Oswestry Life May 2018

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Rambles with a camera • Motoring test drive • Interiors • Natural touch Walks around Oswestry Subaru XV

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| Oswestry life

Contents

Welcome

Local news......................................... 5

to Oswestry Life

Foster mother – Mavis Humby........... 9 Oswestry – a future vision................ 13 Local walks...................................... 15 Nostalgia.......................................... 16

The warm weather is finally upon us and what better way to celebrate than enjoy the great outdoors looking for seasonal bluebells with our resident rambler, Graham Mitchell on page 15. Sticking with the outdoor theme, Interiors on pages 26-27 is a celebration of everything plant-based, bringing the outdoors in.

On page 13 we take a look at the bigger picture of the town with Oswestry Civic Society’s recommendations for an eco-future.

Don’t miss page 9 where we meet ‘mum in a million’ Mavis who has just published a book of her life and time as a foster carer.

Enjoy the read

Charlotte Ruscoe EDITOR

Motoring........................................... 17 Out and about................................. 19 Property............................................ 23 Interiors............................................. 26 Gardening........................................ 41 Picture perfect prom........................ 46 Fashion............................................. 50 Health............................................... 53 Food and Drink................................ 54 Business............................................ 56 Culture.............................................. 59 Kids fun............................................ 64 Competitions.................................... 65 Last word.......................................... 66

Oswestry Life

free issue 15 may 2018

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Cover photograph Orange tip butterfly

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Unit 2, Glovers Meadow, Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire Telephone: 07986 293294 Joint Managing Directors Tracy Leonard e: tracy@oswestrylife.co.uk David Lee-Birch e: david@oswestrylife.co.uk Editor Charlotte Ruscoe e: charlotte@oswestrylife.co.uk Production Designer Aileen Selkirk e: aileen@oswestrylife.co.uk Fashion & Beauty Editor Victoria Jane McKenna Contributors Graham Mitchell, David Owen, Dr Paul Middleton, Jan Hedger, Katie Millard, Grace Goodlad, Richard Jones and Callum Donnelly Accounts and Distribution e: info@oswestrylife.co.uk Advertising e: sales@oswestrylife.co.uk Editorial e: news@oswestrylife.co.uk

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with a camera • Motoring test drive • Interiors • Rambles Natural touch Walks around Oswestry Subaru XV

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. 2018

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Local news

Charity cycle challenge Calling cyclists of all abilities!

A brand-new cycle challenge is being launched this summer which takes in the beauty of all of North Shropshire while raising money for the county’s children’s hospice.

Clive Knowles with celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh

Colourful donation to project A television project to create a garden for poorly children has been supported by The British Ironworks.

The ITV show Love your Garden hosted by Alan Titchmarsh has created a wonderful new garden for the children at Manchester Children’s Hospital to enjoy and use.

The British Ironworks, representing Shropshire, took on the responsibility of creating larger than life bright colourful flowers.

Chairman Clive Knowles said: “The ITV show producers gave us a call, we’ve actually been working with them for some years now.

“This project was immediately of interest and we hope to have injected some bright summer colour, to really make a splash outside the hospital.

“Alan was delighted, and we hope to be working in collaboration with the Love your Garden team again soon.”

Bowls winner announced

The North Shropshire Cycle Challenge takes place on 10 June and offers an 85-mile sportive route through Newport, Wem, Hope House in Oswestry, Ellesmere and Whitchurch, plus a 35-mile fun route suitable for all.

The event is being organised by the Shropshire Gentleman’s Club which has raised £300,000 for Hope House Children’s hospice over the past decade through annual balls and the Gents themselves undertaking challenges such as cycling to Paris.

Standard entry fees are £25 for the sportive and £20 for the fun ride, but a £5 Early Bird discount is currently available. All of the entry fees, and any optional sponsorship raised, will go directly to Hope House.

Wynnstay Bowling Club’s indoor bowling season is over - and the new outdoor crown green grass bowling season is now underway.

To see route maps and sign up visit www.shropshirecycleride.com

All the indoor scores, of the 37 participants, were added up to see whose name was to be engraved on the ‘Indoor Bowls’ trophy.

below: Launching the Cycle Challenge at Hope House are from left; Shropshire Gents Mark Charman, Ken McGillivray and Richard Kolbe with the Hope House Care Team Liz Norton, Shirley Gregory, Lyn Piatczanyn and Gwyneth Morgan.

This year the honours went to club member and former banker Steve Theobald with 166 points from the nine-session season, with Brian Cowley the runner-up, 26 behind with 143 points.

If you fancy joining the Wynnstay Bowling Club, with the gentle and fun exercise it provides, turn up at the crown green directly behind the Wynnstay Hotel, any Monday or Thursday at 2pm and ask for a committee member.

You will be made most welcome with membership costs just over £1 for the two-weekly session, at £33 for the full season that runs until the first week of October. This is Steve’s first entry on the trophy, which was won last year by Brian Cowley.

Pictured: This year’s winner Steve Theobold (left) with runner-up Brian Cowley

Oswestry life | 5

Walk the ORC

The Oswestry Round Challenge (ORC) is now in its third year will be held on Saturday 9 June. A 33-mile charity walk combining parts of Offa’s Dyke Path and the Montgomery and Llangollen Canals, it forms a complete circuit around Oswestry. The route starts and finishes at the Lion Quays.

Right royal cake competition Bakers from three local charities created cakes fit for a royal wedding when they battled it out over the mixing bowls in a BakeOff style competition held at Derwen College, near Oswestry.

Charities Hope House and Empathy for Special Children joined hosts Derwen College for the competition which was supported by Oswestry Sainsbury’s.

Two bakers from each charity competed in the blind baking technical challenge to whip up an Elderflower and Lemon Drizzle cake with a Royal Wedding theme, on Wednesday, 4th April.

The event was overseen by Sainsbury’s Tammy Williams and the tricky process of judging the tantalising creations was carried out by Oswestry councillor and Derwen College governor Paul Milner and Sainsbury’s Richard Kirby and Hayleigh Ellis.

The winner was Hope House Lottery Manager Gill Beckwith who created a stylish three-tier cake decorated with red roses.

ABOVE: Cllr Paul Milner, Sainsbury’s Richard Kirby and Hayleigh Ellis, Derwen College bakers Amy Snow and Caroline Morris, Sainsbury’s Tammy Williams, Hope House bakers Gill Beckwith and Simi Epstein, and Empathy for Special Children’s Ethan Goddard-Cockaday and Samuel Williams.

During its first two years the ORC and the book together have raised over £29,000 for Cancer Research UK and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The organisers’ aim this year is to raise a further £25,000.

Dave was treated in the Lingen Davies Centre in 2014 and he sees the book and the annual Challenge as ways of saying thank you for the care he received.

The organisers are keen to hear from anyone who would like to be a marshal or help in some other way contact Annie at lizzy.kerr@sky.com For more information about the ORC or to register visit www.oswestryround.co.uk

Musical festival hitting the right notes

What’s occurring?

The festival programme includes sensational artists, including the celebrated Elias Quartet, just returned from another major tour of the US; others are Principals of major orchestras. They look forward to the Whittington residency as a welcome retreat from their pressured lives on tour between big cities.

The Gavin & Stacey star, best known for her outstanding and award-winning television writing, talked about her debut novel, Never Greener, a heart-rending, provocative and astutely written love story about getting what you want and losing everything you need.

Whittington’s sixth international music festival will run from 15 - 20 May and features 15 world-class musicians playing six concerts of British music. Tickets cost £15 or free of charge for ages 8 – 25-yearolds. To apply for free tickets, call 01691 657986.

Artistic Director James Barralet says: “Whittington festival is for everyone who loves music – full stop.”

Tickets are still available at Rowanthorn (near Oswestry’s main car park) or may be self-printed online: www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk 6

“The Oswestry Round is a delightful route,” explains Dave Andrews, who wrote the book it’s based on. “The Challenge is a great way to meet people, get some exercise and raise money for two cancer charities at the same time. It’s always a fun day, even when it rains!”

| Oswestry life

Actress, writer and comedy star Ruth Jones entertained a sellout audience in April at Oswestry’s Wynnstay Hotel.

Ruth Jones pictured with Matt Bailey

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Mavis was tagged ‘Mum in a Million’ by the Hospital Saving Association private health fund, where 34,000 mums were nominated nationwide. It resulted in her, plus husband and her foster children at the time Tanzy and John, winning a week’s family holiday in Tunisia.

Foster child Emma Peace, one of three daughters she fostered and now a Shropshire health specialist with a son Richard, nominated her. Emma’s nomination letter appears in the book.

Mavis’ prizes for winning included a mini cruise to Spain, where the shortlisted mums heard she was overall winner - appropriately on Mother’s Day, back in 1996. It also included a week in Tunisia, a weekend in a Jarvis hotel, a meal for four at The Sweeney Hotel plus a week in a log cabin in Silloth.

Profile

Oswestry ‘Mum in a Million’ releases book of her life ‘Mum in a Million’ Mavis Humby has just released a book about her life and time as a foster carer – bringing up 180 foster children in Oswestry over 40 years, plus two of her own called Nicholas and Lisa.

And, with a family of three sisters, it meant for a decade she was caring for seven children together.

Commitments included numerous newborn emergency placements - before they moved on to adoptive parents. Mavis is particularly proud of the three sisters plus Adam, who lived with her and husband Patrick until their late teens, as the girls all went on to be successful mums and Adam a leading Oswestry painter and decorator.

Mavis was tagged ‘Mum in a Million’ by the Hospital Saving Association private health fund, where 34,000 mums were nominated nationwide The Middleton Road couple are most proud that, without exception, all their foster children have gone on to be excellent parents. “We hope that however short a time they spent with us. It helped give them stability,” Mavis said.

As a tribute to all the children that passed through their Middleton Road home, Mavis has published a book detailing her incredible life. She’s called it ‘Other People’s Children - My Life and Family’.

On the Spanish cruise prize they were invited up to the bridge to meet the captain. In addition, the Chairman of Severn Trent, where Pat worked nominated them to attend a Buckingham Palace garden party!

Mavis has dedicated her book to ‘my wonderful husband Patrick, for all the happy memories he’s given me’ Mavis has dedicated her book to ‘my wonderful husband Patrick, for all the happy memories he’s given me’. And in its early pages pays tribute to her dad Ted ParryJones, who was Editor of Oswestry’s Advertizer for 20 years until the 1970s and her mum Winifred ParryJones who met him on the promenade holidaying in Aberystwyth.

She recalls in her book seeing an advert by Shropshire County Council seeking part-time ‘family support workers’ which opened up a whole new world to her and Pat of being foster parents.

She blames ‘all my lovely’ friends, for goading her into committing a full year getting the book together. “They encouraged me to write it, after me relating funny stories to them at our monthly gatherings over the last 40 years,” she writes in the foreword.

Mavis and Pat made the decision to retire from fostering when both were in their 70s after Social Services gave them a 12-month sabbatical. “We finished with the perfect placement and the time had come to call it a day.

She kicks off her autobiography: “It all began in Aberystwyth, where my parents met for the first time.”

And dozens of family holidays there later, it obviously left a lasting impression on her and her journalist brother David, as both chose the nearby Dyfi Estuary for holiday homes.

Mavis’ book ‘Other People’s Children – My Life and Family’ is available on Amazon for £6.99 in paperback.

Oswestry life | 9

purchase and installation of the swing. Work will begin once all of the funding has been secured.

Martin Whitelegg, Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing’s Neighbourhoods Manager, added: “We are so pleased to be able to award this money to such a fantastic scheme.

“It’s a very well used play area and it’s great that the people who use it have been encouraged to get involved and shape the improvements.”

Community

What is the Community Chest Fund?

New swing for play area in Ruyton XI Towns, thanks to Community Chest fund Birch Grove Play Area in Ruyton XI Towns will soon have a new swing, thanks to an award of £750 from Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing’s (STAR Housing) Community Chest Fund.

The new basket swing is part of Ruyton XI Towns Parish Council’s wider plans to enhance the play area, which is surrounded by homes that STAR Housing manage.

This particular piece of play equipment has been chosen by the children who live in and around the area, and has been given the thumbs up by Shropshire Council.

The £750 that has been awarded will go towards the

STAR Housing has a budget set aside each financial year for community based projects in areas where it has housing stock. It is all part of its commitment to give something back to its communities within these areas. Individuals and community groups can apply for funding up to a maximum of £750 by simply completing an application form. Find out more at www.starhousing. org.uk/community-and-involvement/community-chest/

A bit about STAR Housing STAR Housing was created in 2013 to manage the council homes and tenancies in the Oswestry and Bridgnorth areas. With a key value of listening to its residents, the organisation creates quality homes and vibrant communities. For more information please visit the website www.starhousing.org.uk/

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In the spotlight

Future vision of Oswestry unveiled Eco villages, a country park around the hillfort and driverless electric vehicles could be the future of the town if plans by Oswestry Civic Society are implemented.

The society are urging Shropshire Council to consider planning for the future of the town more strategically, with a long-term view, instead of the 15 year ‘field by field’ plans which are currently the norm.

Chairman of The Civic Society Saffron Rainey and the Society’s planning adviser, David Ward, said that they wanted to spark a discussion and encourage the council to look at the big picture.

David explains: “The A5 corridor in the west of the county is a focus for growth in Shropshire. That means the area between Oswestry and Gobowen.

“In 15 years Oswestry’s population will be 24,000 and Gobowen 3,750. By 2050 a similar rate of growth would lead the combined community to be approximately 35,000. We want the Council to look at the implications of this growth.”

In the Society’s big picture for the town, they suggest that social facilities, public transport and carbon emissions should be taken into consideration.

“This growth could be far more effective in making Oswestry a successful and thriving town.

Housing and major employers, particularly the Orthopaedic Hospital, could be effectively linked by good public transport. All parts of Oswestry could have good access to the main railway. A strong case could be made for improvements to the A5 to reduce congestion around

By growing Oswestry in two new villages, and some southward growth of Gobowen we can foster communities rather than faceless estates

TOP: 2050 final plan ABOVE L-R: Civic society planning adviser, David Ward and chairman of The Civic Society, Saffron Rainey

the town. The centre would again thrive.

“If plans were to work on the longer term growth we could avoid the battles which occur when short term plans spring a proposal on the public such as the development around the hillfort, which was proposed only to meet short term number problems, rather than being part of any overall plan - no one looked at the big picture. By growing Oswestry in two new villages, and some southward growth of Gobowen we can foster communities rather than faceless estates.

“The first village would be Park Hall,

capitalising on its existing sports, social and employment. The second would be at Middleton, capitalising on its position between the main employment sites proposed by Shropshire Council. We could make them ‘eco’ villages, based on solar power, clever drainage, cycling and electric cars.

“Oswestry, Gobowen, the two villages, the employment sites, the hospital and the main railway would all be linked by a reserved public transport route.

“Modern technology could allow driverless electric pods to do the job. The Heritage Railway already plans a novel connection between Gobowen and the hospital using the Parry People Mover.”

In the group’s plans the hillfort becomes the centre of a country park, removing further threats to its future.

Oswestry life

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Opposite Whittington Castle • Full groom • Clipping and scissoring • Hand stripping • Bath and mini groom • Nail clipping • Ear cleaning • State-of-the-art hydrobath We only use natural and paraben free products Call now for an appointment

We OFFeR: Dog walking • Pet sitting Pet taxi • Doggy Day care overnight stays • Doggy birthDays anD much more.

Tel 01691 661068

www.welovepawsandtails.co.uk

Castle Street, Whittington SY11 4DF

www.waggytail.club

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DOGGIE DAY CARE Half acre Doggie PlaygrounD For fun times and chasing

Play buS For days out on adventures

collectionS & HeateD cabin DroP off’S For chilling out on the sofas When you are short of time and have to dash!

SeParate Play area Follow us on For quiet times Other services: Dog Walking • Microchipping pet pop-ins • pet taxis • overnight stays The Cottams, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9PQ Call: 07516 095 641 fetch@poochesplayground.co.uk www.poochesplayground.co.uk 14

| Oswestry life

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DAINTY DAINTY PAWS PAWS MOBILE DOG GROOMING MOBILE DOG

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Left: East side of the fort Top to bottom: The base of the ramparts Typical English bluebell Everybody enjoys bluebells A robin takes a break A jigsaw of blue

Rambles with a camera Walker, photographer and artist Graham ‘Grum’ Mitchell focuses on some of the region’s best walks.

The Bluebells of Shropshire

At this time of year, the most common question I get asked is “Where’s the best place to see bluebells?”, and the second question that follows is usually “How do I know if they are British bluebells rather than Spanish?”

In Shropshire we are blessed with lots of places to see bluebells. Although they are usually found in woodland, they can also be found in open grassland as long as it’s not too dry. Over half the world’s bluebells are found in the UK, and some consider it to be the national flower. Confusingly the Scottish bluebell refers to the flower that we call a harebell.

Favourite places to see bluebells in a woodland setting are at the Old Racecourse (especially the south side), Ifton Meadows (near St Martins), and even the Coppy (Llwyn Coppice).

For the total bluebell experience, however, you must visit the hillfort. As we move into May, the fort suddenly takes on a blue tint. At this time of year, don’t take the route around the top. Drop down into the rampart ditches where you will be immersed in the blue and surrounded by the humming of bees. Due

to the differing amounts of light on each part of the fort, the bluebells flower at a slightly different time, extending the experience. The protected south facing banks flower first, with more exposed areas following on slightly later. On the East slopes the bluebell growth produces strange jigsaw-like patterns. Up to the second world war, the hillfort was fairly wooded, so this may explain the presence of so many bluebells.

Bluebells are considered under threat from loss of habitat, as well as competition from the Spanish bluebell, a garden escapee. So how can you tell the difference between a British and a Spanish bluebell? Firstly the British version has narrow leaves, up to 1.5cm wide, its competitor’s leaves are wider at about 3cm.

The native type has the petal tips curled back with flowers on one side of the stem giving a drooping effect, whereas the Spanish flowers are flared, and appear all around the stem which is more upright. The final indicator is the colour of the anthers carrying the pollen.

These are usually yellow for native and blue for Spanish. There are hybrids of the two which can confuse matters.

So keep an eye on the hillfort as you pass by, and keep watching the Oswestry Life Facebook page because as soon as I see them, I’ll be posting pictures.

Oswestry life | 15

Nostalgia

Down memory lane

Historian David Owen takes us back in time to discover the fascinating history of The Cross and Salop Road.

The Cross

This view of the Cross shows several of the longestablished businesses which occupied premises here, often for several generations. Also, in evidence is the Police Station which had been relocated from the Horsemarket to The Cross at the end of the 19th century. It occupied one wing of the Cross Market hall which had been considerably extended during the 1800s with the creation of New Street and the building of the second market hall which linked Willow Street and Bailey Street. The clock above the main entrance to the market (not shown in this image) still exists and was installed in 1854, paid for by public subscription. The Latin phrase that surrounds it translates to, ‘Time and Money, Space and Weight. By one fixed standard calculate.’

The property on the immediate right of the image was known as the Maypole Buildings (occupied by the Maypole Dairy Company) but had, prior to the 1870s, been a large dwelling house occupied by the Poole (butchers) family and known as the Mansion House.

It’s first commercial usage was when Jane and Eliza Poole converted the front parlour into a Bonnet shop.

The property, which boasted ‘an oak staircase with beautifully turned balusters and wall panels made with

above: The Cross circa 1908 right: The Cross now.

Image courtesy of Graham Mitchell

twigs’ was demolished in the 1870s and the commercial units constructed on the site.

Edward Thomas & Co. was a well-known ironmongery firm for many years even though Edward Thomas himself had died in 1887. Further along, Cash & Co. the bootmakers had occupied several different premises within the area of The Cross whilst the Francis and Beckitt building opposite was a wonderful example of a halftimbered building prior to being refronted in the latter part of the 19th century. In 1845 original building housed the North & Central Wales Banking Company but this soon ceased trading and it became a grocer’s shop with the upper floor given over to a library and reading room in connection with the Young Men’s Institute. building we now know as the Black Gate (set back from the road) which was, at that time, a public house known as the Smithfield Inn. At this time much of the area where the new cinema was constructed (the old Kine Palace having been located down Coney Green) was occupied by the Dorsett Owen & Co. brewery and many pictures of the old Smithfield cattle market show a large, smoking chimney on the site.

Salop Road

One of the most common trades within the town at that time was that of boot and shoemakers and yet another one is in evidence on the left-hand side of the picture.

This view of Leg Street and Salop Road shows the area prior to the 1920s redevelopment, when the cinema building was erected.

The Bear Inn (prop. Richard Waring) should not be confused with the Bears Paw which was a much later construction, and both existed for a time in the early part of the 20th century. The Baptist Chapel was only erected in 1891 and replaced the Black Gate school which had previously occupied the site next door to the

16 | Oswestry life

TOP LEFT: Salop Road circa 1910 LEFT: Salop Road now.

Image courtesy of Graham Mitchell

Motoring

Clocking up the smiles Journalist, car enthusiast and new dad Richard Jones test drives the Subaru XV in Melverley, taking baby Isabelle along for the ride If you were in Melverley over the Easter weekend and saw a man driving a car in the immediate direction of his step-father please rest assured no grandparent was injured in the making of this column.

For this month’s daddy-daughter adventure, Isabelle and I needed a willing guinea pig to assist with the testing of some of the new safety equipment fitted to all Subaru XVs as standard. So I invited the folks along for a ‘day out’.

The scene was set. The village’s beautiful black and white timberframed 12th century church formed the perfect backdrop, Belle’s granddad was happy to play his part, as long as I promised not to drive too quickly, and to top it all off ‘EyeSight’ - stereo cameras that scan the road ahead and can apply full braking force in emergency situations - worked perfectly.

Just as it said it would in the brochure, the Subaru grinded to a halt all by itself and granddad Charlie was spared. Personally I was just relieved I didn’t have to send the car back with a shin shaped dent in the front bumper!

Isabelle found the whole event very funny but joking aside the introduction of such technologies is nothing short of amazing. For a second imagine my stunt had been a real life situation and rather than planting a pre-warned pensioner in the middle of the road it was a young child who’d escaped the clutches of his mother and ran out in front of your vehicle.

EyeSight is just one of many tools fitted to the XV – a rugged SUV that is equally at home on snow covered forest tracks as it is on the school run – that makes it officially the safest family car in its class. The same system powers the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control, lane sway and rear collision detection, giving the car control over steering, throttle and braking in case of emergency.

EyeSight is just one of many tools fitted to the XV – that makes it officially the safest family car in its class And what better place to test the credentials of the 2.0-lite XV I had on test than Melverley? The picturesque village on the outskirts of Oswestry sits on the banks of the River Vyrnwy. It is a beautiful spot for a picnic and after the failed assassination attempt - sorry, I mean testing of the car’s safety equipment - a strong coffee, a sandwich and a slice of cake was greatly appreciated by all.

It was while in this rural community that I began to fall in love with the small crossover. With prices starting from £25,000 it is expensive but as a person who adores the great outdoors and the lifestyle that comes with it, I really welcomed its large boot and off-roading capabilities. It looks good too; fractionally wider and longer than

the previous version with a sleeker grille and LED headlights.

Isabelle has just turned one and over the past 12 months my attitudes towards many things in life have changed – and cars are no different. Ask any parent and they will tell you the same; whatever the situation the safety of our children is paramount. Driving is no different. No longer am I judging a car by how fast it can go but by how practical it is and what safety features are included.

Yes, the XV does 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds but what I want to know is: how many miles to the gallon does it do (41.1 for the record)? Should something unexpected happen how will the car respond? And does the vehicle have a boot large enough for Isabelle’s buggy, muddy wellies and shopping bags?

The Subaru XV ticks all the boxes, if a little pricey and a tad thirsty!

Oswestry life | 17

Shropshire Horticultural Society Charity Number: 501564

Fri 10th & Sat 11th August 2018

Friday Night

Saturday Night

THE ABBA REUNION TRIBUTE

RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS

Attractions for all ages including stunning floral arrangements, equestrian competitions, exciting arena entertainment for all the family, food, crafts & trade stands, advice from celebrity gardeners and cookery demonstrations by TV chefs; all topped off with world class fireworks Tickets: Adult Advance £25 Over 60’s Advance £23 Children aged 15 and under Free Admission (when accompanied by an adult) Membership: Adult from £46 Children £5

Call us on: 01743 234058 or visit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk ShrewsburyFlowerShow

@shrewsflowershw

shrewsburyflowershow

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

OSWESTRY SHOW Saturday 4th August 2018

THE SQUIBB B FRE EESTYLE STU UNT TEAM SPONSORED BY

For all details please contact: SHOW MANAGER, OSWESTRY SHOW OFFICE, OSWESTRY SHOWGROUND, PARK HALL, OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE SY11 4AB Tel: 01691 654875

email:mandy@oswestryshow.co.uk WWW.OSWESTRYSHOW.CO.UK

18 | Oswestry life

WEDNESDAY 16TH MAY 2018 - 8.00PM Tickets £24 ‘Comedy’s Holy Grail. Go See!’ Sunday Times

HAFREN BOX OFFICE 01686 614 555 www.thehafren.co.uk

Out&about

Information on these pages is provided in good faith but we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. Please check on dates and times before making any commitments

5 May

SPRING CRAFT FAIR Willow Gallery, Oswestry Support local artists and craftmakers – beautiful range of handmade items; free admission; 10am-5pm Tel: 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

5 - 6 May

Napoleonic Riflemen Weekend Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington.

Open 10-4pm. Over 100 Napoleonic Troops will be on show at this large event at the castle.

Drills, weapon displays, Battles with firing canons. £3 per adult and £1 per child.

Contact castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

15 – 20 May

WHITTINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Fantasia on a British theme; six concerts; 16 British composers; 15 international muscians including the Elias Quartet. Book online or ring 01691 657986; www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk

7 and 27 May Until 26 May

SPRING OPEN EXHIBITION Willow Gallery, Oswestry Including special feature, ‘The Stones’; Free admission; 9.30am-5pm

1 May

WRITING SURGERY WITH READER/WRITER IN RESIDENCE DAVE ANDREWS Oswestry Library, Arthur St The surgery is an opportunity for anyone interested in writing, to talk informally with Dave about their own work or ideas. Dave is also happy to talk to readers about his particular interests – literature and language. Free drop-in event 11am-12pm. Call to book 01743 250351

1 May

THE GLASS CASTLE (12A) Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry Oscar winner Brie Larson stars alongside Woody Harrelson in this US drama based on the bestselling memoir. Larson plays Jeanette, coming of age in a dysfunctional family with a mother who’s an eccentric artist and an alcoholic father who would inspire their children’s imagination with hope as a distraction to their poverty. 7.30pm www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

The Mercians & Whittington Medieval Guild Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington.

Medieval encampment with living history, battle displays, cooking. Open 10-4pm each day. Free entrance just £1 to park.

Contact castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

7-12 May

OFF THE HOOK The Guildhall, Bailey Head, Oswestry.

The Attfield Theatre present ‘Off The Hook’ by Derek Benfield. Performances start 7.45pm; tickets £8; Box Office: The Guildhall, Oswestry Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday 9am4pm; www.attfieldtheatre.co.uk

9 May

15 May

THE ODD COUPLE (PG) Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry Neil Simon’s classic flat share comedy is 50 years old this year and Oswestry Film Society are celebrating with a rare big screen showing. Walther Matthau and Jack Lemmon star as the mis-matched friends who have to learn to live with each other’s quirks and foibles. 7.30pm; www.oswestryfilmsociety.com

16 May

SHROPSHIRE RCC MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID STAND with Lisa Darkin Oswestry Library, Arthur St Part of the Oswestry Rotary Club - Health & Wellbeing Awareness Programme 9.30 – 12.00; call: 01743 250351

FINDING YOUR OWN POWER Oswestry Library, Arthur St Finding your true self in a world full of negativity can be difficult – but you are worth it. Award winning author/ counsellor, therapist, P J Roscoe leads the talk. A Year of Wellbeing event £3. Please book with library staff.

12.30-1.30pm. Call: 01743 250351

16 May

11 & 25 May

HUMANISM Oswestry Library, Arthur St Simon Nightingale introduces the subject of humanism. Over 50% of the UK population (and over 70% of young people) say they live without religion. Most of them have humanist beliefs, even if they do not call themselves humanists. Come and find out more. A Learning at Lunchtime event £3. 12.30-1.30pm. Call to book: 01743 250351

‘WOW’ WORDS ‘N’ PICS OPEN WRITERS Community Room, Llwyn Fields, (off Llwyn Rd) Oswestry, SY11 1HG - with flat access, disabled facilities and kitchen available Creative writing – beginners and all abilities welcome. Meeting fortnightly 1-3pm.

Interactive workshops and full support.

For more information contact Jan on 07702 165717 or email janhedger7@googlemail.com

11 May

PENNANT MELANGELL CHURCH AND SHRINE Organised by Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group; guided tour. Meet at the Church at 7pm. No charge. Contact Derek Williams on 01691 661793 or email obhag@histarch.uk

Oswestry Stroke Club Stand with Charlotte Parry Oswestry Library, Arthur St Part of the Oswestry Rotary Club - Health & Wellbeing Awareness Programme 1pm-5pm; call: 01743 250351

18 May

19 May

BOARD GAME CAFÉ Oswestry Library, Arthur St Save the world from a deadly disease, build a mighty kingdom - all this and more in a board game! Come along and try a new game, or bring a favourite from home. Café with cakes, hot and cold drinks run by Oswestry Guide Dogs Fundraising Group. Come and say hello to the dogs. Free event no booking required. 12-3.30pm

Oswestry life | 19

will be bringing different creatures each day ranging from mini beasts to scorpions and snakes, and lots more. The experienced animal handler will share lots of interesting facts which surround these exotic animals and make sure that you have great fun in the process.

01691 671123 info@parkhallfarm.co.uk

19 May

STORYTELLING: STONE CIRCLES & MORE Willow Gallery, Oswestry Performance by members of Llangollen Storytelling Café; free admission; 2pm 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail. com

27 May

20 May

PLANT HUNTERS’ FAIR British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry Plant fair with a great line-up of top specialist nurseries from across the country who will bring a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. The nursery folk are on hand to give honest, straightforward advice on choosing and growing the right plants for your garden. Entry to the Plant Fair and all other attractions is £1 in aid of Hope House Hospices. Free parking. 10am-4pm 0800 6888 386 www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

LIVE MUSIC WITH DAN WALSH TRIO Willow Gallery, Oswestry Banjo maestro Dan teams up with fiddler Ciaran Algar and mandolin player Nic Zuppardi; 8pm (doors open 7pm); licensed bar; £12 (children £6); 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

25 May

THE HOUSE OF THE BLACKSTAR Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington.

Medieval encampment, sword displays. Open 11-4pm. Entrance is free just £1 to park.

Contact Castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

BANJO MASTERCLASS WITH DAN WALSH Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Receive advice and guidance from one of the leading players in the banjo world; contact Gallery for full details: 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

22 May

25 May

20 May

DEMENTIA AWARENESS Oswestry Library, Arthur St George Rook, chair of local Dementia Engagement & Empowerment Project, will be speaking about how he is living with dementia, how it was diagnosed, and how he deals with it on a day-to-day basis.

A Year of Wellbeing event. £3. 12.30-1.30pm.

Call to book 01743 250351

23 May

DISABILITY OSWESTRY MEETING Hope Church, Laburnum Drive, Oswestry, SY11 2QR. 10.30-12.00 Adelle Wilkinson, Engagement Officer will talk about the role of Healthwatch Shropshire and the importance of the patient and service user voice being heard, especially in times of service change. There will also be coffee and cake, and a networking opportunity for everybody supporting people with any kind of disability. disabilityoswestry161@gmail.com Tel: 01691 680382

23 May

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

24 May

FELT FLOWER WORKSHOP Oswestry Library, Arthur St Learn how to make felted flowers using wet felting technique. All materials provided - £5.

Part of OsMakes 2018 “Flowers of Peace and Remembrance”.

10am-1pm. Call to book your place: 01743 250351 20

25 May

| Oswestry life

CAR BOOT SALE Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington £5 per car. Cars from 8.30am. Sorry no trade stands, open 9-1ish. No need to book just turn up. Contact Castle on 01691 662500 or e-mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

THE OSWESTRY HERITAGE COMICS Oswestry Library, Arthur St Join local artist and archaeologist John Swogger as he talks about his year-long series of newspaper comic strips, how he researches and creates the comics which are helping to bring history to life. A Learning at Lunchtime event £3. Please book with library staff.

12.30-1.30pm. Call: 01743 250351

25 May

ARTISAN AND GARDENING MARKET Bailey Head, Oswestry A collection of quality local craft and food producers. In addition gardening will be an important theme with a number of plant stalls, gardening advice and how to support wildlife and healthy eating. 9am-3pm; tel: 01691 680222

26 May

WORKSHOP: POTTERY FOR ALL WITH GEORGINA WRIGHT Dunbabin Room, Willow Gallery, Oswestry An introduction to hand-building pots and vessels with clay: you will produce three pots in various styles; 10am-4pm; £60; 01691 657575; willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com

26 May - 3 June

ANIMAL MAGIC Park Hall Countryside Experience, Near Oswestry Animal lovers are in for a unique treat this May half term when Park Hall’s farmyard favourites will be joined by a whole host of exotic animal friends. Not only will you be able to take part in in lots of farm activities but every afternoon from Saturday 26 May to Friday 3 June you will have the chance to get closer than ever before to some truly exotic creatures. The Animal Man

27 May

A WINTER’S TALE Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington Outdoor Shakespeare production performed

by The Festival Players. Pre-booked: Adults £14 and concessions £12. On night: Adults £16 and concessions £14. Please bring your own seating. Grounds open for picnics from 6pm onwards Refreshments available on site Contact 01691 662500 or e-mail info@ whittingtoncastle.co.uk

31 May

POETRY JAM: WORDZ AND SOUNDZ OPEN MIC Hermon Chapel Arts Centre A monthly session of performance poetry from all styles from slam to jam in three parts. Come and perform your wordz. The last Thursday of every month, free event and open to all. Doors 7.30pm for an 8pm start 01691 662196 info@hermonchapel.com

01691 238227

Oswestry ticket office at rowanthorn

Oswestry’s colourful ethnic gift shop We sell tickets for events in the Oswestry area as a free public service Concerts, bands, classical. folk, charity events, opera, festivals....

4 Old Chapel Court English Walls Oswestry SY11 2PD

01691 238227

OSWESTRY’S MULTI-AWARD WINNING FREEHOUSE

Artisan Market

27th April – 9am until 3pm A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head

youth Market

●Shrewsbury and West Shropshire CAMRA Pub of the Year ●Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) UK Best Craft Beer Bar or Pub, Rural - Finalist

●Voted Most Dog friendly pub in the West Midlands ●Over 70 Gins ●Boards of Shropshire and Welsh Cheese ●Welsh Antipasti ●Radford’s Pork Pies ●Aunty Mo’s Scotch Eggs baileyhead.co.uk TheBaileyHead @TheBaileyHead TheBaileyHead

23rd May – 9.30am until 2pm To celebrate National Love Your Local Market campaign Oswestry Markets will be supporting local schools and colleges to hold their very own market.

Artisan and Gardening Market

25th May – 9am until 3pm A collection of quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head. In addition gardening will be an important theme with a number of plant stalls, gardening advice and how to support wildlife and healthy eating

@OswestryTC

Tel: 01691 680222 Oswestry life | 21

DOORS WINDOWS CONSERVATORIES car ports verandahs WARM ROOFS FASCIAS & GUTTERING

Unit GM1, Glovers Meadow Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NH Telephone: 01691 650567 www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk 22 | Oswestry life

10%

Property

Countryside retreat

Spacious country cottage

If you’re looking for a country property with development/ business potential and land Pont-y-Meibion could be the property for you. Situated in the picturesque Ceiriog Valley with delightful countryside views, the sale offers a unique opportunity to purchase a character grade II listed four-bedroom detached farmhouse. Complete with approximately 2.9 acres, a further 40 acres may be available by separate negotiation. The property benefits from oil fired central heating and double glazing and outdoors an excellent range of outbuildings, some of which offer conversion potential subject to the necessary consents, together with a large workshop.

An individual fourbedroom detached house in a soughtafter rural location has come onto the sales market with Richmond Harvey Estate Agents. Lilac Cottage in Grimpo is close to West Felton village with its amenities.

Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the size, standard and location of the accommodation on offer which includes an entrance hall, lounge, sun room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, and toilet. Upstairs there is a master bedroom, three further bedrooms and a contemporary fitted four-piece family bathroom. Outside features beautifully maintained, landscaped gardens to the rear together with a detached triple garage with a large room above which could be developed into an annex. Driveways to the front and rear provide plenty of parking.

Pont Y Meibion is available for offers over £450,000 through agents Roger Parry and Partners.

Call 01691 655334 to find out more.

Lilac Cottage is priced at £449,995 and viewings can be booked through Richmond Harvey estate agents by calling 01691 654222.

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www.prudentltd.co.uk Oswestry life |

23

Find out what your HOME is WORTH in 60 seconds FREE to use 3 quick and easy steps Supported by Land Registry data Visit our website to value your home now. www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

Roger Parry & Partners

Est. 1981

Incorporating Parry Lowarch

www.rogerparry.net

| ESTATE AGENTS | VALUERS | BUILDING SURVEYORS | PLANNERS | LETTINGS | OAKLEIGH, DOLANOG, WELSHPOOL

EW

1 MARKET STREET, LLANFYLLIN N

A unique and rare opportunity to purchase a superb versatile character town house which is located within the popular market town of Llanfyllin. Offering extensive accommodation over 3 floors with excellent scope for a 7/8 holiday BEDROOMS SWIMMING let business or a large family home.

Rear POOL Nobold, courtyard, Former Garage (Divided into twoShrewsbury A substantial detached, period former farmhouse set in the stores, one with Sauna, Off-street highly desirableparking 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 provision.

EPCsitting rating is thought to date from the 1750’s, with later extension circa with quality contemporary fittings throughout, briefly consisting: reception hall, room, D. dining room, study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sun room, utility/boot room, downstairs WC and 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 £220,000

CEDARS HOUSE, LLANDRINIO, LLANYMYNECH

Guide Price: £750,000

4025

1800’s. Extensive accommodation; reception hall, sitting room, 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

*With Extensive Gardens of just under an acre approx and an Attached One Bedroom Annexe*- Enjoying a delightful rural location with surrounding countryside views, Roger Parry & Partners are favoured with instructions to market ‘Oakleigh’ spacious 2/3 - bedroom INSPECTION HIGHLY WITHaSELF-CONTAINED RECOMMENDED SINGLE ANNEX detached bungalow withSTOREY attached 1 - bedroom annexe set-in just under an acre approximately Charlton, Nr Telford A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey annex. Indoor of gardens and grounds.

EPC rating E. easily be swimming pool, four car garage, large detached workshop, detached office block which could converted to further independent accommodation subject to PP. The house and buildings are set round a central courtyard, extremely conveniently situated giving easy access to Telford, Shrewsbury and the M54 link. The property provides extensive potential to run a business from the premises subject to the necessary PP and would also suit family groups looking to reside together. EPC: D

OIRO £295,000

Guide Price: £625,000

Guide Price: £475,000 CHURCH3098HOUSE, FRON, MONTGOMERY

3882

EW

N

R S ILA IE M RT ED SI OPE UIR PR REQ

A detached period former farmhouse which Enjoying a delightful elevated position with has undergone a program of extensive fine countryside views, Roger Parry & Partners modernisation and upgrading by the present are pleased to release this character 3 bedroom owners to provide a modern contemporary black and white half timbered detached dwelling house, but still retains a wealth of character house. Oil Fired Central Heating, part double and charm. The property has the benefit of oil glazing. Generous PART Grounds with additional EXCHANGE CONSIDERED fired central heating, recently fitted double land to rear (approx 0.68 acres or thereabouts), Sheinton Road, Much Wenlock The glazing throughout, large detached brick built Outbuilding/Store and Timber Garage.

A charming and unusual detached stone built cottage, offering a rare combination of market a period property with of Sychtyn, Llansilin Belle Vue, Shrewsbury garage, extensive off road parking and enclosed property is well placed for the towns parking and garden, within walking distance of the town An individual and substantial detached property built in the late 1920’s, occupying an outstanding This highly desirable ground floor garden apartment situated in a period Grade II listed building offering gardenssix to thewestrear.

EPC rating Newtown.

EPCcloakroom, ratingutility D room, landing centre.

Porch, dining room, elevated position in the hamlet of Sychtyn situated approximately miles of Oswestry.

Oil CH, F. spacious character accommodation briefly comprising: oak panelled entrance hall, largeWelshpool open plan living and 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

SOLD STC

OIRO £275,000

01691 655334

Guide Price: £395,000

24

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

3956 Guide Price: £365,000

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

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

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

| Oswestry life WITH 4 ACRES & OUTBUILDINGS

3602

BRAND NEW LUXURY HOUSE Sarnau, Llanymynech

Llanwyddyn, Oswestry

Pontesbury, Shrewsbury

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

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

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

WOODHEAD sales&lettings Telephone: 01691 680044

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.

12 Leg Street, Oswestry, SY11 2NL e: sales@woodheadsalesandlettings.com The Marigold, Park House Meadows NEW DEVELOPMENT - As you enter The Marigold through the covered porch you proceed through into the hallway. Leading off the hallway there is plenty of living space throughout this outstanding property including a generous lounge and large open plan kitchen dining area. Upstairs is equally spacious with four good size bedrooms, family bathroom and an airing cupboard. The master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with walk in shower. The Marigold also offers an attached/integral double garage. Estimated handover date May/June 2018.

OIRO £305,000 West Felton, Oswestry Woodheads are delighted to present this impressive, executive four double bedroom detached house to the sales market. Grove House enjoys a semi rural position and offers generous living space which includes a reception hall, three reception rooms, a modern kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, utility room, galleried landing, master bedroom with en suite and modern family bathroom. Outside the property boasts a double garage and private rear gardens. EPC rating D

OIRO £400,000 Bentley Drive, Oswestry The property is located behind Oswestry School in a sought after area of Oswestry and has versatile accommodation comprising: five bedrooms, four of which are en-suite, a re-fitted kitchen, living room, cloakroom, three reception rooms, two utility rooms, gas central heating and double glazing. Externally the property enjoys a large private landscaped garden to the rear with a patio entertainment area and a double garage and driveway to the front. EPC rating C

OIRO £415,000 Foel, Welshpool The Old Rectory offers all the comforts of contemporary fixtures and fittings whilst retaining the beauty and charm of a host of original features including original fireplaces, high ceilings, polished floorboards, deep windows with shutters and the original front door. The comfortable and generous living space boasts a sitting room, drawing room, kitchen/ dining room, pantry/ larder, utility/ boot room, downstairs WC, rear porch, two en suite bedrooms, three further bedrooms and spacious family bathroom. Externally, the gardens extend to 0.79 acres with versatile outbuildings. EPC rating F

OIRO £459,950 Vyrnwy Road, Oswestry

• • • •

3 BED DETACHED HOUSE TWO RECEPTION ROOMS GAS CENTRAL HEATING EPC RATING F

OIRO £189,950

Croeswylan Crescent, Oswestry

• • • •

3 BED DET BUNGALOW NO ONWARD CHAIN GAS CENTRAL HEATING EPC RATING E

Upper Brook Street, Oswestry

• • • •

OIRO £229,000

2 BED TOWNHOUSE 2 PARKING SPACES 2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS EPC RATING C

OIRO £124,950

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

associated london office

Oswestry life | 25

Interiors

▼ Eichholtz tropical plant print - set of 2, £590 from www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN Invite the calm of nature into your home by introducing some unique planters, leaf prints and a mix of natural finishes. Nothing freshens a space better than a pop of greenery!

Leafy prints and shapes have taken a more sophisticated turn over recent years, with a range of paired back and contemporary designs on the market to suit every style.

From bold tropical leaves, to more delicate and intricate designs, we’re seeing these leafy details across a huge variety of forms including cushions, wall prints, furniture upholstery, rugs, ceramics and even lighting.

Flora and fauna watering can, £16.95 from www.annabeljames.co.uk

Materials from rattan and bamboo to cotton and wood – if it came from the outside, we’re finding a place for it inside our home.

▼ Palma leaf green and white glass hurricane lamp, £112 from www.artisanti.com

Enamel mug, £8.95

by Annabel James, www.annabeljames.

Weiss fauteuil in cherry wood with an antique black finish, from www.oficinainglesa.com

26

| Oswestry life

▲ Gisele Graham Kitchen Garden ceramic mugs. £4.99 each from Garden Centre @ Derwen, Gobowen. Tel 01691 661234 or www.visitderwen.co.uk

▼ Falling leaves winter lamp, £249 and, bottom, soft bolster, £65 both by Anna Jacobs, www.annajacobs.london

▲ Botanical-style leaf rug available in range of sizes, a 1.83 x 1.22 m rug is £299, from Frith Rugs, Shrewsbury Tel 01743 463305 or www.frithrugs.co.uk. ▼ Banana forest cushion, £30 by Uma Prabhakar Gokhale from www.artwow.co

▼ Gerbera, Sunflower and Log design pouffes, £24.99 each from Garden Centre @ Derwen, Gobowen.

Tel 01691 661234 or www.visitderwen.co.uk

▲ String of pearls artificial hanging pot plant, £34 from The Contemporary Home, www.tch.net

▼ Green rug, size and colour made to order from J&I Carpets, Oswestry, Tel 01691 656843 or www.jandicarpets.co.uk

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28 | Oswestry life

Estate & Letting Agents Auctioneers Surveyors Agriculture Commercial Agents

15 Trehowell Ln, Weston Rhyn £149,950 3 bed, good location, gardens EPC = D

59 Hampton Fields, Oswestry 2 bed, close to town centre

£215,000 EPC = E

Barley Meadows, Llanymynech £349,950 New 4 bed detached house EPC = B

Wootton Fields, Queenshead £425,000 Detached cottage with around 5 acres Outbuildings. Close to A5.

EPC = G

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

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FORTON HEATH, SHREWSBURY, SY4

32

| Oswestry life

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Oswestry 17/04/2018 life 08:27 | 33

Maximise your living space Whether it’s for a replacement roof on an existing conservatory or a newly installed garden room or home extension.

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

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

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

J&I Carpets

35

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PERSONAL AND FRIENDLY SERVICE 34

| Oswestry life

Property

Mature town property A detached family house with easy access to the town centre has come onto the sales market with agents Morris Marshall & Poole. Bryn Awel on Middleton Road is level walking distance to the town centre and downstairs features two reception rooms, a kitchen breakfast room and shower room. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property is warmed by gas-fired central heating and includes double glazed windows.

Outside there is ample off-road parking and a detached workshop.

Bryn Awel is priced at £210,000.

Viewings can be made by calling Morris Marshall & Poole on 01691 679595.

Cambrian Works, Gobowen Road, Oswestry Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm Free parking

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Oswestry life |

35

Property

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Scenic surroundings Situated in the popular village of Pant, close to local amenities but with the advantage of a cul de sac position this stunning detached family dormer bungalow offers scenic far reaching countryside views.

The property has full uPVC double glazing throughout and is warmed by oil fired central heating. The flexible and well presented living accommodation briefly comprises on the ground floor: porch, entrance hallway, spacious lounge, kitchen breakfast room, dining room and study/ bedroom three, family bathroom and superb conservatory with French doors opening onto the immaculately landscaped gardens. On the first floor ther are two further bedrooms, one with en suite and both taking advantage of the surrounding views.

Outside there is a large driveway and access to the garage with the rest of the property being enveloped by well maintained and laid out gardens.

Gwynt Newydd is on the market wirh Richmond Harvey for £325,000. Call 01691 654222 for further details or to arrange a viewing

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| Oswestry life

TO F

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44 modern family-friendly homes situated in the heart of the countryside. Ideally situated within a 5-minute car journey of Oswestry town centre and just 20 minutes from Shrewsbury (A5) and 35 minutes from Chester (A483).

At Primoris Homes we pride ourselves on building homes we would want to live in ourselves. We believe it’s the little touches that make a house a home as reflected in our plots on Park House Meadows.

01691 680044

www.primoris.co.uk

Oswestry life

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Advertisement feature

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38 | Oswestry life

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Oswestry life |

39

Park homes for the over 50s retired and semi retired

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40

| Oswestry life

Gardening

Thyme for herbs!

Try planting a selection of tasty herbs valued as much for their ornamental appeal as their flavour.

From sage to thyme, rosemary to clipped bay and flowering chives, combine herbs valued for their ornamental beauty to produce long-lasting displays as well as regular pickings for the kitchen.

There are no hard and fast rules about creating herb gardens, but successful designs often define the space using brick pavers, dividing-up the area with small paths to provide easy access for picking. Go for an informal mix or choose a formal pattern or cartwheel design. As a centrepiece plant a large, shrubby herb such as rosemary or sage, a formally clipped bay tree, or a potted herb arrangement.

In small spaces herbs can be grown in pots, either planting them individually and grouping pots together into displays or creating bold combinations in larger containers. As many herbs have Mediterranean origins they relish a site in full sun where they can bake during summer. Soil must be free-draining too, as wet and waterlogged ground will lead to root damage, and for pots choose a free-draining loam-based compost.

Whether adding to 1salads, cooking new potatoes, or Artboard copy.pdf 2 with 22/01/2018 15:22 making herb teas, mint is a versatile herb with many uses.

Herb pot with thyme ©Adam Pasco Media

Their colours and flavours vary immensely from powerful peppermint and spearmint to those with an underlying taste of apple, citrus, banana, red berries, and many more.

And for chocoholics everywhere there’s even Chocolate Peppermint with a hint of dark chocolate. Irresistible!

A wonderful assortment of herb plants are available at garden centres now, so buy your favourites to create your own culinary herb gardens. Many herbs can be raised from seed too, so buy packets of coriander, basil, parsley, chives and many others.

Oswestry life

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41

{ The Wilton Family, Selattyn }

#ThisIsOswestry

For boys and girls aged 4-18 | For more than six centuries Visit oswestryschool.org.uk or telephone 01691 655711

42 | Oswestry life

Education

Marches School still ‘Good’ Following a successful short Ofsted inspection of the Marches School last month, the school has maintained its ‘Good’ rating.

The inspection pointed out a number of strong improvements across the school, with the level of ambition that the leaders and governors have for the pupils, which is excellently displayed with the whole school ethos of ‘achievement through caring’.

Mrs Alison Pearson, associate headteacher of the Marches School, commented: “As a school, we are extremely happy with the result of the recent Ofsted Inspection. The improvements we have made as a school are testament to the hard work and determination of staff, pupils and parents. The support of our wider community helps the school to flourish and grow.

We will continue striving to give our young people an excellent education and platform for adult life.”

New forest school at college North Shropshire College is providing a unique opportunity for young explorers and their parents in the form of the new Walford Wood Forest School.

The school will offer children and their parents a wealth of activities from playing in the mud kitchen and digging for dinosaurs, to making exciting crafts in the surrounding woodland areas.

April Harding, childcare tutor at the college, who is also the lead for the new Forest School comments: “We are very pleased to be offering such a wide range of activities. The Forest School will provide a wonderful opportunity for parents and their children to experience the countryside, and in particular the wonderful settings around our Walford Campus, whilst learning new skills in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.”

Achievement through caring We believe: Successful, creative, lifelong learners participate in a journey of self-discovery. They know how to learn, acquire skills and feel safe to take risks with confidence and courage.

Transport We now operate buses from surrounding areas; St Martins, Ellesmere, Baschurch and Wrexham.

and Sixth Form 11 - 18 years

The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2AR T: 01691 664400 W: www.marchesschool.co.uk E: admin@marchesschool.net

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

Open Day - Saturday 28th April, 10am Independent Boarding and Day School - Girls 3-18, Boys 3-11

Moreton Hall, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EW www.moretonhall.org/Open-Day | 01691 773671

44 | Oswestry life

Education

National call-up

North Shropshire College (NSC) is delighted with the success of several of its TNS Professional Phase Scholarship Players who were recently called up to represent the Welsh under 18’s Academy team.

Lewis Dutton, James Parry, CJ Craven, Callum Jones, Rob Reynolds and Tom Williams were the Scholars who impressed coaches at the training camps to earn their place in the team. Their excellent technical ability, intelligence and leadership qualities led to them being recognised by the Welsh team and considered for two recent fixtures against the Republic of Ireland.

Steve Benyon, sport lecturer at NSC comments: “This has been a wonderful experience for our Scholars and has given them the opportunity to excel and develop their skills within an international level setting. I would like to congratulate them on their performance so far and wish them further success as they develop as players in the future.”

Welsh U18’s Squad players with TNS NSC Scholar Callum Jones (far right)

Royal Marines put Marches pupils through their paces

Royal Marines visit Marches School Pupils at the Marches School were recently put through their paces by serving Royal Marines.

The Marines, who are based at Shawbury, visited the school to give a presentation on life with the Marines, their experiences and the benefits of being in the forces and put the youngsters through a series of challenging drills and exercises.

Gareth Jones, assistant head of sixth form at the Marches School, comments: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Royal Marines to the Marches School and the students and pupils enjoyed listening to what they had to say and going through the tough drills. We find it extremely beneficial to have these sort of hands-on activities, to allow the students to think about their career path from current professionals, and we look forward to having these sorts of days again in the future.”

Oswestry life | 45

Picture perfect prom Picking a prom look is no easy task.

You want to look beautiful but ontrend and be comfortable enough to dance the night away – but also get plenty of Instagram hearts.

With every moment of your prom caught on camera by photographers and smartphones, there’s so much to do to prepare for the big night.

Fear not, we’ve gathered together the best local businesses who will help turn you from pupil to prom queen.

Moon mini dress, £85 by Miss Selfridge

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| Oswestry life

14 OSWALD ROAD OSWESTRY SY11 1RE

Prom Hairstyles from £29.50

Self drive sports cars, from £210 per day

Prom Hire for self drive from Shrewsbury by a relative or friend, have fun driving the car for 24hrs plus the evening prom!

Get prom ready at Kerensa this year.

Book in before 18th May and quote PROM18 to receive a free trial and 20% off your hair up on the day.

01691 653295

Shrewsbury showroom Battlefield SY1 3TG 01743 460662 12 cars, full details and prices on website www.sportshire.co.uk

F O R M E R LY D R E S S E S AT J U L I E S

EVENING DRESSES PROM DRESSES CRUISE & SPECIAL OCCASIONS DRESSES All sizes catered for Please call to arrange an appointment 07891 136936 HOPKINS PASSAGE BROAD STREET WELSHPOOL POWYS SY21 7SE

sales@mywardrobebyteresajayne.co.uk www.mywardrobebyteresajayne.co.uk mywardrobebyteresajayne.co.uk

Spray Tanning, Eyebrow Tinting & Waxing, Eyelash Tinting, Facial Waxing.

Book your Prom Spray Tan for just £15 (norm £20)

Contact Sandra on 07875 717277 Oswestry life

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47

Prom ] style Make your day a little different with our distinctive cars from the 1970’s

Struggling to make up your mind what to wear to prom? Here are five of our favourite looks for this season.

OF OSWESTRY

Contact Steve Mason on 07963 662426 01691 590413 stevemasonuk2001@yahoo.com Facebook. retroweddingcarsofoswestry

www.retroweddingcarsofoswestry.weebly.com

Rock chick Black mesh high neck frill dress with stud detailing, £75 from www.glamorous.com AGO057_- 20/02/2018 14:02 Page 1

THE NAIL & BEAUTY CABIN Prom season is coming

NAILS EYES WAXING Pamper packages Gift vouchers available Early and late appointments on request

Zara Laurie MGBT MGNT

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| Oswestry life

Call 07803 830085 24/48hr patch test is required with certain treatments.

Stunning custom firework displays across the UK Events I Festivals I Parties I Bonfire I Christmas I New Year Events I Festivals I Parties I Bonfire I Christmas I New Year

For over 10 years, the team at Wild Skies Pyrotechnics have been entertaining audiences with stunning custom firework displays. Using a range of fireworks, pyrotechnics and props, Wild Skies are ideal for any event you want to make special.

LIVE SHOWS: FORyears, OUR WEBSITE SEE For over 10 thehttp://wildskiespyrotechnics.co.uk/ team at Wild Skies Pyrotechnics have been audiences 767 07977 503 CALL STEVE HARDINGentertaining with stunning custom firework displays.

Using a range of fireworks, pyrotechnics and props, Wild Skies are ideal for any event you want to make special.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR LIVE SHOWS: http://wildskiespyrotechnics.co.uk/

CALL STEVE HARDING

07977 503 767

Glamour girl Metallic sequin dress, £95 from Little Mistress.

Tomboy Blazer £42 and trousers £22 from Miss Selfridge

Party girl Princess Kim embellished maxi dress, £169 from Monsoon

Rose sequin skater dress, £62 from Little Mistress

Limousines MID WALES

WE CATER FOR ALL EVENTS

MICRO-NEEDLING MICROBLADING DERMAPLANING LED LIGHT THERAPY ACRYLIC NAIL EXTENSIONS

07875 067813

All services 18 + (Acrylic nail extensions 16+)

Got a prom to go to this year?

Fancy going in style?

Call us to book your perfect limousine.

Don’t miss out book now 07704 488598 Oswestry life

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49

COLOUR

Dress (due SS18), River Island www.riverisland.com

FIT

50 | Oswestry life

CLASSIC BLACK

It’s nearly wedding season and this year there are options for the extrovert and those loyal to a black number. A beautifully striking yellow dress will bring the sunshine with you. Any other bright block colour will work a treat… pink, green, blue and it’s okay to mix those colours with accessories.

The next trend hitting the shops is flowers, perfectly summery and beautiful. Long length, ruffles and ties will really give an edge to your outfit along with a pretty hair comb. The final trend is black! It’s back yes (yippee for the slimming silhouette), but instead of an LBD try a tailored suit with amazing jewellery and shoes. Here are some we found in the shops.

FLORAL

for a wedding

2

3

COLOUR

1

1: Orange ruffle dress £99, House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2: Bella cold shoulder maxi dress £109, Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk 3: Night bardot dip hem peplum dress £25, SimplyBe www.simplybe.co.uk 4: Red pointed heeled mules £27, Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.com 5: Earrings £12.99, H&M www.hm.com 6: Tassel clutch by Issa London £45, House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk

5

4

1: Coccinelle mini bag £249, House of Fraser www. houseoffraser.co.uk 2: Pink court £14, Primark 3: Floral lemon dress £45, M&Co www.mandco. com 4: Strappy floral frill details dress £25, www. prettylittlething.com 5: Heidi maxi dress £109, Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk

FLORAL

CLASSIC BLACK

6

1

3 4

2

2

1

5

3

1: Belted bandeau maxi dress £55, Lipsy www.lipsy.co.uk 2: Gracelynn fringe clutch £32 (due June), Oliver Bonas www. oliverbonas.com 3: Tailored skinny trousers £35, Lipsy www. lipsy.co.uk 4: Nude glitter platform sandal £65, Lipsy www. lipsy.co.uk 5: Black chain jacket £65, Lipsy www.lipsy.co.uk 6: Tassel drop earrings £12, SimplyBe www.simplybe.co.uk 7: Beaded necklace £12, Accessorize uk.accessorize.com

5 6

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Our fashion and beauty editor Victoria Jane McKenna is a clothing designer and has her own fashion brand. www.victoriajanemckenna.com Oswestry life | 51

Health and fitness

New pelvic floor class is a diamond!

Zest Ladies Health and Fitness gym which already runs a wide variety of successful fitness classes has introduced ‘Diamond Pilates’– a specialist Pilates-based exercise routine designed to improve and maintain pelvic floor health.

“Poor pelvic floor muscles are a bit of a taboo subject but we should be talking about it more,” says Pauline Lacey of Zest Ladies Health and Fitness, “childbirth can have a very adverse effect on the pelvic floor muscles and if they are to be restored, pelvic floor muscle therapy should begin as soon possible.”

The passage of time also affects ditorial 24/04/2017 14:13 1 the pelvic floorPage and stress and urge incontinence is embarrassing and can Page 1 Page 1 drastically affect people’s lives. Men are even worse at talking about these

Free weeks always available! able! able!

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TAKE THAT FIRST STEP

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issues: Recently prostate cancer is said to be the biggest cancer risk amongst the population surpassing breast cancer. It is vital that men who are suffering from urinary problems are given guidance to help their pelvic floor muscles, as a preventative measure or pre/post treatment. Ladies need to get their men to act! Zest Ladies Health and Fitness is a ladiesonly facility during normal operating hours, but men-only classes are being planned for off-peak times.

Each course lasts six weeks and is held at 1pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the gym on Coney Green, so ladies can attend either of those sessions each week. Ladies will be taught the basics of anatomy of their pelvic floor and how to

strengthen the relevant muscles. Zest is a friendly Fitness Club for ladies of all ages and abilities. It provides safe effective fitness programmes, always with a qualified trainer.

Due to high demand the course starting on 30 April is now FULL but limited spaces are available for the 7pm evening course starting 21 May. A new daytime course starts 18 June - spaces are limited to 10 so book early to avoid disappointment. Each course of six sessions costs £48.

Zest is an Exercise on Referral gym –your doctor can refer you if you are not sure whether you are ready for exercise after an injury/ill health/ operation.

Cambrian Buildings, Coney Green, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2LJ www.zestladieshealth.com

Personal training in

ersonal training in small groups on the hour throughout the day small – we have groups on the hour 00’s of workouts in our repertoire abilities the day – we on the hour throughout the day –and we they havecan be tailored to your throughout the hour throughout the day interval –and we see have donpreferences.

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All interval ages andtraining, Pilates, and gym e motivation to keep going. Your trainers trainers and gymgym –your doctor heilities motivation to keep going.

Your feel the difference – we Exercise on Referral can refer you welcomed.

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All ages andan injury/ill health/operation. ourselves on you are on not are–your ready for exercise after arts, metafitness, stretching, xercise Referral gym doctor canour refer you xercise on Referral gym –your doctor can refer you atmosphere and our strength and endurance dy for exercise afterrelaxed an injury/ill health/operation. dy for exercise afterdedication an injury/ill to health/operation. your goals. training to name a few.

Get the results you want and the motivation to keep going. Your trainers know what you are feeling and will help to push you through.

All ages and abilities welcomed. Zest is an Exercise on Referral gym –your doctor can refer you if you are not sure you are ready for exercise after an injury/ill health/ operation.

ge Fundraising ising s with ages ranging from 21 to 58, undertake ising o raise funds for the Alzheimers’s Society. or 07855 367771 and speak to Pauline and the team Tel 01691 671471

58, undertake 58, undertake rs’s Society. rs’stoSociety. ps Ben Nevis | Oswestry and the Lakeslife as well as in the 52 yasclimbed all the three peaks several times. well as in the as well aschallenge in the and are looking forward to y for the everal times. everal times. hard work” been seriously king forward to

zest.oswestry

HEALTH

Dr Paul Middleton

High Lea House March winds and April Showers bring forth May flowers

Residential Home Friendly and Homely.

Set in Beautiful gardens.

Old English Proverb

Established for over 30 years.

Most of us have been given medications by our GP. If you have never had a prescription you are one of the lucky few! It might surprise people that hundreds of these drugs have their origins in nature’s flowers and plants.

Visitors are always welcome.

Do any of you take Digoxin? It was discovered by Dr William Withering in 1785. He was travelling by coach and, on a brief stop, he was asked to see a patient with dropsy, in those days a fatal heart condition. He told the patient and family the bad news and to prepare for death. On his way back a week later he was shocked to see the patient much better and discovered a local healer using the

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

Oswestry

01691 654090

Sometimes it takes modern medicine a while to accept some of these compounds... Mother Nature has always been a bit of a pharmacist! leaves of digitalis purpura to treat the condition. Withering investigated and found the foxglove, common in acidic soils, was the source. Keep your eye out this summer for this purple flower growing wild in our hedgerows: it might remind you of William Withering!

Let’s fast forward 200 years. Have you had gout and been given colchicine? Thank the genus colchicum.

Have you taken apomorphine for Parkinsonism? Thank the poppy. Most of us have taken painkillers. Thank the poppy again. Do you take aspirin? Thank the willow tree. Sometimes it takes modern medicine a while to accept some of these compounds. Black cohosh for perimenopausal symptoms or St John’s Wort for depression are perhaps examples of this. I could go on.

Mother Nature has always been a bit of a pharmacist!

Many patients see conventional medicines as chemicals or poisons. It is true that they - like many complementary medicines - are potentially dangerous, but a large number of them have their origins in the natural world. Recently there has been reports of a whole new group of antibiotics found in soil. So perhaps your GP is often practising a sort of disguised ‘natural medicine’.

Oswestry life

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53

Spears of goodness Spring into gin Now spring is here and summer is just around the corner, lots of people are turning to gin and tonic as a refreshing summer drink.

There is a huge boom in micro distilleries meaning more choice than ever. Gin is usually defined as a spirit that is principally flavoured with juniper berries, but more and more fruited, spiced and floral gins are on the market, possibly the two most unusual I have had of late being a Sweet Violet Gin and a Turkish Delight Gin. Some traditional gin makers claim that the non-juniper gins are not truly gin, but others have embraced the trend. Whatever your opinion there is now more choice available than ever before. This spring I will mainly be sipping these: Henstones Gin - made in Oswestry with lashings of citrus in the boil which really comes through in the flavour Aber Falls Rhubarb and Ginger Gin an exciting new Welsh distillery Eccentric Gin Dewi Sant - a traditional gin with a unique twist of fennel. Really refreshing and a nice change from the fruited offerings Shropshire Spirit Company Salopian Gin No1 - made with Shropshire strawberries and raspberries.

By Grace Goodlad

Grace is from the award winning Bailey Head public house.

54

| Oswestry life

You may not know it, but May is officially asparagus season and British asparagus is hailed by leading chefs as the best in the world. While we might all grumble about the British weather, the UK climate allows asparagus stems to develop slowly producing a full, sweet flavour and a fine, tender texture quite unlike any other crop.

And because it’s grown on our doorstep, we can enjoy British asparagus at its most flavoursome and nutritious – that’s no doubt why, during the season, we eat every last British asparagus spear ourselves, not one is exported overseas. Here’s a tasty recipe to try at home.

Brunch muffins with asparagus, egg and bacon One British asparagus grower’s favourite way of eating his crop is in a bacon sandwich. Here we’ve taken inspiration from that and added a poached egg, because runny yolk and asparagus were made to go together.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil 12 rashers smoked streaky bacon 4 English muffins, split 25g butter 4 large eggs 200g British asparagus tips salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 120°C. Add half the olive oil to another frying pan and fry bacon until crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper and leave to drain.

Spilt the muffins open and toast on both sides, spreading with a little butter if you like. Transfer the muffins and the bacon to the low oven to keep warm.

Fill a deep-frying pan with boiling water from the kettle and add a pinch of salt, setting over a high heat to bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat to a minimum so you just see a few gentle bubbles forming. Crack an egg into a small bowl and slide gently into

the water, lowering the bowl as close to the water surface as you can so the egg doesn’t spread out. Repeat with the other eggs and leave to poach until cooked to your liking, about 5-7 minutes.

Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain well, drizzle over the rest of the olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Keep warm with the muffins and bacon if the eggs are not quite ready.

Use a slotted spoon to lift the eggs from the water to a plate lined with kitchen paper. Allow to drain for a few seconds.

To assemble the muffins, start by adding 3 rashers of bacon to each muffin. Divide the seasoned asparagus between each muffin and finish with a poached egg. Top with other half of the muffin and tuck in immediately.

Asparagustips It can help to cure hangovers and protect the liver against toxins It improves digestion. Eating asparagus promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine and can help reduce bloating It is incredibly low in fat and calories, making it great if you’re on a diet Its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants will help to reduce your risk of developing certain cancers Asparagus contains vitamin K, essential for healthy blood clotting It’s also a rich source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system It can improve your libido. Research

by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Research, showed that when rats consumed asparagus their “mount rate” increased dramatically!

Find out more at www.britishasparagus.com

Shropshire Horticultural Society Charity Number: 501564

Fri 10th & Sat 11th August 2018

OUR VIP MARQUEE BUSINESS & NETWORKING DAY Friday 10th August 2018

 Invite valued customers and potential clients to a day in our exclusive marquee  Make the most of networking opportunities by sitting on shared tables  Enjoy delicious food served throughout the day with a pay bar available until 10.30pm  Opportunity to meet our celebrity chef  Take advantage of superb views of the main arena entertainment, ending with a spectacular fireworks finale

GUEST DAY Saturday 11th August 2018

 Spend the day in our elegant and exclusive VIP marquee  Spoil yourself and your guests with delicious food  Opportunity to meet our celebrity chef  Benefit from the private outside seating area and two large screens offering a perfect view of the arena, plus a pay bar open until 10.30pm  Enjoy all the delights of the show together with the superb firework finale

For more information and to book call: 01743 234055 or go to: shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk/tickets/hospitality ShrewsburyFlowerShow

@shrewsflowershw

shrewsburyflowershow Oswestry life

|

55

The broker London & County has created a great scenario to demonstrate this. Say you have a £150,000 25-year mortgage at 3%. Overpaying by £50 a month would mean your loan is paid off two years and three months early, saving you £6,548 in interest.

Q&A

with Anna Breeze of Prudent Financial Planning

Q: My mortgage is an unavoidable debt, but I want to manage it in the savviest way possible. With interest rate hikes predicted, do you have any tips?

A:

Paying interest over the term of you mortgage is unavoidable but there are ways in which you can reduce the amount paid.

FIX FOR LONGER Now is the time to fix your mortgage rate. Lenders have already started pulling their best deals as rate hikes loom.

Even if your deal has longer to run, it could still work out cost-effective to swallow the early repayment charge and switch to a low rate. ERCs vary according to lender and mortgage size. Check your paperwork for how much you’ll have to pay, and then see whether the savings from your new deal can beat that figure.

REDUCE LOAN When interest rates and returns on savings are low, it makes sense to plough money into paying your biggest debt — your mortgage.

JOBS

You would need to check your T&Cs but most mortgages typically allow you to overpay 10% of the balance each year without penalty.

BOOST DEPOSIT The cheapest mortgages are reserved for those with the largest amount of equity in their homes. This is because the bank sees them as a lower risk.

FACTOR IN FEES Don’t just go for the cheapest headline interest rate. You need to factor in all the charges. Some low rates come with eye-watering arrangement fees. If you have a smaller mortgage, then it can actually work out cheaper to plump for a deal with a higher rate and a low fee.

No two financial positions are the same. It is highly recommended you speak to an Independent Mortgage Adviser to discuss your options and formulate the best plan for you.

Why not give us a free no obligation call on 01691 653335, visit www.prudentltd.co.uk or email dphumphreys@ prudentltd.co.uk

JOBS TECHNICAL ASSISTANT Competitive Salary & Benefits Available Shropshire Homes have an exciting opportunity for a enthusiastic young professional to join our expanding house building company.

You will report directly to the Technical Manager, and support him in a wide and interesting roll, collating pre construction technical information for new housing developments.

To be successful, you should have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grade C, Level 5 (including Maths, English Language and IT, Business or Science based subject)

Sub Contract Bricklayers required Good rates

Must have CSCS cards Work in Shrewsbury

Call 07802699155 or email Gerald.rogers@shropshire-homes.com

56 | Oswestry life

A knowledge of construction or an equivalent qualification as well as a willingness to learn CAD is of benefit.

Candidates should have strong IT skills and be able to communicate well at all levels. You should also be able to work on your own initiative and demonstrate good attention to detail.

Please apply in writing or email including an introductory letter and CV to : Mark Hinks. Technical Manager, Shropshire Homes Limited. The Old Workhouse. Cross Houses. Shrewsbury SY5 6JH mark.hinks@shropshire-homes.com

JOBS Level 3 Nursery Assistants Full time, maternity cover and bank required due

to increased numbers @ Footsteps Nursery.

Please send cv to

l.rodgers@nsc.ac.uk

North Shropshire College Oswestry Campus, Shrewsbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4QB.

Q&A

with GHP Legal’s Claire Parfitt with

Who to sue in bad weather collisions - local authority or other driver?

Stevens Lucas

Solicitors, Solicitor-Advocates & Barristers

Q: I was involved in a multiple vehicle pile-up during the “Beast from the East”. I could see the vehicles ahead were backed up and I managed to stop in time but a car behind skidded into me and I collided with the central barrier. My leg was badly crushed in the accident and I am now off work. Who do I sue? The Local Authority for the poor road conditions, or the driver?

A: The recent snow and ice caused road surfaces throughout the UK to become very slippery and dangerous. Very occasionally claims may be directed to the Local Authority; for example if a car has skidded on black ice after the Local Authority have failed to grit the road despite knowing of the impending plummet in temperatures, or if they have negligently failed to grit it properly and have “missed a bit”. However, in the overwhelming majority of cases the claim will be brought against the driver who caused the collision. In your case this is the car which skidded into you.

Whilst you may sympathise with the driver, due to the poor road conditions, every driver on the road has a duty to take reasonable care for the safety of other road users.

By failing to leave a safe stopping distance, failing to control the vehicle and potentially driving too quickly, the other driver has caused the collision. In light of the obviously dangerous conditions the driver should have adjusted their driving accordingly and taken extra care.

There is a slim possibility that the driver’s insurance company could seek a contribution from the Local Authority, but it seems unlikely in your case. Crush injuries can be serious and you should seek immediate advice from a local solicitor to assist you in making a claim for damages, including any loss of earnings suffered.

Further information relating to this question is available from Claire Parfitt, a solicitor with GHP Legal. For an appointment visit www. ghplegal.com or contact one of our offices: Oswestry 01691 659194, Chirk 01691 777949, Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313. We offer free legal diagnostic clinics (no appointment necessary). In Oswestry, Wednesdays 12noon-3pm for Personal Injury, Employment & Family matters. In Wrexham, Mondays 9.30am12noon for Employment matters, 12noon – 3pm for Personal Injury & Family matters. GHP Legal is authorised and regulated by the SRA 51566, and Lexcel Accredited.

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

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

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

•Mental Health •Professional Negligence •Probate, Wills, Tax & Trust •Residential Property •Spinal Injuries

OSWESTRY

LLANGOLLEN

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

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

WREXHAM

CHIRK

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

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

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

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

Oswestry life |

57

Business

New partner at law firm An Oswestry law firm has taken its number of partners to 27 with the appointment of a personal injury specialist with more than 25 years’ experience.

Dawn Humphries is a solicitor at Lanyon Bowdler, specialising in helping people with serious and catastrophic injuries pursue their claims through the courts.

Brian Evans, managing partner at Lanyon Bowdler, said: “Dawn has played a major role in the success of Lanyon Bowdler since she joined us 20 years ago and we are delighted she has now become a partner with the firm.”

From left, Chris Spriggs, Jeremy Rose, Sean Bolas and Robin Talbot

Peak Practice for telecoms firm

An Oswestry businessman and his team are going to extraordinary heights to raise money for a local children’s charity.

Jeremy Rose, who runs Ocean Telecom on Mile Oak Industrial Estate in Oswestry will be taking on the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ in May this year to raise money for charity The Movement Centre, which provides life changing therapy to improve movement control in children who have a disability.

Jeremy felt inspired to raise money for The Movement Centre after visiting the charity at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital last year.

Jeremy said: “After visiting The Movement Centre and seeing them in action and meeting a young child who goes to the charity to receive Targeted Training therapy, I was so impressed that I wanted to do something to contribute to the fantastic work going on there.”

To sponsor Jeremy, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeremy-rose3

Investing in Oswestry

We’ve expanded into additional offices in Salop Road, and we’re growing our Oswestry team to help you with pensions, investments and planning your financial future. There’s lots of financial advice out there - but don’t you and your family’s finances deserve truly independent advice?

Call us for a no-obligation initial meeting today!

Beaumont Financial Planners Ltd., 21 Salop Road, Oswestry, SY11 2NR

t 01691 670524 e mail@beaumont-financial.co.uk

www.beaumont-financial.co.uk Beaumont Financial Planners Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registered in England number 8707394. Registered address Emstrey House North, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6LG

58 | Oswestry life

Supporting People, Supporting People, Businesses & Communities Businesses Communities Wedon’t don’t just just sell sell time; We time; we we sell sell experience, experience, expertise, know-how know-how and expertise, and results results

39--41 41 Church Church Street, Street, Oswestry 39 OswestrySY11 SY112SZ 2SZ 01691 652241 www.lblaw.co.uk info@lblaw.co.uk 01691 652241 www.lblaw.co.uk info@lblaw.co.uk | | | | Offices also in: Shrewsbury Bromyard Hereford Ludlow Telford Offices also in: Shrewsbury | Bromyard | Hereford | Ludlow | Telford

Culture

Poetry corner

Top award for Shropshire author

Wonderment

A Shropshire author has scooped a top county business award for her children’s books.

Do you believe in fairies with flowers in their hair wings as soft as feathers a song as light as air?

Lorna McCann, author of ‘Wendy and the Biscuit Tree’ and ‘Felix - the small boy with the BIG imagination’ won Best Children’s Product at last month’s 2018 Businesses for Children Awards at the Park Inn, Telford

I believe in fairies they live within my mind in my imagination as fantasies unwind

The 37-year-old former journalist from Childs Ercall was recognised at the awards for writing ‘fun’ and ‘enjoyable’ books for children.

Lorna said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this award. To have my work and books recognised in this way is a huge honour especially as there are so many fantastic businesses in Shropshire providing a mixed array of products for children and young people.”

Since publishing her first book in 2016, Lorna has visited hundreds of

Author Lorna McCann receives Best Children’s Product Award 2018 from BCA sponsor Trish Parsons, owner of Bellini’s Box

school children across the county and beyond to share her books and passion for reading.

She added: “One of the most fun and enjoyable aspects of my job is visiting schools and nurseries to share my books and talk to children about my work as an author.“ For more information on Lorna’s books or to find out more about her visits to schools and nurseries visit www. lornamccannauthor.co.uk or email lorna.mccann@teamauthoruk.co.uk.

I dream among the bluebells and wonder if and when the fairies will appear today in their fairy glen A stream of silver stardust dances before my eyes my head is full of magic of wonder and surprise I smile in satisfaction my work it is complete a painting full of fairies with happy dancing feet Jan Hedger www.janscreativewriting.co.uk

Oswestry life | 59

•Home renovations •Garden Walls •Astro turfing •Patios & pathways •Driveways •Secure Garden Sheds •Fencing domestic & agricultural

classifieds

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All aspects of concreting, retaining walls, stable blocks, steel frame agricultural buildings, digger work & drainage.

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DOG GROOMING

BLINDS

Buy 4

Vertical blinds/ Roller blinds Fitted from

£199

•Home renovations •Garden Walls •Astro turfing •Patios & pathways •Driveways •Secure Garden Sheds •Fencing domestic & agricultural

FREE QUOTES

Where help is on hand locally

ANY SIZE SHED MADE TO SUIT

Find us in Oswestry Indoor Market

01691 676 262

All aspects of concreting, retaining walls, stable blocks, steel frame agricultural buildings, digger work & drainage.

ANY SIZE SHED MADE TO SUIT

SENSIBLE PRICES

BUILDERS

•Home renovations •Garden Walls •Astro turfing •Patios & pathways •Driveways •Secure Garden Sheds •Fencing domestic & agricultural All aspects of concreting, retaining walls, stable blocks, steel frame agricultural buildings, digger work & drainage.

ANY SIZE SHED MADE TO SUIT

ELECTRICIANS

Tel: 07837 839698 e: matt@mattowenelectricalservices.co.uk @MattOwenElectricalServices

• General electrical installations • Domestic - Commercial - Industrial • Testing and inspection • Landlord safety checks • New builds • Rewires • Outdoor and security lighting • CCTV • Part P Registered

| Oswestry life

12 Queens Road Oswestry SY11 2HY Tel: 07850 044006 info@queensroaddoggrooming.co.uk www.queensroaddoggrooming.co.uk

DOG GROOMING

Full groom Clipping and scissoring Hand stripping Bath and mini groom Nail clipping Ear cleaning State-of-the-art hydrobath

We only use natural and paraben free products Call now for an appointment

Tel 01691 661068

...No job too small

ELECTRICIANS

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• All natural products WILDWASH • Calm and friendly home environment • Bathing, drying, clipping, scissoring and hand stripping, nail trimming and ear cleaning

GARDENING & PLANT HIRE

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Where help is on hand locally

FOOT CARE

OSWESTRY FOOT CLINIC

The clinic offers a spacious, quiet and comfortable ground floor setting situated half a mile from the town centre with easy access and free parking. There is a pleasant and spacious waiting room with separate toilet facilities and the adjacent private treatment room is fully equpped and maintained to the highest standard.

Judith Lea

Registered Foot Health Practitioner and Registered Nurse

Call today for an appointment

07790 009298

Email: oswestryfootclinic@gmail.com

TREATMENTS: NAIL TRIMMING - CORNS - CALLUSES - ATHLETES FOOT - VERRUCA - FUNGAL NAIL - REFLEXOLOGY THICKENED NAIL - INGROWING TOE NAILS - DIABETIC FOOT CARE - PRESSURE RELIEF DRESSINGS - THERAPEUTIC MASSAGES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HANDYMAN GRASS AND HEDGE CUTTING JET WASHING FENCING LOGS AND KINDLING ALL GENERAL MAINTENANCE COMPETITIVE RATES

CALL PHIL

07971 287759

LOCKSMITH SERVICE

SHAUN’S

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

• UPVC Windows • Doors • Carpentry & Kitchen Installation • Property Maintenance • Fencing & Flooring • Painting & Decorating • Conservatories • FENSA registered

OSWESTRY TEL: 01691 773875 MOBILE: 07792 341877

PAINTER AND DECORATOR

PAINTER AND DECORATOR

BRIAN OWEN

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING AND DECORATING PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL Offering a personal and friendly service with over 30 years experience

SPECIAL PAINT EFFECTS MARBLING & WOOD GRAIN FOR A FREE COMPETITIVE ESTIMATE PLEASE RING 01691 610335 OR MOBILE 07961 057068

PLUMBING & HEATING

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classifieds

Where help is on hand locally PLUMBING & HEATING

ROOFING

PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE

HM PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES LTD

email: hmplumbmaintain@gmail.com www.facebook.com/hmplumbmaintain

• HEATING, RADIATORS ETC • KITCHEN/BATHROOM INSTALLATION & REPAIR • UPVC FASCIA, SOFFITS AND CLADDING • DRAINAGE INSTALLATION & REPAIR

• GUTTERS INSTALLATION & REPAIR • FENCING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE • GUTTER LEAF/MOSS PROTECTION SYSTEMS

For a first class service by fully insured City & Guilds qualified tradesman call:

07939 839751 or 07932 659552 COMPETITIVE PRICES ROOFING

ROOFING

WITH OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WE HAVE THE SOLUTION TO YOUR FLAT ROOF PROBLEMS • Flat roofing (EPDM options available) • Liquid roofing system PREMIUM • Felt roofing EPDM PRODUCTS • Pitched roofing • New roofs • Insurance work • County Council approved • Covering Oswestry, Welshpool and Shrewsbury FULL GUARANTEE ON ALL PRODUCTS • OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

T: 01691 828292 • M: 07970 438816 E: sales@shropshireroofing.com W: shropshireroofing.com

SCAFFOLDING

TREE AND GARDEN CARE

NORTH SHROPSHIRE SCAFFOLDING

Anthony Roberts

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

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TREE AND GARDEN CARE offering:

•TREE SURGERY •HEDGE TRIMMING •FENCING •PATIOS •LANDSCAPING •WOOD CHIPPING •STUMP GRINDING PLUS LOGS FOR SALE WHOLE OF SHROPSHIRE COVERED

antsgardening@yahoo.com

01691 770 054 AND 07725 819 414

classifieds

Where help is on hand locally TREE SERVICES

TIMBER PRODUCTS

Shropshire Tree Services Ltd PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE All aspects of Arboricultural work undertaken • Council approved contractor • Fully insured • Over 30 years experience • All staff NPTC qualified Contact Peter Rimmer Oswestry 01691 680018 Mobile 07885 676038 wwwshropshiretrees.co.uk

WINDOW CLEANING Get your message across

from only

£25

+VAT

PER MONTH

minimum of 3 consecutive months

For information email: info@oswestrylife.co.uk

Expires: 15/06/2018

the moment you realise you could have found a better deal on your tradesman insurance at your local brokers hammer down on your tradesman cover; one policy, one renewel, zero hassle

coversure insurance services oswestry 01691 238 32 coversure.co.uk/oswestry

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Kids fun

By Katie Millard of Baby Bird Café

Make:

Nature Crowns

Spring is such a great time to get outdoors - these Nature Crowns are a great idea for sunny days. Collecting daisies, dandelions or garden blooms and leaves is a lovely activity in itself, and older children could even use a Flower Identification Guide to identify which flowers they find.

You will need: • • • •

Sheets of coloured card Scissors Glue dots/ glue stick Collection of flowers and leaves

Method:

• With your scissors cut your lengths of card into a zig-zag shape to form a crown shape.

• Secure the ends to form a circle with your glue dots/ glue stick • Create a pattern of leaves and flowers on your crown - and enjoy!

Bake:

Dandelion fritters

This time of year, the fields, woods and hedgerows are exploding with beautiful Spring wildflowers. Apart from harvesting wild garlic for homemade pesto, dandelion flowers can also be made into delicious fritters.

You will need:

• Dandelion flowers (harvested from areas free of traffic & away from dog walking routes) • 100g of plain flour • 2 free range eggs • Dash of milk to loosen the mix • Oil • Honey to serve

Method:

• De-stalk your dandelion flowers, and run under running water to wash, then dry off with kitchen paper • Mix your flour and eggs, adding milk until you have the batter consistency you desire • Heat your oil in a pan • Dip your flowers into your batter then place into your pan, browning both sides • Serve warm, drizzled with honey and eat straight away.

Baby Bird Cafe hosts bespoke birthday parties, vintage afternoon tea, baby showers and crafting activities throughout the holidays. www.babybirdcafe.co.uk

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Win family tickets

Competitions BBC Gardeners’ World Live, one of the country’s best loved gardening shows, has announced the Show Gardens and an unprecedented number of Beautiful Borders to inspire visitors to the Show, at Birmingham’s NEC from 14 – 17 June.

Food festival at historic castle

This summer the stunning Boddelwyddan Castle in North Wales hosts the Great British Food Festival for the first time. The event, over the weekend of 30 June - 1 July promises to be a foodie feast.

The line-up at Bodelwyddan includes over 50 Best of British producers and street food vendors, celebrity chef demos, talks, kids’ cookery lessons, great live music, a ‘Cake Off’ competition and ‘Men v Food’ challenges.

The Chef Demo area and Bake Stage hosts a headline name throughout the event, with Beca Lyne-Pirkis taking the main stage and Sandy Doherty on the baking stage (both Great British Bake Off, and Christmas Bake Off 2017). On top of cooking up treats on the demo stages, Beca and Sandy will be judging the popular Great British Cake Off, where amateur bakers compete head to head in two baking categories (see www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for details and to enter).

A popular addition to the programme of events has been the inhouse Forager, who leads small groups around the estate searching for wild foods.

There is entertainment for all the family throughout the weekend, including kids’ cookery lessons, free circus skills, as well as some children’s rides. There will be fantastic live music throughout, with a play list packed full of top local bands and artists, so you can do some shopping, grab some food and then have a well-earned relax with a local beer (or two) listening to some great live entertainment.

Bring a blanket and sit out for the day enjoying great food and drink, live music and beautiful surroundings. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out for the whole family.

To win a family pass, answer the question: What is the name of the competition at the festival where amateur bakers compete head to head?

Visitors will be able to walk through the extensive Wyevale Garden Centres Solutions Garden designed by David Stevens, where each zone illustrates stunning, yet practical, ways to deal with common garden problems from soil types to dry shade and water conservation to weed control. Wyevale Garden Centre experts will be on hand at every point to talk you through the solutions and help you apply them to your own garden.

Setting the bar in Show Gardens, Diarmuid Gavin, one of the most well-known names in garden design, has designed two gardens for the show this year. Four of the UKs brightest young sparks in landscaping will have constructed the gardens from scratch, packed with design features, variety of materials, and incredible planting combinations, as part of the inaugural Young Landscapers Competition.

With a day out at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, whatever sized plot you’ve got, you’ll find yourself going home with a head full of ideas and expert advice, plus a car full of perfect plants and gardening kit. You won’t need to waste even a minute in getting started when you get home! Find out more by visiting: www. bbcgardenersworldlive.com We’ve joined forces with BBC Gardeners’ World Live to give four lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show.

To enter, simply tell us, in which British city is the show held?

COMPETITION RULES: Closing date for competitions is 01/06/18. 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@oswestrylife.co.uk 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 MARCH WINNERS: Whittington Music Festival: Louise Whitley, Stottesdon, Kidderminster Spring Lambing Day: Claire Davies, Oswestry; Jo Hornsey, Whittington Man Engine: Katie Stant, Four Crosses

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Last Word

Oswestry School headteacher Julian Noad How old are you?

49 Where do you live?

Oswestry School! I am lucky to have never commuted further than twenty minutes in any job, but living on campus does have its downsides. The role of Headmaster of a boarding school is necessarily 24/7 in nature. That’s what my family and I have always been used to.

Where did you go to school/ college university and what did you study?

The Judd School in Kent, one of the famous and old-fashioned state grammar schools, followed by Southampton and Bristol universities: electrical engineering and teaching.

Tell us about your career to date?

The idea of moving from university to sitting behind a screen designing electrical circuits did not appeal, so hop-farming and yacht-racing provided a fantastic gap year (or two) before I settled on teaching. My first post in a maintained middle school in Dorset transformed into Head of Science within months. Thence, with marriage planned, Jane and I moved to Bristol and Clifton College, where, over a dozen or so years, I was lucky to be challenged with many roles including Head of Sailing, Director of Studies and Housemaster. Senior leadership took me to North Wales, Rydal Penrhos, for five years as deputy head; a role which provided me with excellent foundations for my appointment to headship at Oswestry.

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What is Oswestry School’s unique selling point?

Its community and its care, as well as the opportunities to develop the whole person: ‘not for school, but for life’ is our motto.

Describe a typical day in your role?

There is no such thing as typical. I write this at the end of the first day of the summer term. The dog had his usual stroll at half six, before I dealt with overnight emails and preparation in a quiet study. After welcoming pupils with an address within our beginning of term service at St Oswald’s, it was discussions about how to make Speech Day work in our lovely new sports hall. A meeting about staffing for next year, a skype interview with a prospective overseas pupil, then teaching science to Year 5 and then Year 6. There are ad hoc conversations with staff, parents and pupils, all wrapped up with the usual battle with emails. A meeting with the boarding team over supper at 6.30pm brought the formal end of the day, but there’s work to do yet to be ready for the morrow.

What do you love most about your job?

Variety, working with young people, and (hopefully) making a difference to their lives.

Any exciting developments planned for 2018?

Actually, our estates team are hoping for a development rest next year. In the past three years we have: refurbished our prep school;

developed a suite of six new science labs; extended and refurbished our dining facility; created a superb new cooking teaching room; and, lastly, but not least, are two weeks away from completing a fabulous new sports hall with two indoor netball and tennis courts, indoor cricket nets, basketball and badminton courts.

What’s your ultimate ambition for Oswestry School?

It is my intent for Oswestry School to be the ‘the family school of choice in Shropshire’.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

I am not certain that I have ever had direct advice, but I do follow Nelson Mandela’s line: I never lose; I either win or I learn. This fits well with our support of a growth mindset amongst pupils and staff.

I do regularly provide careers advice and this usually follows the line of doing what you enjoy, because this is probably also what you are good at.

If you weren’t a headteacher, what else do you think you would be doing?

My original plan was to design nuclear power stations!

Finally, what do you like to do in your spare time?

In term time, spare time is a rare commodity. If time is my friend, then I would be on the water, sailing. More often, I will grab the chance to get into the hills for a run with the dog before catching up with the family.

Let your finances blossom

There’s lots of financial advice out there – but don’t you and your family deserve independent advice?

• Pension Reviews • Investment Reviews • Tax Efficient Investments • Business Investments

• Business Protection • Relevant Life Insurance • Lifetime Cash Flow Planning • Portfolio Reviews

Call us today for a free no-obligation meeting on: 01691 670524 e mail@beaumont-financial.co.uk | 21 Salop Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NR

www.beaumont-financial.co.uk Beaumont Financial Planners Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Company registered in England number 8707394. Registered address Emstrey House North, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6LG

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OSWESTRY’S BIGGEST KITCHEN & BATHROOM SHOWROOM

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

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

Our experienced staff will take your room measurements and turn your ideas into a 3D plan so you can see exactly how your kitchen will look in your home.

Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8HA T: 01691 477 987 W: tgkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk 68

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Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 1:00pm, Sun Closed