Beat the blues from darker days by breaking out your rain gear and coming walking with us! We're out on Thursdays and Sundays, with a great variety of locations. You don't have to be a member to walk with us, but we do ask that you join once you've been out with us 3 times. Please also keep an eye on our website ramblers.org.uk/oswestry for any last-minute changes. Here are the walks we've got coming up in the next couple of weeks:
Thursday 29 October
Non-members welcome
A leisurely-moderate 5.25 mile circular walk starting along part of the 18th century race track on the hillside known as Cyrn y Bwch (Horns of the Buck) then on through the countryside, mostly on field paths to visit Llanforda Wood. We then walk along a section of Offa’s Dyke, through Racecourse Wood back to the car park. There will be one stop for coffee and one for lunch. Please bring your own refreshments. For full details see https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/old-racecourse-oswestry-circular
Sunday 1 November
Non-members welcome
This 6 mile MODERATE PLUS walk with 1500ft of ascent takes us from Caergwrle past the castle, up through the Bryn Yorkin Estate, around Hope Mountain and on to Waun-y-Llyn country park. We will stop at the viewpoint to enjoy the far reaching views. The ascent up Hope Mountain is through woodland and orchards and is quite steep and slippery, walking poles are advised but we will take it slowly and look back to enjoy the views. Our descent is along quiet lanes but very steep, again walking poles are recommended. Bring refreshments for a coffee and lunch stops. For full details see https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/hope-mountain-and-waun-y-llyn-country-park-1
Sunday 8 November
Non-members welcome
A moderate 6.3-mile circular walk from Llangedwyn around Mynydd-Briw, woodland, fields and lanes with some ascent and spectacular views of the Tanat valley and the Berwyn mountains. Bring refreshments for 2 stops. For full details see https://www.ramblers.org.uk/.../llangedwyn-and-mynydd-briw-0
Thursday 12 November
Non-members welcome
A relatively level, 6.5-mile moderate circular walk, mostly on field footpaths with some walking on quiet country lanes. The walk takes us through the green countryside south of Nant Wood, with its undulating meadows and areas of woodland. We also pass through a small area of the lovely grounds of Bronwylfa Hall and we should get great views of the Cheshire Plains, weather permitting. There will be an early stop for coffee overlooking the River Clywedog and a second stop for lunch. Please bring your own refreshments. For full details see https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/nant-mill-bronwylfa-hall-circular-0
In the words of Mariah Carey, “It’s tiiiiiiiiime”. We’re defrosting just like Michael Bublé and getting ready to panto so hard it’ll blow your socks off! If you want to see what all the fun is about then see attached poster for information for RATS Panto 2026 tickets!
Rural housing association Connexus has officially opened a new affordable housing development in Ludlow, providing 21 much-needed homes for local people. The Tudor Way development delivers a mix of social rent and shared ownership housing, and includes a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes.
The development has been delivered through partnership working between Connexus, Homes England, Shropshire Council and TC Homes. Homes England provided £1.5 million of funding through the Affordable Homes Programme, while Shropshire Council supported the scheme with £260,000 from its Section 106 contributions fund. Homes at Tudor Way include a range of energy-efficient features, including photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, helping residents reduce energy use and supporting Connexus’ wider sustainability ambitions.
Opening the development, the Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Diane Lyle, said: “It is a privilege and a pleasure to open this new development. The collaborative work between Connexus and its partners has created these beautiful new homes, and I am sure the people living here will take great pride in them while helping to foster a strong sense of community in this part of Ludlow.”
Kate Smith, Chief Executive of Connexus, said: “Tudor Way is a great example of what can be achieved when housing associations, local authorities, government agencies, developers and communities work together with a shared purpose.”
Tudor Way forms part of Connexus’ ongoing investment in Ludlow and sits alongside wider regeneration and refurbishment work being carried out nearby at Sandpits Avenue. The development also supports the organisation’s Corporate Plan and Rural Voice campaigning priorities by helping meet local housing need, supporting mixed communities and demonstrating the value of partnership working in rural areas
For more information on the Tudor Way development and Connexus please visit their website.
Council Tax and wider cost-of-living support from Shropshire Council and partners
Shropshire Council and its partners are continuing to offer a wide range of support to help residents with the cost of living.
Residents who are struggling to pay their Council Tax, or who know someone who is, may be able to get help through Council Tax Support, discounts or exemptions. Some residents may be entitled to a reduced bill, while others may not need to pay Council Tax at all, depending on their circumstances.
There is also help available with other household costs, including energy bills, heating and energy efficiency, phone and broadband bills, free school meals, Universal Credit, benefits advice, housing costs, budgeting and managing money.
Support includes access to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is funded by the UK Government and administered by Shropshire Council with its partners. The Crisis and Resilience Fund supports people who have had a sudden, unexpected financial shock, or who need help with rent, housing or heating oil costs.
Support is provided by Shropshire Council and partners including Community Resource, Marches Energy Agency, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, Citizens Advice Shropshire and other local organisations.
Residents do not need to be on benefits to ask for help, although eligibility criteria may apply.
Residents who cannot access the website may call 0345 678 9012 (Option 0) (lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
To speed up the application process, and get help as quickly as possible, residents are asked to make sure they have the following to hand before contacting:
Proof of address (such as a utility bill or driving licence)
Recent bank statements (for all accounts)
Identification (such as driving licence or passport)
Residents can talk face to face and apply with the help of trained advisors at one of the Shropshire Local hubs in Shrewsbury & Ludlow, or out and about as part of Shropshire Local.
New electronic referral form for SWANN
SWANN (Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network) is a preventative support service for adults aged 18 and over who live in Shropshire. It brings together support from Shropshire Council and local partners, including British Red Cross, Shropshire Mental health Support, Live Well Shropshire, Community Resource, Oswestry Community Action and The Mayfair Centre, to help people stay well, independent and connected.
Through SWANN, residents can be connected with a range of practical, emotional and community-based support. This may include short-term assistance after a hospital stay, community-led mental health outreach, befriending, social activities, daily living skills, digital confidence, wellbeing planning and help to access local groups and services.
A new electronic referral form has been created, meaning that individuals can now be connected to the Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network (SWANN) more efficiently. Additionally, residents across Shropshire can now refer themselves directly.
For more information on SWANN and to access the new referral form please go the SWANN webpage on Shropshire Councils website under the section entitled “how to refer”.
Of Interest ...
Half-term fun at Fordhall Organic Farm. If you are looking for something for the children to do in half-term, Fordhall Organic Farm is hosting Wild in the Woods, where Fordhall’s education team will be getting creative in the woodland, building dens and playing plenty of outdoor games. Wild in the Woods takes place on Thursday 29th October. 9am to 3pm. This is a drop-off session, no parents allowed! For more information, contact project@fordhallfarm.com
Interested in having your organisation's stories of success featured in our newsletter, website or social media? We want to hear from you! Contact: VCSAssembly@shropshire.gov.uk
Have Your say: Current VCSE Engagement Opportunities
Council Tax Support Scheme
2027 onwards
Shropshire residents are being asked for their views on proposals to change the Council Tax Support Scheme so that Child Benefit is no longer counted as household income when support is calculated.
On Wednesday 9 September, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet agreed that a full public consultation should now take place on the proposal – described as a ‘moral decision’ – which is intended to provide additional support for low-income families with children.
Shropshire Council is urging residents, town and parish councils, major precepting authorities, housing associations, and other stakeholders to make their views heard. Following the consultation, Cabinet will review the findings on 18 November 2026 before any proposed changes are considered by full Council on 10 December 2026.
The proposed change would mean Child Benefit is disregarded when calculating Council Tax Support. The proposal would help reduce the impact on families who receive Child Benefit, particularly those who have moved from legacy benefits to Universal Credit and may receive less Council Tax Support as a result.
The 6 week consultation is now open and closes 22nd October 2026
Have your say on the future of transport in Shropshire
Shropshire Council is asking the county’s residents, businesses and visitors to help shape the future of transport in Shropshire.
The council is carrying out a consultation on its new draft Local Transport Plan, which sets out the vision, objectives and priorities that will guide future transport policies, investment and decision-making between 2027 and 2037.
The consultation runs from noon on 5 October to 16 November. People can take park by completing an online questionnaire or by attending one of seven in-person events or online webinars being held over the next six weeks.
Hard copies of the questionnaire or information in an accessible format can also be requested by emailing ShropshireLTP@shropshire.gov.uk.
The Local Transport Plan provides a clear vision on how to make it easier for people and goods to move around the county. It covers all forms of transport, including cars, buses, coaches, trains, HGVs, cycling, wheeling and walking, as well as non-transport solutions such as improving digital access to reduce the need to travel.
For more information on the consultation and for details of the in person and online events please see Shropshire Local Transport Plan
Resident self-funder survey
Shropshire Council want to hear from you if you are a self-funder, a family carer of someone who pays for their own care or support. This survey is also relevant if you, or a family member, have started thinking about needing care in the near future and are likely to fund this yourselves.
What is a self-funder?
You are called a self-funder if you pay the full cost of your care and support, either to live independently at home or in a care home.
A self-funder means that one of the following applies and that you have:
Chosen not to approach adult social care for help
Chosen not to be financially assessed
Been assessed but are not currently eligible for adult social care services
Approached adult social care and have eligible needs, however, your savings and other assessable capital are above £23,250
Why are we asking you to complete the survey?
We want to make sure residents who pay for their own care have clear information and advice at the right time, so they can understand their options, plan ahead, and make informed choices about the care and support that is right for them.
Your feedback will help us understand what it is really like to arrange and pay for care, so we can improve information, advice and support for residents and families in Shropshire.
This survey will run from 2 October 2026 to 13 November 2026.
Events and Training Opportunities
Shropshire Charity Network
In Person Networking Evening
The Shropshire Charity Networking group holds free and informal meetings for people working within the charity sector and those keen to support not-for-profits in the county. The aim is to give people a platform to make new connections within the charity/not-for-profit sector in the county; to discuss the potential to signpost your service users to other organisations locally; to share ideas and discuss challenges; to offer support and advice to others in the sector and to explore the opportunity for collaborative working.
The next in-person networking event is at The Lion and Pheasant in Shrewsbury on Monday 30 November, from 5.30pm to 7pm. This will be a relaxed opportunity to meet, chat and connect with people involved in Shropshire’s charity and community sector.
The meeting will be in the upstairs function room. When you arrive, please grab a drink from the bar downstairs and then head upstairs.
Spaces are limited, so please book as soon as possible. If your plans change and you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your place so someone else can take it.
Free online business start-up and digital courses for Shropshire residents
Kick Off in Business runs free, live online courses for adults aged 19+ who live in Shropshire and are unemployed, not working or on a low income.
A new course starts every Monday.
Business Start-Up (2 weeks)
Level 2 Digital Skills (2 weeks)
Level 2 Digital Promotion (1 week)
Level 2 Money and Finance (1 week).
Each course leads to a Level 2 qualification and is taught by people who run their own businesses. People join from home. Funded through the government's Adult Skills Fund. Refer or register at www.kickoffinbusiness.co.uk, or email referrals@kickoffinbusiness.co.uk.
Referring takes about a minute. Groups can use the referral form on the website or email referrals@kickoffinbusiness.co.uk with the person's name, phone number and email. Kick Off in Business will check eligibility on every referral, so you do not need to.
Looking for Local Health-Related Events and Information?
Looking for health-related events and meetings local to your area? The VCSA recommends subscribing to the Community Connectors newsletter for all of the latest local event information, including classes, clubs and social groups that are related to health and wellbeing. You can subscribe by emailing ccnupdates@qube-oca.org.uk
As part of the Landscape Connections project’s development phase, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Community Organiser to work primarily in the Craven Arms area. You’ll build trusted relationships with community groups, leaders and champions, listening to their experiences and working alongside them to co-create an activity plan for the project’s delivery phase.
You’ll be someone who genuinely cares about nature and people, and who believes that connecting communities with nature can help address the climate and ecological crises.
Salary £31,841 per annum + 7% pension contribution
Fixed Term Contract ending on 31st August 2028.
Full Time (35 hours per week)
Closing date: Monday 2nd November at 8pm
First interviews: Thursday 12th November
Second interviews: Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th November
The role is flexible and hybrid with at least one day a week in our Shrewsbury office and regular travel within Shropshire.
If you’re passionate about people, communities and nature, and want to help shape a project that puts local voices at its heart, we’d love to hear from you. To apply please visit the Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
Woodland Advisor - Treescapes
The Severn Treescapes project aims to create a 60-mile north-to-south corridor across four counties, working towards 30% woodland cover by 2035. The project tests woodland creation at scale across productive landscapes, helping to connect people with nature.
This post has been kindly funded by Reconomy as part of its commitment to sustainability. Through this role, Shropshire Wildlife Trust will focus its delivery in Shropshire, with particular emphasis on the area between the Wyre Forest and the Clee Hills.
Closing date:
Salary: £32,585 - £34,815 per annum, depending on experience, plus 7% pension contribution
Contract type: Fixed term / Working hours: Full time
Location: The Cut Visitor Centre, 193 Abbey Foregate , Shrewsbury,SY2 6AH
Shropshire Wildlife Trust is seeking two Farm Advisors to support the delivery of the ambitious Shropshire Hills Landscape Connections programme.
Landscape Connections is a partnership project bringing people, nature and heritage together to create a more connected and resilient landscape for future generations. Led by the National Trust and supported by key partners including Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team and Severn Rivers Trust, the project will tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and barriers to accessing nature across the Shropshire Hills National Landscape.
As a Farm Advisor, you will work directly with farmers and landowners to deliver Whole Farm Plans and Farm Water Audits, helping businesses identify practical opportunities to improve climate resilience while supporting wildlife and sustainable land management.
20 Months Fixed Term contract (January 2027 to August 2028)
35 hours per week
Salary: £32,585 - £34,815 per annum, depending on experience, plus 7% pension contribution
Contract type: Fixed term / Working hours: Full time
Location: The Cut Visitor Centre, 193 Abbey Foregate , Shrewsbury, SY2 6AH
Feed the Birds is a small Shropshire-based befriending charity that provides company and conversation to those who are house-bound. We match volunteers with someone referred to us, and through the simple act of garden bird feeding, bring them companionship and support.
We are now in a position to recruit someone to support our Co-ordinator with client assessments, matching them with a volunteer and supporting them in the role.
The job is a two-day-a-week post; initially, one day spent in a shared office in Shrewsbury with the Co-ordinator. If offered the job, you will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
This job is dependent upon successful funding applications, and is initially for a 6-month period which we hope to make permanent.
Please contact us here Dianem@feedthebirds.org.uk for a copy of the job description and person specification and then apply using this link:
Application deadline is: 5pm on Monday 2nd November 2026
Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 10th November in Shrewsbury
Health Engagement Facilitator
We are looking for a new member of our Service Delivery Team, to contribute to our flagship projects in cancer awareness and support.
We are looking for someone with the skills to communicate complex ideas in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for a range of audiences. Someone who is creative in their approach to training, and who has the confidence to answer questions and challenges from the floor.
They will be able to adapt their delivery on their feet to suit their audience, engage those who may be unsure, and recognise and suggest improvements for the future.
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week) or 0.8WTE (30 hours/week), negotiable
Salary: £29,500- £32,000
For an informal discussion, please email recruitment@lingendavies.co.uk and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, please apply on the Lingen Davies website providing your CV and a covering letter, no more than two pages long, explaining why you would be a good fit for this position.
Applications close: Sunday, 1st November 2026 at 11.59pm.
Interviews will take place on 19th November in Shrewsbury.
Corporate Fundraiser
Our Sunflower Appeal launched in June 2025 and aims to raise £5million by 2029 to open a new cancer centre at the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford.
We’re now looking for an additional team member to support our amazing community of fundraisers and donors in the local business community.
We work with business from around our region, building long-term charity partnerships, engaging them in supporting events, and involving their teams in volunteering opportunities. Our new team member will help us build on our programme of corporate engagement, looking across the region to identify and engage new supporters, as well as working closely with our existing friends in the business community. This role can be based at either our Shrewsbury or Telford office.
Hours: Part-time (15-22.5 hours/week, negotiable)
Salary: £29,500 (pro rata)
For an informal discussion, please email recruitment@lingendavies.co.uk and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, please apply on the Lingen Davies website providing your CV and a covering letter, no more than two pages long, explaining why you would be a good fit for this position.
Applications close: Sunday, 1st November 2026 at 11.59pm.
Interviews will take place on 19th and 20th November in Shrewsbury.
Healthwatch Shropshire volunteers
There are lots of different ways you can get involved as a Healthwatch volunteer, from speaking to people about their experiences of health and social care to using your skills to support your local Healthwatch office.
Partners in Care is a registered umbrella organisation with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), providing fast and professional DBS checking services. Whether you require Enhanced DBS Applications, DBS Adult First Checks, or volunteer applications, we are here to assist.
Why Choose Our DBS Service?
Trusted & Experienced: Over 20 years’ experience processing DBS checks for a variety of organisations
Exclusive Member Discounts: Our Mmmbers enjoy special rates on all DBS applications and we offer competitive rates to Non-Members
Efficient Processing: We handle applications swiftly to ensure minimal delays
Comprehensive Support: Our knowledgeable team is always available to answer queries via phone or email
Regular Updates: We keep you informed of the latest DBS regulations and updates via direct email alerts and our website
Need more information or have a DBS-related query? Our team is here to help.
Do you have a job or volunteer opportunity you would like us to promote? Please send your information to VCSAssembly@shropshire.gov.uk and we will include it in our next newsletter!
Funding for Smaller UK Charities Providing Health and Care Services
The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust is accepting applications through its Ann Rylands Small Donations Programme, which supports smaller charities working to improve health and care provision.
Unrestricted grants of up to £5,000 are available. They may support core costs or a specific project, but cannot be used for research. Applicants are asked not to request a particular amount. Trustees will decide awards according to available resources and the suitability of the proposed work. Typical grants are between £2,000 and £3,000.
The funding is for::
Improved quality of life for older people through health and care
Improved quality of life for people with disabilities through health and care
Improved quality of life for people with serious illness/chronic conditions through health and care
Improved health and care for people needing palliative and end-of-life care
Practical and emotional support to improve the health and care for people facing challenges with mental health
Applications can be submitted whenever the online system is open and will be considered as soon as possible, depending on the volume received.
The Giving Machine £250 unrestricted Community Grants
Applications for The Giving Machines latest round of Community Grants are now open. Apply for a £250 unrestricted grant. Applications take just 15 minutes and successful causes will be chosen at random after applications close on 31 October.
There are 8 grants each quarter to UK not-for-profit organisations.
British Gas Energy Trust’s Energy Support Grant Programme Opens 1 October
British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity, is relaunching its Energy Support Grant programme on 1 October 2026.
The Trust offers support for British Gas customers (and eligible customers of other suppliers) who are struggling with their energy bills and need help to pay off their energy debt.
The new programme will offer one grant (instead of two separate ones), one set of eligibility criteria and a simpler application.
The grant will be applied as credit to the householder energy account, not as a cash payment.
The Fund will cover arrears of between £50 and £1,700:
Prepayment customers must owe between £50 and £1,700 in energy debt.
Credit account customers must owe between £100 and £1,700 in energy debt.
Applicants must be a British Gas credit or pre-payment meter customer and meet specific criteria.
For more information on the grant and for the eligibility criteria see the British Gas Energy Trust
Rural Funding Digest
Rural Services Network release a monthly 'Rural Funding Digest' with over 50 different funding opportunities covering a range of fundraising areas including: arts and culture, capital, agricultural, social, arts and culture, veterans and more. Read the full list of grants here.
Shropshire Opportunities - Online
The Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire promotes funds available in Shropshire. Included is the Randal Foundation Fund, Mental Health Fund for Adults, Godolphin Edwards Fund and 'We Love Shropshire' fund.
We Love Shropshire is a new local place-based fund that will provide small grants to a wide range of projects based across the county of Shropshire. Under the banner of We Love Shropshire are a range of sub-funds for a specific area of the county – We Love Bridgnorth, We Love North Shropshire, We Love Oswestry, We Love Shrewsbury & Atcham, and We Love South Shropshire. This fund does not cover Telford & Wrekin, as there is a separate fund for that area.
