It’s August – the month of the longawaited Balloon Carnival! Will you be watching the night glow or getting up at the crack of dawn to hopefully see off the balloons on their morning flights? Or maybe just bring a picnic blanket to sit on in the park with your family and indulge in the snacks and entertainment on offer? Whatever you do, our weekly market is vibrant and not to be missed and if you fancy a different take, try the Artisan Country Market on 19 August in the Memorial Hall. Enjoy the sun while it lasts!
Victoria McKenna EDITOR
Delivered to 7,000 homes in and around Oswestry every month
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, Lindsey Pierce, Stephanie Dhillon, Claire Arnold, Jenna Ward, Michael Hudson, Bex Syrett, Chelsea Selkirk
Accounts and Distribution info@oswestrylife.co.uk
Advertising info@oswestrylife.co.uk
AUGUST COVER
Oswestry Balloon Carnival returns to Cae Glas Park 22 and 23 August 2026. see page 11 grahamsfmitchell
Hospital Friends fund new paediatric cot
The League of Friends to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has funded a new specialist paediatric cot to help provide safe, comfortable care for the hospital’s youngest patients.
The new Inspiration 2 Cot has been purchased to replace one of Alice Ward’s existing cots, which are now more than 10 years old.
Alice Ward is the dedicated children’s orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation ward at the Oswestry-based hospital, caring for children and young people between the ages of 0 – 17 years.
Designed specifically for paediatric care, the new cot offers enhanced safety features and functionality, including electrically operated height adjustment, adjustable side rails, battery back-up in the event of a power failure and improved accessibility for clinical teams caring for children. It is fully compliant with the latest paediatric bed safety standards.
Victoria Sugden, Friends CEO, said: “Children receiving treatment at RJAH deserve the very best care in an environment that is safe, comfortable and reassuring for both them and their families.
“Our existing cots have served the hospital well for more than a decade, but they are now reaching the end of their lifespan and can no longer be repaired when faults occur.
“We were lucky enough to receive a generous donation in lieu of an 80th birthday party that has part funded this cot – ensuring that young patients continue to benefit from modern, reliable equipment during their stay.”
The funding demonstrates the hospital Friends ongoing commitment to enhancing the experience of patients and supporting staff with equipment that goes above and beyond what NHS budgets can provide.
Suzanne Marsden, Alice Ward Manager, said: “This new cot will make a real difference for our youngest patients and the staff caring for them. It provides enhanced safety features, improved functionality and greater reliability, helping us to deliver the highest standards of care.
“We are extremely grateful to the League of Friends for their continued support and generosity.”
Marches School Athlete leads County team to Pentathlon Success
Marches School student Tor Hornett continued his record breaking athletics season leading the Shropshire Schools’ team to a historic victory in the North West Regional Combined Events Championships. This qualified Tor and his team mates to compete in the English National Finals in Bedford.
Tor was selected for the Shropshire U16 team after breaking the Shropshire Schools’ record, which has stood since 2018, winning the recent County Pentathlon Championships in Telford with 2141 points. He achieved this with a superb all round performance winning the high jump, hurdles & shot and coming third in the long jump and 800 metres.
Tor is a member of Oswestry Olympians Juniors who train on Thursdays and Saturdays. The club, which is open to all abilities, is proving so popular that, for safety reasons, it currently has a waiting list for membership in several age groups. Anyone interested in joining should contact the club for details and not simply turn up at training. Whilst recent weeks have seen Tor focus on athletics at The Marches School and with Oswestry Olympians Juniors his skills and interest extend across a range of sports. He is a keen cyclist and also plays as a No 10 in rugby for The Marches and Welshpool RC.
Community News
Tor with the North West Regional Pentathlon Trophy
Garden Open Day Supports Local Charities
A popular annual charity Garden Open Day will once again welcome visitors, as local resident Philip Jones opens his beautiful private garden in memory of his late wife, Nerys.
Held each year in Trefonen, the event raises funds for charities close to the family’s heart. This year’s beneficiaries are the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, Nerys’s chosen charity, Hope House Children’s Hospices, Prostate Cancer Research, and the Midland Air Ambulance Charity.
The garden, covering just under one acre, features colourful herbaceous flower beds, mature trees and shrubs, well-kept lawns and attractive hard landscaping. It has been approved for inclusion
in the National Garden Scheme’s renowned Yellow Book, but Philip has once again chosen to open it privately to maximise the funds raised for charity.
The Garden Open Day has become a well-supported community event. Last year, more than 300 visitors enjoyed the garden, helping to raise over £1,600 for the nominated charities. Organisers are hoping for another successful day with strong support from residents across Trefonen, Oswestry and the surrounding area.
Admission to the garden is free, and visitors are invited to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cakes. Rather than charging an entrance fee, guests are encouraged to make a donation, with all proceeds going directly to the four charities.
This year’s Garden Open Day will take place on Sunday, 9 August, from 11am to 5pm, at Tanyfron, Chapel Lane, Trefonen, Oswestry,
SY10 9DY. If poor weather prevents the event from taking place, it will be postponed until Sunday, 16 August, at the same times.
Ample parking will be available in a neighbouring field, while limited parking on the driveway has been reserved for disabled and elderly visitors.
For further information, please contact Philip Jones on 07759 544819.
Welcome to Flaunt!
At Flaunt, we’re passionate about creating beautiful hair in a calm, luxurious setting. Our team specialises in precision cutting and soft, seamless colour, from natural- balayage to delicately placed highlights. If you’re looking to add a little more length or volume, we also offer premium hair extensions. Every look is designed to feel effortless, wearable, and perfectly suited to you.
Trained by some of the world’s leading hair brands, our team takes real pride in the little details. We’re all about creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere while delivering a high standard of professional service, so you can unwind and enjoy the experience.
From precision cutting, bespoke colour and bridal styling, every service at Flaunt is designed with care and attention to detail. Working alongside premium haircare brands including Wella, Great Lengths and Beauty Works extensions, alongside professional treatments that will restore, strengthen and enhance your hair, leaving you looking and feeling your absolute best.
Follow us on socials:
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
The Claypit
Oswestry’s COMMUNITY space for you to meet and make with clay. Discover weekly classes, weekend experiences, family sessions and pop-up events. Membership also available. Book: www.claypit.co.uk email: rachel@claypit.co.uk
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
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.
Catering for all your removal needs. No job too big or small from Full house to Small item moves. B&M shop pick-ups and skip runs. Covering all areas. 07951 186186 happyhousemoves@gmail.com
Helping Hands
Friendly, reliable garden and home care. No job too small, just ask. Oswestry based, DBS checked, insured. Jenna: 07396 948 653 email: ward.jc@icloud.com
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 (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
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
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
Offa’s Dyke Reflexology
Offa’s Dyke Reflexology and holistic therapies Either in my therapy room or I can visit you. Visit my website offasdykereflexology.co.uk email me on offasdykereflexology@hotmail.com or ring me 07581 263 877.
Oswestry Hoover Hub
Sales, servicing & repairs of vacuum cleaners. New & nearly new vacuums and carpet cleaners from £40. Stocking Shark, Henry, Vax, Gtech, Bissell & more. Full vacuum service just £15 (parts extra). 33 Leg Street. Telephone: 07920 055246
Park Hall Reflexology Studio
Wellbeing maintenance for body, mind & nervous system regulation. Call Kerry on: 07301 947720
Perfect Pasties
Award-winning Official Cornish pasties, paired with Hundred House Coffee and smoothies. Additional seating upstairs and a child-friendly space. Independent and Dog friendly, at 6 Willow Street in Oswestry. Follow our Facebook page for updates
Pippo’s Bakery
Celebrating 10 happy years designing and baking 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
A weekend of family fun in the heart of Oswestry
Get ready for a fantastic weekend of colour, entertainment and familyfriendly fun as the Oswestry Balloon Carnival returns to Cae Glas Park on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August 2026.
Bringing a weekend of colour, entertainment and family-friendly fun back to the heart of the town, the much-loved event promises something for all ages, with a packed programme of activities, performances and attractions throughout the weekend.
Organised in association with Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry BID, this annual event has become a firm fixture in Oswestry’s calendar, attracting visitors from across the region while raising vital funds for hospice care.
Taking place at Cae Glas Park, Oswestry, SY11 1AP, the carnival is renowned for creating a vibrant festival atmosphere where families can enjoy a fun-filled day out together. While hot air balloons remain an iconic part of the event, there is so much more to experience across the weekend, ensuring plenty of entertainment whatever the weather.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions around the field, including a selection of stalls offering food, drink and unique items to purchase, alongside a fun fair that is sure to delight younger visitors and thrill-seekers alike.
One of the highlights of the
weekend takes place on Saturday evening at 9pm, when visitors can experience the spectacular Night Glow. Weather permitting, tethered hot air balloons will illuminate Cae Glas Park in a breathtaking afterdark display, lighting up in time to a specially choreographed musical soundtrack. Combining colour, light and atmosphere, this magical event transforms the park into a glowing outdoor stage and has become a firm favourite with visitors of all ages.
Family favourites will return on both days, including the ever-popular Punch and Judy show, bringing plenty of laughs and traditional fun. Visitors will also have the chance to meet some very special guests through the alpaca walkabouts, while younger children can immerse themselves in imaginative play at the Dinky Street Pop-Up, an all-day, drop-in play experience designed especially for younger audiences.
Adding even more magic to the carnival atmosphere, The Marvellous Magical Miniature Theatre, where Magic Alex will perform highly interactive family friendly tricks, amazing visitors around the park. There will also be Mighty Smith the Strongman, a traditional Strongman show, which is sure to be an exciting watch for the whole family.
Those keen to learn new skills can join the Circus Skills Drop-In Workshops, hosted by Entertainment Inc on Saturday and Short Scruffs Theatre Co on Sunday, where aspiring performers can try their hand at a range of circus activities.
Sports fans can test their abilities at the TNS Shootout and Darts Stand, while Saturday visitors can also enjoy a host of spectacular walkabout entertainment, including stilt walkers, jugglers and acrobatic performers, creating surprises and photo opportunities throughout the park.
Whether you’re enjoying the live entertainment, browsing the stalls, spending time at the fun fair, meeting the alpacas, or simply relaxing with family and friends in the beautiful surroundings of Cae Glas Park, the Oswestry Balloon Carnival offers a memorable summer day out for everyone.
Best of all, every donation from visitors helps support the incredible work of Nightingale House Hospice, making this community celebration an event that brings people together while supporting a vital local cause.
For a weekend packed with laughter, community spirit and family entertainment, make sure the Oswestry Balloon Carnival is in your diary this August.
Oswestry Community Action (OCA) Announces Move to New Premises and Launch of New Website
Oswestry Community Action (formerly Qube) are pleased to announce that they have relocated to a new premises at Market Gate (Salop Road, Oswestry) as part of an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
While their address has changed, one thing remains exactly the same; their commitment to supporting the community across Oswestry and the surrounding areas. All of the trusted services, support and activities that local people rely on will continue as normal, delivered with the same care, dedication and community spirit that has always been at the heart of OCA.
As they settle into their new home, they are also delighted to launch a brand new website, designed to be a 24/7 shop front for the community. The new website makes it easier than ever for people to find information about all of their services, activities, projects and opportunities to get involved.
Kim Wootton, Chief Officer at OCA says, “For more than 30 years, OCA has been at the heart of the Oswestry community, and our commitment to supporting local people remains as strong as ever.
We see this move as an exciting opportunity not only to continue our work, but also to further develop our services and expand the support we can offer to those who need it most.”
The move also opens the door to new opportunities
for community engagement and creativity. Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for more details on upcoming pop-up art exhibitions, which will showcase local talent and bring even more life and creativity into community spaces.
Oswestry Community Action remain committed to connecting people, supporting wellbeing and strengthening our local community, and they look forward to welcoming everyone to join them in this exciting next chapter.
For more information about OCA services and updates on future events, visit: www.oswestrycommunityaction.org.uk
Oswestry’s Ace Padel Club turns One
Want to get active but with a fun and interesting hobby?
A couple of months ago, as we reached the end of March, we celebrated the first birthday of Ace Padel Club at Lion Quays. A year earlier, we had taken the big leap of bringing padel — the world’s fastestgrowing, and soon-to-be Olympic, sport — to Shropshire. It had started as something of a pipe dream after a group of us became hooked on the sport, but it pretty suddenly became a reality!
Now, in the middle of a scorching British summer, we’re delighted with where we are as a club and as a padel community, as well as with some of the exciting things we have going on. The people of Shropshire have really embraced the sport. We have a big group of regular casual players, a thriving women’s section of the club, and a growing number of players who are taking their improvement seriously and playing competitively. We have established a schools and colleges coaching programme, held a number of workshops for younger players, and recently set up an afterschool programme that we hope will eventually form the basis of a Shropshire Padel Academy.
A number of our owners made a four-day trip to Cádiz, Spain, as
we solidified a partnership with La Escuela de Pádel Las Marías — home of one of Spain’s most renowned padel coaches, Mauricio Grandes. Through this link, we will provide opportunities for our players to develop their game in Spain, as well as hosting a number of Spanish players and coaches in Shropshire. Our biggest news, however, is that as the summer ends, our new club development project will begin! We intend to cover our courts with a state-of-the-art canopy that will allow us to offer year-round play and protection from the winter elements. We see this as crucial to maintaining the momentum of our
A number of our owners made a four-day trip to Cádiz, Spain, as we solidified a partnership with La Escuela de Pádel Las Marías — home of one of Spain’s most renowned padel coaches
padel community and keeping the sport growing in Shropshire. Watch this space!
To anyone who would like to try the sport for the first time, or find out what we have going on, please get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram or info@acepadelclub.co.uk.
On 26 July, we host our first Summer Series tournament. The men face off in the morning and the women compete in the afternoon. There will be a bar, music, serious competition and a great atmosphere. If you want to see what it’s all about, please come along!
For more information visit https:// acepadelclub.co.uk
Finding your way back to yourself
When life changes, there are pathways back to ease and clarity
Life can become harder to navigate than we ever imagined. This can happen gradually or in an instant and when it does we tend to try to carry on, whilst living with a sense of overwhelm, disconnection, or like somethings wrong, like we can’t enjoy things the way we did.
For (Sarah-Charlotte Peace) S-C the experience of ‘life changing’ is deeply personal. A series of traumatic life experiences: prolonged stress and significant loss had already taken their toll when a serious injury made her life unrecognisable and required prolonged rehabilitation at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.
After receiving excellent primary care, she later fell into a rehabilitation gap, where nothing was helping her. It was here she discovered body-based, trauma-informed holistic wellbeing. Already yoga trained, these science led practices incorporating modern psychology and neuroscience reached a more deeply supportive level allowing further rehabilitation.
“These practices created a turning point for me, bought me home, helped me reconnect with myself in a sustainable way,” she says. “They couldn’t change what had happened, but they did change my relationship with: trauma, anxiety, complex pain and PTSD. These practices form the core foundation of Peaceful Warrior Wellbeing®.”
She now shares an intuitive supportive system with an effective ethos that supports us to: “Welcome your story Nurture your safety and invites you to Grow at a pace right for you.”
Her work supports people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, persistent pain, burnout, low mood, grief and difficult life experiences.
Through 1:1 sessions, intentionally small groups, community programmes and workplace wellbeing, she shares practical, evidence-informed approaches including mindful movement, breath awareness and guided restorative rest, helping people reconnect with themselves, navigate life with greater ease.
“My interest has always been in sharing what helps people in everyday life, not just while they’re in a session, but continuing after the session, into home, workplace, anywhere.” Rather than quick fixes, her work centres on practices that people can integrate into daily life. Participants consistently feedback feeling calmer, more grounded, connected with themselves, better able to respond to life’s pressures.
Facilitating free wellbeing sessions at Oswestry Library proved strong community interest that quickly led to facilitation of a funded pilot wellbeing programme.
This generated such positive participant feedback, another series of funded sessions took place. Her practice has since grown across community, private and workplace settings.
She’s collaborated with: Oswestry Community Action, GP practices, Keele University, Oswestry Cancer Buddies and more recently workplace wellbeing with staff at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, supporting wellbeing.
“Returning to this incredible hospital facilitating wellbeing is deeply meaningful. Following my own journey here and an experience during my first training workshop when I recall thinking - ‘I’d love to see these practices used within the NHS.”
S-C understands everyone’s circumstances are different, many people arrive to sessions experiencing a feeling that somethings ‘wrong’ with them. “People often think they need to fix themselves before they can move forward. The paradox being, when we can learn to stop trying to fix everything in a protected space, we can feel welcomed exactly as we are, create the foundations to nurture our needs, and that’s where growth begins and this embodied knowledge can be integrated into daily life.”
“I know what it’s like when life changes, feels hard to navigate, in my work it’s a privilege to share pathways that help people find their way back to greater ease, clarity and connection.” She hopes everyone who attends a session leaves feeling more connected to themselves, a greater sense of ease and finds practical tools to use in everyday life.
If you would like to reach out to S-C at Peaceful Warrior Wellbeing she will welcome your inquiry hello@peacefulwarriorwellbeing.co.uk.
Follows on social – Instagram: @scpeaceyoga, Facebook: Peaceful Warrior Wellbeing, LinkedIn: Peaceful Warrior
Oswestry’s Biggest Dance Family
At Oswestry based, Chloe Elizabeth Dance Company (CEDC), they’re proud to be home to over 300 dancers of all ages and abilities. Whether a child is taking their very first steps into dance or looking to develop their skills, Chloe and her team cater for all abilities.
Based at Open Space Studios, above Oswestry Library, the dance company not only teaches dance skills but also takes their students into competitions as individuals and teams if the child wants to participate.
Dancing on stage is quite something and takes time to build the confidence but this year, the dance company has already held their biggest show yet.
Artistic Director & Founder, Chloe Yeomans said, “This summer we celebrated CEDC’s 10th anniversary with ICONS, our biggest show yet. We had over 200 dancers, two rehearsal and two sell-out performances at The Marches School and we made unforgettable memories.
“The student’s talent and passion for dance are exceptional, and it’s all down to the fabulous hard work of our kind and caring teachers.”
Not content with holding a huge
show, Chloe and the dance students are now celebrating bringing trophies home from another dance competition.
“All our teams placed in the top three, which is an amazing success,” explained Chloe.
“We’re about so much more than dance. Our family-focused community helps children grow in confidence, build friendships, develop resilience and discover a lifelong love of movement. Through dance, our students learn valuable transferable skills including teamwork, communication, discipline, creativity and self-belief, which are qualities that will benefit them for years to come.”
But it’s not just the older kids who are catered for at CEDC. Toddlers (18 months to 5 years) and mini’s (ages 3–7) can all benefit from getting involved and it’s great for exercise and movement. Adults can still experience the benefits too with dance classes.
If you can’t get to Open Space Studios in Oswestry, there are community classes across Trefonen, Ellesmere, Baschurch and Welshpool.
If your child dreams of performing on stage or simply wants to have fun, make friends and stay active, CEDC is open to all abilities.
For more info call 07874 331313, email Chloe_elizabeth_dance@ hotmail.com or visit www.cedc.co.uk.
Follow on: Instagram @c.e.d.c, Facebook @Chloe Elizabeth Dance Company
Fun in the studio
Team CEDC
CEDC team at a competition
To the Beach!
UK beach, Welsh beach or abroad, you need to dress for the occasion. You can get your hands on some beautifully printed beachwear at the moment and the style is effortless with the floaty, calming fabrics. We went shopping for you…
Do you have an old caravan sitting unused, taking up space, or even suffering from damp? Don’t let it gather dust! We actively want to buy your unwanted caravans — in ANY condition. Whether it’s a project requiring love, simply tired and worn, or has significant issues like damp damage, we’re seriously interested.
Forget the hassle of repairs or endless listings; we offer a straightforward solution: instant cash payment on collection. Free up your space and turn that unused caravan into cash today!
mayor’s minutes
Mayor Cllr Jonathan Upton
Three Mon T hs as Mayor –CelebraT ing o ur Co MM uni T y it is hard to believe that three months have already passed since i had the honour of becoming Mayor of oswestry. it has been a rewarding and enjoyable start, and i am grateful for the warm welcome and support i have received from residents across our town.
One of the greatest privileges of this role is meeting the people and organisations that make Oswestry such a vibrant community. Over recent months, I have attended a range of events, from business networking at Aico to participating in the Shropshire Chairs’ Network, helping to strengthen connections that benefit our town.
I have also had the pleasure of supporting local community groups. Highlights include opening The Centre Spot on Oak Street with the TNS Foundation
and meeting local charities at the May Charity Market, where I learned more about the invaluable work being carried out for residents of all ages.
Community events remain at the heart of Oswestry life, and I have been proud to play a part in them. From opening the Oswestry Community Games and the 2026 Vintage Show at Park Hall Showground, to welcoming visitors to The Nook Studio on Weston Lane, each event has showcased the enthusiasm and talent within our town.
More recently, I have attended the Rotary Club’s annual celebration of local groups, joined Oswestry SEN Parents for a Makaton session, and opened Oswestry Pride in Cae Glas Park. Just last week, I was delighted to open Oswestry Food Festival, which continues to attract visitors and bring people together.
These experiences have reinforced how special our community is. My Mayoress, Cllr Ruth Simmonds, and I look forward to meeting more of you and continuing to support the events and organisations that make Oswestry a wonderful place to live.
If you are part of a local group or hosting an event, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch at sandratrevor@oswestry-tc.gov.uk or via the Town Council.
Opening the Door to Shropshire’s Growing Holiday Let Market
Whether it’s the rolling hills, historic market towns or peaceful countryside retreats, Shropshire has become an increasingly popular destination for visitors looking to escape the everyday. As more people choose selfcatering accommodation over traditional hotels, the county’s holiday let market continues to thrive, creating exciting opportunities for local property owners.
For those considering turning a second home, investment property or holiday cottage into a successful short-term let, having the right management partner can make all the difference. That’s exactly what StayShropshire was created to provide.
Founded by local friends Tom and Kyle, StayShropshire has grown from a simple idea into a trusted local business managing holiday properties across the county. Having worked together for more than 20 years in the building management systems industry, launching a business together felt like a natural progression.
The inspiration came during a family trip to Bath, where staying in a serviced apartment rather than a hotel highlighted just how much travellers value having extra space, flexibility and a home-from-home experience. Later, while travelling across the country for work, Tom and Kyle stayed in numerous holiday lets themselves, giving them a unique insight into what guests truly appreciate and, just as importantly, where many operators were falling short.
They began by managing their own properties before taking on a handful for friends and family. As recommendations spread, so did the business.
Today, StayShropshire remains proudly rooted in the county it was founded to promote.”We love Shropshire,” says Tom. “It’s an incredible place to live and visit, and we’re passionate about helping more people discover everything it has to offer.”
That local knowledge is one of the company’s biggest strengths. From Oswestry’s independent shops and welcoming cafés to the historic streets of Shrewsbury and the character of Ludlow, the team understands what makes each corner of the county special and uses that knowledge to help market every property they manage.
Behind the scenes, StayShropshire has built a dedicated team that supports both guests and property owners throughout every stage of the holiday letting journey.
Three full-time guest support specialists are available seven days a week, helping visitors from their initial booking enquiry through to check-out. Property Manager Ian regularly visits every managed property, carrying out inspections, ensuring compliance requirements are met and coordinating maintenance whenever it’s needed.
Marketing and social media are managed in-house by Liv, while the recent appointment of full-time Maintenance Engineer Chris means many repairs and preventative maintenance jobs can now be completed quickly without relying on outside contractors. Alongside them is a trusted network of local cleaners and specialist tradespeople who help maintain the high standards guests expect.
For landlords, perhaps the biggest attraction is peace of mind. Running a holiday let involves far more than simply handing over the keys. Pricing, marketing, guest communication, cleaning schedules, maintenance, compliance and bookings all require careful management. StayShropshire takes care of every detail, allowing owners to enjoy the financial benefits of holiday letting without the day-to-day demands.
While remaining a friendly local business, the company has also invested heavily in technology, giving owners clear reporting and real-time visibility of their property’s performance. It’s a combination of personal service and professional systems that many landlords find reassuring.
As more visitors continue to choose Shropshire for weekend breaks and countryside escapes, demand for quality holiday accommodation shows no sign of slowing down.
For local property owners, there’s never been a better time to explore the opportunities the holiday let market can offer. And with a knowledgeable local team managing everything from guest experience to property maintenance, StayShropshire is helping ensure both owners and visitors can enjoy the very best of what our county has to offer.
For more information visit stayshropshire.co.uk
L-R: Tom and Kyle
A slight itch
Summer is the top time of year for fleas, and they can cause problems both for your pet and your home.
Signs your pet has fleas
• Scratching
• Hair loss, or bald or sore areas
• Flea droppings that show up as dark specks in your animal’s coat
• Small brown-black insects running around
• You have bites yourself
Why they’re an issue
Itching aside, bites can cause allergic reactions from flea saliva, anaemia from blood loss and other diseases. Myxomatosis, which can be fatal in rabbits, is often spread by biting insects. Tapeworm eggs may be present in flea larvae, so your animal could end up with tapeworm too.
Treatment and prevention
To check for fleas, run a fine-toothed comb through your pet’s fur over a piece of kitchen roll. You will need to treat
BRINGING YOU THE VERY BEST IN RAW, APPROPRIATE FOOD FOR YOUR CARNIVOROUS ANIMALS
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 ■ Clean teeth & breath
■ Shiny healthy coat
an infestation quickly – get advice from your vet on what to use. Only use a flea treatment recommended for that kind of animal. Worm your pet as well.
Treat it regularly, even after fleas have gone. Clean your furry companion’s bedding frequently and run the vacuum cleaner over all floors.
When fleas invade your home
Use a home spray for fleas. You may have to do this several times. Step up your vacuuming, taking the Hoover over any upholstery and other fabrics. Launder all your bedding on a hot wash. If the problem persists, you may need to call in a pest management company.
Heart at Home Mobile Vets provides professional, stress-free veterinary care for all your pets, from the comfort of their own home
With over 20 years’ experience in companion and exotic pets, we care for your pets where they’re happiest — at home
Always a pleasure photographing Oswestry’s Food and Drink Festival. Great seeing the town so busy, especially with our very own Bake Off at the Memorial Hall and Sunday’s Kidzone on Bailey Head.
Rambling
Have you been to Candy Woods?
By Lydia Jones
When visiting my grandparents who live on the old Racecourse, I often enjoy going for a walk along the top of the common and into Candy Woods. The woodland sits roughly 3-5km southwest of Oswestry and is accessible from the town. It is positioned approximately 0.30km above sea level which gives it the advantage of spectacular views of the Shropshire plains on one side and the Welsh hills on the other. Candy Woods is about 35-75 acres in size but extends to possibly 125 acres if you allow for the smaller adjoining groves.
The wood consists of some dense wooded patches to more open areas and it encompasses pathways and tracks. Some parts of Candy Woods can be muddy with rough terrain because of the clay rich soil and due to the rising and falling features of the land.
To explore Candy Woods and give some time to wander and pause, it may take you up to an hour, however, it is typical to walk the Racecourse circuit in addition to this, which equates thereabouts to 5-8 km. At the top of the Racecourse lies the ruin of the old grandstand. This was the main meeting area for the horse owners and racegoers, and it was in use from the early 17th century until the last race in 1848. At the time, it drew in very large crowds and was an exceptional meeting point for the locals and racegoers who travelled from further afield.
Walking down into Candy Woods, or what used to be the wooded area - as it has changed significantly since October 2025 - the fir trees that dominated the site for 50 years were felled due to instability.
The Llandforda hall, that was also a feature in this area and used to belong to the Williams-Wynn family, burnt down in 1780 and the land is now under ownership of the Llandforda estate. They have agreed to replace the trees with 60% hardwood such as oak, beech and wild cherry, plus 40% Scot’s pine and Douglas fir. Once completed and established, the area will comprise of a varied and attractive green space.
Walking further along I reach Offas Dyke. King Offa, who was the king of the Mercian warrior tribe from 747 to 796, chose to impose his rule by building a great earth wall referred to as a “dyke” which runs 177 miles from Prestatyn to Chepstow. The stretch along the Oswestry area is recognised as the most scenic.
Every season along this path offers something special and unique. The early spring snowdrops appear first followed by a vibrant mass of bluebells. Summertime brings ferns in abundance, and into late autumn the rich colours of the woodland create a changing scene of ambers and reds. Winter appears naturally barer with holly and ivy offering pockets of greenery.
Most people commence their walk from the free car park on the Racecourse and it’s especially frequented by dog walkers yet it’s rising in popularity with mountain bikers who enjoy the trails at the lower section of the woodland as it offers them a rugged biking terrain. Candy Woods has always been a popular site for locals and visitors, myself included. I think I will always enjoy my visits up to Woods and continue to appreciate the tranquillity, the stillness, the changing colours and sense of calm that it creates.
Derwen Marketplace offers a unique shopping and dining experience
Nestled in the grounds of Derwen College, our Marketplace delivers a specially tailored training platform for our students to learn valuable work skills in a supported and safe, real-life working environment.
Amongst the variety of plants, shrubs and trees available, you will find advice on planting and plant care along with gems like a large range of David Austin Roses. Don’t forget to visit the adjacent Walled Garden for inspiration. The gift shop offers bespoke, locally made crafts, cards, calendars as well as our popular Derwen-made chutneys and jams.
Monday to Saturday 9am–4pm, Sunday 10am–4pm
Derwen Marketplace is part of the Derwen College campus located in Gobowen, near Oswestry, in North Shropshire.
Find us at Entrance B on Twmpath Lane, SY11 3JA. Parking is free with easy access to all outlets. Entrance B
Tel: 01691 661234
derwen.ac.uk/marketplace
There’s Still Time to Join Us This September.
Spaces are filling up!
If you’re thinking about your next step, there’s still time to apply and begin your journey with us this September. Whether you’re leaving school, looking to retrain, or ready to take the next step towards your dream career, our industryfocused courses, expert teaching and outstanding facilities will help you build the skills and confidence employers are looking for.
Study Programmes Designed for Your Future
We offer a wide range of programmes, including Health Professions, Business, Education & Early Years, Health & Social Care, Sport & Exercise, Professional Cookery, Hairdressing & Barbering, and Blue Light pathways.
Whether you’re aiming for a career in healthcare, education, business, hospitality, emergency services, sport or the hair and beauty industry, our courses are designed to prepare you for university, apprenticeships or employment.
Learn in Industry-Led Facilities
At our North Shropshire campus, you’ll learn in professional environments that reflect today’s workplaces, helping you develop practical skills alongside your studies.
Our students benefit from access to our brand-new gym, providing Sport & Exercise learners with the opportunity to develop their skills in a real fitness environment while supporting the health and wellbeing of our college community.
Business students can develop their professional knowledge in our modern business suite, designed to mirror contemporary office environments and prepare learners for careers in management and administration.
Hospitality and Catering students gain invaluable hands-on experience in our commercial restaurant, working in a realistic setting to develop the culinary, customer service and teamwork skills expected by employers.
Our Hairdressing and Beauty facilities give learners the opportunity to work with real clients using professional equipment and products, building both technical expertise and confidence before progressing into industry.
Real Work Experience, Real Opportunities
Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. We believe the best preparation for employment comes from real-world experience.
That’s why many of our programmes include valuable work placements, employer projects and industry engagement, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned while developing the professional skills employers value most.
We work closely with local employers across Shropshire and the surrounding areas to ensure our curriculum reflects current industry needs. These partnerships provide students with meaningful work experience opportunities, professional networking and valuable insight into their chosen careers.
Your Future Starts Here
Apply today and be that one step closer to studying at university or stepping into employment hlnsc.ac.uk
Foodies who love zero waste
by Bex Syrett
Summer is upon us, hurrah and with it comes a wide range of fruit and vegetables from which you can make some delicious meals. If you keep an eye on the bargains in the supermarket, market stall or independent grocery then you may find some cheaper food that are close to their use by date. Then once you get it home, go online to look at what recipes you can cook to use up the produce. Once cooked, you can freeze the food into portion sizes ready to use at a later date. If you know anyone with an allotment then they may be happy to share their surplus produce with you. Courgette cake anyone?!
Zero waste isn’t just about food; it is also about packaging and there is no shortage of that in our food system! Rather than buy more plastic to store food in your freezer, use a glass jar instead. If you use a glass jar, always leave headspace in the jar as liquid in the food with expand when it freezes. Choose wide mouth jars without necks or shoulders as they are easier to fill and empty. Always cool the food at room temperature before you freeze it and defrost in the fridge.
Some vegetables last longer if stored in a jar of water, celery appreciates the water.
If you buy a lettuce, you can wrap it up in a damp tea towel and store it in the fridge, it will stay fresh for longer.
At OsNosh, when we get a surplus of tomatoes, we roast them to use in a chilli, make into tomato sauce or add to a stew or casserole. Quarter the tomatoes or halve them if small. Place in a baking tray, add some garlic, a splash of oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until sweet and softened. Cool and freeze in jars to use when you need to. Enjoy!
Check us out via www.oshnosh.co.uk or FB/Insta
Quick lamb wraps
A tasty lunch treat made with stir-fried lamb strips and served in tortillas or flatbreads
Serves 4
Preparation time 10 minutes
Cooking time 7 minutes
Ingred I ents
• 2 tsp sunflower oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 375g lean lamb stir-fry strips or lean lamb leg steaks, cut into 5cm strips
• 100g mushrooms, cleaned and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped mint
• 100g cooked rice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 tbsp reduced-fat Greek yoghurt
• 1-2 tbsp prepared mint sauce
• 8 flour tortillas or flatbreads
To serve
• Avocado and rocket salad (optional)
Method
1. Heat the oil in a large wok or pan and cook the garlic and lamb strips in batches for 3-4 minutes until brown.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the herbs, rice, lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat for 1-2 minutes.
3. To assemble the wraps, place the flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Mix together the yoghurt and the mint sauce. Spread a dessert spoon over each tortilla and top with a large spoonful of the filling.
4. Fold up to make a neat roll, secure with a cocktail stick, if required, and serve immediately. Remove the cocktail stick before eating.
5. Serve the wraps with an avocado and rocket salad, if liked, or salad of your choice.
For more recipe inspiration and cooking tips using lamb, beef and pork, visit www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk.
New breakfast, lunch and Indian evening meal menu launches 1st August
The perfect venue for your special occasion
We want to help you create the most memorable event, from the tiny details to the extravagant gestures. Oswestry Cricket Club can help you with your layout, decorations, music choices all the way up to your food options - be that a delicious menu or making way for your favourite caterer. Whatever your budget, we can help.
FULLY LICENSED BAR
Our large, fully licensed bar is stocked with a wide range of drinks to suit everyone, including a great range of so drinks. If cocktails are your thing, we can work with you to create a great drinks list tailor-made for your event!
Please Contact Louise on 07359 113831 Occexcecsecretary@btinternet.com
Taste of the Unexpected
Whilst exploring Oswestry Food and Drink Festival last month, poring over culinary delights from our local producers, it got me thinking; something that never fails to get my attention is an unexpected ingredient pairing.
As a lifelong ‘sweet and salty’ popcorn fan the likes of Noba Kitchen’s subtly sweet plantain jollof and Ellesmere Honey’s increasingly spicy range of hot honeys are easy wins. Likewise, without leaving the comfort zone, Shrooma’s mushroom chocolate bars harness the benefits of ingredients that you would never think akin whilst remaining firmly delicious chocolate.
But why not push the flavour bar a little further? The most head-scratching, crowd-drawing of the sweet savoury mashups this year was definitely Bexton Cheeses, who make ginger, salted caramel and limoncello flavoured cheeses. The popularity of their stall definitely confirming that fortune favours the brave. Perhaps served along with Orchard Pigs Bakery chocolate malt and macadamia sourdough we have a solution to the age-old dilemma of picking between a cheese course or something sweet.
In the spirit of our flavour adventurous local producers, and whilst summer holidays are upon us, I have three tried and tested dish suggestions from around the world, each showcasing a slightly off kilter ingredient combo.
Japan - Diagaku Imo (which translates as ‘University Potatoes’ due to the dishes popularity with students) has chunks of fried potato getting a shiny sugar syrup coating. Crispy, fluffy, sweet and savoury, topped with a sprinkling of nutty sesame seeds. Traditionally using Japanese Satsumaimo purple-skinned sweet potato, you can substitute in any white-fleshed sweet potato, and with the whole recipe requiring very few ingredients it’s an easy impromptu answer to sweet-savoury cravings.
India – Paka Kela Sabzi, or simply Ripe Banana Curry, takes the sweetness of bananas and pairs them with flavourful and aromatic spices. The soft and porous texture of bananas makes them ideal for absorbing rich flavours whilst cooking heat caramelises their own natural sugars.
In South India this banana curry often also uses coconut milk, making a rich sauce rather than a dry curry, and is my favourite way to enjoy this dish served alongside rice.
Mexico – Pastel de Elote could perhaps be Mexico’s answer to Europe’s carrot cake; a bake that’s comforting without being too sweet, thanks to it’s key ingredient being sweetcorn. Other ingredients like condensed milk and egg enhance the creaminess of the corn to give the whole dish a slightly custard-like flavour profile. Serve with a scoop of ice cream on a hot summers day whilst feeling assured this is most certainly one of your 5 a day.
by Chelsea Selkirk holisticshropshire
SUN-THURS: 3-11PM | FRI-SAT: 3PM TIL LATE 1 brook buildings, gobowen, oswestry sy11 3JP
Apple and raspberry coconut parfaits
Cool down from the summer heat with these simple make-ahead desserts featuring sweet, juicy apples and raspberries layered with a delicious coconut cream.
Serves 2 | Preparation time 20 minutes, plus overnight chilling | Cooking time 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 3 Jazz apples, deseeded and chopped into pieces, plus extra slices to serve (optional)
• 1 tsp of coconut oil
• 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1/2 tbsp of maple syrup (optional)
• 125g frozen or fresh raspberries, plus extra for decoration
For the coconut cream:
• 1 x 400ml tin of full-fat coconut cream stored in the fridge overnight – please don’t skip this step
• 1 tbsp of maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp shelled pecans, toasted in a dry pan and chopped
METHOD
1. Place the chopped apples, coconut oil, lemon juice and maple syrup (if using) into a pan with a dash of water. Cook the apples on a medium to low heat with the lid on for about 10-15 minutes or until they start to fall apart.
2. Add the raspberries and cook for another 5 minutes. You can either use the compote as it is or, if you like it smoother, you can blend it up using a hand blender.
3. While the compote is cooling down, make the coconut cream.
4. Remove the tinned coconut milk from the fridge and scoop out the thick part, which should sit on top. Don’t use any of the watery part, otherwise the cream will turn out too runny (you can save it for smoothies or curries).
5. With a hand whisk, start to whisk the cream before adding in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whip until you have a super creamy and smooth consistency, almost like whipped cream!
6. When the fruit compote is completely cold, assemble some jars/glasses with half the compote and half the coconut cream. Serve with some fresh raspberries and some sliced apples, if liked.
For more sweet and savoury recipe inspiration using Jazz ™ apples, visit www.jazzapple.com
of the month august 2026
Rye Lane (15)
available on bbc iplayer
It’s been a great year for rom-coms, Finding Emily and Voicemails for Isabelle have shown new ways of telling familiar stories, as did 2021’s Rye Lane.
Fresh from difficult break-ups, Yas and Dom meet in an art gallery before spending the day wandering around Brixton and Peckham, slowly getting to know one another. A simple idea, but one that allows the film space to find laughs alongside some moving moments as the pair gradually lower their guard.
The colourful streets, cafés and markets of South London are as much a part of the film as the two leads, giving Rye Lane a warmth that›s hard to resist. It takes a few minutes to tune into the fast-moving dialogue but the two leads have such natural chemistry you forget you’re watching actors at all. Watch out for a brilliantly judged cameo from one of Britain’s greatest rom-com stars – it’s a lovely surprise that’s best discovered for yourself. Take a trip to Rye Lane as soon as you can.
By Michael Hudson
Top star backs Oswestry
International ventriloquist Nina Conti has told the Oswestry Film Society she’s delighted it’s screening what is her directorial debut this month.
She also co-wrote and stars in SUNLIGHT - a dark but uplifting (and well-reviewed) comedy that was released to selected cinemas late last year after premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe and then being showcased by the BFI at Cannes.
“I’m thrilled you’re showing it - we’re very proud of it and I’m just sorry I can’t make it to Oswestry,” she said after being invited to lead a Q&A on the night - but she’s preparing for a UK run of her regular stage show.
The OFS has hosted high profile guests in the past, including impressionist Alistair McGowan and a James Bond film director. OFS nights, hosted by Oswestry’s Maona cinema, are open to all. Tickets for SUNLIGHT (15) on Wed August 5, and all films in Maona›s expanding programme are available via www.maonacinema.com.
run on behalf of Oswestry Bridge Club.
Venue: Memorial Hall, Smithfield St, Oswestry SY11 2EG
Start Date: Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Time: 7 - 9pm Course length approximately 40 weeks.
John is a trained member of the Bridge Teachers Association, the national association for the teaching of bridge.
IN SHORT
Classic and contemporary short story collections are perfect for reading on a summer break.
You Like It Darker by Stephen King
These 12 delightfully dark miniatures from master storyteller Stephen King once more mine his uncanny ability to unnerve, disturb and terrify. “You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” he writes in the afterword.
The Collected Stories of
Katherine Mansfield
by Katherine Mansfield
This edition brings together all the tales the short-story pioneer had written up to her death in 1923 – from the early, satirical stories set in Bavaria, through recollections of her New Zealand childhood.
Shropshire Hills
Will you help us support adults who want to learn to read?
If you have just a couple of hours a week to help us match readers with our team of Coaches, we’d love to hear from you!
Call Ros now on 07960 865 564 or Email shrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk
Stories To Make You Smile
edited by Fanny Blake
This collection of feelgood stories, written by ten bestselling novelists, are all rich in humour. They are guaranteed to lift your spirits and warm your heart.
The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories
by
Ken Liu
Ken Liu presents a stunning mix of sci-fi, fantasy and deeply human storytelling that invoke the magical within the mundane. Award-winning Liu is one of the most original and thought-provoking short-story writers of his generation.
Interpreter of Maladies
by Jhumpa Lahiri
British-American writer Lahiri’s elegant, prize-winning debut collection explores the lives of Indians in exile – of people navigating between strict traditions and a baffling new world.
OSWESTRY’S CREATIVE ARTS VENUE HERMON CHAPEL, OSWESTRY SY11 1LF
GIGS AND CONCERTS AUG-SEPT 2026
AUG.1ST @ 7.30PM Evening of Opera
AUG. 9TH @ 4.30PM Classical Song Recital
AUG. 16TH @ 4.30PM Iago Banet (solo guitar)
AUG. 29TH @ 10.30-13.30PM Drum Workshop
SEPT. 5TH @ 8PM Golden Keys, Bond Themes (Jazz)
SEPT.18TH @ 7.30PM Jazz Harp Trio
SEPT. 20TH @ 4.30PM Classical Piano Duet Recital
SEPT. 24TH @ 8PM Belinda O’Hooley (Folk)
FIND OUT MORE: WWW.HERMONARTS.CO.UK TICKETS: WWW.TICKETSOURCE.COM/HERMON-ARTS
2026 Shrewsbury Steam Rally- the ultimate family-friendly event!
For 65 years the County of Salop Steam Engine Society has been at the forefront of commemorating engineering excellence and demonstrating the farming methods of yesteryear. The 2026 Rally is a family-friendly, two-day event that promises to delight visitors to the beautiful setting of Onslow Park, Shrewsbury. The 2026 Rally takes place on the August Bank Holiday, Sunday 30th August and Monday 31 August. Shrewsbury Steam Rally is ‘Shropshire’s Largest Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally’ and is considered to be one of the best in the UK. Organisers say it is Shrewsbury’s ultimate family event where visitors can step back in time to experience the vintage thrills and tradition of yesteryear.
The event has over 1200 highly-entertaining attractions that include the wonderful spectacle of working 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 showcases a superb variety of fabulously decorated steam-powered vehicles that circle the arena set to nostalgic music and poetry – a memorable highlight of the two-day event –, and with a final flurry of their whistles it is always an exciting
spectacle! There is a packed Arena Programme on both days; 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 - with the Main Arena being the centrepiece of the event.
The Golden Age of Victorian Farming has pride of place on the Working Field where timeless traditions, such as a magnificent team of beautiful shire horses, harvesting with reaper binders, and chaff cutting with a threshing box take place. Both pre-1940 and post-1940 tractors will be on view, with over 240 tractors in total.
Enquiries: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk (01938) 570874. Postal address: COSSES, PO Box 4706, Shrewsbury, SY5 0WT. shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk
Live Music
at the Holly & Ebenezer, Cefn Mawr LL14 3AE.
AUGUST 2026
Your venue for live entertainment with a wide selection of well-priced beers.
Mr C Karaoke every Friday 7pm till late raises the roof, come along, sing your song, and enjoy the free shots!
The Steve Daniels Disco every Sunday evening from 8pm till late.
Open MIC Ist, 3rd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Starting 8pm
Jazz & Blues on the 2nd Wednesday of month. Starting 8pm
In the Holly Bush:
SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 7:30PM MAGIC MIRRORS
SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 7:30PM
MAV & MAC
SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 7:30PM BIG BUSINESS
SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 7:30PM
EXTENSION LEADS
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 7:30PM
MONARCH BLUES BAND
In the Ebenezer:
FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 7PM
COUNTRY & WESTERN
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2PM
NORTHERN SOUL TRAIN
Cefn Square: MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2PM
PURPLE ZONE
EVERY 2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH IN THE HOLLY
Why Slow and Steady Really Does Win the Race
Something I see all too often as a coach and personal trainer is people trying to do too much, too soon, believing it’s the fastest route to their goal. You know the saying, Rome wasn’t built in a day? Well, when it comes to fitness, it couldn’t be more true.
A common misconception is that more is always better. More sessions, more reps, more sweat. While we need to push ourselves and avoid complacency, real progress happens when training and recovery work together. Rest isn’t laziness, it’s an essential part of the process.
Then there’s the issue of diminishing returns. Training more frequently will improve results, but only up to a point. Beyond that, each session becomes less beneficial and more likely to lead to injury, stress and burnout. Recovery restores, repairs and allows your body and mind to adapt. We shouldn’t treat it as an afterthought,
or worse, a sign of weakness, but as something essential for longevity and resilience.
Recovery is often associated with tear and repair — creating microscopic muscle damage during training that rebuilds stronger during rest. But it does much more. It helps prevent injuries, replenishes energy stores, strengthens immunity and reduces stress hormones.
If you’re itching to get into the gym when you should be resting, why not spend some time reading about training, anatomy or technique instead? As movement educator Moshe Feldenkrais once said, “you can’t do what you want until you know what you’re doing.” To truly understand and best develop your body, first you must slow down and listen to it. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is, in fact, nothing.
One of the principles we live by at Coach House Fitness is that training without recovery is like building a house on weak foundations. You might make progress for a while, but eventually the cracks begin to show. Strong foundations create lasting results, and recovery is one of the strongest foundations you can build.
Working together, to keep you moving
✓ Insoles
✓ Knee braces
✓ Ankle braces
✓ Footwear
✓ All areas of orthotics
✓ Biomechanical assessment
Are you grappling with the trials of pain, discomfort, or limited mobility?
At Woods Orthotics, we dedicate ourselves to assessing your unique 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.
Types of symptoms we manage
• Foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain
• Poor balance
• Foot drop or ankle instability
• Frequent trips or falls
• Deformities
• Poor alignment of the foot, ankle or knee
• Weakness or loss of power
• Contractures
• Spasticity
• Hypermobility
• Paralysis And more We produce our custom made insoles on-site, giving our patients peace of mind that they will be of the highest quality and optimal fit
• Rechargeable & Bluetooth technology • Latest discreet hearing aids
• Expert aftercare & support • TV listening devices
• Solutions for background noise
From the £1600 range and above
T&Cs:
Are you struggling with
Back & neck Pain?
Sports Injuries? Joint & Muscle Pain? Headaches?
Womens Health Issues? Grumpy Babies & Children? Sleep, Stress or Nutrition Concerns?
We can Help
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
Arty August
evidence shows that taking part in heritage, art, music, creative and expressive activities can have huge benefits to health by connecting people and community. It improves emotional, cognitive, and sensory processing and reduces stress.
Over the holidays why not get the kids involved with some arty projects, to reduce the screen time and inspire some quality family time to
Shrewsbury Arts Trail - www.shrewsburyartstrail. com. This free trail takes in a number of venues around Shrewsbury include workshops, demonstrations, arts cafés talks and a children’s treasure trail. Based at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery there is an Art Camp for young people aged 11–18, with a full day of drawing, printmaking and mixed media inspired by the museum’s collections. Get Creative on 14, 21 and 28 August offers children aged 5+ the opportunity to experiment with different materials, develop new skills and enjoy making art in an inspiring environment.
Cygnets Art School - cygnetsartschool.com hold regular weekly art classes and holiday workshops for kids in Oswestry, contact Hélène on 07796 352162.
The Willow Gallery – over the summer exhibitions will be from Stitch Unbound and Shropshire Guild of Designer Makers with a Meet the Artists event on 1 August, where artists will be in the gallery to discuss their working practice and techniques, all welcome.
The English Bridge Studios Shrewsbury host a variety of exhibitions and workshops including a taster day on 9 August and Seascapes - Create your own coastal painting in this relaxed, step by step acrylic workshop. A full day of sea inspired creativity, with a finished piece to take home 15 August, www.englishbridgestudios.org
How about creating your own arty heritage-based trail around town with the visitoswestry.co.uk/ oswestry-town-family-heritage-trail – this guided trail available from the Tourist Information Centre or downloadable from their site, takes in the town’s most notable buildings, statues and works of art –perhaps you could find the arty or animal connection between each place
Have a happy healthy month!
Are you supporting a loved one at home, living with a cancer diagnosis?
You can be the best help possible by accepting our invitation to restore & reconnect - Free monthly workshops provided as part of the Lingen Davies Cancer Support Wellbeing Programme
Through guided meditation, a mindful activity (such as journaling or crafts) and a gentle walk in nature, these workshops are an opportunity for you to pause, breath, and reconnect with peace, nature and yourself in a safe and compassionate space
Workshops will be held from 10am-12pm at the Gatacre Pavilion, Oswestry SY11 1DR on the following dates: 4 August, 1 September, 6 October 3 November, 1 December
Refreshments and all materials will be provided.Any questions? Contact: Jenna: jennawardcoaching@gmail.com or WhatsApp message 07442 514 616
Sister
Kate can help
Sister Kate specialises in micro suction treatments to help patients remove excessive ear wax that is causing a blockage that has resulted in hearing loss or is causing unpleasant feelings in the ear.
Microsuction
Ear Wax Service
The cost for this procedure is £70.00
Please note that it is the same cost for one or both ears
Please email, call or visit the website to book today: Tel: 01691 888192 Email: kate@sister-kate.co.uk www.sister-kate.co.uk
The Fort, Artillery Business Park, Oswestry SY11 4AD
Main clinic in Oswestry, with monthly clinics at Shrewsbury & Wem. Home visits are also available
Samuel Owen, Senior Audiologist: BEng (Hons), RHAD, CECHAA MSHAA, ABPI
Where did all the laughter go?
by Jenna Ward, Life Coach and Reiki Practitioner.
I’ve had this conversation a few times recently. I used to laugh more. Didn’t you? Didn’t we all used to laugh more? Did there used to be more comedy on TV (back when people watched TV!)? Was there more to laugh about? Was there more joy? Were we less stressed about things? Perhaps we spent more time with others, away from screens, actually doing things and creating space for spontaneous laughter and the joy that it creates.
According to childhood development and psychological research, children laugh an astonishing 300 to 400 times a
SHREWSBURYOFFICENOWOPEN
day on average. In contrast, adults laugh (or chuckle) a whole lot less frequently, at only about 15 to 20 times a day. Isn’t that remarkable?! And kind of sad.
What is it about growing up that leads us to laugh less? We have more responsibilities, yes. We’re expected to ‘grow up’ and ‘take life seriously’. I can even remember being told to “grow up” by peers at secondary school! Can we not be responsible and also light, rather than heavy and weighed down? Is it possible to be mature and also laugh through life’s ups and downs?
One of the big ways that we differ from our childhood selves is in not playing. As children, we are often at play - with others, on our own. Perhaps there was dancing, singing, creating, acting, games like hide and
seek, tag and skipping rope, playful conversation, general all round silliness.
When was the last time you were silly? The last time you played a game, a board game even? The last time you danced around your living room or belted out a tune - whether you sounded good or not, simply because it felt good?
My invitation this month, this week - today! - is to embrace playfulness. Be silly. Have fun. Remember what you enjoyed as a child and do a bit of that. Get some endorphins flowing!
Let’s bring back the laughter.
PRIVATE HOME CARE
We provide personal, confidential, quality home care, when you need it the most. We will ensure you receive the care you are looking for with dignity and respect. Contact us today, we want to support you. Its the little things that matter the most!!!
Health with Dr Paul Middleton
There are none so deaf as those that won’t hear
Do you have difficulty making out speech in a noisy environment? Is the TV tuned up loud? Do you ask people to repeat themselves quite often? Are you over 60 years old? Join the club – I am a member and recently got hearing aids
Presbyacusis sounds better than “your getting old and deaf” but it means much the same thing. Most of us put up with gradual hearing loss for years before something triggers our action – mine was not being able to hear conversations in the bar! Now you can get private hearing aids and that will be quicker than the NHS and might involve a wider range of devices but will cost, on average about £2800 pounds: follow up and batteries not included!
The NHS provides a free service if you are over 60. You will need to have a referral to the audiology service and, if you’re lucky, it will happen in Oswestry (some appointments might
be Shrewsbury though). The NHS provides BTE (behind the ear) digital devices which connect to an app that allows adjustment remotely and these devices are appropriate for most people. In the ear (ITE) or receiver in the ear (RITE) devices are rarely suggested by the NHS. I found an on-line hearing test you might like to try on the nhs.uk site run by the RNID.
How am I getting on? Well, they take some adjusting to but they do work: I can hear birds sing, women’s voices more clearly and I can hold a conversation in the bar! The batteries only last 4 days though (some aids will last longer) and, as a beginner, they are a fiddle to fit. The car sounds different too? Usually means something wrong so that was a surprise. I am not deafening everyone else with the TV. So, if my experience rings a bell maybe it’s time to act?
We’re here so your loved one can stay home, where they want to be. Where things are safe and familiar and they have the best chance to live a full and meaningful life.
Whether it’s everyday companionship or everyday errands, Live-in Care or Home Care visits, our highly-trained Care Experts will give your loved one the support they need to live in the place they feel best: home.
See how we can support you.
Matthew Henry
RETIREMENT PLANNING MADE
You may have seen headlines about the pension tax changes happening next year – and wondered whether they affect you. For many people in or approaching retirement, the answer may well be yes.
Pensions have, for many years, been one of the most tax-efficient ways to leave money to your family. In April 2027, this is set to change. Under current government proposals, most unused pension funds would, if the changes go ahead, be counted within an individual’s estate for inheritance tax.
Craig Roberts, Oswestry-based independent financial adviser at Belgrave Wincham, explains what this may mean for your plans.
“The concern among advisers is what’s being called ‘double taxation’”, says Craig. “A pension inherited by a higher-rate taxpayer could face inheritance tax first, followed by income tax on withdrawals – leaving families with less than expected. This particularly affects those with larger estates or pensions they weren’t planning to fully draw down.”
“There are,” he adds, “however, practical steps worth considering well before the changes happen.
“Reviewing how quickly you draw from your pension is a sensible starting point, for example, as is considering whether regular gifting from surplus income could reduce your estate’s exposure over time.
He continues: “The order in which you draw on different assets may also need a rethink – ISAs, for instance, don’t carry the same income tax burden for beneficiaries on withdrawal. So, the long-held assumption that you should draw on your ISA before your pension may no longer hold true.
“One important note,” he adds, “is that drawing from your pension too quickly could mean paying more income tax now and potentially leaving yourself short later. The key is finding the right balance so you’re not taking more than you need but still making the most of the options available before the rules change.”
If you’d like to talk through how the pension changes might affect you and your plans, call Belgrave Wincham on 01691 886554 to book a free consultation.
The proposed pension inheritance tax changes referred to are based on current government proposals and may change before implementation. Decisions regarding pensions and estate planning should be based on your personal circumstances and objectives. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice, estate
Acc ident & Inj ury
Should we let employee take us to a Tribunal, or should we just settle now?
Acc ident & Inj ury Agric ultu re & Estates
Accident & Injury
Agric ultu re & Estates
Business Struc ture & Issue s
Business Struc ture & Issues
Agriculture & Estates
Chil dre n
Chil dren
Q: We are a small family-run manufacturing business. Recently we have had an issue with an employee who regularly fails to attend work after a ‘heavy’ weekend in the pub but always claims to be suffering a migraine. We have gone through the formal disciplinary procedure to no avail and now need to dismiss him. However, we suspect that he will try and take us to a tribunal.
Clin ic al Negligenc e
Business Structure & Issues
Co mpany & Co mme rc ial
Clin ic al Negligenc e Co mpany & Co mme rc ial
Children
Co mmerc ial Pro perty
Co mmerc ial Pro perty
Co urt o f Pro tec tio n
Clinical Negligence
Co urt o f Pro tec tio n
Cri me & Regulatory
Company & Commercial
Employment Law
Cri me & Regulatory Employment Law
Family & Matrimo nial
Family & Matrimo nial
Li tigatio n & Dispute Reso lutio n
M ental Hea lth
Commercial Property Court of Protection Crime & Regulatory
Li tigatio n & Dispute Reso lutio n M ental Hea lth
Priso n Law
Priso n Law
This happened to us once before and that particular employee went to ACAS, who took so long to start the Early Conciliation process and inform us of a pending tribunal hearing that the EC window closed before any meaningful discussions could take place. Should we just offer this employee a settlement now, as we can ill-afford a lengthy tribunal hearing?
Pro fessio nal Neglig enc e
Employment Law
Pro bate, Wills, Tax & Trust
Pro fessio nal Neglig enc e
Resi denti al Property
Family & Matrimonial Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Spinal Inj uries
Probate, Wills, Tax & Trust Resi denti al Pro perty Spinal Inj uries
Regulated by the SRA No. 51566 OSWESTRY 01691 659194
LLANGOLLEN 01978 860313 llangollen@ghplegal.com
OSWESTRY 37-39 Willow Street, SY11 1AQ &
21 The Cross, SY11 1PN Tel: 01691 659194 oswestry@ghplegal.com
WREXHAM 01978 291456 wrexham@ghplegal.com
LLANGOLLEN 01978 860313 llangollen@ghplegal.com
A: It would seem that you might be unaware of recent changes to the Early Conciliation (EC) process. Prior to 1st December 2025, the maximum EC period was six weeks. For claims notified to ACAS on or after that date, the period increased to 12 weeks. The change was introduced, at least in part, to ease pressure on ACAS following an increase in demand for Early Conciliation and the growing complexity of employment disputes. It appears that, in your previous case, ACAS were unable to engage with the parties in sufficient time for any meaningful negotiations to take place before the EC period came to an end.
Whether entering into settlement negotiations would be the appropriate next step will depend on a number of factors, including the fairness and reasonableness of the disciplinary process you have followed, the strength of any potential claims and the costs of defending proceedings. An employment law specialist will be able to advise on the merits of your position and whether seeking an early settlement or defending any subsequent claim would be the more appropriate course of action.
This question has been answered by James Denton, a Solicitor 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
YOU PASMA TOWER CERTIFIED ?
ARE
PASMA Tower user training gives you the skills to safely assemble, dismantle & use mobile access towers on site, reducing the risk of falls and keeping you compliant with the Working at Height Regulations.
YOU PASMA TOWER CERTIFIED ?
Griffiths hire shops has its own purpose built training facility in Oswestry where you can book on a wide variety of training courses from Pasma, Forklift Flt, Ipaf Powered Access, First Aid, Manual Handling, Harness Inspection, Pat Testing, Ladder Safety & more just check out our website for upcoming courses & availability or contact us via email or phone -
Training@griffithshireshops.co.uk
Oswestry - 01691671770
Wrexham - 01978366383
Whitchurch - 01948664404
Griffiths hire shops has its own purpose ARE
PASMA Tower user training gives you the skills to safely assemble, dismantle & use mobile access towers on site, reducing the risk of falls and keeping you compliant with the Working at Height Regulations.
Inheritance Tax Enquiries Reach Six-Year High
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is stepping up its scrutiny of Inheritance Tax (IHT), opening 4,940 formal enquiries during the last financial year - an 18% increase on the previous year and the highest number recorded in six years.
The increase reflects the Government’s wider drive to improve tax compliance. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has committed to raising an additional £6.5 billion a year by the end of this Parliament through investment in HMRC, including the recruitment of around 5,000 compliance caseworkers and a further 1,800 debt collection officers.
A formal IHT enquiry is usually triggered when HMRC believes an estate may have been valued incorrectly or information on the Inheritance Tax return is incomplete. During an investigation, executors and their professional advisers may be asked to provide supporting documentation, property valuations and detailed explanations of the figures submitted.
While not every enquiry results in extra tax being payable, the process can be time-consuming
and stressful for families. Last year, around 40% of enquiries led to amendments to the original return, down from 45% the previous year. Even so, Inheritance Tax receipts reached a record £8.5 billion.
One reason for this steady increase is the continued freeze on Inheritance Tax thresholds. As property prices and other asset values have risen, more estates are being drawn into the tax net. The position is expected to tighten further from April 2027, when unused pension funds and certain death benefits are scheduled to become part of an individual’s estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.
With more estates likely to face Inheritance Tax and HMRC increasing its compliance activity, ensuring affairs are properly organised has become increasingly important. Regular reviews of wills, accurate valuations and timely estate planning can help minimise tax liabilities and reduce the risk of HMRC enquiries. Seeking professional advice early can provide reassurance that your estate is structured efficiently and that your family is spared unnecessary complications at an already difficult time.
Celebrating the people behind Oswestry Show
For thousands of people, Oswestry Show is one of the highlights of the summer calendar - a day to enjoy livestock competitions, good food, trade stands and family entertainment. But what many visitors don’t see is the extraordinary amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make it happen.
That’s one of the themes explored in a new episode of Lanyon Bowdler’s Legal Lounge podcast, featuring Oswestry Show chairman David Kempster.
Oswestry-based commercial property solicitor, Tania McGee, who is honorary solicitor to the show, says becoming more involved has given her a new appreciation for the dedication of the volunteers.
“I have the privilege of being honorary solicitor of Oswestry Show, so I am able to go to their meetings,” she says. “They have been a real eye-opener for me as I never realised just how much work goes into setting up the show each year.
“Seeing the commitment of the members and how much hard work they do has been really interesting.”
That commitment extends far beyond show day itself.
“Oswestry Show is always the first Saturday of August every year,” David says. “Once the show is done, it’s tidyup time for the rest of August and then once September comes, it’s all hands on deck to start preparing for next
year’s show. It really is an all-year-round process.”
While the event has grown into one of the biggest agricultural shows in the region, David believes its purpose has remained unchanged.
“The main aim of the show is to educate the public about the role of agriculture in their community,” he says. “There is something for everyone - we try to make it as wide-ranging as possible for the public but with an agricultural base. We get between 14,000 and 16,000 people from all over Oswestry and the wider area.”
Kate Lawson, of Lanyon Bowdler, says that broad appeal is evident every time the show opens its gates.
“When I was at the show last year I met people from Nantwich, North Wales and further afield,” she says. “It really does attract people from all over and Lanyon Bowdler is delighted to be a long-standing supporter of the show.”
To listen to the podcast in full, search for ‘The Legal Lounge’ on your preferred podcast provider or visit www.lblaw.co.uk/knowledge
Kate Lawson and Tania McGee of Lanyon Bowdler with Oswestry Show chairman David Kempster.
Pure linen luxury
The elegant softness and timeless texture of this natural fabric make it the perfect accompaniment to relaxed, sunny days and long summer nights.
Add a beautiful napkin to a relaxing weekend breakfast or a celebratory supper. These are ethically and sustainably hand-made in Lithuania. Natural linen napkin, from £15 each, Nina D. www.nina-d.co.uk
These ready-made curtains are beautifully soft yet weighty. Finished with a blackout lining, they feature an easy multiway header so they can be hung in four different ways. Marling linen-mix curtains in Pale Indigo, from £90 (pair), The Cotswold Company. www.cotswoldco.com
The inherent beauty of natural yarns is evident in the subtle colours and tactile textures of the Contour range of 31 fabrics, linen sheers and braids. Natural, woven fabrics, from £79.50 per metre, Ian Mankin. www.ianmankin.co.uk
Crafted from natural linen in a versatile neutral tone, this luxurious cushion features an elegant double border detail for subtle structure and a tailored finish. Ataraxia square double border linen cushion, £48, French Bedroom. www.frenchbedroom.co.uk
Combine style and comfort with an elegant, shabby-chic armchair. Hampstead armchair upholstered in 100% linen Rosedale, £4,247, Darlings of Chelsea. www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk
Surface
Premium
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.
Quality Bathrooms, Trusted Plumbers, Local Service
At BlueWater Plumbing & Heating Ltd, we believe your home deserves the very best. We are based locally and proudly serve customers across Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales. We have built our reputation on quality workmanship, honest advice and excellent customer care.
We specialise in creating beautiful, practical bathrooms tailored to your family, your lifestyle and your budget; from contemporary wet rooms and luxurious en-suites to complete family bathroom renovations, we manage every stage of the project with care and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for a stylish modern update or a timeless, traditional design, we take pride in transforming ideas into spaces that are both functional and beautiful.
Our expertise doesn’t stop there. We provide a full range of plumbing and heating services, helping homeowners with everything from leaking taps and toilet repairs to new boilers, cylinder replacements, pipework alterations, outside taps, kitchen plumbing and much more. Whether it’s a planned improvement or an unexpected problem, we’re committed to delivering a professional and reliable service every time.
For complete peace of mind, BlueWater Plumbing & Heating Ltd is fully Gas Safe registered. We understand that inviting tradespeople into your home is built on trust, which is why safety, professionalism and a commitment to doing the job properly are at the heart of everything we do.
At BlueWater Plumbing & Heating Ltd, we firmly believe that the same exceptional workmanship, time and effort should go into every job we undertake. We treat every home as if it were our own, and if there is anything we’re not completely satisfied with, we’ll put it right until the end result is exactly as it should be.
No job is too small, and every customer receives the same commitment to outstanding service. From replacing a dripping tap to installing a dream bathroom, we approach
every project with the same care, respect and pride in our workmanship.
We are incredibly proud of the reputation we have built, both locally and beyond. Much of our work comes through recommendations from satisfied customers who appreciate the quality, reliability, craftsmanship and dedication that our team brings to each and every job.
If you’re planning a new bathroom, let us help bring your ideas to life. We can guide you from the initial concept right through to completion, offering practical advice and expert craftsmanship to create a space that is both beautiful and built to last.
If you simply need help with a plumbing repair, you can rely on us to provide the same friendly, professional service that has become the hallmark of our business.
Get in touch today for friendly advice and a free quote. We’d be delighted to discuss your ideas and help make your home work better for you. Tom & Rhys Email info@bluewaterph.co.uk or call 07384 851554.
Interiors
by Stephanie Dhillon
Aquatic Sea
This serene blue green hue conveys a calming coastal essence without being cliched. Fresh and summery, it pairs beautifully with soft neutrals and organic textures, creating a relaxed vacation vibe to your home.
Clockwise from left:
Blue Stripe Sea salt and Sage Candle £8.99 from Keep Cozy www.keepcozy.co.uk
Les Coraux - Sage Green Coral Art Print £49 from Beach House Art www.beachhouseart.co.uk
Mondo Cushion, surf from Melin Tregwynt £59 www.melintregwynt.co.uk
Precook Melamine Bowls, Green, set of 4 £9 form ProCook www.procook.co.uk
Clockwise from above right:
Sea Blue Ornate Planter £30 fromThe Wisteria Tree www.thewisteriatree.co.uk
Tide Beach Painting - Aqua, Natural Frame. £49 from Beach House Art www.beachhouseart.co.uk
Avanti Handwoven Aquamarine Runner £89.99 from Daals www.daals.co.uk
Florence Ripple Glass Table Lamp - Sea Mist £115 from Case by JJ www.casabyjj.com
California Garden Chair £45 from Peppermill Interiors www.peppermillinteriors.com
one-stop solution for all your home renovation needs. With a dedicated installation manager overseeing every project and a highly experienced team of skilled tradespeople, there’s no task we can’t handle.
Whether it’s structural wall removals to create open plan living, upgrading or relocating
At QA, we don’t just design, supply and install your kitchen or bathroom, we offer a full one-stop solution for all your home renovation needs. With a dedicated installation manager overseeing every project and a highly experienced team of skilled tradespeople, there’s no task we can’t handle.
Whether it’s structural wall removals to create open plan living, upgrading or relocating windows and doors, or carrying out plumbing and electrical alterations, our team manages it all with precision and care. We also take care of the essential finishing touches from plastering to painting ensuring every detail meets the highest standard.
With QA, you can relax knowing that every stage of your renovation is seamlessly managed by experts who prioritise quality, safety and craftsmanship.
We keep everything in hand so you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free transformation of your home. Established in Shropshire in 1983 and now with 7 showrooms to choose from there really is no need to go anywhere else.
NEW: PIR Cutting Service - Take the mess and the hassle out of your projects : We can cut your materials with care and precision. Includes PIR insulation up to 150mm, OSB.CLS, MDF and Ply.
Supply and Delivery can be arranged
All building and carpentry work, including extensions, conversions and kitchens
Supply and installation of all windows and doors, including UPVC and aluminium
Manufacture, supply and installation of bespoke timber frame extensions, cabins, and garden rooms
With over 20 years’ experience in the trade, our specialist team at Cockshutt Windows Ltd o er a reliable service for:
Conservatory installations
Replacement insulated conservatory roofs
New windows, doors & porches
Fascia, guttering, so its & cladding
Maintenance & repairs
Our marketing database reaches over 1,400 contacts
We engage with an audience of over 5,800 on social media
Professional and qualified team with over 130 years of collective experience
Over 1,700 viewings completed in last 12 months
Over £30M of agreed property sales in the last year
Our team all live locally within 10 miles of Oswestry
Property
Our fabulous Town & Country Team!
Richard Founder, Director and Valuer
Richard is the face of Town & Country!
He can often be seen out and about meeting clients and valuing their homes for sale. He is as passionate about people and property today as the day he set up the business in 2005. He also loves a social media video so can often be seen in front of the camera despite it often needing a few takes!
Karen
Letting Manager
With a background in lettings, Karen over-sees our letting department. Always working hard to develop strong working relationships with landlords old and new and works hard to ensure she matches the right tenants to the right homes!
Alex
After Sales Manager
Debbie
Founder and Director
Married to Richard, she has been by his side through every step of the last 20+ years in business. Mum to their four children she is busy balancing family life along with being an important part of our accounts department and lettings team!
Emma Sales & Office Manager & Valuer
Having joined the team four years ago, Emma is Richards’ righthand lady in the office. Having a sales background, she oversees the day to day running of the business, unlike Richard, she avoids the camera and loves all things property!
Ashleigh
Senior Sales Negotiator
A people person and coming from a hospitality background, Ashleigh loves to chat! Excitedly matching people to properties and agreeing sales, you may have met her on a viewing or if you pop into our office, she will always be the first to welcome you! Great with the camera, she is also responsible for our videos!
Krissy
Sales Negotiator/ Admin
If you have phoned Town & Country, you are likely to have chatted with our Krissy. Ensuring viewings are booked quickly and feedback is delivered to our owners, she is an important part of our sales team!
Alex comes from a previous role with solicitors. She is responsible for supporting our buyers and sellers through the process from ‘Offer accepted’ to ‘Completion of the sale’. Often a timely process, this line of communication is vital to ensure everyone is kept updated!
Owen Letting Administrator
Very much a part of the family business, Owen is the eldest son of Richard & Debbie and recently joined the business after leaving college. Dealing with the day-to-day enquiries and assisting in setting up tenancies for new tenants, Owen is growing in confidence daily and taking on new responsibilities.
Sue
Accompanied Viewer
Sue is often found showing potential buyers around homes for sale. She is a wonderfully chatty lady and can very quickly work out what our buyers are looking for, passionate about property, this is the ideal role for her!
£750,000
PENYBONTFAWR, OSWESTRY
53 acre smallholding, modern bungalow & many useful outbuildings with direct access into the Dyfnant forest with many paths and tracks suitable for treking, hacking, trail riding. Freehold, with no occupancy restrictions, this smallholding offers many opportunities for the new owner! The well-presented detached bungalow boasts two spacious reception rooms, providing ample space for relaxation and entertaining.
£350,000
CEFN MAWR
An immaculately refurbished three-bedroom detached stone cottage in the popular village of Cefn Mawr, offering stylish, move-in-ready accommodation. Features include a contemporary kitchen/diner opening onto a balcony with stunning views, luxury bathroom, ample parking, low-maintenance gardens, and excellent access to local amenities, Llangollen, Wrexham, motorway links, and beautiful countryside walks. Viewing is highly recommended.
OSWESTRY
An extended three-bedroom semi-detached offering spacious, versatile accommodation ideal for family living. Featuring three reception rooms, generous bedrooms, gas central heating, uPVC double glazing, and an enclosed rear garden, the property is conveniently located close to shops, schools, parks, and local amenities, making it an excellent opportunity for a wide range of buyers.
Town and Country Oswestry is a family run business and having been established since 2005, the team brings with them a wealth of local knowledge and experience. We offer the highest level of service and we aim to simplify your property journey as much as possible, guiding you through the process, step by step. Pop in and visit our Town Centre office where our team are looking forward to welcoming you.
CEFN MAWR
Occupying an elevated position in sought-after Cefn Mawr, with far-reaching hillside views and grounds extending to approximately half an acre, this charming detached character home offers four double bedrooms, spacious reception rooms, a superb kitchen/dining room, and a versatile detached studio. Beautifully maintained throughout and combining period charm with modern convenience, it is an exceptional family home in a desirable location.
OSWESTRY
This charming Victorian three-bedroom end-terrace home on sought-after Ferrers Road combines original period features with spacious, versatile accommodation. Offering two reception rooms, gated driveway with off-road parking, disabled-friendly features including a wet room, and an EPC rating of C, the property is ideally located close to schools, shops, parks, and town amenities, making it perfect for a wide range of buyers.
With no onward chain, this beautifully renovated Welsh stone cottage in the picturesque hamlet of Pandy blends original character with modern comfort. Offering one double bedroom plus a study/second bedroom, open-plan living, landscaped gardens, allocated parking, and stunning valley views, it is ideal as a first home, holiday retreat, or investment, close to the attractions of Llangollen.
£325,000
FOREST HILLS, CHIRK
Nestled within the sought-after Forest Hills area of Chirk, this charming semi-detached stone cottage enjoys an idyllic setting surrounded by extensive private gardens. Beautifully blending original character with sympathetic modern updates, the spacious accommodation offers warmth, charm, and move-inready comfort. A rare opportunity to acquire a unique countryside home in a peaceful yet convenient location.
LLANSILIN, OSWESTRY
Offered with no onward chain, this modern threebedroom semi-detached home, built in 2023, enjoys a beautiful village setting in Llansilin, backing onto open countryside. Well presented throughout, it offers spacious accommodation, driveway parking for two vehicles, and stunning rural views. Combining contemporary living with peaceful surroundings, this is an ideal home for families or first-time buyers.
MORDA, OSWESTRY
This delightful two bedroom end terrace house offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The layout is thoughtfully designed to maximise space and light. The end terrace position, with enclosed rear garden provides added privacy and a sense of tranquillity, making it a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. EPC Rating C ‘71’
PANDY
Property Spotlight
Versatile family home
Baytree Close, St Martins
Nestled within the sought-after village of St Martins, this impressive, individual, architectural designed fourbedroom detached family home offers an exceptional blend of spacious accommodation, character, and modern-day comfort.
Beautifully presented throughout, the property has been thoughtfully designed to provide versatile living spaces that are perfectly suited to both family life and entertaining. The accommodation briefly comprises an inviting lounge, an elegant separate dining room, a well-appointed kitchen, four generously proportioned double bedrooms, including a superb principal bedroom with a stylish en-suite, together with a beautifully appointed family bathroom.
Asking Price £575,000. For viewings call Town & Country on 01691 679 631 or email sales@townandcountryoswestry.com
Spacious period home
24 Victoria Street, Oswestry
Monks are delighted to bring to the market this well presented two bedroom terrace home offering deceptively spacious living in accommodation perfect for first time buyers, investors or young family. Occupying an enviable position on this sought after road in the heart of Oswestry. Briefly comprising of entrance hallway, lounge, dining room, kitchen, two impressive double bedrooms and family bathroom.
OIRO £190,000. For viewings call Monks on 01691 674 567 or email sales.oswestry@monks.co.uk
Beautiful family home
Oak Drive, Oswestry
A beautiful 1930s semi-detached family home with detached garage/workshop and south facing rear garden designed for ease of maintenance. Situated within the popular and well established residential area of Oak Drive, the property offers a lovely blend of characterful period features and stylish modern interiors, creating a warm and welcoming home ideal for family living and entertaining.
Asking Price £300,000. For viewings call Hayley Jackson on 07359 393 122 or email hayley.jackson@exp.uk.com
Home designed for comfort
4 Parc Llwyfen, Llanymynech
No onward chain. Located in the scenic village of Llanymynech, this delightful home offers approximately 124 square metres of total living space. Well maintained and designed for comfort, the property boasts practical and flexible living spaces.
The ground floor offers a warm and inviting living room complete with a charming fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, conservatory for relaxation and a handy cloakroom. The first floor features four impressive bedrooms which include two doubles, one of which includes an ensuite, two singles and bathroom. The property also comes with parking for two vehicles and a single garage. With its perfect balance of accessibility and tranquil surroundings, this home is ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet convenient lifestyle.
OIRO £385,000. For viewings call Roger Parry & Partners on 01691 655 334 or email oswestry@rogerparry.net
Exceptional countryside bungalow
Silverdale, Chapel Lane, Knockin Heath
Occupying an idyllic semi-rural setting in the peaceful hamlet of Knockin Heath, this impressive fourbedroom detached bungalow enjoys approximately 1.23 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning views across the surrounding countryside.
Offering spacious and versatile accommodation throughout, the property is perfectly suited to family living while benefiting from excellent privacy. The accommodation briefly comprises an inviting living room, separate dining room, well-appointed kitchen, utility room, shower room, cloakroom, four generously proportioned bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, the property boasts a range of useful outbuildings, extensive gardens and ample parking, creating a wonderful opportunity to enjoy country living within easy reach of local amenities.
Offers In the Region Of £575,000. For viewings call Roger Parry on 01691 655334 or email oswestry@rogerparry.net
Spacious family home
Whitfield Close, Oswestry
Situated in a desirable cul-de-sac on the edge of town, this deceptively spacious three-bedroom semi-detached family home offers versatile accommodation perfectly suited to modern family living. Beautifully maintained throughout, the property provides generous living spaces including a dual-aspect lounge with feature fireplace, a fitted kitchen, separate dining room and a bright conservatory overlooking the rear garden.
Upstairs are three well-proportioned double bedrooms, with the principal bedroom offering potential for an ensuite, together with a well-appointed family bathroom. Externally, the property benefits from ample driveway parking, solar panels and an enclosed, established rear garden ideal for relaxing and entertaining.
Offers In the Region Of £260,000. For viewings call Monks on 01691 674 567 or email sales.oswestry@monks.co.uk
£125,000
August in the garden
by Graham Mitchell
TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH DWYER CONSTRUCTION
TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH DWYER CONSTRUCTION
August in Oswestry is hard to predict. After such an erratic summer, it is safest to expect warm, changeable weather and garden accordingly. Focus on keeping plants productive while gently preparing for autumn: water containers, hanging baskets and newly planted shrubs regularly, ideally early in the morning or evening, and use rainwater where possible. A mulch on bare soil will help hold moisture and keep those persistent weeds in check.
In the flower borders, keep deadheading dahlias, roses, cosmos and bedding plants to stretch the colour into September. It can be a surprisingly relaxing job, and it makes a real difference. Once lavender has finished flowering, trim it lightly without cutting into old woody stems, which can leave bare, unsightly patches. If the wind has not already prompted you to do it, support tall perennials before late-summer rain flattens them, and collect seed from favourites such as sweet peas, aquilegias and calendula on dry days.
Meanwhile, on the veg patch, pick courgettes, beans, tomatoes and cucumbers little and often to keep crops coming. As gaps appear, sow quick crops such as rocket, spinach, radish, salad leaves and spring cabbage, or use
green manure on empty beds to protect and improve the soil.
Fruit needs a little tidying too. Cut out fruited summer raspberry canes and tie in the new growth, summer-prune trained apples and pears, and prop any heavy branches that are struggling under the weight of the crop. Rooted strawberry runners can also be planted into fresh ground or pots.
To finish, keep lawns mown a little higher during dry spells and leave some seedheads or late flowers for pollinators. August is also a useful moment to notice what has thrived in your garden, so you can plan autumn planting while the successes and gaps are still fresh in mind. Above all, though, summer is the time to enjoy the garden and sample the fruits of your labours.
Looking to enhance your home’s exterior? Dwyer Construction offers high
Looking to enhance your home’s exterior? Dwyer Construction offers high quality paving, patios, driveways, fencing, and general building & maintenance to homeowners across Shropshire, Mid & North Wales, and Cheshire.
With over 25 years of experience, we provide reliable, professional, and affordable services to make your home look its best.
Over 25 Years of Expertise
Over 25 Years of Expertise
Serving Shropshire, Mid & North Wales, Cheshire & Beyond! n
Skilled craftsmanship you can trust.
Quality Materials & Workmanship
Ensuring durability, quality and style
Friendly, Reliable, & Affordable
service with a personal touch
www.dwyerconstruction.co.uk
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’. great for the borders.
Make the most of these beautiful gardens
Midsummer’s Day has passed: it is hard to believe the evenings will soon begin to shorten in preparation for Autumn. In the meantime, we must make the most of our gardens, which are at their summer best and ready for more visitors. During May/June Powys NGS welcomed over 4,000 visitors raising nearly £35,000 for our nursing and healthcare charities. Amazing!
Bryngwyn Hall near Llanfyllin (SY22 5LJ) opens for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 2 August 11.30am4.30pm. This award winning nine-acre garden with huge serpentine lake sits in 60 acres of parkland. There are unusual trees and shrubs and a poison garden. Home-made teas; dogs on leads welcome. Admission £8; children free.
Further afield, why not have a day out at the beautiful village of Aberangell near Machynlleth (SY20 9ND) on Sat 8th to Sun 9th August (11am-5pm). Seven delightful very different gardens sit beside the River Angell on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. Home-made teas; admission £7; children free.
Many of our “by arrangement” gardens are still open during August. 1 Church Bank, Welshpool (SY21 7DR) a hidden town garden full of unusual features; Eve’s Garden, Llansantffraid (SY22 6TB) a vibrant rose-filled garden
suitable for wheelchair access; Glan Yr Afon, Llangedwyn (SY10 9LQ) a terraced garden with stunning views of the Tanat Valley, and Vicarage Farm, Llangynog (SY10 0HG) a level flower-filled garden set in the Pennant Valley. All are open to groups from 5 upwards by arrangement with the owners, who will also provide delicious home-made teas in glorious surroundings. More information can be found by visiting ngs.org.uk
Now is the time we start to look for new gardens to open during our centenary year, 2027. If you live in Powys and own or know of a garden which may be suitable, please do get in touch with our Area Organiser, Susan Paynton, on 01686 650531. From intimate village gardens to large wildflower meadows, all gardens are special places, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Bryngwyn Hall lake
Ed Baker Services
From Dream to Dinner
by Lindsey Pierce
A year ago, I had a vision. Not a perfectly planned one (let’s be honest!), but I dreamed of arches dripping with sweet peas… and now they’re here, filling the air with the most incredible scent and giving us armfuls of flowers to take home.
I imagined growing sweetcorn towering over the children… and it’s now standing proudly in the middle of the plot.
I hoped we’d wander around picking fruit as we went, and now the raspberries, blackcurrants and strawberries are producing enough that the children think every visit should end with dessert!
Even our first proper harvest basket made me smile. Lettuce, peas, raspberries, herbs and sweet peas. It’s exactly the picture I’d hoped for when we first cleared what felt like an endless jungle of weeds.
The brassicas have been keeping us busy too. We’ve harvested our first broccoli and cabbages. The cauliflowers have been a little more temperamental though! Gardening certainly teaches patience… and that no two vegetables ever seem to read the same instruction book!
While we’re enjoying the summer harvest, one eye is already looking ahead. We’ve recently planted more beetroot and dwarf French beans, and the tomatillos have completely surprised me by taking off better than almost anything else on the plot.
August feels like a turning point. Alongside picking tomatoes, courgettes and beans, it’s time to think about autumn and winter too. Spring cabbages, spinach, lettuce and overwintering onions can all be started now, helping to keep the plot productive long after summer has packed its bags.
I’ll also be starting to think about planting potatoes for Christmas… yes, we really do need to plan for that now!
There are still plenty of weeds, plenty of jobs waiting and a never-ending list of things I’d like to improve. And yes… the weeds are still winning some days!
But for the first time since taking on the allotment, I can honestly say it’s exactly what I imagined.
And that feels pretty special.
PUZZL e P age
CryPtiC Crossword
Across
1. Blue logo design – gosh! (6)
4. Dim angel wrongly defamed (8)
9. A German and I brought to ruin (6)
10. Seedy bars on bad French islands (8)
12. It’s angry about a swimmer (8)
13. Tailless cats going around me and a tree (6)
15. Alien following made sides come together (4)
16. Greek character opposed to wine (7)
20. About to welcome a play (7)
21. Gem a friend put on a ring (4)
25. Posh boy organised aid (2-2-2)
26. A large vessel is a joke! (3-5)
28. Traces of TV siege’s effect (8)
29. Dirty clothing rewards initial effort (6)
30. Disloyal Frenchman aged badly (8)
31. Dog pulling lead clipped bags (6)
Solution S
Down
1. Strange urge a bit grisly (8)
2. Odd rein a cast ordered (8)
3. A long time later, many initially run (6)
5. Brouhaha ending far off (4)
6. Mean Conservative in a country that enemy leads (8)
7. Beginner without fault? (6)
8. Backward man might cause alarm (6)
11. Her pal set out with a painter (7)
14. Beloved girl Dan turned to (7)
17. Short man passing on revision (8)
18. European cross raid failed (8)
19. City reflection worked without it (8)
22. Plant Cecil evacuated again (6)
23. Unopened medicine, said an inventor (6)
24. Wrecked start of board game (6)
27. Origin of spot on dentist’s face (4)
babies
1. The Vanilla Ice hit single Ice Ice Baby samples the bassline of which 1980s number one hit single?
2. What is mixed with Irish cream to make a Baby Guinness cocktail?
3. What was the title of the 1990 sequel to the 1987 film Three Men and a Baby?
4. Nicknamed Baby Doc, JeanClaude Duvalier was a dictator who ruled which country from 1971 until he was overthrown in 1986?
5. “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” is a famous line from which 1980s film?
6. If someone is classed as a “baby boomer”, they must have been born in one of which three decades?
7. With a cover that features a naked baby swimming towards a US dollar bill on a fishhook that is just out of reach, which group recorded the 1991 album Nevermind?
8. In the song Santa Baby, what is the first thing the singer asks for?
9. What were called Unclaimed Babies when they were first invented in the 1860s, were rebranded as Peace Babies to mark the end of World War One, and were relaunched in 1953 with the name by which they are known today?
10. In Pinkfong’s version of Baby Shark that became the mostviewed YouTube video of all time, how many “doo”s are there between the first and second mentions of the phrase “baby shark”?
10. Six
and a Little Lady, 4. Haiti, 5. Dirty Dancing, 6. 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, 7. Nirvana, 8. A sable (“Santa baby, just slip a sable under the
18 Spaniard, 19 Florence, 22 Clover, 23 Edison, 24 Blotto, 27 Seed. quiz 1. Under Pressure (by Queen and David Bowie), 2. Coffee
