Babbinswood Community Farm is up for sale

Dear Blogger

Message forwarded by Wendy Lowdon

I have been supporting this farm for years. I like to buy products from them because the meat and the milk is ethical as well as organic. I have bought shares to help secure a portion of the farm to enable the organic farming to continue.  Maybe some other people might be interested in supporting Babbinswood Farm too. 

Babbinswood Farmn is up for sale.....

Yes, those dreaded For Sale boards have been erected, and Babbinswood Farm is closer than ever to being sold on the open market.  BUT we are on the cusp of securing a portion of that land for the community and the more we can raise, the more land we can buy

SO IT'S NOT OVER YET!

We are tremendously thankful for all the support that has been directed our way whether it's through buying community shares, making donations, attending our events, sharing our story or talking about us, it has helped us get where we are today.

If the cattle, sheep and other animals who call Babbinswood Farm home could speak they would be saying a huge Thank You…

Don't forget that our Crowdfunder page is open until the end of January.  If you miss it, then check out our website for alternative ways to support.

AND PLEASE KEEP ON SHARING, KEEP TALKING AND KEEP BELIEVING!

Together we are still changing the future of this land!

Our mailing address is:
future@babbinswoodfarmcbs.org.uk
Our website is:
babbinswoodfarmcbs.org.uk

Flicks in the Sticks at Myddle up to April

Dear Blogger

Message from Candice Bellis, Flicks in the Sticks @ Myddle

Please find attached the flicks posters up to April. 

Many thanks,

Candice 

Parish Council River Perry presentation at December meeting

Dear Blogger

An item in the December 5th minutes of Ruyton XI Towns Parish Council, which only the dedicated Ruyton PC watcher gets to see.

85/25 Public Session 

 Wendy Lowdon, `is one of a team who are monitoring the River Perry at different sites, including Platt Bridge and below the sewage works of Ruyton XI Towns` (not included in PC minutes.)   a local resident who monitors the River Perry near Ruyton XI Towns, has observed a noticeable decline in both river quality and wildlife populations, including reduced sightings of fish & birds, otters and insect-eating birds. Currently, approximately fifty residents are aware of these changes. The chemical status of the River Perry has failed throughout its length, and environmental testing by the Environment Agency (EA) has decreased from eight sites to just four due to budget cuts. Pollution levels have risen, with spikes attributed to sewage works and the use of bio-digesters. The EA currently lacks sufficient funding and personnel for increased monitoring. Wendy Lowden is seeking to determine if Ruyton XI Towns Parish Council might be able to offer help to assist in addressing this issue. 

Wendy`s presentation was to raise awareness of the problems that exist. The increased buildings planned in various towns and villages in the area are not matched by any development in infrastructure to deal with waste.  Participation and pressure on local government and central government is needed to reverse the decline in the rivers.  

This was not included in the PC minutes

Also, see the attached report of Robert Jones, SC Councillor concerning River Perry Management: 

There is nothing in the minutes to suggest that any of this generated any discussion or decisions about future action.

If anything was discussed/decided at the January meeting we have to wait until February to see the minutes. There was no relevant  item  on the agenda.

If you feel you would like to know more about the goings on of Ruyton XI Towns Parish Council you will find contact details on www.ruytonxitownsparishcouncil.org.uk 

 

Maona cinema January & February screenings

Dear Blogger

Message forwarded by Ingrid Knowles, Oswestry net

January and February screenings coming to Maona, Oswestry`s independent cinema

SCREENING AT MAONA CINEMA We would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year as we begin this exciting new chapter together.Thank you sincerely for the incredible support you have shown us since our launch in October 2025.Your trust, encouragement, and engagement have meant a great deal to our entire team.We look forward to growing together and continuing to serve you in the year ahead. HAMNET After losing their son Hamnet to plague, Agnes and William Shakespeare grapple with grief in 16th-century England. A healer, Agnes must find strength to care for her surviving children while processing her devastating loss. FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY 19:30 SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY 19:30 SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 14:30 THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY 11:30 BOOK Nuremberg In the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, as the world grapples with the unveiled horrors of the Holocaust, U.S. Army psychiatrist Lt. Col. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) is assigned the extraordinary task of assessing the mental state of Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), the notorious former Reichsmarschall and Hitler's second in command, along with other high ranking Nazi officials. FRIDAY 16 JANUARY 19:30 SATURDAY 17 JANUARY 19:30 SUNDAY 18 JANUARY 14:30 BOOK ELLA McCAY An idealistic young woman juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them. FRIDAY 16 JANUARY 16:30 SATURDAY 17 JANUARY 14:30 THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 11:30 BOOK ZOOTROPOLIS 2 In Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Zootropolis 2," detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootropolis and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY 16:30 SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 13:00 SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY 11:30 BOOK SONG SUNG BLUE Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together. FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 19:30 SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 19:30 SUNDAY 25 JANUARY 14:30 THURSDAY 29 JANUARY 11:30 BOOK PETER HUJAR'S DAY Conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and Linda Rosenkrantz from 1974 sheds light on New York's vibrant downtown art world and the introspective journey of an artist's life. SUNDAY 25 JANUARY 12:00 THURSDAY 29 JANUARY 19:30 BOOK HAPPY FEET ( 20TH ANNIVESARY ) Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce! FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 16:30 SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 13:00 BOOK THE TALE OF SILYAN A farmer's bond with a white stork intertwines with North Macedonian folklore. SUNDAY 18 JANUARY 12:00 THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 19:30 BOOK contact us www.maonacinema.com

Piano for free

Dear Blogger

Message forwarded by Ingrid Knowles, Oswestry net.

We have a lovely piano that is looking for a new home. It has a good tone, keeps in tune well and is also beautiful in appearance. We are giving it away but we are aware that there would be costs involved to move it. Buckley Pianos do removals - so would probably be worth contacting for a quote, if you are interested. We would consider negotiating a contribution towards the cost of transporting it. www.buckleypianos.co.uk

It has been a difficult decision to part with it but it is no longer being played and the space would be useful in our small cottage.

Our number is 01691 777044 if you would like to have a chat about it.

Kind regards

Helen

Village Hall 100 Club - join now and will prizes

Dear Blogger

Message from Nigel, Ruyton XI Towns Village Hall - see attached poster

It's time to win in the 2026 Ruyton Village Hall 100 Club!

Having paid out over £1500 in prizes last year, we would like to see if we can surpass that in 2026….so JOIN UP!

To apply, just fill in the form on our website: https://rvh.charityhive.co.uk/club

Subscriptions will be taken by card via Stripe so there will be no BACS transfers or Standing Orders to mess about with.

Just sit back and await your winnings!

THE MORE PEOPLE SIGN UP, THE BIGGER THE PRIZES!

Regards,

Nigel Leadbeater
Treasurer Ruyton XI Towns Village Hall Committee

Important newsletter from PRESCOTT SURGERY

Dear Blogger

Message from Jackie Jones, Prescott Surgery Patients Group

Important news from PRESCOTT SURGERY January/February 2026

See attached

An Evening with Paul Rushworth, magician and entertainer

Dear Blogger

Message from Simon and Christina Russell, Little Ness.

Have a night out at LittleNess with

PAUL RUSHWORTH - MAGICIAN, COMEDIAN, VOCAL IMPRESSIONIST

Saturday 17th January - see attached flyer for details

Booka Bookshop coming events & newsletter

Dear Blogger

Message from Bookshop, Oswestry

January 2026

Hello 2026 - welcome to our January Newsletter! Read on for details of our first author events of 2026, news of an exciting new Literary Festival , plus an update on our Fundraiser to help put books in the hands of local school children.

View from the Street Last window of 2025 - our Christmas windows in both shops featured The Almanac by Lia Leendertz, a little seasonal gem. First window of 2026 - showcasing The Hill in the Dark Grove by Liam Higginson. This standout debut novel is our Fiction Book of the Month for January.  A big thank you to Martha Clark for bringing these windows to life with her brilliant artwork.

Excellent Women Festival 2026 Introducing the Excellent Women Festival. Inspired by Oswestry literary legend Barbara Pym and co-founded by Carrie Morris and Caroline Lang, this new literary festival will feature an eclectic range of events celebrating women as writers and readers. The inaugural festival will be held this March on International Women's Day - Sunday 8th March. The festival will begin with the Excellent Women Dinner on the evening of Saturday 7th March, hosted by 10 local authors. Further details and tickets can be purchased here

Booka Blog Check out most recent guest blogs: 'The Books That Made Me' by Jessica Bull, author of The Austen Christmas Murders and Liam Higginson, author of The Hill in the Dark Grove

In March 2026, Booka will be hosting a large event with much loved Radio 2 DJ, broadcaster and children's author, Dermot O'Leary. We need your help to raise £4000 so that each of the 800 local school pupils attending will go home with their own copy of Dermot's book. If you'd like to donate follow the link here. Local business Aico have very generously donated £2000, so we are half-way to our goal. Our fundraiser ends on 28 February 2026.

Out and About.... A few pics from our last events of 2025: A full house for John Cleese in Chester Rick Stein book signing in Bridgnorth Larry Lamb commanding the stage at The Holroyd The inspirational Joe Wicks

We are busy planning our first collection of events for 2026. The following events are all on sale, with more to be confirmed soon - get your tickets now!

OSWESTRY Tues 27th January 2026 - 7.00pm Booka, Oswestry An Evening with Liam Higginson - The Hill in the Dark Grove Debut author Liam Higginson talks about his superb first novel The Hill in the Dark Grove.

OSWESTRY Fri 6th February - 11.00am Holroyd Theatre, Oswestry A Morning with Catherine Newman & Rchael Joyce We are delighted to welcome back two favourite bestselling authors, Catherine Newman and Rachel Joyce, for a morning talking about their latest novels and the theme of family in their writing.

OSWESTRY Thurs 12th February - 7.00pm Booka, Oswestry Wilderness Mum - An Evening with Kate Barron Kate Barron talks about her memoir Wilderness Mum, a truly inspiring story of courage, resilience and the call of the wild.

OSWESTRY Mon 16th February - 7.00pm Holroyd Community Theatre An Evening with Jennie Godfrey - The Barbecue at No.9 Jennie Godfrey, the Sunday Times Number One bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things, talks about her writing journey and her highly anticipated second novel, The Barbecue at No.9.

BRIDGNORTH Thurs 19th February - 1.30pm Bridgnorth Library, Bridgnorth An Evening with Elly Griffiths - The Killing Time Bestselling author Elly Griffiths talks about her crime writing and her new novel The Killing Time, the follow-up to Frozen People, featuring time-travelling detective Ali Dawson.

OSWESTRY Thurs 19th February - 7.00pm Holroyd Community Theatre An Evening with Elly Griffiths - The Killing Time Bestselling author Elly Griffiths talks about her crime writing and her new novel The Killing Time, the follow-up to Frozen People, featuring time-travelling detective Ali Dawson.

OSWESTRY Mon 23rd February - 7.00pm Holroyd Theatre, Oswestry Feeling Fabulous - An Evening with Ruth Langsford TV Presenter and Loose Women star Ruth Langsford talks about her life experiences and her debut memoir Feeling Fabulous, a collection of thoughts, recollections and tips on how to feel fabulous, no matter what life throws at you.

OSWESTRY Wed 25th February - 7.00pm Booka An Evening with Tanya Sweeney - Esther is Now Following You Tanya Sweeney talks about her irresistable debut novel Esther is Now Following You, a gripping darkly funny tale about obsession and celebrity fandom.

BRIDGNORTH Thurs 5th March - 7.00pm Bridgnorth Library An Evening with Tim Weaver - The Lost Women Tim Weaver talks 'in conversation' with fellow crime writer Mark Edwards about his heart-stopping new thriller The Lost Women, the 15th David Raker novel.

More exciting author events to be announced soon.  Watch this space...

Signed First Editions for Pre-Order We are offering lots of signed copies for pre-order. Many of these are Independent Bookshop Exclusive Editions with special features, including bespoke endpapers and spayed and printed edges. Visit our website to see all the signed copies we have currently have in stock, plus all those we are offering for pre-order.

View Here

Don't forget to follow us on social media, where you can stay in the loop of our shop floor antics and see what we've been up to! Thanks for reading!