Oswestry Life October 2017 by dts media ltd

www.oswestry.life

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free issue 8 october 2017

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Rambles with a camera • Autumn fashion • Interiors & home • Walks around Oswestry Pick of the coats Trick or treat?

10% 2 | Oswestry life

Contents

Welcome

Local news......................................... 4 Culture................................................ 9

to Oswestry Life

In the spotlight................................. 10 Interiors............................................. 14 Property............................................ 23

Welcome to the eighth edition of Oswestry Life magazine. As we look forward to a colourful autumn and possibly an ‘Indian summer’ if we’re lucky, we are full of joy for the remainder of the year ahead. Make the most of the wonderful autumn weather by following in Graham Mitchell’s footsteps across Chirk aqueduct (page 59). We’re shining a spotlight on local author Dave Andrews’ journey up Everest on page 8 and on local super-mum Emma Lawrence on page 10 as she shares son Oli’s heart transplant journey. Get suited and booted with fashion (page 42) and six of the best boots on page 40. We love to hear from readers, keep in touch with all your latest news and what matters to you.

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

Gardening........................................ 33 Education......................................... 34 Six of the best................................... 40 Fashion............................................. 42 Weddings......................................... 44 Food and drink................................. 45 Out and about................................. 51 Business............................................ 53 Nostalgia.......................................... 56 Health............................................... 57 Sport................................................. 58 Local walks...................................... 59 Kids fun............................................ 64 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 8 october 2017

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

october 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 na tio n

rmum Em

www.oswestry.life

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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

Cover photograph Misty morning from the hillfort by Graham Mitchell

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grahamsfmitchell

with a camera • Autumn fashion • Interiors & home • Rambles Walks around Oswestry Pick of the coats Trick or treat?

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

Local news

TG deliver to the couples’ home

Tudor Griffiths Group answers a celebrity appeal David Beckham poses with Catrin Roberts (left) and daughter Freya

Beckham drops in on unsuspecting villagers

Global icon David Beckham shocked Llanrhaeadr locals by landing his helicopter on the football pitch – with the club joking they had signed the former Manchester united and Real Madrid player. He was in town to shoot an advert, but wanted to check out the local beauty spots. He made time to pose with star struck locals before posting a picture on his Instagram story proclaiming the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall ‘Ridiculously beautiful’.

Street market success

Following three years of planning, the Oswestry Saturday street market has launched to great success. The stalls in Bailey Street are designed to drive footfall to the Bailey Head Market Hall, with the project spearheaded by the town council. The intention is to use the Bailey Head as an entertainment area, hosting live music and other family activities every Saturday during the summer months alongside existing market stalls. The mayor, councillor Vince Hunt comments: “Markets continue to be important to Oswestry and as a council we are working collectively to make them an attractive offer. We also provide a huge number of family events during the year which have proven popular.” The council intend to extend the market on Wednesdays in future, thanks to the trial’s success. For more information, follow Oswestry Town Market on facebook. 4 | Oswestrylife life 4 | Oswestry

Teams from Tudor Griffiths Group answered an appeal from TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh to help transform the garden of a couple who put everyone else first. Love Your Home and Garden is a follow-up to one of the celebrity gardener’s most popular programmes Love Your Garden. And the aim is to carry out a greenfingered makeover that makes a huge difference to people’s lives. The episode aired on 13 September on ITV1, and headed to Chester to help Richard and Ann. Richard has been a Samaritan volunteer for over 40 years, Ann trains guide dogs for the blind, and together they have fostered over 20 children in the last ten years. But their home and garden had been somewhat neglected while they’ve been busy caring for everyone else, so teams from TG Skip Hire and TG Builders’ Merchants joined forces with other traders, suppliers and contractors to complete an incredible transformation. TG supplied eight yard skips, ten tonnes of aggregate stone, and eight bulk bags of sharp sand, to help change a garden that Alan himself described as ‘one of the ugliest he has ever seen’.

Town secures two Heart of England Bloom Awards Oswestry has secured ‘Gold’ and ‘Best Large Town’ in Heart of England’s Bloom Awards. It’s the first time that Oswestry has been named overall winner. The town was competing against other, similar size towns such as Stone and Warwick. Judges commented on the “spectacular bedding displays in Cae Glas Park were a joy to see... Civic pride is here in abundance; the spotless streets and clean street furniture gives vibrancy to the town.”

Governor Jamie completes sky dive for Derwen College A well-known Oswestry man successfully completed a sponsored sky dive and said afterwards: “It was a first for me and was great fun. I am very pleased to have raised a good deal of money for the Derwen College.” Jamie Ward, 57, was sponsored by Arthurs Motor Group, the family owned award-winning motor dealers with branches in Oswestry, Newtown and Wrexham, to raise funds for Derwen College, Oswestry. He has so far raised around £1000 towards the refurbishment of their existing swimming pool and installation of a new hydrotherapy pool as part of their 90th anniversary celebrations. Jamie, a well-known local traditional butcher and a governor at Derwen College, added that his sky dive at Tilstock Airfield, Whitchurch, had been ‘exciting and exhilarating.’ Arthurs Managing Director Nigel Williams said: “We have sponsored many different activities over the years, but the sky dive is a first for us. We congratulate Jamie on his feat and wish him continued success in fundraising for the college on its 90th anniversary.”

Cheers! Pub gets voted into Good Beer Guide The Bailey Head pub in Oswestry has gone straight into the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide. Husband and wife team Grace Goodlad and Duncan Borrowman opened the freehouse in March 2016 and have already won the Shrewsbury and West Shropshire Market Town’s Pub of the Year and are runner up for overall Pub of the Year for the area. Entries in the GBG are based on the scores of CAMRA members drinking beers in pubs and the votes of local CAMRA members. Duncan Borrowman said: “It is really humbling to be voted into the Good Beer Guide by CAMRA members in our ﬁrst year of being open. The standard of real ale in Shropshire is superb, with excellent pubs and breweries, so to win both Pub of the Year competitions and get into the Good Beer Guide is really incredible.” ABOVE: Grace and Duncan receiving their Pub of the Year awards from David Roll, Chair of Shrewsbury and West Shropshire CAMRA earlier this year

Jamie Ward pictured on the right

RJAH shortlisted for award in ‘healthcare Oscars’ Delighted staff at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital are celebrating – after being shortlisted in the Provider Trust of the Year category of the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards. The HSJ Awards are the most coveted in the UK healthcare sector, with entries flooding in from hundreds of organisations – and RJAH has a second finalist too, as its CEO Mark Brandreth has been shortlisted in the Chief Executive of the Year category. The recognition for the Oswestry-based hospital comes in a year which has already seen it ranked first in the country for overall patient experience in an inpatient survey carried out by the Care Quality Commission.

Pupils learn life skills at Rotary event Year six pupils are being prepared for real-life scenarios thanks to the Rotary Club of Oswestry’s Lifeline event. Around 500 children have attended the awardwinning week-long event held at Park Hall Showground. Scenarios are played out by the ﬁre and police services, HM Coastguard, St John Ambulance, NFU and the British Transport Police among others, to teach children how to react if they ever ﬁnd themselves in dangerous or unexpected situations. Rotary president David Davies said: “We continue to see the value of this event by the response of the schools and the children attending. We must keep revising the scenarios to make sure that they are relevant. I am delighted by the support that the services, our members, friends and family give to this event.” From left; president David Davies, Oswestry town mayor councillor Vince Hunt, high sheriff of Powys Sue Thompson

Oswestry life

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Oswestry life

Gobowen to Everest a new book by Dave Andrews Local author Dave Andrews, who lives on the Wern by Weston Rhyn, has recently published his ninth book, entitled ‘Gobowen to Everest’. It is based on a diary he kept during a trek in Nepal and tells the tale of a journey to Everest Base Camp and beyond which starts from Gobowen railway station. Dave has written the book to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and he will be giving a series of talks to promote it. In ‘Gobowen to Everest’ Dave describes life on the chaotic streets of Kathmandu, a perilous flight in a tiny plane to the foothills of the Himalaya, the challenges and the dangers of trekking at high altitude and also his encounters with the Sherpa people, as well as individuals such as actor Brian Blessed and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. “I had always wanted to see Everest with my own eyes,” says Dave “as I’d read so much about its history. I got an unexpected opportunity when I met Brian Blessed at the theatre in Mold. He was about to make his second attempt on Everest and I joined the expedition’s support team.” Dave’s last book was ‘The Oswestry Round’, a walking guide to a 33-mile circular route around the town of Oswestry, which Dave also wrote to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund 8 | Oswestry life

and it has since become the basis for the annual Oswestry Round Challenge held in June each year. “I was treated in the Lingen Davies Centre in 2014,” says Dave. “Writing these books is one way I have of giving something back and saying thank you for the wonderful care I received at Shrewsbury. We’ve sold almost 900 copies of ‘The Oswestry Round’ and together with the Oswestry Round Challenge we’ve raised over £29,000 for the two charities we support. I’m really proud of that.” ‘Gobowen to Everest’ received financial support from Oswestry Borderland Rotary Club as well as friends and family and also members of the public following talks Dave gave to various clubs and societies. This meant that all the publication costs were covered and that money from sales can go to the two charities. ‘Gobowen to Everest’ is sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, and always engaging. It’s the story of a hillwalker determined to see Everest for himself but who occasionally wonders if he has bitten off more than he can chew. To read more about Dave’s journey to Everest, his book can be bought online at www.oswestryround.co.uk/ everest.html or in Oswestry public library, Oswestry Heritage Centre, Rowanthorn, Booka, Gobowen railway station or direct from Dave who can be contacted on dand103750@aol.com or 01691 650293. The book costs £7.

Culture

Poetry corner

Book review

by Debbie Marais Oswestry Library

I was very interested to see how this novel measured up to the very successful first novel (and film) ‘Girl on a train’ and it didn’t disappoint.

each chapter narrated by a different person. More than 11 voices are heard - from the ‘troublesome women’ themselves, Sean and Erin the investigating officers, alongside Lena and Jules. Everyone seems to have some secret that they are not so happy to share but these begin to bubble up to the surface as Nel and Jules refuse to let Nel’s death go unaccounted for. As they dig deeper and deeper, passions and hatred are unleashed with great impact on this strange, secretive community. A compelling and at times slightly creepy mystery which really keeps you on your toes until the very end of the book. A great read.

This is a gripping tale of the deaths of women past and present in ‘the drowning pool’ in small town Beckford, near Newcastle. The latest death is local beauty Nel Abbot. Lena, Nel’s daughter, believes it is suicide however Nel’s sister (Jules) is not so sure and begins to do some investigating of her own. As Jules looks for answers about Nel’s death, she finds that Nel has made a number of enemies while writing a book about the Beckford drownings, and that Lena’s best friend, Katie, also died a few months earlier in the same place. “Beckford is not a suicide spot. Beckford is a place to get rid of troublesome women,” Nel had written. The book has an unusual style with

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins, published by Doubleday.

Asking the Question What is wisdom? Are we born with it? Show it and you’re a child Wise before your years, The old wives say. Can it be taught? With white chalk on black Or the modern equivalent Of PowerPoint and screen. Can it soak in? From words of generations Passed from age to age Down the line. Do we just acquire it? As the years pass And our lives are lived By the paths we walk. As the end is in the beginning We return to; what is wisdom? Maybe the answer is in the question Jan Hedger is a local writer and poet. Visit www.janscreativewriting.co.uk

Oswestry life | 9

In the spotlight

Oswestry super-mum Emma’s appeal for more organ donors When I first met Emma and her family two years ago, I could never have guessed how terribly poorly her oldest son Oli had been and her incredible story to get him the new heart he so desperately needed to live. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Oli lived in chronic heart failure from the day he was born. He endured four open heart surgeries, two cardiac arrests, DVT, endocarditis and had a very high risk mechanical valve fitted to his heart, all before the age of five. “I always stayed positive though,” says Emma, “I returned to work at the family business when Oli was seven months old and tried to live a life of as much fun, love and laughter as I could, despite the fact that at every clinic appointment reminded us that one day soon Oli would need a transplant.” Oli received only palliative care, bridging the time until a transplant was available. His complexion was blue, he relied totally on his big buggy to get around and was gasping for air. At the lowest point for the family, Oli was told a transplant would not be possible and he returned home to start primary school in 2012, with his family contemplating a future without him. Emma continues: “Just after Christmas 2013, a miracle happened. Oli’s raging high antibodies had vanished, meaning he could now join the national heart 10 | Oswestry life

transplant list. Maybe my constant prayers had worked.” Oli stayed in school, with Emma keen to give him as normal a life as possible. “At Oli’s last day of term that summer, I said to his teachers that I hoped very much that I would be seeing them again in September. They just smiled. That summer Oli’s condition grew worse and while I knew he desperately needed a heart to save him, I realised that a gorgeous person would have to die to allow him to live.” In the early hours of 19 August 2013, Emma’s prayers were answered for a second time. “It was 3.23am, my mobile rang beside me, and I just knew this was it! The saliva vanished from my mouth when I listened to this happy northern accent telling me that a potential heart was available. I sobbed for Oli and for the donor family and then I kicked into strong mode. My bag was already packed, so I woke Oli and told him we were off an exciting journey. We were blue lighted to Manchester airport and took a private jet to Newcastle.” Twelve hours later, following his successful heart transplant, Emma was allowed to see her beautiful boy. “The ventilator and infusions just didn’t seem to be there, all I could see was Oli with pink lips and pink cuticles, he looked so different.” The trauma wasn’t over yet though,

as the effect of the drugs made him very ill for days. “I honestly thought, how can Oli survive this? What have I allowed him to go through? The nurse reassured me that this was normal and each day he would grow stronger and she was right. On day five Oli was eating curry and playing Xbox and on day six he was in the gym – what a miracle!” Oliver has made a full recovery from his heart transplant and continues to thrive in a new school and has found a love of sports, especially his beloved TNS football club. “We feel like the luckiest family in the world. Our gorgeous Oli has been given the gift of life and we can never ever thank our amazing donor family enough. We think about them every day and write to them and will cherish our letter from them.” Not content with just enjoying life as a happy, healthy family, Emma now strives to raise awareness for organ donation at every opportunity. “I’m so passionate about awareness of organ donation, as sadly it’s a subject we don’t tend to talk about, which is understandable. But it’s crucial that we all have that important conversation with loved ones because organ donation literally saves precious lives.”

Sign the organ donor register at: www.organdonation.nhs.uk.

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Everything you need to know about mouth cancer: Q&A with Mr Bhatia, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital Mouth cancer is a growing problem in the UK, with cases rising year on year, more people than ever are experiencing this terrible disease. We’ve teamed up with Mr Sunil Bhatia, a trained dentist and doctor at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital to find out more about mouth cancer. Firstly, can you tell us what mouth cancer is? Oral cancer is a group of cancers that can occur within the mouth. The most common oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. What signs of mouth cancer should we look out for? Signs of mouth cancer include lumps, bumps, ulcerated areas that have not healed within two to three weeks. This could even include things such as white patches, red patches, friable areas and unexplained loose teeth. What causes mouth cancer? There are a number of things that can cause mouth cancer including things like environmental factors and genetics. The most commonly implicated causes of mouth cancer are tobacco (especially smoking but also smokeless tobacco) and alcohol and - if one smokes and drinks alcohol - then it increases the risk of oral cancer exponentially. The other 12 | Oswestry life

thing is HPV (human papilloma virus). Chronic inflammation may also be implicated. In the Indian subcontinent the chewing of betel nut is the biggest cause. Sunlight exposure can lead to cancer on the lower lip too. Am I at risk of mouth cancer? Unfortunately we don’t know all the causative factors, but if you smoke and drink you are more at risk. What should I do if I think I have a symptom of mouth cancer? If you have any concerns you should see a dentist immediately and/ or your GP or ask to be referred directly to the hospital. Why are cases of mouth cancer rising so quickly? We don’t know. It may be due to the fact that people used to smoke and drink a lot more in the 60s and the 70s and, as they have got older, even though they are non-smoking and non-drinking currently, the damage was done earlier. The other thing of course is HPV. What are my chances of beating mouth cancer? If it is caught early, extremely good, if it is caught slightly later still very good. The earlier the better. It also depends on how fit and healthy you are and able to fight following on from surgery.

Mr Sunil Bhatia BDS, MB BS, MRCS (Ed) (Gen Surg), FDS RCS, DLO HNS RCS, FRCS (Ed) (MaxFax)

Will my dentist check me for signs of mouth cancer? Yes, the dentist should check you for signs of mouth cancer. How do you treat mouth cancer? The three things we have to do are; remove the cancer, stop the chance of it coming back and then restore function and quality of life. Cancer of the mouth is very different from many other cancers because it is not merely a matter of cutting out the cancer and stitching the ends together as can be done with some other body parts. The mouth and lips are necessary for cosmesis, personal identity, speech, eating, swallowing and social functions. Thus, reconstruction is extremely complicated. This operation is done underneath a microscope and takes about 12-15 hours. The patient is in hospital for 10 days. Ideally the earlier the cancer is discovered the smaller the operation and then they do not need such big operations. Mr Bhatia will be holding an open event called ‘Concerned about oral cancers?’ on 16 November at 6pm, where he will be providing free mini consultations for anybody who is interested in finding out more about oral cancer. Visit the website to book your place: www.nuffieldhealth.com/shrewsbury

Concerned about oral cancers? If you have concerns over oral cancers due to one of the following reasons you may find a complimentary consultation with our Oral & Maxiofacial consultant Mr Sunil Bhatia to be a step towards a new you. • • • •

White patches Ulcer in mouth Lumps in mouth Bleeding & loose teeth

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Oswestry life

Trick or Treat?

Halloween - for many of us this means just another convenient excuse for sweets and yet another themed party below:

Black sequin cushion ÂŁ18 from arthouse.com

Halloween celebrations are becoming more and more popular in the UK and there are no limits for creative costumes, spooky snacks and decorations. Ghosts, pumpkins, spider webs, skulls and bats are the most popular motifs.

For a very special halloween-y feel, think of larger accessories such as mysterious lamps, dark wallpapers and ornate furniture. These add a mystic flair to your home throughout the year and are easily combined with pastel colours, metals and velvet.

above:

Ceramic skull coin bank

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fr ingback armchair

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14 | Oswestry life

below:

Soft luxury Aslaska throw from thefarthing.co.uk

left:

Persian faux cowhide rug in black

and white, £688 from frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk right:

Black beaded vintage style pendant light

£99 thefarthing.co.uk

La Redoute, Birgit Ribbed Glass Vase, £35.00

Recreate this SS17 look at www.amara.com

left:

Baroque paper plates from talkingtables.co.uk above:

Blossom tealight holder 24k gold plated,

£42 from beandliv.com right:

Large cast iron dog bowls £38.35 from melodymaison.co.uk

above:

Trick or Treat? Halloween bunting £5.99 from

gingerray.co.uk below:

Rume Chesterfield sofa in slate from rume.co.uk

Oswestry life | 15

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Enjoy a hasslefree retirement in Oswestry Ashwood’s rented apartments offer peace of mind and security to those looking to enjoy a hassle-free retirement. Exclusively for the over 55s, the restaurants, lounges and landscaped gardens offer space for relaxation and socialising.

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Oswestry life

Roger Parry & Partners

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double garage. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with large full en-suite, 2 further bedrooms both with en-suite shower rooms, 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. At this early stage of construction, the prospective buyers can have significant input into the finishes of the property. EPC: TBC

OIRO £469,000

OAKLEIGH, DOLANOG, NEAR WELSHPOOL

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

A unique and rare opportunity to purchase a truly magical 4-bedroom detached cottage with stunning countryside views which has been sympathetically extended to include an 7/8 BEDROOMS attached 1-bedroom self-contained annexe SWIMMING POOL and healing centre. The property enjoysNobold, Shrewsbury delightful landscaped gardens with attached A substantial detached, period former farmhouse set in the highly desirable hamlet of Nobold, located only minutes drive Great Ryton, Condover paddock 1.09high acres approx). from Shrewsbury town centre. The original part of the building An opportunity to acquire a brand new luxury detached family house built(set to anin extremely standard is thought to date from the 1750’s, with later extension circa with quality contemporary fittings throughout, briefly consisting: reception hall, sitting room, dining room, EPC. 1800’s. Extensive accommodation; reception hall, sitting room, study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sunAWAITING room, utility/boot room, downstairs WC and

PANDY COED, WATERFALL ROAD, LLANRHAEADR YM MOCHNANT Enjoying a delightful edge of village location, a unique opportunity to purchase Pandy Coed a most well-appointed 3-bedroom detached cottage with attractive terraced gardens and riverside paddock located opposite. Oil Fired INSPECTION HIGHLY WITH SELF-CONTAINED Central Heating, UPVC Double Glazing where RECOMMENDED SINGLE STOREY ANNEX stated, Off Road Parking Provision and Garage. Charlton, Nr Telford EPC rating F. A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey annex. Indoor

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OIRO £320,000

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EW N

Enjoying a delightful rural location with surrounding countryside views, Roger Parry & Partners are favoured with instructions to market Oakleigh a spacious 2/3 - bedroom detached bungalow with attached 1 bedroom annexe set-in just under an acre approximately of gardens and grounds. EPC rating E. Sychtyn, Llansilin

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

OIRO £295,000

An extremely spacious tastefully extended 5 bedroom executive detached house offering well planned family accommodation having the beneﬁt of: Gas Fired Central Heating, Double Glazing, Alarm system, Triple Width EXCHANGE Driveway, Attractive PART Landscaped Garden to CONSIDERED Rear. Early viewing recommended. Sheinton Road, Much Wenlock charming and unusual detached stone built cottage, EPC rating C.Aoffering a rare combination of a period property with

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

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Guide Price: £395,000

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3882

3956 Guide Price: £365,000

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

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

| Oswestry life WITH 4 ACRES & OUTBUILDINGS

3602

BRAND NEW LUXURY HOUSE Sarnau, Llanymynech

Llanwyddyn, Oswestry

Pontesbury, Shrewsbury

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

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

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

WOODHEAD sales&lettings Telephone: 01691 680044

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

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

Garthbeibio, Foel

A tree lined, gravelled driveway sweeping around the imposing triple fronted detached home which dates back to the 19th Century. The comfortable and generous living space has a sitting room, drawing room, kitchen/dining room, pantry/ larder, utility/ boot room, downstairs WC, rear porch, two en suite bedrooms, three further bedrooms and family bathroom. The gardens extend to 0.79 acres with outbuildings. No onward chain. EPC RATING F

OIRO £459,950

Beresford Gardens, Oswestry

Oerley Way, Oswestry

The spacious and impressive family home boasts four reception rooms, triple aspect sun room, kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs WC, utility/ boot room, downstairs wet room, four bedrooms, bathroom, double glazing and oil central heating. The gardens and grounds extend to approximately one acre with ample parking, integral garage and a detached double garage with solar thermal panels for electricity. EPC RATING D

OIRO £425,000

This two bedroom detached bungalow which is nestled in a sought after position of Weston Rhyn briefly comprises: two reception rooms, a kitchen, a spacious master bedroom with built in wardrobes, a further bedroom, bathroom, double glazing and gas central heating. Outside, the property has a generous driveway and paved gardens for ease of maintenance. EPC RATING D

OIRO £279,950

OIRO £200,000

• • • •

OIRO £195,000

• • • •

This property benefits from a tucked away location, yet near to the extensive village facilities of Gobowen. Internally, there is a modern kitchen/ diner, living room, wood effect flooring with under floor heating downstairs, downstairs WC, master bedroom with en suite, two further bedrooms, family bathroom, gas central heating and double glazing. Externally, the property enjoys enclosed gardens and parking. EPC RATING C

OIRO £199,950

Welsh Walls, Oswestry

3 BED FAMILY HOME EN SUITE AND FAMILY BATHROOM OFF ROAD PARKING EPC RATING E

OIRO £315,000

St Martins Road, Gobowen

Holmelea, Weston Rhyn

This three bedroom character townhouse which was formally a Girls High School is situated in a sought after development close to the town centre and has recently has a new boiler fitted and externally the property has been redecorated. Briefly comprising: living room, dining hall, kitchen/diner, utility room, three bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside there is a garden and two allocated parking spaces. EPC RATING D

Holyhead Road, Chirk

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

Regents Court, Oswestry

3 BED HOUSE NO CHAIN TOWN CENTRE LOCATION GARAGE

• • • •

OIRO £190,000

1 BED FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT ALLOCATED PARKING CLOSE TO TOWN CENTRE EPC RATING C

OIRO £115,950

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

What our clients say - “You dealt with our enquiries in an efficient and professional manner. We are more than pleased with how the sale went through and the price we received. Many thanks"

Melverley, Shropshire 7 bedrooms, all en-suite.

£495,000 EPC = C

Racecourse, Oswestry 3 bedrooms. Fine views.

£365,000 EPC = F

Llanymynech, Powys £315,000 4 bedrooms, 1 en-suite, garage attractive screened gardens. EPC = D What our clients say - “We cannot fault the service we have had from you and your team at MMP and we would highly recommend your services to anyone thinking of buying or selling a property"

Llansantffraid, Powys £189,950 3 bedrooms. Grade II Listed rear garden. EPC = N/A

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

Maximise your living space Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for a replacement roof on an existing conservatory or a newly installed garden room or home extension.

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

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

| Oswestry life

Oswestry-based company’s transformation in Belle Vue Architect Craig Marston of Ke-Design has helped to transform this tired semi-detached in Shrewsbury’s Belle Vue into a stunning home fit for all the family. “The property had been empty for over 10 years,” said Craig, whose clients were a family of four, that included twin toddlers. “The property required total renovation. Originally the family wanted a modern single storey extension to the rear for an open plan kitchen/dining room, plus a large utility room. I was able to provide this option alongside a two-

for the family and they would benefit from an additional master bedroom with ensuite, which would also add value to the property.” After opting for the double height extension to expand their upstairs living space too, the couple wanted to keep as many traditional features as possible, especially the metal-frame French doors. Other elements of the original property are exposed throughout the new design. While the front may look like the rest of the houses in the street, the rear is a hidden gem. The modern extension with its bi-fold doors and roof lantern not only makes an impact outside, the inside is transformed with light and space. Craig adds: “The design works well as the open plan kitchen/diner becomes a sociable space and when the bi-fold doors are open the division between inside and outside is removed.” The project has worked so well, the family’s neighbours have appointed Ke-Design for the same extension.

Oswestry life | 23

Park homes for the over 50s retired and semi retired

PRICES

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

| Oswestry life

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER? SPECIAL OFFER

HAVE YOUR BOILER REPLACED TODAY *PRICE SUBJECT TO SITE VISIT AND BOILER TYPE

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

10% 26 | Oswestry life

Former Smithy dates back to 1410

Property

The chance to own a truly unique grade two listed former smithy dating back to 1410 is available in the village of Llanyblodwel.

Renovation on the Racecourse An individual house overlooking countryside views on the Racecourse in Oswestry is for sale. The property has three ground ﬂoor reception rooms, cloakroom and ﬁtted kitchen. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, bathroom and separate toilet. The property offers scope for improvement and modernisation. Derwent Ucha is on the market for £365,000 with Morris Marshall & Poole. Visit www.morrismarshall.co.uk or call 01691 679595

The detached cottage is in the heart of the village on the banks of the river. There is a lounge/diner, gallery, sitting room, bathroom, galley kitchen, pantry and sunroom on the ground floor, with two bedrooms on the first floor. Outside, the gardens and patio look onto the river bank. The Cottage is on the market for £299,995 with Richmond Harvey. Visit www.richmondharvey.com or call 01691 654222.

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

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| Oswestry life

Oswestry life | 29

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Secret Agent Kate Howell of Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings in the centre of town is our ‘secret agent’, lifting the lid on the local property world. An estate agent shouldn’t cost you a penny. You read that correctly. An estate agent should make you money and I’ll explain why. When you agree to an estate agent’s fees, you are buying their expertise to sell your house quickly and for the price you want to achieve or more! For that to happen, you should follow their advice and fully prepare to go on the market and sell.

Presentation

Make your house sparkle; whether it’s a two-bed terrace or a six-bed mansion. Keep it clean, mow the lawn, cut the hedges, paint the walls and replace damaged ﬂooring. It’s basic advice and it’s low cost stuff which could save you time sitting on the market waiting for a buyer.

Work with professionals

Some sales are taking up to four months to complete due to the return of long chains. Lenders are also causing delays, due to increased regulations. To try and combat this I’m advising sellers to choose who they work with wisely: solicitors, ﬁnancial advisers and estate agents should all work together for you.

Be prepared

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| Oswestry life

TO F

35 UP % TO OF F

www.banburywindows.co.uk

Banbury have been

Do a health check on your ﬁnances. Can you afford to move? A little caution early on could save a lot of heartache further down the line. Make sure your household paperwork is up-to-date too: Boiler service history, planning permissions for extensions, double glazing and fuel burner certiﬁcates and specialist reports for damp, timber or roof conditions if needed. These are the things that threaten to hold up your sale once it has been agreed. I’m pleased to report that the local property market is VE UP SA performing well. Strong employment and low interest rates means growth has been much better than 45% TO expected. ” “A ON As an TE agency Dwe’re preparing on all levels for a busy RA autumn period, with a professional team in place, S and a dedicated sales chaser. Wvaluers INDOthree Wincluding Our auction arm is strong and we’re planning another two London exhibitions before the end of the year. If you’d like further information and advice on selling your home, call Kate on 01691 680044.

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20 | It’s beautiful ghf293_17b02_240x168_v1.indd 1

10/09/2017 12:00

START SAVING on your energy bills today! Are your water costs expensive? Is your water quality poor? Does your water supply run out during the summer months? Do you own a farm or somewhere with a high water demand? Do you have low water pressure? If the answer is yes to one or more of these questions then call us on 01824 707 777 or visit www. dragondrilling.co.uk to find out how we can solve your water problems and save you money GROUND SOURCE HEATING

Heating systems for both commercial and domestic properties. Heat your own property with renewable energy from the ground and ALSO RECEIVE PAYMENTS FROM THE RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE WATER BOREHOLES

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VISIT OUR ON SITE OR ONLINE RETAIL STORE FOR PIPES, SUPPLIES AND FITTINGS DRAGON DRILLING, GRAIG LELO WORKS, BRYN SAITH MARCHOG, CORWEN, DENBIGHSHIRE, LL21 9SD EMAIL: ADMIN@DRAGONDRILLING.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01824 707 777 WWW.DRAGONDRILLING.CO.UK

| Oswestry life

Gardening

In search of ‘Berried’ treasure

Berry-bearing trees and shrubs come into their own in autumn, creating colourful displays that can last well into winter. From elder berries to rose hips, crab apples to firethorns, the addition of berrying plants adds to a new dimension to any garden. Berrying plants also provide home grown food for hungry birds and wildlife too, enhancing their appeal and value to any garden. Evergreen shrubs provide structure and form to the garden throughout the year, but many produce early displays of flowers followed by autumn berries. Once of the best compact shrubs for borders or patio pots is a Skimmia with a mouthful of a name, Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana. Don’t let this put you off as its displays of bright red berries are second to none! Also check out the compact and spreading Viburnum davidii, a hardy shrub with distinctly veined evergreen foliage that produces the most unusual metallic-looking blue-black berries. It really is quite a talking point.

Firethorn with red berries (Pyracantha) PHOTO: Adam Pasco Media

in pink, red or pure white. Combined with pansies and violas, trailing ivy, heather, carex or skimmia your pots will put on a display that lasts for months. Trained against walls and fences, firethorn is a valuable evergreen shrub. Its thorny stems make it a great choice for producing secure garden boundaries, but don’t let the spines put you off buying Pyracantha. They provide valuable nesting sites for birds, flowers that attract bees, and red, orange or yellow berries to feed birds into winter.

With such a rich and diverse range of plants to choose #3836-Oswestry-148x108-F2-V1-V3-T1-B1-P1-13sept17.pdf 15/09/2017 from it 3really is possible 11:13 to fill your borders with berried To create seasonal pots for autumn colour include a treasure this autumn! small Gaultheria mucronata carrying brilliant berries

Oswestry life | 33

E X T R A O R D I N A RY E D U C AT I O N

SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 10.00am - 12.30pm

S E N I O R S C H O O L TA S T E R D AY, Y E A R S 5 & 6 SATURDAY 7th OCTOBER 9:00am - 3:00pm

P R E PA R ATO RY S C H O O L O P E N M O R N I N G FRIDAY 17th NOVEMBER 9.00am - 11.30am

www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk/admissions 34

| Oswestry life

Education

NSC family fun day raises funds for local charities

North Shropshire College (NSC) held its third family fun day at the Oswestry campus in conjunction with Shropshire FA Under-8s and Under-10s football tournaments. The money raised on the day was given to two local charities; Hope House and Severn Hospice. The day was a great success, with a wide variety of different attractions including a tombola, fresh food cooked in the Scholars restaurant, live music from musician Mark Jones and a star appearance from Paralympian Nick Beighton. Lucy Evans, marketing and customer service manager at NSC comments: “We would like to thank everyone who came to the family fun day and helped the college to raise the money for two great causes. We are also delighted to announce that £740 was raised in total, split equally between Hope house and Severn Hospice.” Lynsey Kilvert, Area Fundraiser for Hope House and Mike Perry, Community Fundraising Advisor for Severn

From left, Lynsey Kilvert, area fundraiser for Hope House, event organisers: Vicky Brayne, Chloe Edwards and Bekki Fardoe, Mike Perry

Hospice were joined by the NSC Family Fun Day Event Organisers, Vicky Brayne, Chloe Edwards, Bekki Fardoe and Lucy Evans to present both charities with their cheques.

AUTUMN OPEN EVENTS

WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE YOUR CHOICE FOR SEPTEMBER 2018 Tour the facilities, meet our tutors and choose the right course for you! Oswestry Campus Wed 18th October 5pm-8pm Walford Campus, near Baschurch Sat 14th October 10am-2pm

Shipley Campus Sat 7th October 10am-2pm Aspire Centre, Burford Thu 19th October 3.30pm-7pm

01691 688 000 WWW.NSC.AC.UK Oswestry life | 35

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

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

Looking for the best independent education? With outstanding GCSE and A Level results, there is only one choice.

School Open Day

Saturday 7th October, 11am - 3pm

Year 3 Open Day Saturday 11th November, 10am-1.30pm To arrange a guided tour or to learn about one of our open events please contact Mrs Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar tel 01902 422939 or email jam@wgs-sch.net “This is a remarkable school. The atmosphere we encountered as we walked round with a succession of delightful guides was smilingly friendly. There is a real feeling of happiness.” The Good Schools Guide

| Oswestry life

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

Please come and meet us and experience our wonderful school

Offering quality learning and care for children 3-11 years

OPEN EVENT: Thursday 12th October 2017 5.30pm - 7.00pm A good school with outstanding features “where pupils’ behaviour and their attitudes to learning are exemplary” – Ofsted 2015

01691 652446

• Quality teaching and learning

• Breakfast club

• A high class learning environment

• Holiday care

• Recently refurbished outstanding Early Years provision

www.woodsideschool.co.uk Gittin Street, Oswestry SY11 1DT

• After school care • Extensive additional learning opportunities for all children

Achievement through caring

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

Sixth Form Open Evening 19th October 18.00 - 19.30

Specialist subject teachers

Every day is an Open Day!

Extra-curricular activities SEN support

Transport available from surrounding areas

T: 01691 664400 W: www.marchesschool.co.uk E: admin@marchesschool.net The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY112AR Oswestry life

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

Open Day - Saturday 30th September Independent Boarding and Day School - Girls 3-18, Boys 3-11 Moreton Hall, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EW www.moretonhall.org/Open-Day

| Oswestry life

01691 773671

Moreton Hall – where girls matter… Sport for each and for every girl; this is the philosophy at Moreton Hall, Oswestry. The approach to sport is all about the individual. A totally bespoke approach; from carefully managed programmes for aspiring elite athletes, to the overall enjoyment of sport for a student’s physical and mental wellbeing. It is a school that has been on the sporting map for a long time, due to their continued success at Lacrosse on a National and International level, with students playing for England and Wales. This passion and dedication to Lacrosse has expanded across the whole sporting field. Sporting success is not just about elite achievements, but the benefit of physical education being part of your everyday life at school - and when you leave. How sport is approached at Moreton, exemplifies how they value each and every girl, whatever their capability and ensure that they are engaging in sport relevant for their ability and potential. In an environment such as Moreton provides, no student is lost - they are encouraged and developed at the rate that works for them. The impressive inaugural Lacrosse Invitational

Tournament held in September highlights this. Over 20 schools, clubs and colleges took part in the ‘non-competitive’ event, which aimed to provide students and coaches with an opportunity to develop their teams and test out new squads for the forthcoming season. Both Moreton Hall’s U15 and U18 squads ﬁnished the day unbeaten, enjoying the thrill of playing on their home pitches at such a busy tournament against new rivals. Other exciting new initiatives include the ‘Elite Sports Scholarship Programme’, the ‘Dedicated Athlete Programme’ and the upcoming Sports Tours to Prague, San Francisco and California. Alison McDonald, Director of Sport at Moreton Hall explains: “This is an exciting phase for the development of sport at Moreton Hall as we are building programmes to ensure that the students that have a passion for all things sport, understand what they need to do to achieve their goals. At the same time - we emphasise the value of health, well-being and physical activity for everyone. Our aim is make sure that we focus on the individual in everything - and deliver on our senior school mantra that ‘every girl matters’ and in the case of our junior school - Moreton First, every boy too!”

Oswestry life

Six of the Best

Booty call Give cold weather the boot this autumn with a selection of our favourite high street ankle boots. Treat your feet and choose from smart patent Chelsea boots, go-anywhere metallic boots and edgy velvet sock boots. Put your best foot forward in flat boots for comfort or high boots for high style that are guaranteed to elevate any outfit.

1. Black check printed block heel sock boot, £55 from River Island 2. Quiz pewter boot, £99 from dunelondon.com

3. Black kitten heel pointed boot from New Look 4. Leigh metal tipped pointed Chelsea boot, £30 from V by Very 5. Valerie velvet sock boot, £69 from Monsoon 6. Navy zip boot, £69 from Faith at Debenhams

40 | Oswestry life

Advertisement feature

Jane Millington, owner and head practitioner at Body and Face Options clinic in Maesbury Marsh, tells us all about one of the amazing new machine that will soon be available at her clinic from mid October This Non-surgical lifting programme has become one of the most sought after treatments and HIFU is the latest nonsurgical technology to excel in this area in just one single session! It targets individually brow lifting, jowl line lifting, nasolabial fold reduction, periorbital wrinkle reduction and overall muscle and skin tightening rejuvenation. The highly focused acoustic energy creates thermal coagulation zones at 3 different selected depths, following which a wound healing response results in the formation of new collagen thus providing a longer term tightening of the skin and muscle revolution in non surgical face lifting treatment. The technology is unique in its ability to penetrate the dermis and the superďŹ cial muscular aponeurotic system ( SMAS) layer, which is deeper than all other non invasive facial treatments. SMAS is the same layer which is tightened during conventional face lift surgery. Unlike surgery HIFU is more affordable and requires no time off work.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE IMPROVED WITH HIFU FACE? This treatment is fantastic for overall skin tightening and rejuvenation as well as brow lifting, jowl line lifting, nasolabial fold reduction, and periorbital wrinkle reduction.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE RECOMMENDED? One single treatment is recommended and then a maintenance treatment is advised every 12 months.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM THIS TREATMENT? Generally a noticeable improvement in your facial contouring and ďŹ ne lines and wrinkles will be visible within a 4 week period whilst further improvement in facial skin tightening and wrinkles will be reportedly seen up to 6 weeks post treatment.

CAN I COMBINE HIFU FACE WITH OTHER TREATMENTS? HIFU Face is a standalone treatment.

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING TREATMENT? During treatment, the HIFU face hand piece is placed on the skin and held in one area at a time. You will experience a slight vibration and warmth whilst the energy is being penetrated. The handpiece will then be placed on the next area of treatment. This treatment may feel slightly uncomfortable around the jaw line but generally this treatment is pain free. All treatments are subject to an in depth medical consultation. Contact the clinic on 01691 680070 for an appointment www.bodyandfaceoptions.co.uk Oswestry life |

In to the depths of Autumn we now go coat shopping, hurrah! This month we’re feeling an 80s vibe with the blazers in the shops. The biggest trend on the catwalk has been belted duster coats with generous length, which is great for all shapes and sizes. And be brave, add a belt where there wasn’t one, this will look great with an oversized coat! If you like the country feel, plaid is in, otherwise opt for shades of grey, autumnal colours and texture. If you prefer a shorter cut, deﬁnitely try the suit/uniform style that’s ebbing it’s way in – a great look with jeans or a dress anytime. Here are our favourites.

| Oswestry life

This page: Coat £169, top £39 both Linea, camisole £39 Label Lab, skirt £42 Mink Pink, House of Fraser, www.houseoffraser.co.uk Facing page L-R: Coat £30, jacket £20, trousers £13, shoes £12, socks £2 from Primark; Red Herring beige Heritage check coat, £75.00 from Debenhams, www.debenhams.com; Autograph coat £119, jumper £29.50, trousers £49.50 bag £99, boots £79 from M&S, www.marksandspencer.com

CAN I TAKE YOUR COAT?

Grey marl oversized coat, £29.99 from TK Maxx, www.tkmaxx.com

F&F pink check Crombie coat, £39.00 from Tesco, www.tesco.com

Autograph Coat, £99.00 from M&S, www.marksandspencer.com

Blazer, £75.00 from River Island, www.riverisland.com

Double breasted check blazer, £38.00 from Dorothy Perkins, www.dorothyperkins.com

Star by Julien Macdonald, £75.00 from Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

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

Oswestry life | 43

Wedding album 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

Above: Shelley and Phil Morris were married on 9 August at St John the Baptist Church, Maesbury. The reception was held at Bromwich Park Farm near Oswestry and the couple enjoyed their honeymoon on a cruise.

Above: Charlotte Barnes from Oswestry married Luke Smith also from Oswestry on 19 August at St Martins Church. The reception was held at Sweeney Hall Hotel. PHOTO: courtesy of Mick Knox Photography.

Right: Darren Langston and Amanda Jones of Oswestry were married on 2 September at St Michael’s Church, Llanyblodwell. The wedding reception was held in Llanyblodwell village hall. The couple are honeymooning in Las Vegas and Yellowstone National Park.

Full day wedding photography, from bride preps, through to ﬁrst dance, just £695. Unlimited pictures taken, all images fully edited and presented on usb stick with full printing rights.

Tel: 07800 547 297

email: timmitchell.photo@gmail.com www.timmitchellphotography.com 44

| Oswestry life

Agnolotti of smoked potato and onion (from La Dolce Vita, Shrewsbury in The Shropshire Cook Book)

Although made with three ‘poor man’s’ ingredients this deceptively simple dish can be very luxurious when made with smoked potatoes. Over the years La Dolce Vita have had several variations of this recipe on their menu, but this one is a firm family favourite Preparation time: 60 minutes | Cooking time: 5-10 minutes | Serves 4-6

Ingredients For the pasta: 200g OO flour 2 whole eggs, large 25ml olive oil

For the filling: 500g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into even pieces Hickory wood chips (for stove top smokers) Salt, a pinch 50g butter, unsalted 200g onions, diced 20ml olive oil 1 sprig of thyme

For the onion petals: 1 medium white onion, peeled 20ml olive oil

For the pickled red onion: 300ml water 200g sugar 100g white wine vinegar 1 star anise 1 medium red onion, peeled, cut into quarter and separated into petals

For the chive oil: 1 bunch of chives 400ml olive oil

For the liquorice sauce:

Method

To make the pasta Sift the flour through a sieve into a mound and create a well in the centre. Mixing the eggs with the oil, pour into the well and then slowly mix together until a dough forms. Knead for about ten minutes into a tight ball. Wrap this in cling film and rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

To make the filling Placing the potatoes in a pan three-quarters filled with cold water, add a pinch of salt and then bring to the boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender. Drain before lightly smoking the potatoes over the hickory chips in a stove top smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The longer they’re smoked, the more intense the flavour, so cook according to taste. Then cream the potato, beating in the butter to form a smooth mash before putting to one side. Place the diced onion, oil and thyme into a frying pan and sweat gently until the onion is translucent. Add the mashed potato, blend evenly, and season to taste, before placing the filling in a piping bag. Returning to the dough, roll it out until it’s thin enough to see your fingers through it – either through a pasta machine or using a lightly-floured surface. Then, pipe a tube of filling across the pasta sheet, pull the top edge of the pasta over the filling and press lightly to seal. Starting at one end of the parcel, pinch the filling at 2cm intervals to create little parcels and then cut with a pastry wheel to create individual Agnolotti. Put to one side.

To make the onion petals, pickled red onion, chive oil, and liquorice sauce Blanch the peeled medium white onion in boiling water for 2 minutes then place into iced water to stop the cooking. Drain and cut the onion in half and then place sliced side down in a pan with the oil over a high heat, allowing it to caramelize before separating into individual petals. Place water, sugar, vinegar and star anise in a pan before bringing to the boil and then pouring over the red onion petals. Place the chives and oil into a blender and blend on full power for 5 minutes or until the oil turns green. Strain through a fine sieve.

1 shallot, diced Garlic, 1 clove, minced 25g butter, unsalted 300ml vegetable stock ½ stick liquorice root 200ml double cream

Add the chopped shallot and garlic to a pan, lightly sweat in the remaining butter before adding the stock and bringing to the boil. Then, add the liquorice stick, infuse for ten minutes before straining and returning to the heat. Adding the cream, bring to a rolling boil, and reduce by roughly one-third. Add seasoning to taste.

To serve:

Cook the Agnolotti in salted boiling water for 3 minutes before draining and lightly glazing with the remaining melted butter. Place in a bowl and garnish with the charred and pickled onion petals, before finishing with the sunflower seeds, petals, and a drizzle of chive oil. Serve immediately.

50g sunflower seeds, caramelised Sunflower petals, a handful Chive oil, a drizzle

To serve:

Oswestry life | 45

A warm welcome at Hayes Barn this Christmas Christmas Street Food Menu 2017

MEAT

VEGETARIAN

SMOKED AND POACHED PEAR, FETA, FENNEL AND SALMON, CUCUMBER, DILL ORANGE SALAD AND SOUR CREAM SMOKEY AUBERGINE AND PULLED TURKEY, BRIE, BEAN TAGINE CRANBERRY AND FLATBREAD MUSHROOM & CHESTNUT PIE HAM HOCK AND ROOT PARSNIP, SPROUT AND VEGETABLE PIE CARROT FRITTERS SAUSAGE MEATBALLS WITH ORANGE AND SAGE CHRISTMAS CORONATION MINI GARLIC AND ROSEMARY SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES, ROAST POTATOES ALMONDS AND SPROUTS

PLUS DESSERTS ALL FOR £25

www.hayesbarn.co.uk

In-keeping with the Hayes Barn style, the venue is offering ‘Christmas With A Twist’. The British street food menu takes a seasonal turn for the month of December. All dietary requirements are catered for in the 12-course, tapas-style menus. That’s right- you pay £25 and get everything on either the meat, or vegetarian menu! It’s perfect for intimate dinners, group bookings and Christmas celebrations, all in the gorgeous Hayes Barn setting Some of the delights you can expect on the Christmas menu include: Pulled turkey, Brie, cranberry and flatbread; Ham hock and root vegetable pie; Sausage meat balls with orange and sage; Pear, feta, fennel and orange salad; Smokey aubergine and bean tagine; Mushroom and chestnut pie; Pistachio and chocolate profiterole; Mince pie mess Get in touch to secure your table near the log fire hayesbarn@yahoo.com. 07934 089 185

Festive fun at Townhouse Townhouse Oswestry celebrates Christmas from 1 to 31 December. The popular Tipi at the Townhouse Christmas parties run Thursdays to Saturdays and can cater for up to 100 guests, with exclusive hire available. Cost is £42 per person and includes mulled wine on arrival, a threecourse menu, coffee and mince pies, a private bar and entertainment. Dinner includes a choice of starters, a mains sharing platter of turkey, salmon and sirloin and a choice of white and dark chocolate mousse, Christmas pudding or iced lemon and lime parfait for dessert. The restaurant and tipis are open for two or three course festive set dinner throughout December, with two courses starting from £24.95 (Monday to Wednesday) and three courses from £29.95. There will also be set lunch menus in December, with a two-course lunch costing £14.95. A festive afternoon tea can also be enjoyed throughout December for £14.95.

| Oswestry life

~ Desserts ~

Brooks offer great food, wine and company this Christmas Enjoy Christmas celebrations at Brooks Around The Corner this year as the team prepare to treat your taste buds with a delicious variety of the best local food around. Brooks is a family run restaurant situated in the centre of historic Oswestry on Church Street. Food is cooked fresh to order and the best ingredients are sourced from local suppliers. Christmas party menus are available in the evenings from £26.99 and lunch times from £19.99 per person. They include a three-course meal with a choice of starters like sweet and sour chicken goujons and creamy garlic mushrooms tartlet. There are ﬁve main courses to choose from, including turkey, pork, sea bass and duo of tarts. Main courses are served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and cauliﬂower and broccoli bake. Delicious desserts include Christmas pudding, chocolate brownie and white chocolate and raspberry parfait.

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce & Mixed Berry Compote* Chocolate Brownie with White Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Duo of Banoffi & Berry Eton Mess served with Vanil a Ice Cream* Salted Caramel & Chocolate Cheesecake Great food, great wine, great company! greatSauce company! StickyGreat Toffeefood, Puddinggreat withwine, Butter Scotch & Vanil a Ice Cream White Chocolate & Raspberry Parfait ~Starters with a Granola Crust & Chambord Couli~~s* ~Starters *Can be adapted to cater for coeliac and other dietary requirements when pre-ordering *Can be adapted to cater for coeliac and other and upon arrival ~ Many Thanks* dietary requirements when pre-ordering Honey and upon arrival Roast ~ Many Parsnip Thanks* Soup

with Parsnip Crisps * Chicken Liver & ContreauHoney Pate with warm Toasts, Salad & Spiced Roast Parsnip Soup with ParsnipChutney* Crisps * Creamy Garlic Mushrooms Tartlet with Stilton Crumb onSalad a bed&ofSpiced dressed leaves* Chicken Liver & Contreau Pateawith warm Toasts, Chutney* & Parmesan Creamy Garlic Mushrooms TartletChilli with Prawns, a Stilton Parma CrumbHam on a bed of dressed Salad leaves** Sweet & Sour Chicken Goujons Tempura ChickenParma Goujons stacked with water cress,* Chilli Prawns, Ham & Parmesan Salad sliced sweet pepper, red onion & cherry tomatoes, with our homemade sweet & sour Sweet & Sour Chicken Goujons Tempura Chicken Goujons stacked with water sauce cress, Roast Pesto & Mozzarella Puff Pastry Parcels on a sliced sweet pepper, redVegetable, onion & cherry tomatoes, with our homemade sweet &served sour sauce bed of dressed leaves Roast Vegetable, Pesto & Mozzarella Puff Pastry Parcelsmixed served on a bed of dressed mixed leaves

Please Note

PARTY MENU AVAILABLE  Lunch times~~ Mains  ~~ Mains

Turkey Breast, Pigs in Blankets A non-refundable deposit of £10 per person served with Apple & Cranberry Stuffing & Gravy* Turkey Breast, Pigs in Blankets Fresh&Pan Fried fillet of Sea Bass served withAApple Cranberry Stuffing & Gravy* must be sent in within 7 days from theserved date ofwith crushed New Potatoes, Prawnsfillet & Citrus Butter* A Fresh King Pan Fried of Sea Bass Roast Pork Belly stuffedKing with Prawns Honey Roast VegButter* served with crushed New Potatoes, & Citrus your booking to secure places. Pleaseserved returnSlow pre with a Pork and CiderRoast Jus & Veg Crackling* Slow Roast Pork Belly stuffed with Honey served of Tarts: - Spinach, caramelised Goats Cheese & -orders on the order form provided withDuo the Tuscan with a Pork andOnion Cider&Jus & Crackling* Roast Vegetables & Mozzarella with Salad* Duo of Tarts: - Spinach, caramelised Onionserved & Goats Cheese & Chicken Breast stuffed with Sun Dried Tomatoes Mozzarella balance of your payment by 1st December 2017 Tuscan Roast Vegetables & Mozzarella served&with Salad* wrapped in Parma Ham with Tomatoes a Chicken & Jus* Chicken Breast stuffed withserved Sun Dried & Thyme Mozzarella Open every day throughout December or in the event of your booking is made afterwrapped in Parma Ham served with a Chicken & Thyme Jus* Desserts ~ the 1st December, 5 days prioChristmas r to your Pudding with Booking essential - party~~Chunk booki nCompote* gs only ~ Desserts Brandy Sauce & Mixed Berry Chocolate Brownie with White Chocolate Ice Cream Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce & Mixed Berry Compote* booking. Sorry - we are unabl e to takeBanoffi & Berry Duo of Chocolate Eton Mess served with Vanilla Brownie with White Chocolate ChunkIce IceCream* Cream Caramel & Chocolate of Banoffi & Berry Salted Eton Mess served with VanillaCheesecake Ice Cream* credit card payments overSticky theDuo telephone. Toffee Pudding with Butter Scotch & Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream Salted Caramel Chocolate Cheesecake White Scotch Chocolate && Raspberry Cheques are to be made payabl e to ‘BToffee rooks’. Pudding withwith Sticky Butter Sauce Vanilla IceParfait Cream a Granola Crust&&Raspberry Chambord Parfait Coulis* White Chocolate BACS/Bank Transfer: with a Granola Crust & Chambord Coulis* PARTY MENU AVAILABLE BrooksPlease Around TheNote Corner Ltd PARTY MENUtimes AVAILABLE  Lunch  PleaseAccount NoteNo: 53640167 Sort Code: 20-77-85 Monday Lunch-times Sunday £19.99 per head - 3 Courses Monday - Sunday Ref: Name & Date of Booking Open everyper day head throughout December £19.99 - 3 Courses All main courses are served with AllRoast main Potatoes, courses are served with seasonal Vegetables, Roast&Potatoes, Cauliflower Broccoli Bake. seasonal Vegetables, Cauliflower & Broccoli Bake.

A non-refundable deposit of £10 per person must be sent in within 7 days from the date of A non-refundable deposit of £10 perreturn personpre your booking to secure places. Please must be sent in order withinform 7 days from the date -orders on the provided with theof your booking to secure places. return pre balance of your payment by 1stPlease December 2017 -orders the order form provided withafter the or in theon event of your booking is made balance payment by 1stprior December the of 1styour December, 5 days to your2017 or booking. in the event of your is made after Sorry - webooking are unable to take the 1st December, daysthe prior to your credit card payments5 over telephone. booking. Sorry - we are unable take Cheques are to be made payable toto ‘Brooks’. credit cardBACS/Bank payments over the telephone. Transfer: ChequesBrooks are toAround be made payable ‘Brooks’. The CornertoLtd BACS/Bank Transfer: Sort Code: 20-77-85 Account No: 53640167 Brooks Around Theof Corner Ltd Ref: Name & Date Booking Sort Code: 20-77-85 Account No: 53640167 Ref: Name & Date of Booking

69 Church Street ~ Oswestry ~ SY11 2SZ

Tel: 01691 654742

69 Church Street ~ Oswestry ~ SY11 2SZ 69 Church Street ~ Oswestry ~ SY11 2SZ

Tel: 01691 654742 Tel: 01691 654742

Monday - Sunday £19.99 per head - 3 Courses  Evenings  Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs £26.99 per head FridayEvenings & Saturday Evenings £29.99 per head

Booking essential - party bookings only Open every day throughout December Booking essential - party bookings  only

 Mon,Tues, Wed & Thurs per head Mon,£26.99 Tues, Wed & Thurs Friday & per Saturday £26.99 head £29.99 head Friday & per Saturday £29.99 per head www.brooksinoswestry.co.uk

www.brooksinoswestry.co.uk

The Venue for your Christmas party Christmas is fast approaching and The Venue can cater for a party needs thanks to its flexible dining options. For 2017 the Christmas Party night is on Saturday 16 December and will include a three course Christmas meal, crackers, disco and more fun. There are also Christmas bowling parties which include three course meal, crackers and two games of festive bowling. The cost is £25 per person, but there’s an early bird discount for booking and payment before 31 October with a discount of £5 per person. The Christmas menu includes three delicious options for each course. To start: honey and parsnip soup, smoked haddock fishcakes or duck liver and candied orange pate. For mains: turkey, salmon or quinoa, walnut and parsnip loaf and a choice of three desserts, including: classic Christmas pudding, chocolate truffle torte or toffee and honeycomb cheesecake.

Celebrate Christmas with us at The Venue Have your Christmas Party with us this Christmas.Or if you would prefer a fun filled night of Bowling look no further! The Christmas party night will include a 3 course meal, crackers and a disco or a Christmas bowling party will include a 3 course meal and two games of bowling.

Oswestry life

It’s all happening at The Sweeney this

Christmas...

Festive Lunches Afternoon Teas Boxing Day New Year’s Party Nights 01691 652450 / sweeneyhall.co.uk Nr Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 9EU

Celebrate Christmas at Serving Tandoori and Balti dishes in Oswestry since 1976 The perfect blend of traditional Indian cooking served with Shropshire hospitality

T: 01691 659880 / 653818 E: dine@simla-oswestry.co.uk Simla Tandoori Restaurant, 44 Beatrice Street, Oswestry SY11 1QG 48

| Oswestry life

OPENING TIMES Sunday to Thursday – 5:30 to 11pm Friday to Saturday – 5:30 til midnight

A sparkling Christmas at Sweeney Hall Sweeney Hall is a boutique country house hotel and restaurant just outside Oswestry, set back from the A483. It boasts sweeping views of the stunning countryside and is the perfect location for a romantic weekend away for two through to a full-blown Christmas party. The venue extends a warm welcome to all guests – everything you would expect from a privately owned and run hotel, coupled with the contemporary style you would expect from a boutique hotel set in a country house. The bar is a particular feature, providing a cosy place to relax away from the main eating or party areas and an excellent selection of gins to choose from. Dining at Sweeney Hall promises to be an amazing experience for all its guests with the restaurant serving only the best ingredients chosen form local producers and suppliers in Shropshire and surrounding counties. The kitchen is led by head chef Tom Roberts, who had been at Sweeney Hall since 2003.

Simla serve Christmas with a bit of spice Situated in the heart of Oswestry, the Simla Tandoori restaurant is one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Shropshire. It provides the perfect blend of traditional Indian cooking, served with Shropshire hospitality. With over three decades of culinary excellence, this family owned business had created mouth-watering Indian dishes that replicate the high-quality cuisine enjoyed by the army ofﬁcers at the Old Hill Station on North West India during the British Raj, from which the restaurant draws its name. The vast menu is available for diners who want to celebrate Christmas with a bit of spice this year, with dishes including Koroi Kebab Khyberi – a speciality of the Khyber with diced chicken cooked in Khyberi sauces with tomatoes and capsicum and Chicken Tikka Bahar – mango chutney and garlic in a mild sweet sauce. A warm welcome is always guaranteed from George and his team at Simla.

Bailey Head The Bailey Head’s food is different to what most pubs offer. You won’t find chips, roast dinners or a kid’s menu, though there is plenty of great food for children. The all year-round menu offers a selection of local produce to go with the 70+ beers, 45+ gins, rums, whiskies, wines and extensive soft drinks. The food is Welsh and Shropshire cheese boards, antipasti, ploughman’s lunches, Radford’s pork pies, Auntie Mo’s Scotch eggs, local venison casserole and a hot vegan soup or casserole. With a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence you are assured the beat quality at a very reasonable price, all year round, not just at Christmas.

TheBaileyHead

@TheBaileyHead

●Award winning family owned Freehouse ●Real Ale ●Real Cider ●Extensive Craft Beer, Gin and soft drink menus ●Shropshire and Welsh Cheeseboards

TheBaileyHead

baileyhead.co.uk

●Ploughmans Lunches ●Welsh and Shropshire Antipasti ●Radford’s Pork Pies ●Aunty Mo’s Scotch Eggs ●Dog Friendly

Christmas with a view at The Station Grill The Station Grill are now taking bookings for Christmas parties and is the perfect venue to celebrate this festive season with family, friends and work colleagues. Located in Llansantffraid, Powys, the recently refurbished bar and restaurant is owned and run by Paul and Julie Gibson. Open from 12 noon seven days a week, fresh homemade dishes are served from locally Welsh-sourced ingredients. The light and airy restaurant and outside patio allow diners to enjoy the stunning views of the Powys countryside.

Christmas Parties !

1 Course - £15.95 2 Courses - £19.95 3 Courses - £23.95

G IN IAL OK NT BO SE ES IS

Prices for Christmas parties start at just £15.95 per person for one course and £23.95 for three courses. Starters include roasted belly pork, homemade breaded brie and duck, orange and Cointreau pate. There is a choice of three main dishes; roast turkey, grilled sea trout and butternut squash, amaretto and goats cheese risotto. The choice of delicious desserts includes: traditional Christmas pudding, homemade triple chocolate roulade baileys and white chocolate cheesecake.

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR

The Station Grill, Llansantffraid, Powys SY22 6AD Telephone 01691 828478 • Web www.thestationgrill.co.uk Oswestry life | 49

WHITTINGTON CASTLE

GHOST TOURS 6.30pm-9.30pm

Tuesday 24 until Saturday 28 of October Tickets adult £4 child £3 excluding Friday 27th book launch night when they will be £7

PRE BOOKING ESSENTIAL

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

Dance Showcase 21st October 9am -2pm on the Bailey Head

MOBILE DOG MOBILE DOG GROOMING GROOMING

Apple Day

14th October 9am until 2pm This established annual event celebrates the apple and healthy eating with lots of interesting varieties of apples and advice on growing by the local orchard group CROP

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

SHROPSHIRE PRODUCE MARKET

Halloween Market

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

Tel: 01691 680222 50

| Oswestry life

DAINTY DAINTY PAWS PAWS

ARTISAN MARKET

28th October 9am -2pm on the Bailey Head Face painting, ghost hunts, prizes, family games etc at the market place

@OswestryTC

01691 662500

07762 07762 278 533 278 533

Full dog grooming services, including facial, Full nail dogtrims, grooming services, clipping, eyesincluding and earsfacial, nail trims, clipping, eyes and ears

Out&about Mon-Sat until 4 November

AUTUMN OPEN EXHIBITION Willow Gallery, Oswestry The exhibition showcases a variety of media and styles, including paintings by acclaimed portrait artist Daniel James Yeomans; Free admission; 9.30am-5pm

1 October

GREEN FAIR Whittington Castle, Whittington, near Oswestry Free entrance just £1 to park. For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

1 October

Merry Hell Live! Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry A band founded on the ever evolving Folk tradition – music made by the people and shared by the people. Nominated in the Best Band category of the 2017 Folking Awards 8pm Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com

7 October

PANT AUTUMN BAZAAR Pant Memorial Hall, Pant, Near Oswestry The Bazaar is being held between 2pm and 5pm for locals and visitors alike and will feature stalls from a number of local organisations and businesses as well as refreshments and an opportunity to see the facilities offered in the Hall. 2pm-5pm. Free Entry For more information visit: http://pant.today/pant-autumn-bazaar-2017

12 October

STOMA OPEN DAY The Memorial Hall, Oswestry Organised by Shropshire BOTS. A talk by Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies on his experience of life with a stoma. Plus advice from other experts. Free refreshments. 10.30am and 3pm. 01691 238357 Email: ireneconstable @ phonecoop.coop

13 & 27 October

LEARN TO LINDY HOP! Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Monday classes: 7-7.45pm for Beginners; 8-8.45pm for Improvers; Contact Adie on 07980 291311; Facebook: Oswestry Swing Shack

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

3 October

14 October

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October

TABLE 19 (12A) Kinokulture Cinema,Oswestry Anna Kendrick, Stephen Merchant and Lisa Kudrow star in a comedy about a group of unwanted guests relegated to the ‘random’ table at a wedding reception. However, stuck with the misfits of Table 19, Kendrick begins to find some solace amongst her fellow tablemates. Tickets & information www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

APPLE DAY Bailey Head This established annual event celebrates the apple and healthy eating with lots of interesting varieties of apples and advice on growing by the local orchard group CROP. 9am-2pm. Tel: 01691 680222

THE OSWESTRY AND SHROPSHIRE ART COMPETITION Oswestry Visitor and Exhibition Centre Entries are on show from now until the end of November, vist and vote for your favourite piece in your own public ballot. Then take morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea in our richly characterful coffee shop Live piano playing at Saturday lunch. Free entry, open Monday to Saturday 10am - 4.40pm Tel: 01691 662753

Bilingual Concert The Marches, School, Morda Road, Oswestry North Wales Music Choir Rhodri Jones and Gaynor Ellis, soprano 7.30pm. Tickets £12 Monies raised to go to Severn Hospice and Hospice at Home. Please call 01691 654838

CITY OF TINY LIGHTS (15) Kinokulture Cinema,Oswestry Riz Ahmed (Star Wars) plays private eye Tommy Akhtar, whose latest case finds him attempting to track down a missing person. As his search begins he starts to unearth some troubling secrets about his own past loves, friendships and family in this modern London set noir. Tickets & information www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

20 October

THE MOON’S TWO WIVES Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry The moon’s two wives: and other tales to lighten dark times. Storyteller Helen East and percussionist Rick Wilson, major figures in the storytelling revival, create a dynamic combination of words, rhythm, movement and music. 8pm Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com

21 October

ADELE (KATIE MARKHAM) WORLD NO.1 ADELE TRIBUTE Lion Quays Hotel and Spa, near Oswestry Tickets £40 which includes a 3-course meal and disco. Tables of 10 available Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support Contact Nicola Barkley on 07871 761096

21 October

6 October

7 October

17 October

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

4 October to 21 November

Drop into Shakespeare – Coriolanus Oswestry Library Talk by Pam Johnson in time for a live screening on 11 October at Kinoculture. £3. Book with library staff. 01743 250351

Ellesmere College Choral Society 7.30pm. Price per ticket to include welcome drink. Tickets from £10—£12.50, Under-16s £7.50. In support of Age UK Tickets on sale from: Helen Hearn—01691 622242, Hazel Wakefield—07974 150250, Anne Wignall— alwignall@gmail.com or from Ismay’s, 16 High Street, Ellesmere

14 October

Lizabett Russo Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry Lizabett Russo (vocals / vocal loops /classical guitar) plus special guest Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com

14 October

PROMS COMES TO ELLESMERE St. Mary’s Church, Ellesmere Featuring The Shrewsbury Light Orchestra &

NIGEL MAZLYN JONES Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry A veteran of the ’70s acoustic music scene, Nigel weaves sounds and atmospheres with 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars and the kind of ecologically aware political commentary championed by his peers. Nigel is the real deal, a battle-hardened survivor for his art, enthused, principled and still breaking the envelope. 8pm Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com

21 October

Book & Vinyl Fair with live music! Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry 10am - 5pm Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com

Oswestry life | 51

21 October

AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR Willow Gallery, Oswestry Wide range of quality arts & crafts – start your Christmas shopping; Free admission; 10am-5pm. 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

21 - 31 October

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Park Hall Farm, Burma Rd, Park Hall near Oswestry Venture through Haunted House and Halloween Maze squeeze through the Claustrophobia Wall – don’t get stuck! There’s pumpkin carving every day and lots of wacky Halloween games Tel: 01691 671123 www.parkhallfarm.co.uk

27 October

AN EVENING OF SUPERNATURAL ENTERTAINMENT Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry Join us for a glass of wine or refreshments in our tearoom before the re-launch of P. J. Roscoe’s first award-winning novel, Echoes and as it’s a supernatural, historical thriller one of the main settings of the book is a ruined castle. She will tell you all about her books, answer questions and also tell you what she has picked up on at Whittington Castle via her spirit guide. Please book tickets for these events. Tickets are available £7.50 adults and £2.50 children. For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

22 October

FENCING WITH THE FOIL EXPERIENCE Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Taster sessions led by Bridie Lloyd; 2½ hours £30 per person; 07773 454157

25 October

DISABILITY OSWESTRY MEETING DO - as in ‘We can do’. Hope Church, Laburnum Drive, Oswestry, SY11 2QR. 10.30am - midday. Margarete Davies from People 2 People’s Local Support Swap is talking this month. This project aims to identify flexible ways of supporting unpaid carers in their localities and to facilitate and support initiatives that communities and carers wish to develop to do this. There will also be coffee and cake, and a networking opportunity for everybody supporting people with any kind of disability. Absolutely everybody is welcome. E-mail: disabilityoswestry161@gmail.com Tel: 01691 680382

26 October

Poetry Jam: Wordz N Soundz Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry A monthly session of performance poetry from all styles from slam to jam in three parts. Come and perform your wordz in the amazing setting of the Hermon Chapel Arts Centre and if you are feeling creative, join the in-house musicians for some collaborative improvisations! 7:30pm Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@ hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com 52 | Oswestry life

28 October

REMI HARRIS PROJECT Willow Gallery, Oswestry Led by exciting young guitarist and drawing inspiration from gypsy swing jazz, blues, rock and more; 8pm (doors open 7pm); licensed bar; £12 (children £6); 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

28 & 29 October

Ceramics workshop Introduction to hand building in ceramics with Georgina Wright. Suitable for beginners, or those wishing to refresh their skills; 2-day workshop 10am-4pm; £130 (including firing & clay); 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

24-28 October

WHITTINGTON CASTLE GHOST TOURS Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry Join your spirit guide as she leads you around the castle and grounds. On the tour you will be joined by several spirits/ghosts of the castle. Hear their stories and be prepared for a few scares along the way. 6.30pm each night tickets are £4 per adult and £3 per child. Bring a torch and coat as some of the tour is outside. Not suitable for very young children as some characters jump out at you and also some dark rooms. Ring to reserve a ticket as these usually sell out fast. For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

over 7yrs welcome. Bring a drum if you have one but, if not, instruments will be at hand. No previous experience necessary, although those with some will certainly find interesting challenges awaiting them. Rick has studied drumming in India and brings a sensibility of styles from Africa and South America to add to his own original interpretation of all things rhythmic. Expect a joyful noise 12pm - 2:pm Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com

29 October

27 October

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR British Ironwork Centre, Near Oswestry Bring your little monsters along to experience this Halloween Spooktacular! Fancy dress is encouraged for the kids and adults, with special prizes to be won. Plenty of spooky activities for all the family. Devilish doughnut tree, apple bobbing, the FEAR challenge, face painting, fire breathing, stilt walkers 01691 610952

27 October

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

28 October

BEAGLE MEET Brynhafod Playing Field, Oswestry (All breeds welcome) Drinks and treats will be brought for the hounds and flasks of coffee provided. To find out more search ‘Oswestry Beagle Gatherings’ on Facebook

28 October

Drumming Workshop with Rick Wilson Part rhythms, body rhythms, group rhythms – all sorts of rhythms-What better way to spend a Saturday lunchtime. All adults and children

HALLOWEEN DAYTIME EVENT Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry Come dressed up and play some Halloween games for prizes, join the spooky trail and visit the witch. Enter the carved pumpkin competition for a prize. 1pm – 4pm. £1 per person. For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

31 October

HALLOWEEN EVENING PROCESSION Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry Visit the witch and games. £1 per person. 6pm-8pm. For more information visit: www. whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

31 October

The Haunting of Blaine Manor Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry Renowned American parapsychologist Doctor Roy Earle, famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums, is invited to attend a seance in what is said to be the most haunted building in England, a building with a horrific history, Blaine Manor. Even the locals won’t set foot there, as all who walk within those grounds will be cursed. But his arrival at the manor has awoken something, something horrific within the walls. As a raging storm closes off Blaine Manor from the outside world, Earle and the others find that what is waiting there is not nearly as horrific as what has entered with him… 8pm Phone: 01691 662 196 E-mail: info@hermonchapel.com Book tickets online at www.hermonchapel.com

Business news

New face at Prudent Prudent Financial Planning have welcomed a new face to their growing team. Carrie Morris has joined as an independent mortgage advisor, with over ten years’ experience in the financial services sector. Carrie, who has lived in Oswestry all her life has previously worked in building societies and has a degree in Business Studies alongside her CeMap mortgage qualification.

Gwyn admitted as solicitor An experienced lawyer at GHP Legal has been admitted as a solicitor after undertaking an intensive course, supported by his employer. Gwyn Edwards hopes to progress further to become a solicitor-advocate.

Free employment law event

Businesses are being invited to hear the very latest developments in employment law at a free seminar in Oswestry. Specialist lawyers from Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors are holding the event at the Townhouse in Willow Street on 12 October at 12.30pm. John Merry, head of employment law at Lanyon Bowdler, said: “It’s very important for businesses to stay on top of the latest legislation, and these seminars are always popular. “We will be covering a variety of recent developments in case law, including in relation to sex discrimination and shared parental pay.” To book a place, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Oswestry Employment Law Update Autumn 2017 or call 0800 652 3371. John Merry, head of employment law at Lanyon Bowdler

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Oswestry life | 53

Q&A

with GHP Legal’s Victoria Wilson

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Why won’t Enduring Power of Attorney set up after my father died allow me to make decisions about my mum’s care? Q:

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My mum has had a stroke and is likely to require considerable care when she is released from hospital. Mentally she is fine; it’s just her mobility and speech that’s a problem, but I would still like to care for her at home rather than see her moved into residential care. However, the doctors won’t agree, even though I have a registered Enduring Power of Attorney that we set up after my dad died more than fifteen years ago. They say this only relates to financial decisions and not to care arrangements. What can I do?

A: An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) only gives you authority to deal with your mum’s property and financial affairs, not to make decisions about her care. In October 2007 Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA’s). There are two types of LPA – one for property and financial affairs, and one for health and welfare. The property and financial affairs LPA is similar to an old EPA. However the health and welfare LPA concerns decisions which historically an Attorney would not have been able to make, for example whether your mum is cared for at home or is moved into a care home. Someone with an existing EPA can complete a Health and Welfare LPA enabling their attorney to make decisions on their behalf in this respect, but only if they have the requisite mental capacity. From what you say, your mum has mental capacity but possibly does not have the ability to communicate her wishes. If this is the case you may need to apply to the Court of Protection to make care decisions on her behalf, which is an expensive and lengthy process. Cases such as this underline the importance of people completing Lasting Powers of Attorney while they are able to do so, whatever their age or circumstances. Further information relating to this question is available from Victoria Wilson, 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 9.30am-12noon for Employment matters, 12noon – 3pm for Personal Injury & Family matters. GHP Legal is authorised and regulated by the SRA 51566, and Lexcel Accredited.

Q&A

with Anna Breeze

of Prudent Financial Planning

Independent Mortgage Advice

Q: I am purchasing a new home and want to ensure I’ve got a first-class mortgage deal. There is so much choice! Which should I opt for? A: When you start looking around for a mortgage, you’ll soon realise that there are plenty to choose from and the choice can be overwhelming. You know you’ll want to pick the best mortgage rate but you should understand that this doesn’t necessarily mean going for the cheapest, because other factors can affect your choice. All mortgages work in the same basic way: you borrow money to buy a property, pay interest on the loan and eventually pay it back. Some of the most popular you might come across include: Repayment mortgages: Each month you repay some of the interest you owe plus some of the capital you’ve borrowed. At the end of the period, you’ll have paid back everything you owe and own your home outright. Interest-only mortgages: You pay just the interest monthly and repay the capital at the end of the period with money you’ve saved elsewhere. At the end of the loan you’ll have to find enough money to repay the whole debt. You must be confident of having the money when the time comes to repay. If you don’t, you might have to sell the house to pay off the mortgage. Fixed versus variable rate mortgages: With a fixed deal your rate is set for a number of years. You know exactly how much you’ll be paying each month, regardless of what happens to interest rates on other mortgages. The downside is that you’ll be stuck on a higher rate if other mortgage rates go down. You can get out of a fixed rate mortgage but there’ll be an early repayment charge for switching before the end of the period. Every lender has a standard variable rate mortgage. This is their basic mortgage. The interest rate goes up and down as mortgage rates generally change. These are good for buyers who believe interest rates are likely to go down.

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Oswestry life

Nostalgia

Oswestry then and now Church Street

This busy scene of Church Street looking towards The Cross dates from the mid-1930s. The most noticeable change is the ‘completeness’ of the run of shops on the right-hand side of the street. The area which now houses the Nat West Bank was then two separate, very imposing premises which fronted the street. At various times until their demolition in - I think - the 1950s they housed a draper’s store, furniture shop and a confectioner. The Fox Inn dates to 1687 and originally bore a thatched roof. Its upper floor frontage used to span over the whole pavement until an incident in the 1870s, which involved a visitor to the town damaging his new silk hat on the projection. This led to the removal of the frontage back to the level it is today. A 1920s guide to Oswestry describes the incident as ‘the spoiling of one of the most precious relics of the olden times that we possess’. Staying on the right-hand side two of the businesses still survive today, Boots the Chemist (in much altered and rebuilt premises) and Oswestry Goldsmiths (formerly Northern Goldsmiths and, at the time of the picture, A. Lashmore, Jeweller).

Moving to the left-hand side of the street, C. Bristow (Ironmongers) was a long-established business (around 1912) which survived until recent times and next door to this was Woodall’s the stationers and newsagents who were also the publishers of the Oswestry Advertiser.

The Cross

This pre-WW1 view of The Cross indicates just how many food stores were in the town in years gone by. In this image there are four in evidence; Beckitts (far left), Melias, Dutton’s Sigarro Stores (in the Llwyd Mansion) and the Maypole Dairy Co. on the right had side. Within the Church Street and Leg Street area alone there were over 20 grocery and provision stores in those pre-supermarket days. The other shopping mainstay was footwear and there are three boot and shoe stores in view, Morton’s People’s Boot Mart, J.Herr (far side of the Llwyd Mansion) and Cash & Co. on the right. Three distinct modes of ‘goods carriers’ are also depicted including a hand-cart! The ‘pick-up’ carrying the milk churns would have been one of the first motorised vehicles in the town whilst the Great Western Railway horse drawn wagon was still the main delivery method back then, with goods arriving by rail at Oswestry Station and then distributed around the town by several of these GWR wagons. One other well-known name in evidence is Edward Thomas & Co, who had a furniture store at the rear of this property in English Walls. The signs for Pratt’s Spirit hark back to a time when petrol was sold in cans by stores such as this rather than from a pump. By historian David Owen 56 | Oswestry life

CREEPING BELT RASH DISEASE

Dr Paul Middleton

I wonder how many people might understand this month’s title? A third of you will get this disease and its name comes from the Latin and Greek in its proper title: Herpes Zoster. Most of us know it as shingles. Nothing makes illness more personal than actually having it and this month I have joined the 30% of us who will have shingles in our lifetime. It’s not fun! It starts with a pain in the affected area. This is often what doctors call neurogenic pain. It is a burning, stabbing, stinging or even itching pain. It throbs. It usually lasts a few days before declaring itself although sometimes it can go on for a week or more before the diagnosis becomes obvious. I remember a few patients over the years who saw me in this phase of the illness. We were worrying about the cause of the quite severe pain and then – the rash appeared. Shingles affects one side of the body and usually in a belt or band on the chest although areas of the face are often involved. There is no truth in the old wife’s tale that if the bands meet in the middle you die! I never saw a case of shingles affecting both sides of the body. The rash starts as a number of red areas and becomes blistered over a few days. It is often tender too. The whole illness usually lasts two or three weeks.

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So what causes shingles? Most of us had chickenpox as a child and the virus that causes this then lies dormant in a nerve. Something then wakes it up: often just age but sometimes stress or other underlying illness. If the virus tries to spread into the blood stream it meets the chickenpox antibodies and is killed. Unfortunately, these antibodies do not penetrate into the nerve so the virus happily trots off down the nerve causing pain as it goes and then appears on the skin at the end of the nerve causing the rash. The actual spots look just like chickenpox – they start just as red areas, raise up, blister and then scab over. Patients usually had a few questions about their shingles. Is it infectious? Can I catch shingles? Will it cause lasting pain? Now, Chickenpox is infectious. Patients are coughing and sneezing the virus all over the place. Shingles is contagious, but not for more shingles: you can catch chickenpox from touching the rash. However, most adults have had Chickenpox so are not likely to catch anything from shingles. Some people are particularly at risk however and it is probably wise for patients with shingles to avoid pregnant women, young children and people with serious illnesses. Sadly, some patients do get a persistent pain, called Post Herpetic Neuralgia, after the illness. So, what can you do about this? If shingles is caught within the ﬁrst few days of the rash your GP can give you an anti-viral drug that often shortens and improves the illness. The NHS has recently offered a vaccine at age 70 which reduces the chances of shingles by more than a half and also reduces the chances of pain after an attack. I was always astonished by patients who declined immunisations. Arguably the biggest ever advance in medicine that has reduced common and horrible killer diseases to historical footnotes. I will have mine as soon as I can.

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Oswestry life

Sport

in association with

‘The world’s greatest cricket club’ Oswestry Cricket Club hosted the Lashing All Stars event at Morda Road Cricket Ground on 29 August. Cricket legends Monty Panesar (England) and Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) were just two of the big names playing in the Lashings team which was founded in 1984 and is now an all-star XI known as ‘the world’s greatest cricket club’. Also playing were West Indians Wassim Jaffer and Tino best and Barbadian Kirk Edwards. Former England stars Devon Malcolm, Usman Afzaal, Chris Schoﬁeld and Martin Bicknell. The match commentator for the day was Henry Blofeld, the recently retired voice of BBC Test Match Special. Actor John Challis, better known as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses was also a special guest on the day.

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LEFT: John Hulme club president presenting Henry with a painting of the club as a retirement present

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ABOVE from left; John Challis and Henry Blofeld at Oswestry Cricket Club

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Left: The aqueduct & viaduct Top to bottom: Chirk Bank bridge; the aqueduct; Chirk tunnel; views towards the marina

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 and its borderlands. This month, he’s crossed the border into Chirk.

Over and under

There are not many short, easy walks where one moment you are up in the sky and the next you are deep underground. We have one on our doorsteps; the Llangollen Canal at Chirk. You even get to change countries. I like to start at Chirk Bank where there is a small car park, and head along the canal away from the bridge. You can park in the larger car park with a cafe above the aqueduct, on the Glyn Ceiriog road out of Chirk, which is at the midpoint of this short walk. Leaving Chirk Bank the ground falls steeply behind the canal cottages down to the River Ceiriog. As you turn the corner by the last house you suddenly find yourself on Chirk Aqueduct, and entering Wales. Chirk aqueduct is not as high as its bigger brother, the Pontcysyllte, but was the highest navigable aqueduct when built 220 years ago, and the 70 feet down to the river is still impressive. The first thing you notice is the second

bridge running parallel, and above you. This was built at a later date and was deliberately made taller to emphasise the superiority of rail transport! Watch out for the jackdaws on the treetops at eye level, and pheasants in the field below. After crossing the 710-foot span, the canal widens before reaching the mouth of Chirk tunnel. The tunnel is straight and has a towpath and handrail throughout its 460-yard length. But it is pitch black in the middle, so don’t attempt it without a torch. If you are 6’3” like me, you will end up with a stiff neck from stooping! Emerging on the other side, you find yourself in a pleasant cutting beside Chirk Station. You can continue on to Chirk Marina, retrace your steps, or climb the footpath at the exit from the tunnel to a road. From there you can turn right to reach Chirk Castle’s impressive gates, or left and then right to walk back above the tunnel and rejoin the canal at the aqueduct. Oswestry life | 59

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Oswestry life | 61

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Useful numbers Councils

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

Dentists

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

Doctors Surgeries

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

Hospitals

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

Schools

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

Services and helplines

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

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

Sport and Leisure

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

Transport

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

Vets

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

Useful websites

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

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Kids fun

Halloween ‘mummy’ jars Katie Millard of Baby Bird Café shows us how to create some spooktacular decorations

We love Halloween in our house and especially enjoy making some child-friendly decorations to welcome friends, family and trick-or-treaters! These Egyptian mummy jars are super-easy and guaranteed to add to any spooky celebration.

You’ll need: • Selection of clean jars • Glue dots or good quality PVA glue • Bandage • Googly eyes Method: Wipe down your jar to ensure it’s clean and dry. Unfurl your

bandage and using the glue/glue dots secure the end to the side of the jar Hold tightly and wrap the bandage until the jar is covered Secure the end with more glue. A few twists of the bandage look good, but avoid wrapping the jar more than once or it won’t give off enough light when lit. Glue on your googly eyes Add a tealight candle to your jar - but never leave burning candles unattended. Glow sticks or LED battery-powered candles make a great (and safe) alternative to candles Jars look great on their own, or grouped together in ‘families’ of different sizes

Oswestry Library Events for children and young people this October

2, 13, 16, 27 October 2pm-2.30pm Bookstart rhyme time for pre-school children. Free Every Thursday 3.30pm-4pm Lego club for all ages. Free 2-27 October Oswestry Makes exhibition, textiles from around the world 21 October 10am-11am Faeries and their wildlife friends; story time and craft. Age 4+. £2.50. Please book. 27 October 10am – 11am The real witch with Pyjama Drama, for 2-5-year olds. £3. Please book. 27 October 2pm-3pm Who eats whooooo! With Shropshire Wildlife Trust. £2.50. Please book.

Oswestry Library, 9 Arthur St, Oswestry, SY11 1JN

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

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SPOOK LANTERN SKELETON WITCH SCARE BAT GHOST HAUNT FRIGHT

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 October 2017.

ntastic Funhouse a F Mo

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

ADVENTURE PLAY 64

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES

- 17:00

INDOOR FOOTBALL

GARAGE GO-CART

Tel: 01691 655515

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

WIN A COMBAT SESSION FOR YOU AND FIVE FRIENDS Based at The Venue at Park Hall, Black Hawk Laser uses state-of-the-art modern, military laser tag guns to provide fun for all ages. There’s even some lighter guns for younger taggers. Open to players aged seven and up with no height restrictions, the benefits of indoor tag games are no mud, no rain and no pain! Each tagger sends a flash when shooting to simulate a gun firing and has realistic sounds to bring the experience to life. There are no bulky vests to wear and the gun has 360-degree vulnerability.

Win family tickets to see the magical Peter Pan – Christmas in Neverland The World’s Biggest Pantomime presents Peter Pan, an epic arena size adventure that’s set to transport you to a world of spectacle and comedy headlined by two of the UK’s favourite stars, Bradley Walsh and Martin Kemp. This perfect festive treat is brought to life by a cast of over 100 performers across three arena stages, including a thrilling team of ﬂying trapeze and West End artists, BMX bike stuntmen and Matt Knight of BBC’s Let It Shine as Peter Pan. Watch out for the terrifying twenty-ﬁve-foot animatronic crocodile on the movie style Neverland set, while a life-sized galleon sails around the Arena in front of a 10,000-gallon water wall. A giant 60 feet wide LED screen with both computer graphic imagery and live close-up TV relay of the action will also ensure you never miss a moment of this sensational family adventure!

The tagger display shows all mission critical information at a glance. This includes - lives remaining, ammunition in current magazine, reloads remaining, mission status, ﬁre mode and mission timer. We’ve teamed up with Black Hawk Laser to offer one lucky winner the chance to take ﬁve of their friends for a one-hour laser combat session worth nearly £60. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question: What is the youngest age children can start playing at Black Hawk Laser?

To celebrate this fantastic tour, we’re giving away a family ticket to Peter Pan – Christmas in Neverland for the 7pm performance on 21 December 2017 at Arena Birmingham, formerly the Barclaycard Arena. For more information and to book tickets visit: arenabham.co.uk/whatson To enter for your chance to win, simply answer this question: What is the name of the faraway place where Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and other mystical creatures live?

Win a personal training session with JT Personal Training Joe and Tyler formed JT Personal Training in June this year, thanks to their mutual love of fitness and inspiring others to achieve their goals. Based at Active 8 gym on Mile Oak Industrial Estate, the duo have built up a loyal following. Their upbeat approach, affordable prices (PT sessions cost as little as £10 per hour) and raw enthusiasm leave fitness fans coming back for more. We’ve teamed up with Joe and Tyler to offer five lucky winners the chance to win an hour-long personal training session at Active 8 gym. Just answer this question: What month was JT Personal Training formed? COMPETITION RULES: Closing date for competitions is 28/10/17. 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 AUGUST WINNERS: Midland Game Fair Danielle Minton, Shrewsbury; Michael Evans, Oswestry; Diane Jones, Oswestry; Janet Edwards, Oswestry; Maureen Beard, Whittington Park Hall Farm Pam Harding, Oswestry; Susan Evans,Oswestry Black Hawk Laser Kate Morris, Oswestry

Oswestry life

LAST WORD

Trick or treat?

Luckily for me at this time of year, I live off the beaten track, out of sight and out of reach of any potential Trick or Treaters that might come knocking later this month. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind Halloween per se. The fun of getting dressed up in a costume that is both hilariously creative (and flattering enough for Instagram). Shopping for a cool spooky outfit with the little ones and keeping a stash of chocolate and sweets in the cupboard just in case anyone comes knocking. But I’d rather not, and if I could avoid it, I would. Unfortunately, the commercial juggernaut that it has become makes it nigh on impossible to hide it from excited children and be able to escape the Halloween festivities. But do most people really know what they are celebrating or has Halloween just become another capitalist ploy to tempt the masses out of their hard-earned cash in exchange for a shoddily made outfit that will never be worn again? Last year Brits spent £310 million on Halloween, now that is scary! While some people assume that Halloween is an Americanised festival gradually adopted by the Brits, it actually originated here as a Celtic druid celebration of the new year, a time when the souls of the dead supposedly could mingle with the living. Many dressed up as souls of the dead in order to protect themselves and blend in should any ghosts decide to cross over to living form. I’m sure that would have been perfectly sensible in its day. While I’d rather avoid it altogether, I do appreciate a well put together ensemble, you know the sort: ripped bed sheets, a bit of fake 66

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blood and some white face paint to pass as a dishevelled zombie. Cute kids knocking on the door dressed as witches and Frankenstein while their mums wait at the end of the drive are hilariously delightful. What I don’t appreciate is four teenagers in hoodies knocking on my door asking for cash. I would imagine I’m not on my own with that, especially elderly and vulnerable people who could find it frightening, intimidating and confusing to receive those knocks on the door. PC Mark Moth, of Oswestry’s Safer Neighbourhood Team admits that Trick or Treating can indeed be a tricky (no pun intended) subject to tackle. “Generally, it’s all good fun - but you will always get the minority that wants to cause problems,” he says. “In previous years we have visited elderly or vulnerable residents and handed out leaflets for them to put on their doors or windows saying, ‘No trick or Treat, here’. “If people aren’t comfortable putting up a leaflet, we advise them not to answer the door. Alternatively, some people choose to go out for the evening to avoid the constant callers at their home,” he adds.

“My advice to any children thinking of going out Trick or Treating is to only call on the people that have purposely decorated their houses with Halloween items, as they are probably more likely to welcome the callers,” he continues. Many venues now host Halloween events, so youngsters can still get dressed up, take part in activities and maybe even receive a gift or sweets. Park Hall Farm, near Oswestry, hosts a Halloween Spooktacular from 21 October to 31 October; Whittington Castle offers ghost tours from 24 to 28 October; and Baby Bird Cafe, in Cross Street, has a week of spooky crafts, delicious treats and Halloween games. The British Ironwork Centre is hosting a Halloween Spooktacular on 27 October with fancy dress, ﬁre breathing and stilt walkers. Maybe I’m missing out on all the fun, but I won’t be getting dressed up this year. A word of warning though, if you do happen to ﬁnd my house, be sure to have made an effort with the costume if you want me to part with any of the sweets I bought in for myself.

Charlotte Ruscoe

e: charlotte@oswestry.life

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