Oswestry Life June 2017

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

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Borderland Visual Arts show .......... 10 Interiors............................................. 14 Property............................................ 22

Welcome to the fourth edition of Oswestry Life magazine.

We love a bit of good news and this month we launch our ‘Weddings’ section - sharing pictures of the latest couples to tie the knot on page 42.

If you’re a culture vulture how about taking a look at page 38 to find out what the latest book recommendation is and read the work of local poet Jan Hedger.

Find out how the juggernaut of our snap general election is expected to affect this month’s property market on page 22.

Enjoy the read!

Charlotte Ruscoe

uscoe

EDITOR

DITOR

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In the spotlight................................... 8

PS Do you have some local news you’d like to share? Email charlotte@oswestry.life

Gardening........................................ 26 Education......................................... 30 Out and about................................. 35 Culture.............................................. 38 Fashion............................................. 40 Weddings......................................... 42 Social scene...................................... 44 Food and drink................................. 46 Health............................................... 50 Six of the best................................... 51 Business news................................... 52 Local walks...................................... 55 Nostalgia.......................................... 56 Sport................................................. 58 Kids fun............................................ 64 Competitions.................................... 65

Oswestry Life

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

www.oswestry.life

free issue 4 june 2017

David Lee-Birch t: 07713 609148 e: david@oswestry.life Sales & Marketing Director

june cover

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

Cover photograph Llwyn Mansion

by Graham Mitchell

Photographer

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

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Contents

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

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

Local news

Ladies ready to rise to the challenge Six ladies from a gym in Oswestry are attempting the notorious Three Peaks Challenge on 27 June to raise money for The Alzheimer’s Society.

Zest have always raised money for charities, local and nationwide but this year decided to select Alzheimer’s Society as many of their members have been touched in some way by this dreadful disease and wanted to help.

Training started a year ago for the team ranging in age from 21 – 58 who will aim to complete the challenge in 24 hours.

Pauline Lacey, proprietor of Zest said: “This challenge is not for the fair hearted – you have to commit to the training otherwise you will fail – no question. Several of our ladies have already made trips to Ben Nevis and Scafel to practise and we have all climbed Snowdon several times. Some of our newer recruits are working hard to catch up with their fitness goals and we have devised special gym training programmes to build up stamina and muscular strength and endurance.”

Anyone who would like to support the adventurers can contact Pauline on 07855 367771.

Some of the ladies from Zest in training

Wishes for Hope House

The Hope House fundraising team recently donned their rubber gloves and goggles to empty three wishing wells at the British Ironworks. The wishing wells were installed when it was noticed that children especially liked throwing money into the fountains. Thereafter it was decided to formally create wishing wells that would be dedicated to the Oswestry charity. Benjamin Knowles, managing director for the centre commented: “Our visitors have obviously seen the signs and not only made wishes but have given very generously too.”

From left, Vanessa Thomas senior fundraiser , Benjamin Knowles MD for the Ironworks and Lyndsey Calvert Oswestry fundraiser

New Qube summer classes revealed A host of new classes for summer have been announced by Qube.

Everything from photography to painting and pilates are available at the charity’s HQ on Oswald road. Call 01691 665882 or visit www.qube-oca.org.uk for more details.

4

| Oswestry life

Banking a cheque Stans Superstore based in St Martins was very proud to be able to provide a donation of £300 to the Oswestry & Border foodbank. General manager Justin Smart can be seen here presenting the cheque to the

foodbank manageress Liz Jermy.

Stall holders wanted for West Felton carnival

The organisers of West Felton carnival are calling for stallholders and crafters to book stalls at this year’s event on Sunday 16 July 2017.

Eileen Hamner, the carnival committee secretary, said, “Anyone involved in a cottage industry, crafting or if you have anything interesting or unusual to sell then please do try out a stall at the carnival”.

“The carnival is always well attended and is a fun and lively event”.

Stalls must be pre-booked and cost £10 each. For more information and a booking form, please call Eileen on 01691 610629. Search @WestFeltonCarnival on facebook to find out more.

Young artist could put her stamp on competition Elana Lewis, aged 8, at last year’s event with one of the Animal Care department’s Giant Land Snails

Family fun at college North Shropshire College (NSC) will once again be holding its annual Family Fun Day on Saturday 10 June and as part of the event will be holding a raffle. Prizes have been donated from staff members, members of the public and generous local businesses in Oswestry.

Tickets are available to buy from the Oswestry Campus reception and will be available to buy throughout the event day also. All funds raised are going towards Severn Hospice, in memory of Geoff Farr, a former lecturer at the College and Hope House equally.

“Families are welcome to come along with fold up chairs to watch the football, visit all the stalls, or have a go at our activities.”

This will be the third year the Family Fun Day has taken place alongside Shropshire FA’s under-8 and under-10 football tournament. Expect lots of football, food, stalls, live music, exotic animals from our Walford Campus and much much more!

Lucy Evans, marketing manager, commented: “Last year we had a great event, the tournament was fantastic and many people turned out for the family fun day. Families are welcome to come along with fold up chairs to watch the football, visit all the stalls, or have a go at our activities.”

For more information about the event, to book a stall or to donate a raffle prize, email marketing@nsc.ac.uk or call 01691 688000.

A schoolgirl from Oswestry has been named as a regional winner in Royal Mail’s Christmas Stamp Design Competition. Emma Barnes, aged 10, of Moreton Hall will now go through to the next stage of the competition where local judges will select the top two designs to go through to the final. Emma’s design was chosen from 21,231 entries, already earning her £100 in vouchers. The winning design will appear on Royal Mail’s Christmas stamps this year, after being approved by Her Majesty the Queen.

Solarsphere event organised by Oswestry duo A pair of Oswestry astronomical enthusiasts have organised their own music festival. Solarsphere, held in Builth Wells - due to its dark skies - is a non-profit, independent and family-run event, boasting live music and educational talks. The festival will be held on 11-14 August.

For more information, visit www.solarsphere.events.

New bus service launched easyBus has launched a new local bus service connecting Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Wrexham and Chester The new service operates seven days each week, and has evening and night-time departures - meaning that it will now be possible to travel into Shrewsbury from Oswestry, Wrexham, and Chester, on a Sunday, for evenings out, and be able to get home again by bus!

Residents along the route will also now be able to visit Chester City Centre by bus for a day out.

Local fares are available onboard the bus from your driver, and it’s good news for OAPs as concessionary bus passes are accepted on the route.

Oswestry life | 5

Local news

Pupils ‘best in the UK’ at public speaking Oswestry School Sixth Form pupils have been judged to be the best young public speakers in the UK at the final of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition held at Thomas Telford School on Sunday 7 May. Over 2,600 teams from Rotary districts all around the country initially entered the competition and, having progressed through three local and regional stages, Sebastian Banks, Adelina Creciun and Matthew Cooper went head to head against seven other schools in the national final.

The Oswestry team presented “Down’s Syndrome – to be or not to be” and their delivery on this subject has been described as “incredibly moving”, “inspiring” and “passionate”. They have been praised for their warmth, camaraderie and team work and are an eclectic concoction: Sebastian is the voice of reason and logic; he is composed but passionate, Matthew is warm and humorous; he provides a laugh a minute while Adelina is emotive in her delivery.

National event organiser Joyce Marston commented, “The Oswestry School team was excellent and were deserving winners, but what competition they had. It really was very close, all the better for us in the audience

Sebastian Banks Adelina Creciun and Matthew Cooper

and I had picked them out as my overall winners. They must have been on a high yesterday, which will add to their confidence. Good luck to them in all they do in the future, it’s very bright for them.”

Sebastian, Adelina and Matthew have been followed and supported by a loyal group of Rotary members at each round of the competition beginning with the Club round held at Oswestry School, progressing to the District round at Wrexham Glyndwr University, the Regional Final at Darwen Vale High School and recently the National Final at Thomas Telford School. The speaking team are sponsored by Oswestry Rotary Club who have encouraged and supported the youngsters, their families and Oswestry School’s head of English, Ruth Huish, for whom this was her first encounter with the Rotary competition.

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In the spotlight

Oswestry Equality Group is here for everybody Charlotte Ruscoe meets Oswestry woman Penny Rice to find out what inspired her to set up two groups which help local people Twenty years ago, Penny Rice was a single mum of two teenage boys heading a Chemistry department in a boys’ grammar school. Now retired, she runs two successful groups locally with the aim to improve the lives of the town’s people. Penny has always been a trailblazer; after completing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry she became one of the first female students to complete a post doctorate in a US university, where she worked in cancer research. After having a family Penny found her true vocation; teaching and became the first woman head of department at a grammar school in Buckinghamshire.

It was her background in education, life as a single mother, combined with a trip to Turkey - where

It was her background in education, life as a single mother, combined with a trip to Turkey that has spearheaded her interest in promoting an ‘equal voice for all’. she experienced a huge wealth divide - that has spearheaded her interest in promoting an ‘equal voice for all’.

The first of Penny’s groups: Oswestry Equality Group, does much more than its name suggests as Penny explains: “We are a non-party political group affiliated to The Equality Trust. The Trust was set up in 2009 after the publication of “The Spirit Level”, which highlights the social and health problems associated with great inequality in wealth. Originally, we hoped to have a group which challenged income inequality. However on the day of our first meeting four years ago, the closure of Lorne Street Day Centre was announced.

Our audience rightly felt that this was more important to us, and we have followed local issues ever since.

Underlying all of our work has been the need for equality for everybody. Hence our tag-line – ‘Equal people, equal voice’.

“With my background in teaching, I have always 8 | Oswestry life

Underlying all of our work has been the need for equality for everybody. Hence our tag-line – ‘Equal people, equal voice’. believed in giving people accurate facts. Over the past four years we have covered a wide range of topics.

These include learning disabilities, local hospital provision, debt, inequality in Shropshire, the Special Olympics and mental health issues in young people.

Shropshire Council representatives have also spoken about topics such as the day centres, welfare reform (“Bedroom Tax”), youth provision, housing, health inequality and Shropshire’s financial cuts. I hope that people will listen and weigh up the arguments for themselves. All of these topics are about giving people a fair and equal voice.”

The second of Penny’s groups; Disability Oswestry, is an umbrella group, linking together all of the support groups for disability in the area. There are monthly meetings held (on the fourth Wednesday of each month) at Hope Church, Laburnum Drive that provide support for the groups and everyone in them. Penny has also been instrumental in helping to set up three new groups as part of the network; diabetes awareness, epilepsy support and fibromyalgia support group. It also produces a directory of all these groups, available to collect free from Oswestry Library.

Penny adds: “Absolutely everybody is really welcome to come along to our meetings. We ask for a minimum donation of £1 to cover costs, but this always includes coffee / tea and cake.”

For more details Penny can be contacted on 01691 680382, or e-mail oswestryequalitygroup@gmail.com or disabilityoswestry161@gmail.com

NOW OPEN OSWESTRY’S NEWEST KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SHOWROOM

Fire your imagination and visit the stunning new kitchen and bathroom showroom located at TG Builders Merchants Oswestry.

There are over 20 beautiful kitchen and bathroom displays to view and hundreds more to choose from.

Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8HA T: 01691 672 596 Mon - Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 1:00pm, Sun Closed Oswestry life | 9

Art show

A month of Art

Borderland Visual Arts (BVA), a thriving artists’ community based in Oswestry and the Borders, is opening its working studios to the public again throughout June. Since 1999, this annual show has attracted many visitors from across the region, and this year’s promises to be exceptional, with 15 studios showing the work of 30 artists. This is a unique opportunity to see high quality art on display and to meet talented artists working in their studios. The accompanying group exhibition

Diane Baur

John Bolton

at the Willow Gallery presents a rich variety of work by emerging and established artists.

Gill Crozier’s Studio

In & Around Oswestry

10th 11th/17th 18th June 10am to 5pm www.borderlandvisualarts.com

Studio Details: www.bva2017.wordpress.com 10 | Oswestry life

The 60 members of the BVA work in a broad spectrum of art-forms.

As well as painting and drawing, members work in textiles, printmaking, woodcarving and photography. There are ceramicists, sculptors, and jewellers too. Working with the Willow Gallery in Oswestry, this is the largest showcase of work by the BVA. Most of the works on display are for sale, making this a great opportunity to buy an original piece of artwork at an affordable price. The preview event of the group show, on the afternoon of 3 June, is an ideal opportunity to meet the artists, see and buy work and is open to everyone.

New for this year, the Open Studio event encourages visitors to create their own unique souvenir, by collecting a miniature original print from a hand-cut block at each studio they visit. with designs inspired by the location or artwork displayed there.

In this challenging time, when many exhibition

A tapestry by Ros Hornbuckle

Sarah Piper Heap

spaces and galleries are closing, Open Studios provides a perfect opportunity to see work by local artists, who hope to inspire visitors to express their own creativity.

Admission to the studios and exhibition is free. For more information, visit: www. borderlandvisualarts.com.

Art Trail Weekends: 10-11 June and 17-18 June 10am-5pm. Free Admission Group Show : 3 June–1 July, open Monday-Saturday from 9.30am–5pm and Sunday 11 and 18 June.

Willow Gallery, Willow Street, Oswestry, Shropshire Preview: Saturday afternoon 3 June. Meet the artists. Everyone welcome.

Meet our experts at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital.

Are you having pelvic floor problems?

Many women suffer in silence with daily problems with faecal incontinence, constipation or prolapse. There are now several modern treatments to help people troubled by these problems. Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital is now able to offer a thorough assessment and treatment for these problems including specialist physiotherapy and the latest keyhole surgery. So why not book a consultation today and find out how we can help you.

Mr Adam Farquharson – Consultant Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Surgeon Adam is a core member of the specialist pelvic floor multidisciplinary team. Following a Fellowship in Sydney, Australia he now offers a comprehensive and individualised care plan that includes keyhole surgery techniques.

For more details visit: www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/mr-adam-farquharson Mr Jon Lacy-Colson – Consultant Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Surgeon Jon is a member of the Pelvic Floor Society and a core member of the specialist pelvic floor multidisciplinary team.

Jon did his Colorectal Fellowship in Sydney, Australia and offers a wide range of individualised pelvic floor treatments including keyhole surgery. For more details visit: www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/mr-jon-lacy-colson Mrs Rachel Bromley – Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Rachel has worked as a specialist women’s health physiotherapist for 12 years and has a wealth of experience in treating pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. As well as holding three clinics a week at the Nuffield Health Shrewsbury hospital, Rachel also writes regular articles for local and national publications.

So why not book a consultation today for more information:

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Oswestry life

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Oswestry life

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13

Prepare your patio for

summer

Whatever size your garden, achieving the perfect patio is possible. With the right accessories, you can turn a simple patio area into a stylish and modern gateway to your back garden. Cement, slabs or decking? It doesn’t matter. Dress them up and prepare for a summer of sunshine, al fresco dining and fun with the family that will keep everyone entertained into the night.

j

Furniture

The biggest investment for your garden will probably be your garden furniture. Good quality furniture should last you years and always look its best when the sun comes out. For large families to eat al fresco try a large table with benches or chairs and for singles and couples, a two-person bistro set is ideal and won’t take up too much space. Practical and pretty, rattan is one of the best materials to have outdoors. It is naturally resistant to UV rays and poor weather, making it both durable and sophisticated.

j Lighting Alfresco dining is one of summer’s pleasurable experiences. Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting says: “The addition of light ensures that you can continue later into the evening and adds a wonderful new perspective as dusk falls.”

Marlow bistro set, £169.00. Colour Supplies, Oswestry

Just because the sun has gone down, you shouldn’t have to move the party inside. Begin by adding lighting to the centre of the dining table to create a more intimate feel.

Highlight plants and shrubbed areas with a wash of light to show off the colours and flowers when it gets dark. For an additional element of magic, suspend LED lights in a tree to produce a wonderful twinkly atmospheric light.

For a bit of fun, illuminated furniture like the Bubble (see pictured) can be used as either a table or a seat, with 15 coloured lighting options, the LED-lit outdoor furniture can be customised to create any atmosphere.

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Lighting at www.johncullenlighting.com

14 | Oswestry life

Stylish accessories add the finishing touch to any patio. Think wall-mounted mirrors that look like window shutters, quirky planters scattered around the patio, feature benches and cute lanterns. If you want to add some topiary features to your patio with all of the greenery, but none of the painstaking scissor work, Just Artificial has inspiring Boxwood/ Buxus artificial topiary in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Bubble illuminated table - outdoor, £339.00. www.urbanavenue.co.uk

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Oswestry life | 15

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16 | Oswestry life

Advertisement feature

IMAGES COURTESY OF TIM MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrating 35 Years in business A family-owned business in Oswestry is celebrating 35 years in the town.

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Victoria Road, Oswestry (behind the Co-Op) e: jandicarpets@hotmail.co.uk w: www.jandicarpets.co.uk Tel: 01691 656843

PERSONAL AND FRIENDLY SERVICE Oswestry life |

17

WOODHEAD sales&lettings Telephone: 01691 680044

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

12 Leg Street, Oswestry, SY11 2NL e: sales@woodheadsalesandlettings.com Sycharth Smithy, Llansilin

Hillside Cottage, Pant

Sycharth Smithy, near to Llansilin, is a sympathetically and tastefully extended detached family home with a separate, one bedroom detached bungalow within its grounds. Enjoying a picturesque and tranquil setting near the River Cynllaith in the Tanat valley, this charming property was formerly a Blacksmith’s, with the oldest part of the property dating back to approximately the 1750’s and it retains many of its original features including exposed beams. There are some vaulted ceilings, the fireplace in the Sitting Room was part of the original forge and the bread oven is still in- situ in the cosy Snug. The property seamlessly combines these traditional features with a comfortable and generous living space and boasts a kitchen with a further back kitchen to the rear, utility room, downstairs WC, four receptions rooms, conservatory, a downstairs bedroom with en-suite, three further bedrooms upstairs and a family bathroom. Externally Sycharth Smithy is set in approximately one acre and in addition to the one bedroom detached bungalow offers well maintained gardens with ample parking and a generously sized outbuilding which has potential for further development (subject to planning permission). onward chain. EPC RATING E

Hillside Cottage is situated in an elevated position and enjoys stunning views. In addition to offering the potential for an annex this impressive family home boasts three reception rooms, kitchen/ diner, kitchen/ utility room, four bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, double glazing and oil central heating. The gardens and grounds extend to approximately one and a half acres with ample parking, detached double garage and two paddocks. EPC RATING D

OIRO £470,000

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

OIRO £420,000

OIRO £525,000

Roger Parry & Partners

Est. 1981

Incorporating Parry Lowarch

www.rogerparry.net

| ESTATE AGENTS | VALUERS | BUILDING SURVEYORS | PLANNERS | LETTINGS | KINGSWAY HOUSE, TREFONEN

EW

LYNWOOD HOUSE & PUMP HOUSE, MINERA N

A tastefully improved former Quarryman’s cottage and adjacent Pump House which enjoys a delightful location in the valley to the south of Minera Village in the former quarry complex with 7 acres approx of woodland. Accommodation includes: Entrance Hall, 7/8 BEDROOMS SWIMMING POOL Lounge, Sitting/Dining Room, Inner Hall, Kitchen Breakfast Room, First Floor Landing, Two Bedrooms, TwoShrewsbury Nobold, A substantial detached, period former farmhouse set in the Box Rooms/Study, Bathroom. There is ample parking highly desirable hamlet of Nobold, located only minutes drive Great Ryton, Condover from Shrewsbury town centre. The original part of the building An opportunity to acquire a brand new luxury detached family house built to an extremely high standard and gardens to the front of the property.is thought Localtoschools date from the 1750’s, with later extension circa with quality contemporary fittings throughout, briefly consisting: reception hall, sitting room, dining room, 1800’s.EPC Extensive accommodation; study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sun utility/boot downstairs WC andbakery. areroom, close by withroom, shops and village rating G. reception hall, sitting room, double garage. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with large full en-suite, 2 further bedrooms both with en-suite shower rooms, 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. At this early stage of construction, the prospective buyers can have significant input into the finishes of the property. EPC: TBC

OIRO £350,000 SOLD STC

FAIRHAVEN, MAESBURY, OSWESTRY

Guide Price: £750,000

4025

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

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

Briefly comprising: Entrance Porch, Impressive Dining Hall, Cloakroom/WC, Snug, Ground Floor Guest Bedroom En-suite, Kitchen with Morning Area, Utility, Further Cloakroom/WC, Floor Gallery Landing, INSPECTION HIGHLY WITHFirst SELF-CONTAINED RECOMMENDED STOREY ANNEX Impressive DrawingSINGLE Room, Three Further Bedrooms, Bathroom and Charlton, NrShower Telford Room, Oil Fired Central A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey annex. Indoor Heating, Garage, Mostcould Attractively swimming pool, four car garage, large detachedDouble workshop, detachedGenerous office block which easily be converted to further independent accommodation subject to PP. The house and buildings are set round Landscaped Gardens, Summerhouse. EPC rating D. a central courtyard, extremely conveniently situated giving easy access to Telford, Shrewsbury and the M54 link. The property provides extensive potential to run a business from the premises subject to the

necessary PP and would also suit family groups looking to reside together. EPC: D OFFERS BASED ON £447, 725

Guide Price: £625,000

3098 Guide Price: £475,000 LINDISFARNE, MAESBROOK

Calling all equestrian enthusiasts alike, a unique and rare opportunity to purchase a spacious 3-bedroom detached country bungalow which enjoys a delightful semi-rural position, set-in generous neatly landscaped gardens with garage, timber stable and adjacent field/paddock approx.

3.24 acres / 1.31 hectares. Early viewing fully recommended. AWAITING EPC.

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

A charming and unusual detached stone built cottage,

Sychtyn, Llansilin

Belle Vue, Shrewsbury

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

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

£365,000 SOLD STC

Guide Price: £395,000

18

3882

GUIDE PRICE £775,000

01691 655334 3956 Guide Price: £365,000

offering a rare combination of a period property with parking and garden, within walking distance of the town centre. Porch, dining room, cloakroom, utility room, landing area leading to sitting room with stone fireplace and access to gardens, three good size bedrooms, family bathroom.

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

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

| Oswestry life WITH 4 ACRES & OUTBUILDINGS

3602

BRAND NEW LUXURY HOUSE Sarnau, Llanymynech

Llanwyddyn, Oswestry

Pontesbury, Shrewsbury

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

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

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

Telephone: 01691 680044 Badgers Way, Maesbrook

Newbridge, Llanymynech

Glentworth Avenue, Oswestry

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

4 BED DET HOUSE 3 RECEPTION ROOMS NO CHAIN EPC RATING D

OIRO £380,000

3 BED DET DORMER BUNGALOW NO CHAIN RIVER & CANAL SIDE POSITION EPC RATING F

OIRO £350,000

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

OIRO £329,950

Beresford Gardens Oswestry

Maes Madog, Pontfadog

Henlle Gardens, Gobowen

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

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

OIRO £299,950

3 BED DET BUNGALOW RECENTLY IMPROVED ENVIABLE VIEWS EPC RATING TBC

OIRO £275,000

4 BED DET HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE CONSERVATORY EPC RATING C

OIRO £265,000

Winllan Road, Llansanffraid

Hafan Y Dorlan, Oswestry

Regents Court, , Oswestry

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

3 BED DET COTTAGE KITCHEN/ DINER NO ONWARD CHAIN EPC RATING E

OIRO £149,950

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

OIRO £135,000

NO CHAIN 2 BED GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT ALLOCATION PARKING EPC RATING C

OIRO £117,950

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

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

associated london office

Oswestry life | 19

*** Our team are here to help you sell your home *** Our RICS Registered valuer with over 30 years experience in the local property market will offer sound advice to clients

Contact us on 01691 679595

We are fully licensed agents for Rent Smart Wales An Independent Survey is Essential

Surveys & Valuations

For most of us buying a home is the greatest financial commitment we will make. Protect yourself with an RICS Survey by one of our experienced local Chartered Surveyors. For advice call Roger Lunt FRICS on 01691 679595

RICS Property Condition Reports RICS HomeBuyer Reports

COLLECTIVE PROPERTY AUCTION Contact your local MMP branch

Or email: auction@morrismarshall.co.uk

Our next auction will be held on Thursday 7th September. Entries are now invited.

Various lots included from our regional offices covering Shropshire, Powys, Gwynedd and Ceredigion

RESIDENTIAL LETTING SERVICE

We are fully licensed agents for Rent Smart Wales

MMP manage over 800 rental properties in Shropshire and MidWales and source tenants for 100s more landlord managed homes throughout the area. With excellent local knowledge our teams undertake continual training to ensure we are up to date with all the latest regulations in both England and Wales.

10%

16 Leg Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NN. 01691 679595 oswestry@morrismarshall.co.uk www.morrismarshall.co.uk 20

| Oswestry life

Prices le as s litt from a

0 0 0 , 9 £9

H

awkstone Park offers the very best in park home living at this stunning location in Shropshire close to the English – Welsh border. Hawkstone park is a residential development of just 26 spacious executive park homes. The park has been designed to the highest standards while also blending seamlessly with the local surroundings. All of the park homes for sale include individual blockpaved driveways and beautiful, private gardens with plenty of natural screening.

Within a mile • NHS – Minor Injury Unit • My Dentist – Dental Practice • Park Issa Vets • Gobowen Train Station

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Oswestry life

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21

Secret Agent

Property

FORMER PUB PERFECT FOR B&B

Kate Howell of Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings in the centre of town, is our ‘secret agent’, lifting the lid on the world of property If you’re planning on buying or selling a house this year, you may wonder how the general election might affect the property market. Are we facing a close-down as movers wait to find out what happens after the 2017 general election on 8 June?

In previous times, it might. But Mrs May’s surprise election announcement seems unlikely to do any damage. If anything, the snap decision has avoided the long build up which could have created anxiety. The short period between May’s announcement and the election means there is barely time for a dip in sales and any impact would be concentrated into a single month.

The widely-held belief that there is likely to be a Tory landslide has limited any uncertainty and the likelihood of five more years under the Conservatives will be seen by many as a positive prospect.

A decisive result will build a better sense of security in predicting future fluctuations in the property market, further increasing buyer confidence. Following previous

Despite high profile elections in each of the last two summers, the property market has remained resilient, which indicates the majority of buyers will not be put off by uncertainty

A recently converted former public house with seven bedrooms is for sale near Oswestry. The Tontine Inn, Church Lane, Melverley is a large property boasting spacious and well maintained accommodation suitable for Bed & Breakfast.

Tontine Inn is on the market for £495,000 with Morris Marshall & Poole.

Visit www.morris marshall. co.uk

trends we expect the number of property transactions to increase for around six months following a general election.

Despite high profile elections in each of the last two summers, the property market has remained resilient, which indicates the majority of buyers will not be put off by uncertainty and I believe Oswestry - despite being in its own ‘property microclimate’ resilient to the highs and lows of the national market – will continue in its pattern of steady growth.

Local developers are certainly not put off and anticipate a period of growth following the election. We’re poised to release details of a 44-home development in Park Hall.

We’ve been eagerly awaiting this responsible development - due to start this summer - because it’s a mix of family homes, all of which are in demand in our area.

To speak with a sales or lettings manager, call Woodhead on 01691 680044.

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| Oswestry life

Weston Lane project A two-bedroom bungalow on the sought-after Weston Lane provides the perfect opportunity for a renovation project. Currently the property includes two reception rooms, sun room, kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite, bathroom, gas central heating and double glazing. Outside; two garages, driveway and an enclosed rear garden complete this property.

Leaside, Weston Lane, Oswestry is on the market for £250,000 through Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings. Visit www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

Why choose Richmond Harvey?

Free Market Appraisals.

Accompanied viewings - if required!

In house sales progression.

24hr online coverage.

Prime window display in town centre.

Friendly and experienced staff, covering all areas of property.

Free floor plans, and premium photographs taken.

Regular feedback and updates after viewings.

Distinctive “For Sale” and “To Let” boards.

Advertised on key sites; Rightmove, Prime Location and Zoopla.

Also in local magazines and papers.

Social media marketing and a newly formed, user friendly website.

An Independent agent who is large enough to cope, but small enough to care!

Discounted fees offered on production of this advert Oswestry Office 27 Cross Street Oswestry, SY11 2NF Phone: (01691) 654222 www.richmondharvey.com

RICHMOND HARVEY

Oswestry life | 23

Park homes for the over 50s retired and semi retired

PRICES

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

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

24

| Oswestry life

Oswestry life | 25

Gardening

Hardy sages for the flower garden

Most people’s introduction to the wonderful world of salvias is either courtesy of sage, the well-loved herb grown from time immemorial for its culinary and medicinal value or perhaps the bright red bedding plant salvia splendens traditionally planted with blue lobelia and white alyssum for a truly patriotic display.

However, hardy, perennial salvias are becoming increasingly popular as great garden plants for people and bees. These are not edible but make a wonderful, long-lasting display in the garden.

Of the hardiest species, the best for general garden use are the wood sages and these are varieties of salvia nemorosa, sylvestris and superba. They grow in dry or moist soils and can be grown in light shade or a sunny spot. In very hot, dry conditions the flowers will be over more quickly so add compost to the planting hole and water if dry. They grow well in alkaline (chalky), neutral or mildly acid soils. Add lime annually if planting in extremely acid soils.

Above L-R: May Night; Snow Hill Below L-R: Amethyst; Caradonna; Blue Hill

They come in many shades of blue, pink, violet and white and vary in height from 1ft through to 3ft 6in.

are the slightly taller May Night (indigo blue). The newer variety Caradonna grows to about 2ft tall and has lovely blue flowers and black stems in summer adding to their drama. One of the tallest is the aptly named Amethyst which grows to 3ft or slightly more. This one has a very long flowering period from June to September.

Snow Hill and Blue Hill are the shortest ones I grow and are BGW-967-92422-Oswestry-148x107-r2.pdf 1 17/02/2017 11:30:39 snow-white and sky-blue respectively. Among my favourites

Martin Blow runs Special Perennials, the website: www. specialperennials.com is full of photos and growing tips.

01691 655 111 www.greenthumb.co.uk

Try our seasonal treatments from Try us for

£10 £10 PER TREATMENT

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Oswestry life | 27

28 | Oswestry life

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Oswestry life |

29

Leadership 2017

Adventure of the mind A unique event designed for professionals from across the educational spectrum.

Thursday 29th June 2017 Professor Robert Winston Mick Waters - Festival Patron BOO K Christine Quinn NOW !

Darren Campbell David Weston Darrell Woodman GAIN Andy Buck CPD Robert Carpenter POINTS & many others Exhibitors / Workshops / Student Zones / Uni Stop / Adventure Zone / Delegate Lounge For more information and to book tickets visit our website:

www.marcheseducation.com Sponsored by:

Media partners:

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| Oswestry life

Education

Students visit Spain 40 students from The Marches School went to Andalusia in Spain to visit the sights and to practice their Spanish speaking skills.

During their time in Spain the students visited Malaga, Ronda, Granada and Córdoba.

Year 9 student, Lily Hughes, commented, “We visited lots of amazing places during the stay such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Picasso museum, which held real Picasso pieces. Some students were also given the chance to see the Barcelona versus Malaga football match which was a very enjoyable experience!” She continued, “Overall the trip to Andalusia was an unforgettable experience, full of days out and fun all over the region.”

Miss Emily Pearce, Spanish teacher at The Marches School commented, “As well as seeing the wonderful sights of southern Spain, the students were fantastic at practising their language skills. It was wonderful to hear them speaking Spanish when out and about. ¡Muy bien!”

Oswestry School physicists prove to be a strong force at National Olympiad Bright, young physicists from Oswestry School entered the British Physics Olympiad Challenge and achieved some outstanding results.

These highly demanding tests, set by Oxford University, are designed to separate out A* candidates by stretching and challenging even the most gifted. The AS Challenge is an exciting opportunity for students to stretch their lateral thinking skills and apply fundamental physical principles to novel situations. Star pupil, Max Clarke, who received a Gold Award in last year’s GCSE paper, excelled in the AS Challenge by again achieving a Gold Award putting him in the top 100 students in the country.

& MULTI -SPORT

NEW WOMEN’S Huzzah for school Pupils in reception class at Bellan House have been immersed in castle life this term as learning is brought to life for the eager pupils. From dressing up to sword fighting and medieval dancing to making their own sword at forest school, the pupils are learning what life was like in a medieval castle.

“It’s a true testament into how making education exciting can engage and inspire the children to learn,” said reception teacher Joanne Stuckey.

NEW MEN’S

SCHOLARSHIPS

01691 688080 WWW.NSC.AC.UK

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

Wolves Community Trust the official charity of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

Oswestry life

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31

10% 32 | Oswestry life

Education

Musical marvel Jemima sees national success Talented woodwind musician, and 17-year-old student at Moreton Hall Jemima Pickersgill, recently competed in the prestigious Gregynog Young Musician of the Year competition.

The 17 musicians taking part in the renowned event were some the best young musicians in the country, many of whom go on to the BBC Young Musician of

“It was a wonderful experience to be able to listen to as well as play with these incredible musicians. It was a lovely day in the beautiful settings of Gregynog Hall.” the Year. Jemima performed her two challenging pieces with excellent maturity and musical interpretation, and was a worthy semi-finalist.

Jemima commented on how much she enjoyed the competition: “It was a wonderful experience to be able to listen to as well as play with these incredible musicians. It was a lovely day in the beautiful settings of Gregynog Hall. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the 2nd

Movement of Brahms 1st Clarinet Concerto and the 3rd Movement of Horovitz’s Clarinet Sonatina.”

Jemima’s musical success doesn’t end there, as she also is part of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain.

June Open Evening

for Years 4&5 Thursday 22nd June 2017 4.30pm – 7.30pm Headteacher’ s talks at 5.30pm & 6.30pm

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

explore . discover . learn

Please visit the website for more details www.marchesschool.co.uk Or call 01691 664400 Oswestry life | 33

SY11 4AB

SY11 4AB

SY11 4AB

SY11 4AB

Shropshire Produce Market 17th June 9am until 3pm

Charity Market

Handpicked Shropshire based food and craft producers selling the best the County has to offer in the town centre

Bulgarian Folklore Club

2nd June 9am until 3pm

18th June 12pm until 7pm

Working closely with community supporters The Qube, Oswestry Markets’ hosts a charity market on the Bailey Head aimed at raising important funds and awareness for a wide number of local charities.

Free family music from the Bulgarian Folklore Club in the award winning Cae Glas Park.

Bulgarian food available

IFTON BRASS 4th June 2pm until 4pm

ARTISAN MARKET 30th June

Free family music in the award winning Cae Glas Park.

9am until 3pm

A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head

Tel: 01691 680222 34

| Oswestry life

@OswestryTC

SY11 4AB

SY11 4AB

Out&about 31 May to 24 June

RETROSPECTIVE Oswestry Visitor and Exhibition Centre, Oswestry An exhibition of early, mid life and present day art work from three Border Visual Arts members, Liz Mellor, Gill Crozier and John Smout tracking the changes in personal style and content through those years. Free entry 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. 01691 662753

1 June

CHILDREN’S PRINTING WORKSHOP Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Explore simple printing techniques to create your own works of art. (Ages 8+) 1pm- 3pm. £15 For further details contact 01691 656882

1st June

VASEEM KHAN – INSPECTOR CHOPRA RETURNS! Oswestry Cricket Club, Morda Road, Oswestry They’re back! Vaseem Khan and his detective, Inspector Chopra, make a return visit to Oswestry as Vaseem talks about his new Baby Ganesh Agency novel, The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood Star.

Tickets £10 available from Booka, Church Street, Oswestry. 01691 662214

9 & 23 June

WORDS ‘N’ PICS OPEN WRITERS Come along and join us!

Creative writing – Open to all!

Beginners and all abilities welcome.

Meeting fortnightly – 1:30pm -3:30pm Interactive workshops and full support For more details please contact Jan on 07702 165717 email: janhedger7@googlemail.com

1 & 15 June

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

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

1 June

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

2 June

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

2 June

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

01691 671167

3 & 4 June

RELIEF MODELLING IN CLAY WITH TONY MEADOWS Willow Gallery, Oswestry 2-day course using the flexible medium of ordinary modelling clay to take you through the process of creating a permanent relief sculpture.

Sat & Sun 10am-4pm; £80 (all tools and materials provided, but bring your own image); 01691 657575 or email info@ willowgalleryoswestry.org for further details

3 June–1 July

BORDERLAND VISUAL ARTS Willow Gallery, Oswestry Exhibition highlighting the work and skills of a group of artists who live locally. A diversity of works includes abstracts, florals, landscapes, still life, graphics, sculpture, photography…

Free admission Mon-Sat 9.30am–5pm; (MEET THE ARTISTS Sat 3 June between 2 & 4pm); For more information: 01691 657575 or email info@willowgalleryoswestry.org

4 June

WHITTINGTON MEDIEVAL GUILD – LIVING HISTORY DAY Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry Free entry. £1 to park.

For more information visit www. whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

4 June

IFTON BRASS Cae Glas Park, Oswestry 2pm until 4pm Free family music in the award winning Cae Glas Park. 01691 680222

5 June

ARGENTINE TANGO Pant Village Hall A new course for beginners every Monday. Sensitive dance with beautiful music. This beginners Course is open to anyone who would like to start Argentine Tango, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. For more information contact Sharon: sharontangoin@ gmail.com www.tangoin.co.uk

5 June

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BUSINESS & BLOGS Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Learn techniques to take and process professional-looking images.10am-4pm. £50 For further details contact 01691 656882

6 June

6 June

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

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

6 June

JOYFUL NOISE CHOIR Whole Life Christian Centre, Cabin Lane Church, Oswestry Weekly Tuesday evening practice session for the Oswestry Community Gospel Choir – Joyful Noise. 7pm-8.30pm. For details contact 01691 680222

6 June

BEGINNERS’ PAINT AND DRAW DROP-IN Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry A fun, weekly class to try out new techniques and build your confidence.

Tuesday (weekly), 10am-12pm £8 For further details contact 01691 656882

9 June

BEGINNERS’ DRAWING DROP-IN Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Learn basic skills for techniques in pencil drawing.

Friday (weekly), 11am-12.30pm . £8 For further details contact 01691 656882

10 June

PROMS IN THE PARK British Ironwork Centre A fabulous summers evening spectacular, come and enjoy a glass of prosecco with strawberries served on beautifully landscaped lawns, whilst being enchanted by the one and only Wrexham Symphony Orchestra. You are encouraged to bring a picnic hamper full of your favourite things along with a blanket to sit on and enjoy the spectacle. Adults £20/ Children £10 01691 610952 www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

10 June

CRAFTERNOONS Oswestry Library, Arthur St Bring along something you are working on and share skills, ideas and inspiration.

Free drop-in event. 1:30-3:30pm.

01691 677388

THE BRITISH ARMY SUPPORTING THE RWANDAN CRISIS IN JULY TO NOVEMBER 1994 – OPERATION GABRIEL Oswestry Library, Arthur St A talk by Simon Jarman MBE. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £2.50. 12:30-1:30pm.

Please book with library staff. 01691 677388

10 June

6 June

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

LION (PG) Showing at Kinokulture Cinema, Arthur Street, Oswestry. 7:30pm Tickets and info at www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

Oswestry Round Challenge 33 mile walk in support of Cancer Research UK and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. Attempt the full or half route as a one-day challenge. Register online for £25 www.oswestryround.co.uk

11 June

Oswestry life | 35

12 June

AN EVENING WITH JUDY MURRAY The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry Tickets: £20 (Admits one person & includes a signed copy of Knowing the Score) or £25 Couple Ticket (Admits two people and includes one signed copy of Knowing the Score).

Available from Booka, Church Street, Oswestry.

01691 662214

13 June

THE POETRY OF DYLAN THOMAS Oswestry Library, Arthur St A talk by Dave Andrews, writer and former tutor in English. A Learning at Lunchtime event. £2.50. 12.30-1.30pm Please book with library staff. 01691 677388

14 June

CARER’S TEA AND CAKE WITH with CarersTrust4all.

Oswestry Library, Arthur St Come along for cake and a chat. Free event but please book your place with library staff.

3.45-4.45pm. 01691 677388

15 June

OSWESTRY EQUALITY GROUP Albert Road Evangelical Church, Albert Road, Oswestry, SY11 1NF. 7.30 - 9.30pm Tim Compton, Manager of Shrewsbury Ark, will be talking about the homeless in Shropshire. £1 donation requested at the door to cover expenses. Tea / coffee and cake included.

E-mail: oswestryequalitygroup@gmail.com Tel: 01691 680382

17 June

SHROPSHIRE PRODUCE MARKET Oswestry Town Centre 9am until 3pm Handpicked Shropshire based food and craft producers selling the best the County has to offer in the town centre 01691 680222

17 June

HYPNOTHERAPY FOR STRESS Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry (3 weeks) Learn techniques to boost confidence, reduce stress and relax! Starts: Saturday 17th June, 10:30am-2pm. £55 for further details contact 01691 656882

18 June

THE HOUSE OF THE BLACKSTAR – 1940’S DAY Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry Free entry. £1 parking. For more information visit www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

18 June

BULGARIAN FOLKLORE CLUB Cae Glas Park, Oswestry Free family music from the Bulgarian Folklore Club in the award winning Cae Glas Park.

Bulgarian food available 12pm – 7pm.

01691 680222

15 June

‘PICTURE PERFECT’ PHOTOS Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry (6 weeks) Get the best from your camera at Ty Mawr, Whittington, Ellesmere and Llanymynech.

Starts: Thurs 15th June, 10am-1pm. £ 65 For further details contact 01691 656882

16 June

TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry (6 weeks) Combines deep breathing and relaxation with gentle, flowing movements.

Starts: Friday 16 June, 10:30-11:30am. £55 For further details contact 01691 656882

17 June

BEN HOLDER & STUART CARTERSMITH Willow Gallery, Oswestry Listeners are in for a treat as exciting jazz violinist Ben and jazz guitarist/consummate improviser Stuart make the perfect Gypsy Swing duo.

Tickets: £10 (children £5); 8pm; Licensed bar; Pre-performance menu available; Call 01691 657575 to book 36 | Oswestry life

KNIGHTS IN BATTLE – LIVING HISTORY RE-ENACTMENT WEEKEND £2 adults/ £1 children Whittington Castle, Whittington Near Oswestry For more information visit www. whittingtoncastle.co.uk or call 01691 662500

26 June

PILATES FOR BEGINNERS Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry (4 weeks) Low impact exercises to develop balance, posture, strength and flexibility.

Starts: Monday 26 June, 12:45-1:45pm. £35 For further details contact 01691 656882

26 June

‘MY FAMILY STORY’ SHORT FILM Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry (3 weeks) Steve Bellis shows you how to record a 60 second film using sound and images.

Starts: Mon 26 June, 9:30am-1pm. £65 For further details contact 01691 656882

28 June

DISABILITY OSWESTRY MEETING Hope Church, Laburnum Drive, Oswestry, SY11 2QR. 10.30am - 12noon.

Coffee morning and networking meeting for everybody supporting people with any kind of disability.

E-mail: disabilityoswestry161@gmail.com Tel: 01691 680382

29 June

15 June

LINO PRINT WORKSHOP Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Learn how to design and create your own linocut print. 1pm-4pm. £20 For further details contact 01691 656882

24, 25 June

18 June

SPECTACULAR PENNY FARTHING RACE British Ironwork Centre The day will consist of 6 races, the half mile course will be held on hard ground. All participants will receive a free t shirt and a delicious free lunch. This unique and wonderful event will be great fun for all ages. Free onsite camping is available for all of our international participants. 01691 610952 www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

20 June

QUICK READS BOOK CLUB Oswestry Library, Arthur St Want to get into reading but low on confidence or short of time or concentration ? Books provided. Contact library staff for more details.

Free event. 1pm-2pm 01691 677388

MARCHES FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry Bringing together leading educational experts and inspire debate and discussion amongst industry professionals, offering engaging and motivational CPD and presenting panel interviews with a variety of prominent and inspirational practitioners.For more information contact Marches School on 01691 664400

29 June

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry Find out how left brain and right brain thinking influences your creativity.

2pm-4pm. £15 For further details contact 01691 656882

30 June

UNTOUCHABLE (15) Showing at Kinokulture Cinema, Arthur Street, Oswestry.

Tickets and info at www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

HERBS – GROW THEM, USE THEM AND LOVE THEM! Oswestry Library, Arthur St Talk by Cathy Preston.

A Learning at Lunchtime event. £2.50.

12.30pm-1.30pm Please book with library staff. 01691 677388

23 June

30 June

20 June

RHYTHM AND DRUMMING Qube Oswald Road, Oswestry (4 weeks) Learn improvised rhythm and drumming skills.

Two free child places per adult. Starts: Friday 23 June, 3-5pm. £55 For further details contact 01691 656882

ARTISAN MARKET Bailey Street and Bailey Head A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head. 9am until 3pm Tel: 01691 680222

CHARITY PARTNER:

SPONSORED BY:

FAMILY FUN DAY

SATURDAY 1st JULY 2017 12.30 - 5.00pm

The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, SY11 2AR

TALEN

T SHOW

DOG SHOW

CAS Y C N U BO

TLE

BAKE O FF

DES I R Y N O P

ALLS

ST CRAFT

Craft Stall Enquiries and Talent Event Registration contact 01691 664407 www.marchesschool.co.uk

ister g e R ow! n

Festival of

Talent STAGE AND NON STAGE COMPETITIONS FOR ALL AGES Oswestry life

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37

Culture

Poetry corner

This month at the Bookshop we are loving Hidden Nature: A Voyage of Discovery by Alys Fowler, who joined us for a wonderful event this May. Her fascinating mix of memoir, travel and nature writing gently carries the reader through locks, along canals and waterways but also through the mind of the author as she embarks upon an intimate, at times surprising, journey of self-discovery and change.

Alys sets out alone in her inflatable pack raft. Her plan; to paddle the canals and waterways of Birmingham, her home city.

She described to her audience during our author talk the feeling of needing an adventure; an escape from the hum of the city. Something that would bring her back to nature, but offer a different experience, away from the familiar comfort of her garden.

It’s a book about observation, slowing down to take notice of the things around you which are so easily overlooked as we go about our daily lives. It’s also a book about change. Cities change; industrialised areas slip into disuse. Ecosystems change; humans step back and plants, trees, fish, birds, pollinators and mammals move back in. And people change. Alys’ compassionate memoir reminds us that we are all constantly changing, and discovering ourselves.

Reviewed by Rosie Evans, Bookseller, Booka Bookshop.

Signed hard back copies of Hidden Nature: A Voyage of Discovery are available at Booka, £20

Hidden Nature is a beautiful meditation on nature; the unloved areas of cities and towns that nature reclaims and repopulates.

Grass

I feel the silkiness of its fleeting touch upon my bare exposed feet.

My linen skirt swishing around my ankles just teasingly brushing its surface.

A straw hat is perched upon my auburn hair a living connection to the earth.

I place my chequered rug (as it invited me to do) upon its textured skin creating a perfect square of intimate darkness.

Folding myself into its sweet scented fragrance I allow it to become part of me, a channel for my thoughts.

Taking out my pen and trusty notebook I begin to write……

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

Book review

Grass I feel the silkiness ……

ow

0 h 13 er S

Fl

th

ow Shropshire Horticultural Society Charity Number: 501564

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th August 2017

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

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

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

Call us on: 01743 234050 or visit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk 38

| Oswestry life

www.facebook.com/PurplePixie1 www.etsy.com/shop/PurplePixiebyDenise info@purplepixie.co.uk 07725 054050 Also available at - Pickles & Co. Church Street, Oswestry and Witzend Gallery. Castle Street, Llangollen.

Jewellery

Purple Pixie Denise Perrett from Gobowen is the face behind Purple Pixie Jewellery.

Outside of her work for the NHS, she lives and breathes jewellery: “I have been making jewellery for five years and stumbled across my passion for silversmithing almost by accident. I attended lessons with a local metalsmith in 2015 with the intention of learning new skills to enable me to make copper and brass components that I could incorporate into my jewellery. I soon fell in love with working with silver.

“I slowly started getting together the various tools and equipment that was required and set up a little work area in the corner of the garage. At this point I was making a mixture of my ‘old style’ jewellery and small silver pieces, mainly rings and earrings.

As I learned new techniques my desire to make bigger pieces grew and last year in order to comply with UK legislation I registered with the Assay Office in Birmingham.

I am now able to make larger pieces which I send off to be hallmarked, and marked with my unique sponsors mark.

“My work is quite eclectic, I have several designs that I offer on a made to order basis and I also love to make unique, one of a kind pieces. I spend a lot of my time trying to source unusual stones and my latest discovery is cultured opals, each one is unique and beautiful.

“Most of my work is sold online at the moment and one of the most rewarding things is to receive an email or message from a customer when they have received their jewellery.”

Denise’s jewellery is available to buy from Pickles & Co, Church Street, Oswestry or on etsy.com/shop/purplepixiebydenise.

Oswestry life | 39

n i m Vita a Se

Sometimes I find I am totally unprepared for a summer holiday, doing all my shopping at the last minute and not finding what I had in mind at all! So, let’s take a look at what is hot for the holiday season. If you’re travelling abroad or within the UK, let’s face it there are staples we need for the suitcase. Here we pull out the essentials, but with a 2017 twist.

Black is back for the summer but let’s keep it minimal through the wardrobe! Black bralets and swimsuits are everywhere already. Keep it classy with cutout features on the top half and traditional pieces on the bottom half. Exposed shoulders with an updated 50’s feel flow through tops at the moment and jumpsuits and playsuits are easy wins for travelling.

Shirt dresses are also back on the high street so you can make an easy transition from daytime meandering in to cocktails at night. But don’t forget to accessorise and citrus is perfect for a colour pop.

Victoria Jane McKenna

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

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| Oswestry life

The Beach

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Gold Purple Fade Aviator Sunglasses, River Island, £12.00 Ring Bound Swimsuit, www.bonprix.co.uk, £29.99 Mid Blue Wash Denim Shorts, Pretty Little Thing, £20.00 Floppy Navy Hat, Primark, £4.00 Mauritius Beaded Crop Bikini Top, Boux Avenue, £20.00

What’s hot

liday season o h e f o r th

Out & About CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Embroidered Cold Shoulder Shirt dress, Miss Selfridge, £32.00 The Campaign Look from Monsoon: Clara Linen Stripe Jumpsuit, £59.00 and Wendy Wide Brim Hat, £17.00

Dinner & Drinks Navy Frill Cold Shoulder Wide Leg Jumpsuit, River Island (online exclusive), £55.00 Melody Lace Wedge, Miss Selfridge, £45.00 Dhloe Twist Knot Shoulder Bag, Dune, £55.00

Tatiana Celtic Embellished Sandals, Accessorize, £32.00 Gold Patterned Earrings, Primark, £1.50

Oswestry life

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41

Wedding celebrations This month we’re introducing a new weddings feature, celebrating the union of happy couples who have recently tied the knot. To be included next month, send us your wedding pictures along with your names, where you both live, when and where you got married, to charlotte@oswestry.life

Mrs Karen and Mrs Diane Rogers married on Good Friday, 14 April at the Wynnstay Hotel

42

| Oswestry life

Left: Mrs Debra Ann and Mr Adam William Charles Law of Llynclys, married on 6 May at Oswestry Registry Office (photo: Tim Mitchell) Below: Mrs Katie and Mr Andrew Lyon from Weston Rhyn, married on 22 April at Whittington Castle (photo: Tim Mitchell)

Left: Mr Philip Daniel and Mrs Aimee Louise Chesworth Jones, married at Oswestry Registry Office on Thursday 11 May (photo: Tim Mitchell)

Advertisement feature

June’s consultation with Jane Millington Jane Millington, owner and head practitioner at Body and Face Options clinic in Maesbury Marsh, tells us about a brand new device that can offer three body treatments in one

Inch loss, cellulite reduction and skin tightening As summer approaches, my clients often request treatments that will help their body look and feel its best for the all-important holiday season. I recommend promax lipo and I’ve seen some Jane amazing results using this Millington treatment. It’s non-invasive M.S.B.T.H I.F.H.B.C and can literally transform your I.H.B.C body from flab to fab in just one course.

energy is applied to the skin causing gentle heating.

To treat cellulite, the deepest layers of skin are heated to increase blood circulation. A vacuum massage then helps to drain fatty deposits, breakdown fibrous tissue which reduces the volume of fat cells.

For skin tightening, I heat the skin up to 32 degrees, this stimulates collagen production and leads to a contraction of collagen fibres and a restructuring and tightening of the skin.

Q. Who are these treatments for?

A. We see very good results on post-pregnancy tummies to tighten and lift the skin and for cellulite on legs. This treatment is also popular with clients used on their face to tighten skin.

Q. What results can I expect?

Q . How does it work?

A. I use three different technologies to target a range of concerns, including cellulite and loose skin. Radiofrequency

A. Expect instant inch-loss as well as a long-term reduction in the stubborn layers of fat that are typically resistant to exercise, such as the tummy and thighs.

Q. How many treatments will I need?

A. I recommend a course of 6-8 sessions for facial skin tightening and 8-10 treatments for body cellulite or slimming.

The latest technology available here in Shropshire

www.bodyandfaceoptions.co.uk

BODY&FACE OPTIONS the advanced aesthetic clinic

ProMax utilises safe and effective radio frequency technology.

The radio frequency energy is applied to the skin causing gentle heating. This stimulates a process often referred to as ‘wound healing’. The heat is recognised by the brain which then signals cells in the deeper layers of your skin to produce collagen and elastin. Over time the collagen and elastin grows and your skin will start to tighten, looking fresher and smoother. ProMax is particularly effectiver on fine lines, lower face slackness and over-all skin tightening.

ter Instant results af n io ss se e on only

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

01691 680070 for an appointment

Inch loss body shaping cellulite reduction Lymphatic drainage Eye and neck lifting skin tightening Wrinkle reduction Oswestry life |

43

Social scene

Annual Bonfire and Fireworks Community Grant Fund Presentation Evening

The annual bonfire and fireworks presentation evening took place in May, where cheques were handed out by the Treble Niners to local good causes with money raised from last year’s fireworks display event.

Beneficiaries included: Oswestry Musical Theatre Company, Oswestry Mens Shed, Cambrian Heritage Railway, Connect for Life, Oswestry Senior Citizens Club, Hope Church, Oswestry Heritage Forum, Little Acorns, Oswestry Boys High School, Disability Oswestry, Oswestry Guide Dogs and Oswestry Rotary Cambrian.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM MITCHELL

TOP: Oswestry town mayor cllr Paul Milner was one of the guests. Beneficiaries included: ABOVE L to R : Oswestry Boys High School Association ; Oswestry Guide Dogs Fundraising Group.

FAR LEFT: Hope Church Oswestry.

LEFT: LEFT:Cambrian Heritage Railways Station Project

44

| Oswestry life

ABOVE: Connect for Life RIGHT: Oswestry Cambrian Rotary Fund

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Call: 01743 510238 Email: enquiries@climbingthewalls.club

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

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

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

Famous for our home made cakes.

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

FOOD IS SERVED EVERYDAY FROM 12PM

C E LE BR ATE

FATHERS

DAY AT THE STATION GRILL

Seniors Lunch Monday & Wednesday, 12noon till 3pm

Family friendly

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

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45

Is drinking red wine good for your health?

Well, it does seem that including red wine as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle may reduce the risk of developing heart disease, particularly in men over 40 and post-menopausal women. Alcohol thins the blood, reducing the risk of blood clots forming, it also stimulates the liver to expel a certain damaging type of cholesterol thus decreasing the risk of developing heart disease or strokes.

German scientists have also discovered that drinking one glass of red wine a day could decrease the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. However, to get these health benefits you should only have one standard glass a day.

Some scientists believe that resveratrol, found in red grape skins, is anti-ageing and helpful in combating cancer and preventing obesity, although this could also be due to the fact that red wine contains the antioxidants - polyphenol and tannin, which can protect against free radicals.

It is also proven that drinking a glass of wine in the evening with dinner can reduce stress and aid sleep, as it depresses the central nervous system and promotes relaxation. The key here is just to drink one glass, as too much wine before bedtime can interfere with your natural circadian rhythms preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.

It would seem therefore, that drinking red wine in moderation is beneficial to health.

So, bottoms up!

Eas and holi

Hot favo cem and

Recipe 12-16 June is healthy eating week. Try this easy recipe for a tasty roasted spicy squash salad

Roasted spicy squash salad Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4

What to do Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6.

Ingredients 1 kg butternut squash - peeled, deseeded and cut into 2cm dice

Place squash in a large roasting tin, toss in 2 tbsp oil, chilli flakes, paprika and pumpkin seeds, season and roast for 20 minutes until tender.

3 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp crushed chilli flakes 1 tsp paprika 50g pumpkin seeds 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

By Amanda Jenkins of Oswestry’s Twelve Green Bottles TWELVE GREEN BOTTLES Open your door to

great quality wine 46 | Oswestry life

1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tbsp honey 140g bag Watercress, Rocket & Spinach Salad

Whisk together the soy, vinegar, honey and remaining oil.

Place the leaves in a bowl and toss the dressing into the salad leaves.

Gently mix in the warm squash and serve immediately.

Ellesmere Food and Drink Festival

17th & 18th June 2017 Ellesmere will be holding it’s food and drink festival over the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June 2017.

This coincides with Fathers Day, enabling families to come together and enjoy the food, drink and events in and around the Ellesmere area.

The Festival which is held at the Market Hall and Town Hall is mostly undercover and is open from10am until 4pm both days.

Whilst in Ellesmere, why not take a look around the vibrant market town with numerous Georgian and half-timbered buildings surrounding the medieval streets. Ellesmere’s shops are many and varied, with the type of shops that other towns let go of years ago and not a ‘mall’ in sight.

And don’t forget to take a stroll around the Mere.

Free entry

Oswestry life | 47

! d o o f n a g wesome ve

A

Breakfast pancakes Soups Sandwiches Mains etc.

Gluten free options...

All vegan all delicious!

Mon-Sat 9am-4pm @Liar Liar trabbitfood Top of Bailey Street Oswestry Facebook us @fa

★DISCOUNT VOUCHER★ Fat Rabbit

Fat Rabbit @Liar Liar Top of Bailey Street Oswestry ????????

This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Not exchangeable for cash. No cash value. Excludes Bank Holidays. Only one voucher per visit can be accepted for this offer. Offer subject to availability.

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★DISCOUNT VOUCHER★ Baby Bird Café

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

Voucher valid until 30 June 2017

48

| Oswestry life

1 free Kids Juice with every adult pot of tea or large Americano

Meet the chef Linda Clark has been running Fat Rabbit since July 2016. Located in Oswestry’s newest and trendiest coffee shop, Liar Liar on Albion Hill, she’s created quite a stir in the town with her unique brand of vegan street food What made you want to become a chef?

Fat Rabbit Food was created by myself and my two older children who are also vegan. It was a counterpoint to all the terrible veggie lasagne options out there. We wanted to create a menu that would not simply cater for vegans but excite all our customers whatever their diet.

I personally chose veganism for ethical reasons. With all the wonderful food choices available, eating a product where another creature has had to suffer seems to me just completely unnecessary.

What do you enjoy cooking/do you have a signature dish?

The most popular dish is our Yasai Gyoza. Delicious Japanese dumplings served with vermicelli rice noodles and our house-made Fat Rabbit teriyaki sauce. Making our own sauces is one of the most enjoyable aspects, we also make a Muhammara red pepper sauce containing Aleppo chilli flakes which goes with our falafel burger.

What chef(s) do you admire most?

Like most people I enjoy the cookery programmes on TV. Most of my cooking library is made up of Nigella, Jamie and Nigel Slater. Although recently I have begun buying vegan cookbooks from Booka. My most recent is called Vegan Eats which has a real TexMex flavour. The trouble is trying to find the time to try them all out.

What lessons have you learnt through your work?

I’ve learnt to take things one at a time. If 20 orders come through there’s no point panicking, you just take a deep breath and start cooking. I’ve also learnt that vegan cooking is not as difficult as it used to be in terms of ingredients. I had tried completely removing animal

Linda Clark welcoming celebrity vegan Nick Knowles to Fat Rabbit

products from my diet in the past and it was impossible to maintain. Recently the demand consumers have made has meant that the major supermarkets sell alternatives to milk, cheese, meat, mayo and spreads. People are choosing to opt for the healthier, environmentally and compassionate options.

What do you enjoy about working with Liar Liar?

Running your own business is incredibly hard. It has to be a passion. Tom Jones and his sister Jess are an amazing example of this and working with them has been a fantastic opportunity. Their passion for quality inspires me to work harder and produce even better vegan dishes.

What’s your favourite tipple?

Unfortunately many alcoholic drinks don’t have clear vegan labelling. Wine and beer often have processes which use animal products for fining. Luckily for me, Twelve Green Bottles, just around the corner from Fat Rabbit has a delicious selection of vegan wine. They have gone to the effort of contacting producers to find out which are vegan.

My current tipple is a delicious Malbec called La Linda. It’s hard not to buy a wine with your name on it.

What is the secret of really good food?

Anticipation. I love thinking about food, I’m definitely someone who’s thinking about dinner plans at breakfast.

What ingredient couldn’t you live without?

A very difficult question. It’s like choosing your favourite child. I think it would have to be fresh lemons. It’s a simple way to give a boost to all sorts of dishes. A squeeze of fresh lemon on a red lentil and tomato soup is wonderful. You can taste the goodness instantly.

Do you have a top tip for keen cooking enthusiasts?

I don’t have years of chef experience so if it’s not too busy its always wonderful to have a chat with people about food.

I’ve had lots of wonderful conversations in Liar Liar about food and drink which can lead to changes to my menu. It’s all about making vegan food accessible and enjoyable so my top tip is to keep talking about food.

Oswestry life

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49

“I like you – your eyes are full of language” A Sexton

Do we always say what we mean? It seems a silly question but it’s not as daft as it sounds.

Next time you’re in a Doctor’s surgery watch how much time they spend looking at you. It’s not just idle curiosity: research shows that 55%, or more than half, of the meaning you intend to convey comes from your body language. Did you grimace or smile? Did you sit with your arms crossed?

Did you fiddle with your car keys or sit comfortably relaxed? Did you laugh or cry? All of these actions convey meaning. Sometimes it is obvious but often much more subtle. Doctors are trained to hear and speak “body language” and are looking for these behaviours.

Actually only 7% - that is less than a tenth – of the meaning you wish to convey comes in the words themselves. More than a third of the message (38% for those you doing the sums!) comes in what the experts call paralinguistics. This is the tone, volume, speed and pauses you use when talking.

Of course the Doctor is communicating with you in the same way and even with training much of this remains a subconscious process. So although they may be

using non-verbal communication positively sometimes you will sense when the Doctor is under time pressure, perhaps is a bit uncertain or just having an off day. You might leave a bit disappointed on these occasions: even if you got the correct treatment.

You might remember the old game of Chinese whispers or Russian Gossip which, to avoid its colonial undertones, is sometimes referred to as “Gossip” or “Telephone.”

The classic one starts with the message: “Send reinforcements we are going to advance” which, after a number of whispers in ears across the room, becomes “send three and four pence we are going to a dance.” I have read it was a real event in the First World War but I suspect that is apocryphal. Obviously a pre-decimal story and apologies to those of you who don’t remember pounds, shillings and pence but it does illustrate the point that words sometimes distort meaning.

We tend to behave as if our words are how we communicate. Let me leave you with a thought – you might not be saying what you mean!

Dr Paul Middleton

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Oswestry life

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51

Business news

Solicitor expands team Lanyon Bowdler has appointed a new associate to its Oswestry office as the business continues to grow.

Lisa Jones is very experienced in advising on a range of private client matters and is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She will be helping clients with their lifetime legal planning needs, such as wills, inheritance tax, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and elderly client issues. She can also advise on probate and administration of estates.

Giles Scott, head of the private client team said: “It is important that we continue to expand to meet the highest standard of service our customers expect from us.

“This commitment has seen us take on new staff and we are pleased to announce Lisa as the latest to join our team.

“Our department is seeing an ever-increasing workload and Lisa will bolster our Oswestry office.”

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Marketing • PR • Social Media telephone. 07500 116156 email. charlotte@ruscoepr.co.uk web. ruscoepr.co.uk

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| Oswestry life

Move for popular stationers Family-run stationers Lawrence Direct have moved two doors away to 20 Church Street, the store they originally expanded the business in. Sisters Sally and Emma Lawrence started the business back in 1992 from an empty shop at 55 Church Street. The Lawrence family have a strong link with the street dating back 60 years when their late grandfather first set up shop in 67 Church Street.

Today the Lawrence sisters, now including younger sister Clare and their dedicated team specialise in the printing of invitations, business cards and letterheads.

Emma Lawrence explains: “We’ve diversified over the years, from a traditional newsagent to incorporate a copy/print centre. Retail is changing so much we no longer needed the amount of storage we used to, so when our old shop became vacant we jumped at the chance to move back and give it an updated look and new machines.”

Lawrence Direct offers a next day delivery service on thousands of items, find out more at www.lawrencedirect.co.uk

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An Oswestry IT company is relocating to the town centre and with it, bringing the exciting opportunity for other businesses to share their office space.

Bluestonex Consulting Ltd, formed in 2012 specialises in business software, design, user experience and innovation. Working collaboratively with their customers, the firm design, develop, implement, and maintain solutions that continually support and enhance overall business strategy and objectives.

Dan Barton, director at Bluestonex Consulting comments: “We have grown slowly over the last five years and gained customers such as Arla Foods, Princes Foods, Carlsberg and Mitie to name but a few. Although we are based here in

Shropshire we have another small office in India and work mainly across the UK as well as Europe.

“We’re moving out of smaller offices just outside of Oswestry to The Old Baptist Church, on Salop Road. It’s a great building that’s right in the middle of town.

“As this is our home, we want to bring more people into the town centre and offer professional business offices that are fully managed and fully serviced.

This way, we can let other small local businesses utilise a great building in the middle of Oswestry with them knowing their total expenditure every month. The price will be competitive with a bundle offer of a manned reception, Wi-Fi / networks, printing facilities, meeting rooms and modern office furniture.”

light that the Church offers. The firm plan to relocate their small UK team there as well as hold training sessions and design workshops with clients.

Building work is about to commence once final planning is approved and office space will be available at the end of the summer. Anyone interested in renting office space and services can contact enquiries@ bluestonex.com

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Oswestry life

|

53

Q&A

with Victoria Wilson

with

Stevens Lucas

Solicitors, Solicitor-Advocates & Barristers

If tax laws change before I die, could my beneficiaries change my will to reduce unexpected tax liabilities?

Q: I have been very careful in considering tax liability implications for the beneficiaries of my Will, but I’m concerned that if the law changes before I die my good intentions may be wasted. I am wondering therefore whether it would be possible for my beneficiaries, who are all close family members, to get together and change certain aspects of my Will to appease such liabilities if it becomes necessary?

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A: Yes it is possible for beneficiaries to change a Will, provided that they all agree with the changes, they act within two years of your passing and none of the beneficiaries are left worse off. If there are any beneficiaries under the age of eighteen, however, it can be complicated.

Common reasons for beneficiaries wanting to change a Will after a person has died are: to reduce the Inheritance or Capital Gains tax liability, to provide for someone left out of a Will, to move the deceased person’s assets into a Trust, or to clear up uncertainty over a Will. A deed of variation can be drafted in order to ensure that all the legal requirements are met.

The ‘deed’ of variation does not need to be a formal document; a letter will suffice provided it meets certain conditions. You can use the Inland Revenue form IOV2 to work out whether you have met all the necessary legal requirements. If the variation results in a greater Inheritance Tax liability then a copy of it must be submitted to HMRC within six months of making it. You do not need to inform HMRC if the variation does not change the IHT liability.

All that said, a better solution to your dilemma would be to update your Will regularly so that your solicitor can make you aware of changes in tax implications that may affect your good intentions.

This question has been answered by Victoria Wilson, a Partner with GHP Legal. For an appointment visit www.ghplegal.com or contact one of our offices: Oswestry 01691 659194, Chirk 01691 777949, Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313. We also offer free legal diagnostic clinics (no appointment necessary) as follows: Personal Injury, Employment & Family matters – Wednesdays 12noon-3pm in Oswestry; In Wrexham, Mondays 9.30am-12noon for Employment matters and 12noon – 3pm for Personal Injury & Family matters. GHP Legal is authorised and regulated by the SRA 51566, and Lexcel Accredited.

10%

Left: A yellowhammer surveys the scene Top to bottom: Looking north-west June is a good time to spot the first of the painted ladies The eastern slopes are covered with foxgloves Mt granddaughter at the hillfort A buzzard in flight

Rambles with a camera Walker, photographer and artist Graham ‘Grum’ Mitchell focuses on some of the region’s hidden gems on a walk around his beloved hometown of Oswestry

Old Oswestry, Hen Dinas or Old Coppy I won’t apologise for mentioning the hillfort so often. We are surrounded by such beautiful countryside that many people forget this wonder on their doorstep. I visit at least once a week, rain or shine. I never get bored. You have a choice of walking around the base, on or in the middle ramparts, or round the top. Each has different aspects and different wildlife to see. In fact, walking clockwise or anti-clockwise gives a completely different perspective. Six walks in one!

If you can, don’t park in the limited parking at the base. If you do, you’ll miss the stunning views of the hillfort as you walk across Gatacre Park, with Llwyn Coppice on your right.

Then along “Coppy Lane”. The supposed birthplace of Guinevere, this 3000-year-old iron-age fort was previously nicknamed Coppice 2 or the Old Coppy. Wat’s dyke, built some 1500 years ago, ran through where the town now is and joined the hillfort.

There is a small length remaining just to the side of the house you

pass on your right. In town, it’s only the reference in the road name that survives.

There seems to be a group of four buzzards around the fort this year.

They spend their time eyeing up the crows’ nests on the coppice opposite.

You’ll see yellowhammers and, if lucky, hear a skylark. In June you may see the first of the painted ladies after their marathon flight from North Africa.

Now the bluebells have finished, the easterly slopes are covered with foxgloves attracting bees.

From the top, check out the distant landmarks. If you are walking anticlockwise, to the left of the coppice, you’ll see the Wrekin on the horizon.

That’s south east. Moving north you’ll pick out Nesscliffe Hill, then closer, Oswestry Showground and the Orthopaedic Hospital. As you move round, the plumes from the “woodchip” factory will be visible due north. Further round there is a good view of Oakhurst House, and then a wonderful aerial view of Oswestry with the Breidden Hills beyond.

As the time of day, weather and seasons change, so does the incredible view. Visit often, you won’t regret it.

Oswestry life | 55

Nostalgia

Military past of Park Hall David Owen examines Oswestry’s military past, with a visit down memory lane to Park Hall.

One of the most interesting periods in Oswestry’s ‘recent’ history is the military presence at Park Hall.

Park Hall Camp was built in the grounds of a wonderful Tudor mansion at the beginning of World War One. The Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Cheshire Regiment were the first occupants in July 1915 and many thousands of troops passed through the camp in the following years.

The camp also housed German prisoners-of-war including, in 1919, the officers who scuttled German naval fleet in Scapa Flow, Orkney.

A ‘German’ cemetery used to exist on the other side of the Shrewsbury – Chester railway line just beyond Whittington station until the bodies were exhumed and returned to Germany in the 1960s.

The camp boasted an extensive hospital which became the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in 1921.

Park Hall itself served as officer accommodation during WW1 but, tragically, the building was burnt to the ground following a massive fire which was caused by an electrical fault, on Boxing Day 1918.

After the last POWs were repatriated in 1920 the camp was largely abandoned

and fell into disrepair. It became a venue for motorcycle racing during the 1930s and much of the land was turned back to agricultural use.

In 1939, with international tensions running high, Park Hall Camp was revived and opened once more in July of that year. Primarily home to the Royal Artillery, the camp remained active throughout the war and in the years following housed Canadian troops before reverting to the Royal Artillery and the Infantry Junior Leaders Brigade. Many thousands of National Servicemen passed through the camp in the 1950s and 60s, including Bullseye host Jim Bowen and Dad’s Army creator Jimmy Perry.

The camp finally closed in December 1975 when the last IJLB recruits left. It was a massive blow to the local economy which was still reeling from the loss of the railway some seven years before.

The area now houses the massive BT House as well as Oswestry Rugby Club and the Showground which regularly sees episodes of TV’s Bargain Hunt filmed there, as well as many shows and exhibitions during the year.

Oswestry’s military history may well have finished over 40 years ago but its presence will never be forgotten.

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| Oswestry life

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Oswestry life |

57

Sport

What: Oswestry’s first ever half marathon Where: The route started from The British Ironwork Centre

Over the bank holiday Oswestry saw its first ever half marathon with 1000 runners pounding the pavement in an astounding display of stamina and community spirit. The British Ironwork Centre hosted the event with amazing success, being both the starting point and finish of the half marathon. Together with UKRunChat, the Ironworks helped to guide the runners through the town and around the track with the help of their iconic gorilla and giraffe sculptures.

It was so incredible to see thousands of spectators take to the streets, to offer their support as well as some very welcome refreshments to those taking part and for the wonderful marshals and volunteers who helped to make the event possible.

the event has helped to raise thousands of pounds for local charities and worthy causes David Webb from Shrewsbury was the first to cross the line in a time of one hour, 10 minutes and 16 seconds - nine minutes ahead of the next runner, and Belle Ward was the first woman to finish in 1:28:02.

All 875 finishers received a goody bag, T-shirt and an eye-catching medal to remember the day. The bespoke gorilla medals, designed by British sculptor Joe Bailey, are made of metal and sprayed gold. A special spoon gorilla medal presented on a gold chain was also awarded to the first placed male and female in a range of age categories.

As well as the achievement of completing the incredible 13 mile run, the event has helped to raise thousands of pounds for local charities and worthy causes.

Mr Knowles chairman of the Centre said, it was an “honour” to host the event, which saw competitors travel from as far as Germany to take part, and there are already plans for the second Oswestry Half Marathon next year.

58

| Oswestry life

The Lashings All-Stars in association with

Sport

Cricket ace back to bat Young Oswestry cricket ace Xavi Clarke is back on home soil and preparing for a busy summer after helping to blaze a trail for future England cricketers.

The 16-year-old batsman and wrist spinner was a member of the first ever Bunbury/ECB Under-16 squad to go on an overseas tour which visited Sri Lanka recently.

Xavi, who is a member of the Worcestershire Academy, was picked for the tour and played in all four games after his performances at the Bunbury Festival last summer which marked the 30th anniversary of the event.

Xavi has a busy summer ahead with cricket and GCSEs to juggle, and he has already been back in action on the cricket field.

From left, Xavi Clarke, Steve Aston and Jack Haynes

tables available!

... special At the tournament, two of The Marches School netball teams got through guestto the top finals. The Under-12 team won ‘Most Determined Team’ throughout the John tournament and the whole team were awarded the 2017 International Junior Netball Festival Umpires ‘Spirit of "BOYCIE" the Game’ award.

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Sian Cooke, PE teacher commented, “The level of netball played was fantastic and our students’ determination is to be credited.” She continued, “We are very proud of the girls and we are looking forward to Visit www.oswestrycricketclub.co.uk for details or contact our next netball trip.”

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Thursday Thursday August August 31st 31st 2017 2017 Visit www.oswestrycricketclub.co.uk for details or contact Visit www.oswestrycricketclub.co.uk for details or contact Hugh Roberts 07971963016 hugh@hughrobertsltd.co.uk Hugh Roberts 07971963016 hugh@hughrobertsltd.co.uk

Oswestry life

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Oswestry life | 61

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62 | Oswestry life

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Useful numbers Councils

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

Dentists

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

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

Hospitals

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

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

Services and helplines

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

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

Sport and Leisure

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

Transport

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

Vets

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

Useful websites

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

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Kids fun Flower wreaths

This lovely craft can be made as simple or difficult as you wish with whatever age range of children you have.

The wreaths look lovely on internal doors, walls or hung in windows.

You will need:

• Card • Pencil • Scissors • Glue • Tissue paper • Ribbon • Decorative touches (stickers, felt flowers, whatever you like!)

Method: 1) Either freehand or using a saucer to draw around, draw a circle onto your piece of card 2) Cut out your circle and cut a circular hole in the middle so you’re left with a ring shape 3) Liberally apply glue to one side of your card ring 4) Cut your tissue paper into smaller circles, scrunching each piece into a rosette/ flower shape and pressing into the glue 5) Cover the entire ring, then add your final decorative touches such a stickers/ gems (here we added felt flowers) 6) Make a hanging loop with your ribbon and glue to the back of the ring so wreath can be hung up and displayed 7) Stand back and enjoy!

Oswestry Library

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

Events for children and young people this June

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Lego club for all ages – Free drop-in event Friday 2 10am-12pm Make a Sand-art picture.

Prices from £3 for a Disney picture and unlimited sand, suitable for all ages. Free drop-in event Saturday 3 2-3pm Dinosaurs and Princesses drawing club – local cartoonist John Swogger will show you how some simple tricks can help bring your drawings to life! Free drop-in event.

Monday 5, 19 2-2.30pm Bookstart Rhyme Time for pre-school children, parents & carers. Free Friday 9, 23 2-2.30pm Bookstart Story Time for pre-school children, parents & carers. Free Saturday 10 11am-1pm Crafternoons – bring along something you are working on and share ideas and inspiration. Free drop-in event.

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Prize Wordsearch

For your chance to win one of four FREE admission passes to the Fantastic Funhouse send your completed word search to: Kids Fun Competition, Oswestry Life Magazine, Unit 2, Glovers Meadow Oswestry SY10 8NH. Winners will be chosen at random from the correct entries. Closing date: 30 June 2017.

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES

- 17:00

INDOOR FOOTBALL

GARAGE GO-CART

Tel: 01691 655515

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

WIN Competitions

WIN WIN

A family photo shoot If you’re still wondering what to get Dad for Father’s Day this year, we’ve got a fabulous competition guaranteed to put a smile on his face. We’ve teamed up with photographer Tim Mitchell to offer you a photo shoot for your family.

Tim is an Oswestrybased photographer and videographer, specialising in weddings and family photography.

Tim is offering one lucky person the chance to win a half hour in-home photo shoot worth £75. The session will include backgrounds (if required), lighting, group and individual portraits of each family member. All images will be edited and provided to the family via a free download link.

To enter, tell us - in photography, what does the term SLR mean?

Solarsphere tickets A small, friendly festival held in the beautiful Welsh countryside, Solarsphere is now in its third year.

Held on 11 – 14 August under the dark skies of Builth Wells, Powys, the festival promises live music and comedy mixed with astronomical talks and workshops. Solarsphere is independent, non-profit festival which is not over-crowded, you don’t have to walk miles to your tent and there are ‘proper’ clean showers and toilets for all guests. For more details, visit www.solarsphere.events To be in with a chance of winning a pair of weekend tickets to Solarsphere, answer the following question: Where is Solarsphere being held?

Climbing the walls Climbing the Walls, based in Shrewsbury, is a purpose built climbing centre catering for all ages and abilities. Thrill-seekers can try the Action Walls which provides 25 interactive challenges, including a skyscraper to scale, speed walls which are digitally timed and a volcano which lights up as you climb it. Action Walls cater for 30 people, so it’s perfect for party bookings, team building, group bookings or a great place to bring children for some family fun.

The bouldering section is 4.5 metres high freestyle climbing without ropes or harnesses, testing your balance, technique and strength and perfect for all abilities.

Climbing really is the next big thing, it’s great for fitness, it’s fun and challenging. As you improve, Climbing the Walls will cater for ever-increasing level of experience, challenging every climber.

For more information, visit: www.climbingthewalls.club We’ve teamed up with Climbing the Walls to offer two lucky readers a pair of Action Walls passes. Simply tell us, how many interactive challenges are there in the Actions Walls section?

COMPETITION RULES: Closing date for competitions is 28/06/17. Send your entries, along with your name, address, email and telephone number on a postcard to Oswestry Life Magazine, Unit 2, Glovers Meadow, Oswestry, SY10 8NH or by email to info@oswestry.life or enter on the website: www.oswestry.life. By entering any competition within this publication you consent to Oswestry Life and the promoters contacting you for marketing purposes. Your data will not be shared with any other party. For full terms and conditions please refer to www.oswestry.life APRIL WINNERS: Park Hall Farm Keira Evans, Morda, Oswestry; Mrs L Burdess, Oswestry Evolution Gym Charlotte Cauldwell, Oswestry; Carol Evans, Oswestry; Cath Evans, Morda, Oswestry The Townhouse Chris Hyde, Whittington

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Last Word Taking remote control of life Working remotely might seem like a remote possibility to most, but for the last four years I’ve been working remotely as a freelance PR consultant from my desktop in Oswestry. Working for and with a variety of businesses in different industries and locations.

Distance is no longer a barrier in today’s global village. Employers can pick and choose the skills they need from anywhere in the world. And with recent studies* suggesting 91% of employees would get more done remotely, it seems like a win-win situation.

This month I’m pushing remote working to its limit, sat on the other side of the world in Thailand, laptop and iPhone in hand. The sun is shining, it’s 30 degrees outside and I can hear the waves crashing onto the shore. I’m even sipping from a fresh coconut. But it’s business as usual for my clients and while they wouldn’t necessarily expect me to be working while I’m on holiday, I just can’t help myself, remote working is part of my life now, wherever I am.

There’s still something very liberating for me about being able to send an email in seconds from the other side of the world. And, unless they read this, most people I’m emailing may never know where I’m contacting them from.

I’m willing to bet there are remote workers, working all over our town 66 | Oswestry life

– from employees who no longer want to commute to freelancers working from home for multiple different businesses.

home from school, which is usually 5pm – 6pm depending on clubs. It’s the craziest part of the day, but vital for bonding with them.

Before I went freelance and became a remote worker, there were lots of days where I would leave early in the morning to rush to work, returning at night hoping to perhaps catch my children before they went to bed.

Work was a chore. This might sound familiar to you, something you accept as a fact of life. Your working week is dedicated to work and any hobbies or family commitments have to fit in the ‘gaps’.

After I have put them to bed, I’ll get straight back onto the computer again and use this time to tie up any loose ends and plan for the next day.

I love my work and my life outside of work, and I wanted both. I wanted to work without feeling guilty about leaving my children.

Many women after having children are faced with the crippling decision to put their career on hold or take a lower paid job, stunting any further professional development.

Remote working as a freelancer was the solution for me to be able to redesign my life during and beyond maternity leave.

Unlike a conventional work life, I’m in control of my own hours and the structure of my days. While that can seem liberating, it’s also one of the most challenging things. Monday to Friday I try to schedule meetings first thing, so that I can take the kids to school and go straight to the meeting. Once I’m logged on I’ll work a solid day until the kids return

I might work on weekends, but only at night and never at the expense of family time. That time is precious.

Remote working as a freelancer takes trust between client and freelancer and the best way to build that is with regular communication.

As technology advances – the opportunities for improved communication grow. High speed broadband, team working software, Skype, social media and traditional email all serve to create an office from office environment.

I work as part of many different teams and I fit work into my life in a way that makes sense for me to be happy and productive at the same time. Thankfully the world is changing and the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely is putting the power in our hands to shape our lives the way we’d like to live them. *Forbes.com

Charlotte Ruscoe

e: charlotte@oswestry.life

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ALEVERE CLINICS NATIONWIDE Alevere Shrewsbury, Sterling Clinics Group Ltd, Sterling House, Sitka Drive, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury SY2 6LG.

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www.sterlingclinics.co.uk Oswestry life

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Looking for a new kitchen or bathroom?

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

Tel: 01691 657774

Email. sales@inspirehomedesign.co.uk

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

www.inspirehomedesign.co.uk