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Welcome to our 100th issue of Oswestry Life Magazine!

When the magazine launched back in 2017, we couldn’t have imagined the level of support we’ve received over the last eight years from our readers, contributors and advertisers. We hope you enjoy the stories as much we do bringing them all together.

The team would like to say a huge thank you, and we appreciate all of you. Tracy, David, Aileen, Victoria, Paul, Graham.

Delivered to 7,000 homes in and around Oswestry every month

7 Lower Brook Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2HG Telephone: 07986 293294

Joint Managing Directors David Lee-Birch david@oswestrylife.co.uk

Tracy Leonard tracy@oswestrylife.co.uk

Editor Victoria McKenna victoria@oswestrylife.co.uk

Production Designer Aileen Selkirk aileen@oswestrylife.co.uk

Regular contributors Graham Mitchell, Dr Paul Middleton, Rebecca Evans, Stephanie Dhillon, Claire Arnold, Jenna Ward, Michael Hudson

Accounts and Distribution info@oswestrylife.co.uk

Advertising info@oswestrylife.co.uk

Trefonen Garden Open Day – Sunday 10 August

Local, Philip Jones is holding his annual garden open day which he has done in recent years in memory of his late wife Nerys, who loved the garden. In opening the garden, Philip raises money for Nerys’s chosen charity ‘Pulmonary Hypertension Association’, Hope House and this year for Prostate Cancer Research UK.

Each year, the garden open day gets busier and last year had over 400 visitors raising in excess of £1500! It’s a beautiful garden just less than 1 acre filled with herbaceous flower beds, trees, shrubs and lawns. The garden has even been approved for entry into the National Garden Scheme (yellow book) but this year, Philip will only open it privately to raise money for the charities.

Access to the garden is free of charge which includes tea and cakes with visitors asked to make a donation to the charities on the day. Cakes are made by friends, family members and kind ladies from the village. Visitors have come from as far as Newport and Llangollen to look at the garden and advertising the event has been supported by many of the local Garden Clubs. There is parking available in neighbouring fields, and I reserve limited parking on the drive for elderly visitors where possible.

The garden open day this year is Sunday 10 August, 11am to 5pm. In the event of bad weather, it will be rescheduled to Sunday 17 August (11am to 5pm).

Grants to bring empty shop premises back into use

Oswestry Town Council is welcoming applications from businesses and start-ups for grants to bring empty retail premises back into use.

Funding of up to £5,000 is up for grabs from the Council’s Breathing New Life into Empty Properties scheme for businesses looking to set up in premises that have been vacant for more than six months in Oswestry town centre.

Grants can be used to refurbish and fit out premises as well as decoration, signage and improving accessibility.

Empty retail units and the condition of retail properties are seen as important indicators of the health of a high street and are a problem nationally. Whilst Oswestry has fewer empty retails premises than most towns, the Council would like to see empty shops re-let.

The Mayor of Oswestry Councillor Rosie Radford said: “We’re keen to continue to support businesses and start-ups at a very local level. As well as providing them with a welcome cash boost, the funding will help revitalise shops that have been empty for a while. It’s a win-win.”

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 31 August 2025. Early applications urged as funding is limited and needs to be spent by 31 March 2026. Anyone wanting more information, or an informal discussion can email enquiries@oswestry-tc.gov.uk.

A celebration at Arthurs Vauxhall in Oswestry

Craig Huxley, a true local through and through, born in Whittington and has lived in Oswestry his entire life, is now celebrating an incredible milestone in his career as the newly appointed General Manager of Arthurs Vauxhall, Oswestry.

Craig’s journey with Arthurs Motor Group spans an impressive 31 years, during which he has worked across nearly every department of the business. Starting as a technician, he moved through roles in quality control, service advisory, and beyond. Most locals will recognise Craig from his time in the service department, sales department and in the showroom, where he has become a familiar and trusted face. His recent promotion to General Manager of Arthurs in Oswestry is a testament to his unwavering dedication and deeprooted understanding of both the business and the community it serves.

A true car enthusiast, Craig’s extensive knowledge of vehicles— especially Vauxhall and Peugeot models—has been integral to his promotion. His expertise has consistently ensured customers receive the highest standard of service and advice, making him a valued asset to both the team and the community.

As a lifelong resident of Oswestry, Craig’s connection to the local community runs deep. His passion for serving his hometown has driven his success and made him a natural fit for this leadership role.

To get in touch, call 01691 652235 or visit www.arthurscars. co.uk - ‹Congratulations› to Craig Huxley, a true local success story.

Success for Great Oswestry Cake-Off

It was an amazing debut for the Great Oswestry Cake-off at Oswestry Memorial Hall during the Food & Drink Festival 2025 weekend. 20 highquality patisserie and layer cake entries received careful scrutiny from judges: Adam and Charlotte from Niche Patisserie and Town Mayor Rosie Radford. Layer Cake Winner: Inna Panchuk, Commendations: Jill Parnell & Cath Mercer. Patisserie category: Winner: Rachael Davies. Children’s Cupcake Decorating Winner: Bayer Pollard. Runners up: Penny Johnson, Amelia Crossley.

Moreton Hall Expands ‘Outstanding’ Nursery Provision from September

Moreton Hall, the award-winning independent school near Oswestry, has announced an exciting expansion to its Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ PrePrep Nursery from September 2025.

Nestled in 100 acres of beautiful Shropshire parkland, Moreton Hall’s nursery offers a warm, family-centred environment where children can thrive from their very first steps in education. The expansion will increase places available to local families, offering more children access to an exceptional early years’ experience.

“We’re thrilled to be growing our Pre-Prep provision,” said Deborah Speakman, Head of Moreton Hall Prep. “Our nursery children benefit from a truly enriched curriculum that includes French, swimming, dance, tennis, forest school, music, all taught by subject specialists, in addition to the core Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.”

Children also enjoy access to the wider school’s incredible facilities, including the on-site Holroyd Community Theatre, where they experience performances with West End production values. They also regularly go on trips and visits alongside the Reception class.

Moreton Hall Pre-Prep offers extended wrap-around care, with nutritious home-cooked meals served throughout the day and opening hours from 8am until 6 pm, providing flexibility for busy families. Funded places are available.

To find out more or to book a personal tour or taster session, contact Headteacher Deborah Speakman on 01691 776028 | prephead@ moretonhall.com or our Nursery Manager, Nic Perry, on 01691 776063 | firststeps@moretonhall.com

A Mysterious Lump: Harmless or Cause for Concern?

Sarcomas are rare cancers often going undetected until it’s too late. Because they’re uncommon, they receive less research funding, which limits treatment options and outcomes. Early detection is critical. At The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital, The Montgomery unit are proud to be one of only five specialist bone tumour centres in England. They diagnose, treat, and care for patients with both bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. But can only help if people know the signs — and seek a referral early.

Every day, 15 people in the UK are diagnosed with sarcoma — that’s about 5,300 people a year. Sarcomas can appear in the arms, legs, torso, stomach, and intestines — and are often mistaken for less serious issues. Bone sarcoma, or primary bone cancer, is particularly rare, making up just 0.2% of all cancer diagnoses in England — around 500 cases per year and Sarcoma is the third most common childhood cancer.

RJAH is supporting the Bone Cancer Research Stamp appeal and collecting all your old stamps. Please help if you can and drop any used stamps at the hospital to the Montgomery unit and they will turn them into researchers!

Want to know more about sarcoma? Visit www.sarcoma.org.uk

Great length hair extensions and barbering: to her Wella master colour expert degree, which is recognised worldwide.

She aims to deliver the highest quality of service to her clients, whilst providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere!

We also have beauty treatments available at the salon by the very talented Immy at Polished.

Oswestry Balloon Carnival 2025: A sky-high celebration with fun for all the family

Mark your calendars for a weekend of colour, laughter, and sky-high excitement as the Oswestry Balloon Carnival 2025 returns to Cae Glas Park on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August. Organised in partnership with Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council, and Oswestry BID, this much-loved event is bursting with entertainment and unforgettable experiences for all ages.

While the awe-inspiring hot air balloons remain the iconic centrepiece of the carnival, the weekend offers so much more than just balloon flights. Expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, interactive displays, spectacular performances, and exciting activities, all set within a beautiful park in Oswestry.

If the weather plays fair, visitors can witness an array of colourful hot air balloons taking to the skies during early morning and evening launches across the weekend. One of the most anticipated moments of the event is the Saturday evening ‘Night Glow’, where tethered balloons light up the park in a magical choreographed display set to music, a truly enchanting sight.

The carnival delivers a wide range of family-friendly attractions and performances to keep the crowds entertained from morning till evening.

Tom Longton’s Sheepdog Demonstration is sure to draw a crowd, showcasing his remarkable skill and humour as he works his dogs with ducks, geese, and sheep. Children especially love watching the ducks, who often seem to have minds of their own!

Animal lovers can also enjoy the Ferretworld Roadshow, where ferret fans of all ages can learn about these fascinating creatures and even take part in the ever-popular Ferret Fun Race, racing against the furry competitors through specially designed tunnels.

If you fancy meeting something a little fluffier, alpaca walkabouts are another charming attraction, giving visitors the chance to get up close to these gentle animals throughout the weekend.

On Sunday, the younger visitors are in for a treat with the Dinky Street pop-up play town, with 10 unique play corners inspired by real-life settings like a veterinary clinic and a campsite. Dinky Street creates a Montessori-inspired space where imaginations run wild, and creativity takes centre stage.

There will be plenty of live music and community performances, as well as appearances from walkabout characters, adding to the buzzing atmosphere in the park.

Harley the Clown (Saturday only) will be bringing the giggles with his circus workshops, balloon modelling, and his signature family-friendly clown show.

Sunday brings the Short Scruffs Theatre Co. to the main arena with their hilarious puppet show, The Jump. With circus chaos, silly antics, and three quirky characters, Felicity the flea, Gary the grasshopper, and Gloria the goose, all competing to become the new star acrobat, this laugh-out-loud show is not to be missed. Short Scruffs will also be

offering circus skills workshops for budding performers.

The weekend concludes with a bang as Karamba Samba, a highenergy samba drumming band from Chester, takes to the stage to deliver a rhythmic finale that promises to get the whole park dancing.

While admission to the Oswestry Balloon Carnival is free, attendees are encouraged to make a voluntary donation of £2 on entry, in support of Nightingale House Hospice. In 2024, the event raised a fantastic £37,000 for the hospice, helping to provide vital care and support to patients and families in their catchment area.

Elise Jackson, Events and Campaigns Manager at Nightingale House, said, “The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is a highlight in our calendar. Not only does it bring people together, but it also raises crucial funds that enable us to continue our work in the community. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone’s support.”

Whether you’re watching balloons drift across the sky, dancing to samba beats, racing a ferret, or simply enjoying a family picnic in the park, the Oswestry Balloon Carnival 2025 promises a weekend to remember.

Find out more and plan your visit at: www.oswestryballooncarnival.info

ADVANCED HYNOTHERAPIST

Katie Millard

Specialising in children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, low conﬁdence/esteem. 07912 435 221. Katie@thehappinessclub.co.uk

Amber’s Cleaning Services

Domestic and Commercial Professional Cleaning Services with competitive rates. One off deep cleans/End of Tenancy cleans. Daily/Weekly/ Fortnightly clean. Oﬃces and building sites Tel: 07955 022129

Clean & Gleam

Give your oven a little TLC with Clean & Gleam! Professional oven cleaning services covering Oswestry & surrounding areas. 07866 472083 / 07791 655559 www.facebook.com/cleanandgleamovens

Clipz & Bitz

Embroidered patches & clothing. Printed keepsake bears, cake toppers, stickers. My embroidered Gifts & Keepsakes are available from Crafty Creations, Oswestry Indoor Market 07807 725765 clipzandbitz2019@gmail.com www.clipzandbitzkeepsake.etsy.com

Covent Garden Fruit Market

Quality fresh fruit & veg daily - Locally made bread, cakes, honey and free range eggs plus home made preserves. Open 6 days a week, from 7.30am - 5pm English Walls, Oswestry 01691 659516 coventgarden1964@outlook.com

Dogz Dinnerz

Foods and supplies for all your pets at the best prices. Oswestry Indoor Market Hall, Oswestry Tel: 07368 104980 Email:dogzdinnerz@yahoo.com

Enchanted Gifts By Karen

A wide range of gifts, jewellery, crystals, holistic, spiritual, new age and fun items, based in Oswestry Indoor Market. Email enchantedgiftsbykaren@gmail.com www.enchantedgiftsbykaren.uk

Herd Milk

Taste the difference! Delicious, whole milk and yoghurt, fresh from our grassfed cows.Try a milkshake or grab a coffee and a cookie.

Stockists of Belton Cheese (also made with our milk). Whittington Rd, SY11 4NB victoria@herdmilk.co.uk

J&I Carpets

Over 30 rolls of carpet in stock! Many roll ends half price! Vinyls, LVT, Blinds and Curtains. A family business est. 1982. Victoria Road, Oswestry www.jandicarpets.co.uk 01691 656843

Make A Wish Parties

Spread a little stardust with a character appearance at your party. Packages include party games, craft activities, dancing and more. Princess/Superhero/Barbie/Fairy/Unicorn 07908 508520

Micky Finn Quality Fish

Highest Quality Fresh from Fleetwood EVERY morning! If you have not enjoyed your ﬁsh we will refund. Powis Market Hall Oswestry

Wednesday and Saturday 7.30-12 Ian: 07966 201696 Erin 07742 248269

Mrs Mops Cleaning Services

Professional domestic and commercial cleaning company. Competitive rates. Followed by Mrs Hinch on Instagram. Approached by ITV! Contact Melanie 07494 669 479 or mrsmopscleaningservices2020@outlook.com

Nu U Beauty

Delay the signs of ageing. Specialist in CACI non-surgical face lift, Microdermabrasion & Collagen Lift. Over 20yrs beauty experience. Facials are my passion. www.nuubeauty.com Tel : 07506 078265

Obertelli Play Therapy

Delivering therapy to children and young people. Supervision and therapeutic consultation available. Please contact for a free initial enquiry on 07974 506910 or Ginaobertelli@aol.com

Oswestry Transport

Man & Van hire/General haulage

Trailer hire/Removals/Collection & deliveries

Motorcycle collection & deliveries

ADR QUALIFIED - FULLY INSURED 07816 830019 Email Otsj14@aol.co.uk

Pippo’s Bakery

Specialising in designing bespoke celebration cakes and cupcakes for your special occasion. Always unique, always yum! Contact us at pipposbakery@gmail.com or via Facebook. com/pipposbakery

Siop Cwlwm

“Y Gorau o’r Gororau”

Welsh Shop situated at 33 Bailey Street and online. Welsh books, cards, music, homeware & gifts Probably the only Welsh shop outside Wales! www.siopcwlwm.co.uk Tel: 01691 680401

Simla Tandoori Restaurant

Proudly serving the best Indian cuisine since 1976 to the local community 42, Beatrice St, Oswestry. 01691 659880 www.simla-oswestry.co.uk

Sun City

Stand-ups, Lie-downs and Infrared Sunbeds. Open 7 days a week

A member of The Sunbed Association. Telephone 01691 661115 www.suncity-oswestry.co.uk

The Body Boutique

Physiotherapy & beauty. Cosmetic acupuncture, acupuncture, electro acupuncture, sports massage, oncology massage and much more. Contact the body boutique for more info on Facebook, instagram or thebodyboutique_byke@outlook.com

Time Invaders

A treasure trove of Comic Annuals Funkopops Sci-ﬁ & more including Retro Arcade machines, all at Oswestry Indoor Market, Bailey Head SY11 1PZ FB & Instagram @timeinvaders23 houseofjumble_@hotmail.co.uk 07946550916

Vicious Pink Tattoo Studio

Fully licensed. Check out work from Ruth, Gary and Karen on Facebook and Instagram. www.viciouspink.co.uk

Tel: 01691 570427

Suite C, 9A Willow Street, Oswestry. SY11 1AF

The Adventures of a Litter Picker Community

Loulou Blaze was born in the Highlands of Scotland, gradually moving south to Liverpool and Yorkshire, before finally settling down in the Oswestry area.

Throughout her life, and from a young age, she has cleaned the streets of litter. All done in her own time, wherever she found herself living.

Settling down in Oswestry bought no changes to her vocation and she continues her goal for no reward.

It is very difficult to judge how many hours of her life have been dedicated to litter picking however, I would suggest that it’s a vast amount.

Loulou holds down two jobs as a professional cleaner and spends her spare time, before work, in between work, and in the evenings, litter picking in the Oswestry area.

Her sense of community spirit goes above and beyond and her dedication to removing litter is paramount to her daily life.

When asked why she dedicates herself to this pastime Loulou humbly replies, ‘It’s what I like to do, I have always done it, and I will continue to do so. I like seeing the streets tidy, with no litter. It makes people feel better in themselves, walking or driving in a clean environment.”

On the way to work, on the way back from work, Loulou will litter pick the route, even when riding her bicycle!

She can often be seen in the evenings with her trusty assistant, the family dog ‘Blaze the Shepski’ (Husky/Shepherd Cross) or The Wolf as he is locally known, picking up the litter in the local area.

Her efforts are supported by her Husband Johnny, who finances the tools that she requires to fulfil her mission, such as litter pickers, bags, and ‘hoops’. Of late the Morda Parish Council have provided her with the

‘green’ litter picking bags which she fills and leaves at the side of the road for collection.

Loulou doesn’t confine herself to just litter picking though. She has cleared the pathways of Morda of weeds and debris, cut back obstructive overgrowth that hampers pedestrians, and cleared recognised country trails.

Her efforts do not solely concern the residents within the village, and she will venture beyond Morda into Oswestry town centre, and the route into the town centre itself, the A483 down to the Ironworks and the Golf Club, Weston Road, Maesbury Road and into the town centre. The Trefonen Road, into Trefonen, and wherever she may be.

No area is left unattended in her efforts to secure the lack of litter on the streets.

Loulou is a very humble person, whose satisfaction comes from the occasional passer-by, who offers thanks and praises her efforts, or the passing motorists acknowledging with a wave or a thumbs up.

In March 2025 Loulou’s efforts were recognised by the Mayor of

Oswestry, who presented her with a ‘Community Champion Award’ at a ceremony at the Guildhall.

However, it does not stop there. Loulou was nominated for an Oswestry Town Council ‘Tony Award’ for her services to the community. Having been declared the ‘winner’, a date is yet to be decided for the presentation of the award.

Loulou has suffered with Arthritis since a young age. The condition was un-diagnosed for several years however, and recently, an official investigation by the medical authorities has confirmed the condition.

Asked if this will deter her from litter picking and other services to the community, Loulou replied, “It is not going to stop me doing what I do. The pain is irrelevant, compared with seeing the streets free of litter. Why should I stop now?”

Loulou’s community spirit outweighs her medical condition, and her fighting spirit will ensure that she is out there, in all weathers, doing what she loves to do, ‘providing a community service’.

A true gem to the community and society she lives in, and long may it continue.

Above: Loulou and family dog Blaze

Left: Receiving the Community Champion Award from the Mayor

August

Mondays 4, 11, 18, 2pm

Exercise Class

The Memorial Hall Oswald Room Festival Square

Oswestry

SY11 2EG

Thursday 14, 12.45pm

Lunch at the Orangery

Derwen College

Whittington Road

Gobowen SY11 3JA

Tuesday 26, 10.30am

Coffee Morning

The Memorial Hall Oswald Room Festival Square Oswestry SY11 2EG

The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office: Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB.

Dress Up

It’s coming towards the end of summer but there are still plenty of events around like the last of the race meets, weddings and charity balls. When the dress code requires a dress, you know you’ve got a job on your hands ﬁnding one, so we’ve done the hard work for you!

Simple

Right: Estelle Silk Mix Sleeveless Dress in Olive £129, www.busbyandfox.com

H&M Studio £74.99, www2.hm.com

Fringe Dress £64.99, www2.hm.com

Pretty

Below, from top: Fabienne Chapot Erina Floral Print Maxi Dress £319.99, www.johnlewis.com Sicily Fit & Flare Midi Dress £112 (in sale), www.monsoon.co.uk

Statement

Below, L-R: Cut Out Floral Printed Maxi Dress £65, www.very.co.uk

H&M Studio Draped Patterned Dress £139.99, www2.hm.com

Floral Print Halter Neck Maxi Dress £59. www.riverisland.com

Aico Crowned Champion of Champions at Prestigious Shropshire Chamber Business Awards 2025

Oswestry-based Aico, the European market leader in home life safety, is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious “Champion of Champions” title at the 2025 Shropshire Chamber Business Awards. This honour was specially created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the awards, recognising the ultimate “best of the best” among all past winners of the esteemed Company of the Year award.

The Champion of Champions award, judged on a rigorous set of criteria including progress, leadership, innovation, community impact, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability, is a resounding testament to Aico’s unwavering commitment to excellence since its initial Company of the Year win in 2020.

Aico expressed immense pride in the achievement, recognising that being named the Champion of Champions is an incredible honour and a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of every single person within the company. This award celebrates their significant growth and performance, in addition to their deeprooted commitment to the community, innovation, and their leading efforts in sustainability. It’s particularly special as it acknowledges their journey since first winning Company of the Year, highlighting the lasting impact they make.

Since its first Company of the Year win, Aico has demonstrated unprecedented growth and solidified its position as one of Shropshire’s most successful businesses, having

now won the Company of the Year title an unparalleled three times.

The judging panel recognised Aico’s outstanding performance across all key areas. This included the progress made since being named Company of the Year, where Aico’s consistent growth, expansion, and market leadership since 2020 showcased a clear trajectory of continuous improvement and success. Their strong leadership and performance were also highlighted by a values-led, people-first culture, where all senior roles are filled through internal promotion.

The company’s exceptional customer service, handling over 100,000 enquiries in 2024 with a 99.93% accuracy rate, underscored its operational excellence. Furthermore, Aico’s deep engagement with suppliers and stakeholders to support the local community was evident; rooted in Oswestry, they’ve engaged over 17,000 students through education programs. The team’s significant volunteer efforts and charitable donations, exceeding £1.3 million with over £500,000 dedicated to local causes, demonstrated a profound commitment to Shropshire’s economic and social growth. Their dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion, and commitment to sustainability also greatly impressed the judges. With inclusive recruitment practices and leadership in sustainability, including a Net-Zero pledge by 2030, solar panel usage supplying nearly half of their energy, a hybrid/electric fleet, and extensive biodiversity initiatives on their seven-acre site.

Being named the Champion of Champions is an incredible honour and a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of every single person within the company.

Finally, Aico’s innovation in products, processes, and services to drive the business forward was key, exemplified by the success of the HomeLINK IoT platform. Their internal Launchpad scheme, empowering colleagues to submit and implement over 200 ideas, further showcased a culture of continuous improvement from within.

Neal Hooper, Managing Director at Aico, commented on the win, “This award is a true honour and a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team. It recognises that everything we do is with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and support for our community. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and are excited for the future.”

To explore Aico’s award-winning innovations, community initiatives, and commitment to safer homes, visit www.aico.co.uk.

MAYOR’S MINUTES

Mayor

cllr Rosie Radford

CCTV

Alarm Systems

Since becoming Mayor of Oswestry on 12 May, I’ve been deeply touched by the warmth, energy and inclusivity that define our town. My first official engagement was the D-Day 80th Anniversary Parade. The crowds lining the streets in respectful remembrance moved me deeply. It was a powerful moment that reminded me of the strength and resilience of our community.

The Love Your Local Market event showcased Oswestry’s vibrant local traders and brought the town centre alive with colour and conversation.

At Derwen College’s production of Grease, I found myself shedding happy tears at the talent, conﬁdence and joy on display—a wonderful celebration of inclusion that left a lasting impression.

A shining highlight was Oswestry Pride—a vibrant, colourful, and love-ﬁlled celebration of who we are. The parade wasn’t just a joyful party, but a powerful statement of belonging. Oswestry is an inclusive town that embraces everyone, and Pride was a proud reminder of that.

I was also honoured to attend the Clwyd Veteran and Vintage Society event at Oswestry Showground—a fantastic gathering celebrating history and heritage with passion and camaraderie.

At the Oswestry Community Games, I experienced ﬁrsthand the wide range of sports clubs and activities available locally— from pickleball to paddling with Shropshire Paddlesports.

I also enjoyed a lively Q&A session with pupils from Whittington and Morda Primary Schools, whose thoughtful questions reminded me why listening to young voices matters.

Judging the NMTF Youth Market introduced me to inspiring young entrepreneurs full of creativity and drive.

Finally, attending the Oswestry & Borders Foodbank thank you celebration and AGM was a humbling reminder of the kindness that binds us. The Foodbank is a lifeline for many in our community, and they are currently seeking new trustees to help continue and grow their vital work.

Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly. Oswestry’s spirit of pride, belonging and inclusivity is truly something to celebrate.

A friendly local taxi service operating in Oswestry and surrounding areas

AIRPORT TRANSFERS AVAILABLE

We will now be accepting bookings for up to 8 seats with our new driver starting in a Ford Minibus. We strive to o er the best service possible in Oswestry and this addition will increase our availability to larger groups or weddings wanting to get home! The driver/vehicle will be available Thursday-Saturday evenings subject to availability.

• Oswalds Vehicle or Own Vehicle (Shropshire Plated)

• Over 25 Required (Insurance Purposes)

• Shropshire Taxi Badge Required

• Weekly Earnings

We accept card payments in all our vehicles

Serving Up Joy: Oswestry’s Funky 7/20 Pickleball Club Smashes Expectations

Back in March, a spirited group of friends in Oswestry decided their kitchen wasn’t just for cooking—it was for cooking up something wildly fun, fiercely social, and fantastically funky. Enter 7/20, the newest pickleball club on the Oswestry scene, named after the modest (and mighty) dimensions of the kitchen— pickleball’s no-volley zone and now a symbol of this club’s heart.

In just a few whirlwind months, 7/20 has become a beacon of laughter, community spirit, and serious game. With over 60 members and counting, they’ve managed what most clubs would consider a five-year plan: building a strong network with players from across Shropshire and way beyond, setting up a trophy cabinet that’s already boasting some serious sparkle, and creating a place where everyone—from complete beginners to seasoned pros—feels right at home.

But what sets 7/20 apart isn’t just the gameplay (though the dinks and drives are top-notch) it’s the club’s soul. From day one, the founders were clear: this wasn’t going to be just another pickleball club; it would be an ever-growing family. A place where fun meets finesse, where every drop shot comes with a dose of laughter, and where support, on

and off the court is served up as regularly as the ball.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, a firsttimer or a full-fledged fanatic, 7/20 opens its arms—and its courts—to all. The club champions inclusivity, joy, and safe play, and it’s quickly become a sanctuary where people find more than just a game. They find community and belonging. They find confidence. And sometimes, they even find their inner pro pickler!

Their recent involvement in the community has been a huge hit, bringing colour, creativity, and camaraderie to every event they touch. The club’s quirky themes, on-and-off-court antics, and cheeky sense of humour have earned them fans far beyond Oswestry’s borders, most recently in the Welsh Capital.

Even the trophy cabinet tells a story—not just of victories, but of memories made, friendships forged, and the delightful madness that is 7/20. It’s become a rallying point for celebration, encouragement, and the odd “Remember that match?” tale that never fails to raise a grin.

But perhaps the biggest win is what you feel when you step onto a 7/20 court: a ripple of energy, a chorus of giggles, a genuine sense that this is something special.

Something built not just with paddles and nets, but with passion, purpose, and a touch of irreverent charm.

So, if you’re in Oswestry, slightly further afield or even just passing through, grab a paddle, or borrow ours, bring a smile, and come say hello. At 7/20, everyone’s got a spot in the kitchen—just be ready to have a great time.

Steve Beale from PickleB.co.uk says, “What an awesome club, with such a positive culture. You’ve done so well to foster that, really, truly phenomenal work.”

From Gobowen to Global Podiums: The Rise of Triathlete Matthew Collins

If you’ve wandered through Gobowen or seen a cyclist powering up Blodwell Bank, chances are you’ve spotted Matthew Collins on one of his gruelling training sessions. This local man is quietly making waves in the world of professional triathlon—and his journey is just getting started.

Matthew’s roots are firmly planted in Oswestry soil. A proud pupil of Whittington Primary and the Marches School, he was the child who always had mud on his boots and a cricket bat in hand. He played every sport he could, representing the Marches in both football and cricket before going on to ace his A-levels at the Marches Sixth Form, and his academic success opened the door to his dream university: Loughborough.

There, Matthew juggled a Maths and Sports Science degree while training. He graduated with a 2:1 and, true to form, didn’t hang around. He came straight home and got to work—literally. To help fund his triathlon dreams, he works 20-25 hours a week with his dad’s gardening business, keeping one hand in the soil while the other’s reaching for the stars.

But Matthew’s story started long before Loughborough. At just six years old, he joined the junior triathlon club at Oswestry Olympians, where his dad coached. By eight, he was racing. Through sheer grit and determination, he worked his way up through the junior ranks and into the university development squad— training alongside Olympic-level athletes like Alex Yee. During his time at uni, he won two British University titles and finished second in the world in the 70.3 age group category in 2022.

In 2023, he finally nailed it—qualifying for his longdistance professional license by winning Outlaw X. Last

year was his first full tilt as a pro but the transition wasn’t easy. This year, Matthew’s first two races in the Ironman Pro Series, didn’t bring prize money, but they brought perspective and hunger. That hunger paid off big time in America, where he claimed his first professional 2025 podium, with a third-place finish—against some of the best in the world.

Now, with eyes set on upcoming Ironman races in Swansea and Leeds, Matthew’s pushing harder than ever. His training schedule is intense: 15-20km swimming at Oswestry Leisure Centre, 10-14 hours on the bike around the local hills and into Ellesmere, and 50-65 miles running weekly through the landscapes he’s grown up with.

Ask him his favourite training loop? A three-hour ride to Lake Vyrnwy and back up Blodwell Bank. For running? Gobowen to Pant Glas and back down through Selattyn.

Despite his incredible rise, Matthew is still funding the dream himself. He has no paid sponsorships—yet. But he’s hoping his recent results and growing visibility will change that.

If you want to follow his journey (and you should), check out his Instagram @matt_tri17.

Above: Running X country for Shropshire Below left: Running as a junior Below right: Running X Country for Oswestry Olympians (2023).

Health

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Workshops

New Facilities, Bright Futures! Why Now is a Great Time to Join North Shropshire College

New Facilities, Bright Futures!

Why Now is a Great Time to Join North Shropshire College

As September approaches, North Shropshire College looks ahead to welcoming the new cohorts of students eager to take the next steps in education. Whether you are a school leaver considering your next move, or someone ready to retrain, upskill or explore fresh new options, The College’s upcoming applicant event is the perfect opportunity to discover everything on offer for 2025. Join us on Wednesday 27th August from 4pm-7pm.

At North Shropshire College, we don’t just focus on what you would like to do now, but where you aspire to be in the future. By focusing on your individual goals, the College staff provide tailored guidance to ensure that you take the right steps to stay on track and achieve your best.

From Level 1 courses to advanced Level 3 programmes and apprenticeships, The College provides a wide range of pathways to suit every learner. You are never alone on your journey, our students benefit from comprehensive support services including financial advice, academic and study support, mental health and wellbeing services, inclusion support and careers advice. We also offer information and advice to parents, helping them to support you at home.

The College’s most recent OFSTED inspection described us as OUTSTANDING for behaviours and attitudes demonstrated by students. The report praised our expert teaching staff, labelling them ‘highly qualified, industry experts who use their skills effectively to plan a challenging curriculum in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment’.

The College has recently undergone major redevelopment, transforming our campus into a series of state-of-the-art learning environments. Our facilities closely mirror real-world professional settings, ensuring that our students gain hands-on experience using industrystandard equipment.

One of the stand-out developments is our new, commercial-grade health and fitness suite which is fully equipped with professional cardiovascular, strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. This environment supports our Sport and Exercise Science students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a facility matching

those found in professional sports clubs and commercial fitness centres. Graduates regularly progress to university degrees in areas like sports therapy, PE teaching and sports science.

Plumbing and Electrical students are equally well supported from Level 1 to Level 3. Our newly built workshops allow our students to develop their practical skills in realistic working conditions, using industry-standard equipment. We are proud members of NAPIT and accredited by CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers). The College is committed to excellence in the trades sector, ensuring that students are fully prepared for entering employment or further specialist training.

Creative minds can explore our newly refurbished media and editing suites, where Level 3 Creative Media students work on live industry briefs and produce professionalstandard projects. Many students have gone on to achieve national recognition, including success in BFI (British Film Institute) run competitions, and successfully secure places at specialist universities.

Salon QB, the College’s fully operational salon, offers real experiences for students studying both full-time and part-time courses in Hairdressing, Beauty and Spa Therapy from Level 1 to Level 3. Working with paying clients in a commercial environment, students develop in confidence and skill. After qualifying, many students quickly gain employment within the sector and some have had success in UK Skills competitions, showcasing their vocational talent on a national stage!

With such a diverse range of opportunities, beautiful new facilities and an unwavering commitment to student success, North Shropshire College is the perfect place to take your next step. Come and see for yourself! Your future starts here.

Paws for thought

The Importance of Enrichment Activities for your Pet

A dog that doesn’t get enough mental stimulation and opportunities to utilise their breed characterisitcs can suffer a build up of frustration, which can lead to unwanted behaviours.

• Anxiety

• Dominance and aggression

• Constant barking

• Lunging

• Poor recall

• Destructive behaviours

• Depression and boredom

Whether you are already a seasoned raw feeder or interested in switching your animals to a raw diet then we have everything you need and much more.

As well as our large range of top quality raw minces, chunks and bones we also supply air dried chews and natural treats as well as herbal supplements to complement a natural diet.

SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF RAW FEEDING: ■ Less Sensitivities ■ Great for allergy sufferers ■ Smaller less odorous poop

All dogs have a character proﬁle which needs satisfying through enrichment activites.eg terriers are DNA wired to shred, dig and search.

ENRICHMENT IDEAS

Scent Box

Hide small treats in ribbons of fabric/scrunched paper and let your dog search, sniff, problem solve and shred to ﬁnd their reward. Also hide treats in an upturned bowl or inside toilet rolls/cardboard boxes, old socks.

Scent Walk

Take your dog for a walk and allow it to stop and sniff around as much as he/she wants. So often WE dictate where, when, how long etc. Give your dog an opportunity to choose for itself.

On a Scent Walk, dogs use their nose to explore. The part of your dog’s brain that analyses scents is 40 times bigger than ours. Dogs can be overwhelmed and overstimulated by Eg traﬃc sounds, crowded pavements, household chaos. Sniﬃng allows them to decompress, get rid of some anxiety, and feel more in line with their instinct and nature.

DON’T overdo Scent Walks, as it may create bad habits. Make scent walks a reward for proper leash manners. Walk your dog on the leash, or in a heel position, and then allow it to sniff for ﬁve to ten minutes. During that period, your dog takes the lead and can navigate the walk. Then return to normal and you control where you go.

Indoor Agility/Tricks

At home, try exercises like going under, jumping over obstacles, putting paws on an object, going around an object, etc

Scatter Feeding

Scatter your dog’s food around the home or the garden and let them search and sniff for it.

When

#stagecoach #performingarts #singdanceact #creativecourageforlife #artseducation #thatstagecoachfeeling

We’re inviting children aged 5-16 to a 5-day summer theatre workshop at the Oswestry Open Space Studios. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn theatre skills in a safe and engaging environment while having fun with like-minded children. The workshop runs from Monday, August 4th to Friday, August 8th. 07718 892 738 stagecoach.co.uk/Oswestry

OF THE MONTH AUGUST 2025

Deep Cover (15)

AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON AMAZON PRIME.

Lots of ﬁlms take an idea and run with it, but few do it as well as this fun twisty old school style caper.

A disillusioned acting teacher gets offered undercover work by the police, she recruits two of her students to help out and, for a change, hilarity does actually ensue. As undercover police work is basically just acting, they should all mange ﬁne, shouldn’t they? Luckily for us, nothing goes to plan as the trio ﬁnd themselves deeper in character than they knew they could ever go. A likable cast led by Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed elevate a genuinely funny script into the kind of small-scale gem we all wished we saw more often. If you’re a Prime member this should go on your list pronto.

By Michael Hudson

Film Night - Cinema returns to Oswestry

It’s exciting that a new cinema venue is opening in Oswestry.

Volunteers have been working hard inside the old Kinokulture building to bring it up to scratchcleaning, painting, replacing, building - to reopen the venue under the new Maona banner.

A new projector has been funded by the Oswestry Film Society, which has been keeping the film flag flying with weekly screenings at the Hermon since Kinokulture closed its doors.

Maona will be showing a broad mix, from the latest Mission Impossible-type blockbusters to classics, independents, children’s ﬁlms and documentaries - plus National Theatre Live.

Keep an eye out for the latest news and programming via traditional and social media outlets, and the Maona website, and please support the endeavours of those behind the new Oswestry cinema.

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW

Rocket Boy

by Katie Jennings and Joe Lillington.

A heart-warming story, all about the power of imagination. Callum wants to know what the sunsets are like on Mars and decides to build a rocket so that he can see for himself. A perfect book for early readers and anyone who loves space!

To get involved in selecting the Children’s Choice, sign up for one of Booka Bookshop’s Junior Book Clubs. Book Mice is for 7+ and meets on the 3rd Monday of every month. Books Worms is for 9+ and meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Book Dragons is for 12+ and meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Book Clubs run only during term time from 4:15 to 5pm. Contact sian@ bookabookshop.co.uk to register your interest.

POETRY

Slipping off my sandals

By Jan Hedger

Bees buzzing in lilting air of saffron light. Meditative in fragrance of lavender and I ﬁnd joy of warm grass on bare feet.

Fronds of seaweed pole dance in rock pools, little hands turn stones for crabs and I find joy of warm sand on bare feet. and I find joy of warm grass on bare feet, and I find joy of warm sand on bare feet.

Maona volunteers

Local author writes debut book about happiness

By Tali Larmour-Jones

I’m super excited to share with all of you the release of the Exchange Rate of Happiness! My debut book on happiness, mental health, which includes practical ways for you to look after your own wellbeing and cultivate your happiness.

As a local author it’s really exciting to complete a project such as this, a lot more time goes into creating a book than I realised. There will hopefully be more to come in the future (perhaps after I finish my Master’s degree in psychology).

I explore mental health, ego, happiness and what you may need to change, to improve your life overall. Often the decisions we need to make are right in front of us, but sometimes the elephant in the room is the big change we are unwilling to make because of the fear or uncertainty that comes with this.

In the busy fast paced environment of the modern world, it’s easy to forget to put yourself first. This book gives you time to reflect, prioritise your own wellbeing, and to expand your comfort zone and what this entails. Included are methods that have worked for me, techniques I have practiced, and I share with you my own lived experiences in life so far. This helps to build a picture around the importance of mental health and the ebbs and flows we can all experience throughout life. Mental health is a huge topic I could discuss for hours, but instead of boring you for hours I’ve written a short book that lets you come along on my journey so far.

The aim of this book is not to ‘fix’ you, but to get your cogs turning to enable you to put yourself first in life. Once you build healthier habits into your life it becomes much easier to make other necessary changes including setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, looking after your own mental health and cultivating your wellbeing and own version of happiness.

This is not an overnight process, it’s a journey which can take time, consistency and hard work. There will be setbacks along the way, and this is okay. But by recognising and talking about these challenges you can allow for change to begin. This is your starting point, beginning to think about something means you have already started to make changes. Once the action begins, these changes can start to stick through habits and intentions. I’m

big on setting boundaries, learning to say no and building up your own resilience.

In support of mental health charities, 10% of profits are being donated to worthy causes such as MHS Shropshire, Shout!, Mind and YoungMinds. Each purchase helps to support some of these vital services, that so desperately need the donations and support.

My hope is that this book enables you start to think about yourself more and to prioritise your needs over the needs of others, to become more resilient and to allow for you to slow down in life. It is suitable for anyone who is ready to start making changes and wants to learn about some of the science behind hormones and neurotransmitters. Without getting too boring and some practical ways in which you can expand your comfort zones, understand Ikigai and finding your own reason for being.

By the end of the book, you should have practical ways in which you can grow as a person, start up your own business or side hustle and expand your comfort zones to enable you to not only try new things but understand your likes and dislikes. It all comes down to you, and what you feel is right for you. There is a wealth of information, and you can hopefully avoid some of my own mistakes that I have made along the way.

The book is available from Awen Gallery in Llanfyllin, or alternatively you can pick up a copy on eBook, Paperback or Audiobook at https://amzn. eu/d/6K5FKlZ

Open Studios & Art Trail 2025

The ﬁrst two weekends in June saw many of Oswestry’s leading artists throw their doors open to the public through the annual Open Studios and Art Trail, organised and run by Oswestry’s primary arts collective, Borderland Visual Arts.

The Art Trail takes in studios and collectives not just in Oswestry but up and down the border from Cefn Mawr to Berriew, promoting the many highly talented artists in the area. It allows the public access to a quite incredible range and variety of creative art, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles and many other media.

The Willow Gallery, in Willow Street, Oswestry, hosted several artists, and provided a hub for the initiative, as it does throughout the year for the vibrant arts scene in and around the town. Many of the artists exhibiting on the Art Trail can be seen regularly at the Gallery.

These photographs give just a taste of the borderland

artists and their work, demonstrating again that in terms of range and quality, Oswestry and the surrounding area punches way above its weight.

Wilf Thust

Judith Harrison

Alison Holt

Gill Crozier

Bob Knowles

Graeme Storey

Emma Aldridge

Emma-Jayne Holmes

Frank Triggs

Shrewsbury’s iconic Steam Rally returns

A superb and spectacular Celebration of Heritage- the ultimate family-friendly event!

With over 1,200 exhibits every year, the County of Salop Steam Engine Society’s 2025 Rally is a fantastic familyfriendly two-day event that promises to delight visitors to Onslow Park, Shrewsbury. The 2025 Rally takes place August Bank Holiday, Sunday 24 August and Monday 25 August. Shrewsbury Steam Rally is ‘Shropshire’s Largest Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally’ and considered one of the best in the UK. Organisers say it’s Shrewsbury’s ultimate family event where visitors can step back in time to experience the vintage thrills and tradition of yesteryear. This year they are delighted to welcome some exotic camels and their jockeys, all specially trained by Joseph’s Amazing Camels and who wear fantastically colourful Arabian style outfits! As well as racing, the camels are on display all day so visitors can meet these splendid animals and learn more about them.

The event has a variety of highly entertaining attractions and include steam engines and beautifully preserved classic vehicles from yesteryear. On each day the ‘Grand Parade of Steam’, is a highly popular and majestic cavalcade of Showman’s engines, traction engines, Sentinel waggons, and steam rollers. The parade

Beginners

Bridge Course

run on behalf of Oswestry Bridge Club.

Venue:

Memorial Hall, Smithfield St, Oswestry SY11 2EG

Start Date: Tuesday 9th September 2025

Time: 7 - 9pm

Course length approximately 40 weeks.

Contact details

John Davies 01691 779594 07942349114

Linda Davies 07794760287

email johnewdavies@btinternet.com

John is a trained member of the Bridge Teachers Association, the national association for the teaching of bridge.

showcases decorated steam-powered vehicles that circle the arena to nostalgic music and poetry. There’s a packed Arena Programme where spectators can enjoy moving convoys of historic commercial vehicles, including buses and fire engines; vintage cycles; working horses; vintage tractors; pre-and post-World War II cars; classic motorcycles; and perambulators.

The Olde Time Fair offers traditional fun, with steampowered rides for all, vintage fairground music, miniature steam engines, a highly popular Craft Marquee and six acres of Trade Stands.

The Golden Age of Victorian Farming proves popular and the Working Field demonstrates timeless traditions, with a magnificent team of beautiful shire horses, harvesting with reaper binders, and chaff cutting with a threshing box.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets for this year’s event, please follow the link on the website: www.oswestry.life/shrewsbury-steam-rally-2025/

Art from the Edge

Awen: The Muse, Poetic inspiration

Awen is an artist-led independent gallery based in the small border town of Llanfyllin. Their aim is to support full-time working artists and creatives on the burgeoning scene.

Presenting the cream of local talent, which is shown alongside nationally and internationally known artists, Awen is much more than just a ’local gallery for local art’.

They have a programme of eight exhibitions per year, meaning that every six weeks the gallery is transformed with a new show.

Based in Glasgow House (a former whole food shop for many years), Awen was opened by the town’s mayor as they launched their Winter Solstice group show. February started with the launch of “Ffwliganism” by Ffwligans, a cutting-edge art collective from north Wales. Their Soviet-inspired agit-prop machine-gun graphics were lockedand-loaded with humour and thoughtprovoking images in equal measure, proving popular with all ages.

Award-winning artist Ruth Jen Evans’ works then graced the walls with her “Land Of My Mothers” exhibition. “Heno” and Radio Cymru both featured the Ffwligans’ show and Ffion Dafis’ arts programme featured Awen and Ruth Jen Evans.

John Abell soon followed with his

“Past, Present and Future” show of paintings and prints, further piquing the attentions of the Welsh media. “Ffwligans? Ruth Jen Evans? John Abell? In Llanfyllin?!”

In the eyes of the rest of Wales, Powys and more specifically north Powys (Montgomeryshire), is perceived as a rural border outpost known for farmers, sheep, hills and for being devoid of all culture.

Awen is in the process of shredding these pre-conceptions with their positive outlook and eye for art that has something to say.

Their Summer Solstice group show was on the theme of “Land/Tir”; completely open to interpretation and showcased the works of twenty artists.

July saw award-winning local author, Myfanwy Alexander conduct her fourpart Creative Writing course in the gallery. Myfanwy will also be launching her new novel with us during the summer.

the printed works of Seren Morgan Jones exhibited in the area for the first time, alongside a powerful new piece, “N.Y.C.A.W.” by emerging midWales artist, Angharad Smith.

With three unique pieces by Gilbert & George to come, Awen’s reputation will continue to grow. In addition to all of this, Awen will be showing some short films titled “Dal Dy Dir” in the Autumn (date tbc) with a live gig to tiein (Twmffat and Mascot Moth).

Saturday 6 December brings a very special presentation of “Ancient Music performed on Ancient Instruments” at the Cross Keys, Llanfyllin. Live acoustic performances of harp, pibgorn and crwth by accomplished musicians. Tickets will be available closer to the date.

To compliment all of this the gallery also has a curated stock of new books, traditional and contemporary basketry, ceramics, recycled silver jewellery, artist cards, limited edition prints, hand-made instruments, wood wares, secondhand records and (locally made) chocolate.

As August approaches the gallery has “Embrace The Hills” by Master wood engraver, the late Bob Guy. An invited member of the Society of Wood Engravers, Bob lived and worked in the area for fifty years and his works are widely known to many. “Embrace The Hills” was a collaborative project between Bob Guy and bard, Robin Hughes. The results of this (and other) collaborations were hand-made books, embossed prints and installations. These works feature alongside some of the many images produced for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and are available as Limited Editions issued by the Bob Guy Estate.

September will introduce the works of Sofia-based Bulgarian artist, Genoveva Rogova. Working in print and video Genoveva’s will be the gallery’s first show by an overseas artist.

October and November will see

In the immortal words of Oscar Wilde “We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”. Open//Agored: Thu/lau – Sat/Sad (10am–5pm), Sun/Sul (10am-4pm) Follow on Instagram @orielawengallery and Facebook @orielawengallery.

Left: When Adam Played and Eve Sang - John Abell

Above right: Land of My MothersRuth Jen Evans

Oriel Awen Gallery, Glasgow House, Narrow Street, Llanfyllin, Powys, SY22 5BU

in the Holly Bush Inn Beer Garden, Cefn Mawr LL14 3AE. AUGUST 2025

Your venue for live entertainment with a wide selection of well-priced beers & wines.

Saturdays in the Holly Bush Inn

Beer Garden:

Salty Hog 2nd August

Sons of Saints 9th August

FooBoo 16th August

Wild Candy 23th August

The TTB Band 30th August

all STARTING AT 5 PM

Cefn Square: The Purple Zone Sunday 31st August STARTING AT 3PM

Mr C Karaoke EVERY FRIDAY 8PM ONWARDS.

Jazz & Blues Evening SECOND WEDNESDAY IN THE MONTH AT 8PM.

The Steve Daniels Disco EVERY SUNDAY EVENING FROM 8PM TILL ONWARDS.

Open MIC IST, 3RD AND 5TH WEDNESDAY OF MONTH

PAID Workshops, Classes & Events: May - July 2025.

We are the former Glass House in the heart of Cefn Mawr. The following workshops, classes & events need to be booked in

the former Glass House in the heart Mawr. The following workshops, & events need to be booked in advance - Please conﬁrm your place by following the links to their websites.

& Sip with The Artmixer - 4th Friday month 6-9pm

23rd May, Friday 27th June, Friday July

FREE Workshops, Classes & Events: May - July 2025 (Donations welcomed)

Local Country in the Ebenezer

prices, more info & to book your place https://theartmixer.com/events

8pm Friday 29 August starring local talent

Needlefelt making with Howe’s That -

Saturday 10th May, Saturday 14th June, Sunday 13th July.

Friday 16th May - Poetry Evening with Peter Read from 7.30pm

Friday 27th June: Tales and Tunes with Storyteller Gill Larley. 7.30-9.00pm Suggested age 12+

Free Family Fun/Sunday Every Sunday drop in any time between 12 - 3.30pm for arts & crafts activities - All ages welcomed.

Geoff Langford and Les Carlton £5 entry Doors open 7pm

prices, more info & to book your place https://www.howesthat.co.uk/events

Printing for beginners with Jenny

Thomas 11-3.30pm

Saturday 10th May

prices, more info & to book your place https://www.craftcourses.com/courses/ lino-printing-for-beginners-with-jenny-thomas

For up to date information ﬁnd us on socials: @ebenezergallerycefnmawr www.ebenezercefnmawr.co.uk

Sunday 11th May - The Sunday Sessions: Rebecca Royal will be singing on Cefn Square outside the EbenezerFrom 5pm All ages welcomed.

Sunday 25th May - The Sunday Sessions: The JJB Band will be playing in the Ebenezer - From 5pm All ages welcomed.

Sunday 1st June from 12pm - Buskers Sunday - come along and show us your busking skills on Cefn Squareoutside of the gallery.

Sunday 15th June - The Sunday Sessions: TBC - someone will be singing in the Ebenezer - From 5pm All ages welcomed.

Sunday 29th June from 3pm: Jazz & Blues on Cefn Square - outside of the gallery.

ebenezergalleryfefnmawr@gmail.com

Sunday 13th July - The Sunday Sessions: TBC - someone will be singing in the Ebenezer - From 5pm All ages welcomed.

Sunday 27th July from 5pm: The Sunday Sessions: Dr T Bone will be playing on Cefn Squareoutside of the gallery.

Friday 7.30pm

Friday Larley. Suggested Free between welcomed.

Sunday will be From Sunday will be welcomed.

Sunday along outside Sunday will be welcomed.

Sunday Square Sunday will be welcomed.

Sunday Sunday be playing outside

Awards for Bailey Head

The Bailey Head in Oswestry is celebrating awards from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and in the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards.

The pub, which is the reigning CAMRA UK National Pub of the Year has been announced as the Shropshire Pub of the Year and

Shropshire Cider Pub of the Year in the latest round of the Pub of the Year competition.

Then at the Midland Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards night, landlady Grace Goodlad collected the award for Midlands Best Traditional Pub.

Grace said: “I was stunned and surprised to hear us being announced as the winners of the award, as always it is a testament to the great team we have.”

Photos of Midlands Food and Drink Hospitality presentation - Photo Edwin Ladd - Mr Ladd Media© Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards

Classic country dining meets authentic Indian cuisine

“Henlle Heights curry is simply the best ever”

Join us this summer

“A hidden treasure”

Children eat free - Saturday 12-2.30

Coffee and cake £6 Monday-Saturday

Hot Hour - Tuesday-Saturday 8-9pm

“WOW. The food, service, and atmosphere is just incredible” “ WOW. The a e ever ” tr “ easure” Henlle Hall. Gobowen. SY10 7AX

Serves 4 | Preparation time 15 minutes | Cooking time 25 minutes

Honey mustard Puy lentil salad

Packed with crunch and colour, and bursting with flavour, this vibrant salad can be made ahead of time. Serve it on its own or as the perfect accompaniment to barbecue fare.

Ingred I ents

• 180g Puy lentils

• 1 avocado

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 150g tenderstem broccoli, trimmed and cut into bitesized pieces

• 100g green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes, halved

• 3 handfuls of rocket

• 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds For the dressing

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

• 1 tbsp honey

• Juice of 1 lemon

Recipe extracted from ‘Cooking Fast and Slow’ by Natalia Rudin, published by Penguin Life, price £25, with photography by Issy Croker.

method

1. Put the lentils into a saucepan and cover with three times the amount of water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Peel the avocado, cut into cubes, tip into a bowl and squeeze the lemon juice over the top.

3. Bring another saucepan of water to the boil and have ready a bowl of iced water. Cook the broccoli and green beans in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes before plunging them into the iced water to halt the cooking process and preserve their green colour. Drain and pat dry.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the dressing ingredients and then spoon evenly into the bottom of three lidded containers so that, when stored, nothing goes soggy. Layer the lentils on top, followed by the blanched greens, cherry tomatoes, a handful of rocket, the pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of salt. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Just before eating, shake everything in the container to mix the dressing with the salad.

Hotel has a new Restaurant

The Garden Room

Enjoy our elegant Afternoon Tea, or Two Rosette fine dining with a personal touch. All set against the stunning backdrop of the Shropshire hills, just over Oswestry Racecourse.

Special diets catered for Extensive wine list

Open 7 days a week

Booking advisable Claim an introductory 10% Discount when booking before September 30th Quote ‘Oswestry Life’ when booking.

Pen-y-Dyffryn Hotel and Restaurant | Rhydycroesau | Oswestry, SY10 7JD. Tel 01691 653700 | Email stay@peny.co.uk www.peny.co.uk

Time for tea

What could be more British or more delicious than afternoon tea?

It was a glorious summer afternoon when my visiting French friend and I popped into a local teashop. There, we gorged on huge homemade scones heaped high with local clotted cream and strawberry jam, and sipped tea from pretty blue and white china teacups that clinked delicately when we placed them on their saucers. It was a quintessential English ritual and my friend was delighted.

Tea-riﬁc story

Afternoon tea in Britain has a fascinating past. Its invention in the 1840s is attributed to Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford. Feeling peckish around 5pm and knowing dinner wouldn’t be served until close to 9pm, she asked her servants for bread and butter and cake to go with her habitual cup of tea. She started inviting her friends to join her for tea at her home, Woburn Abbey. Queen Victoria was a close conﬁdant, so it’s possible that’s how the monarch adopted the habit herself. In any event, a new tradition was born.

The craze affected society in sometimes surprising ways. It inﬂuenced fashion, from Victorian ladies’ loose tea gowns, designed to be worn without corsets while entertaining at home, to the colourful tea dresses of the post-Second World War era – and even those we’re wearing this summer. The women’s suffrage movement grew in strength thanks to discussions over tea and cakes in drawing rooms and tea rooms.

Tea dances were all the rage from around 1910. During

the Second World War, they were a place for soldiers to unwind by jiving or dancing the Lindy Hop. Countless couples met and married thanks to a social event based on afternoon tea!

Who would have thought a steaming cuppa, accompanied by dainty sandwiches and cakes – not to mention the classic cream tea – could be so embedded in our culture?

Storm in a teacup?

But where there’s a concept, there’s controversy. Do you put the tea or the milk in first? Originally, if you wanted to show you had a superior tea service, you poured the hot tea first in the certain knowledge the china wouldn’t crack. But experts say that adding the milk first gives a better taste.

The battle about whether to spread cream or jam on your scone ﬁrst continues to rage too. In Devon, it’s clotted cream before the jam – and Devon is the home of the cream tea, right? With that argument settled, you can start ﬁghting over how to pronounce ‘scone’.

What’s hard to dispute is the unique pleasure of afternoon tea, whether it’s in a summer garden or beside a roaring ﬁre in winter, whether you’re sitting in a cosy café or living it up at the Ritz.

Afternoon Tea Week runs from 11-17 August. For more information, visit www.afternoontea.co.uk.

By Susannah Hickling

Roasted apricots, cardamom cream and pistachio brittle

Simple yet effective, this is a perfect light summer pudding. The pistachio brittle stores well, so feel free to make a lot of it. Ring the changes and use plums in place of apricots.

Ingred I ents

• 6 apricots (or plums), stoned and quartered

• Juice of ½ orange

• 1 heaped tbsp honey For the pistachio brittle

• 100g caster sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• 80g unsalted shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

• For the cream

• 200ml double cream of choice

• ½ tsp ground cardamom

Recipe extracted from ‘Cooking Fast and Slow’ by Natalia Rudin, published by Penguin Life, price £25, with photography by Issy Croker.

method

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, Gas 5 and line two baking trays with baking parchment.

2. Star t by making the brittle. Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan over a low heat. Bring to the boil, swirling the pan until the sugar has dissolved. Continue cooking the sugar for about 10 minutes – it will change colour from light golden to deep amber. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn – it’s a fine line! Once it reaches deep amber, remove from the heat and add the pistachios, stirring to coat the nuts, then pour onto one of the lined baking trays while still malleable. Set aside to cool – it will need about 15-20 minutes to set fully before you can crack it into pieces.

3. Next, lay the apricot quarters on the other lined baking tray. Pour over the orange juice and honey, and mix well. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until tender. Let them cool for 15 minutes before serving.

4. While the apricots are in the oven, whisk together the cream and cardamom to a thick dropping consistency.

5. Once the apricots are cooked, spoon a couple of dollops of cream onto a small plate, create a well in the middle using the back of a spoon, and then spoon a few apricots in followed by a drizzle of their juices. Top with the brittle and serve.

Serves 4 | Preparation time 25 minutes | Cooking time 30-35 minutes, plus cooling

Focus on…August

A bit unusual for this column, but this month none of the photos are mine. As part of this year’s Britain In Bloom entry, Oswestry In Bloom have organised a Young Persons’ Photographic Competition and I have chosen some of my favourites to share with you. We will organise a display in The Guildhall and announce the winner later in the summer.

We may make this an annual event. Photography is a great way of appreciating what is around you and with the quality of photos from mobile phones now, there is no excuse not to get snapping. Remember to send photos to grum. oswestry@gmail.com for inclusion in each week’s Readers’ Photos post, and that is open to “Grown Ups” too!

through the lens of Graham Mitchell

Tilda Trimby

Max Hunter

Amaya Taaffe

Rhun-Orbo Johnson

Natalie Arnold Woody

First do no harm

Doctors face diﬃcult decisions many times and in the past the Hippocratic oath was a sort of guidance, albeit one that has been updated regularly. Some developments in medicine make me glad I’ve retired - the assisted dying bill is on this list. The problem with Hippocrates is that he is a bit black and white when so much of medicine involves grey areas: all drugs have side effects so doing no harm at all is unrealistic. Patient autonomy and choice has become a governing principle in 21st century medicine so why do I, like many others, feel that helping a patient to die is like crossing the rubicon?

I saw many “good” deaths and quite a few “bad” ones – often it was the quality of end of life care that made the difference and I feel it is shameful that a large chunk of palliative care funding is left to charity. I think many patients requesting help to die are frightened of death, perhaps one of the

Hippocratic oath

last remaining social taboos. If support was known to be good and available would that change? With appropriate safeguards, which I am not sure this bill puts unequivocally in place, then “mission creep” and the spectre of people feeling pressured into death should be avoidable (they have been in other countries), but I personally would have struggled with participating in causing death.

Is having a choice always a good idea? Sometimes the choice we make is wrong – life teaches us that lesson quite often in my experience. But there is no going back on some decisions. Finally, we’re back to one of the perennial problems of the NHS: funding. As medicine develops more and more treatments, often costly ones, we live longer and cost more. No political party seems able to grasp the nettle on this one but funding death rather than funding life is a real dilemma. I’m glad I don’t have to decide.

Affordable private care in your home

“My most grateful thanks for all the care and attention I have received over the last 3 years. Everyone has been so pleasant and caring. Nothing has ever been too much trouble.”

Get the support you need to stay at home right now - If you’re not eligible for care from your local authority or the NHS, don’t worry; whether you need 24 hour support or just 30 minutes a day, we’re here for you. And the best part? Our prices are up to 20% less than other home-care providers, o ering top-notch care with experienced and caring workers.

“Routine, in an intelligent man, is a sign of ambition.”

A sturdy day-to-day routine is a very powerful tool; by establishing predictable patterns, it helps to manage daily tasks and provide us with a sense of control during stressful times. Just as Albert Einstein wore the same suit (almost) every day to free up mental energy to think about more important matters, we can use similar techniques. Although it might sound contradictory, a routine can absolutely give us freedom.

I’m Liam, a fitness instructor and personal trainer at Coach House Fitness and I want to talk to you about how, just as a daily routine helps structure our lives, an exercise routine, specifically a fitness programme, gives structure to our health — physically, mentally, and emotionally. A programme acts as the rails that keep the train on track and moving forward. Set and forget — whether it is strength training, fat loss or just general fitness, a decent, well-structured programme is a great

way of optimising your performance in and outside of the gym!

A fitness programme is not a random collection of exercises, but a carefully crafted guide that considers various factors, such as your current fitness level, personal goals, health conditions, and the resources available to you. As personal trainers, we work with you to get you to where you want to be and make sure you enjoy yourself along the way.

Routines build momentum, and this is especially true in fitness. Gym-going isn’t about having a perfect workout every now and then, it’s about showing up regularly. With routine and consistency comes progress.

As with Einstein and his suit, having a structured training programme means you don’t waste energy deciding what to do each session. You just get going as soon as you arrive and that precious mental clarity can then carry over into the rest of your day.

If you’re lost on where to start when it comes to getting into a routine and finding the right training programme, allow us at Coach House to show you the path and soon it’ll be second nature. Remember: routine is the foundation to mastery!

Are you grappling with the trials of pain, discomfort, or limited mobility? At Woods Orthotics, we dedicate ourselves to assessing your individual needs and providing tailored orthotic solutions designed to elevate your quality of life. Discover how our expert team can guide you on the path to a pain-free and vibrant life.

Liam Grasier

12A Salop Road, Oswestry. Next door to NFU. 2 hours Free parking available on Sainsburys car park!

W. H. Auden

Are you struggling with

Sleep Stress?

Back & Neck Pain? Joint & Muscle Pain? Headaches? Womens Health Issues? Grumpy Babies & Children? Sports Injuries? Stress or Nutrition Concerns?

Claire Arnold Registered

Osteopath & Lifestyle Medicine

Practitioner

Hands-on Cranial & Structural Osteopathic Care & Lifestyle Medicine Advice to support your family’s optimal health

Call 07792 367507

Based at Oswestry Herbarium & Massage Centre, 15 Albion Hill themeadowsosteopathclinic-clairearnoldosteopath.com

Looking for Neurodiversity support?

Right To Choose.

Explore on foot

With some glorious (generally!) summer days in full swing, now is the perfect time to stride out to improve your health. Walking has huge beneﬁts for your physical and mental health with improvement in muscle tone, heart health, immune function and mood being just some of them. One study even shows it can improve your creative thinking! Added bonuses include it being free, requiring very little equipment and locally we have some fabulous terrain to explore from hills, woods, meadows and canals to our town streets and green spaces.

Oswald’s Trail is a complete circuit of Oswestry taking in many of the important historical points of interest along the way. Whilst the total route is 13 miles it has been divided into 5 easily accomplished sections so that the walk can be undertaken in stages. www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/ route/oswalds-trail/

Oswestry & Surrounding Walks Facebook group was set up to share less well known, even hidden walking routes in and around the town so may give you some great inspiration although the page has not been updated for a while.

For trails around town check out the Tourist Information Service – circular walks, heritage trails and family friendly walks, there’s something to inspire and motivate everyone!

Oswestry Ramblers 01691 679069 provide a great programme of walks varying in length and location around Shropshire and beyond.

North Shropshire Walking for Health is our local branch of this national organisation with weekly events for different levels of ﬁtness, contact 0345 6789000 or outdoor.recreation@ shropshire.gov.uk.

Keep in mind that to improve your ﬁtness and burn calories you need to keep up the pace – The NHS Active 10 App (download to your phone) allows you to track how far and fast you have walked, gives you goals to work towards and rewards your progress! Or you could really turn that walk into a workout using Nordic Walking with Cathy Fort who runs classes across Shropshire 07974 745775 facebook.com/ WALXwithCoreVision Have a happy healthy month!

Teeth whitening

Brighten your smile with our professional teeth whitening treatments! At Thomas Dental Practice, we offer safe, effective whitening solutions that lift stains and restore your teeth’s natural brilliance. Let your smile shine with conﬁdence. Book your whitening appointment today!

THOMAS DENTAL

Clear aligners

Straighten your smile discreetly with our custom clear aligners! At Thomas Dental Practice, we offer a comfortable, nearly invisible way to align your teeth. Designed for your lifestyle, our clear aligners are removable, easy to maintain, and deliver stunning results. Start your journey to a straighter smile—book your consultation today!

Facial aesthetics

We proudly offer professional facial aesthetic treatments to complement your beautiful smile. From wrinkle-smoothing anti-wrinkle injections to subtle dermal ﬁllers, our treatments are carefully tailored to enhance your natural features while maintaining a fresh, youthful appearance. With expert care in a safe, clinical environment, you can trust us to help you look and feel your best.

Dental Implants Missing teeth? Restore your smile with dental implants! At Thomas Dental Practice, we offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that looks, feels, and functions just like real teeth. Eat, speak, and smile with conﬁdence again—book your implant consultation today.

Composite bonding

Transform your smile instantly with composite bonding at Thomas Dental Practice! This quick, minimally invasive treatment can repair chips, close gaps, and reshape teeth for a ﬂawless, natural look and achieve a conﬁdent, radiant smile. Book your composite bonding consultation today!

Samuel

Senior Audiologist: BEng (Hons), RHAD, CECHAA MSHAA, ABPI

Compassionate Care, Right at Home: Discover Visiting Angels North Shropshire

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the right care for a loved one can feel overwhelming. You want someone who truly cares, who listens, who shows up with a smile — someone who treats your family like their own. At Visiting Angels North Shropshire, this is more than a mission — it’s the heart of everything we do.

We’re not just another care agency. We’re a local, independently operated branch of one of the UK’s most trusted home care networks. That means you get the warmth and personal attention of a small team, with the support and experience of a nationwide care organisation. Based in the heart of North Shropshire, we’re proud to serve the communities of Whitchurch, Wem, Ellesmere, Market Drayton, and surrounding villages.

Putting Caregivers First

What sets us apart? It starts with how we treat our caregivers.

We believe happy caregivers make happy clients. That’s why Visiting Angels operates with a “carercentric” approach. We pay above the industry average, offer flexible scheduling, and make sure our team feels supported every step of the way. Because when caregivers feel valued, they can focus on what they do best — delivering exceptional, compassionate care.

Respite care – offering family caregivers the rest and support they need.

Live-in care – for those who require round-the-clock support in the comfort of their own home.

Palliative care – for those and families in need.

Pet care – assisting you care for your pets at home where they belong – with you.

Nutrition – assisting with home cooked meals and home help.

What makes our service truly unique is the continuity of care. We strive to match each client with the right caregiver from the beginning, ensuring meaningful relationships that foster trust and emotional well-being.

A Local Team That Truly Cares

We’re not a faceless call centre or a rotating roster of unfamiliar staff. Our care managers are local, approachable, and hands-on. We’ll visit you at home to understand your needs, explain your options, and create a care plan that works for your lifestyle and budget.

Call today 01691 888 558

Being local also means we understand the culture, the community, and the values that make North Shropshire such a special place to live. We’re committed to helping people age with dignity, independence, and joy — right where they belong.

Our carers aren’t just trained professionals — they’re neighbours, friends, and trusted companions to the people they serve. Whether it’s helping with morning routines, preparing a hot meal, or simply sitting for a chat over a cup of tea, our caregivers bring comfort and connection to every visit.

Tailored Support for Every Individual

No two people are the same, and neither are their care needs. At Visiting Angels North Shropshire, we provide a wide range of home care services tailored to the unique needs of each client:

Companionship – for those who just need a friendly face and someone to share the day with.

Personal care – including help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.

Medication reminders – ensuring that prescriptions are taken correctly and on time.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s support – provided with sensitivity, patience, and specialist training.

The Difference You Can Feel

Choosing a care provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. At Visiting Angels North Shropshire, we don’t take that lightly. We’re here to make that journey a little easier, with empathy, transparency, and integrity at every step.

We’re proud to be making a difference in the lives of families across our region — providing peace of mind for loved ones and helping older adults live safely and happily at home.

If you or someone you know is looking for high-quality home care with a personal touch, we’d love to talk.

Because everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect — especially at home.

T: 01691 888 558 E: northshropshire@visiting-angels.co.uk www.visiting-angels.co.uk/northshropshire

Directors Mark & Nicky Goodall

Finding Peace and Clarity Through Movement in Nature

by Jenna Ward, Personal Growth Coach and Reiki Practitioner.

This summer, I invite you to go outside, to carve out precious time in your days to check out of the buzz, the busy, the tech, the to-do’s and check back in with you.

For me, being in nature is soothing. Whether I’m walking, gardening, sitting with a tree, running, rowing or cycling, being in nature lifts my mood, sparks joy, and helps me to work through the clutter in my mind and ﬁnd clarity and peace.

Movement in nature opens our minds up to inspiration and new ideas, sparking creativity and problem solving. It helps soothe our brain, allowing space for the clearing, clarity and sorting of our thoughts. Next time you’re struggling to ﬁnd a solution, consider going outside and allowing your mind space to reﬂect and play with new ideas.

Crucially, in our modern world - with all its stresses, pressures and fast pace - movement in nature also calms our nervous system. Ever found yourself feeling increasingly frustrated and tense the longer you spend looking at a screen? That’s the sympathetic nervous system (ﬁght, ﬂight, freeze) being activated as a result of narrow focused vision (concentrating on a screen). Being

Pin T Massageong

in nature and looking at open, expansive space quietens the brain’s stress response, easing our bodies and minds.

I am compelled to walk in nature. If I haven’t been for a few days, I notice that I feel cranky, anxious, lethargic, stagnant, frustrated, foggy. Walking in nature clears my mind, gives me energy, allows me space (physical, mental and emotional), gives me perspective, sparks inspiration, lifts my mood, and fuels positive thoughts and feelings. It helps me to work things through, ﬁnd answers and solutions and see the bigger picture. Walking frees me.

If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, heavy, I invite you to go outside, move in nature, ﬁnd your freedom.

Acute

Neck

Shoulder

Hip

Knee

Headaches

Chiropractic

Swedish

Electrotherapy

Ultrasound

Acupuncture/

✓ We offer the Pharmacy First scheme for seven common conditions

✓ Prescriptions dispensed right here, in your local pharmacy

✓ No unnecessary delays - we get you what you need, when you need it

Do You Need to File a Tax Return?

From side hustles to rental income, there are many reasons why you might need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return. If you’re ﬁling for the ﬁrst time, don’t forget to register with HMRC by 5 October following the end of the tax year.

You must submit a tax return if any of the following applied to you in the 2024–25 tax year (ending 5 April 2025):

You were self-employed as a sole trader and earned over £1,000 (before expenses).

You were a partner in a business partnership.

· Your total taxable income exceeded £150,000

· You had to pay Capital Gains Tax after selling assets like shares or property.

· You were liable for the High Income Child Beneﬁt Charge

· You received untaxed income, such as:

• Rental income from property

• Tips or commission

• Savings or investment income, including dividends

• Foreign income

Even if your income was below £150,000, you may still need to ﬁle a return if you had other sources of income or made capital gains.

If you need to file for the first time, you must register with HMRC by 5 October 2025 This ensures you receive your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and access to HMRC’s online filing system in time.

It’s worth checking your position early— penalties apply for missing deadlines.

Need help deciding? Use HMRC’s online tool to ﬁnd out if you need to ﬁle: www.gov.uk/check-ifyou-need-tax-return

Founder

veterans’ centre speaking at national conference

The man instrumental in establishing the country’s ﬁrst ever veterans’ orthopaedic service will be speaking at a major conference in Shropshire next year.

The Innovation After Injury conference is being organised by law ﬁrm, Lanyon Bowdler, which has oﬃces in Oswestry and across the county, as well as in North Wales and Herefordshire.

Experts in catastrophic injury rehabilitation, including injuries relating to spine and brain will come together at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury on 4 March for a series of inspiring and informative talks for professionals in the ﬁeld and those affected by a serious injury.

Among the speakers will be Lt Col Carl Meyer, of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, who started the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service in 2014 which led to the Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre opening in 2021.

Dawn Humphries, head of the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler, said Lt Col Meyer was a pioneering consultant surgeon and a wonderful addition to the event line-up.

“We are so pleased to be welcoming Lt Col Meyer to

the Innovation After Injury conference, which is shaping up to be a thoroughly fascinating day,” she said.

“Along with Lt Col Meyer, who will be a familiar face to many in Oswestry as the head of the veterans’ centre based at the RJAH, speakers will include star of The Traitors TV show, Andrew Jenkins, who will be telling the story of his remarkable recovery from an horriﬁc road accident.

“Expert insight will come from a range of specialists, including neuro-rehabilitation expert Jakko Brouwers of The Morello Clinic, and Sheri Taylor of Specialist Nutrition Rehab who will discuss how people with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and orthopaedic injuries can maximise their health while eating foods that they love.

“We will also hear from Britain’s most successfulever Invictus Games athlete, Mark Ormrod MBE, who was severely injured while serving as a Royal Marines Commando in Afghanistan, and a host of other extremely knowledgeable speakers.”

Tickets are available now by visiting the Lanyon Bowdler website at www.lblaw.co.uk/about-us/events or emailing marketing@lblaw.co.uk

Dawn Humphries

KC Accountancy Services named finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Llanfyllin, UK – KC Accountancy Services has been named a finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, shortlisted in the Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year category.

Known as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship”, the awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK. This year’s shortlist includes over 800 entrepreneurs from every nation and region of the UK, all recognised for their innovation, impact and resilience.

Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch, and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their entrepreneurial journey by the awards.

This year’s finalists:

• Employ over 25,000 people across the UK

• Expect to create more than 9,000 new jobs over the next year

• Generate a combined turnover of £2.25 billion

• Represent an average business age of six years

Kim Cleminson-Jones, founder of KC Accountancy Services, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist. It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious businesses. This recognition is a huge testament to the hard work of our team and our mission to make accountancy accessible,

personal, and genuinely supportive for small businesses across rural Wales and beyond.”

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are proudly supported by Allica Bank, a champion of established SMEs across the UK.

Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Monday, November 17th 2025, held at London’s Grosvenor House, where over 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders will come together to celebrate entrepreneurial success.

For more information about KC Accountancy Services, please visit www.kcaccountancyservices.co.uk. To learn more about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.

Financial Education workshops

EmpowEring individuals, studEnts, and businEss ownErs to fEEl confidEnt with monEy.

At KC Accountancy Services, we believe financial education should be accessible, practical, and empowering — whether you’re 5 or 95, self-employed or studying.

We’ve seen first-hand how much confidence grows when people understand their finances. That’s why we’re committed to delivering financial education beyond the spreadsheet — in schools, in the community, and through every client conversation.

“Kim, Daisy and Gemma came into Ysgol Llanfyllin to deliver finance and entrepreneurship sessions to Year 5, 6 and 7. Pupils learnt all about profit, investment, saving and more through practical activities.

“All the pupils engaged with the session and took ownership of their mini projects. They worked well within their teams and found realistic profit and loss margins within their businesses and began to understand about how money really works when running your own business.”

Nikkita Wolley, Ysgol Llanfyllin

Easy breezy

Enjoy a coastal vibe by introducing a dash of timeless blue and white.

This delightful tray, made from birch veneer, is a sweet reminder of sunny holidays. Memórias de Portugal tray, £30.95, Desenio. www.desenio.com

This ﬁne-art giclée print looks smart against a white wall and comes in a handmade frame. Figure of Eight Knot print in a white frame, £49, Beach House Art. www.beachhouseart.co.uk

Blue and white make for an ultra-chic dining area with a classic/contemporary vibe. Kendal chair, £49.99, Furniture And Choice. www.furniturechoice.co.uk. Cushion similar to printed cushion cover, blue, £45, Iberica. www.ibericauk.com

This simple, nautical cushion cover feels fresh and breezy, and comes with a recycled polyester padded ﬁlling. Linenand-cotton blend Rhodes cushion, £50, The White Company. www.thewhitecompany.com/uk

Whether you’re sitting by the ﬁre pit on a summer’s evening or picnicking by the sea, this reversible lambswool throw is both insulating and lightweight. Boat wool throw, £120, JJ Textile. www.jjtextile.co.uk

With

Conservatory

Replacement

New

Fascia,

Maintenance

Garden Style

Enjoy lazy days and star-lit nights in your beautifully designed outdoor space.

It just takes a few simple steps to create a gorgeous environment in which you can relax, dine al fresco or entertain friends. You can achieve this whether you have a spacious lawn, a small balcony or a patio.

Choose beautiful furniture

Pop a simple chair in a quiet corner, with a coffee table nearby, to make the perfect spot for spending time with a good book or unwinding with a drink. For two people – especially if you’re short of space – a bistro dining set is inexpensive and convenient.

For family meals and entertaining, place a larger, sturdier table close enough to the house to carry food and drink in and out easily. A sofa or bench seat with plump cushions is ideal for relaxing in the sun.

Layer your lighting

Adding lighting to your garden creates atmosphere, helps guide you in the dark and provides additional security. If you’re planning landscaping work, including a permanent outdoor lighting circuit is a good idea, but quick fixes are highly effective. You have two options: solar or battery power. Why not hang a paper globe over a dining table, stand lanterns along a pathway and entwine string

lights over a fence, around a tree or across the top of a gazebo? Portable LED lamps are great on a dining table, beside the barbecue or standing in the porch. Another option is old-school candles and night lights, protected from breezes in lanterns and jars.

Set the table

If you want to make your meal in the garden feel really special, lay your table in advance. Spread a pretty cloth over the top or a runner along the centre, add co-ordinating place mats, and arrange your most attractive crockery and glassware, cutlery and a jug of water. Add some table lamps and a vase of garden flowers.

Add plenty of accessories

Bring the inside out by adding colour, pattern and texture in the form of textiles and other accessories. Prop co-ordinating scatter cushions on seats and drape complementary throws over the backs in case the day turns cool. Add an outdoor rug (made from polypropylene to withstand the weather) to soften hard surfaces and give that extra feeling of homeliness. You could also prop a large mirror in a dark corner, or hang one on a wall, to reflect additional light and add decorative interest.

Neston garden lounge set, £999, The Cotswold Company. www.cotswoldco.com

We are experts in bathroom installation, offering a full service to help you realise your dream bathroom. From site survey to design, supply and installation, we can take care of it all; our ‘on site’ services include, plumbing, plastering, electrics, tiling and flooring, making the whole process seamless. Our team are dedicated in providing our customers with a first class, personal service combining meticulous workmanship with structured project management from start to finish and our skill and expertise means that we will deliver on our promise to provide you with the best solution available to meet your expectations and budget.

Penthouse Living at Old Coleham Court

At Monks, we’re delighted to share exciting news with our Oswestry clients—the exclusive Penthouse level at Old Coleham Court in Shrewsbury is now open and selling fast.

While Oswestry remains a town close to our hearts, we know that many of you are seeking a new lifestyle— something low-maintenance, perfectly proportioned, yet uncompromising in quality. If that sounds familiar, the Penthouses at Old Coleham Court could be just what you’ve been waiting for.

Developed by SY Homes—local builders known for their design excellence and commitment to craftsmanship—these ﬁnal apartments take luxury living to new heights. Quite literally. Each Penthouse offers expansive views across Shrewsbury, enjoyed from generous private balconies—some large enough for outdoor dining, entertaining, and summer evenings spent under the stars. Inside, the speciﬁcation reaches

a new level of refinement. Kitchens are wide, sociable, and fitted with Siemens appliances, Quooker taps, and elegant island units. Expect solar-assisted hot water, herringbone flooring, integrated media walls, and a sophisticated lighting system that brings each room to life.

Naturally, each home comes with private parking, lift access, and secure video entry—all within a riverside development just a few minutes’ walk from The Quarry, award-winning markets, ﬁne dining, independent shops and galleries.

Transform your living space WITH A STUNNING NEW FIREPLACE

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing fireplace or find a beautiful statement piece to warm up your home, we’ve got you covered. All our fireplaces are of the highest quality.

Whether you’re looking to downsize, rightsize, or enjoy a stylish lock-up-and-leave lifestyle, these beautifully crafted homes offer space in all the right places, and the kind of ﬁnishing touches rarely found outside a ﬁve-star hotel.

With apartments now ready to move into and the Penthouse level newly launched, we invite you to take a closer look.

Contact Judy at Monks to arrange your private viewing: Email: judy@monks.co.uk Tel: 01743 361422

School’s out for summer –and your new home is waiting

MONKS has the home your family needs whether buying or renting

Find us in Oswestry, Wem or Shrewsbury – available 7 days a week. Our phone lines are open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. We offer free valuations and a no sale, no charge promise.

Speak to your friendly and local Monks team at: 16 Church St, Oswestry, SY11 2SP 01691 674 567 Bringing people & property

Stylish country living arrives in Bomere Heath as all new showhome opens at Willow Rise

Cameron Homes has opened the doors to its stunning showhome at its all-new Willow Rise development in Bomere Heath. The showhome offers prospective buyers a first-hand look at the exceptional craftsmanship, spacious design and village charm that define this latest development.

Nestled on Shrewsbury Road in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, Willow Rise offers the very best of both worlds - tranquil, rural living with all the modern conveniences close at hand. With 50 homes available for sale, this thoughtfully planned development has been designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of homeowners; from growing families to downsizers to first time buyers.

An invitation to explore The Morgan

Setting the standard for what prospective buyers can expect from Cameron Homes is The Morgan - a beautifully appointed four-bedroom detached home now available for prospective buyers to view as the show home at the development. Set across a generous 1,806 sq ft, The Morgan is a prime example of contemporary family living. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and family area complete with modern finishes and bifold doors that open out into a private garden, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space. With three bathrooms and ample storage throughout, The Morgan offers comfort, functionality and style in equal measure.

Speaking about the launch, Izzy Thompson, Senior Sales Manager at Cameron Homes, said: “Our focus at Cameron Homes is to ensure each and every house we build gives future owners a canvas to create the perfect home. At Willow Rise, we’ve ensured that the renowned five-star quality expected by our customers is demonstrated through the entire development, and we are thrilled to now welcome prospective homebuyers to our showhome to see this first hand.”

Why choose Willow Rise?

Set against a backdrop of rolling countryside and nestled within the peaceful village of Bomere Heath, just 25 minutes from Oswestry, Willow Rise offers residents the chance to enjoy village life, without compromising on access to urban amenities. And for Oswestry residents thinking of making a move, Bomere Heath offers the kind of peaceful lifestyle many dream of - without moving too far from family, friends or familiar places.

Just five miles from the vibrant market town of Shrewsbury, homeowners can enjoy the charm of a historic town filled with independent boutiques, riverside walks, renowned restaurants and excellent schooling

options. For commuters, easy access to the A5 and M54 means Birmingham, Telford and beyond are well within reach.

Families will appreciate the range of local schooling nearby, including Bomere Heath CE Primary School, which is just a short walk from the development. Green open spaces, public footpaths and nearby natural attractions such as Haughmond Hill make it easy to embrace the outdoors.

The development itself has been carefully designed to blend with its surroundings while offering modern architecture, landscaped streets and a welcoming community feel. With a variety of two, three, four and fivebedroom homes available, there’s a style and size to suit every lifestyle.

Quality you can count on

Cameron Homes has been building high-quality homes since 1994. Known for its attention to detail and excellent customer care – with 9/10 customers saying they would recommend Cameron Homes to their friends and family - the company has recently retained its five-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) for the seventh consecutive year - a mark of consistent excellence in both design and delivery.

Each home is built with precision and attention to detail, from the foundation through to the final finishing touches. Whether it’s the quality materials or thoughtfully designed living spaces, every aspect of a Cameron Homes development is built with the homeowner in mind.

Plan your visit

The newly opened show home at Willow Rise is now welcoming visitors by appointment. Whether you’re actively house hunting or simply exploring your options, a visit offers the perfect opportunity to see the quality and lifestyle on offer.

For more information about Willow Rise, visit www.cameronhomes.co.uk.

Where village charm

A beautiful collection of 2-5 bedroom homes, set in the peaceful village of Bomere Heath, just outside Shrewsbury.

Willow Rise offers the very best of thoughtful design and timeless countryside charm brought to you by Cameron Homes, a 5 star

Willow Rise, Shropshire, SY4 3QR

Open Thursday - Monday, 10am - 5pm

Book your appointment today!

Refurbished Listed Cottage

Pentre Ucha, Llansilin

An imposing Grade II listed period cottage including generous mature gardens set in a lovely commanding position with stunning views. The property has undergone a programme of refurbishment by the current owner, whilst retaining original features. In brief the accommodation affords entrance hall, open plan kitchen/dining/living area, lounge, pantry and utility with cloakroom. To the first floor are two double bedrooms both being ensuite. There is a detached stone annexe offer family accommodation, detached workshop and beautiful extensive grounds.

OIRO £595,000. For viewings call Roger Parry & Partners on 01691 655 334 or email oswestry@rogerparry.net

Impressive Detached House

Croft Cottage St. Martins Moor, Oswestry

A unique opportunity to purchase this beautifully presented, much improved detached home, offering deceptively spacious and versatile living – perfect for a growing family, those who love to entertain and offering great options for those who work from home.

Occupying an enviable position on the edge of the popular village of St. Martins, and within easy access to the nearby Market Town of Oswestry and all its amenities. The accommodation briefly comprises entrance porch, reception hall, spacious lounge, snug, conservatory, impressive kitchen/ dining room, utility/ cloakroom, principal bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe, 2 further double bedrooms and well-appointed bathroom.

OIRO £575,000. For viewings call Monks on 01691 674 567 or email sales.oswestry@monks.co.uk

Family Home in Cul de sac

70 Ascot Road, Oswestry

An opportunity to purchase this much improved and well-presented 3 bedroom detached home, offering spacious living perfect for today’s modern living, and the growing family.

Occupying an enviable position on this sought after cul de sac within walking distance of the Market Town of Oswestry and having ease of access to the A5/ M54 motorway network. The accommodation briefly comprises reception hall, home office/ study, lounge, open plan kitchen/ dining, utility, conservatory, cloakroom, principal bedroom with ensuite, two further bedrooms and family bathroom.

OIRO £300,000. For viewings call Monks on 01691 674 567 or email sales.oswestry@monks.co.uk

Interiors

by Stephanie Dhillon

Clockwise from top right: Laura Ashley Corbridge Pendant Antique Brass £85 from Dar Lighting www.darlighting. co.uk; Slate Grey Linen Fish Shoal Cushion £50 from Helen Round www.helenround.com; Simon Aged Brass Bulkhead £99 from Dowsing and Reynolds www.dowsingandreynolds. com; Rope Twist Rug £110 from Braided Rug Company www.braided-rug.co.uk; White Ceramic Wave and Bobble Bowl £50 from The Wisteria Tree www.wisteriatree.co.uk; Decorative Anchor Blue on Papyrus £11.95 from Original Style www.originalstyle.com

Fish motifs seem to be everywhere at the moment, and the Fisherman Aesthetic is a natural and practical expansion of that trend. This look is all about a seafaring vibe with colours inspired by stormy seas and resilient textures like rope and brass. It’s a fresh interpretation of the timeless coastal look focusing on classic and traditional materials and goes beyond just ‘fishy’ accessories. Look for sea inspired motifs like anchors, lobsters, fish and lighthouses on artisanal and one-of-a-kind items. Durable materials like wicker and rope work are great for everyday items like lamps and rugs, and a porthole mirror leaves no one in doubt of a maritime theme.

Clockwise, from top let : Silver Metal Porthole Mirror £22.95 from Melody Maison www.melodymaison.co.uk

Fish Door Knocker in Aged Brass £125 from Adams & Mack www.adamsandmack.com

Lighthouse Wall Art Print £180 from Mind The Gap www.mindthegap.com

Sophie Allport Lobster Knitted Picnic Blanket £53 www.sophieallport.com

St Ermins Grey Rattan Coffee Table with storage £497 from Escapology www.escapologyhome.co.uk

Natural Knotted Rope Table Lamp £115 from Click Style www.clickstyle.co.uk

£125,000

Stunning Local Summer Gardens to Visit

What wonderful growing weather we have enjoyed this summer, with gardens blooming and the fruit and vegetable harvest promising a bumper crop. We had bumper visitor numbers to our four North Powys border gardens in June with Clawdd-Y-Dre (Montgomery), Tremynfa & The Malthouse (Llanymynech) and Llangedwyn Hall totalling over 800 tickets sold and nearly £5,000 raised for our much-loved health and well-being charities.

We have local gardens for you to enjoy through most of August starting with Moel y Gwelltyn Ucha near Llansilin (SY10 7QX) on Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd from 1.30-5.30pm. This south-facing terraced cottage-garden is in a stunning location with roses, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and vegetable beds plus a wildlife-pond. Dogs welcome, home-made teas. Admission £6, children free.

On Sunday 10th from 12-5pm, Guilsﬁeld (SY21 9ND) are having a village opening for the National Garden Scheme. Four delightful gardens will be open: one large and mature around a converted corn-mill, two newer gardens backing onto a nature reserve and the last smaller with year-round interest. Admission tickets and parking at the village school (combined £6, children free) with plants for sale and home-made teas at The Old School.

The hidden intimate garden at 1 Church Bank, Welshpool (SY21 7DR) opens Sat 16th to Sun 17th from 12-5pm. Full of unusual features and interesting plants, this densely planted garden has zig-zag paths leading to a shell grotto, bonsai-garden and fernery where sounds of water ﬁll the air. Dogs welcome, home-made teas. Admission £4, children free. Also, in Welshpool and open Sat 30th to Sun 31st from 11-5pm is 14 St Mary’s Place (SY21 7PF). An interesting secret town garden on two levels with paved areas and unusual varieties of acers, hostas and perennials. Admission £4, children free.

Open daily Sat 26 July to Fri 1 August is Welsh Lavender near Builth Wells (LD2 3HU). Pre-booking on the NGS website essential, walk amongst the lavender above the popular wild swimming-pool and enjoy home-made teas afterwards.

To ﬁnd your perfect garden visit www.ngs.org.uk

Welsh Lavender

August in the garden

by Graham Mitchell

August is a strange month for us gardeners. At the beginning of the month, we are right in the middle of the summer splendour. At the end we are preparing for autumn. We are enjoying the fruits of our labours but always have one eye on the coming season.

One of the main jobs in the flower garden now is to keep everything blooming as long as possible. That means regular deadheading, tidying up and continual feeding. As growth continues many plants will need staking and tying in. The warm summer weather demands a strict watering regime, recruiting family and friends to keep it going whilst we take a welcome holiday.

If we have greenhouses, then harvesting started a month ago and continues apace. There’s nothing as satisfying as eating your own home-grown tomatoes. Regular watering and feeding needs to continue, even though the days are drawing in. Outside, harvesting is very variety dependant. Blackcurrants, gooseberries, cherries and summer raspberries are over now, and autumn raspberries will have started. Blackberries and related cultivars will have started too. You should be able to tell when it’s time for other fruit.

reliable, professional & cost-effective maintenance services

August is always a good time for reflection. What went well, what disappointed? This year has been particularly challenging. The hot spells and continual strong winds have really affected my Japanese Maples. I’ll need to protect them from those Westerly blasts in future. You can plant some fast-growing salad crops this late in the season, to ensure a supply through the autumn. It’s also a good time to plant strawberries to let them get established now before winter. The shops will be filling with spring flowering bulbs. Just pay particular attention to the planting instruction including planting depth. Most can be planted in September but wait a while to plant tulips, they seem to grow better with a November planting.

Tomatoes doing well

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HOW CAN YOU BRIDGE THE GENDER PENSION GAP?

Imagine your ideal retirement. Now imagine having thousands of pounds less each year to make it happen. For many women, this is the reality of the gender pension gap.

The so-called gap is often the result of a series of circumstances - from taking part-time roles and career breaks to care for others, to long-standing differences in what men and women typically earn. Over time, this can leave women with up to 35% less in their pension pots than men, according to the Pensions Policy Institute.

So, what can be done to help bridge the gap?

Here, Craig Roberts, director of Belgrave Wincham Independent Financial Planners, shares his advice: Start early and be strategic The sooner you can start, the more time your money will have to grow. Setting clear goals and contributing regularly can have a powerful impact in the long term.

Make the most of workplace pensions Autoenrolment has signiﬁcantly improved access to pension saving, but many people stick with minimum contributions. Increasing these - even by 1% a yearcan make a meaningful difference over time.

Maximise spousal contributions If one partner takes time out for caring responsibilities, the working partner can pay into their pension and help maintain retirement savings momentum.

Plan around irregular income Freelancing, parttime work or career breaks can make saving tricky. Contribute what you can during higher-earning periods and consider ﬂexible pensions that adjust with your circumstances

Think beyond your pension Pensions are important, but they’re not the whole story. ISAs, investments and other savings can all play a role in boosting your retirement income too and may be worth exploring.

Bridging the gender pension gap starts with understanding your own position and the options available to you. Tailored advice can help you make the most of your money now, and build the retirement that you deserve. To take the ﬁrst step, you can book a free 60-minute consultation with Belgrave Wincham by calling 01691 886554.

CRAIG ROBERTS Oswestry-based independent ﬁnancial adviser

Should we put our business into trust for our daughter? with GHP Legal’s

Victoria Wilson

Q: My wife and I own 14 rental properties, some of which are HMOs. When we passed the oﬃcial retirement age we decided to put them into a limited company and appoint our daughter and son-in-law as directors and shareholders. Now their marriage is on the rocks and we are concerned what will happen to the business if they divorce and we die. If we restructured the business, could we put it in trust for our daughter?

A: Putting a family business in trust can be a good way of protecting the business assets and it is an option that is often overlooked when business owners are considering succession planning.

As opposed to being, for example, an incorporated business, a trust is a legal arrangement by which a business is owned and managed by a trustee on behalf of a beneﬁciary. This arrangement gives the appointed trustee the right to access all assets and fully manage and administer them to run the business, provided they act in the best interests of the business and the beneﬁciaries.

As the current business owner, you would transfer the business assets into the trust, and as well as being the settlor you could also be the trustee and potentially even a beneﬁciary. This would allow you to keep the business operational under your experienced management until such time as you decide to retire and take a back seat. It could also reduce the tax burden when you decide the time is right to pass the business on.

Essentially there are two main types of trusts: revocable or living trusts, and irrevocable trusts. A revocable trust would allow you to retain control over business assets during your lifetime and/or amend the trust as needed. Choosing the right type of trust for your particular business will be crucial, so you should make an appointment with a solicitor to ascertain the best solution.

This question has been answered by Victoria Wilson, a Partner with GHP Legal. If you would like to speak to someone about this or any other legal matter, please visit our website www.ghplegal. com and use the contact us form, or call us on: Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313, Oswestry 01691 659194

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PUZZLE P ag E

CryPtiC Crossword

Across

1. Metal drawer, perhaps (6)

4. Shoe undone on CI’s mac (8)

9. Ruler cutting dried fruit (6)

10. Bed given lever, but not right bedspread (8)

12. Mostly lovable sort – a first! (5,3)

13. Stone guys put behind a flower, partly (6)

15. Sheep never behind a jug (4)

16. Pit worker really a goddess (7)

20. Bird box leading to quarrel (7)

21. Liberated leader back in charge (4)

25. Light brown worn by odd US president (6)

26. Victory with dart, for example, in Canada (8)

28. Broken up elf embracing great calm (8)

29. Rick’s drunk his first brandy (6)

30. Foreign type Inga corrected (8)

31. Swiped bags around Enfield (6)

Solution S

Down

1. Wrong team’s ink order (8)

2. A young lady ran and ran! (8)

3. A girl a boy avoids (6)

5. Instrument back in Borneo? Bother! (4)

6. Ar tistic vet Erica sent out (8)

7. Solitary man without a grave (6)

8. Taking heed that it’s not mixed with gin (6)

11. A city is large, surprisingly (7)

14. Down payment is back in a storehouse (7)

17. Flipped father – father possibly visible (8)

18. Suggestion for unusual opals (8)

19. Stretch of glen developed, therefore (8)

22. Basic sor t of pleats (6)

23. Sweet American (backward man) (6)

24. Silent characters making sign up (6)

27. Country copper meeting graduate (4)

stiCks and stonEs

1. With a name that means “red stick” in French, what is the capital of the US state of Louisiana?

2. The stones used in the sport of curling are traditionally made from what type of rock?

3. “My master’s lost his fiddling stick and knows not what to do” is a line from which nursery rhyme?

4. According to legend, what gift do you receive if you kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland?

5. In which spor t do players use a stick with a head made up of three parts - the scoop, the sidewall, and the pocket?

6. In which English county would you find Stonehenge?

7. Which African country is the first of many places mentioned in the lyrics of the song Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick by Ian Dury and the Blockheads?

8. What is the title of the 1985 sequel to the 1984 film Romancing the Stone?

9. Which musical instrument is sometimes referred to by the nickname “the liquorice stick”?

10. Which chemical element has a name that comes from the Swedish for “heavy stone”?

4 Moccasin, 9 Sultan, 10 Coverlet, 12 Above all, 13 Stamen, 15 Ewer, 16 Minerva, 20 Sparrow, 21 Free, 25 Truman, 26 Winnipeg, 28 Peaceful, 29 Kirsch, 30 Egyptian, 31 Stolen. Down: 1 Mistaken, 2 Galloped, 3 Evades, 5 Oboe, 6 Creative, 7 Solemn, 8 Noting, 11 Algiers, 14 Deposit, 17 Apparent, 18 Proposal, 19 Lengthen, 22 Staple, 23 Sugary, 24 Enlist, 27 Cuba. quiz 1. Baton Rouge, 2. Granite, 3. Cock a doodle doo, 4. The gift of the gab, 5. Lacrosse, 6. Wiltshire, 7. Sudan (“In the deserts of Sudan”), 8. The Jewel of the Nile, 9. The clarinet, 10. Tungsten

PLAN FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Your goals, our expertise –tailored advice to achieve what matters most to you

Craig can offer you expert advice on:

• Pensions and Retirement

• Savings and Investments

• Mortgages and Life Insurance

• Inheritance Tax Planning

Independent Advice | On the FCA register | Your Local Experts | No Obligation Consultations

Belgrave Wincham Limited is an appointed representative of ValidPath Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN 197107. Belgrave Wicham Ltd registered in England and Wales number 12167416.

CRAIG ROBERTS Oswestry-based independent financial adviser

Belgrave Wincham Limited is an appointed representative of ValidPath Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN 197107. Belgrave Wincham Ltd registered in England and Wales (number 12167416), at 8a Edison Court, Ellice Way, Wrexham, LL13 7YT.