencing, chainsaws, butchery and quad biking with the Taratahi College instructors. The group visited Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Wellington and Palmerston North. The trip included watching a New Zealand rugby game and racing at Speedway, those who were brave enough took part in bungee jumping. Staff and students enjoyed white water rafting and visited Huka Falls, the beach at Castle Point, saw a colony of seals at Cape Pallister and collected Paua shells.

Snappy winner at college fun day

Campus and the types of materials the pupils could use. The winner of the competition was 10-year-old Leila Shearer who designed a show stopping large crocodile made using cereal and egg boxes, toilet rolls etc and Leila won a ‘Be a Keeper for a Day’ experience for herself and a friend at the NSC Walford Campus. Chloe said; “The winning animal was so well designed and so much effort had gone into making the crocodile that it was an obvious winner from the moment we saw it! Well done to Leila and all who took part in the competition.”

North Shropshire College (NSC) recently held the annual Family Fun Day in aid of Hope House and Severn Hospice at the Oswestry Campus and the event was a great success. NSC schools’ liaison coordinator Chloe Edwards hosted a competition for pupils to design their favourite animal out of recyclable materials for the event. Chloe worked with the Meadows Primary School to deliver a session with the pupils showing the different species of animals that are housed at the Walford

TOP LEFT: The NSC group visit a lighthouse ABOVE: Leila Shearer (left) and Chloe Edwards

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30 | Oswestry life

Oswestry life | 31

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A day of celebration for newly-formed Academy Newly-formed Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy & Nursery in Oswestry held a special day of celebration to mark their opening. The school is now part of St. Chad’s Academies Trust, the first in Shropshire under the Church of England Central Education Trust (CECET), which is a unique and forward thinking strategic partnership that brings together the Dioceses of Birmingham and Lichfield and the University of Wolverhampton. The morning started with a visit from the Right Reverend Michael Ipgrave OBE, Bishop of Lichfield. The bishop spent time meeting the staff and children in their classrooms – who were very excited to see him and were given the chance to ask him questions and show him some of the lovely things they had prepared for his visit. The bishop then held a Celebration Collective Worship in the hall. The service included a blessing from the bishop for the new academy and a presentation of a special banner, designed by year six pupil, Dayana. The bishop was very impressed with the work Dayana had put into her banner and said: “It is such a beautiful design, involving so much work and with such a lot of meaning in its symbolism. I will put it in the chapel in my house, always to remind me of my visit”. The morning concluded with a special picnic lunch

Above: from left, Rev Steve Nicholson and Rev Paul Darlington Right: Dayana Stamenova with Rt Reverend Michael Ipgrave OBE, Bishop of Lichﬁeld Bottom right: from left, Sue Wedgewood, Rev Paul Darlington, Rt Rev Michael Ipgrave OBE, Mrs Pam Edwards

followed by a huge cake which was brought to school by Rev. Paul Darlington from Holy Trinity Church, Roft Street and made by Reverend Darlington’s wife. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the children.

PLACE

FROM ABLE AVAIL MBER 2017 SEPTE

Holy Trinity C of E Primary Academy and Nursery As of 1st September 2017 the Government are extending free childcare provision for 3-4 year olds from 15 to 30 hours for eligible parents. To check your eligibility please have a look at the following website: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Our Nursery is based at the side of the school, easily accessed from the main road. We take children from two years until they leave for school after their fourth birthday – many go directly into 32

| Oswestry life

the school we are based in, friends they make in our nursery could be friends for life. If you think your child may be eligible for this scheme or the Government Nursery scheme and would like to come and see for yourself our wonderful setting and meet our staff, please contact us on email: admin@holytrinity.shropshire. sch.uk or tel: 01691 654832 Holy Trinity C of E Primary School and Nursery, Middleton Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2LF

CHARITY PARTNER:

SPONSORED BY:

FAMILY FUN DAY

SATURDAY 1st JULY 2017 12.30 - 5.00pm

The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, SY11 2AR

TALEN

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Craft Stall Enquiries and Talent Event Registration contact 01691 664407 www.marchesschool.co.uk

ister g e R ow! n

Festival of

Talent STAGE AND NON STAGE COMPETITIONS FOR ALL AGES Oswestry life

10% 34 | Oswestry life

Out&about 3 June–1 July

BORDERLAND VISUAL ARTS Willow Gallery, Oswestry Exhibition highlighting the work and skills of a group of artists who live locally. A diversity of works includes abstracts, florals, landscapes, still life, graphics, sculpture, photography. Free admission Mon-Sat 9.30am–5pm; (MEET THE ARTISTS Sat 3 June between 2 & 4pm); For more information: 01691 657575 or email info@ willowgalleryoswestry.org

27 June to 29 July

CARYS SANDERS Oswestry Visitor and Exhibition Centre, Oswestry Smart clean lino prints focusing on architectural structures and details, exploring what gives a specific location its visual identity. Free entry Monday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm 01691 662753

29 June

2 July

PORTH-Y-WAEN SILVER BAND Free family music in the award winning Cae Glas Park. 2pm until 4pm 01691 6802222

2 July

CHARITY CELEBRITY FOOTBALL MATCH TNS/ The Venue, Park Hall near Oswestry – Kick off 2pm Emmerdale’s Danny Miller will be bringing his Once Upon A Smile XI charity football team to Oswestry. They will be playing Zack’s XI, a team made up of local footballers in memory Zackery Dell. VIP tickets are priced at £15. Adults £8, Children 3-16 £4. Family ticket £20. Tickets available from The Venue and Owens Travel. All money raised will be split between Hope House and Once Upon A Smile

MARCHES FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry Bringing together leading educational experts and inspire debate and discussion amongst industry professionals, offering engaging and motivational CPD and presenting panel interviews with a variety of prominent and inspirational practitioners. For more information contact Marches School on 01691 664400

4 July

29 June

4 July

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Find out how left brain and right brain thinking influences your creativity. 2pm-4pm. £15 For further details contact 01691 656882

30 June

HERBS – GROW THEM, USE THEM AND LOVE THEM! Oswestry Library, Arthur St Talk by Cathy Preston. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £2.50. 12.30pm-1.30pm Please book with library staff. 01691 677388

30 June

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 Tel: 01691 680222

1 July

FAMILY FUN DAY Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry Bouncy Castle, Bake Off, Dog Show, Pony Rides, Craft Stalls. Festival of Talent – Stage and non-stage competitions for all ages. Craft stall enquiries and Talent Event registration contact 01691 664407 www.marchesschool.co.uk

1 July

THE BERWYN SCHOOL OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE Oswestry Library, Arthur St A performance of a wide range of music by students at the school in the library’s foyer. Free drop-in event. 10am -2pm. 01691 677388

A HISTORY OF SHOPPING: BROWN’S OF CHESTER Oswestry Library, Arthur St A talk by Professor Deborah Wynn of the University of Chester and University Centre Shrewsbury. Discover the history of one of the oldest department stores. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £2.50. 12.30-1.30pm Please book with library staff. 01691 677388 PANT LUNCH Cross Guns Inn, Pant Main course and a cup of tea or coffee for £5. An informal way to meet up with other people, without having to join or become a member of a formal club. Everyone is invited to come along. 12.30pm – 3pm.

4 July

JOYFUL NOISE CHOIR Whole Life Christian Centre, Cabin Lane Church, Oswestry Weekly Tuesday evening practice session for the Oswestry Community Gospel Choir – Joyful Noise. 7pm-8.30pm. For details contact 01691 680222

4 July

ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (15) Showing at Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry Classic true life story starring Robert Redford & Dustin Hoffman Tickets and info at oswestryfilmsociety.com

5 July

MIXED MEDIA TEXTILE BOOKS Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Suzette Smart helps you create a beautiful, stitched, mixed-media book. 10am-4pm. £40 For further details contact 01691 656882

5 July

HEARING AID CLINIC RUN BY NHS VOLUNTEERS Oswestry Library, Arthur St Free drop-in event. 10am–12pm. 01691 677388

6 July

CAMEO – OVER 60s GROUP Whole Life Christian Centre, Cabin Lane Church, Oswestry Join Cameo for tea, coffee, cakes and conversation on the first Thursday of every month at 2pm. 01691 671167 for details

7 July

COFFEE AND CHAOS Whole Life Christian Centre, Cabin Lane Church, Oswestry Under 5s and their carers meet every Friday from 9am-11.15am for play and chat. 01691 671167

7 & 21 July

WORDS ‘N’ PICS OPEN WRITERS Creative writing – beginners and all abilities welcome. Meeting fortnightly – 1.30pm3.30pm. Interactive workshops and full support 07702 165717 or email janhedger7@ googlemail.com

8 & 9 July

PORTRAIT RELIEF MODELLING WITH TONY MEADOWS Willow Gallery, Oswestry Portrait Relief Modelling in Clay with Tony Meadows 10am-4pm £105. 01691 657575 or email info@willowgalleryoswestry.org

11 July

‘IBS and the Low-FODMAP diet - so what DO you eat?’ Oswestry Library, Arthur St Talk by Laura Stonehouse, local co-author of ‘Our House For Tea: Real Life Low FODMAP and Free-From Family Cookery’. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £2.50. 12.30-1.30pm Please book with library staff. 01691 677388

13 July

CONFIDENCE BUILDING FOR WOMEN Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry Improve communication skills, mindset and confidence to feel more empowered. 10am4pm. £55. 01691 656882

13 July

CLAY SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry Introduction to techniques for working with clay and creating simple sculptures. 2pm-4pm. £15. 01691 656882

13 July

TIME TO LISTEN Oswestry Library, Arthur St Relax and listen in friendly company as library staff read aloud stories for adults. Free drop in event. 2-3pm. 01691 677388

15 July

TNS FUN DAY Cae Glas Park hosts local football team TNS who provided plenty of free family activities – 10am-3pm

Oswestry life | 35

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Oswestry Fo od and Drink Festival

CANAL BOAT TRIPS

15th & 16th July 9am until 4pm

Huge town centre event boasting the best Shropshire food producers. Free entry

Llangollen Wharf Home of the famous Horse Drawn Boats. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Llangollen Canal on a 45min boat trip pulled by one of our gorgeous heavy horses. Boats are covered for all weather trips

PORTH-YReggae WAEN SILVER Music Day 16th July BAND 12pm until 7pm

Aqueduct Cruises A 2 hour cruise on our fully weatherproofed centrally heated boat over the mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Commentary, bar and snacks available.

2nd July 2pm until 4pm

Free family music in the award winning Cae Glas Park.

TNS Fun Day

ARTISAN MARKET

Cae Glas Park hosts local football team TNS who provided plenty of free family activities

A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head

Free family music in the award winning Cae Glas Park.

Wharf Tea Rooms Enjoy our home cooked food whilst watching the boats go by, or sit on the terrace overlooking Llangollen. Famous for our home made cakes. Children welcome

15th July 10am until 3pm

Take a trip along the ‘stream in the sky’ For information and booking tel: 01978 860702 www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk

Tel: 01691 680222

28th July 9am until 3pm

@OswestryTC

0 h 13 er S

ow Shropshire Horticultural Society Charity Number: 501564

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th August 2017

Flowers, Fireworks & Entertainment with Celebrity Chef John Torode and TV Gardeners Joe Swift and Penny Meadmore Children’s Activities and Dedicated Children’s Area

SY11 4AB

Floral Displays  Celebrity Demonstrations  Premier Showjumping Last chance to see the Signals  Stunning Show Gardens  Live Music Choirs  Arena Entertainment  Massed Bands  Spectacular Fireworks  National Vegetable and Begonia Society Annual Shows

Tickets: Adult Advance £25 Over 60’s Advance £23 Children aged 15 and under Free Admission (when accompanied by an adult) Membership: Adult from £45 Children £5

Call us on: 01743 234050 or visit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk Oswestry life

18 July

SAME TIME SAME PLACE Oswestry Library, Arthur St A chance for you to relax, have a cup of tea and talk to other carers and CarersTrust4All whilst the person you care for shares times past with the help of library staff and Shared Memory bags. Suitable for all abilities. Free event. 11am-12pm. 01691 677388

15 July

THE ANNUAL TRANSPORT RALLY British Ironwork Centre Last year’s transport rally was a roaring success. Over 500 vehicles in attendance and a huge crowd as well. 01691 610952 www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

15 July

CRAFT FAIR Willow Gallery, Oswestry If you would like to exhibit your own craft at a fair, please get in touch. Tables are available for £35 (no commission taken on sales you make) 01691 657575 or email info@ willowgalleryoswestry.org for further details

18 July

LOVING (12A) Showing at Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry The true-life story of an interracial marriage and the couple’s struggle for equality. Stars Oscar winner Ruth Negga and Joel Egerton. www. oswestryfilmsociety.com

OSWESTRY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Oswestry opens its streets to the finest local food producers– and it’s free! 10am-4pm. Enjoy two days of tasting and enjoying the finest local produce www.oswestryfoodfestival.co.uk

16 July

REGGAE MUSIC DAY Free family music in the award winning Cae Glas Park 12pm-7pm. 01691 680222

INTRODUCTION TO ORIGAMI Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry Learn basic techniques with traditional origami artist Yoshiko Ruff. (and following three Tuesdays), 1pm-3pm. £55. 01691 656882

18 July

QUICK READS BOOK CLUB Oswestry Library, Arthur St Want to get into reading but low on confidence or short of time or concentration…? Books provided. Contact library staff for more details. Free event. 1pm-2pm. 01691 677388 GREN BARTLEY Willow Gallery, Oswestry Gren Bartley is a prolific and exceptional songwriter. 8pm (doors open 7pm) £10 for Adults and £5 for Children 01691 657575 or email info@ willowgalleryoswestry.org SHEEP DOG TRIALS British Ironwork Centre The annual sheep dog trials are a test of both master and dog, a chance for our competitors t o show off their dog handling talents. Visitors will have the amazing opportunity to witness a traditional skill, mastered over the years. Entry for visitors is free. Competitors can submit their interest to info@ britishironworkcentre.co.uk Telephone: 01691 610952

25 July

TITUS AND ANDRONICUS UNWRAPPED Oswestry Library, Arthur St Talk by Pam Johnson on this Shakespearean tale of blood, lust and despair. £2.50. 1-2pm. Book with library staff. 01691 677388

16 July

26 July

CAR BOOT SALE Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry £5 per car – sorry no trade stands. Cars to arrive not before 8.30am. www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or 01691 662500 38 | Oswestry life

27 July

John Higgs – Watling Street Booka Bookshop, 26-28 Church Street Oswestry 7:30pm until 9:00pm Join Booka and journey along one of Britain’s oldest roads, from Dover to Anglesey, via Oswestry, as John Higgs stops off to talk about his fascinating new book, ‘Watling Street: Travels Through Britain And It’s Ever-Present Past’. Tickets: £5 (redeemable against a signed copy of Watling Street). Includes a glass of wine/soft drink on arrival. Tickets available from the bookshop or purchase online (with booking fee) Details: 01691 662244

23 July

west felton carnival Village Playing Field, Tedsmore Road Procession starts from Punch Bowl Pub at 1pm. Gates to playing field open at 2pm. £2 adults, children free. Facebook.com/WestFeltonCarnival for more info

16 July

DISABILITY OSWESTRY MEETING DO - as in ‘We can do’. Hope Church, Laburnum Drive, Oswestry, SY11 2QR. 10.30 - 12.00 am. Anne Rooke will be describing her work with drama for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Also coffee and cake, and a networking opportunity for everybody supporting people with any kind of disability. E-mail: disabilityoswestry161@gmail.com Tel: 01691 680382

18 July

21 July

15 & 16 July

26 July

MAILCHIMP & GOOGLE ANALYTICS Emily Keal teaches you how to optimise your e-marketing for business. £85 01691 656882

28 July

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 01691 680222

29 & 30 July

MULTI PERIOD LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND Whittington Castle, Whittington, Near Oswestry Time travel through history at this event. Living history encampments include ancient Greek, Medieval, Tudor, 18th century Redcoats, World War 1 & 2. £3 per adult and £1 per child entrance fee. www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or 01691 662500

30 July

PLANT HUNTER’S FAIR British Ironwork Centre Top specialist nurseries with thousands of unique plants. Entry is £1.00 per person, in aid of Hope House Children’s Hospice. www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

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Deb and team nail-it Debbie Denny of Nail It with Deb, based on Willow Street has been doing what she loves for 16 years and the business continues to grow from strength to strength. With a staff of five, the nail salon offers nail treatments by leading brands Bio Sculpture and Shellac, threading and HD brows. Permanent cosmetic makeup is also offered by leading consultant Caroline Dent. The airconditioned salon boasts a separate entrance to the newly built treatment room, allowing privacy for those clients who request it. Debbie never thought her hobby would turn into a successful business, enabling her passionate team of staff to work together in a relaxed and fun place where clients become friends and feel confident they will leave the salon feeling pleased with their nails and happy after a good catch-up. “I wouldn’t be there now without Tamsin and Lynn – my NVQ qualified technicians and Mary and Sandra our helpful, friendly receptionists” said Debbie.

New skin clinic now open Aluminate Skin Clinic was founded with more than beauty in mind. Offering treatments such as wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal ﬁllers, lip enhancements and chemical peels it also provides the very latest in aesthetic treatments, micro-needling, which helps to rejuvenate, revive and restore skin’s natural health and enhance overall appearance. It also addresses long-standing issues of scarring and stretch marks.

“This isn’t about looking ‘done’,” explains founder Amanda Tuckwell, “but a more conﬁdent, youthful looking you.” The Aluminate difference is Amanda is an Emergency Nurse Practitioner by background plus independent Nurse Prescriber. Quality and safety are at the forefront of every procedure. Therefore, initial consultations are free and without obligation to ensure you have the opportunity to review the treatment options and receive an individualised plan that meets your expectations.

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Finally, we have the green light to rock Summer 17 trends! This season, clothes have beautiful retro-inspired shapes and patterns, with injections of florals, prints and the odd item with a leather look. If you want to make an entrance, guaranteed style sits in key white or yellow pieces and keep your jewellery elegant but as a statement.

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: North caged stud flat sandal, £25.00, V by Very Mandy Blue Lace Open Back Playsuit, £28.00, PrettyLittleThing Camille Jumpsuit, £119.00, Monsoon Floral cold shoulder maxi dress, £48.00, Dorothy Perkins Violette dress, £229.00, Hobbs D’avella earrings £55.00, D’avella necklace £55.00, Edwina necklace £38.00, Oliver Bonas Versace, £178.00 Sunglassesshop

40 | Oswestry life

CLOCKWISE FROM right: Artist pleat front trousers £59.50, Oliver Bonas Lucille metallic thong sandals, £25.00, Accessorize Vero Moda Shane ruffle butte skirt, £35.00, littlewoods.com Studio by Preen white lace scalloped shirt, £49.00, Debenhams Feathered gingham belted top, £79.00, Jigsaw Black square sunglasses, £24.99, TKMaxx

Our Fashion and Beauty Editor Victoria Jane McKenna is a clothing designer, blogger and has her own fashion brand. www.victoriajanemckenna.com Oswestry life | 41

Wedding couples RIGHT: Joanne McLeod from Shrewsbury and Ryan Mullard from St Martins recently married at St Martins Parish Church, followed by a reception at Sweeney Hall. The couple honeymooned in New York, Las Vegas and Hollywood. (photo: Phil Barrett www.pbartworks.co.uk)

RIGHT: Kirsty Jones and Dan Lewis, both from Gobowen married at Sweeney Hall on 10 June. The couple honeymooned in Thailand. (photo:Lauren Williams Photography) ABOVE: Katie Walker from Oswestry married Nick Courtney-Jones from Cowbridge, South Wales. The couple married on 27 May in beautiful Vineyard La Mare Wine Estate in Jersey. (photo:PhilBarrettwww.pbartworks.co.uk)

To be included next month, send us your wedding pictures along with your names, where you both live, when and where you got married, to charlotte@ oswestry.life

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| Oswestry life

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Look the best you can! Jane Millington, owner and head practitioner at Body & Face Options clinic in Maesbury Marsh, tells us how she gets her clients to look good naked! Losing weight is a positive step towards gaining the ‘perfect’ body shape, but what happens after the weight loss? Most people are then left with hanging loose skin and relaxed muscle tone - this is because skin and muscle are used to having more volume which has now been reduced. My clients want to look as good naked as they do with their clothes on. That’s why I’ve developed an effective fourJane Millington step solution which can be M.S.B.T.H performed in half-hour time I.F.H.B.C I.H.B.C slots in the clinic. Step one: My Lipo is a nonsurgical liposuction that can be used to ‘melt’ stubborn fat cells that can’t be targeted through exercise. The treatment is painless and works using heated paddles that are used to ‘saponify’ fat.

In a liquid state, the fat is easier to drain from the body. The fat cells then collapse to give a smooth finish. The fat itself will be stored as energy in the adipose tissue, so we recommend a workout within 24 hours. Step two: The next step is an Endermologie treatment. This transports and drains the fat through the lymphatic system. It contours the body and is a vital part of a slimming program. I often have referrals from surgeons who have completed surgical liposuction on a patient who is left with areas of indentation. This smoothing treatment helps to eradicate those indentations. Step three: Pro Max lipo is non-invasive bipolar radio frequency treatment that tightens up loose skin and encourages collagen production. Step four: The final step is the Eurowave, which lifts and tightens muscle. This can be used to target all areas of the body and 18 minutes is equivalent to 369 sit-ups. Each client is given a personalised package to suit their needs. I want my clients to be able to go on holiday and feel confident because they look the best they can. All treatments are subject to an in-depth medical consultation.

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Inch loss body shaping cellulite reduction Lymphatic drainage Eye and neck lifting skin tightening Wrinkle reduction Oswestry life |

FO O D IS SERVE D EVERYD AY FROM 1 2PM

Sunday Lunch served 12noon till 9pm

Seniors Lunch Monday & Wednesday, 12noon till 3pm

Terrace Area & Children’s Play Area

The Station Grill, Llansantffraid, Powys SY22 6AD Telephone 01691 828478 • Web www.thestationgrill.co.uk 44

| Oswestry life

Our11th year!

oswestry food & drink

Food festival returns The ever-popular Oswestry Food & Drink Festival, probably the friendliest food festival in Shropshire, is back for its 11th year - and once again, entry is free and takes place in the heart of Oswestry town centre. The very best specialist food and drink exhibitors from the region will be baking and brewing to bring their delicious wares for your delectation across the weekend of Saturday 15 July and Sunday 16 July. The streets will be alive with aromas of Japanese, Spanish, African, Caribbean, Thai, Malaysian, Indian, and Spanish cooking. Plus, they are showcasing the pick of local food from sausages to pies, crepes and hot sauces. For the sweet of tooth, there’s cakes and fancies galore! There are award-winning ciders and ales from both sides of the border, not to mention cocktails, liqueurs and wines from near and far too. There’s even a

As well as the fabulous food and drink, there’ll be live music and other activities throughout to entertain. Cambrian Beer Festival down at the station across the weekend, so plenty to wet your whistle. As well as the fabulous food and drink, there’ll be live music and other activities throughout to entertain. On Sunday 16 July, there’ll be Reggae in the Park for those who just want to chill with their festival goodies to some great music. “We’re really looking forward to the weekend,” says festival director, John Waine. “We have our festival favourites that visitors love to see every year, to stock up on tasty treats, plus specialist exhibitors introducing themselves to an Oswestry audience for the ﬁrst time. We’d also like to thank Oswestry Life for supporting this weekend community festival. Sunshine has been booked.” The festival is brought to you through the wellestablished partnership of Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry Food Festival. For more information, and a list of exhibitors, visit: www.oswestryfoodfestival.co.uk or follow their page on Facebook.

festival

15 & 16 JULY 2017 SAT & SUN, 10am-4pm

Cheese Beers Pies Ciders Japanese Spanish Organic Fudge Cake Kangeroo Game Gluten-free Vegetarian Bread Sausages WINES & MORE!

FOODIE, FUN FREE ENTRY

f o e h t n i Held . e r t n e C n w o T Oswestry www.oswestryfoodfestival.co.uk Oswestry life

Barbeques at the ready? I hope that as you read this article we are enjoying temperatures in the high 20’s, the sun is shining in the sky and there is not a cloud to be seen. OK, that’s a bit much to hope for, but since its summer we need to be optimistic right? The weight of wines that our customers drink changes as the temperatures rises. Out with those oaked chardonnays and rich, robust reds – something a little more delicate is needed, where quality of fruit is to the fore rather than aged wines. The three wines recommended below are great “al fresco” ideas , so whether throwing some charcoal on the BBQ, or simply a glass of wine on the patio with friends, these are an ideal summer choice. All are priced at £7.99 so won’t break the bank either. CASTANZU VERMENTINO - Sardinia

This wine has a rich and spicy nose with citrus and ripe tropical fruit, as well as hints of apple. DOMAINE L’OLIBET CINSAULT ROSE - Languedoc

Delicate sweet spice aromas lead onto a palate which is immediately soft, vinous and round with abundant ripe fruit, lifted by a natural zing and ﬁnishing with a characterful texture and richness. LES CEPAGES OUBLIES GRENACHE CINSULT - Montpelier

Soft and smooth, rich and chunky, this is a lovely French red.

By Howard Jones of Oswestry’s Momentum Wines

| Oswestry life

FAKE-AWAY:

Recipes to keep you on track If you’re avoiding takeaways at all cost but still ﬁnd you’re getting the Friday evening cravings, these fake-away recipes from Pyrex are a must try! From Asian style noodles, to ﬁery curries and tasty sides, here are some homemade alternatives to keep your health kick on track.

Sesame chicken satay noodles Serves: 4 Cooking time: 10-15 mins Ingredients: 1 x 300g pack of egg noodles 120g mangetout 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 150g leftover roast chicken, torn 2 tbsp sesame seeds A handful of fresh coriander, chopped For the dressing 1 tbsp sesame oil 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 100g smooth peanut butter 2 tbsp lime juice Method: 1. Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl.

2. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool running water. 3. Place the noodles in a bowl with the mangetout, pepper, spring onions and chicken. Pour over the dressing and toss to combine everything together. 4. Sprinkle over the sesame seeds and coriander and serve at room temperature.

Ginger and prawn fried rice Serves: 4 Cooking time: 10-15 minutes Ingredients: 3 tbsp vegetable oil 100g ginger, peeled and ﬁnely sliced

50g garlic, ﬁnely sliced 100g cooked and peeled prawns A handful of spring onions, sliced 3 eggs, beaten 50g peas (thawed if frozen) 1 carrot, peeled and grated 60g sweetcorn 600g cooked, cooled rice 50ml light soy sauce 50ml rice wine or dry sherry Method: 1. Heat the oil in a wok over a medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic, stirring quickly for 30 seconds until just fragrant. 2. Add the prawns and half of the spring onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes. 3. Make a hole in the middle of the wok and pour in the beaten egg. Leave it to set for a minute, then break it up with a wooden spoon and stir well to scramble. 4. Stir in the peas, carrots and sweetcorn and cook for one minute. 5. Combine the cooked rice and the soy sauce then stir into the wok. Cook, stirring regularly, for ﬁve minutes until heated through. 6. Add the rice wine and the remaining spring onions, tossing to coat.

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Oswestry life

If Apidae got hayfever wouldn’t that “be” tragic! About a third of us will be sneezing with itchy eyes and a runny nose this month. Hayfever, wrongly attributed to the smell of new mown hay, was first described in the 10th century. It’s caused by particles in the air, often pollens. Some poor souls react to tree pollens in the spring, grasses in the summer and moulds in the autumn. So what can we do about this? The Met. Office website (www.metoffice.gov.uk) can give you an idea of when and where pollen levels are high. Sadly Oswestry tends to be in one of the highest zones. Some people believe eating local honey helps and, if you want to avoid conventional medicines, there are homeopathic remedies available over-the counter (OTC). Most patients try antihistamines. When I was a child Piriton (or chlorpheniramine) was the only one available which tended to give you the choice: have hayfever or be drowsy from the side effects. Modern antihistamines do not cause significant drowsiness and last 24 hours. They can be bought from a chemist. Pollens react with an antibody called IgE in the sufferer’s body and then this combination makes certain cells, called Mast Cells, release histamines. Sodium

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| Oswestry life

cromoglycate compounds stabilise the Mast cells and can be used as eyedrops or nasal sprays. Antihistamine eyedrops can help too but they do sting at ﬁrst. Steroid nasal sprays also work but take a week or

Modern antihistamines do not cause significant drowsiness and last 24 hours. so to start acting so need to be started early. These can be bought OTC. Some patients get severe symptoms despite some, or all, of these treatments. A short course of oral steroids might then be indicated. This is usually very effective with little risk but you do need to see a doctor about this treatment. You’ve probably worked out that Apidae are bees. They are major pollinators and thankfully the answer is: No – they don’t get hayfever!

Dr Paul Middleton

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Oswestry life

Clive Knowles (left), owner of British Ironwork Centre welcomed dignitaries to the event

Social scene

Youth hub opens

Guest speaker Sir John Timpson

Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST) had their opening event at the British Ironwork Centre. The Centre will become an entrepreneurial youth business hub, helping to support 18 to 30-year-olds, who want to set up their own business. The evening saw special guest John Timpson and the new mayor and mayoress address young people who have been helped to succeed by the charity.

Telford band Savannah entertained the crowds

Right: Young entrepreneur Gemma Allies Below: Robert Bland Chairman of SYST Below left: Shropshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lord Lieutenant, Sir Algernon HeberPercy & Michael Stoddart, SYST Trustee

Oswestry Mayor Vince Hunt and his daughter Amber, the Mayoress chat to a guest

| Oswestry life

Business spotlight

Borders Physio

Located on Artillery Business Park at Park Hall, Borders Physio and Sports Injury Centre provides physiotherapy services. Boasting facilities including private treatment rooms, exercise studio, indoor rehab area and 20 metre hydrotherapy pool, Borders Physio is fully equipped to treat a range of problems. From spinal pain and injuries to enhancement of sporting performance, their treatments have been scientifically validated to help. Popular with athletes is their unique running analysis service – a 90 minute appointment which includes analysis of the patient’s running technique, followed by a programme of exercise, treatment (if necessary) and advice on changing the running technique to minimise injury and increase performance. Borders Physio relieves pain by using techniques like joint mobilisation, connective tissue massage and acupuncture. The team of 13 therapists are led by Jane Leah, Noel Harding, Rob Fox and Carwyn Davies. They specialise in shoulder, hips, knees, foot and ankle as well as neurological conditions, paediatrics and women’s health and have clinics in Nantwich and Telford.

“Sport has always been a big part of my life,” says Carwyn, “especially football, so I’m passionate about helping other athletes being able to continue to play sport in the face of an injury or even just improving an athlete’s performance.” Carwyn is currently studying for a masters degree in advanced practice in physiotherapy with Cardiff University. He started his career with The New Saints and went on to work for the NHS at the RJAH orthopaedic and Wrexham Maelor hospitals, where he gained experience in trauma and orthopaedics, paediatrics and musculoskeletal pain. “We’ve got a group of therapists with outstanding experience across the board from NHS to professional football teams. They will help to identify, treat and relieve any problem to get you back on your feet and enjoying normal activities again,” says Carwyn. “Pain often begins gradually and to prevent it from recurring, a full examination and understanding of the cause is required. In the first session, we’ll do an in-depth assessment of your lifestyle to determine the issue as well as plan your treatment programme. “Each person’s physiotherapy session is different and will change until we find the best fit. People can heal faster when a variety of treatments are used.” The practice accepts GP and self-referrals and is recognised by most private healthcare insurers. Visit www.bordersphysio.com to find out more.

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Oswestry life | 51

Q&A

with Alison Peters

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My ex has gone back on an agreement for me to take our children abroad on holiday. What can I do? Q:

I had agreed with my ex that I could take the children abroad on holiday this summer. She is now refusing to give me their passports and is saying she is taking them abroad with her new partner. Can she do this?

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| Oswestry life

A: Provided you are named on the children’s birth certificates and were present at their birth then you have parental responsibility. Taking a child out of the UK without the consent of everybody with parental responsibility is a legal offence unless the court has given permission. However, if an Order has been made saying that the children are to live with your ex and she has what used to be called a residence Order, then she may take the children out of the UK for a month at a time without consulting you. In respect of your ex’s partner, it is usually assumed that a parent is able to make a decision as to whom the children should spend time with whilst in that parent’s care. So unless you have serious concerns as to her new partner’s suitability to be around children, there is not much you can do. However, with regard to YOUR planned holiday, I would suggest that you make an urgent application to the Court for a specific issue Order. By doing this you will be asking the Court to uphold the agreement reached between you and the children’s mother that they would go on holiday with you. If the Court makes such an Order they will also order the passports to be delivered up to you. When considering whether to make the Order, the Court will simply have regard to whether the holiday is in the ‘best interests’ of the children as per the Children Act 1989. Further information relating to this question is available from Alison Peters, a Partner with GHP Legal. For an appointment visit www.ghplegal.com or contact one of our offices: Oswestry 01691 659194, Chirk 01691 777949, Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313. We offer free legal diagnostic clinics (no appointment necessary). In Oswestry, Wednesdays 12noon-3pm for Personal Injury, Employment & Family matters. In Wrexham, Mondays 9.30am12noon for Employment matters, 12noon – 3pm for Personal Injury & Family matters. GHP Legal is authorised and regulated by the SRA 51566, and Lexcel Accredited.

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A. Unfortunately there is no magic wand solution but we do have some helpful tips that may see you on your way that little bit quicker. TALK TO A MORTGAGE ADVISER Whether you have just started saving or are ready to buy your first home, as mortgage advisers we can search hundreds of lenders to find the right mortgage to suit you and your circumstances. We will be able to explain all of the options available to you and will look at your income and outgoings to establish how much you can afford to borrow and how much you need to save. BUDGET WISELY Budgeting your money and controlling your income against your outgoings can help you keep on top of your finances.

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Business

Award for law firm

A law firm in Oswestry is celebrating after winning a prestigious national training and recruitment award. Lanyon Bowdler picked up the Best Trainer award in the Small Firm category at a ceremony held in London involving more than 60 of the country’s top law firms. Colin Spanner, head of the family law team and training partner with Lanyon Bowdler, said the firm was delighted to be recognised with a national award. “This is a great honour for us and demonstrates how committed we are to the training process,” he said.

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MAKING CUTBACKS Making cutbacks doesn’t have to be painful. The easiest way to save is to make sure you’re not overpaying on your gas, electric and various insurances. Finding the better deals can help you save towards your deposit and speed up the process of getting on the property ladder.

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“It is their comments about our ﬁrm that saw us shortlisted and ultimately led to us winning the award,” he ended.

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Pictured: Colin Spanner and Kay Kelly

Oswestry life

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| Oswestry life

Left: A reed warbler finds a tasty snack Top to bottom: The bridge at Queens Head Azure damselfly, a miniature marvel of nature The amazing greater tussocksedge The canal has become a haven for wildlife —look out for reed bunting Twisted roots reflected in the water

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

Queens Head & Aston Locks

We have some great canal walks around Oswestry, with amazing engineering and beautiful wildlife. Some people think that a walk on a canal is less interesting, as you have to retrace your steps on the return, but I always find the view is different. There is the advantage of a flat terrain and you can easily judge how far you want to walk. This section of canal is part of the Montgomery or “Monty”. You may be surprised to find out it was primarily built to carry limestone from Llanymynech to be heated, using coal from Chirk or Oswestry, in canalside kilns to form quicklime. This was spread on fields to improve yields of crops. The canal starts at Frankton Locks and finishes at Newtown. The part we are visiting was opened by the Ellesmere Canal Company in 1790. Other traffic included timber, slate and stone. By the late 1800s the demand for quicklime had dried up and by the mid-1930s so had some of the canal, though luckily parts were used as local drainage so it was never filled in. Canal restoration has led to reopening of parts. This section is now accessible from the Llangollen canal, though you do need to book your passage through Frankton Locks, so boat traffic is limited. The canal has become a haven for wildlife.

There are footpaths and pools alongside the “cut”. I always head southwest from Queens Head. You can head towards Rednal, but the road runs alongside and I like peace and quiet. There is a colony of buzzards in the area just beyond the A5, and look out for the reed buntings and reed warblers amongst the bulrushes. At the first of the Aston Locks you will see masses of horse tail, a survivor from prehistoric times, and yellow water lilies in the canal. A little further on, look at the amazing greater tussock-sedge - Carex paniculata - on the opposite bank, looking like trolls. Around the second and third locks you will start to see miniature marvels of nature - dragonflies, colourful damselflies and absolutely stunning demoiselles. It’s hard to believe they are real. Depending on how far you wish to walk, you can continue to Maesbury (about two miles) where you will find a pub, and a bit further on a canal-side cafe (open Wed -Sun). Location: From Oswestry take the A5 towards Shrewsbury. Shortly after passing the British Ironworks turn left to Queens Head. Bear right, and opposite the Queens Head pub turn right into the car park. The public car park is to the left. To get on the canal, walk out of the car park and turn right. Go over the bridge and then turn right again. Bus from stand 4 at Oswestry Bus Station. Oswestry life | 55

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Nostalgia

Whittington; the jewel in the crown David Owen examines the history of the medieval village of Whittington. Oswestry is fortunate to be surrounded by a host of wonderful villages such as West Felton, Gobowen, St. Martins, Weston Rhyn and Trefonen. However, and I must disclose my bias having lived there for much of my life, Whittington must be the most picturesque and interesting of them all! The village as we know it grew around the 12th century castle although a settlement predated it by several centuries. Back in the 1960s, the village boasted ﬁve shops; a Post Ofﬁce, three public houses, a garage, a cricket club, village school, a library, church and chapel, a bakery, Scout and Guide troops, an engineering works, a large dairy and two railway stations. Sadly, many of these enterprises have disappeared over the last 50 years, although some still are still thriving. Since 1999 the castle itself has gained a new lease of life under the management of the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust and hosts a multitude of events each year. Prior to this it had been under the control of Whittington Parish

Council and had lapsed into a ‘gentle decay’. Through the efforts of the Trust (and its late Chairman, Colin Robinson) it is now a safe and vibrant local asset. With Park Hall Camp so close to the village, Whittington played its part in both World Wars. During WW1, prisoners-of-war were marched to Whittington High Level Station (on the Oswestry – Whitchurch line) each day to be taken to the quarry at Llynclys to work. There was also a café in Boot Street during this same period called The Pioneer opened especially for the soldiers from the camp. During WW2, the huts to rebuild the army camp were shipped into Whittington and then transported to Park Hall for erection. Until the building of the Oswestry bypass the village stood directly on the old A5 and, in the summer months, it was almost impossible to cross the road due to the volume of trafﬁc heading to or from the North Wales coastal resorts. Whilst the facilities may have diminished over the years, the village - in population terms - has expanded greatly over the last 25 years with several new developments springing up on the sites previously occupied by industry. Despite all the changes that have taken place over the years, Whittington remains a vibrant community and one of Shropshire’s most recognisable villages. Oswestry life

Poetry corner

A tantalising taste

A cooks delight Shropshire’s food scene is fresh and vibrant, offering an abundance of appeal to both locals and visitors from further afield. The book affords an insight into Shropshire’s understated food scene, offering over 35 tantalising recipes from a selection of the county’s finest places to eat and drink. Each chapter reveals another facet of Shropshire’s tastiest businesses, allowing readers a glimpse past the county’s deceptively quiet exterior to reveal the delectable recipes underneath. From Ludlow’s French flare, to the resurgence of real ale in Shropshire’s breweries, ample

Dazzling sunbeams carry dreams of summertime; Barbeques and garden fetes Home made cake on paper plates Cricket teas and homemade scones Ninety-nines in ice-cream cones Ploughman’s lunch and ice-cold beer Fish and chips sat on the pier Picnics and towels on beaches Fresh strawberries, mmm juicy peaches Vine tomatoes & fresh dressed salads Brass bands, radio, sunshine ballads

delicatessens, and its traditional market towns offering fresh produce alongside local bakeries and butchers this lovely new cook book encapsulates the diverse tastes of Shropshire. Available now £14.95

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| Oswestry life

But the dream is shattered from illusion as one is rudely awoken by a buzzing alarm to yet another in - house day, where clouds, are gathered; and rain stops play! If you have a book review or poem you’d like published in Oswestry Life, email it to charlotte@oswestry.life

Jan Hedger is a local writer and poet. Visit www.janscreativewriting.co.uk

Culture

in association with

Sport

Champions League season kicks off with a draw against Europa FC of Gibraltar Champions League football once again returns to Oswestry with the first leg due to be played on 27 June at Park Hall from 7pm against Europa FC of Gibraltar. TNS manager, Scott Ruscoe commented: “We’re happy with the draw as logistically it is one of the better ties we could have got. In our group, there were teams from Armenia and Kosovo, which we were hoping to avoid.” Europa FC have recently risen to the top of football in Gibraltar, taking the crown off Lincoln Red Imps who have been the most successful side in recent years. This is the first time the TNS side will face a Gibraltese team, however they won’t be travelling to the tiny island as their ground does not meet European standards. Instead the Oswestry side will travel to Portugal and play in Faro. “The players are excited about facing a new European opposition and looking forward to the trip to Portugal. They are training hard and vying for their place in the starting line-up after five weeks of tough pre-season training.” Visit: www.gotothevenue.com

Tel: 01691 684840

Summer

Bowling Its the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy!

TNS manager Scott Ruscoe at Rangers FC for pre-season training

As a previous European record appearance holder at TNS, and as his first competitive match in charge of the side, it will be a momentous moment for the former midfielder. “To take charge of the team in the first competitive match is something I’ve been working towards for many years. For the first match to be in the Champions League is certainly going to be a special occasion.” TNS would face a tough task if they were to reach the second round of the qualifiers with a trip to Croatian Champions HNK Rijeka. Scott adds: “We’re concentrating on Europa FC at the moment. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. It will be a tough task over the two legs, which we will be taking very seriously.”

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ROOFING

Where help is on hand locally ROOFING

roofing

With over 20 years’ experience we have the solution to your flat roof problems

• New roofs • Insurance work • Fully insured • 10, 15, 20 year guarantees available • EPDM rubber roofs • Felt flat roofing • County Council approved • Free site inspection • Covering Oswestry, Welshpool & Shrewsbury

Min Y Dwr, Llanyblodwel, Nr Oswestry Tel: 01691 828292 Mob: 07970 438816 www.shropshireroofing.com

scaffolding

North Shropshire Scaffolding

TREE SERVICES

Shropshire Tree Services Ltd professional tree care

All aspects of Arboricultural work undertaken

Instant response • Professional service Safety minded workforce Long or short term hire • Free quotations Comprehensive public liability insurance Very competitive rates 19 Park Crescent, Park Hall, Oswestry, SY11 4AR Tel: 01691 650900 Mobile: 07968 077725

• Council approved contractor • Over 30 years experience • All staff NPTC qualified • Fully insured

Contact Peter Rimmer - Oswestry 01691 680018 Mobile 07885 676038

wwwshropshiretrees.co.uk

window cleaning

timber products

Expires: 15/08/2017

62 | Oswestry life

Enjoy a hands free website so you can focus on your business

We design, build and can actively manage your website, forever. Need a new page created? Want to tweak your design? Simply tell us what you need and we‘ll do it for you. We appreciate some content you‘ll want to manage yourself (such as products, blog posts, team members and opening times) and we‘ve created a crazily simple online portal for you which is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The internet doesn‘t stand still and neither should your website Email: sales@oswestry.life for details

Telephone: 07986 293294

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 | 63

Kids fun Scrapbooking

With the summer holidays on the horizon, it’s a great excuse to get scrap-booking with your little ones. Scrapbooks are great to take into nurseries and preschools after the holidays as talking points, plus at home it’s nice to go through them and relive those precious memories.

You will need:

• Brown parcel paper or wrapping paper • Felt tips/ crayons • Photos and postcards • Glue • Decorative touches like stickers, glitter etc. • Scissors

Method:

1 Roll ﬂat your parcel paper or wrapping paper. Place your opened scrapbook onto it and cut around. Fold paper around book and glue 2 Stick postcard or photo to front with your ‘title’ 3 Fill your book with photos, postcards, leaﬂets or attraction tickets, leaving lots of room for you to write down your little ones’ memories or for them to write their own if old enough Scrapbooking is a great way of remembering special trips or occasions, and a lovely activity to do as a family on a rainy afternoon. Enjoy!

Oswestry Library

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Events for children and young people this July Every Thursday in term time: 3.30pm – 4.15pm Lego club for all ages – free drop-in event Monday 3,17 2-2.30pm Bookstart Rhyme Time for pre-schoolers. Free Monday 24 2.30pm – 3.30pm Let’s Get Buzzy with Shropshire Wildlife Trust, £2.50 Wednesday 26 2-3pm Dinosaurs and Princesses drawing club with local cartoonist John Swagger. Free drop-in event Thursday 27 3-5pm St John’s Ambulance – First Aid for all the family. Free Friday 28 10-10.45am Pyjama Drama for ages 2-5. £3

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

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CAMP FUN

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HOT SUMMER

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WATER

Prize Wordsearch

For your chance to win one of four FREE admission passes to the Fantastic Funhouse send your completed word search to: Kids Fun Competition, Oswestry Life Magazine, Unit 2, Glovers Meadow Oswestry SY10 8NH. Winners will be chosen at random from the correct entries. Closing date: 31 July 2017.

ntastic Funhouse a F Mo

00 - 19:00 and at: 08: Sun: 09 :00 n-S

ADVENTURE PLAY 64

| Oswestry life

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

- 17:00

INDOOR FOOTBALL

GARAGE GO-CART

Tel: 01691 655515

Gobowen Rd, Oswestry, SY11 1HS E: info@fantasticfunhouse.co.uk

Shrewsbury Flower Show On the 11-12 of August the beautiful 29-acre Shrewsbury Quarry Park will be awash with wonderful flowers, fabulous food and live entertainment- the ultimate summer day out! The show is one of the country’s premier flower show events, attracting top exhibitors from all over the country so expect fantastic floral displays, horticultural competitions and highquality trade stands.

WIN

To win a pair of tickets for this year’s show, answer the question: which Shropshire town is the Flower Show held?

WIN WIN

Competitions

Oswestry Show

Crowds from far and wide will gather at the Park Hall Showground on 5 August to visit this year’s Oswestry Show. The event dates back to 1862 and endorses the best of British agriculture and promotes local businesses and activities, countryside pursuits and provides a varied programme of entertainment for visitors throughout the day. Spectators to the main ring will enjoy a packed programme including judging of the various horse breeds, parade of vintage vehicles and machinery; young farmer’s competitions, and a display by the Portsmouth Action Field Gun Run Team and Jousting Tournament from the Company of Horsemen. Judging of cattle, sheep and goat classes takes place throughout the morning concluding with the grand parade of prize winners in the main arena in the afternoon. The sheep shearing competition also makes for exciting viewing when exhibitors race against the clock to remove ﬂeeces in record times. A large number of trade stands are situated around the showground and in the plans for the 2017 Show a new layout for the shopping and craft marquees, with an extended food area. To ﬁnd out more, visit: www. oswestryshow.co.uk Two lucky winners will win a family ticket each. To enter, tell us what date the show is on this year.

Shrewsbury Steam Rally Shrewsbury Steam Rally takes place at Onslow Park, Shrewsbury on bank holiday 27-28 August. It’s one of Shropshire’s biggest events of the year, with something for all the family. Each year it attracts thousands of visitors to marvel at the site of steam-powered vehicles of all kinds in action and on display. There are over 1000 exhibits including historic military vehicles, classic cars, vintage tractors, fairground rides, craft stalls and plenty of food on offer. Visitors can buy tickets online at www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk We’ve teamed up with the Shrewsbury Steam Rally to give away a family ticket to two lucky winners. To be in with a chance, simply tell us where the show is held?

COMPETITION RULES: Closing date for competitions is 21/07/17. Send your entries, along with your name, address, email and telephone number on a postcard to Oswestry Life Magazine, Unit 2, Glovers Meadow, Oswestry, SY10 8NH or by email to info@oswestry.life or enter on the website: www.oswestry.life. By entering any competition within this publication you consent to Oswestry Life and the promoters contacting you for marketing purposes. Your data will not be shared with any other party. For full terms and conditions please refer to www.oswestry.life MAY WINNERS: Vangollen Gareth Stocker, Oswestry Gardeners world Sarah Richards, Oswestry; Gill Kendall, Whittington; Cath Evans, Morda; Rowena Evans, Morda; Bob Clarke, Gobowen Vangollen winner was: Gareth Stocker, Oswestry

Oswestry life

Last Word There’s no place like home My old nan used to say; ‘it’s good to get away, but it’s even better coming home again.’ I’m starting to realise what she meant. That feeling when you’re on the way to the airport before a holiday is so exciting. Dragging two suitcases a pushchair and two kids on trunkis around the airport doesn’t even phase me. Facing twelve hours squeezed onto an economy flight is no problem, even a sleepless night onboard is do-able on the outbound journey. And then you land and feel the heat hit you when you step off the plane. This is what we’ve been waiting and working all year for. It’s holiday time! It doesn’t matter where you travel to; Spain, Italy or Thailand in my case. Every country has its own unique personality – the people, the climate, the scents, the landscape, the flora and fauna, the buildings, even the transport combine to create a sensory experience. The first week is wonderful; eating different foods, visiting new places, travelling by new methods (tuk-tuk in my case) and you might even daydream about one day being able to live in such a beautiful place. But then you start to miss things, British things and specifically Oswestry things. Not being sunburnt – or having to put sun cream on every time you leave the room. It’s a curse of having 66 | Oswestry life

pale skin, but going through bottles of sun cream like water soon gets old. Family – they might drive you up the wall sometimes, but there’s nothing like a bit of distance to make you realise they’re actually okay and you might even miss them a little bit. Everyday routine – we’re all creatures of habit whether we care to admit it or not. There’s something very satisfying about having a routine. Get up, do the same things, eat the same food, go to work. It’s just so comforting to know what’s coming next. Not having to ask directions – we can’t help taking for granted that we know our way around at home, smugly being able to give visitors directions. Having to ask strangers with strong accents for the way to the shops and then not being able to understand them is just daily interaction on hols. Speaking in English – and not feeling bad about it. If you like learning new languages and you have the time, good for you. It’s fun and it’s intellectually stimulating. For the rest of us, communication must come through google translate. I highly recommend it. Buffet breakfasts – I love to sample the local authentic cuisines, but curry and rice for breakfast I will never come to terms with. I’m British, where’s the cereal and toast?

Eating out – being waited on, no cooking, no washing up, it’s all part of the appeal of being on holiday. But overindulgence comes at a price and if you’re lucky enough to escape dodgy holiday tummy, your expanding waistline is a reminder that this can’t go on much longer. Internet/phone calls – being able to send your friends pictures and messages without having to worry about roaming charges and the hotel’s dodgy Wi-Fi signal is something we just take for granted at home. Fresh air – fresh, cold, unpolluted Oswestry air feels so refreshing to breathe in, especially after a fortnight of humidity. Water – tap water specifically - I’d never normally consider it a treat, but after two weeks of conscientiously not swallowing any – what a treat to be able to brush your teeth and wash your face in such a care-free manner. Your own bed – Nothing says: ‘home sweet home’ like getting in your own bed for the first time after a trip away. No more puffed-up hotel pillows and rigid sheets. It’s good to get away and break from the old routine, even if it’s just serves to remind us of how lucky we are to live here in the first place.

Charlotte Ruscoe e: charlotte@oswestry.life

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Tel: 01691 657774

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Inspire Kitchen Bathroom & Tile Centre, Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 8HA