Oswestry Life

Charlotte looks back on some of the stories, people and places that shaped Oswestry in 2025. From outdoor learning at Park Hall Forest School to the work of The Movement Centre, from Apple Day to Remembrance Sunday, this episode brings together moments from across the year that reflect what life in Oswestry is really like. Oswestry Life Podcast is taking a break in 2026, so thank you to all our gu...

Charlotte's visiting the building formerly known as Centre North West to learn about its new identity as The Centre Spot and its future role in the town. The building’s been taken over by The New Saints FC Foundation, the independent charity linked to The New Saints Football Club. Charlotte chats with Gill Jones and Jimmy O’Reilly from the foundation about the future and how sport and activity are...

Charlotte's been to Maona Cinema on Arthur Street to catch up with founder Tatenda Jamera — just a few weeks after the independent cinema reopened its doors in October. Tatenda first appeared on the podcast earlier in the year while campaigning to save the building following the closure of KinoKulture. Now, with films screening again and the community returning, he reflects on the early days of th...

Charlotte visits Park Hall Stadium to see how Amanda Jones has transformed the venue into a full Santa’s Village — starting with a gold coin wishing ritual, the North Pole walkway, an elf workshop, and a village filled with real Christmas trees and interactive displays. There’s even a butterfly garden, Candyland, mulled wine, letters to Santa, reindeer food making and a nostalgic grotto where chil...

Charlotte's been to Oswestry Library to find out more about With Love From — a community-run shared wardrobe offering free occasion wear that you borrow in the same way you borrow a book! Founder Lizzie Dibble explains how the project works, why it’s based in the library, and how it’s inspiring people locally (and beyond) to rethink what “new clothes” really mean. The Oswestry Life Podcast is spon...

Charlotte is at the Bailey Head for Oswestry’s Christmas Lights Switch-On, chatting with the Town Council team about how the event comes together and what it means for the community. She speaks with the schoolchildren who have been performing and hears from Mayor Cllr Rosie Radford on her first switch-on. And of course, Father Christmas has the final word on whether Charlotte made the Nice List. T...

Charlotte speaks with G Sabini-Roberts from Pant about Rainbow Wise, a new e-learning platform designed to help schools and adults create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ young people. The conversation explores why this work matters, the impact a single supportive adult can have on a young person’s wellbeing, and the importance of having informed, confident adults in every school commu...

This week Charlotte joins the town for Remembrance Sunday, speaking with Scouts, veterans and Rev’d Harvey Gibbons, the Vicar of Oswestry, about why remembering matters — and how the community keeps that tradition alive. Young members of Oswestry Scouts share what it means to march in the parade, reflecting on honour, respect and learning about those who served before them. Local veterans recall t...

A few letters found on eBay led Oswestry Museum’s Mark Hignett to uncover one of the most remarkable love stories of World War II. In this episode, Charlotte hears how 1 ,000 letters between two soldiers, Gilbert and Gordon, revealed a hidden chapter of local and LGBTQ+ history — and inspired projects, exhibitions, and even a Hollywood film. The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jon...

This week Charlotte shares a special project created with students from Lakelands Academy and Ellesmere College for Shropshire Youth Awareness Day. The teenagers explore how social media shapes their lives — from connection and creativity to distraction and digital overload. Hear their views on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, and how they manage screen time, phone addiction, and t...

October is Menopause Awareness Month , and Charlotte talks to Holly Griffiths from HolHealth about how strength training, community and self-care can help women thrive during menopause. Holly shares expert insight into fitness, hormones and lifestyle changes, plus details of her upcoming Menopause Retreat at Bryn Tanat Hall — a weekend designed to help women learn, recharge and connect. Details of...

Autumn has arrived in Oswestry — and so has Apple Day (even if it was delayed for a week by some autumnal weather!) Charlotte joins the celebrations in town to meet the growers, makers and volunteers at the heart of this community event. Natalie Bainbridge from Oswestry in Bloom talks about apples, cakes and community spirit, while Laura Cassell, Shropshire Master Composter , offers practical comp...

This week, Charlotte chats with Bev Baxter, CEO of Community Resource — a Shropshire charity that’s all about helping local communities thrive. From supporting village halls and community buildings to running affordable fuel projects and grants, Community Resource is there for the people who keep our county connected. Bev explains how the charity helps volunteer-run spaces stay open, gives practic...

This week  Charlotte’s gone to Oswestry Indoor Market to meet Kellie - the Market Witch   Kellie shares what being a witch means to her, how it connects with the cycles of the moon and the seasons, and why it’s really about being in tune with nature rather than cauldrons and fairy tales. She talks about the celebrations that mark the year, including Samhain at the end of October, and how...

This week we’re talking first jobs, careers and futures in Oswestry. From paper rounds and pub shifts to surprising long-term careers, we hear your stories about how those first pay packets shaped your working lives. Charlotte also speaks to Tom Leather from The New Saints Foundation,, about their upcoming Careers Day on 3rd October at The Centre Spot, Oak Street. The event is designed to show you...

This week Charlotte's been on a guided tour of Oswestry Town Museum with founder Mark Hignett. There are hundreds of stories in the museum all about Oswestry and Oswestry residents. You'll hear about the Guinness World Record collection of ear trumpets, the story of an Oswestry soldier helped by Queen Victoria and the ever-growing Wall of Women. The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and...

Charlotte’s chatting with Mark Hignett from Oswestry Town Museum about the return of Heritage Open Days. Running from Friday 12th to Sunday 21st September, the free festival sees plenty of events and activities, taking place in Oswestry and beyond. Mark explains this year’s theme of architecture – and why it’s about much more than just buildings. From ancient hill forts and castles to the design o...

This week Charlotte's off to the gym. Don't panic she's not in Lycra, instead she's chatting with Rad Danailov, the owner of Coach House Fitness in the town centre. Rad shares his journey from gym member to owner, the unique community vibe at Coach House, and how fitness is the secret to staying young! The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a bl...

Oswestry Balloon Carnival returned to the town this month. And thanks to some glorious weather Oswestry was treated to colourful hot air balloons at sunrise, activities in the park and of course the spectacular night glow. So Charlotte went to Cae Glas Park to enjoy the festival which raises money for Nightingale House Hospice. Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Oswalds Cars your local, trusted...

This week on the Oswestry Life Podcast, we’re in the town centre for Oswestry’s VJ Day commemoration, marking the 80 years since the end of the Second World War on 15th August 1945. The service, organised by Oswestry Town Council and the Oswestry branch of the Royal British Legion saw people from all over the town gather outside the park gates to remember those who served in the Far East. Oswestry...

It's been a busy couple of weeks for the Oswestry In Bloom team. At the end of July they welcomed the Heart of Britain judges to the town and last week (6th August) the national judges paid a visit too. And to impress the judges this year they're pulling out all the stops and bringing well dressing to the town. Charlotte went to the Memorial Hall where a special well dressing workshop was taking p...

Have you noticed more runners around town recently? Charlotte has (and she's one of them!). And we're lucky in Oswestry to be blessed with some glorious running routes, running clubs and local races. Charlotte's been to see Alan Lewis from Adrenaline Sporting Events to find out what goes on behind the scenes at races like the Oswestry 10k and the Shropshire Santa Run. And if this episode's inspire...

When Charlotte isn't chatting to people for the podcast, you'll often find her enjoying walks and runs along the canal. Well this week she's managed to combine both as she's been finding out about the incredible work that's been going on to restore the Montgomery Canal. Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Oswalds Cars your local, trusted taxi service, whether it’s an airport transfer o...

Charlotte's been to Gobowen to find out what goes on at The Movement Centre. The charity based at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital supports children with movement difficulties. Curtis Langley, the fundraising lead, shares how they provide specialist physiotherapy that helps these youngsters achieve their personal milestones, from learning to hold their heads up to taking their...

Preparations for this year's Oswestry Show are well underway. You may well have seen the posters popping up around town advertising the event. It's a big deal too, 15,000 visitors are expected at the showground on 2nd August and they'll enjoy more tha 120 trade stands, hundreds of exhibitors and a large variety of displays. Charlotte went to the showground to speak to the Show's President and Chai...