Oswestry Life September 2017

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free issue 7 september 2017

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ambles with a camera Out & about Interiors & home • RWalks • • around Oswestry Local events Monochrome magic

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

Welcome

In the spotlight................................. 10 Interiors............................................. 16

to Oswestry Life

Property............................................ 18 Six of the best................................... 32 Education......................................... 33

Welcome to the seventh edition of Oswestry Life magazine. As the kids head back to school and the evenings begin to draw in, we invite you to relax and catch up with the latest news and views from across the town.

Take a walk down memory lane with historian David Owen (page 57) or across the border with Graham Mitchell and his camera (page 39).

We’re shining a spotlight on the local waterways on page 10 and the latest autumn fashion on page 40. Whatever your style, we’ve got local news and features to keep you updated on Oswestry life.

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

Gardening........................................ 38 Local walks...................................... 39 Fashion............................................. 40 Food and drink................................. 44 Beagle meet..................................... 46 Out and about................................. 47 Social page...................................... 50 Business news .................................. 51 Culture.............................................. 54 Health............................................... 56 Nostalgia.......................................... 57 Sport................................................. 58 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 7 september 2017

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

Cover photograph Montgomery Canal, Maesbury.

by Graham Mitchell

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

grahamsfmitchell

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

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with a camera & about & home • Rambles • Out • Interiors Walks around Oswestry Local events Monochrome magic

The Maesbury Canal Fayre takes place 15-17 September

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

Oswestry Community Games The fifth annual Oswestry Community Games is set to take place on 24 September in Cae Glas Park from 11am to 3.45pm. It promises to be yet another successful day in the park with sport, music, arts and dance from local groups all providing free activities. Organisers anticipate around 1000 people of all ages to turn out and enjoy the fun.

This year the Community Games has secured the financial backing of Oswestry Town Council, Oswestry Sports Forum, Wynnstay Hotel, Gap Personnel and the Inclusively Fit Project. Organiser Clive Knights said: “It is very encouraging to have achieved this local financial support, and we are very grateful to all our sponsors.”

The working group is also delighted to announce that Shropshire’s Kelly Edwards is the Guest of Honour. Kelly was part of the Great Britain Judo squad which competed in the World Judo Championships in Budapest at the end of August. Kelly represented Great Britain at Judo at London 2012 and gained a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. She commented: “It will be an absolute privilege to attend the Oswestry Community Games, and I very much look forward to contributing towards making the Games another success.”

MC for the day will be Oswestry radio personality James Bond from BBC Radio Shropshire.

Market broadening its reach Oswestry Town Council have broadened the reach of its popular market by extending it down Bailey Street every Saturday.

Based on the successful artisan market trial up to 10 gazebos will be situated in allocated areas of the street in a bid to attract new traders as well as relocating some existing ones. The move will bring a mixture of traditional goods and various food stalls linking the town centre with the market. In addition, on the 1 and 2 September, a touring continental market will be visiting the town. Visit www.oswestrymarket.co.uk to find out more.

4 | Oswestrylife life 4 | Oswestry

Local charity aiming for a Hole in One Corporate Sponsors have pulled out all the stops to help raise funds for a Shropshire based charity by supporting their golf day. It is taking place on 6 October at Henlle Park Golf Club and it is set to be an exciting event.

Henlle Park Golf Club will be hosting The Movement Centre’s Charity Golf Day for the second year running.

The Movement Centre is the members’ chosen charity and they have been raising awareness and funds over the last two years, with various events and activities. Last year alone nearly £7000 was raised.

“We are delighted to support The Movement Centre,” said Tony Davis, 2017 Men’s Captain at Henlle Park Golf Club. “The event is gearing up to be a fantastic day.

There are still places and sponsorship opportunities available. We hope it will be a great success.”

The wining pair will be competing for a golf break donated by sponsors, Club Choice Ireland. Oswestry based Arthurs Vauxhall are also supporting the event with a car for a hole in one, so there will be much excitement on the day to see if anyone can drive away in a brand-new vehicle. There are also a number of other prizes up for grabs, including two Garmin Approach Golf GPS, donated by Garmin UK. “We are so grateful for the fantastic prizes and to everyone who has supported the event so far,” said Curtis Langley, from The Movement Centre. “It is events like this that enable us to continue our work, helping children gain movement control.”

To enter, please contact Curtis via e-mail: curtislangley@ the-movement-centre.co.uk or phone: 01691 404248.

TOP L-R: Tony Davis (Henlle Park men’s captain), William Edwards (Arthur’s Vauxhall, sales manager), Joanne Aird (Arthur’s Vauxhall, marketing manager), Angie Tomley (Henlle Park, proprietor), Curtis Langley (fundraiser, The Movement Centre).

Heritage open days at town museum

A unique event and public art project inspired by love letters exchanged between WWII soldiers will take place this month at Oswestry Town Museum. ‘Gilbert & Gordon: Then All The World Could See How In Love We Are’ borrows its name from a poignant line in a letter found by Mark Hignett from the museum. The letters were sent between infantryman Gordon Bowsher and his lover Oswestry-based gunner Gilbert Bradley.

Oswestry Film Society announce new season Oswestry Film Society have announced their sixth season of films showing at Oswestry’s award winning Kinokulture Cinema.

The Society is showing films on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from September to December, starting on 5 September with the adaptation of the hit Stephen Fry novel, ‘The Hippopotamus’.

Over the Heritage Open Days weekend (7-10 September), the public are invited to compose love letters that will feed a memorial flame of remembrance.

After the closing ceremony, the ashes will be gathered and transformed into a commemorative diamond set into a beautiful, inscribed ring designed by jeweler Ami Pepper. The ring will be presented to the Oswestry Town Museum as a lasting legacy of the project.

Timetable of Key Events 12pm Thursday 7 September, Oswestry Town Museum

Film Society member, Michael Hudson, said: “Our new season features a collection of acclaimed dramas, homegrown comedies and world cinema, and even an alternative Christmas film.”

Flame Lighting Ceremony by former Flight Lieutenant Caroline Paige, the first openly transgender officer to serve in the RAF. Presentation of first commemorative badge, designed by Lee Hearne

Jessica Chastain stars in the The WW2 drama, ‘The Zookeepers Wife’, US comedy ‘Table 19’ has Anna Kendrick and our own Stephen Merchant, Johnathon Pryce heads the British comedy ‘Dough’ as a Jewish baker who’s new apprentice brings along a surprise ingredient, and the Swedish comedy ‘A Man Called Ove’ has won awards worldwide.

2pm – 3.30pm Saturday 9 September, Oswestry Town Museum

A season ticket covering all eight films is available for just £24 and on the door tickets are available at £6 per film.

“Buy a season ticket and watch all 8 films on the big screen for just £3 a film, and make some new friends into the bargain.” added Michael.

For more information on the society, visit the website at www.oswestryfilmsociety.

Bilingual concert to raise charity funds North Wales Male Voice Choir will be entertaining crowds at The Marches School on 7 October as they join singers Rhodri Jones and Gaenor Ellis on stage for a bilingual concert to raise funds for Severn Hospice. The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets can be purchased for £12 from organiser Enid Thomas 01691 654838.

See the letters up close and personal with a talk from curator Mark Hignett, Oswestry Town Museum 7.41pm Sunday 10 September, Oswestry Town Museum Flame Extinguishing Ceremony

Fifth anniversary celebrations Cambrian House Emporium will be celebrating five years trading in the town on 3 September with a celebratory event. Vocalists Sarah Raymond and Kirsty Bright will be providing the entertainment with free wine and a raffle for visitors to enjoy. The event held at the firm’s Gobowen Road premises will raise money for the RAF benevolent fund and Hope House.

Oswestry life | 5

Oswestry Equality Group’s card survey

To celebrate four years of Oswestry Equality Group, a new campaign has been launched.

The ‘card campaign’ asks people in the town to respond to four questions on different coloured cards, which can be found in locations around the town.

• • • •

What makes you stressed?

What is a good education?

Which people use the Oswestry Foodbank?

What makes Oswestry a good place to live in?

People are invited to answer the questions which will be displayed in Oswestry Library in October.

The group hopes this will give an indication of people’s attitudes to certain aspects of inequality.

Follow-up public talks on these subjects will then follow later this autumn.

If you would like to find out more, contact Penny Rice on 01691 680382 or e-mail oswestryequalitygroup@gmail.com

Four-legged friend raises funds Cocker spaniel Eric has raised £140 for animal charity Blue Cross. The adventurous Oswestry dog completed a sponsored walk around Lake Vyrnwy with his owner Heather. The popular pooch raised the funds through his facebook page (search: Eric Archibald Bright).

A to Z of Oswestry Councillor Paul Milner launched the latest A to Z of Oswestry map at the Willow Gallery.

The map tells visitors where to find 26 favourite people, places and things that were chosen by the people of Oswestry, and which are now featured on full colour postcards available in several local outlets - including H is for Holbach House (the building that was originally Oswestry School), I is for our wonderful Iron-Age Hill Fort, and W is for our famous poet, Wilfred Owen.

The Map is on sale in a number of selected shops around the town. To see all the A to Z entries, visit: www.oswestrycivicsociety.org.uk.

The Whole Life Centre, Cabin Lane, Oswestry

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

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In the spotlight

Michael is waterways hero

Michael Limbrey devotes his spare time to the future of our local canal network. In his own words, he tells us why the cause is so important to him and why we should all take an interest in the future of our waterways I discovered the waterways as a student in the 1960s. We had taken a family trip on a hire-boat through Market Drayton followed by other voyages of discovery around this hidden network. The canals were unloved and neglected and most of the old working boats had gone.

Moving to Shropshire in 1973, I was involved in setting up the local branch of the Inland Waterways Association – the Association has a special link to our area as it was formed in 1946 after publication of Narrow Boat, an account by author Tom Rolt of a trip on a former Montgomery Canal boat.

The Montgomery Canal had died by then. It was built from Welsh Frankton to Newtown between 1796 and 1821; always a bit of a ‘branch-line’, there was very little boat traffic when there was a breach in the bank in 1936. The damage was not repaired and the canal was abandoned, bridges were removed and lengths dried out.

Revival started when canal enthusiasts and local residents together fought the plan for a by-pass along the canal through the centre of Welshpool. The first section of canal was cleared in one weekend, and restoration then carried on to the north, funded by the Prince of Wales’ Committee.

Volunteers have worked on the canal ever since: they have restored and re-watered dry lengths. This summer a party of volunteers using big yellow 10 | Oswestry life

diggers removed in a week an old railway embankment which had blocked the canal for 60 years.

Today, half the canal is back in business. Seven miles are open to Maesbury Marsh with its popular pub, tearoom and horse-boat trips.

With the assistance of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant volunteers of the Shropshire Union Canal Society are working to extend this section.

There is a further section of canal next to Llanymynech Heritage Area, with boat trips on Sunday afternoons and bank holidays. Further south, Welshpool is the centre of a reopened section from Arddleen to Berriew: here is the Heulwen Trust, the pioneering trip-boat for the disabled, which again offers public boat-trips on summer weekends.

We are appealing for funds for the next stages of restoration to Llanymynech then to Welshpool, especially the last bridge obstruction in Shropshire. Our appeal Restore the Montgomery Canal! Is run by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal with the support of the Inland Waterways Association and Shropshire Union Canal Society and we work closely with the Canal & River Trust, owner of the canal.

A generous supporter doubles what we raise in the appeal. Donations are even more valuable where they are eligible for Gift Aid, when a standing order of £10 a month is worth no less than £25 to us. We have been getting lots of support and, with a grant from an Inland Waterways Association legacy fund, we already have over £135,000 in the appeal –

two-thirds of the cost of that bridge.

Why are we doing all this? The Montgomery Canal is one of the loveliest canals in the whole 3,000 miles of waterway across England and Wales. Linked to the World Heritage Site at Llangollen, the canal route to Newtown joins National Trust properties, ancient earthworks and castles, market towns, heritage railways and long-distance footpaths, all making this such a great area for residents and visitors.

Events on the canal bring visitors from across the country: some entrants in the annual Triathlon last May had come over 200 miles to cycle, hike and canoe the 35 miles from Newtown to Welsh Frankton.

It’s a great event for families as well as the energetic, and always fully booked: 19th May next year.

It’s our ambition to bring boats back to Mid Wales, with that ‘branch line’ atmosphere, slower and less crowded, treasuring the canal’s valuable habitats and structures. The revival of the Montgomery Canal is one of the best opportunities for the Oswestry area so we would love readers of Oswestry Life to support our appeal: we are always grateful for cash in our collecting buckets, donations by regular standing order, or offers of help with a shovel or keyboard – more at www.

RestoreTheMontgomeryCanal.uk.

More of the Montgomery Canal story at the special opening of Rednal Warehouse as part of Heritage Open Days, 8/9 September 2017, 11am to 4pm.

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Stans is 70 years young If you have any friends from St Martins, they’ll no doubt rave about Stans Superstore. A rarity among supermarkets, fiercely independent and bucking all national trends. Its success has been building for generations, ever since founder, the late Stan Faulks miraculously returned home from a Japanese prisonerof-war camp 70 years ago.

Weighing just six stone, and living in a Britain still gripped by rationing, Stan started a fish and chip shop in St Martins with his wife Vera. But business growth did not come quickly in those lean post-war years.

To make ends meet, Stan started helping out in the shop next door to his fish and chip shop. Eventually he was offered the chance to buy the shop, and with rationing coming to an end, he took the plunge. He started selling cigarettes, sweets, toys and novelties to what was then a mining community.

The business has remained a familyrun partnership ever since. Stan’s

Stans boast over 80 suppliers that are based within a 35-mile radius of the store, and Andrew is keen to point out that buying from Stans supports not just them, but all the local companies that supply them too

Stan and Vera Faulks outside their fish and chip shop in St Martins

sons Peter and Robert and their children Andrew, Sarah, Lisa and Katie all started working at the store when they were in school. It’s this commitment to the business that has carried the store through the decades from a small shop to the success it is today.

With two stores; a 28,000 sq ft superstore in St Martins and 3,000 sq ft supermarket in Llangollen, the number of staff to operate the two sites totals 158. Longest serving staff member, Vera Butler started as a cashier in 1976 and remains with the firm today. Partner Andrew Faulks jokes that he can’t get rid of her!

There are 40 staff members who

have been with the firm for over 25 years. Part of the success of Stans, Andrew says, is down to their approach to customer service. One of their mottos is: ‘customers leave with a smile on their face.’ Although Stans is a large superstore they still offer the corner shop service. They 12 | Oswestry life

Stans have been able to donate over £30,000 to local causes over the last 10 years also pride themselves on going the extra mile, sourcing products in if they don’t already stock what a customer needs. Although it seems unlikely with a selection of 33,000 product lines to choose from – many of which are locally sourced.

Stans boast over 80 suppliers that are based within a 35-mile radius of the store, and Andrew is keen to point out that buying from Stans supports not just them, but all the local companies that supply them too.

The one-stop-shop mentality has helped Stans expand into exactly that. With a 72-seater coffee shop, pharmacy, petrol station, dry cleaning, instore butchery, post office and the latest and most popular addition; a fine wine rack which compliments a range of over 650 wines and 40+ gins. There’s no sign of them slowing down just yet either, with plans for a new store refit early next year.

As part of their partnership with Nisa and their ‘making a difference locally’ fund, Stans have been able to donate over £30,000 to local causes over the last 10 years, cementing their importance in the local community.

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Advertisement feature

Top surgeon joins local cosmetic team A top surgeon has joined the team at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital, providing a one-stop-shop for cosmetic surgery in Shropshire Consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Mr Amir Ismail performs over 500 procedures every year ranging from the removal of simple skin lesions to complex reconstructions. Most are performed at his NHS practice at The University Hospital of North Midlands, where he works alongside his private practice at Nuffield Hospital North Staffordshire.

Joining existing consultant cosmetic surgeon Mr Dan Prinsloo, Mr Ismail is keen to expand his practice to Nuffield Health Shrewsbury, who were recently rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Mr Ismail commented: “It’s a beautiful part of the country, steeped in history. Every member of the team at the Nuffield Shrewsbury is incredibly friendly and welcoming.

They are dedicated to the care of each and every patient and it is a pleasure to be part of the team.”

After gaining his undergraduate qualifications at the University of Leeds School of Medicine in 2000, Mr Ismail was selected to 14

| Oswestry life

undertake further advanced specialist training. Plastic surgery training and fellowships followed in world-leading centres, both in the United Kingdom and the United States. As well as a master’s degree in Surgical Sciences at Imperial College London with a focus on plastic surgery, Mr Ismail also completed an MBA in 2012.

Practising as a consultant for over two years, Mr Ismail provides a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments to his patients. These include breast enlargement, breast reduction, breast uplift, skin surgery and skin cancer surgery. He also performs a range of body sculpting treatments.

“I perform body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and Liposculpture which involves liposuction and occasionally re-injecting this fat (after a process of purification) into other parts of the body. The most important principle I adhere to is to tailor my approach for each individual patient, to address their unique concerns and as such offer a bespoke solution.”

As an expert in his field, Mr Ismail has been published in numerous

Mr Ismail, consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, MB ChB, MSc, MBA, FRCS (Plast)

journals, including the leading Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He has presented numerous papers at national and international plastic surgery conferences and holds the post of clinical tutor at Keele University School of Medicine.

Mr Ismail is a dedicated professional in his role and is always motivated by the reaction of his patients when they see the transformation: “I enjoy the diverse challenges this precise and intricate specialty brings. It embraces all other surgical specialties and involves all parts of the body - each requiring a unique, logical approach and solution.

There is nothing more rewarding than restoring form and function and seeing the smile on a patient’s face.”

Nuffield Health Shrewsbury are offering free mini consultations with Mr Ismail on Tuesday 10 October. The event is ideally suited to anyone who is considering a cosmetic treatment and would like the opportunity to find out more before committing to a paid-for consultation. Call 01743 282628 to a book a place.

Introducing our new cosmetic consultant - Mr Amir Ismail

A new cosmetic consultant with a special interest in aesthetic breast surgery, body contouring and liposculpture has joined the team at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital.

In order to launch his practice Mr Ismail will be hosting an open event on Tuesday 10th October 2017.

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Monochrome magic

There’s nothing like a timeless classic and it doesn’t get much more timeless than black and white. While technically monochrome applies to all colours, the classic black and white combo is a trend of its own. The bold look has been a recurring trend in both fashion and interiors since its peak popularity in the sixties, and 2017 is seeing a new revival in a big way - from the catwalk and major fashion magazines to interiors. You just can’t beat a crisp black and white combo.

While it may take designers hours to come up with specific colour combinations sometimes it’s the most simple of pairings that packs the most punch. With the use of the right patterns and materials, there’s a lot to play with outside the regular suspects too. Think bold prints and unique details in these two shades, and try incorporating a statement piece like a patterned rug or bold bedhead for a more dramatic effect.

ABOVE: Athena coffee table, £119 from swooneditions.com BELOW: ‘Love’ letter light framed print, £65 from thedriftingbear.com

Although trends come and go the monochrome look rarely goes out of fashion.

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left: Eicholtz Columbia chair, £835 from sweetpeaandwillow.com

Elle pendant light black and brass, £79 from MADE.com

16 | Oswestry life

below: Camden diamond rug, £249 from MADE.com

While it may take designers hours to come up with specific colour combinations sometimes it’s the most simple of pairings that packs the most punch

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: A Study in Sherlock limited edition print, £50 from artfinder. com; Small Edison pull light, £15 from kikkerlandeu. com; Abacus black & white wallpaper, £120 from harleyandlola.co.uk LEFT: Cult Living Nordic chair with weave seat, £129 from cultfurniture.com BELOW: Swedish retro clouds jersey baby blanket, £21 from andshine.co.uk

Bergen two seater in quartz, £629 from swooneditions.com

Oswestry life | 17

Property

A fine family home

A unique opportunity to purchase a bespoke, architecturally designed detached family home which enjoys a tucked-away position within the sought-after village of Trefonen.

The property, on the market with Roger Parry & Partners, is just over two miles away from Oswestry and is well located for commuting to Wrexham, Chester, Shrewsbury and the Midlands. An impressive dining hall with oak flooring looks out over the gardens. The kitchen/morning room boasts a Kenton Jones kitchen, walk-in pantry, exposed brickwork and feature oak beamed full height double glazed window overlooking the garden. In addition, the ground floor includes a snug, cloakroom WC, utility and a guest bedroom with en suite.

Upstairs an impressive gallery landing leads to three further bedrooms a bathroom and separate shower room.

A particular feature on the first floor is the drawing room with a feature marble fire place and far-reaching views of the glorious countryside.

The property is warmed by oil fired central heating, has double glazed windows, American oak regency doors and a security alarm system.

Outside the property is reached by a long gravel driveway and has attractive gardens, a summerhouse, double garage and garden shed.

Kingsway House is on the market with Roger Parry & Partners for £447,725. To arrange a viewing, call 01743 343343

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KINGSWAY HOUSE, TREFONEN N

Individually architecturally designed detached family residence within the sought-after village of Trefonen.

Briefly comprising: Entrance Porch, Impressive Dining Hall, Cloakroom/WC, Snug, Ground Floor Guest Bedroom En-suite, Kitchen with Morning Area,7/8 Utility, BEDROOMS SWIMMING POOL Further Cloakroom/WC, First Floor Gallery Landing, Nobold, Shrewsbury Impressive Drawing Room, Three Further Bedrooms, A substantial detached, period former farmhouse set in the Bathroom and Shower Room, Oil Fired highlyCentral desirable hamlet of Nobold, located only minutes drive Great Ryton, Condover from Shrewsbury town centre. The original part of the building An opportunity to acquire a brand new luxury detached family house built to an extremely high standard Heating, Double Garage, Generous Attractively 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, Most 1800’s. Extensive accommodation; reception hall, sitting room, study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sun room, utility/boot room, downstairs WC and Landscaped Gardens, Summerhouse.dining EPC rating D. room, snug/office, family/music room, kitchen/breakfast double garage. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with large full en-suite, 2 further bedrooms both with en-suite shower rooms, 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. At this early stage of construction, the prospective buyers can have significant input into the finishes of the property. EPC: TBC

OFFERS BASED ON £447, 725

TWLL, BWLCH Y DDAR, LLANGEDWYN

Guide Price: £750,000

4025

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

Tastefully extended 5 bedroom detached house with well planned family accommodation to include: Entrance Hall, Living Room, Sitting Room, Play Room, Impressive entertaining dining kitchen with deluxe bi-fold doors, Utility with Walk-In Storage, First Floor Landing, Spacious Master with Dressing Area INSPECTION HIGHLY WITHBedroom SELF-CONTAINED RECOMMENDED SINGLE STOREYand ANNEX and Ensuite, Four further Bedrooms two further Bathroom/Shower Rooms, Gas Fired Central Heating, Charlton, Nr Telford A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey annex.

Indoor Double Glazing, Alarm system, Triple Width Driveway, swimming pool, four car garage, large detached workshop, detached office block which could easily be converted to further independent Attractive accommodation subject to PP.Garden The houseto and buildings set round Landscaped Rear.

EPCarerating C. a central courtyard, extremely conveniently situated giving easy access to Telford, Shrewsbury and the M54 link. The property provides extensive potential to run a business from the premises subject to the

necessary PP and would also suit family groups looking to reside together. EPC: D OIRO £322,500

Guide Price: £625,000

3098 Guide Price: £475,000 4 WATERFALL STREET, LLANRHAEADR

3882

Enjoying a delightful rural location with An attractive mid terraced stone cottage which surrounding countryside views, a unique enjoys a convenient position for local village opportunity to purchase a most well-appointed amenities within the sought-after village of 3 bedroom character detached traditional Llanrhaeadr providing an ideal holiday home or Welsh long house/smallholding with attached first-time buyer opportunity. The accommodation 1 bedroom annexe lending itself to a variety briefly comprises: Lovely open plan Lounge/ PART EXCHANGE CONSIDERED of uses, set in approx. 7.2 acres / 2.9 hectares Kitchen, Rear Hall, Attractive Ground Floor Sheinton Road, Much Wenlock or thereabouts. Agents Note: A further 6 acres Bathroom, First Floor Double Bedroom and A charming and unusual detached stone built cottage, offering aF.rare combination of a period Sychtyn, Llansilin Belle Vue, Shrewsbury approx. is available by separate negotiation at Garden. EPC rating Early Viewing Fullyproperty with parking and garden, within walking distance of the town An individual and substantial detached property built in the late 1920’s, occupying an outstanding This highly desirable ground floor garden apartment situated in a period Grade II listed building offering £30,000.

EPCwest rating F. centre. Porch, dining room, cloakroom, utility room, landing elevated position in the hamlet of Sychtyn situated approximately six miles of Oswestry.

Oil CH, spacious character accommodation briefly comprising: oak panelled entrance hall, large Recommended. open plan living 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 £445,000

OFFERS INVITED £95,000

01691 655334

Guide Price: £395,000

20

room incorporating luxury kitchen, contemporary fire with original surround, french doors leading out to enclosed gardens. There are 2 double bedrooms 1 with en-suite cloakroom and luxury large family bathroom. With gas fired CH, many period features and 2 allocated private parking spaces. The property also comes with a large brick built store room originally part of a former coach house. EPC Rating: C

3956 Guide Price: £365,000

area leading to sitting room with stone fireplace and access to gardens, three good size bedrooms, family bathroom.

Wood framed DG, gas CH, off-street parking with small stone outbuilding/carport. Gardens run to a good size with open fields to the rear, with large summer house, garden stores, greenhouse and water feature. EPC Rating: E

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

| Oswestry life WITH 4 ACRES & OUTBUILDINGS

3602

BRAND NEW LUXURY HOUSE Sarnau, Llanymynech

Llanwyddyn, Oswestry

Pontesbury, Shrewsbury

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

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

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

WOODHEAD sales&lettings Telephone: 01691 680044

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

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

Nant Lane, Selattyn

This exceptional property sits in approximately one and a half acres of land and enjoys stunning views across the surrounding countryside. Benefiting from a spacious entrance hall, two reception rooms, conservatory, rear porch, cloakroom, WC, master bedroom with dressing area and en suite, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally, a gate leads onto the driveway with a turning circle for parking.. EPC RATING F

OIRO £425,000

Broom Hall Close, Oswestry

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

OIRO £370,000

Parc Hafod, Four Crosses

• • • •

4 BED DET FAMILY HOME 2 EN SUITE BEDROOMS GARAGE & DRIVEWAY EPC RATING C

OIRO £245,000

Carneddau Close, Trefonen

WITH NO CHAIN - This seven bedroom, three storey family home is set within a particularly sought after location in Oswestry. Benefiting from an enclosed garden, double glazing throughout and double garage with ample off road parking. The property briefly comprises; spacious entrance hall, living room, dining room, study, kitchen, utility room, downstairs WC, seven bedrooms of which two have en-suites and two bathrooms.​EPC RATING C

OIRO £418,000

OIRO £399,950

Beresford Gardens, Oswestry

Badger’s Way, Maesbrook

An impressive and spacious four double bedroom detached family home located within the village of Maesbrook. Set back from the road, the property enjoys a front garden with views towards The Breidden, block paved driveway. Internally, a spacious entrance hall, a superb dual aspect living room with log burner, dining room, study, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, downstairs WC, spacious galleried first floor landing leading to the four double bedrooms: two en suite and family bathroom.EPC RATING D

OIRO £360,000

Duddleston Heath, Ellesmere

• • • •

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

This three bedroom character townhouse which was formally a Girls High School. The property 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

OIRO £299,950

Breidden Close, Oswestry

3 BED DET HOUSE GENEROUS GARDENSAND OUTBUILDING CONSERVATORY EPC RATING F

OIRO £250,000

• • • •

3 BED DET BUNGALOW SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE EPC RATING D

OIRO £239,950

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

associated london office

Oswestry life | 21

Oakwood Grange

Morda near Oswestry Shropshire

Meadowdale Llanymynech Shropshire

Two and three bedroom new homes available to reserve now for completion in early 2018. Prices from ÂŁ128,000

ONLY TWO AVAILABLE Four bedroom detached house for completion in Autumn 2017. Located on the edge of the village with south west facing rear gardens and backing onto farmland. Ideal home for a growing family with an attractive open plan kitchen / family room which has patio doors to the garden.

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

For more details call us on 01691 679595

Also, lounge, utility room, cloakroom, master bedroom with en-suite, three further bedrooms, main bathroom, garage, gas central heating, 10 year new build warranty. Freehold.

Price from ÂŁ249,950 Part Exchange Available please call for details

10%

16 Leg Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NN 01691 679595 oswestry@morrismarshall.co.uk www.morrismarshall.co.uk 22 | Oswestry life

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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apartments at Ashwood in Oswestry open soon and our show apartment is now available to view. If you would like to arrange a viewing we can offer a personal tour and also answer any questions you may have about our ShireLiving schemes.”

The spacious and modern apartments consist of one or two bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/ diner/lounge, fully accessible bathroom and excellent storage.

Each apartment is designed for security and peace of mind.

Thelma, 89, has recently moved to nearby Shrewsbury scheme, Withywood, to be closer to her daughter. Thelma says; “It’s beautiful here. The staff are just lovely. It’s great to live near to my daughter but I’m completely independent form her. We enjoy meeting up and going out for lunch and I can also catch the bus into town to do my own things. You can be as private as you like here but also mix with your neighbours and enjoy events like the recent ukulele band performance. It’s reassuring to know that if something were to happen there will be someone to help me and it’s good to have care and support available too if I need to use it in the future.”

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member, then call to arrange a tour of the show apartment. You can also find out more and apply by visiting www.shireliving.co.uk ShireLiving is also recruiting for various roles across all schemes including care and support, catering and maintenance. For more information visit www.shireliving. co.uk/careers.

Stylish apartments for the over 55s Ashwood show apartment now open!

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www.shireliving.co.uk | 0800 0232244 | info@shireliving.co.uk ShireLiving is a partnership between The Wrekin Housing Trust and Choices

Oswestry life

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23

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 24 | Oswestry life

RICHMOND HARVEY

Property

Former pub perfect for B&B A recently converted former public house with seven bedrooms is for sale near Oswestry. The Tontine Inn, Church Lane, Melverley is a large property boasting spacious and well-maintained accommodation, recently upgraded to provide a family home. The property might also serve as a a Bed & Breakfast. Oil fired central heating throughout, a large sun room and open plan living/dining room with impressive fireplace.

The seven first floor bedrooms all have en suite bathroom or shower facilities. Externally the grounds offer a range of useful stores and workshops.

The Tontine Inn is on the market for £495,000 with Morris Marshall & Poole. Visit www.morris marshall. co.uk or call 01691 679595.

Executive family home over the border

Former school house for sale Part of a former girls’ high school is for sale in Oswestry town centre through estate agents Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings. The three-bedroom character townhouse is situated in a sought-after development close to the town centre and

has recently had a new boiler fitted as well as being externally redecorated. The property boasts: living room, dining hall, kitchen/diner, utility room, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Outside is a garden and two allocated parking spaces.

4 Beresford Gardens is for sale with Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings at £299,950. Visit www. woodheadsalesandlettings.com or call 01691 680044 to arrange a viewing.

A beautifully presented and substantial executive detached family home has come on the market with Richmond Harvey. Hillbrae Grove is privately situated yet close to local amenities in the popular village of Coedpoeth, within easy reach of Wrexham and the main road networks. The property has been designed to an extremely high standard and includes: gas central heating, triple glazing and a vacuum system. On the ground floor, there is an entrance hall, lounge, snug, dining room, kitchen/breakfast/family room, utility and cloakroom. Upstairs are four double bedrooms, including a master with en suite and dressing room.

Hillbrae Grove is on the market for £399,995 with Richmond Harvey. Visit www. richmondharvey.com or call 01691 654222.

Oswestry life | 25

DOORS WINDOWS CONSERVATORIES car ports verandahs WARM ROOFS FASCIAS & GUTTERING

Unit GM1, Glovers Meadow Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NH Telephone: 01691 650567 www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk 26 | Oswestry life

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Redefine your living space with Malcolm Lewis As homeowners, we all face the challenge of adding valuable living space to our homes and up until now we have had the choice of a conventional extension or a conservatory. But what about a combination of the two, to give you the best of both worlds?

WARMroof technology can be used on garden rooms, sun rooms, single story extensions and other extended living spaces. Offering a highly functional, flexible and luxurious new living space for both new installations and conservatory replacement projects.

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Try adding bi-fold doors and Velux rooflights to create a feeling of modern grandeur and fully maximise the space.

Tiles are available in a range of colours and finishes to blend seamlessly with your home. A striking canopy feature can offer shade from the sun, a place to relax in the evening or even somewhere to sit and enjoy

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

27

Park homes for the over 50s retired and semi retired

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28

| Oswestry life

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29

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| Oswestry life

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Oswestry life |

 31

Six of the Best

Giant thimble tidys in gold and silver, £9.99 each from totally-funky.co.uk

Back to

Work Now the children are back at school, you can devote some of your precious time getting back to work.

What better way to inspire productivity than some fun and stylish back-towork supplies to brighten your desk and help you through the nine to five.

Here’s six of our favourite.

A List a Day journal, £10 from paperchase.co.uk

Ted Baker diamond stapler from wildandwolf.com

HP Pavilion X360 touchscreen 2-in-1 laptop, from £699 at very.co.uk

Knomo London Hanover briefcase, £179 at harvey-norman.co.uk

Newgate clock – Charlie bell alarm clock, £25 amara.com

32

| Oswestry life

Packwood celebrating 125 years of education Founded in 1892, Shropshire prep school Packwood Haugh celebrates its 125th anniversary during the 2017-18 academic year. A landmark in the school’s history that affords the opportunity to reflect on its illustrious past and to look to the future and the exciting developments that lie ahead. A busy and varied programme of events has been planned to celebrate the milestone and an appeal launched to raise funds for developing the school’s science facilities.

Studying in part of the schools magnificent 65 acres of countryside The victorious Under 12s with the Bunbury Cup

Packwood continues to go from strength to strength: last summer’s leavers amassed an impressive 25 scholarships to many of the top independent schools in the country, including academic awards to Winchester, Repton, Rugby and Shrewsbury. There was success on the cricket field too for the Under 12 team who scooped the Shropshire county title, winning the Bunbury Cup.

curricular programme inspires interest and enjoyment for all pupils wherever their talents may lie and the school’s magnificent 65 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside, offer endless opportunities for the children to learn and play in the great outdoors.

Packwood prides itself on providing a truly all-round education with a focus on developing characteristics of grit, determination and endeavour that prepare pupils for future challenges at senior school and beyond. The broad curriculum and wide-ranging extra-

Packwood holds its next Open Day on Saturday 30 September and would be delighted to welcome you along to see for yourself everything that the school has to offer. For further information, please visit the website at www.packwood-haugh.co.uk.

Open Day

Saturday 30th September

“Atop-tierprep school”

Good Schools Guide 2016

Packwood Haugh School

Ruyton XI Towns, Shrewsbury SY4 1HX Telephone 01939 260217

www.packwood-haugh.co.uk

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33

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

34

| Oswestry life

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

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

SENIOR SCHOOL TASTER DAY, YEARS 5 & 6 SATURDAY 7th OCTOBER 9:00am - 3:00pm

PREPARATORY SCHOOL OPEN MORNING FRIDAY 17th NOVEMBER 9.00am - 11.30am

www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk/admissions

September Open Evening for Years 4&5

Thursday 21st September 2017

4.30pm – 7.30pm

Headteacher’ s talks at 5.30pm & 6.30pm Explore the stunning school grounds and facilities // See learning come alive with departmental experiments and displays // Meet our friendly, professional staff // Chat to current students about ‘life at The Marches’ // See the wealth of opportunities available to students who attend The Marches School // Gather more information on transport // Discover the Marches Futures Award // Find out about our Alumni Network and all of the exciting career paths past-students have embarked on...

explore . discover . learn

Please visit the website for more details www.marchesschool.co.uk Or call 01691 664400 Oswestry life

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35

The Marches School celebrates third year of results

Education

Development work nearly complete

Work is nearly completed on a £3 million-pound redevelopment project at thriving independent school - Tettenhall College.

The historic independent school for 2-18 year olds, which has seen a recent unprecedented rise in pupil numbers, is in the latter stages of completing the redevelopment.

Work is currently underway for a striking new sixth form centre, a modernised library, upgraded boarding houses and additional sporting facilities including new squash courts and multi-purpose sports pitches. The contemporary new sixth form centre at the heart of the school will provide the best of both worlds for pupils with a mezzanine ICT and study area and a brand new sixth form common room.

36

| Oswestry life

Since opening The Marches Sixth Form in 2013, the school is yet again celebrating a third set of outstanding results. Students reaped the rewards for their hard-work with a greater number of students than ever achieving the highest grades with 22% at A/A* Students have gained access to their first choice courses at top universities including; Cambridge, Durham, Manchester and Internationally in the United States with a scholarship.

Moreton Hall results joy Moreton Hall is delighted to report a vintage year of A Level Results confirming its reputation as one of the country’s leading independent schools.

53% of grades were awarded A* or A with a third of candidates achieving straight A* or A grades in all their subjects.

Pupil Phoebe Jackson from Herefordshire will be taking up her place at Cambridge to read Engineering with an impressive haul of 3A*s and 1 A. Pictured: Alicia Holland and Molly Ashworth, who received 3 A*s and 3As between them

“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

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01691 773671

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

Gardening

GARDENING FEATURE

We all love to relax in the garden in the summer, but what looks Fashionably late perennials like lovely green grass can, on closer inspection, be a depressing

white leaves look particularly Add mix offresh mossexcitement and weeds. Ifto youyour are determinedand to have a lush impressive individually in autumn displays bynow including a time to give lawn for the summer, is the ideal your lawngrown an overhaul toof ensure it remains in the peak of health the smallover terracotta pots. Their flowers selection seasonal stunners coming summer Herepots. are a few simplecome tips from lawn in eye-catching colours from to flower bedsmonths. and patio company pure GreenThumb, expert Jason Bell,perennials of lawn treatment white to pink and red, proving Several hardy have been based in Oswestry, toall getyear, the perfect lawn andas keep it that way attractive to us as they are bees patiently growing waiting which is common in the Oswestry region, the amount of water right through the year. and butterflies. for their turn to take centre stage. needed to keep grass green can be reduced by up to 80%, so you And nowimportant their time hasis come can spend less time watering and more time enjoying your lawn.

The most thing to give to your lawn aMichaelmas much-deserved Day is celebrated burst into bloom, ourmoisture gardensis likely to soak in rather drink. Water at timesfilling when the on 29 September and lends its with vibrant colour.

At this time of year, GreenThumb provide an Early Summer than evaporate - early morning or late evening is the best. When name to one of the most valuable treatment. This will continue to nourish the grass plant using a it’s dry, a good soaking once or twice a week is much more hardy perennials to flower through Japanese anemones are alwaystoa a light sprinkling controlled release fertiliser, whilst keeping the growth and colour every beneficial for your lawn as opposed thewarm summer months. Weeds are also targeted to favourite. and bold, their over the day, as this Tall can cause the roots to simple grow shallowSeptember and be proneand to October, FROM TOP: Daisies.ensure that any remaining flowers in shades from pink weedsbonariensis; are controlled. drying out.

Try to mow your lawntoatwhite least onceMichaelmas a week, keeping Verbena Japanese really celebrate the season.

They’re the height of the grass to about 25mm (1”) or 50mm (2”) during Anemones (Anemone japonica) Verbena is another great performer, Courtesy ofspectacular Adam Pasco Medi borders, Often the centrepiece that sets off flowering dry spells. Avoid too in short as this will encourage weeds adaptable too,cutting growing sites from flowering over months to to pond or sundeck to shrubbery, the lawn is links patio andsun mosstotopartial enter your lawn. In hot, dry weather your lawn will manyand full shade. really earnof its place in any garden. frequently the least cared-for feature in the ‘Weeds are become stressed and it is advisable to reduce the amount more compact andgarden. bushier Verbena Commonly Ice grass Plants, the longer. It’s hard to beat the Argentinian the bane of many lawns, and spring-time onwards is a good time allow your to grow mowing, and called rigida instead. to tackle them,” says Jason. “Our treatment controls dandelions, vervain, Verbena bonariensis, valued thick fleshy foliage of sedum daisies clover, as well as your otherlocal weeds.”

Hotter weather and dry spells over the summer your forcan itslead tall,tobranching stemsand topped varieties add interest throughout Visit garden centres lawnyear, turning yellow drying up. with really clusters of purple flowers. Its the from theand moment it There are some and nurseries now to discover a You can restbe assured, we will have aselection solution toof transform your effective treatments there that can help grass greener airystay growth habit means it can develops in spring.out Varieties are wonderful fashionably piece of grass, whatever the size, into a lush, green, weed-free for longer, such as the Oasis treatment from local lawn care slotted in among lower neighbours, available with foliage colours from late perennials that will transform your lawn, for you to enjoy. Booking your garden in for a treatment is specialist GreenThumb. The surfactant attaches itself to the and flowering abovecall 01691 green to grey deep purple, autumn keeping the colour easy – simply 655111garden, or find your local branch online molecules in theand soil to conserve any moisture,growing-up helping to reduce them.

For patio growing the and interest going well into winter. and some with variegated green www.greenthumb.co.uk of watering needed.

Where soil type is mainly clay, potsattry the amount

38 | Oswestry life

Left: Stepping stones across the River Clywedog Top to bottom: A young wren One of many wooden sculptures to entertain the children King Offa points the way Reflections in the river Caeau Weir, a horseshoe-shaped falls

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.

Mills, Weirs and King Offa This month we are heading a bit out of Oswestry. Just 25 minutes’ drive and well worth it. The River Clywedog might seem little more than a stream today, but in its time, it was the lifeblood of the area with no less than 17 mills involved in cloth, flour and paper making.

It also powered the bellows at the Bersham Ironworks. The Clywedog Valley Trail runs from Minera Leadmine and finishes at King’s Mill approximately one mile to the south-east of Wrexham town centre. The area we are exploring is between Nant Mill and Bersham, but I would encourage everyone to look at all of the trail (there is an excellent brochure on-line www.wrexham. gov.uk/assets/pdfs/countryside/ clywedog_valley_trail.pdf ).

The easiest place to park is at Nant Mill, LL11 3BT. If you head towards Ruthin from the A483, just before you enter Coedpoeth, there is a signpost to Nant Mill on your left. A kilometre further on, just

after a steep right hand bend, take a left and immediate right down into the carpark. It’s all very well signposted. During the summer, there are toilets at the mill, and a picnic area. Heading south past the mill and then along the road, you reach a gate on the left. From here just continue along the path or explore!

The path rises and falls with glimpses of industrial archaeology, and distant views. Here and there are wooden sculptures. Look-out for butterflies and dragonflies. Further on there is an area with a maze of tree trunks to amuse small people. As the path continues a carving of King Offa points from up in the trees, this is the site of Offas Dyke, and then off to the right, are stepping stones.

The highlight of the walk is the beautiful manmade Big Wood waterfall, just a few yards further on. This provided power to a small, local coalmine. Depending on how fit you feel you can continue down the path to the Caeau Weir at Bersham, a rather picturesque horseshoe-shaped falls. Return by retracing your steps.

Oswestry life | 39

Where did the summer go?

Don’t worry, autumn fashion promises warm, familiar colours and plenty of cosy textures to ease us in to the cooler temperatures.

There’s a big revival on the autumn catwalks with slouchy knee-high boots, disco themes with sequins, velvet and trims of ruffles, tassels and faux fur.

The big colour for autumn is red, so how will you wear it?

We have plenty of options to team with such a bright colour. Try a light knit or one of two types of shirts; go Western or Victorian but finish your seasonal look with some glamorous sunglasses.

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This page: Grey mutton sleeve jumper (£20.00), oversized buckle belt (£12.00), red a-line mini skirt (£22.00), grey check double breasted coat (£69.00) Dorothy Perkins, www.dorothyperkins.com Facing page L-R: Shirt (£45.00) & skirt (£75.00) both Studio by Preen, shoes (£49.00) Faith, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com; Sheer black floral asymmetric hem dress (£42.00), red patent over the knee heeled boots (£65.00), Miss Selfridge, www.missselfridge.com; Silver sequin top with ruffle sleeve (£45.00), asymmetric silver sequin skirt (£75.00), shearling cocoon (£79.00), Miss Selfridge, www.missselfridge.com

Autumn weaves

Jumper, £13, Primark, www.primark.com

Vivian velvet red bag, £35.00, Monsoon, www.monsoon.co.uk Blue check ruffle shirt, £22.99, New Look, www.newlook.com

Polarised prescription sunglasses 1056G, £75.00, Eyedoo, www.eyedoo.co.uk

Pointed toe court heels black, £15.00, F&F, www.tesco.com

Atlanta sequin jeans, £65.00, Monsoon, www.monsoon.co.uk

Brown panel faux fur jacket, £54.99, New Look, www.newlook.com

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

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41

Unlock the true potential of your skin

Wedding album

Sian Thomas and Jase Jones were married on 29 July at Rhydycroesau Church by Rev Brian Thomas. The reception was held at Bryngwyn Hall.

The bridesmaids were Kiera Sides, Charlie Williams and Ellie Mae Jones. The best man was Dave Owen, who travelled from Canada. Ushers were Gareth Jones, Barry Turner, Andrew Hawley and Glenn Griffiths. A wonderful day was had by all.

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PHOTOS: Richard Howell Photography

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Enchanted Hair and Beauty Rhostyllen 01978 355636 All payment types accepted 42

| Oswestry life

Full day wedding photography, from bride preps, through to first dance, just £695.

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Oswestry life |

43

All good gifts around us

September is here and it is Harvest Festival time. As people give thanks for local produce from allotments and farms we turn our attention to local brewers we are extremely thankful for.

Stonehouse Brewery is extremely popular in Oswestry, but have you tried their newest additions to the bottle range? We have Zaffir 4.0% –A refreshing Pale Ale with hints of tropical fruits - lovely paired with a tropical fruit salad or use the fruitiness to balance the saltiness of ham or blue cheese. £2.00/500ml Tekau 4.3% – A beer devised to celebrate ten years of Stonehouse Brewery. A Pale and Zesty Ale with pine and citrus notes.

Goes well with a Thai Green curry, or a Key Lime Pie! Chapel Brewery in Duddleston Heath is a small husband and wife outfit that make great beers in small batches just a few miles outside Oswestry. Ken and Carol specialise is Golden and Blonde Ales.

Last Supper 4.7% – A light Blonde Beer using American hops and British malts, giving a full-flavoured modern beer with hints of passion fruit, lychee and grapefruit. Delicious with Vietnamese food like Pho Soup or to complement a cheeseboard. £2.25/500ml Angels Share 4.0% - A Blonde session beer using German hops. Lightly Floral with an herbal and spicy tasty – a great session beer. A lovely partner to coriander flavoured foods such as Mexican or a fish ceviche £2.25/500ml.

By Grace Goodlad

Grace is from the award winning Bailey Head public house and the new beautiful Bailey Head Bottles situated in the Powis Market Hall and joins us as a regular columnist.

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Sweet pastry with lemon curd and Italian meringue (from The Shropshire Cook Book) The paradox of patisserie is that exactness and precision in the cooking results in sumptuous decadence. The team at the Lion and Pheasant in Shrewsbury serve up a deliciously rich but light dessert perfect for every occasion.

Preparation time: 40 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves 4

Ingredients

For the sweet pastry: 121g sugar 316g flour, plain 187g unsalted butter, diced 1 egg, free-range Tart cases For the lemon curd: 120g lemon juice 150g caster sugar 3 eggs 45g butter For the Italian meringue: 200g sugar 100g egg whites Water (enough to just cover the sugar in a pan)

To serve: Orange segments Vanilla ice cream, to serve

Method

For the sweet pastry Preheat the oven to 200°c and begin by making the sweet pastry. Mix the sugar, flour and diced butter together in a bowl until you have a texture that resembles breadcrumbs. Then, add the egg, binding together to make the dough. Be careful not to overwork this mixture.

Wrap this in cling film and chill in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes. Once thoroughly chilled through, line the tart cases and blind bake until they’re golden.

For the lemon curd Turning your attention to the lemon curd, place the lemon juice and sugar in a pan and raise to a boil.

While the heat is coming up, whisk the eggs into soft fluffy peaks. Then, whisk in the boiled lemon juice and sugar before returning to a medium heat and cooking through, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat, adding the butter by whisking it in until it is combined, before pouring into a tub to cool down.

For the meringue To make the meringue, use a mixing machine on a medium speed. Whisk together 100g of the sugar and egg whites using the machine. Boil the remaining sugar and water together and then pour this mixture into the bowl of the mixing machine until it is combined. Continue whisking until the mixture is thick and glossy and then place in a piping bag.

To serve Fill the tart cases with the chilled lemon curd to just under the rim.

Add three orange segments and

one small scoop of vanilla ice cream to the middle of the tart. Then, pipe the meringue mix around and over the tart, making sure that you cover the ice cream. Then, blow torch the meringue gently (or alternatively place in the preheated oven for 2-3 minutes approximately to colour the meringue). Serve immediately.

Raspberry Fro-yo (www.berryworld.com) A healthier alternative to ice cream, this raspberry Fro-Yo is great for all occasions. Serve immediately or freeze in an air tight container. For the best results sprinkle with frozen raspberries to add another tasty texture.

Method

Put the washed raspberries in a lidded container and freeze until solid. Once solid put them in the food processor and blitz until finely chopped. Take out 3-4 tbsp and keep in the freezer until you serve.

Add the Greek yogurt and condensed milk to the processor and whiz until everything is combined.

The raspberries will have frozen the other ingredients so serve ‘soft scoop’ straight away or tip into a freezer container to firm up.

Serve scoops with the raspberry bits sprinkled over the top.

Preparation time: 10 minutes plus freezing time Cooking time: 0 Serves: 6

Ingredients

350g raspberries, washed and dried 500g Greek yogurt 200g condensed milk

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23 Cross Street,Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2NF (01691) 650603 This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Not exchangeable for cash. No cash value. Excludes Bank Holidays. Only one voucher per visit can be accepted for this offer. Offer subject to availability.

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Oswestry life

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45

Watch out, beagles about!

Oswestry held its second ever Beagle Meet last month, as 16 four-legged friends (and their owners) from across the town congregated on Brynhafod Field.

Organised by Oswestry animal lover Sorina Bailey, she first heard about ‘beagle meets’ on facebook and decided to create her own version in Oswestry after adopting two-and-a-half-year-old beagle Jenson, who is named after Jenson Button.

“The first ever Oswestry beagle meet took place in January this year,” said Sorina, “and was such a success it was followed up recently with another. The word just spread,” said Sorina, after a few people had shared her post on facebook.

“Brynhafod is an ideal venue as the field is completely enclosed, so we can relax for a few hours and let the hounds play.”

“Brynhafod is an ideal venue as the field is completely enclosed, so we can relax for a few hours and let the hounds play. It is lovely to see them all running around together. Beagles are wonderful dogs. They have great personalities, real characters. They are very loving, gentle, friendly and at times incredibly stubborn too!”

Sorina also has a 10-year-old cat named Asbo, although he won’t be joining in the fun “He may look like butter wouldn’t melt but his name suits him!”

Sorina ends: “I would like to thank everyone for taking part in the Beagle Meet and hope for many more to come.”

The next Beagle Meet will be on Saturday 28 October at 11am on Brynhafod Playing Field. To find out more, search facebook for Oswestry Beagle Gatherings.

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ABOVE: Sorina Bailey with Jenson.

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Beagles are loving, gentle dogs; Getting to know each other at the beagle meet; Sorina with husband Matt and Jenson; Sisters Bella and Dotty are regular faces at the Oswestry beagle meet.

Out&about until 28 September

Arts Open 2017 Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry Exhibition of shortlisted entries on the theme ‘New Horizons’

1 & 2 September

CONTINENTAL MARKET Annual visit to Oswestry with stalls selling a wide variety of interesting produce and crafts within the town centre. 9am-4pm 01691 680222

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 September

BEGINNERS’ DRAWING Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry Learn basic skills for techniques in pencil drawing in this weekly drop-in session Fridays, 11am-12:30pm £8 per week For further details contact 01691 656882

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 September

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

1, 4, 8,11,15,18, 22, 25 & 29 September

FAMILY AND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Oswestry Library, Arthur St, Oswestry Family and Local History Group drop-in sessions for help with your family and local history enquiries Mondays 10am-12pm and Fridays 1.30pm -4pm 01691 677388

1 September

‘MEDGEL – PORTRAIT OF A WITCH’ Oswestry Visitor and Exhibition Centre, Church Terrace, SY11 2TE Anne Marie Lagram makes her living from her two passions- art and folklore, her subtle work in oils and ceramics call on historical allegories and present day life as a means of learning about keeping safe, living good lives and exploring explanations for things beyond our control. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, free entry 01691 662753

3 September

OPEN DAY – CAMBRIAN EMPORIUM & COLLECTABLES Cambrian Works, Gobowen Road, Oswestry 10am – 4pm Vintage Vocalist Sarah Raymond and local singer Kirsty Bright. Raising funds for RAF Benevolent fund and Hope House Hospice Free wine, Outdoor stalls. To book a stall call 01691 652257/ 07837 245769

3 September

CAR BOOT SALE Whittington Castle, Whittington, Near Oswestry For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

5, 12, 19, 26 September

8 September

5 September

9 September

JOYFUL NOISE CHOIR Whole Life Christian Centre, Cabin Lane Church, Oswestry Weekly Tuesday evening practice session for the Oswestry Community Gospel Choir – Joyful Noise. 7pm-8.30pm. For details contact 01691 680222 THE HIPPOPOTAMUS (15) Kinokulture Cinema,Oswestry This hilarious adaptation of Stephen Fry’s acclaimed novel, stars Roger Allam as a washed-up poet retreating to an old friend’s country estate to investigate a series of ‘miracles’. 7.30pm. Tickets & information www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

5 September

PANT LUNCH Cross Guns Inn, Pant Main course and a cup of tea or coffee for £5.

An informal way to meet up with other people, without having to join or become a member of a formal club. Everyone is invited to come along.

12.30pm – 3pm.

6 September

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

7 September

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

7 -10 September

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS National initiative to open as many historical places as possible to the public for free.

Oswestry has a wide number of interesting activities including archaeological digs, St Oswald’s tower, market activities, the Town Museum and the Park Hall trenches. Go to www. oswestrytownmusuem.co.uk for further details

8 September

The Band Wagon Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Oswestry SY11 1LF A Chester-based band that have been winning plaudits for their blend of original, story-based, modern folk music. The Band Wagon’s recorded albums include: Hunting with the Hounds ; Sleeper; Those Glory Days; Harvest, and The Passing Show. 8pm www.hermonchapel.com or telephone 01691 662196

8 September

CHARITY MARKET Working closely with community supporters The Qube, Oswestry Markets’ hosts a charity market on the Bailey Head aimed at raising important funds and awareness for a wide number of local charities. 9am-3pm 01691 680222

AMSER I WRANDO Oswestry Library, Arthur St, Oswestry Dewch I wrando ar hanesion difyr ‘Telynores Maldwyn’ Nansi Richards.

Time to Listen in Welsh. Free drop-in event 2pm – 3pm 01691 677388 Hand in date for Big Summer Read Oswestry Library, Arthur St, Oswestry 01691 677388

10 September

HERITAGE OPEN DAY TOURS & LIVING HISTORY DAY WITH WHITTINGTON GUILD Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

10 September

MIDLANDS BREAKFAST CLUB British Ironwork Centre, Near Oswestry Drivers from all over the midlands will arrive in dramatic style at the British Ironwork Centre.

This is a free entry event and everyone is welcome to join, but don’t forget your camera! 9am 01691 610952

12 September

ADVERTIZING NATURE Talk by local author and one time nature correspondent for the Oswestry Advertizer, Vicky Turrell. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £3 please book with library staff.

Oswestry Library, Arthur St 01691 677388

15 September

Comedy Club: SOS (Superstars On Stage) Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Oswestry One night only indoor festival. Comedy, music, poetry and more featuring Rod Sheperd (Conspiracy Theorist); Marvin Cheeseman (Mancunian performance poet); Vin’s diesels (Chorley’s number one used car specialist!)

Music from The Darth Maul Orchestra, The Bob Hoskin’s Experiment, Stephanie Seagal’s Blues Band, Never Diamond (World’s worst Neil Diamond Tribute act!) and more! And hosted by UK’s top actor...

Randolph Tempest! Tickets £7, doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start www.hermonchapel.com or telephone 01691 662196

15 September (start of 6-week course)

TAI CHI Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry Combines deep breathing and relaxation with gentle flowing movements. 10.30am-11.30am or 11.45am-12.45pm £55 For further details contact 01691 656882

Oswestry life | 47

CANAL BOAT TRIPS Llangollen Wharf Home of the famous Horse Drawn Boats. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Llangollen Canal on a 45min boat trip pulled by one of our gorgeous heavy horses.

Boats are covered for all weather trips Aqueduct Cruises A 2 hour cruise on our fully weatherproofed centrally heated boat over the mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Commentary, bar and snacks available.

Wharf Tea Rooms Enjoy our home cooked food whilst watching the boats go by, or sit on the terrace overlooking Llangollen.

Famous for our home made cakes.

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

9th & 10th September

Continental Market

1st & 2nd September 9am until 4pm

Annual visit to Oswestry with stalls selling a wide variety of interesting produce and crafts within the town centre.

CHARITY MARKET 8th September 9am until 3pm

National initiative to open as many historical places as possible to the public for free. Oswestry has a wide number of interesting activities including aetiological digs, St Oswald’s tower, market activities, the Town Museum and the Park Hall trenches etc. Go to www. oswestrytownmusuem.co.uk for further details

OSWESTRY COMMUNITY GAMES 24th September 10am until 3pm

Large annual event held in Cae Glas Park giving everyone the chance to try a number of sports for free including tennis, football, archery, martial arts, hockey, rugby etc. Great family day out.

ARTISAN MARKET

Working closely with community supporters The Qube, Oswestry 29th September Markets’ hosts a charity market on 9am until 3pm the Bailey Head aimed at raising A collection of quality local craft important funds and awareness and food producers held in Bailey for a wide number of local Street and the Bailey Head charities.

Tel: 01691 680222 48

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@OswestryTC

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OSWESTRY

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

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15-17 September

maesbury canal fayre Canal central Coed-y-Rae Lane, Maesbury Marsh, Oswestry SY10 8JG Phone: 07941 429980 www.bywatercruises.co.uk A co-creational gathering of canal, transport & music enthusiasts. Come along and camp at Canal Central (book early for camping pitches to avoid disappointment) from Friday through Sunday.

Tents, campervans and caravans all welcome.

15 & 29 September

‘WOW’ WORDS ‘N’ PICS OPEN WRITERS New venue - Community Room, Llwyn Fields, (off Llwyn Rd) Oswestry, SY11 1HG - with flat access, disabled facilities and kitchen available.

Fortnightly fun with creative writing. All abilities from beginners welcome. Interactive workshops and full support. 1.30pm– 3.30pm For more information contact Jan on 07702 165717 or email janhedger7@googlemail.com

15, 22, 29 September & 6 October

DISCOVER THE ART OF EMBROIDERY Oswestry Library, Arthur St, Oswestry A four-week course for beginners and improvers. £40. 10.30am-12.30pm.

Please book with library staff 01691 677388

16 September

Merefest Cremorne Gardens, Ellesemere Food festival, craft stalls, live music and more at this family friendly festival. Tickets on sale from www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

17 September

THE HOUSE OF THE BLACKSTAR – LIVING HISTORY DAY Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

19 September

THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE (12A) Kinokulture Cinema,Oswestry. – 7;30PM This true story of Warsaw zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski will amaze and inspire.

Putting themselves at great danger, the couple used their zoo to hide hundreds of Jews during 1939. Starring Jessica Chastain and Daniel Bruhl. Tickets & information www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

20 September - 1 October

WREXHAM ART GROUP EXHIBITION Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

20 September

PIMP YOUR PITCH! Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry Improve business networking skills and presentation confidence in this inspirational, interactive session. 10am-1pm £40 For further details contact 01691 656882

22 September

The Spirit of Trane: Gilad Atzmon and The Orient House Ensemble Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Oswestry SY11 1LF Marking fifty years without John Coltrane, Gilad Atzmon &The Orient House Ensemble attempt to reflect upon the beauty of the man’s music. www.hermonchapel.com or telephone 01691 662196

23 September

17 September

Tangerinecat + Stephanie Finegan Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Oswestry SY11 1LF Multi-instrumentalists Zheka and Paul, combining field recordings, loops, bass lines, electronic dance beats, synths, powerful vocals, hurdy-gurdy & whistles, produce and perform dynamic, passionate and visual music with an accent on personal protest. They have been compared to various genres, from industrial and electronic rock to psychedelic drone punk and progressive trance. Formed in Ukraine in 2008 tAngerinecAt have four albums to date and have performed hundreds of shows all over UK and Eastern Europe. www.hermonchapel.com or telephone 01691 662196

Workshop with Gilad Atzmon: The Primacy Of The Ear Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Oswestry SY11 1LF The Hermon is proud to host the first one in a series of music workshops by renowned Jazz saxophonist Gilad Atzmon. www.hermonchapel.com or telephone 01691 662196

26 September

‘FLOCKS OF WORDS’ Oswestry Library, Arthur St A blend of music and poetry by award-winning acoustic trio Whalebone and poet and author Kate Innes. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £3. please book with library staff.

01691 677388

27th September

DISABILITY OSWESTRY MEETING DO - as in ‘We can do’.

Hope Church, Laburnum Drive, Oswestry, SY11 2QR. 10.30am - 12pm.

Sylvia Jones from Leonard Cheshire Disability will be talking about their work. This year is the centenary of Leonard Cheshire’s birth, so Sylvia will be talking about the foundation and growth of this organisation, and how they support people to live independent lives. 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

27 September

KNIT FOR LIFE Oswestry Library, Arthur St Come along and knit with this local charity that support direct-aid distributions to many countries around the world. Free drop-in event.

1.30pm-3pm More information available about the charity at www.knitforllife.co.uk 01691 677388

29 September

OSWESTRY COMMUNITY GAMES Large annual event held in Cae Glas Park giving everyone the chance to try a number of sports for free including tennis, football, archery, martial arts, hockey, rugby 10am-3pm 01691 680222

OVER THE TOP: A forum theatre performance Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Oswestry SY11 1LF Over the Top focuses on the dilemma created when two contrasting points of view over the role of the military in our schools clash and come to a head-on confrontation. www.hermonchapel.com or telephone 01691 662196

24 September

29 September

24 September

CAR BOOT SALE Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry No caterers. For more information visit: www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

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

Oswestry life | 49

Social scene Sister Glenna Hardy shows her Dame Agnes Hunt Nursing Medal to her friends and colleagues.

What: The official opening of the theatre and oncology building Where: The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital Who: HRH Princess Alexandra, RJAH chairman Frank Collins, award winner Glenna Hardy A £15.1 million building at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital was officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra.

The Princess was in Shropshire for an official Royal visit that saw her unveil a plaque marking the opening of the stateof-the-art Theatre and Oncology building. She was greeted by dozens of enthusiastic staff, patients and visitors.

As part of the visit, she also presented the inaugural Dame Agnes Hunt Nursing Medal to Sister Glenna Hardy, a nurse practitioner in the hospital’s Pre-Operative Assessment Unit, and unveiled a special sculpture paying tribute to Percy, a peacock who resided in the hospital grounds for over 20 years.

The visit was six years to the day since Princess Alexandra last visited RJAH when she came as part

50

| Oswestry life

HRH Princess Alexandra, with RJAH Chairman Frank Collins, unveiling the plaque marking the official opening of the £15.1 million Theatre and Oncology building (above) and, left, the sculpture in tribute to Percy the Peacock.

of celebrations to mark the 50-year anniversary of the Oswestry-based hospital’s League of Friends.

Frank Collins, chairman, said: “It was an honour to welcome HRH Princess Alexandra to our Trust and to have her officially unveil our theatre and oncology building.

“This building represents a significant investment in our future, and the feedback we have had from patients since it first came into use has been extremely positive.

“We now have facilities fit for the 21st century, which is no less than our patients, and indeed our staff, deserve.”

BELOW L-R: HRH Princess Alexandra receives a bouquet from Alice Ward patient Imogen Byrne; Being introduced to Donna St John, ward manager of Oswald Ward; The princess chats with Lady Trevor, vice chairman of the League of Friends.

Roman challenge raises funds in Neil’s memory Staff at Shropshire building contractor Pave Aways have raised more than £5,000 in memory of a colleague by trekking the length of Hadrian’s Wall dressed as Roman soldiers.

The charity helped to build, and continues to fund, the Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where Neil Holding, Pave Aways’ former Quality Manager, was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last year.

Energy opportunity for rural business Renewable energy is still a viable option for rural businesses and farmers in the Oswestry area who want to diversify.

David Brammer

Business

That’s the view of a planning specialist at Lanyon Bowdler’s Oswestry office, who says a multi-million-pound government investment into battery technology is providing new opportunities for landowners.

David Brammer, head of planning at Lanyon Bowdler, said renewables had steadily grown in popularity over recent years - particularly for rural businesses and farmers who see power generation as a valid form of diversification.

“Renewable energy hit a major milestone at the start of this summer by generating more electricity during the course of one day than coal and gas for the first time,” David said.

“It was a significant moment, and was understandably leapt on by campaigners who claimed it showed that renewable energy could truly replace fossil fuels as the UK’s main source of power.”

Some of the Pave Aways team on the coast to coast challenge

For more advice about planning and renewable energy, contact David on 0800 652 3371 or visit www.lblaw.co.uk

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Can I claim through CICA for injuries sustained in mugging?

Q: I was on my way home from work in May when I was jumped by two men who beat me up and stole my money, leaving me with a scar across the top of my face and a couple of broken ribs. I reported the incident to the police but they never found the men so I can’t sue them for my injuries. I would like to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority but I’m worried what might happen because I have a previous unspent conviction for common assault, which I received a fine for. Can I still make a claim?

A: It’s certainly worth looking into. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an organisation that provides compensation to victims of violent crime. It does however have guidelines for dealing with such claims and you are right in thinking that your criminal conviction is relevant. CICA may reduce or withhold an award unless there are exceptional circumstances.

In my experience the CICA is particularly careful about awarding compensation to people who have convictions for violent crimes, given that the organisation’s main purpose is to compensate victims of violence.

Whilst the above should not deter you from making a claim you should certainly keep it in the back of your mind that your claim may not be successful. It is therefore crucial that your application is as accurate and robust as possible.

It would be advisable for you to seek advice from a lawyer who has experience in dealing with such claims and who can advise you on the potential success of making a CICA claim as well as completing your application to ensure you have the best chances of succeeding. Depending on the prospects of success you may be eligible to have your case taken on a No-Win, No-Fee basis.

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

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with Darron Humphreys of Prudent Financial Planning

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Q: My adviser says I should protect my mortgage. Is this just another cost?

A: Buy to let has come under the cosh recently from a tax crackdown, but many still see property as an attractive investment A: A mortgage is quite possibly the largest financial commitment you will ever make. Meeting the payments is simple whilst the going is good, but what happens when life throws you a curve ball?

Would your family manage financially if your income was suddenly reduced?

How long would it take before you need to start raiding your savings to meet household outgoings and how long could you sustain this for?

Although the state provides benefits for this eventuality, the provisions are basic, and it is likely to leave you with a shortfall in funds. There are a range of insurance products that will offer peace of mind to meet concerns over these financial gaps.

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Income protection insurance is the best option for most people as it provides the most comprehensive protection. This will pay out if you’re unable to work due to an accident or ill health. You can also choose to take out additional unemployment cover if this is something you’re worried about.

Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI). If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford income protection, then having MPPI is certainly better than having no cover at all. MPPI provides cover in the event of an accident, sickness or unemployment – unlike income protection, MPPI will normally only pay out for one or two years after you stop working.

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Critical illness cover is designed to ease financial hardship if you suffer cancer or another serious illness.

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Take advice – It is important to take advice before buying any form of protection insurance as the last thing you want when you’re in a difficult situation is to find that your insurance won’t pay out. You need to make sure you’re clear what will and won’t be covered and you could even reduce your existing mortgage protection costs by having financial advice. For further information please contact one of our advisers on 01691 653335 or email dhumphreys@prudentltd.co.uk

Oswestry Cricket Club FREE ENTRY

Oswestry life

|

53

Culture

Book review

by Debbie Marais Oswestry Library

Poetry corner

Having read and loved Sarah’s previous novel ‘A Year of Marvellous Ways’ and heard glowing reports about ‘When God Was a Rabbit’, I excitedly attended Sarah’s recent visit to Booka Bookshop to talk about her latest novel ‘Tin Man’. Inspired by the evening’s discussions, I left clutching my copy of this beautiful, bright yellow book, eager to begin.

always the case as we catch glimpses of close loving relationships with his wife, Annie and a childhood friend and one-time lover Michael. Annie has been killed in a car accident five year previously, from which Ellis is struggling to recover. The story follows Ellis as he re-evaluates and re-examines the threads of these two significant relationships in his past hoping to find some meaning and reason to continue with life in the present.

Freedom

The novel is a very frank, respectful and sensitively written story of love, loss, grief but also hope and kindness. It is set against a backdrop of Aids and the impact it has, particularly on individual lives and relationships during the 1980s. The main story centres around Ellis who is stuck in his life. He leads a solitary life, going through the motions of living and working but trying to avoid feelings or really connecting with anybody around him. This was not

Woven into this moving, sometimes harrowing story is the sunflower picture painted by Van Gogh. This picture has become for Ellis, and his mother before him, a symbol of hope and dreams of all that life could hold.

Tin Man by Sarah Winman, published

by Tinder Press

Cast out from lake, rushing over the weir The Vyrnwy runs pure and crystal clear Where oak stands tall and the ash leans o’er Deepened soul of water here runs slower Bathing the stones, washing their face Smoothing the pebbles in sculptured space As on it travels tween depths of green With rippled sound and peace pristine

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

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54 | Oswestry life

New term will begin in September (Fortnightly on Fridays 1.30 - 3.30pm) in our new venue Community Room, Llwyn Fields, Oswestry (Flat access & Disabled Facilities)

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55

Dealing with grief

“You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.” J K Rowling Benjamin Franklin once said: “nothing can be said to be more certain in this world except death and taxes.” In a way, he was wrong. The other universal experiences we will all share are loss and the human reaction that accompanies it.

Feeling down, low or depressed is an almost invariable component of loss. It can last months and is often tempered by friends and family, the passage of time through normal activities in life and by trying to convert the negative images of loss into the positives of past memories and experience.

The tragedies of Charlie Gard and Grenfell Tower touch us personally but at some point in own our lives deep loss will occur and we tend to react to this in similar ways.

It’s perhaps not surprising that, during this process, people often feel physically unwell with tiredness, headaches, sleep loss and many other symptoms that have grief as their cause.

Our first reaction is “Oh no - this can’t happen.”

Doctors call this denial and is a protective reflex against the floods of emotion that will follow. People often report seeing and hearing loved ones after death and perhaps this is our brain trying to comfort us.

Eventually, if we are lucky, we find acceptance and can live with the loss, the sadness and occasional emptiness that will often remain.

Unfortunately, loss is often accompanied by anger.

Anger directed at anyone in the firing line: sometimes with reason, sometimes not. It can even be directed at the person lost and, in some of the saddest instances I remember, inwardly on the very person grieving. Anger tends to be a destructive emotion.

Counselling can help some people suffering in this situation. It is available from a range of sources including CRUSE, the Sue Ryder organisation and through the NHS local counselling services.

Let’s finish with a more positive thought: “When all is said and done grief is the price we pay for love.” Bucchianeri.

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| Oswestry life

Nostalgia

Down memory lane Historian David Owen takes a walk back in time to discover the fascinating history of two of Oswestry’s best-known streets; Beatrice Street and Salop Road.

Beatrice Street This early 1930s view of Beatrice Street shows the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel spire in the background. The chapel was built in 1870/71 and demolished in 1967 with the site now housing Morrison’s filling station. The block of shops in the immediate background was erected in the mid-19th century (known as Cheapside) and became a part of the Oswestry Co-operative Society ‘empire’ later in the same decade but were still individual businesses at this time. Baker’s Stationers occupied the site on the corner whilst, on the other side of Albert Place, there was a garage with petrol pumps on the road.

The Fighting Cocks Inn is one of Oswestry’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 17th century.

Prior to 1727 it was called the Lower White Horse Inn.

Salop Road The 1950’s view shows The Barley Mow public house which was demolished in the 1970s when the Salop Road entrance to the Central Car Park (formerly the Smithfield Market) was widened. WH

Thomas Timber Merchants yard was redeveloped in more recent times and forms the site where Sainsbury’s now stands. Behind the timber yard were the animal loading pens for the railway where animals bought at the Smithfield would be loaded into cattle trucks to be transported to their new owners.

The Regal cinema is clearly visible in the background and became the Granada in the 1960s. Prior to the redevelopment of the corner of Leg Street and English Walls in the 1920s this site housed the Dorsett & Owen brewery whilst another cinema (known as the Cinema Palace) existed and was opposite here, down the Coney Green.

Oswestry life | 57

Sport

in association with

Shropshire Polo Club supports local children’s charity

Moor Farm Polo Club in Baschurch is holding its first ever Shropshire Charity Cup on Saturday 23 September.

A short grass tournament will begin at 11.30am and teams of four can be entered at a cost of £100.

The highlight of the day will be a Horse Polo Tournament at 2pm which will see four teams battle to become the first ever holders of the Shropshire Charity Cup. Businesses can enter a team for £250 which must include a representative from the company. The Polo Club will provide up to two players free of charge and an exciting auction will determine the final member of each team with a semi-professional player to complete the line ups.

To find out more email terry@moorfarmshop.co.uk.

Footballers raise funds

Two local footballers from Llanymynech FC recently held an auction and raised £1000 for Hope House. They have also agreed to proudly display the charity’s logo on their shirts for the new season.

Girls’ T20 success

Shropshire Under 11 Girls returned from the Malvern Festival with an unbeaten record in their T20 games.

They beat Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Suffolk to round off a fine week and continue their good form of recent months.

Coach Mike Griffiths said: “The girls really enjoyed their trip to Malvern and played really well in their T20 games with contributions from a number of different players, which was great to see.”

TOP: Shropshire Under 11 girls at Malvern LEFT: Joe Evans and Josh Hayward of Llanymynech FC

OSWESTRY CRICKET CLUB’S ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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58

| Oswestry life

If you’re a fan of swimming, the chances are you’ll have heard of Oswestry Otters. The swimming club started by Eunice Price back in October 1976, celebrated its 40th birthday last year and is still going strong.

With 65 competitive swimmers, everything is going swimmingly for the club which trains five nights per week at various locations, including Oswestry Leisure Centre, Oswestry School and Moreton Hall.

It’s a competitive swimming club, with swimmers travelling all over the country to compete in team events and individual open meets at the weekends. The Otters have had several successful swimmers who have gone on to compete at national level including Stuart Manford, who competed for Wales in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and current swimmers, 21-year-old Dan Jones and his brother, 16-year-old Morgan.

a season that saw him win a host of gold medals at Regional and Welsh National Championships. He has been rewarded further by being selected to attend a training camp, with the prospect of representing Wales in the Youth Commonwealth Games.

President Doreen Leggatt has been involved with the Otters since the start and says “We are a friendly club that aims to develop the swimming skills of children of all ages, allowing them to progress through to swimming at a competitive level.

Although the training schedule can be intense as swimmers develop, success in this sport is achieved through hard work and dedication.”

Dan who joined the Otters aged just eight years old, won Shropshire’s top swimmer for his age group 10 years in succession and now trains full time with the Welsh National Squad in Swansea with the aim of qualifying for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The club is run by a team of volunteers made up of qualified coaches, teaching swimmers from the age of eight upwards. Many parents, give up their time to volunteer to support the swimmers in various ways and have organised several successful events, such as club competitions and presentation evenings. The club has also organised two very successful five-day training camps in Cyprus in 2014 and 2016, which hugely benefitted the young swimmers.

Morgan won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the recent Oswestry Sports Forum Awards for

To be an Otter, swimmers must demonstrate a good swimming ability at their trial, meeting a minimum

. .C

ER

.

S A

S

OT

Otters still making a splash after 40 years

T

required standard. The club is broken down into four ability groups, with intermediate and advanced groups training for two hours every night. The coaching programme is tailored to the schedule of galas throughout the year.

“Pool Hire is our biggest expenditure,” says Doreen, “the club gets very little outside funding and finds it difficult to attract sponsorship. The club do endeavour to organise regular fundraising events to help fund the running of the club.

“Being a part of the Otters is a great thing for children, they get a lot out of it, aside from the health benefits, it gives them a chance to make friends and be part of a team.”

What does the future hold for Oswestry Otters?

“We’d like to encourage more swimmers to join, to be able to develop the club further,” adds Doreen, “we’d like to be able to provide more frequent and longer training sessions and our aspiration is to operate from a single base at the heart of the community in Oswestry.”

If you are interested in joining or providing sponsorship, please get in touch on 07971 646559, or complete the form on the ‘contact us’ section of the website: www.oswestryotters.org.uk.

Oswestry life | 59

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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

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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

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

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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 Pet rocks

Katie Millard of Baby Bird Café shows us how to make these perfectly low-maintenance pets Our little one loves rocks - big rocks, small rocks, rough rocks, smooth rocks - basically any rocks she can get her hands on! This collection grows particularly after holidays by the sea which sees us lugging rocks she’s found (and won’t let go of) home!

So, one rainy afternoon we started making pet rocks out of her collection. This activity also ties into the fabulous initiative started by Shropshire Rocks (see their Facebook page) of painting and hiding rocks to be found across the county.

Materials * selection of rocks * acrylic paint or poster paint * paint brushes * good glue * items to decorate - googly eyes, pipe-cleaners, wool * external varnish / yacht varnish

Method 1) Wash and dry rocks 2) Select rock to paint. Rocks can be painted to make monsters, animals or just patterns 3) Wait until the paint on the rock is dry 4) Add a light coat of varnish 5) Add decorative touches with good, strong glue

Oswestry Library Events for children and young people this September Saturday 9 Summer reading challenge completion date. Finish reading your six books and hand in your completed treasure hunt forms Friday 15 & 29 2-2.30pm Bookstart Story Time for preschool children (free) Monday 18 2-2.30pm Bookstart Rhyme Time for preschool children (free) Every Thursday 3.30-4.30pm Lego Club for all ages (free drop-in event)

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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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: 30 September 2017.

ntastic Funhouse a F Mo

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

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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 month-long access pass for Evolution Gym

You don’t need to be a body builder to benefit from joining up at one of Oswestry’s newest gyms.

Whether you’re male or female and whether you want to get in shape, bulk up or follow a personal training plan, Evolution Gym in Bailey Street, Oswestry, could be right up your street.

Competitions

WIN WIN WIN

Win fat freezing treatment worth £149 Shropshire 3D Fat Freeze Body Sculpture based on Wharf Rd, Ellesmere is offering a 3D Fat Freezing treatment to one lucky reader.

3D Fat Freezing Lipofreeze (Cryolipolysis) is a way to remove unwanted pockets of fat without going under the knife. It’s the latest celebrity fatbusting treatment of the moment, claiming it can reduce fat by up to 40% in a chosen area with a single session.

A vacuum suction cup with cooling plates is used on the selected body area, which is then chilled. Fat cells are particularly vulnerable to cold exposure, causing them to crystallise and breakdown. Surrounding blood vessels are unaffected, allowing the removal of the fat cells with no other damage. Following treatment, the body will flush out the fat cells naturally, allowing the target area to shrink in size, delivering the desired results within two months and lasting permanently.

There’s no downtime, no pain, and it’s completely non-invasive with incredible results. It’s easy to see why Fat Freeze is the celebrities number one choice for body sculpting treatments.

Prices start from £99. For more information, visit the facebook page, search @shropshirelipo or call 07726 298698.

We’ve teamed up to allow one lucky reader the chance to win a treatment on two areas worth £149.

To win, simply tell us how many sessions of the treatment are needed to see results?

Owner Jimmy Hayns first stepped foot in a gym at the age of 16 and hasn’t looked back since; now finally making his passion his future and opening Evolution in July 2016.

Evolution is kitted out with over 70 units of new and refurbished equipment – everything a serious gym-goer could need and accommodating many different types of training. Jimmy is keen to emphasise that Evolution is not just for body builders.

“We are for men, women, experienced trainers and new starters alike. Whether your motivation is strength, fitness, muscle gain, fat loss or nutrition,” he says.

Evolution Gym, in Bailey Street, is offering three lucky readers one month’s free access to the gym and two free personal training sessions.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: On which street is Evolution Gym based?

For more information about Evolution Gym, visit www. evostrength. co.uk or call 01691 239320.

COMPETITION RULES: Closing date for competitions is 29/09/17. 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 JULY WINNERS: Oswestry Show: Mrs Tina Varley, Oswestry and Mary Mackenzie, Whittington, Near Oswestry Shrewsbury Flower Show: Mrs Pat Roberts, Oswestry Shrewsbury Steam Rally: Mr Bob Clarke, Gobowen, Near Oswestry and Lin Burdess, Oswestry

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LAST WORD Do you know what your ikigai is?

What is the one thing you get out of bed for in the morning?

I can’t be quite sure what mine is, but I’ve certainly spent some time trying to find it. According to scientists in the US and Japan having a sole purpose in life will improve our sleep quality, health and life expectancy. They refer to it as ikigai and if I want to live a long and happy life, I’d better find mine.

It might sound a little new age for most people’s tastes, but it turns out that science actually backs up the theory. A study by Sone, Toshimasa and Nakaya asked over 43 thousand Japanese adults “Do you have an ikigai in your life?” results showed mortality rates were significantly higher among those that did not have an ikigai.

Ikigai, pronounced ick-eee-guy is fast gaining traction as a lifestyle concept like ‘hygge’ and ‘lagom’ before it. It’s Japanese and translates simply as ‘reason for being’. According to the Japanese, everyone has one, although we might not know exactly what it is without a lot of soul searching.

But apparently this is a part of the journey. There are four key questions I can ask myself to try and find out, but really, it’s how those four things overlap that is where the ikigai lies.

1. What do I love? What is my passion?

2. What am I good at?

3. What does the world need from me?

4. What can I get paid for?

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Ikigai has to include all of these things, so pursuing a passion without being able to provide for my family or getting caught up in making money but contributing nothing to others are ways that I might lose my balance. That would be very un-ikigai of me.

According to expert Dan Buettner, people with a strong sense of purpose have boosted immune systems, lower stress hormones and are able to cope with life’s difficulties better than those who don’t.

On the island of Okinawa in Japan, where some of the longest living humans on the planet reside – ikigai is translated as a ‘reason to get up in the morning’. Retirement is not even a concept here, with residents staying active throughout their old age, where it’s thought that the sense of responsibility and being needed is attributed to a long, happy life. Additionally, when asked what their ikigai is, they all instantly know the answer – and they range from teaching karate, fishing to provide for family and holding their great-great-great-grandchildren.

Finding my ikigai will take time I’m told – but the thought process is part of the journey. My ikigai is likely to evolve over time, twisting and turning through relationships, career and family.

Those who find their ikigai tend to find it through work, hobbies or relationships. If you’re one of those people who gets paid for doing something that you love, I suppose you’ve found your ikigai already.

Conversely, if you get paid a lot for doing something that you hate, you’re a long way from yours.

As a mother, the reason I got up in the morning was my children, then when I returned to work it was the satisfaction of a job well done. There is also lots of joy in the little things in life; bumping into an old friend, a beautiful summer’s day, exercise, nature, eating out, finding a dress you wanted on sale.

Perhaps my ikigai hasn’t presented itself yet, or perhaps I’m still working towards it. Or is it the sum of all these things that gets me out of bed in the morning?

While ikigai might be a foreign notion, it’s something we all know that we need and if it makes us ask ourselves some big questions, what’s the harm in indulging it? At least until the next lifestyle concept comes along.

Charlotte Ruscoe

e: charlotte@oswestry.life

NOW OPEN

Amazing New Doors, Windows and Flooring Showroom in Oswestry

Looking to make improvements to your home? Then visit the stunning new doors, windows and flooring showroom located at TG Builders Merchants Oswestry.

Make your home warm, quiet and extra secure with our stunning range of doors & windows, with numerous styles and sizes to choose from.

Also our new flooring display brings an unmistakable feel of quality to any home. We stock a huge range of laminate, vinyl, engineered or solid wood floors.

Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8HA T: 01691 664 280 W: tgbuildersmerchants.co.uk Mon - Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 1:00pm, Sun Closed

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Looking for a new kitchen or bathroom?

Look no further - come and see our new ranges selected to suit all tastes and budgets. You’ll be amazed at the choice and affordability.

Tel: 01691 657774

Email. sales@inspirehomedesign.co.uk

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

www.inspirehomedesign.co.uk