Whittington Festival - what a triumph!

Dear Blogger

Message from the highly successful Whittington Festival.

What a triumph!

Now that the dust has settled we can look back on this year's festival and reflect on what a triumph it was. The first concert was a sell-out and we had very good audiences for all the others. People mostly hear about this unique gem of a festival by word of mouth so do please keep spreading the word. Every year it seems to get better and better. Sophia Rahman, our Artistic Director, is already planning a musical feast for 2025! Here is what some of the audience said about this year's concerts: 'The festival has a wonderfully warm, relaxed and informal feel, but the standard of music-making is superb and very professional. Congratulations to all concerned in the organisation - no doubt involving a lot of hard work, but much appreciated. The audiences seem to have grown both in size and enjoyment over the past few years – demonstrated by the full or almost full houses and the thunderous applause for the musicians and the occasional standing ovation!' 'WOW – WOW – WOW!! What a fantastic experience. The best £15 I've spent in a long time'. And this from violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason in a letter to Sophia. 'Being at Whittington was a special experience and it's a wonderful environment that you've created. The programmes were beautiful, we were so well hosted and it was very inspiring to play with you again'.   There are lots of other comments to read on the festival website here https://www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk/2024-festival-audience-and-artist-responses/ Huge thanks   The success of the festival was down to the hard work of the many volunteers, but mostly to Sophia, who planned such an interesting and exciting programme performed by a band of supremely talented and enthusiastic young players. Sophia played in every piece except the jazz and the final Mendelssohn Octet.   Thanks also to Rob Greaves who is retiring as chairman of the festival after seven years. It's a testament to the amount of work he's put in that it is taking three people to replace him! Support us The festival could not survive without the support of our Friends, Benefactors and Sponsors to whom we're supremely grateful. You can sign up or renew your subscription online at www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk/annual-subscription-payment or by emailing the Friends' Secretary, Pam Parish at friendsec@whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk. 2025 The dates for next year's festival are Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th May. We look forward to seeing you then.  In the meantime, best wishes for an enjoyable and hopefully sunny summer!

Oswestry & Borders Repair Cafe

Dear Blogger

Message forwarded by Ingrid Knowles, Oswestry.net

Oswestry and Borders Repair Cafe - Saturday 13 July 12-3pm Oswestry Memorial Hall,     just near the main car park

Oswestry & Borders Repair Cafe will be back in Oswestry Memorial Hall on Saturday July 13th 12 - 3 pm
You can help us by booking your item in beforehand, so we know which fixperts to invite and what tools they need to bring. (Bookings by July 7th please).

Don't forget you can also bring your repairs in to the Midweek Mend sessions at the Climate Action Hub in Bailey St. (Wednesdays 11:00 - 14:00)

Oswestry Writers next meeting

Dear Blogger

Message from Dora Bona <writer@creativejuicy.com>

Do you have an urge to be a writer?  Join this group and get some useful advice and feedback.

West Felton Carnival - don`t miss it

Dear Blogger

Message from Colleen, West Felton

Don`t miss

WEST FELTON CARNIVAL ON 14TH JULY

A real village event, just like we used to have in Ruyton XI Towns (Aaah, happy days) with wonderfully inventive floats, Children`s fairground, performances of dance, gymnastics and acrobatics, brass & pipe bands, and MUCH MUCH MORE.

So much effort by local individuals goes into an event like this so, please support our sister XI Towns

Items found on football field and the Cliffe

Dear Blogger

Message from David Spicer, either he or his dog have very sharp eyes.

When walking on the Cliffe they spotted a pair of well used Florabest extendable loppers under some trees - see picture.

The heap of clothes and sunglasses David and his dog found on the football field last week have still not been claimed.

Please contact David on 0750 686 8466

LADS production of Daisy Pulls it Off - book your tickets now

Message from LADS, Llanymynech Amateur Dramatic Society.

Performance dates  Llanymynech Village Hall  Friday 19 July 2024 19:45 Saturday 20 July 2024 19:45 Sunday 21 July 2024 14:30 Kinnerley Parish Hall Saturday 27 July 2024 19:45 BOOK TICKETS DAISY PULLS IT OFF by Denise Deegan, Directed by Julia Thomas. It's 1927 and Daisy Meredith is the first scholarship pupil to be admitted to Grangewood School for Girls. Daisy must summon all of her courage, enthusiasm, and plucky resolve to hold her ground against the cruel behaviour of some of her snobbish fellow students, who want her expelled. Ably assisted by her new best chum, Daisy finds herself caught up in a series of irresistible adventures including the search for the missing 'Beaumont Treasure'. Can Daisy work out the mysterious clues and save the school from closure, before she herself is ruined? 'Daisy Pulls It Off' is a fast-paced, fun pastiche of the classic girls' school stories of old. With splendid scrapes, midnight feasts, and lots of jolly hockey sticks, it's a perfectly ripping yarn for all the family! Tickets £10 (U18s £5, family ticket £22) https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ladstheatre to book, or phone 01691 830558. 2024 Winter Production Casting Sessions A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickins Adapted for the stage and directed by Alison Utting.  This will be our winter production. If you are interested in taking part, whether on or off stage, please drop into one of our casting sessions:  Sunday 28th July at Hermon Arts, Oswestry 14:00 - 17:00 or Monday 29th July at Pant Memorial Hall 19:30 - 21:30 There will be lots of acting parts, large and small, young and old. Musicians also needed, as well as sound, lighting, prompt, etc. Rehearsals will start in September. Performances will be 29th Nov - 1st Dec at Llanymynech Village Hall, and 6th - 8th Dec at the Hermon Arts.  If you would like to be involved but can't make it to the July sessions, please contact alisonutting@gmail.com.  Alumni News We just wanted to make you aware of a local theatrical project that might appeal to you, the cast/crew of which is comprised entirely of people involved in previous LADS productions. In August 2024 Oswestry-based Spike Rose Productions will be taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Hatter's Requiem is a quirky take on an Alice in Wonderland story, but with a twist ... Searching for his beloved Alice in a race against Time, Hatter leaves home. But what is Wonderland without Hatter? And – more importantly – what is Hatter without Wonderland? Catapulted into an even topsy-turvier dark near-future, our galumphing hero must face some terrible truths … But if all truth comes at a cost, will the discovery be worth the price paid? An exploration of excitement, The Hatter's Requiem follows our mimsy milliner's quest for love and identity and – ultimately – redemption. A quirky ensemble adventure awaits. Tick tock. But you don't have to go to Edinburgh to see the show! Tickets are now on sale for two preview performances at Hermon Arts in Oswestry in July, where The Hatter's Requiem will be presented alongside Strange Meetings, a play about local poet and WW1 soldier Wilfred Owen, and explores his struggles and development, told in his own words. So two shows for the price of one!  Performance dates are: Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th July (7pm for a 7.30pm start), with an interval raffle between the two shows each night. Tickets are just £10, and can be booked via the Hermon Arts website: https://www.hermon-arts.org.uk/whats-on

You can always contact us by phone - call Marg Kynaston on 01691 830558 Support Us Membership Fees for 2024 are now due If you have not yet renewed your membership please send your BACS payments to:  Sort code: 40-32-32, Account Number: 41283642. £20 per member (Under 16s £10) We know times are tough but the membership fees are vital for us to keep doing what we do, and covers exciting things like insurance etc. You will also receive discounts on drinks at productions, invites to workshops and discounted tickets for performances. If you would like information about The LADS' play readings and/or workshops just email ladstheatre@gmail.com and we will update your preferences to make sure you receive the information.

So much goes on in Oswestry Library in July, August & September

Dear Blogger

Message from Siobhan Shaw at Oswestry Library.

YOUR ARE NEVER ALONE WITH A LOCAL LIBRARY - So much goes on at Oswestry Library

JULY, AUGUST, and SEPTEMBER

 

Please feel free to pick and choose which events you include, according to the interests of your publication and the space available.

 

Apologies for the long gap in sending, we've had some capacity issues our side which has restricted the amount of time I could put toward event promotion.

 

New Private Meeting Pod

You may have noticed a new arrival in our downstairs Hub!

This private 2-to-4-person meeting pod will be bookable by individuals and organisations from 1 July. It is a furnished, partially glazed, fully enclosed acoustic pod, wheelchair accessible, with lighting, ventilation, display screen, a panic button to alert library staff, power sockets and usb ports.  A laptop is available upon request, as well as a few different furniture layout options.

The price list for rental will be

• £13 per hour (09.45am 11am 12.15pm 1.30pm 2.45pm)  
• £40 per half day (9.45 – 1) (1.15 – 4.30).
• £80 per full day (9.45 - 4.45).

Usage may be granted for free or reduced rate to any organisation or individual whose work directly supports Shropshire Libraries health offer. Contact Library Operations & Development Manager for details.

With special thanks to Arts Council England.

 

WiFi Printing!

We now have the capability to print directly from your phone or device, via the building's WiFi connection. Simply connect to SC-Public-Wifi on your device, then follow your usual procedure to print. When you select the printer to send the document to, choose 'Oswestry Library Print'. Your document will be sent through to our printer queue, after which you can collect them at the desk.

A4 printing costs are 25p per page for black and white, and 60p for colour.

 

 Oswestry Family & Local History Group

Every Monday 10-12 noon

Every Friday 1.30-4pm

Oswestry Family and Local History volunteers run a twice-weekly advice service at Oswestry Library. Teams of trained, knowledgeable volunteers work alongside library staff to help both newcomers and experienced researchers to get the most from the expanded range of resources available.

No booking required, just drop in. 

 

Digital Support Weekly Drop In Session

Every Monday afternoon 1-3pm

Join us at the library for a new weekly 'Drop-In' session for digital troubleshooting. If you could use some support with your device or a particular digital task that's giving you trouble, drop in to see us. Library staff and volunteers will be on hand to support with your query, and we encourage people to stay for a cup of tea and share your learning with others. NB: Library staff and digital volunteers cannot support with online banking queries. For these, you must contact your bank.

Free - No need to book. Open to all ages and abilities. Just come along and bring your device. If you feel you could provide help to others as a Digital volunteer, please contact us, we're keen for all the help we can get!

If you are seeking support to learn digital skills from scratch, contact us and we can refer you onto the waiting list for our 10 week course to get you started.

 

Digital Support Sessions (10 week course)

You may be aware that we have been holding Digital Support sessions at the library for some time, assisting people over the age of 65 to acquire basic digital skills to help combat digital isolation.

The scope of the scheme has now been broadened, meaning that anybody who satisfies any ONE criteria on this list may access the course:

• Aged 65 and over 
• Is living alone 
• Provides unpaid care for a friend or family member or who receives formal or informal care 
• Has a disability or health condition 
• Who is in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefit, or a low income. 

No evidence is required.
If this is you, or someone you know, who would benefit from some support with their basic digital skills, please get in touch with the library. We have mentors waiting to work with you.

 

Hearing Loss Support Hubs

Usually 1^st Wednesday every month [3 Jul, 7 Aug, 4 Sep]

Hearing aid support Hub run by NHS trained volunteers. Usually the first Wednesday of every month. Battery changes and hearing aid cleaning.

Booking is now essential for this, please contact the Hearing Loss Support Service on 01743 342168 or email shls@community-resource.org.uk to confirm dates and make an appointment.

 

Breastfeeding Network Drop-In

First & Third Friday of the month, 10-12pm

A free drop-in in the children's library for everyone who has questions about their breastfeeding journey, from pregnancy, early days, feeding older children and when you are ready to stop Come along to ask for support or advice or just for a friendly chat!

Free, no need to book.

 

Dungeons and Dragons

Usually 2^nd Saturday every month

We are delighted to be welcoming the Shropshire Dungeon Master back for more Saturdays at the library filled with magic and adventure! New players welcome, no experience required Under 16s game in the morning, over 16s in the afternoon.

Booking is essential. To book for these games, or for more information, contact the Dungeon Master direct, either on his Facebook Page (@shropshireDM) or by telephoning 07454797995

 

Shropshire Local Drop-In

Thu 4 & 18 Jul 10-2pm

Thu 1, 15, 29 Aug 10-2pm

Thu 12 & 26 Sept 10-2pm

Your Shropshire Local team is coming to the library. Please come to see them where they will help you access Shropshire Council services, such as Blue badge applications, Concessionary Travel cards and so on.

Free, no need to book.

 

Board Game Café

Sat 20 Jul, 17 Aug, 21 Sep 10-1pm

**SUMMER SPECIAL** Extra Board Gaming sessions over the Summer, every Tuesday 10-1pm

Starting Tue 30 Jul, last one on 27 Aug.
A free board gaming session suitable for all ages! Come along and try out something new.

Free, no need to book.

 

Rhyme Time at the Library!

Every Monday 2-2.30pm

Half an hour of nursery rhymes and singing, suitable for under 5s. No need to book.

 

Story Time at the Library!

Every Wednesday 10.30am.

A free story session aimed at pre-school children. No need to book.

  

Lego at the Library

**SUMMER SPECIAL** From 20 July to 31 Aug , Lego will be out from 11-2 every weekday and 11-3pm every Saturday

From 31 Aug it is every Thursday 3.15-4.15pm, every Saturday 11am-2pm

Self-guided Lego play! Free of charge Suitable for all ages (children require parental supervision)

No booking required, just drop in!

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

Junior Scrabble

Every Wed 11.15-12noon.

First 24 July, last 28 Aug

Scrabble for kids! Come along and play. Age 5+, drop in

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

St John Ambulance First Aid demo!

Every Wed 10-12pm

First 24 Jul, last 28 Aug 

Learn critical life saving skills!

All ages, drop in

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

Make a Book with Sarah

Thu 1 Aug, 2.30-3.30pm

Create your very own children's book with local author Sarah Parkinson!

Free, Age 5+, booking ESSENTIAL

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

Lego Extravaganza with Rob Spinks!

Tue 6 Aug, 2-3pm

Come and build a lego masterpiece on a Transport theme with professional Lego man, Rob Spinks! Ages 5-11 only.

Free of charge, booking ESSENTIAL

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

Water Painting!

All summer (from 20 Jul)

Drop in to have a go at our no-mess water painting in the junior library, on a special water painting cloth

Free, all ages,  drop in

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

Storytime with Flossy!

Every Thu 2-2.30pm

First 25 Jul, last 29 Aug

Come and listen to stories, with Flossy the therapy dog

Free, ages 3+, drop in. Please be aware a registered therapy dog will be present at this session.

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

Crafting with Louis in August!

Thu 8th 10-1pm,

Sat 10th 12-3pm,

Thu 15th 12-3pm,

Thu 29th 12-3pm.

Join local artist Louis Eckersley for craft activities at the library!

Age 5+, drop in

 

**SUMMER SPECIAL**

Summer Crafts with Cathy!

Wed 7 & 21 Aug, 2-3pm

Drop in for crafting fun!

Free, ages 5+,  drop in

 

**NEW** 

Books Aloud for children

Sat 13 Jul & 10 Aug 10-10.45am

Drop in, pull up a chair and listen to great stories and poems for children  read aloud by library staff.

Suitable for children 6-10 years old.

Free, no need to book

 

Books Aloud for adults

Wed 3 Jul, 7 Aug, 4 Sep 2-3pm

Looking for a daytime group with a difference?

 Drop in, pull up a chair and listen to great stories and poems for adults read aloud by library staff and volunteers

Normally first Wednesday of the month. Free, no need to book. Just come along

 

Blood Pressure Checks

Wed 14 Aug 10-12noon

High blood pressure is the major cause of heart attacks and strokes in people over 40 in the UK. It often has no symptoms. In fact, 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure do not know they have it.

Get yours checked. Come along to one of our pop-up blood testing events at the library

Free, no booking required, just drop in.

 

Border Embroiderers

Tue 9 & 23 Jul, 3 & 17 Sep 10-12noon [No meeting in August]

Border Embroiderers meet every other Tuesday throughout the year, except for August. Come and join our friendly group, all ages and abilities welcome. We sew, chat and have tea/coffee. 

Just drop in or contact Mary on 01691 658651

 

Dementia Specialist Admiral Nurse drop-in

Tue 9 Jul 10-12noon

Life changing advice and support for families affected by dementia.

No booking required, just drop in. 

To refer a carer or an individual supporting a person living with dementia please contact your local Admiral Nurse. Call: 01952 580479 Email: Shropcom.admiral@nhs.net

 

Oswestry Central SNT Drop-in

Wed 3 July 10-1pm NB: Dates may be subject to change in the event of emergency call outs.

Meet members of the Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Team at the library to talk about issues such as;

• Suspected drug dealing
• Vehicle crime
• Burglaries
• Problem youths
• Underage drinking
• Uninsured drivers

Would you like a say? Are you happy to provide information? For non emergency issues dial 101 or call into Oswestry Police Station.

For emergency issues please dial 999 or contact Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers is a way of reporting crime anonymously. Dial 0800555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Let us try to help make your community a safer place to live.

Free of charge, no booking required.

 

**NEW**

Natter & Chatter

Thu 11 Jul & 1 Aug 11-12noon

Join us at the library for a chat over a cuppa. Everyone is welcome. Drop in any time!

No need to book - this is a free session.

 

**NEW**

Scrabble Club for adults!

Every Tuesday 11-12noon

Do you enjoy playing Scrabble? We are setting up a weekly Scrabble group for adults. Everyone is welcome to come along to play, make new friends and have a good time.

No need to book - this is a free session. 

 

**NEW**

Sharing Memories

Tue 9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sep 2-3pm

Supporting people with dementia and their carers

Reminisce with books. Share your memories over  pictures, try out new games and activities

Meet and chat with other people in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Normally second Tuesday of the month, every month.

Free, no need to book.

 

LiveLife Cancer Awareness Information Drop-in

Wed 17 Jul 9.30am - 4pm

Through direct contact with people of all ages our LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service works to break down some of the barriers people may have in talking about cancer.

Our trained team of professionals will help:

• People think more positively about cancer and separate the myths from facts.
• Develop knowledge and awareness of early cancer signs symptoms – especially those that are more easily preventable e.g. breast, prostrate, bowel, ovarian skin cancers.
• People understand the importance of being aware their body and visiting a doctor with any concerns.
• Encourage people to take up invitations cancer screening programmes such as bowel, breast, and cervical checks.
• People recognise how making small changes to their lifestyle can reduce risk of developing cancer in future. This include information on sun safety, support for stopping smoking, managing weight, healthy eating and increasing physical activity.

Free - no booking required

 

Star Housing Drop-In

Every Wed 9.30-11.30am

Drop in to speak to Star Housing advisors every Wednesday.

Free of charge, no need to book

 

Welsh Conversation Group

Every Friday 11-12noon

Would you like the opportunity to practice your Welsh Language skills?

Join us at the library every Friday morning, 

Free but please book your place. Refreshments available, small donations welcomed.

 

Shared Sounds

NO MEETING in Jul/Aug

Next one 21 September 2.30-4pm

Delivered by the Shropshire Music Education Hub, in partnership with Shropshire Libraries.

Musical workshops for children with disabilities and their families. Predominantly aimed at 3-7 year olds, led by Shropshire Music Service professionals. Participants and their families will be able to listen to live music, help create music by singing/playing instruments, and interact with music physically in whatever way they choose.

Sessions will be informal and will adapt to the needs of the children involved. 

Siblings welcome.

Booking is essential. Please book directly via the provider at: bookings@i-gnition.co.uk

 

Shared Reading

Fri 5 & 19 Jul, 2 & 16 Aug, 6 & 20 Sep, 10-11.30am

Normally first & third Friday each month

Shared Reading groups bring people together to talk, laugh and share. Just drop in and enjoy listening to a story or a poem with no pressure to talk or read.

Free, no need to book. Just come along.

In partnership with The Reader Org www.thereader.org.uk

 

OSMakes Craft Session

First & Third Wednesday 2-4pm

NO MEETING Jul/Aug - resumes 4 & 18 September

Interested in textile crafting? Like to learn a new skill?

Bring along any crafting project you're working on and have a chat with fellow creators.

Everyone welcome! Free to come along - just drop in.

 

Reflexology Demonstration

Wed 25 Sept 11-12.30pm

Are you curious about reflexology and what it involves? Would you appreciate the opportunity to find out more about the practice before you take the plunge to book?

To celebrate World Reflexology Week, Kerry from Rahanni-Reflex Healing Therapies will explain the fundamentals, including a live demonstration.

Free of charge, no booking required.

 

How to abolish War and build Peace - with Dr Phill Gittins

Sat 28 Sept 11-12.30pm

In this free talk, we'll discuss:

• The impacts of war and militarism
• Factors helping or hindering security
• Ways to resolve conflict and build peace
• And much more

Booking preferred but not essential

 

Carer's Support Drop in

Thu 25 Jul, 22 Aug & 26 Sept 10.30-12.30, and 1.30-3.30 for those supporting individuals who struggle with mental health.

Did you know that there is an open Carer's Support Drop in at the library, usually on the fourth Thursday of every month? If you are a carer for someone you can seek support and advice from Shropshire Council's Carer Support team here. You do not need to book, just come along.

Contact Shropshire Carers support line on 01743 341995 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or email: Shropshire.Carers@shropshire.gov.uk

 

Thank you for your support, and as always if you would like to be removed from this mailing, just let me know.

 

Best regards,

 

 

Siobhan Shaw

say: shi-vawn shaw (she/her)

Library Operations & Development Manager
Oswestry Library, Arthur St. SY11 1JN

01743 250351 (01743 255394 direct)· siobhan.shaw@shropshire.gov.uk

 

For events and activities in libraries across Shropshire visit Shropshire Libraries

  

 

Cliffe Garden Club July meeting

Dear Blogger

Message from Margaret Lycett

CLIFFE GARDEN CLUB July meeting and plant sale Thursday 4th July

See attached poster for details

Booka Bookshop An evening with Jess Phil

Dear Blogger

Message from Booka Bookshop, Oswestry

Booka Bookshop Presents... 6th August 2024, 7.30pm (doors 6.45pm) at The Holroyd Theatre, Oswestry Join us for an evening of truth, lies, and politics with bestselling author and politician Jess Phillips as she talks about her new book Let's Be Honest. Can you imagine a world where politics functioned, every politician told the truth, and the government cared about the electorate more than elections? Although it feels like an impossible dream, it should be reality. With humour and candour Jess Phillips exposes what's going wrong – and what we can do about it. >From culture wars to clickbait, it's fair to say that politics has been reduced to electioneering, and we're all suffering as a result. If it wasn't destroying the country, it would almost be funny. But we have let our standards drop – and it's time to raise our expectations and demand better. Jess Phillips believes in democracy, and the people she meets give her cause for optimism even if many of the politicians really (really) don't. At once a laugh-so-you-don't-cry take down of the state of Westminster and a rallying battle cry for the power of politics, this book will make you angry, cheer you up, and give you hope. We look forward to welcoming Jess to Oswestry for what should be an insightful (and entertaining) evening. Jess Phillips was first elected as the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley in 2015. She was Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding from 2020 to 2023. Her previous books include Everywoman, Truth to Power and The Life of an MP. Further Information 01691 662244 | hello@bookabookshop.co.uk | Message via social media

lips