Oswestry Life May 2017

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| Oswestry life

Contents

Welcome

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

to Oswestry Life

In the spotlight................................... 8 Interiors............................................. 14 Property............................................ 19 Gardening........................................ 26

Welcome to the third edition of Oswestry Life magazine.

As the wonderful feedback from both our readers and advertisers comes in, we continue to evolve and grow the magazine. This month we’ve got our regular features: local walks, nostalgia and interiors as well as a double page feature on The Movement Centre in Oswestry – an incredible charity and the only one in the world to offer children a specific type of treatment that may be able to help them to walk.

Sit down, grab a cup of tea and find out what’s been happening in the land of Os.

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

Education......................................... 29 Out and about................................. 35 Culture.............................................. 37 Six of the best................................... 38 Fashion............................................. 40 Food and drink................................. 42 Health............................................... 48 Social scene...................................... 51 Business news................................... 54 Nostalgia.......................................... 57 Sport................................................. 58 Local walks...................................... 59 Kids fun............................................ 64 Competitions.................................... 65 Last word.......................................... 66

Oswestry Life

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

www.oswestry.life

free issue 3 MAY 2017

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

MAY cover

Sales & Marketing Director

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Cover photograph Cae Glas Park, Oswestry

by Graham Mitchell Th

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

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grahamsfmitchell

with a camera & about & Home • Rambles • Out • Interiors Walks around Oswestry Local events Perfect playrooms

Oswestry Life is published by DTS Media. The views expressed within this publication do not necessarily reflect those of DTS Media. The reproduction of any material in this magazine is forbidden without the written consent of the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, DTS Media can in no way accept liability for omissions or incorrect insertions or any consequences arising from use of this publication. © DTS Media Ltd. 2017

Community news

Special guest at Oswestry Market to open on Thursday Oswestry Indoor Market is now open every Thursday Festival of Education in addition to the existing market days; Wednesday, The British professor, medical doctor, scientist and television presenter Lord Robert Winston will be speaking at The Marches Festival of Education on Thursday 29th June.

In the 1970’s Robert developed gynaecological surgical techniques that improved fertility treatments.

He later pioneered new treatments to improve in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and developed pre-implantation diagnosis. This allowed embryos to be screened for genetic diseases and has allowed parents carrying faulty genes to have children free of illnesses such as cystic fibrosis.

He now runs a research programme at the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology at Imperial College London that aims to improve human transplantation. Robert Winston has over 300 scientific publications about human reproduction and the early stages of pregnancy.

Robert Winston is also chairman of the Genesis Research Trust – a charity which raised over £13

“I am thrilled that Professor Robert Winston will be joining us at our Festival of Education” million to establish the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and which now funds high quality research into women’s health and babies.

Sarah Longville, executive headteacher of The Marches Academy Trust commented, “I am thrilled that Professor Robert Winston will be joining us at our Festival of Education and look forward to him delivering a scientific perspective to child development and learning, based upon his extensive research.”

The Festival of Education at The Marches School aim is to bring together leading educational experts and inspire debate and discussion amongst industry professionals, offering engaging and motivational CPD and presenting panel interviews with a variety of prominent and inspirational practitioners.

For any educational professionals who are interested in attending the festival, please visit www.marcheseducation.com.

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Friday and Saturday.

The council-led initiative aims to attract more start-up businesses to the market and also allows the current traders the opportunity to trade for an extra day.

Building on its collection of food stalls, the market has had some exciting new additions including: The Grain Sheaf Bakery - which will be extending their business in the centre of the indoor market and a new craft beer stall opening very soon. They will be trading alongside established stalls; Micky Finn’s Fresh Fish, Hartshorn’s Butchers, Radford’s Delicatessen and Llynclys Farm Shop.

The Thursday-opening will be reviewed at the end of the year when the council will decide if has had a positive effect on the market and call for public support of the initiative.

Skittles to make a return Locals will remember there used to be a thriving skittles league based at the Social Club at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital until it was closed a number of years ago and demolished to make way for new buildings in the ever-expanding complex.

Now the traditional nine-pin game is being revived by Oswestry Cambrian Rotary and is based in the Last Inn at Upper Hengoed. A new portable alley has been constructed to be placed in the newly refurbished function room for play on a Tuesday evening once a month.Visit www. oswestrycambrianrc.co.uk to find out more.

Below: Owners of The Last Inn at Hengoed; Jules and Russ

Celebrations continue with vintage night 1920s glamour is coming to Oswestry as Derwen College continue the celebrations of their 90th anniversary.

Paul Lindop being presented award by Mark Brandreth, CEO (front), surrounded by colleagues

Postman Paul picks up award Internal postman Paul Lindop got a surprise delivery – when he was presented with the monthly Health Hero Award at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.

The college are hosting a 1920s charity ball on the grounds on 13 May. The evening promises to be a night of vintage magic hosted by the Electro-Swing Ball. Flapper dress, feather boas and red lipstick are optional! Tickets are priced at £40 each and available from bookings@derwencollege.ac.uk Pictured: Jake Pyke-Jones and Jade Turner

Paul, a member of the portering team at the Oswestrybased hospital where he has worked for more than 36 years, is a familiar face to all staff as he delivers mail to every department He received seven nominations for the Health Hero Award – including those from medical secretaries Janice James, Sarah Evans and Nicola Jones.

Citations included Janice’s, which stated: “He consistently demonstrates the values that the Trust represents - he is always friendly, caring, helpful and professional when he delivers and collects our mail, and always has a friendly word for everyone he meets on the corridor.”

Sarah added: “Paul has tireless enthusiasm and passion for his work and will help work colleagues, patients and visitors without any hesitation.”

And Nicola said: “He is always a gentleman - helping staff and visitors alike everywhere he goes with a friendly outlook and commitment to keep the post moving around the hospital.”

Paul was delighted, if somewhat embarrassed, to receive the award.

He said: “I thought I was just coming to a team meeting and Martine (Williams, the deputy facilities manager) was coming over to speak to us, so it was a nice surprise.

“I’d like to thank everybody who has nominated me.

They are my friends as well as my colleagues, and I wouldn’t work anywhere else now.”

The award was presented to Paul by chief executive Mark Brandreth, who said: “Paul’s years of hard work have been so valuable to RJAH so I am delighted to see that effort recognised by his colleagues who have nominated him for this award.

“He is one of the most recognisable faces on the site as we all see him most days bringing post around to our individual wards and departments.

“He has a smile and a friendly word for everyone. He is an asset to the Trust and I am delighted that he is part of our team.”

Sports stars at college launch North Shropshire College welcomed some special guests to launch a new multi-sports scholarship course at their Walford campus.

Double Paralympic gold medal winner Danielle Brown, who is the official ambassador of the scholarship was also joined by Worcester and England rugby player Lydia Thompson and England Netball’s regional development officer Ruth Harris to celebrate the launch.

The scholarship, which is open to men and women kicks off in September 2017.

Karen Roberts, assistant principal of NSC says: “The scholarships are perfect for students with a passion for sport who see their future career in coaching and sports development. Both scholarships have fantastic support and put the student right at the heart, allowing them the choice of sport pathway and a range of enrichment activities supported by partner agencies.”

L-R Lydia Thompson Worcester and England rugby player, Ruth Harris, regional development officer for England Netball and Danielle Brown MBE double paralympic champion for Archery and NSC scholarship ambassador

Oswestry life

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Members club launched Townhouse Oswestry launched an exclusive members club for local businesses with a range of privileges and benefits. The members card can be used by anyone in the company, offering a 5% reward on spend, a listing on the restaurant’s new website and a dedicated account manager. Local businesses who are interested in joining the scheme, should contact carly@townhouseoswestry.com

Robbie night raises funds

Sun shines for annual bunny run Hundreds of runners and supporters attended the annual Bunny Run, raising thousands for local children’s charity Hope House.

Organisers Curtis Langley and James Manford said: “We would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a fantastic community event. With special thanks to Oswestry Cambrian Rotary Club and this year’s main sponsor, Sainsbury’s.”

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A Robbie Williams tribute night has raised over £2000 for local children’s charity Hope House.

The event, organised by Nicola Barkley, saw over 160 people at the evening held at Weston Pools near Oswestry.

Nicola’s next event is a George Michael tribute evening to be held on 30 June. Tickets are available by calling: 07972 018796

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The charity changing children’s lives Most of us take for granted the ability to control our head, to sit, to crawl, to stand and walk. We also take for granted that our children will naturally develop these skills. But what happens if they don’t?

Hidden away, at the back of the RJAH hospital lies The Movement Centre, completely independent of government funding, this charity is the only centre in the world to offer children a specific type of treatment that may be able to help them to walk.

The unique evidence-based therapy called Targeted Training was founded in Oswestry in 1996 by Dr Penny Butler and Richard Major, who have both since retired, but their legacy lives on in the dedicated team of six who operate the centre five days per week.

Targeted Training draws on specialist physiotherapy and bioengineering. It is different from other therapies because it works by placing a child in an upright position and using a special frame to provide stability and support directly beneath the area of the body where control is an issue. As each child progresses, the frame is lowered so that they can continue to develop movement control. This mimics the way infants develop this naturally; from the head downwards.

8 | Oswestry life

Head of fundraising and marketing Vicky HandburyMadin explains: “We believe that with a course of Targeted Training a child is three to four times more likely to gain movement control than with regular physiotherapy alone.”

The centre will treat up to 60 children each year from all over the UK as dedicated parents sign up their children for the 9-12 month intensive course. More than 80%

of the children seen here have cerebral palsy with the remainder having a developmental delay or an undiagnosed mobility problem.

“We believe there are 2,500 children born in the UK each year that could benefit from this therapy and we are currently the only provider of Targeted Training. Not only do we need to raise awareness of Targeted Training, we need to raise the funds necessary to help all those children in need of it.”

Since last summer Shropshire CCG have been unable to support the cost of Targeted Training therapy for local children. Despite this the team at The Movement Centre are determined to treat any child who asks for their help and is suitable for the therapy. “Our motto here is: we aim to ensure that all families that would like their child to start Targeted Training are able to do so.”

Each course of therapy costs £6,250 – and many families raise at least half of the total amount.

“We work closely with the families to support them through the fundraising process – helping to set up crowd funding and events. With the kind support of our fantastic donors we are also able to raise funds to offer assistance towards some of the cost of therapy. We often see families continuing to fundraise, even after their child has finished therapy. They want other children to benefit as theirs have.”

“Our goal is to help children to gain movement control and it is fantastic if we can help a child to walk. It’s not always achievable for every child, but every child should accomplish some level of improvement.

Sometimes the goal can be to get a child to lift their head up, which allows them to interact with the world around them.”

To find out more about how you can support The Movement Centre, visit: www.the-movement-centre. co.uk and follow them on Facebook and twitter @TMCOswestry

CASE STUDY Noah, age 3, from Oswestry, is just one of the centre’s success stories.

Noah was 18 months old when he began his course of Targeted Training at The Movement Centre. He was unable to sit unaided and had only just started trying to roll over. He had no saving reactions when sitting and would just fall if he lost his balance.

Noah’s physiotherapist set targets for Noah to increase his strength in the lower lumbar region and improve his posture. Noah’s mother Susan was integral in supporting Noah throughout his treatment, she says: “His goal was to maintain arm-free sitting on a mat and bench for 10 seconds, but after just a few months his goal was changed to attain a high kneeling position using

He is a determined little boy with a great spirit which was so much more evident when his abilities improved arms to hold on. This was because he could reach his target of unsupported sitting, which was a massive step for him.

“Noah can be a very shy and clingy boy but he was very happy when at The Movement Centre, even more so as he got to know the staff there. He adapted well to his standing frame and he loved practising at home - he would happily play games whilst in his frame.”

After the nine-month course was completed Noah’s transformation was clear for all to see. He went from only moving around by sliding on his back to being able to crawl and he even started to pull himself up to stand.

“Noah has come on so much since his therapy. He can sit steadily on the floor and on raised benches/chairs, he can reach up for things when in a high

Noah playing with his five-year-old sister Bella

kneeling position. He can crawl and can also walk with the aid of his Kaye Walker. It has opened up his world and it has been amazing to witness.”

Noah’s improved mobility has also impacted on his mental health – making him much less frustrated with his new-found freedom and control. It’s also positively impacted on the rest of the family. Noah has been able to play with his five-year-old sister Bella. As his confidence has grown, he’s been able to play unsupported by an adult. “It made myself and Dylan (Noah’s dad) very proud, as he is a determined little boy with a great spirit which was so much more evident when his abilities improved.

“The Movement Centre is a truly fantastic place that’s provides families like ours with a wonderful treatment.

Everyone at the centre makes you feel welcome and at ease and they are all very passionate about what they do. I truly believe that Noah would not be where he is today without the strength he gained from Targeted Training.”

Noah’s treatment was funded by the local health authority, sadly the funding has since been withdrawn and families and The Movement Centre have to work hard to raise this money before treatment can start. If you’d like to help a child like Noah to receive Targeted Training, call The Movement Centre on 01691 404248.

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Perfect playrooms Whether you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated playroom or simply a corner of your lounge/kitchen/ dining room dedicated to your children’s toys, creating the ultimate place for your children to play can be both fun and rewarding. Playrooms are a place to let your creative side take over. Rip up the rule book on interior design and go wild with colour and print.

Oswestry-based interior designer Sue Ihle of The Practical Stylist gives us some practical pointers on designing the perfect playroom.

There are three essential things to consider when designing a playroom, storage, space and adaptability: you need plenty of storage in which to store your child’s treasured belongings, space for them to play, and a design which is changeable, so that it can adapt to your child as he or she grows – saving you time and money in the long run.

As you plan the layout, pay attention to the space involved. Is the room large or small?

Will it be shared by multiple children?

Or perhaps the “playroom” is part of the child’s bedroom, making compact living a must.

Space planning is key. Designate zones for different activities and you will get the most from your space.

Include a table or desk surface for activities such as arts and crafts and small block building.

Small armchairs, beanbags or an indoor tee pee can designate a reading area.

Adequate storage is a must, think vertical!

Floor to ceiling storage makes the most use of the space and can grow with your child.

Incorporate ceiling hooks and hanging systems if space is at a premium. Make sure children have easy access to the items they regularly use.

Above right: The Pantry wall clock from Newgate Clocks. A bright and colourful wall clock with a tactile silicone finish and contrasting lollipop hands. A great way to make time-telling fun! Available from www. newgateclocks.com RRP £35.

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Right: Crocodile shelving unit. www.habitat. co.uk

Create built in beds with storage below for the smallest of rooms. These are available in most home stores but you can design and create your own, using standard kitchen drawer boxes and cabinets for example.

Ensure furniture, such as shelving units/ bookcases are secured to the wall.

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14 | Oswestry life

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Or opt for carpet tiles as these can be easily and inexpensively replaced if necessary. Use layered rugs and poufs to soften and as an alternative to formal seating.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Evaluate the lighting, it must be safe yet adequate.

Display areas for children’s own work: low level magnet or clip boards work well, and the obligatory blackboard paint used on one wall creates the perfect drawing space.

Overall the room should reflect the child’s personality and everything should have its place.

Quick tips Zone the room Storage, storage and more storage Durability Make it child friendly Make it adult friendly Make it adaptable Make it safe Keep it simple

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Oswestry life | 17

Benvenuti, Morton, Nr Oswestry

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Detached Farmhouse, four bedrooms,Pandy lounge with Pont Y Meibion, Farmhouse, bedrooms, with inglenookDetached fireplace, kitchen four /breakfast, oillounge c/h, d/g. inglenook fireplace, kitchenValley. /breakfast, oil c/h, Located in the picturesque Ceiriog With 2.9 d/g. acre in the picturesque Ceiriog With 2.9 acre paddockLocated & a substantial range of stoneValley. & slate former paddock & a substantial range of stone & slate former agricultural buildings (Grade II Listed), large workshop agricultural buildings (Grade II Listed), large workshop & further&outbuildings & stores.

EPCEPC = 30(F). further outbuildings & stores. = 30(F).

Further land available by separate negotiation.

Further land available by separate negotiation.

£495,000 £495,000

Tontine Inn, Melverley, Nr Oswestry

This Former Public House now affording a large detached residence with spacious well maintained accommodation. Large sun room, open-plan Tontine Inn,living/dining Melverley, Nr Oswestry room.

This Former Public House now affording a large Offers an opportunity for Bed & Breakfast. detached residence with spacious well maintained Seven bedrooms all have en-suites. Range of useful accommodation. Large sun room, open-plan detached stores/workshop or garage. EPC = 65 (C) living/dining room.

Offers an opportunity for Bed & Breakfast. £495,000 Seven bedrooms all have en-suites. Range of useful detached stores/workshop or garage. EPC = 65 (C)

£495,000

Domgay House & Chapel, Four Crosses

A substantial & imposing Grade II Listed which dates Domgay House & Chapel, Four house Crosses A substantial & imposing II Listedto house which dates from around 1800.Grade Maintained a high standard. from around 1800. dining Maintained to abreakfast high standard.

Comprising; lounge, room, kitchen, utility Comprising; dining room, breakfast kitchen, room, threelounge, generous bedrooms, en-suite and utility bathroom. room, three generous bedrooms, en-suite and bathroom.

Attached to the property is a substantial Grade II Listed Attached to the property is a substantial Grade II Listed former Chapel,about about 970 Sq.ft, There is ample parking and former Chapel, 970 Sq.ft, There is ample parking and usefuloutbuilding outbuilding adjacent the garden. aa useful adjacent to thetogarden.

£550,000 £550,000

10%

16 Street, Leg Street, Oswestry,Shropshire, Shropshire, SY11 SY11 2NN. 679595 16 Leg Oswestry, 2NN.01691 01691 679595 oswestry@morrismarshall.co.uk www.morrismarshall.co.uk oswestry@morrismarshall.co.uk www.morrismarshall.co.uk 18 | Oswestry life

Property

Spring time for a pestie

Modern village living A detached four-bedroom home on a recently established estate in the village of Llanymynech, 11 Parc Llwyfen, Elm Tree Park is a spacious family property in a cul-de-sac position. With two reception rooms, study, kitchen and utility, family bathroom and en-suite shower room, it also boasts gas-fired central heating and double glazing.

Outside, there is an attached garage and open plan front lawn. The rear garden is screened with mature shrubs and trees and provides a large paved area for entertaining.

11 Parc Llwyfen is on the market for £315,000 through Morris Marshall & Poole. Visit www.morrismarshall.co.uk

The cluster flies are one of the first pests to wake from their winter slumber, tumbling through loft hatches and ceiling spot lights.

They are often slow moving and drowsy, looking to finding their way to a patch of grass, where they will lay their eggs in unsuspecting worms… Surface sprays and fogging treatments will help to break the cycle of infestation.

Queen wasps won’t be far behind, in fact the winter has been so mild that new queens have been making an appearance for some time.

They hibernate in a loft or void where they will not be disturbed. Once awake they hunt for a suitable location to start building a small golf ball sized nest, where they will lay the eggs that are already fertilised within her. Once the young hatch, they take over the building of the nest and the queen puts all her efforts in to lays as many eggs as possible.

Ants of all types are finding their way in to homes. Black, Pharaoh, Rogers and Ghost are the most common varieties. All have very different habits and it’s important to know which you are dealing with, as attacking a Pharaoh nest with a kettle of water, will just lead to an even bigger problem.

Summer is just around the corner and the pest controllers wait for the wasp season...Everything is pointing to it being a busy one..

Darren Smith DS Pest Mangement 07730 873923 / 07534 305877

Visit our showroom for a vast range of beautiful doors on display fitted

Residor is the most secure 44mm GRP composite door available on the market today Residors have 3.8mm skins which make them twice as thick as almost all other GRP doors Every Residor is fitted with an Ultion cylinder to a high security multi point Era lock as standard

Available in white/black/blue green/red (white internal)

DOORS | WINDOWS | CONSERVATORIES | WARM ROOF | FASCIAS | GUTTERING

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

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

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WOODHEAD sales&lettings Telephone: 01691 680044

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

12 Leg Street, Oswestry, SY11 2NL e: sales@woodheadsalesandlettings.com Pen y Foel Cottage, Llanymynech

1 Carneddau Close, Trefonen

Formerly two cottages which the current owners converted into one spacious family home, Pen Y Foel Cottage,located in the heart of the country yet within easy reach of Oswestry, really does have the best of both worlds, merging character features with modern living.

The property benefits from flexible living accommodation and enjoys enviable countryside views. The gardens are a real feature of this property and extend to approximately a third of an acre. EPC RATING E

A four double bedroom detached executive family home in a sought after position within the village of Trefonen and within easy commuting distance to major towns. Three reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, downstairs WC, galleried first floor landing, master bedroom with dressing room and en suite, three further double bedrooms, family bathroom, oil central heating, double glazing, off road parking, double garage and enclosed gardens. EPC RATING D

OIRO £365,000

OIRO £420,000

The Five Kilns, Pant

Hillside Cottage, Pant

Situated in the country,yet near to the village and within easy reach of Oswestry,The Five Kilns is a unique property with impressive views.

Merging character features with modern living, the spacious accommodation offers potential for a B&B/ self-contained annexe (subject to planning permissions).Triple aspect living room with sun alcove,dining room,triple aspect sun room with glass wall,modern fitted kitchen,utility room, master bedroom suite with en suite,bedroom two with en suite,two further bedrooms,bathroom,first floor study and first floor games room.The gardens extend to approximately 1.7 acres with ample parking,two double garages with office,gardens with woodland,five Lime Kilns and field.EPC RATING D OIRO £495,000

Situated in an elevated position and enjoying stunning views of the countryside, yet near to the village and within easy reach of Oswestry, this property merges character features with modern living. Three reception rooms, kitchen/ diner, kitchen/ utility room, four bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, double glazing and oil central heating. The gardens and grounds extend to approximately 1.5 acres with ample parking, detached double garage and two paddocks.

Viewings are essential to appreciate this property’s accommodation. EPC RATING D

OIRO £470,000

Roger Parry & Partners

Est. 1981

Incorporating Parry Lowarch

www.rogerparry.net

| ESTATE AGENTS | VALUERS | BUILDING SURVEYORS | PLANNERS | LETTINGS | VICTORIA STREET, OSWESTRY

EW

KINGSWAY HOUSE, TREFONEN

P SI RE ROP MIL QU ER AR IR TIE ED S

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Bespoke individual architecturally designed detached family residence in a tucked away position within the village of Trefonen. Entrance Porch, Dining Hall, Cloakroom/WC, Snug, Ground Floor Guest Bedroom En-suite, Kitchen with Morning Area, Utility, Further Cloakroom/WC, First Floor 7/8 BEDROOMS SWIMMING POOL Gallery Landing, Drawing Room, 3 Further Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Oil Fired Central Heating,Nobold, DoubleShrewsbury A substantial detached, period former farmhouse set in the Glazing, Oak Panel Regency Interior Doors, Security Alarm highly 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 System, Long Gravel Driveway, Double Garage, Landscaped 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, 1800’s.

Extensive accommodation; reception hall, sitting room, study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sun room, utility/boot room, downstairs WC andShed.

Gardens, Summerhouse and Garden EPC rating D. 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 LINDISFARNE, MAESBROOK

Guide Price: £750,000

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

A conveniently located mature end terraced property recently upgraded by its present owner with brand new kitchen and bathroom. The flexible accommodation comprises: entrance hall, sitting room (could be used also as a ground floor bedroom), good sized further reception room with INSPECTION HIGHLY WITH SELF-CONTAINED RECOMMENDED SINGLE ANNEX Upstairs gas fired log burner, newlySTOREY fitted kitchen. there is a large landing/bedroom with newly Charlton, Nr Telford A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey annex. Indoor fitted bathroom leading further swimming pool, four car garage, large detached workshop, detached off, officetogether block which with could easily be converted to further independent accommodation subject to PP. The house and buildings are set round double bedroom. EPC rating E. 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 SSTC - OFFERS IN THE REGION OF £121,500

Price: £625,000 Groes Ddu, Dolanog Offers in the4025 region ofGuide £330,000

3098 Guide Price: £475,000 PENLLWYN BARN, CASTLE CAEREINION

3882

An excellent opportunity to acquire an outstanding small holding with a spacious 4 bedroom family home extending in total to 6.84 acres (2.77 hectares) with an extensive range of outbuildings. The property has the benefit of: Double Garage, Arboretum, Static Caravan, Approx 6.84 acres (2.77 ha) , 4 large outbuildings, River frontage.

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

GUIDE PRICE £775,000

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

GUIDE PRICE £395,000

01691 655334

Guide Price: £395,000

20

Extremely spacious and superbly appointed four bedroom detached character barn conversion, believed to date back approximately 200 years, beautifully restored and improved. Oil fired central heating, sealed unit double glazing, 4 kW solar panels providing a lucrative feed-in-tariff reducing cost of electricityPART consumed and beneficial to the EXCHANGE CONSIDERED environment generating approx £1400 of tax free income Sheinton Road, Much each year, three bath/shower rooms, doubleWenlock carport, ample A charming and unusual detached stone built cottage, offering a rare combination of a period property½with Belle Vue, Shrewsbury parking, large garage/workshop and approximately acre parking and garden, within walking distance of the town This highly desirable ground floor garden apartment situated in a period Grade II listed building offering delightful with E. centre.grounds Porch, dining room,stream. cloakroom,EPC utilityrating room, landing spacious character accommodation briefly comprising: oak panelled entrance hall, large of open plan livinggarden

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

Telephone: 01691 680044 111 Willow Street, Oswestry

2 Hafan Y Dorlan, Oswestry

24 Coppice Drive, Oswestry

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

2 BED TERRACE HOUSE NO CHAIN PERMIT PARKING EPC RATING D

2 BED END TERRACE HOUSE NO CHAIN OFF ROAD PARKING EPC RATING D

3 BED SEMI DET HOUSE NO CHAIN OFF ROAD PARKING EPC RATING D

OIRO £139,950

OIRO £149,950

5 Windsor Close, Oswestry

60 Welsh Walls, Oswestry

2 Henlle Gardens, Gobowen

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

OIRO £114,950

3 BED SEMI DET HOUSE SUN ROOM ENCLOSED REAR GARDEN EPC RATING D

3 BED HOUSE NO CHAIN GARAGE AND PARKING EPC RATING D

4 BED DET HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE DOUBLE GARAGE & DRIVEWAY EPC RATING C

OIRO £174,000

OIRO £214,950

OIRO £265,000

4 Beresford Gardens, Oswestry

36 Glentworth Avenue, Oswestry

The Dell, Llanymynech

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

3 BED CHARACTER TOWNHOUSE NEWLY REDECORATED EXTERNALLY ALLOCATED PARKING EPC RATING D

OIRO £299,950

4 BED DET HOUSE TRIPLE ASPECT SUN ROOM DRIVE & DOUBLE GARAGE EPC RATING B

2/3 BED DET BUNGALOW ENVIABLE VIEWS CAR PORT EPC RATING E

OIRO £359,950

OIRO £329,950

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

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

associated london office

Oswestry life | 21

Just add people

Secret Agent

Six thoughtfully designed 4- bedroomed homes

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· · · · ·

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ewings by t: 44

Kate Howell, of Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings in the centre of town, is our ‘Secret Agent’, lifting the lid on the world of property.

EPC ‘A’ Rated for low energy bills Private parking for 2+ cars Spacious gardens Prices from £334,950 5 homes remaining for is sale Included in your home a fully 5• homes remaining for sale 4 bedrooms fitted kitchen, all utilities, security •• 4Private bedrooms alarms &parking external lighting.

As the first shoots of spring come through the surface, it signals a new beginning and a fresh start.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the UK right tesnihomes.co.uk now with the triggering of Article 50 signalling the start of a new era. At last some confidence that the decision has been made and the Government provides certainty that we will be leaving the EU.

•• Private parking Spacious gardens viewings •• Spacious Ensuite Exclusive togardens the master bedroomby • Ensuite appointment: to the master bedroom

01691 680044

Included in your home is a fully Included in your is asecurity fully fitted kitchen, allhome utilities, fitted all utilities, security alarmkitchen, and external lighting.

A collection of alarm external lighting.

Pricesand from £334,940 thoughtfully designed Prices from £334,940

4 bedroomed homes: Morda Road, Oswestry

• EPC ‘A’Road, Rated for low energy bills Morda Oswestry SY10 9PJ • Solar panels, sunpipe and heat SY10 9PJ recovery systems installed

• Solid oak kitchen tops as standard • Dual log burning stoves • Private parking for 2+ cars • Spacious gardens

Prices start from £334,950

tesnihomes.co.uk tesnihomes.co.uk tesnihomes.co.uk

Exclusive viewings by appointment 01691 680044

We expect this confidence to carry into the property market, encouraging people to move on with their lives. Last month we agreed to take on our first new development of the year – which is cleared for foundations to start in June. This assurance by developers is always a key signal that there is growth in the market.

The expectation, pre-referendum that house prices would drop couldn’t be further from the truth, as they continue to rise steadily. Demand for homes remains strong and outweighs the effects of any uncertainty in the market.

An independently owned supplier of new & reclaimed roofing and building materials including bricks, doors, windows, beams, ridge tiles and chimney pots.

Times of uncertainty and reduced transactions are almost always followed by periods of increased transactions. Oswestry is ready to boom. It may not be London, but at times like this, London may well wish it was us. With affordable house prices and years of steady growth – we’re resilient to the national economic booms and busts experienced by the cities.

The last few years have been a challenge with all the uncertainty, but – comparing Oswestry’s property market to a lawn roller (slow and steady) – it’s rolling and we don’t expect it to stop. Lending rates are low, making it an ideal time for first-timers, up-sizers and investors to buy.

01691 662660 22

| Oswestry life

With over 70 years combined experience we pride ourselves on being able to provide a unique service supplying all your roofing and salvage needs. Our nationwide contacts also enable us to source stock for you.

Our greatest challenge over the coming quarter is getting enough housing stock to fulfil the demand of our growing waiting list. With sensible pricing, attractive interiors, the best marketing and photography and an experienced, dedicated sales team – we are seeing properties selling within a week of coming on the market with us.

To arrange a free, no obligation valuation of your property, call us on 01691 680044.

Oswestry life | 23

Park homes for the over 50s retired and semi retired

PRICES

FROM

START

ONLY

0

£99,95

• PART EXCHANGE SCHEME AVAILABLE • ALL HOMES ARE BRAND NEW WITH A 10 YEAR WARRANTY • THE PARK IS A SECURE GATED SITE WITH CCTV

ON SIT SHOWH E OMES PLOT 4

• WE HAVE 4 SHOW HOMES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPATION

10%

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

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| Oswestry life

Carports & Canopies

All our carport systems are bespoke and built to your needs and we offer a wide array of quality composite doors, all of which can be seen either on our website or in our showroom.

We offer a free noͲobligation quote within 48 hours.

01691 672014

pr@morgansltd.com

Morgans of Oswestry, Mile End Business Park, Oswestry SY10 8NN

www.morgansdoorsandwindows.com Oswestry life

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25

Gardening

Heleniums: My Favourite Flower Martin Blow of SpecialPerennials on his passion for these stars of the summer border The great garden writer Christopher Lloyd, when asked which was his favourite flower, replied: “the one I’m looking at now”. It’s that way with me with Heleniums; all are beautiful, all are equally easy to grow and all do a great job in the border.

The common name, “Sneezeweed”, comes from the use of dried and powdered leaves as medicinal snuff to cure colds and bronchitis. Don’t try this at home!

Heleniums are toxic if ingested.

All heleniums are great sources of nectar for bees and butterflies which will flock to the flowers with glee.

The short varieties are earlier to flower and will go on longest. Probably the best is the 2ft (60cm) tall Mardi Gras with its jolly flowers and a strong constitution. Also highly recommended is the bright Red Army and Fata Morgana a lovely variety with apricot and orange petals making a beautiful two-toned effect in the garden.

BGW-967-92422-Oswestry-148x107-r2.pdf 1 17/02/2017 11:30:39

The most popular mid height Heleniums (3ft / 90cm tall) is

‘Red Army’

‘Canary’

Sahin’s Early Flowerer but a better choice is the magnificent El Dorado with very large golden yellow flowers. Hot Lava is a new one that is later to flower but very bushy.

Tall varieties (4-6ft / 120-180cm) might need a stake in an exposed site but rarely need this as the stems are very thick and strong. Amber is the best of newer varieties with masses of flower on upright plants. You can’t go wrong with the 4-5ft old variety Kanaria with its canary yellow flowers.

For something showier the picotee-edged flowers of Fiesta stand out well at the back of the border.

There are a few simple rules to follow to get the best out of heleniums: water whenever dry; deadhead regularly; cut down to just above the ground in winter and only divide in spring.

You can meet Martin at the following Plant Hunters’ Fairs: British Ironwork Centre on Sunday 14 May. Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas on Sunday 21 May—the entry to the fair includes the gardens, parkland and rare breeds farm at half standard price at just £3.50. And at the wonderful Hodnet Hall Gardens, Market Drayton TF9 3NN on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June (stunning 63 acre gardens & fair special event entry price of only £3.50).

Full details from www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

01691 655 111 www.greenthumb.co.uk

Try our seasonal treatments from Try us for

£10 £10 PER TREATMENT

26 | Oswestry life

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

Preparatory School

Senior School

OPEN MORNING

OPEN MORNING

Friday 5th May

Saturday 6th May

9am - 11.30am

10am - 12.30pm

www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk

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Education

On-site experience Students from North Shropshire College (NSC) have been undertaking work experience on a new development of 46 homes. A mixture of two and three bedroom homes are being built for The Wrekin Housing Trust by contractor Jessup at the site of Oswestry’s former leisure centre adjacent to the College.

The students who are studying Level 1 and 2 Plumbing with City and Guilds have been able to spend up to two days on site and after being fully briefed about health and safety, have spent time observing all aspects of work from groundworks to plastering.

Level two students Cameron Oliver and Mitch Ellis said: “It has been great to see the entire site being worked on and talk with the different trades on site. Getting up onto the scaffold and seeing the roof and guttering works has been a highlight. We both feel inspired to look into apprenticeships to further our knowledge of construction and start a career.”

Course tutor Nic Davies said: “This has been an eyeopening experience for our students. Explaining in the workshop is great but you can’t beat seeing what you have learnt being put into practice. I’ve also seen the students really engage with discussions about various aspects of the homes being built.”

ister Regow! n

“It has been great to see the entire site being worked on and talk with the different trades on site. Getting up onto the scaffold and seeing the roof and guttering works has been a highlight.”

For more information about Construction courses starting in Sep at NSC or to apply now, visit the website at www.nsc.ac.uk or call the Admissions Team on 01691 688080.

Pictured above from left; Peter McCann Principal of NSC, Luke Butler Assistant Site Manager from Jessup, Steve Morris Clerk of Works for The Wrekin Housing Trust, Cameron Oliver, Mitch Ellis, Nic Williams Tutor at NSC, and Nigel Derry from Jessup

& MULTI -SPORT

NEW WOMEN’S

NEW MEN’S

SCHOLARSHIPS

01691 688080 WWW.NSC.AC.UK

OPEN EVENTS APRIL, MAY & JULY CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR PLACE Supported by

Visit the website for more information and to register

Wolves Community Trust the official charity of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

Oswestry life | 29

Education

Outstanding young people praised Two pupils from Oswestry School recently attended the awards ceremony for the High Sheriff of Shropshire’s Outstanding Young Citizenship Award 2017.

Sixth Form student Will Simpson (right) and 1st Form pupil Tom Evans attended the prize giving held at Shrewsbury College. In front of a packed audience the High Sheriff, dressed in ceremonial splendour, praised the work of young people across the county in bringing about positive change to their communities.

Will was singled out for his voluntary contributions at Shropshire Sailing club, for his scouting, and for his enthusiastic embrace of all things CCF (Combined Cadet Force). Tom Evans had been nominated for his outstanding charity work, including his pink sheep and Christmas cards in aid of Cancer Research, following the diagnosis of his grandmother with pancreatic cancer and being so touched by the excellent care that she received.

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| Oswestry life

So far he has raised donations in the region of £20,000. He was also chosen because of his personal success. Among other plaudits, he was crowned Junior Young Shepherd of 2016 and awarded Young Handler of the year by the Kerry Hill Flock Society for the third year running. He has featured on television in a documentary for BBC2 Wales and widely in local media, television and newspapers.

Erasmus trip to Greece Students from The Marches School have travelled to Greece as part of an Erasmus+ programme. They visited Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete which is considered Europe’s oldest city. The next day, students visited the town hall in Heraklion to meet with the Deputy Mayor to hear how the town deals with economic and social problems.

The girls at the town hall in Heraklion

“Every girl in England should have at least a term in this environment” Good Schools Guide 2016

Open Day - Saturday 13th May Moreton Hall, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EW www.moretonhall.org/Open-Day

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01691 773671 Oswestry life

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Advertisement feature

Facilities on offer across college campuses North Shropshire College has a wide variety of modern and well-equipped meeting rooms and conference facilities that are available for hire, with prices starting from as little as £15 per hour. Plus, new for 2018 – they are opening up the glorious Old Hall for wedding receptions.

Grass pitches – also available in daylight hours, the grass sports pitches are perfect for competitive matches or a ‘kickabout’ with friends. Changing room accommodation can be provided.

Oswestry campus Boardrooms – there is a selection of two boardrooms at the Oswestry campus, one of which is on the top floor of the building with panoramic glass windows and views stretching across Shropshire. They can seat up to 120 delegates and can be prepared in a layout to suit client requirements. Each boasts a modern AV system including central projection screen and interactive whiteboard.

Visage hair and beauty salon – popular with groups of friends looking for a spa day, the salon is open five days per week offering discounted rates for hair and beauty treatments. With its own reception area and a total of 26 hairstyling bays, the salon can easily cater for group bookings.

Outdoor multi-use games area – otherwise known as MUGA can be hired for a range of different sporting activities. The area is floodlit in the evenings.

32 | Oswestry life

From above: A boardroom at Oswestry; Visage salon; the multi-use games area Bottom right: The dairy centre at Walford

Walford campus The Walford campus is in a beautiful rural setting between Oswestry and Shrewsbury. Thanks to recent investment of over £10m, it provides some of the best facilities in the region.

Sports hall – The spacious 600sqm sports hall can be hired for a whole range of sports including badminton, indoor football, basketball, volleyball, netball, short tennis, indoor hockey and trampolining.

Available for tournaments, major events, competitions, exhibitions and children’s parties.

Stable Block – A converted barn provides boardroom facilities for up to 70 people, with interactive whiteboard and the option to partition the room into two.

Dairy Centre – A smaller boardroom with facilities to suit up to 25 people, including interactive whiteboard.

Grass pitches – Available to hire for a range of sports

10%

Left to right: Rooms with en-suite accommodation at Walford; Stable Block at Walford; the sports hall; A boardroom with panoramic views in Oswestry

Weddings at Walford

Walford is the perfect rural setting for your wedding. The Old Hall is steeped in history and has access to a beautiful walled garden and water feature. The college is working in partnership with a local specialist to provide full bespoke wedding packages to suit any budget and starting from just £1000.

THE LAKE – Angling memberships are available on the lake which can also be used for triathlon swim training and kayaking clubs.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION - Able to accommodate up to 104 people – we have a selection of single and double rooms available, some of which are en-suite. Rooms can be rented out over the Easter and summer holidays.

Please enquire with the Business Development Manager regarding this.

With so much choice, free parking on all campuses and a flexible package to suit all event requirements, NSC are confident they can provide the best environment for your meeting.

Registered charities and Sport Oswestry members will receive 10% off facilities hire.

WALLED GARDEN – Ideal for wedding receptions or group performances

IMAGES COURTESY OF TIM MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

New for 2018

The walled garden at the Walford campus is well suited to open air performances, wedding receptions and summer parties To enquire about any of the facilities on offer at NSC, contact business development manager Jo White on 01939 262122 or for room booking, contact Vicky Brayne on 01691 688091.

Wireless internet access is available in all meeting rooms and inhouse audio-visual equipment and technical support is available throughout your event. In-house caterers offer a variety of options to suit your budget and taste.

We can provide refreshments via our in house caterer Serveste.

Oswestry life |

33

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

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ow

30TH APRIL-1ST MAY travel through medieval britain in our Living History Weekend.

Open 10am-4pm each day. £2 per adult and £1 per child entrance.

14TH MAY House of the Black Star Medieval Living History Day. Free entrance (just £1 to park).

28TH MAY Car Boot Sale £5 per car – free entrance to public – sorry no trade stands.

28TH MAY The Merry Wives of Windsor The Festival Players present Outdoor Shakespeare at the Castle. 7pm.

Tickets available from Whittington Castle.

Please bring a chair and picnic with you.

Tel: 01691 662500 www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk Castle Street, Whittington SY11 4DF

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| Oswestry life

Shropshire Horticultural Society Charity Number: 501564

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th August 2017

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

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

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

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

Out&about 27 April - 2 May

EXOTIC ZOO SHOW Park Hall Farm, near Oswestry May Half Term: In addition to all the farm and play activities ‘The Exotic Zoo’ from Telford will be at the farm each day. For more information contact: 01691 671123

30 April

OSWESTRY HALF MARATHON AND FAMILY FUN DAY Shropshire’s newest and the UK’s most unique running event is coming to Oswestry. The course begins and ends at the British Ironworks Sculpture Park where you will be treated to an experience like no other. The 90-acre ground lends itself to all sorts of events, with free parking, an on-site coffee shop, and the most amazing collection of metal work, you will have plenty to keep you occupied both pre and post race.For more information contact: 01691 610952 www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

2 May

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

2 May

BEGINNERS PAINITING AND DRAWING Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Drop-in sessions every Tuesday in May from 10am-12pm, £8 per session For further details contact 01691 656882

Mondays 1 May-14 Aug

aRGENTINE TANGO Pant Village Hall This new beginners course is open to anyone who would like to start Argentine tango, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, do come along and have a go.For more information contact Sharon via email sharontangoin@gmail. com www.tangoin.co.uk

2 May

HALFWAY HOUSE MALE VOICE CHOIR Trefonen Village Hall Begins at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. £5 per ticket, purchased from Hope House Fundraising office on 01691 671671

8 May

3 May

FREE MINI BLACKSMITH EXPERIENCE British Ironwork Centre Discover your hidden talents as a Blacksmith by taking part in a free mini workshop. Have the opportunity to work in our forge with our resident Blacksmith, each session lasts for 20 minutes. www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

3 May

KNITTER NATTER British Ironwork Centre Join fellow knitters for a natter between 11am12pm. Every first Wednesday of the month 01691 610952 www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

4 May

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

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

An informal way to meet up with other people, without having to join or become a member of a formal club. Everyone is invited to come along. 12.30pm – 3pm.

4 & 18 May

2 May

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

01691 671167

EXTEND/FALLS PREVENTION (4 week course) Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Starts Tuesday 2 May, 10am-10.45am, £25 For further details contact 01691 656882

6 May

MIDLANDS BREAKFAST CLUB British Ironwork Centre The Midlands Breakfast Club is a gathering of car enthusiasts from all over. Join them for a breakfast sandwich and a browse of the many exciting and unique vehicles on display. Everybody is welcome to join and you are invited to bring your own set of wheels. Entry is free. 01691 610952 www. britishironworkcentre.co.uk

LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND Whittington Castle, Whittington, Near Oswestry Travel through Medieval Britain in this Living History Weekend. Open 10-4pm each day. £2 per adult and £1 per child entrance. Telephone 01691 662500 info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE – COMIC OPERETTA! Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry 6 until 8:30pm Heritage Opera, North West England’s professional touring opera company. The singers are all fantastic experienced professionals, who have appeared with many leading opera companies in the UK and beyond. Tickets £26/£24 seniors/£10 students/under 16s/unwaged available from: Rowanthorn, 4 Old Chapel Court, English Walls, Oswestry Tel: 01691 238227. Online booking: http://rowanthorn.co.uk/events.html

LIVE MUSIC & POETRY Willow Gallery, Oswestry In the form of a Poetry Open Sandwich, an open mic evening of original poetry read by local folk sandwiched between A Play on Words, this promises to be an entertaining evening for everyone.

Start 7.30 pm. Contact: 01691 657575 info@ willowgalleryoswestry.org

7 May

30 April-1 May

30 April

5 May

TIME TO LISTEN Oswestry Library, Arthur Street Relax and listen in friendly company as library staff read aloud stories for adults.

Free drop in event. 2pm – 3pm 01691 677388

5 May

FREE PILATES TASTER SESSION Qube, Oswestry 12:45pm-1:30pm Please book your place by calling 01691 656882

8 & 22May

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION with Tereska Shepherd Willow Gallery, Oswestry Covering specific watercolour techniques to accurately depict botanical forms Monday May 8 /22 & June 12 /19 (4 days in total)

8-14 May

THRIVING OR SURVIVING Qube, Oswestry Help each other’s mental wellbeing. Small things can help us cope with stress, anxiety, before it escalates to a crisis point, that not only are we not thriving, but we are barely surviving.

1.30pm- 3.30 pm. Call 01691 656882

10, 17, 24, 31 May

CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING WITH LEO DONAGHY Willow Gallery, Oswestry Just a few flicks of the brush, magical marks can become simple forms such as birds, plants and landscapes. 9:30 am- 1:30pm. £85 fee. For more information contact: 01691 662500 or info@willowgalleryoswestry.org

11 May- 12 June

MARY FITZPATRICK Qube, Oswestry Winner on the Qube Open People’s Choice Prize 2016, Mary will be exhibiting a selection of her more recent works. Qube is now calling for

Oswestry life | 35

entries for the Qube Open 2017. The theme for this year is ‘New Horizons’. For further details email art@qube-oca.org.uk

12 May

Want to get into reading but low on confidence or short of time or concentration? Contact library staff for more details. Free event – 1pm-2pm.

01691 677388

Antique Market Bailey Head 9am - 3.30pm Run by Amulet Fairs - a large collection of antique and collectable retailers. For more details contact 01691 680222 DRUMMING WORKSHOP Oswestry Town Library 12 noon - 2pm. £7 (includes free tea, coffee or soft drink). All ages, all abilities welcome.

01691 677388 DIDGERIDOO SOUND HEALING WORKSHOP Hermon Chapel, Oswestry 3pm-5pm. All ages and all abilities are welcome.

13 May

LANDSCAPES WITH FABRIC COLLAGE Willow Gallery, Oswestry Landscapes with Fabric Collage & Free Machine Embroidery with Suzette Smart.

Take inspiration from the natural world whilst experimenting with fabric collage. 10am – 4pm.

Fee: £40 (Bring your own materials).For more information contact: 01691 662500 info@ willowgalleryoswestry.org

13 May

LIVE MUSIC & POETRY WITH IMPROETRY COLLECTIVE Hermon Chapel, Oswestry. 3pm-5pm. All ages all abilities welcome

14 May

SPRING LAMBS Baby Bird Café CIC, 23 Cross Street, Oswestry Free - Drop in 9.30am-11am.

For more information call: 01691 650603 hello@babybirdcafe.co.uk

May 16-21

BEETHOVEN IN THE BORDERS Whittington Church, Near Oswestry Fifteen International Artists- Six Concerts.

Prices from £16.50 www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk 01691 657986

17 May

YOUTH MARKET Bailey Head To celebrate National Love Your Local Market campaign Oswestry Markets will be supporting local schools and colleges to hold their very own market. 9.30am - 2pm. For more details contact 01691 680222

18 May

SHREWSBURY POLICE MALE VOICE CHOIR AND KATE MACDONALD Ellesmere Town Hall A delightful evening listening to the voices of one of the best-known choirs in Shropshire, Shrewsbury Police Male Voice Choir, and the beautiful voice of Kate MacDonald. 7pm.

Tickets are just £5 and are available from Averil MacDonald on 01691 622510.

20 May

HOUSE OF THE BLACK STAR Medieval living history day at Whittington Castle, near Oswestry Open 10-4pm each day. Free entrance (just £1 to park). For more information contact: 01691 662500. info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Maciek Pysz and Guianluca Corona Willow Gallery, Oswestry Maciek Pysz is a guitarist and composer known for his clear lyrical phrasing, his virtuosity and his imaginative cinematic compositions. 8pm. £12. Contact: 01691 657575

15 May- 20 May

21 May

14 May

ARCADIA Attfield Theatre, Starts 7.45pm Tickets are priced at £7. Book your tickets on: 01691 680222

16 May

BEGINNER’S POTTERY 6-week course Qube, Oswestry. Open 2pm -4pm. £65 entry (all materials included).For more information contact: 01691 656882. info@qube-oca.org.uk

16 May

QUICK READS BOOK CLUB Oswestry Library, Arthur Street, Oswestry 36 | Oswestry life

DISABILITY OSWESTRY MEETING Hope Church, Laburnum Drive, Oswestry 10.30 - 12.00 am.

Coffee morning and networking meeting for everybody supporting people with any kind of disability. Email: disabilityoswestry161@gmail. com Tel: 01691 680382

25 May

13 May

13 May

24th May

Disco Day Free family Disco fun in the award-winning Cae Glas Park. 12pm - 5pm. For more details contact 01691 680222.

21 May

Chick Finger Puppets Baby Bird Café CIC, 23 Cross Street, Oswestry Free - Drop in 9.30-11am. For more information call: 01691 650603. hello@babybirdcafe.co.uk

24 May

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Qube, Oswestry. 10am-4pm. £85 fee. For more information contact: 01691 656882 info@qube-oca.org.uk

ANTHONY & CLEOPATRA UNWRAPPED Oswestry Library, Arthur Street, Oswestry Pam Johnson explores how Shakespeare’s language brings to life this story of passion, duty and love. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £2.50. Please book with library staff. 12:30 – 1:30pm. 01691 677388

26 May

Artisan and Gardening Market A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head. In addition, gardening will be an important theme with a number of plant stalls, gardening advice and how to support wildlife and healthy eating. 9am - 3pm. For more details contact 01691 680222

27 May

WEAVER WANDER 2017 CAR RALLY British Ironwork Centre, near Oswestry The Weaver Wander is a charity car run each spring for classic cars departing from Nantwich on routes that are normally around a total of 100 to 120 miles. All of the cars will arrive at the centre around midday. Come along to view this incredible collection of cars. To read more visit their website: www.weaverwander.co.uk

27 May

A SENSE OF PLACE WITH JENNY O’LEARY Willow Gallery, Oswestry Using special places as inspiration to use the technique of batik on white fabric with Jenny O’Leary.

10am - 4pm. Fee £40 (including materials – but bring your own image). 01691 657575

28 May

Busy Bees Baby Bird Café CIC, 23 Cross Street, Oswestry Free - Drop in 9.30am -11am. For more information call: 01691 650603. hello@ babybirdcafe.co.uk

28 May

CAR BOOT SALE Whittington Castle, Near Oswestry. Free entry to the public. No trade stands. 10am -1pm.

For further contact details: 01691 662500. http://www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

28 May

The Merry Wives Of Windsor Outdoor Shakespeare at Whittington Castle, Near Oswestry. 7pm start. Tickets available from Whittington Castle. Please bring a chair with you and picnic. 01691 662500. http://www. whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Culture

Book review This month at the Bookshop we are captivated by The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry. Set in Victorian London and an Essex village in the 1890’s The Essex Serpent has at its heart an unusual love story, one that explores the nature of friendship as well as romantic love.

The main protagonist, Cora, is strongly and sympathetically written; her honesty and resilience, her urge to grow and form her own opinions is gripping.

The social context of the 1890’s and the cultural differences between city and country life are well researched. The recent discoveries in natural science and the impact of those discoveries on religion offer a fascinating window into the changing nature of belief and superstition at that time.

The Essex landscape is beautifully evoked: I really felt like I was out on the quiet marshes, striding along with Cora, striving to understand and process my circumstances.

The language is at once earthy and passionate but also contains a quiet dignity; the striving of the characters feels absolutely connected to the landscape they love and explore. The Essex Serpent is a wonderful read and one I would happily recommend.

Reviewed by Louisa Jones, bookseller at Booka Bookshop

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry.

Booka Bookshop, paperback, £8.99

Poetry corner

Nature’s Library Mother Nature surrounds us in all her glory No author could write such a wondrous story A Mills and Boon romance Swans’ necks entwined on a shimmering lake A mystical tale Of snakes swaying, hypnotically staring A mystery thriller Whose footprints break the virgin snow?

A comedy of errors Of skittish lambs, leaping and bleating A children’s fantasy Of eagles, of mountains and far off lands The story of life evolving Is ever growing, ever revolving The book unfolds Leaves ever turning New chapters beginning Nature is an endless story Jan Hedger is a local writer and poet.

Visit: janscreativewriting.co.uk

Disco Day

21st May 12pm until 5pm

Free family Disco fun in the award winning Cae Glas Park

Antique Market 12th May 9am until 3.30pm

Run by Amulet Fairs a arge collection of antique and collectable retailers on the Bailey Head

YOUTH MARKET

17th May 9.30am until 2pm

To celebrate National Love Your Local Market campaign Oswestry Markets will be supporting local schools and colleges to hold their very own market.

Tel: 01691 680222

Artisan and gardening market 26th May 9am until 3pm

A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head. In addition gardening will be an important theme with a number of plant stalls, gardening advice and how to support wildlife and healthy eating @OswestryTC

Oswestry life

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37

Six of the Best

GO WILD with spring The warm weather has brought everybody out of hibernation – celebrate by bringing a touch of spring floral into your life with a selection of our favourite foliaged finds

1

3

2

4

6 5 1. White floral embroidered clutch bag, £22.99. www.newlook.com 2. Japanese blossom silk floral scarf, £22. Accessorize 3. Emma Bridgewater Wallflower teacup and saucer, £34.95. www.daisypark.co.uk 4. Portmeirion botanic garden range teapot, was £62.50 now £46.88 at Upstairs Downstairs (while stocks last) 5. Cath Kidston British Birds ladies watch, £60. Very.co.uk 6. Dune London Growe, £85. www.dunelondon.com

38

| Oswestry life

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Oswestry life |

39

Agent Daytime Frill tee, £8.00, Primark

Our fashion & beauty editor Victoria Jane McKenna

has a passion for all things fashion and also has her own label for women’s clothing www.victoriajanemckenna.com

Time to

mix it up As we leave the more changeable weather behind us, we can now look to some fun as we are in to spring/summer fashion.

Perfect for the 2017 S/S season is a mix and match trend and a bright colour palette.

For mix and match, try experimenting with a loud logo or bright print t-shirt under a smart jacket or pretty shirt. Loud prints next to lace or sheer fabrics mix up the textures and for the daring, trends see sheer long skirts over shorts or jeans. This isn’t for everyone so compromise with a floral skirt and a block colour top. The idea is to create layers with contrasting fabrics, colours and clothing…you can always shed a layer if you get hot!

S/S is about the sun and bright colours and neons showcase in the season’s palette this year. Blues, reds, yellows, all in block. Something to really give us a boost, so look out for these colours and give your wardrobe an injection of colour.

Daytime Gondola Lofa, £65.00, Dune

40 | Oswestry life

Daytime Hanky hem skirt, £19.99, New Look

Day/nighttime Embroidered stud biker jacket, £79.00, Miss Selfridge

Nighttime Peg trousers, £45.00, Topshop Nighttime Jaquard box clutch, £17.99, New Look

Nighttime Crushed velvet body, £24.99, H&M

Campaign Look

Nighttime Sophia sandals, £35.00, Dorothy Perkins Online

Shirt £38, Coat £65, Trousers £40, Bag £45, all Principles by Ben de Lisi, Debenhams

Oswestry life | 41

Bring me sunshine So, spring has sprung, or at least so it would appear. My wife was commenting last week that the lambs this year have had a better time of it than their brothers and sisters of the last year or two – a short but oh so sweet existence!

Spring is a time of year when we see a shift in the wine trade. Customers stop buying bigger, heavier reds in favour of something altogether easier drinking – and oaked whites, so enjoyable during colder months, take a back seat for younger, fresher whites. The rose brigade rear their heads again – Cotes du Provence anyone? What could be nicer when the sun is out, however fleetingly.

The conservatory beckons I fancy.

Momentum Wines started life, as some of you may recall, in the town centre on Oswald Road, back in 2005. Since then we have moved our business home twice – and now reside on the Mile End Business Park – opposite Morgans. Whilst predominantly being a trade supplier, supplying wines, beers and spirits to hotel and restaurant customers within an approximate 100 mile radius, we also have a retail store within our warehouse, where we welcome private customers readily. Our range extends to around 600 wines and a growing range of quirky spirits, and there is no minimum purchase, so please feel free to pop down and see us when you are in town. All our staff are WSET qualified, and can offer worthwhile advice should you want it.

We are delighted to be writing this column on a bi-monthly basis. Now we have got the introductions out of the way we can focus more on wines of interest in the column, and hope to provide an entertaining read!

by Howard Jones of Oswestry’s Momentum Wines

42

| Oswestry life

Sticky chicken wings with a spring onion & celery blue cheese dip

75g mild blue cheese 1tsp Worcestershire sauce To serve Extra celery sticks and little gem leaves cut in half vertically.

(www.lovethecrunch.com)

Make this classic fast food starter healthier at home. Make sure you have plenty of celery and little gem lettuce wedges to hand to scoop up the last drops of the delicious dip.

Serves: 3-4 as a starter Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes Ingredients For the chicken 4 tbsp tomato purée 4 tbsp honey 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tsp mustard ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional) 10 chicken wings For the dip 5 spring onions, roughly chopped 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped 100g sour cream 100g crème fraîche

Method Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan.

Combine all the chicken sauce ingredients in a small pan and bubble for a few minutes until it becomes thick. Put the chicken wings into a dish and pour the sauce over, toss well so the chicken is completely coated.

Tip into a roasting dish and cook for 35-40 minutes, turning and basting twice during cooking.

While the chicken is cooking whizz together all the dip ingredients in a blender until combined but not completely smooth. Taste and season. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

When the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter with a bowl of blue cheese sauce and some celery sticks and Little Gem wedges for dipping.

Advertisement feature

New dining experience on the menu at Brooks No longer will the waiter ask: “how would you like it cooked?”

Oswestry restaurant Brooks around the Corner is about to unveil a meal like no other. A meal where diners have the opportunity to cook their steak exactly as they like it. This new and exciting experience will see steak cooked live at the table. It’s a fun, fresh and healthy way to eat meat, fish and vegetables served on a red-hot lava stone.

Diners will be able to smell how delicious their meal will be as they watch it cook in front of their eyes, giving a unique and memorable dining experience, perfect for groups and romantic meals for two.

The dry searing heat of the lava stone sears in all the succulence and flavours of the chosen meat and allows diners to enjoy every last mouthful just as they like it. It’s healthy too as there is no need for extra cooking oils and fats.

The steak is presented on the stone, alongside delicious sides and sauces to complement the meal.

“Everyone has their own opinion about how steak should be served,” said executive chef Matthew Newton, “this allows our customers to take control and make the meal they want. When cooking on the stone, the main difference is that you’re effectively cooking each mouthful

“When you’re cooking on the lava stone as you sear and seal the outside of the steak all the moisture gets trapped inside” individually. When you’re cooking on the lava stone as you sear and seal the outside of the steak all the moisture gets trapped inside the steak and for each slice or mouthful the same thing happens, so the moisture always remains trapped inside every bite, which makes it more succulent than any other method of cooking.”

There’s practically no limit to what can be cooked on lava stones. With mouth-watering versatility to eat exactly how you want to, lava stones also ensure the food is kept hot throughout the meal.

The new lava stone dishes will be available on Brooks’ a la carte menu, served Tuesday to Saturday subject to availability. Prices will start from £15.95.

Brooks Around the Corner 69 Church Street, Oswestry SY11 2SZ Tel 01691 654742 Email brooksatc@me.com Find out more details via our Facebook page Oswestry life |

43

Food and drink

Simla 41 years young

41st anniversary celebration

Thursday 25 May 4 course meal Live entertainment: Bhangra dancer Beautiful ballads sung by Libby Gliksman Raffle with great prizes

Join us to celebrate with proceeds donated to local charities

Simla would like to thank all our patrons who have supported us over the years

Simla Tandoori Restaurant 44 Beatrice Street,Oswestry 01691 659880/653818

One of Oswestry’s favourite restaurants is celebrating its 41st year in business this month.

The Simla Tandoori Restaurant on Beatrice Street will be marking the occasion with a party for its customers, with the proceeds being split between local charities.

The award-winning restaurant serves up delicious homecooked traditional Indian food seven days per week in the town. Owned and run by husband and wife team

the restaurant has become part of the history of the town, with generations of local families dining there over the decades.

George and Julie Miah, who first came to Oswestry in the seventies – the restaurant has become part of the history of the town, with generations of local families dining there over the decades.

This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday 25 May with a four-course meal and feature a variety of entertainment, including local singer Libby Gliksman and a traditional Bhangra dancer. Tickets cost £30 each and can be booked by calling The Simla on 01691 659880.

★DISCOUNT VOUCHER★ ★DISCOUNT VOUCHER★ Simla Tandoori Restaurant 42 Beatrice Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1QG (01691) 659880/653818

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.

£5 off YOUR FOOD BILL

£30 minimum spend. Free home delivery. Not valid Friday or Saturday or Thursday 25 May

Voucher valid until 31 May 2017

Baby Bird Café

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.

TEATIME FOR CHILD’S TOTS & TIDDLERS LUNCH PLATTER 10” CHEESE &BABY-LED TOMATO WEANING PIZZA DISH

£6

Mon-Thursday 3.30-5pm

Voucher valid until 31 May 2017

★DISCOUNT VOUCHER★ ★DISCOUNT VOUCHER★ Cambrian Coffee and Cakes

Cambrian Works, Gobowen Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1HS 0774 0 139 062 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.

Voucher valid until 31 May 2017

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FREE TEA OR AMERICANO

The Boat House Chirk Marina, Chirk, LL14 5AD 01691 772493

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.

Vouchervalid validuntil until31 31March May 2017 March 2017 Voucher 2017

10% OFF

ALL FOOD

Excludes Sunday & Events

Advertisement feature

Oswestry’s best kept secret Driving through the fine stone gate posts and down the sloped gravel driveway, lawn on one side and lush woodland on the other, you could easily forget that Hayes Barn is only 10-minute walk from the centre of Oswestry.

The impressive building is flanked by a large south-facing courtyard, perfect for long sunny afternoons. Lush lawns overlook adjoining fields, mature trees and shrubbery; views from the banks stretch as far as the eye can see, taking in Rodney’s Pillar and The Wrekin- a secluded haven with everything on your doorstep.

Sophie Dillon, the creative force behind Hayes Barn is also the on-site business operator. After an eight-year career in television design she relocated to Australia in 2005, where she developed a successful career within the fresh produce industry. Returning in 2016, she has bridled two decades of passion and experience to create a product that delivers on style and quality- from interior decoration to home-produced cuisine and most things in between.

“I’m most proud of the feedback we get here,” said Sophie, “guests 46 | Oswestry life

comment on the warm welcome and service they receive from me and my staff, nothing is too much trouble.”

Design, luxury and comfort feature strongly throughout Hayes Barn, from the quirky Snug Bar, a room full of things collected and preloved, two elegant dining rooms, bespoke bedroom suites, sumptuous French linen bedding and eclectic items at every turn.

Features

Hayes Barn lends itself perfectly to intimate functions; spaces flow smoothly into each other and the outdoor areas. The seclusion and privacy offered allows guests to enjoy a completely personal experience, whatever the occasion.

A large south-facing courtyard Leads from the dining room, with more seating available from which to sip a drink and take in the stunning countryside views.

From the other side of the room, bifold doors open onto a slate courtyard, overlooking a central raised flower bed, owl sculpture and grounds, lit by traditional street lamps.

Staying over?

Hayes Barn boasts four ensuite rooms to accommodate its overnight guests. Each one of the king-sized bedrooms suites is furnished to a high standard, mixing modern facilities with unique design features – an environment that oozes character, warmth and a whole lot of charm. Rooms start from £90 per night, including breakfast.

Dining rooms

With two large spaces comfortably seating 40 people each.

One room, complete with internal wall garden leads off the Snug Bar, the other, complete with original stone internal wall, looks out onto the rear grounds. Both rooms open onto the central horseshoe courtyard. The rooms can be reconfigured to suit different requirements.

Snug bar

Once you arrive you will never want to leave! A cosy and welcoming space, with log fire and reclaimed beauty all around. Corrugated iron splash-back, bullet-riddled bar front and some clever lighting adds character in abundance. An equally cosy mezzanine area up in amongst the beams looks down on the Snug.

Bank Holiday Sunday on the lawn!

APRIL

30

From 2pm Ambers Wood Fired Kitchen will be cooking up some wood fired goodness.

Enjoy fantastic food at a gorgeous venue with a warm welcome and a well stocked bar

Theme nights

Fast gaining a reputation for its fabulous themed nignts, Hayes Barn has recently entertained guests with a lively St Patrick’s Day evening, featuring an Irish musician and traditional Irish stew. Plus a vegan night out featuring clever use of plant-based ingredients to create tasty vegan versions of some classic dishes. Check the website to see upcoming events: www.hayesbarn. co.uk Attention to detail, high quality fixtures, fittings and produce, experience, and commitment to provide excellent customer service with a genuine smile and - often a sense of humour - means guests leave feeling happy. Services include, but are by no means limited to; luxury accommodation, bed and breakfast, associated functions, personal gatherings, group stays, supper nights, book launches, walking groups, conferences, corporate meetings, retreats, squash getaways (with exclusive use of a squash club).

Sophie Dillon and ‘Leo’

Hayes Barn Luxury Venue and Accommodation Racecourse Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 7PH To find out more about Hayes Barn, call Sophie on 0793 4089 185 www.hayesbarn.co.uk

The chef is on hand to produce mouth-watering, and nutritionally balanced options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The premises is fully licensed and a full list of alcohol on offer is available.

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“ A day without sunshine is like, you know, night! ” Steve Martin

This month contains Sun Awareness Week. Let’s be optimistic and hope we see some lovely blue sky days. However our skins might not agree. The British Association of Dermatologists think that the sun can be bad for us (they would – their organisation is called BAD too!). Apparently 80% of us don’t apply sunscreen before we go out or reapply it after 2 hours. I remember the Australian campaign from the 1980’s. “Slip Slop Slap” - Slip on a shirt, Slop on the sunscreen and Slap on a hat. They added Seek shade and Slide on some sunnies (sunglasses-sometimes Australian needs translating). Skin cancers are becoming more common so perhaps we should be adopting these Aussie habits?

What sort of things should we keep an eye out for? Cancer Research UK suggests you should see a Doctor if you have a spot that is itchy, crusty, scabs over or bleeds and is not healing in 4 weeks. If you have a mole

that starts changing, particularly if it crusts, bleeds, gets bigger, sore or changes colour then you should seek advice. Any new moles need checking too.

I like their advice that you should become familiar with your skin! This means checking it over- and if you have a lot of moles on your back ask a friend (perhaps a good friend) to help.

In recent years patients started to bring pictures of moles on their smart phones which could be very useful at times. The Cancer Research UK website has some useful pictures too.

It wasn’t always fashionable to have a tan. In Victorian times it was seen as a sign that you worked outdoors for your living. That’s why the ladies wanted to be pale and carried their parasols. Perhaps the right idea for the wrong reason.

So enjoy the sunshine but remember the advice from down under: “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide”.

Dr Paul Middleton

High Lea House Residential Home Friendly and Homely.

Set in Beautiful gardens.

Established for over 30 years.

Visitors are always welcome.

Llanforda Rise, Oswestry SY11 1SY. Rated Good by CQC Inspection

Oswestry

01691 654090 48

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■ Mobility Scooter

Servicing & Repairs ■ Batteries ■ Second Hand Sales

Advertisement feature

May’s consultation with Jane Millington Jane Millington, owner and head practitioner at Body and Face Options clinic in Maesbury Marsh, shares her knowledge on an area fast-growing in popularity; semi-permanent makeup.

Jane trained in cosmetic treatments at Finishing Touches in London Q. What is semi-permanent makeup?

Jane Millington M.S.B.T.H I.F.H.B.C I.H.B.C

A. It’s also known a micropigmentation and has been used for many years by celebrities and busy women who want makeup that lasts. Pigment is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin using a stateof-the-art machine designed specifically for cosmetic use. It’s very different to the machines and ink used for tattoos.

www.bodyandfaceoptions.co.uk

Q. Does it hurt?

A. Discomfort will be minimal as the area is anaesthetised before any treatment takes place.

Q. On what areas of the body can this treatment be used?

A. There are a few different key areas that will really make a difference. Eyebrows that have been overplucked can be thickened, lengthened and re-balanced to frame the face beautifully. Eye liner and eyelash enhancement can be subtle or dramatic to define eyes and create a perfectly drawn makeup look that lasts.

Lips can be subtly enhanced in shape and colour – in a range of shades.

The same technique can also be applied to cover areas of hair loss on the scalp to give the illusion of a thicker hair line. Women who have undergone mastectomies, other breast surgery or have irregular or fading areolas can also benefit by restoring the natural beauty of the breast with areola repigmentation.

Q. How long will the results last for?

A. The results can last for up to three years. This will depend on your age, skin type, colour choice and lifestyle.

BODY&FACE OPTIONS the advanced aesthetic clinic

Semi-permanent makeup

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With its advanced new techniques and procedures Semi-permanent makeup will enhance your natural beauty and give your features shape and definition without ever having to visit your make-up bag!

Waen Barn, Waen Lane Maesbury Marsh, Oswestry SY10 8JD Contact the clinic on

01691 680070 for an appointment

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Advertisement feature

SHAPE WITH UP! STERLING 1

There are four keys in the Alevere Therapy that will unlock the new you:

Alevere is a non-invasive medically supervised programme, offered by Sterling Clinics, that has helped thousands of people to predictably and quickly achieve their weight loss goals. Whether you have 2 stone or 12 stone to lose, it can help you reach your goal, using a combination of a revolutionary diet and the latest medical technology to correct any amount of excessive weight, reshape the body and tighten the skin without the need for surgery.

Tests are performed before you start the programme to establish your metabolic rate and body composition of fat, muscle and water, and in conjunction with a comprehensive set of blood tests, our doctor is able to accurately predict what you weight loss should be, how long it will take and ensure that you are getting the correct amount of nutrients whilst on the programme.

Once on the programme, you will then see the doctor monthly and be monitored with blood tests at approximately monthly intervals.

Weight is lost and a great body shape is achieved in two ways on the Alevere programme: the first is through a diet that causes rapid weight loss and the second is through weekly ultrasound and LPG Endermologie skin tightening treatments which provide body contouring so you will not be left with loose skin or lumps and bumps caused by stubborn areas of fat, and we make your skin contract as you lose weight by tightening and firming it all over, using technology that stimulates it to make collagen and elastic fibres. This results in optimisation of the body shape and improvement of skin tightness and elasticity so that cosmetic results of the weight loss are dramatically improved.

You will not feel hungry, weak or tired while on Alevere Therapy. You will be able to function as you normally do and have the energy to exercise. You will attend the clinic on a weekly basis for monitoring, the treatments of ultrasound and skin tightening and to get your Alevere foods for the coming week. And once you have reached your target weight, you will be equipped with the knowledge to maintain it — but support doesn’t stop there as clients can 50

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ALEVERE NUTRITIONAL THERAPY Alevere Nutritional Therapy is a precisely designed eating plan consisting of high protein meals, in an easy to follow nutrition plan, uniquely formulated to produce rapid weight loss. There are 37 different foods to choose from in a range of sweet or savoury flavours and in addition to this you will also eat a wide range of fruit and vegetables, many of which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This enables you to create varied and tasty, satisfying meals as well as just having a shake or a snack that you can carry with you if you are on the go, thereby ensuring that Alevere will fit into your lifestyle.

2

ALEVERE ULTRASOUND THERAPY Alevere Ultrasound Therapy treatments are given weekly which break down fat stores under the skin, using the latest medically certified technology.

Ultrasound frequencies are specifically tuned for the treatment of subcutaneous fat cells which are broken down and then used by the body as energy. This is a really important treatment because dieting alone often won’t shift these thick stores of fat and this helps ensure you lose inches where you want to lose them as well as lose weight overall. In fact, many clients report that they lose inches faster than they would have expected and reach lower clothes sizes than expected for any given weight loss.

3

ALEVERE SKIN AND CORRECTIVE TISSUE THERAPY Alevere Skin & Connective Tissue Therapy is carried out weekly using specialised equipment designed to firm and tighten the skin – this is a LPG Endermologie Lipomassage treatment.

Contouring is an important element of this therapy which is often ignored as a consequence of losing weight because once it has been stretched by weight gain, skin does not automatically shrink back and exercise cannot address this because there are no muscles in the skin. The skin is vigorously but painlessly stimulated with precise and specific techniques that encourage the fibroblast cells in the skin to boost collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin firmness. This treatment also smooths out bumpy and uneven skin and improves your lymphatic drainage, so that the fat broken down by the ultrasound is more easily removed by your body.

4

STABILISATION AND MAINTENANCE Arguably the most important phase of Alevere Therapy is the ongoing stabilisation and maintenance.

On reaching your target, we will stabilise your weight at its new level and, with the assistance of accurate measurements of your body’s metabolism using specialised medical equipment, we will tell you what and how much to eat, thereby giving you the control to maintain your new weight.

To find our more call 01743 361430 or visit: www.sterlingclinics.co.uk

Social scene

College shows style The commercial services department at North Shropshire College staged their annual fashion show. The show comprised the latest fashion from Dorothy Perkins Oswestry in the first half and during the second half students modelled avant-garde images from around the world, based on the theme, ‘Around the World in 80 Days.’ The show raised £500 for Hope House.

Top: Staff modelling Dorothy Perkins clothes. Hair and make-up by Visage students.

L-R Corrina Cadman, Bev Parry, Jennie Best and Vicky Brayne Left: Independent living tutor Anna Thomas with student Josh Turnbull Above L-R : Ella Jenkins; Poppy Gordon; Elain Evans

Birthday celebrations for Rotary Club Over 90 people attended the Rotary Club of Oswestry’s Charter night at the Wynnstay Hotel, when members and guests from around the district came together for a dinner to celebrate the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Oswestry Club.

Above: (Rear L-R) President Ian Haigh, speaker John Croft, Oswestry town mayor cllr Paul Milner, president-elect David Davies (Front) district governor Molly Youd Left: Oswestry School Interact Club (L-R) treasurer Roly Hancock, president Lucy Lowry, Sian Grice, secretary Claudia Angell-James, Teodora Nanescu

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51

Care company puts cl Our values

Our Managing Director, Jenny Upshall, set up Allenby Douglas Care Services after a long career in nursing at a senior level, but the inspiration came from her father, Allenby Douglas Lummis.

Mr Lummis was a prisoner of war of the Japanese and one of thousands forced to work on the infamous Burma Railway.

Conditions were appalling, and many of the prisoners developed health problems that would plague them for the rest of their lives.

After his return from World War II, Mr Lummis spent much of his time visiting old comrades with health problems in their homes and he was passionate that when someone was sick or frail the best place for them to be was in their own home.

This philosophy is at the heart of what we do at Allenby Douglas, and Mr Lummis and his wife Babs helped Jenny set up the company in 1999.

Sadly he passed away in 2005 but the company which bears his name has grown to employ around 50 staff.

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Allenby Douglas Care Services is not just another home care company. In fact we pride ourselves on being different by caring for our clients as if they were members of our own family.

How are we different? To start with, 75% of our directors are registered nurses and all of us play an active role in caring for our clients.

Our team of staff and carers are trained to work to a professional standard, highly motivated and love what they do, which is one reason why our staff turnover is so low.

We have a reputation for achieving quality outcomes and our costs are affordable and fair.

We are proud that we make a real difference to the lives of our clients every day.

Our Team Our staff are our most important asset – lots of companies say that but we really mean it.

We’re careful to recruit locally as much as possible and we continually invest in training and developing our team.

Our CQC rating We’re especially proud that our care was rated ‘outstanding’ in our 2016 inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

Here’s an extract from the report: People and relatives spoke very highly of the staff and the support they provided.

They described staff as kind, helpful and friendly. One person said, “The carers treat me so well. They treat me like a human being. They love to talk to me. It’s a pleasure to see them coming.” Another person said, “They have all got good hearts, they are superb”. Staff were well motivated and wanted to provide a good service which allowed people to remain in their own homes.

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s clients first We believe people who need help with their daily needs prefer to stay in their homes. Everybody is an individual and has different needs which may change over time, so we tailor our care services accordingly.

We call this holistic care.

Most of all, we love what we do and that’s providing care for people of all ages where they feel most comfortable: In their own homes.

Our staff are motivated and care about what they do – and they often go on making a difference outside office hours.

And our staff are all caring and motivated people, who get to know our clients and spot problems before they get out of hand.

If you want to come and work for us please pop into the office or ring for an application form. Our starting rates of pay are from £8.41 - £9.30 per hour, extra for trained staff plus 41p per mile for travel. Extra pay award pending.

PLEASE POP INTO THE OFFICE MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.00 – 17.00 OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION

We love what we do

For example some of our team raise funds for the Alzeimers Society.

Tamara Stoute, our Care and Finance Co-ordinator, raised more than £3,200 through a sponsored walk of the Great Wall of China!

We’re not just any care agency, as you can see!

Tamara Stoute at the Great Wall of China!

VACANCY

Domiciliary Care Worker PART TIME FULL TIME EVENING WEEK ENDS

CQC AWARDED OUTSTANDING FOR CARE 2017 Elliott House, 39, Church Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2SZ Tel & Fax: 01691 650067 Email: allenbydouglas@btconnect.com Company number 04100807 Oswestry life

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53

Business news

New deal agreed for telecoms firm

Two businesses have announced the signing of a major new contract which renews their partnership.

Wrexham & Prestige Taxis, which is the largest operator in North Wales with 135 vehicles, has chosen Oswestrybased Ocean Telecom to provide its communication services for the fifth year in a row.

Ocean Telecom won the contract to provide a total communications package, including over 135 mobile PDA devices that can be used in conjunction with the existing computerised taxi booking system to optimise the process of assigning and tracking jobs.

The taxi firm, which has doubled in size over the last two years and operates over three sites under the One Call group name credits Ocean Telecom’s sales manager Sean Bolas with supporting him through the smooth expansion of the growing fleet.

“I need technology that works and Sean knows what he’s talking about,” said Wrexham & Prestige Taxis managing director Mark Coates, “Sean is there for us whenever we need him. He’s helped us since the early days. When we first moved away from two-way radio a few years back, it was a big challenge from the way were used to working, but Sean was there to advise and I’m glad he was. The step we took in moving from analogue to digital has improved efficiency and overall customer experience, which is in turn helping us grow.”

Sean Bolas, sales manager at Ocean Telecom, which has its head office on Mile Oak Industrial Estate, Oswestry, said that he was delighted to be awarded the two-year deal and continue to work with the firm.

“Wrexham & Prestige Taxis is a very progressive and professional organisation. I look forward to continuing to work with them to strengthen and build their communications infrastructure.”

New trainee solicitors

One of the area’s largest law firms has announced the appointment of two new trainee solicitors..

Sarah Tidswell was already working for the firm as a paralegal when she was offered a place on the solicitor training programme after impressing the partners with her knowledge and expertise.

Nick Hughes has joined the firm’s Oswestry office where his first seat will be in the family department working under the guidance of GHP legal partner, Alison Peters.

Nick, whose particular interest is divorce and care proceedings, has played rugby for Christleton RUFC since studying at the University of Law there.

Nathan Wright, a partner of GHP Legal and head of training, said: “When we offer a training contract we are looking for individuals with a strong academic base who have proved themselves to be hard-working and fresh-thinking.

“All our trainees undertake a wide ground base to enable them to decide which area of law they wish to specialise in and during their two-year training contract they will complete four six-month seats.

“Both Sarah and Nick have shown in their first few weeks as trainees that they can embrace the firm’s values and are keen to play an important part in the team.”

Arthurs is celebrating

JudgeService, which provides new and used car dealer reviews, has given Arthurs of Oswestry and Newtown a score of 96%, putting them in the top 10% of all JudgeService dealerships nationwide.

And in the area it covers, Arthurs is one of only two sites in the prestigious 95% plus category.

“The award is significant in that out of 2,000 dealerships using the ReAct product survey, only 231 got a score of 95% or more,” said JudgeService Key Account Manager John-Michael Lloyd.

He said JudgeService helps car dealers improve their customer service by asking customers and potential customers for feedback about the experience. This can be in service, used car sales, new car sales or the bodyshop.

David Goldthorpe, Arthurs Vauxhall general manager said: “To be in the top 10% of all JudgeService dealers nationwide reflects well on us and the brand.

Fom left: Mark Coates of Wrexham & Prestige Taxis and Sean Bolas of Ocean Telecom

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“The Arthurs reviews and customer feedback can be seen on our website and the positives and negatives are there to be shared on facebook.”

Q&A

with Mari Sherrington

Should landlord have protected my deposit?

Q: I recently moved in to a new property that I am

with

Stevens Lucas

Solicitors, Solicitor-Advocates & Barristers

renting. I paid my landlord a rather large sum of money for the deposit and didn’t think anything of it.

When I mentioned the amount to my friend, she asked me if the deposit had been protected. When I said I didn’t know, she was shocked. What should I do?

A: If you have entered into an assured shorthold tenancy agreement the deposit should be paid into one of three government backed tenancy deposit schemes.

Once paid into the scheme, the deposit will be safe until you and your landlord both agree to release it.

When your tenancy comes to an end the scheme will ensure that the deposit is returned to you, provided the property is not damaged, you meet your obligations under the tenancy and payment of rent and bills has been made. Deductions from the deposit can be made for any breaches of the tenancy.

Should there be a dispute when returning the deposit, your scheme’s dispute resolution service will decide on how much of your deposit should be returned. Or, you can also ask that it stays in the scheme until you have resolved any differences you may have. Without any issues, the deposit should be returned to you within 10 days.

If your deposit is not protected your landlord could be fined up to three times the amount of the deposit you paid, and they may be unable to evict you on the usual grounds.

You should check with your landlord or letting agent to see whether your deposit has been protected. They should provide you with a summary of your scheme and details of where your deposit will be kept. If the deposit has not been protected, or if there are any other issues, then seek advice from a local solicitor.

This question has been answered by Mari Sherrington, a Paralegal 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 also offer free legal diagnostic clinics (no appointment necessary) as follows: Personal Injury, Employment & Family matters – Wednesdays 12noon-3pm in Oswestry; in Wrexham, Mondays 9.30am-12noon for Employment matters. 12noon – 3pm Personal Injury & Family matters. GHP Legal is authorised and regulated by the SRA 51566, and Lexcel Accredited.

The only law firm you will need •Accident & Injury •Agriculture & Estates •Children •Clinical Negligence •Company &

Commercial •Commercial Property •Court of Protection •Crime, Regulatory & Prison Law •Employment Law

•Family & Matrimonial •Family Mediation •Insolvency & Restructuring •Litigation & Dispute Resolution

•Mental Health •Professional Negligence •Probate, Wills, Tax & Trust

•Residential Property •Spinal Injuries

OSWESTRY

LLANGOLLEN

37-39 Willow Street, SY11 1AQ 01691 659194 oswestry@ghplegal.com

The Old Bank, Berwyn Street, LL20 8ND 01978 860313 llangollen@ghplegal.com

WREXHAM

CHIRK

26-30 Grosvenor Road, LL11 1BU 01978 291456 wrexham@ghplegal.com

Spring House, Holyhead Road,LL14 5NA 01691 777949 chirk@ghplegal.com

NO-WIN, NO-FEE OPTIONS WELSH SPEAKERS CONTRACTED WITH THE LEGAL AID AGENCY

www.ghplegal.com Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 51566

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55

runner-up in the

Best Shropshire Independent Coffee Shops/CafĂŠ

Thank all our customers for their loyal support 2 Albion Hill Oswestry sy11 1qa Tel 07845 666620 Open: 8:30 - 16:00 @liarliaroswestry 56 | Oswestry life

Nostalgia

Historic Church Street David Owen examines the history of one of the town’s best known streets.

Built on the site of a 7th century monastery, the church of St. Oswald dates from the early 11th century and around it grew Church Street.

Stretching from the traffic lights to the Cross, Church Street houses some of the oldest buildings in the town including several public houses. The Sun (in its original form) dates from 1672, the Bell 1663 and the Oak 1720.

The Wynnstay is one of the most recognisable buildings in Oswestry and was previously known as the Bowling Green and the Cross Foxes prior to becoming a coaching inn on the London to Holyhead route around 1800. It was then called the Sir Watkin Williams Wynn’s Arms before being shortened to the Wynnstay a few years later.

Church Street also housed some of the grander houses of the town. The property opposite the Park Gates was originally a house called The Lawn occupied by the Croxon family whilst on the area now known as Festival Square was the Doctor’s House (demolished in the early 20th century). On the opposite side of Church Street stands Bellan House (originally The Great House) which was home to the Longueville family and immediately to the right (set back in the area that is now Cae Glas Park) stood Cae Glas mansion which was demolished in the late 1830’s.

Passing down towards the Cross you enter the commercial centre on the town and the building that now houses Prezzo was, of course, the town’s Post Office from 1879 until the late 1960’s when, ironically, it moved back to its previous location in Willow Street.

Whilst the building has now changed considerably, Boots Chemist have occupied virtually the same site for over 100 years and the building next to it (formerly Clarke’s bakers and confectioners) is one of the oldest buildings in the town and is dated 1707. If the plaster were stripped off, the original timber frame building is, apparently, still beneath it.

Other businesses which once occupied Church Street up until the 1960’s and 70’s are now long gone including the Home & Colonial Stores, Joan English (photographers), Curry’s Electrical, N.E Read, Hartnell’s and Bristow’s Ironmongers. And for a generation of Oswestrians, Oswestry Goldsmiths will always be Northern Goldsmiths albeit that the clock above it now seems to work once more.

Although, as in so many towns, around the country, the heyday of town centre shopping may never return, Church Street at least maintains a façade of hustle and bustle at its one end and a degree of grandeur at the other.

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Sport

in association with

“The main aim is to make playing cricket a fun and enjoyable experience for the youngsters and give them a love of the game that will last a lifetime.

“We’re also encouraging parents to come along and get involved in the sessions, whether they’ve played the game before or not.”

To learn more about All Stars Cricket and to find your nearest club, visit www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars.

Caitlin sets her sights on black belt All Stars cricket comes to Oswestry Parents in the Oswestry area can now sign up their youngsters for an exciting new initiative to get them involved in the game of cricket.

All Stars Cricket aims to get boys and girls aged 5-8 involved in the game. Clubs taking part include: Cae Glas, Ellesmere, Frankton, Knockin and Kinnerley and Oswestry.

After signing up, each of the boys and girls will received a cricket back-pack delivered to their door with a bat, ball and everything they need to try the game for the first time.

The emphasis of the eight-week programme with be on learning to play the game in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.

Shropshire’s All Stars Cricket Co-ordinator Darrell Corfield said: “We are looking forward to introducing the game to youngsters for the first time.

Following months of hard work and training Year 6 Bellan House pupil Caitlin McCourt has received her red belt with black stripe in Tae Kwon-Do. The grading was performed in front of Master Gianni Peros, the top Master in the UK. Caitlin now has six months to work towards her black belt grading.

Along with perfecting all the previous patterns and the new black belt pattern Caitlin will need to know the thinking and meaning behind the moves as well as the associated Korean language.

Caitlin must also attend three special classes with Masters around the country during the month before the grading.

Caitlin McCourt and her new Tae Kwon-Do belt Visit: www.gotothevenue.com

Tel: 01691 684840

Pizza & Pint Night

Every Thursday 5pm - 7pm

A Pizza and a Pint for only

£7.99 per person

For further information please call 01691 684840 or visit www.gotothevenue.com

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Left: An array of poppies at the nature reserve Top to bottom: The viewing point Skylark meadow The manmade waterfall at Prince’s Dingle Wild garlic lines the footpath in the Dingle

Rambles with a camera The best walking sites, for me, are those that offer diverse habitats with interest at every time of year. We are blessed with a number of locations around Oswestry that meet these criteria.

One is local nature reserve, Ifton Meadows.

Ifton Meadows

Today it is difficult to believe that this peaceful area was previously a busy Colliery. Coal was opencast mined here for centuries, then in the 1800’s a 210-foot-deep shaft called “The Gertrude Shaft” was sunk (named after a female member of the owner’s family).

Over the years this was increased to 1446 feet, with tunnels running off. In 1960, the modernised mine employed 1250 men and produced 1780 tons of coal per day, but eight years later, Ifton Colliery closed. In 1975 Oswestry BC took ownership of the site, covered the spoil tips and then re-opened the site to the public.

In 2005 Ifton Meadows became a Local Nature Reserve.

Today the site has grassland, woodland, heathland, and even its own “Dingle”. There are wonderful views over the Dee Valley and to the Clwydian Hills. Parts of the reserve are accessible to wheelchairs (with Radar Key) and pushchairs. Other areas have unmade paths that can become muddy. Dogs with responsible owners are welcome, but visitors are asked

to stay on paths during April to July.

Cycling isn’t permitted.

Going through St Martins from the A483, pass by Stan’s and go straight at the mini-roundabout then taking the first left. Carry on out of the village and take the next left. The reserve is signposted. Drop to the bottom of the hill and take the next right. 100 metres on there is a small parking area. This is the “Colliery Entrance”. Check the handy map on the notice board. The made-up path takes you up to the viewing point, but for those more adventurous turn left just over the little stream and follow the path around the skylark meadow. Don’t drop down the hill but keep going along the upper path until you reach the trees. At this point follow a path down to another entrance and a pool. Turn right and enter the enchanting Price’s Dingle. A manmade waterfall is to your left as you drop down the hill. Depending on the time of year you will be surrounded by snowdrops, garlic, bluebells, or bracken. Look out for scarlet elf cap fungus, and strange natural tree sculptures.

At the bottom of the hill go through the gate, turn immediately right up a steep lane, beside Pentre Dingle. At the top bear left and through a gate, back into the “Meadows”. This area is heathland. Go across this section and reach the main path, turning right. Carrying on up the hill will take you up to the viewing point and the made-up path, back to the car.

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Where help is on hand locally

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WoodheadConsulting Book Keeping Company Formation Start/New Business Up Loans Successful Grant Applications Professional Business Plans Year End Accounts & Returns Matthew Woodhead is licensed and regulated

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SKYPE: woodhead.consulting www.woodheadconsulting.com matthew@woodheadconsulting.com

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classifieds LANDSCAPING

Where help is on hand locally PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE

Ask about our hedgehog friendly fencing

GA.contract 01691 656386 07818 282042 gacontract@aol.com www.gacontracting.co.uk PLUMBING & heating

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OSTEOPATHY

pest control

• Moles • Wasps • Rats • Mice • Cluster Flies • Bed Bugs • Squirrels • Cockroaches • Fleas • Woodworm Areas covered: Oswestry- Ellesmere Shrewsbury Welshpool - Mid Wales

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classifieds removal services

ROOFING

Where help is on hand locally ROOFING

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

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

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

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TREE SERVICES

Shropshire Tree Services Ltd professional tree care

All aspects of Arboricultural work undertaken

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

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

Contact Peter Rimmer - Oswestry 01691 680018 Mobile 07885 676038

wwwshropshiretrees.co.uk

window cleaning

timber products

Expires: 15/06/2017

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

We design, build and can actively manage your website, forever.

Need a new page created? Want to tweak your design? Simply tell us what you need and we‘ll do it for you.

We appreciate some content you‘ll want to manage yourself (such as products, blog posts, team members and opening times) and we‘ve created a crazily simple online portal for you which is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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

Telephone: 07986 293294

Useful numbers Councils

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

Dentists

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

Doctors Surgeries

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

Hospitals

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

Schools

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

Services and helplines

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

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

Sport and Leisure

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

Transport

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

Vets

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

Useful websites

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

Oswestry life | 63

Kidsfun Birdy craft

The sun is shining and the birds are singing! Get your little ones together for this super cute (and easy) bird craft.

You will need: • assorted coloured card • googly eyes • glue • scissors • ribbon • felt tip pens and assorted decorative stickers

Method: 1) Using your scissors cut out a circle, bird shape and two lengths of coloured card 2) Add detail to your bird by adding googly eyes and wings with your felt tip pens 3) Stick your bird to the centre of your card circle 4) Taking the two lengths of coloured card, glue them to the circle going up and over the bird to form arches or a basic ‘cage’ shape.

5) Add ribbon at the top of the arches to form a hanging loop

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

6) Finish off your bird by adding decorative stickers

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Events for children and young people this May

Bookstart Rhyme Time for pre-school children, parents & carers. Free Friday 12, 26 2-2.30pm

Bookstart Story Time for pre-school children, parents & carers. Free Saturday 13 2-4pm

Dinosaurs and Princesses drawing club – local cartoonist John Swogger will show you how some simple tricks can help bring your drawings to life! Free drop-in event.

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SPRING FLOWERS BLOSSOM RAIN LAMBS UMBRELLA GROWTH

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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: 31 May 2017.

ntastic Funhouse a F Mo

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

ADVENTURE PLAY 64

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES

- 17:00

INDOOR FOOTBALL

GARAGE GO-CART

Tel: 01691 655515

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

The garden party of the year!

BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 15-18 June, NEC Birmingham In 2017, BBC2’s Gardeners’ World celebrates its 50th birthday. To celebrate we’ve teamed up with the organisers to offer you the chance to WIN one of six pairs of tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 15-18 June, NEC Birmingham!

Competitions

A festival of bands and vans?

It’s Vangollen!

WIN TICKETS

Indie superstars Razorlight will headline a new festival in Llangollen this month, joined by 1980s charttoppers The Christians, The Icicle Works and a whole host of local bands and performers.

The bands-and-vans festival called Vangollen takes place across the weekend of 19-21 May. Van owners can camp on an adjacent field, with 400 pitches available, but you don’t need to own a van to go and enjoy the music, the food, drink and wares on sale from nearly 100 traders, and soak up the festival atmosphere.

The snappily-titled event is the brainchild of Matt Doyle, whose home overlooks the Llangollen Pavilion.

The owner of a camper van rental business, Snowdonia Vans, Matt was looking out at the distinctive white roof of the Pavilion one day when he had the idea of holding a camper van-

themed festival there.

After talking the idea through with family and friends, the event morphed into a music festival with a camper theme.

“There are lots of camper ‘jams’ out there, where proud camper-van owners get together in a field with a few traders, have a good time, and show off their vans,” Matt explained.

Celebrating this anniversary year, the show features presenters past and present including Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh, a Nostalgia Garden harking back to gardens of the 1960s; an incredible feature garden taking you on a journey through the history of modern gardens. All this alongside annual favourites the Show Gardens, Floral Marquee, BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre and the demo stages makes for an unforgettable experience!

“But Vangollen takes a different slant. We’re a musical festival first and foremost, but with a camper van vibe. Yes you can bring your camper, camp on a reserved pitch, enter the Show and Shine competition, and have a great time with your fellow campers. Or just come to enjoy the show. You don’t need to be a camper ‘nerd’ to enjoy Vangollen!”

Visit vangollen.com to find out more.

Up for grabs is a pair of all-weekend tickets. All you have to do is answer this question: How many camper van pitches are available at Vangollen?

By entering this competition you consent to Oswestry Life and Llan Events contacting you for marketing purposes.

Your data will not be shared with any other party.

All tickets include entry to the BBC Good Food Show, so there’s something for everyone! From top chefs demonstrating summer dishes and techniques (this year including Michel Roux Jr and Mary Berry) to shopping for fresh flavours and scrumptious treats – even pick and mix from the stalls to make a tasty picnic to enjoy outside in the Show Gardens.

For more details visit bbcgardenersworldlive.com To enter, tell us where is BBC Gardeners’ World Live being held?

COMPETITION RULES: Closing date for competitions is 12/05/17. 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. For full terms and conditions please refer to www.oswestry.life MARCH WINNERS: NSC’s Spring Lambing Day Mrs Patricia Hatt, Oswestry; Mrs Lisa Williams, Oswestry Whittington Music Festival Mrs Rowena Evans, Morda

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LAST WORD This month’s ‘last word’ comes directly from the newest member of the team, fashion and beauty editor Victoria McKenna When I was asked if I would like to write the fashion and beauty features for Oswestry Life, I was over the moon to be able to contribute to this popular magazine and to impart some of my knowledge back to the community.

Fashion and beauty are very much part of daily life and whether you embrace it or not, we are surrounded by images and trends which soak in to our subconscious.

Fashion has become my job over the past 18 months whilst I have been working to set up a fashion label. It has been a rollercoaster of utter highs and awful days but it has seen me return to the one town I have spent many years visiting and living in, Oswestry! A place I consider safe and full of family and friends.

I have been writing a fashionbased blog for some time now, which I try and do every 10 days. I have found that by writing about fashion and the highs and lows of getting a business off the ground, has enabled me to give readers a chance to get to know me and the drive behind the brand.

I originally left Oswestry quite some years ago to pursue a career in project management. I spent years working in the telecoms sector and I loved my job as a project manager. However, the powers that be had other plans and I was 66

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hit with an illness that knocked me down in 2014. This meant I couldn’t go back to my job and I took this as a sign that I needed to stop and re-evaluate life. So, I am now pursuing my dream and I am very lucky to enjoy every minute I spend on the business.

Inspiration for my brand has come from a love of clothes (obviously), but also a slight obsession with 1950’s Dior. Trying to reflect those beautiful shapes in my designs but keeping it 2017 has been a challenge. Any design work has to reflect modern trends, but I am hopeful the clothes will appeal to the target audience and wider.

Buying items on the internet is standard these days, but it’s also nice getting your hands on what you want to buy sometimes – before you commit!

The more time I spend out and about in Oswestry, the more I become familiar with what the fashion influences are and what is available for us locally. My aim is to filter this through into my features.

Buying items on the internet is standard these days, but it’s also nice getting your hands on what you want to buy sometimes – before you commit!

I’m all for promoting our town and embracing what we have, so I hope you enjoy reading the articles as much as I enjoy writing them.

You can read more about Victoria and follow her fashion journey on the website: victoriajanemckenna. com

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