News Archives 2023-2nd Quarter

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Borderland Rotary help the Orthopaedic Institute Charity

Andy Boroughs, from Borderland Rotary in Oswestry, was made very welcome when he visited the Orthopaedic Hospital to present a donation cheque for £488. 

Charity fundraiser Debra Alexander said “Our sincere thanks go to all the members of the Borderland Rotary Club in Oswestry for their kind donation, it’s because of donations like this that we have been able to continue our work to help replace essential laboratory equipment. It is so difficult to raise these vital funds, especially in the current climate and their commitment and enthusiasm to helping the Orthopaedic Institute Charity is very much appreciated.” 

Based the RJAH, for over 50 years the small independent charity has proudly supported world-renowned research and teaching for patient benefit in the specialist centres within the hospital.   This includes the advancement of care of arthritis and rheumatism, orthopaedic conditions of childhood including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, joint replacement, cellular techniques for repair and spinal studies.  

If you would like to help support research and education at RJAH, please go to www.orthopaedic-institute.org/donate/

Borderland Rotary welcome Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire

Veronica Lillis DL

Veronica Lillis DL joined Rotarians to talk about the duties and purpose of her role. 

Veronica explained that each county has a Lord-Lieutenant, in Shropshire it’s Anna Turner, and she was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen in January 2019 and is assisted by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and 33 Deputy Lieutenants, of which, Veronica is proud to be the one to represent Oswestry and the surrounding area. 

She continued, “My job is to represent the Lord Lieutenant and raise awareness of how the Lieutenancy can help to recognise hard work, success and innovation in Shropshire on behalf of the Royal family.  I act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Lord Lieutenant in my area and report back to her on what is going on locally.  I have found that the scope of my duties has involved me with local schools and volunteer organisations, planting trees and supporting the activities of the Town Mayor, Jay Moore with his charitable works and much, much more.  I also represent the Lord Lieutenant on Remembrance Day at Oswestry Memorial Gateway and lay a wreath on her behalf.  Part of the brief is to encourage the voluntary and charitable sectors as well as local businesses and suggest any places, groups or enterprises that might be suitable for a Royal visit.”

Rotarian, Brian Ashton in his vote of thanks commented that Veronica’s work was much more varied than expected and said, “I’m sure that Borderland will be working with you in the near future”.

Borderland Rotary backing Oswestry in Bloom

It’s a very important year for Oswestry in Bloom as it has been invited to enter the national Bloom competition with just forty-four other selected towns, and Borderland is fully behind the preparations and have given a donation to help them on their way.

Natalie Bainbridge said, “Every donation we receive gives us a better chance in the national competition but also allows us to make Oswestry an even more attractive town to live in or to visit and we hope that everyone enjoys our floral offerings. We work closely with the Town Council but funding is very limited, so we are grateful when organisations like Borderland Rotary step forward to help”.

Borderland Rotary welcome Oswestry in Bloom

Borderland Rotary enjoyed a talk from Natalie Bainbridge from Oswestry in Bloom the other day and learned about the plans for the project as well as its recent successes and history.

Natalie said, “Most people who live in, or visit Oswestry will have seen the results of the work that Oswestry in Bloom has done but of course, it’s an ongoing project and the current team have a lot to live up to. Last year we were awarded the Heart of England Gold Award in the Best Large Town category and because of this we have been invited to enter Britain in Bloom which includes all the home nations including Northern Ireland and I must say, it’s a little daunting to be one of forty-four entries from all over the country, but we are ready for the challenge so watch as the town comes to its brilliant, floral best over the next couple of months!”

Borderland Rotary introduced Oswestry in Bloom to Operation Pollination, a Rotary International initiative that encourages everyone to consider the bees and pollinating insects and try to encourage bee friendly planting and leave areas fallow so that wildflowers can flourish, and so, feed the bees.

Natalie continued, “I was delighted and grateful when Sherie and Justin, from Borderland, presented Operation Pollination to me as it gave us the chance to really expand the idea. We visited just about all the local schools and planted an amazing 1,477 Sunflower seeds and gave away packs of wildflower seeds for children to plant at home. We asked them to go to our website and tell us where the seeds had been planted so that we can put them on the map and see where we have created ‘bee corridors’ in this area. All in all, it continues to be very busy, and I hope everyone enjoys the blooms as they appear this summer.”

If you want to get involved, just go to https://oswestryinbloom.wordpress.com

Borderland Rotary welcomed a military surgeon

Borderland Rotary welcomed a military surgeon to hear about Headley Court Veteran’s Centre at the Orthopaedic Hospital and some exciting new plans.

Lt Col Carl Meyer, a military surgeon, working in the NHS, brought good news and exciting plans when he visited Borderland Rotary the other day and discussed the success of the new Headley Court Veteran’s Centre at the RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen which the club had helped fundraise for some years ago. The unit brings much needed extra theatre and recuperation capacity to the hospital and is now fully operational as part of a world-class spinal injuries’ unit. 

 Carl said, “When the Duchess of Edinburgh formally opened Headley Court earlier this year it signified that part of the job was now complete and operational but, there always seems to be more to achieve and we are now working on plans to build a rehabilitation unit which will become the natural next step for patients from the existing unit. We have the land; we just don’t have the building yet. The new development will have self-contained residential rooms, a gym, physiotherapy provision and a general leisure area. In the long term, it will improve outcomes and save the NHS money but of course, it’ll cost a lot to start with so, once again, we are on the fundraising trail”.

Borderland Rotary helped with the early funding of Headley Court and there are plans afoot to help with this new project too. If you’d like to find out how Borderland Rotary raises money and helps the community, please see more in this web site.

Lt Col. Carl Meyer

A resounding success

The weather, as well as the riders, was very kind as they set out on the Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge on Saturday and there are surely few places one would rather be than in the beautiful hilly countryside just west of Oswestry when it is bathed in sunshine on what must have been, the hotted day this year, so far. 

Jonathan Jones, who organises the event for Borderland Rotary said, “It’s always quite frantic when you come to the day of the event and you wonder if anyone will actually turn up at all, but as most people register on the website, we did have a rough idea. We’ve been so lucky with the weather this year, and it’s brought lots of people out on the day. Of course, it’s not all luck and I want to thank all the farmers who let us ride over their land – it couldn’t happen without their input, and the Marshals, the caterers and Morrisons for the cakes, Valley Medical Services, Raynet comms, Grum for the photos and all the members and friends of Borderland Rotary that helped make this such a great day. But most of all, I want to thank the riders for being so generous and entering into the spirit of the event. And let’s not forget what we’re raising the money for, the Air Ambulance has been the main benefactor of the ride for many years and do a wonderful job - we never know when we may need them to come and save us. Of course, our sponsors have also played a pivotal role in the success. Aico, ever supportive, Mule Cycles’ technical help, and last but by no means least, Tim Gray from Dairi-Pak, not only company sponsorship but also personally raising more than any other rider as he rode as Tail end Charlie on his E-bike (which failed halfway round)”.  

Tim said afterwards “It ended up being far harder work than I’d planned but this event was my father, Brian’s, brainchild way back in 1994 and I hope he’s looking down on us today, feeling very proud and I, in turn, am very proud to still be able sponsor and be part of this event and to actually ride in it, now the e-bikes are available. Hopefully this will inspire others who may feel that their riding days are over to gird their loins once more, get an E-bike, and get back on the hill”.

The challenge, which starts and finishes at Rhiwlas Village Hall, takes riders 22 miles over the beautiful foothills of the Berwyn mountains and is organised by Borderland Rotary. If you want to learn more about what Borderland do, explore this website.

The final push - it’s now or never !

Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge is on Saturday 13th May and there are still some spaces so drop everything and register today. The event, which starts at 10am (and finishes) by Rhiwlas Village Hall, SY10 7JH, premiered way back in 1994 and has become such a great local event and the money raised helps to keep Air Ambulance helicopters in the air. As time has gone on more sponsors have joined Dairi-Pak, the original sponsor, and now AICO, Mule Café Racer and Organic Energy are regular supporters.

Jonathan Jones, who organises the event for Borderland Rotary, said, “It’s been hard work getting everything organised, and I think I’ve walked double the course length of 22 miles just checking the route and liaising with the landowners, without whom, the event could not go ahead – so a big, thank you, to them all. I think we’re just about there; we’re just sorting the food now - energy food at the start and cakes at the end, what’s not to like! So, get on with it, and, as I’ve always said, all you need is a mountain bike, a helmet and the heart of a lion!”

The 22-mile challenge takes the riders over natural trails, green lanes, and farm tracks, on private land in the foothills of the beautiful Berwyn Mountains and is available to riders of all levels of competence. However, it’s not for the faint hearted as there’s only about 300 metres of tarmac and probably no more than that on level ground. Some may wish to ease the pain by entering on their E-bikes and they are very welcome. 

To enter, just go to www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org and register – you know it makes sense !

A good turnout for the launch of this year’s Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge

The Mayor, Cllr Jay Moore was on hand with sponsors, Dairi-Pak, Aico and Mule Cycles as well as a host of Borderland Rotary members outside the Guildhall in Oswestry to unfurl the new banner for this year’s event. We are now counting down to the challenge which will be held at 10am on Saturday 13th May and will start, as usual, from Rhiwlas Village Hall SY10 7JH and for those who may use What3Words DEFLECTION.RINGER.ENTER will take you to the front gate of the village hall.

Jay Moore, onboard an electric mountain bike said, “This is all very exciting, and I’m thrilled to be here at the launch of this great event, it really has become an Oswestry institution, and long may it continue. And, you know these new E-bikes are a real game changer and will open up the Borderland to lots more people and I’m glad to say, they are made very welcome. Why not get involved and get out on the hills and help raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance while having lots of fun at the same time”. 

If you’ve got a mountain bike, a helmet and the heart of a lion, go to www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org  and register to take part.

Borderland Rotary learn about the Oswestry Tourism Ambassador scheme.

Graham Mitchell, often known as Grum, came to give a talk at Borderland Rotary the other evening to encourage members to become Tourism Ambassadors, a new innovative scheme where members of the public can get involved in promoting Oswestry. It’s free and was designed for anyone who has an interest in Oswestry and the Borderlands and wants to encourage tourists to the area.

Graham said, “By joining the scheme, you not only help promote Oswestry, but also learn more about the place you live and possibly find new interests and fascinating facts that you would otherwise have gone unnoticed. You will then be able to talk to tourists with a modicum of authority if asked about the town and may be especially useful if you are in hospitality. The whole scheme is online, very easy to access and it’s the first initiative of its kind in England, although a similar scheme exists in Wales, and I’ve heard that other tourist authorities are now watching the scheme with interest”.

Local companies that participate will get merchandise – badges and stickers – to further promote the project and hopefully bring them more business.

Graham continued, “Why not go online and have a look, it’s easy and you’re doing something positive for your hometown – or adopted home !”

To take part, go to www.oswestryambassador.org.uk and enjoy.

Graham Mitchell  (Grum)

Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge is just around the corner

James Davies

James Davies from Mule Cycles in Oswestry visited Borderland Rotary the other day to give a talk about plans for the annual Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge which will be held at 10am on Saturday 13th May and starting, as usual, from Rhiwlas Village Hall. Mule cycles have been a sponsor of the event for the last few years and his technical input has been invaluable.

He also discussed the launch of a new initiative which is self-explanatory, it’s called Cycle to work Friday and James said, “The plan is to encourage cycle owners to use their bikes to go to work on Fridays and suggest to the businesses they work for to get involved and facilitate this. It’ll be good for your physical health; mental help and you’ll be helping the planet as well. I’ve already had some very positive feedback and in fact, I see that someone here tonight who has already signed up to the scheme. Although there aren’t many dedicated cycle paths in the centre of Oswestry, there are some on the industrial estate and I’m sure there will be more in the future”.

James has been helping those who can’t afford bikes by fixing up old or unwanted cycles and getting them back on the road and available for those in need and Borderland have donated to help this project along.

James concluded by saying, “If you already have a mountain bike, why not get involved with the challenge, just go to the website at www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org and help Midlands Air Ambulance to keep flying”.

Mayor leads Oswald’s Trail Walk

The Mayor, Cllr Jay Moore was joined by Borderland Rotary president Chris Bryan-Smith and a throng of walkers ready to take on the 14-mile challenge around Oswald’s Trail.

The charity walk was in aid of the mayor’s chosen cause for his mayoral year and beyond, a youth mental health initiative which helps to fill the gaps in national mental health schemes. There is little current facility to cater for this so Jay decided that, rather than channel all monies raised into one charity, he would set up a fund that can be directed when and where it is needed most. 

Chris Bryan-Smith said, “I have to admit that I didn’t do the whole walk but I hope that I made up for it by bringing a donation from Borderland Rotary and I really admire the work that Jay is doing with his mental health project and, of course, all those that walked the whole trail”.

Borderland Rotary hear that “Rail is Right” from Cambrian Heritage Railway

Borderland Rotary welcomed Rob Williams from Cambrian Heritage Railway the other evening to hear how a local transport options appraisal has stated that “Rail is Right” for Oswestry. Also, the first year of operations from Oswestry to Weston Wharf as a heritage line had been a great success and this is really good news and a harbinger of greater things to come.

Rob said, “We have two principal aims, firstly to create and run a heritage railway to bring tourists and prosperity to the town, secondly, we are looking at starting a community rail service for commuters which, of course, is dependent on crossing in some form the main A5 road near the Orthopaedic Hospital. The first-phase (Oswestry to Weston Wharf) of the heritage project has gone reasonably well as we enjoyed a really successful first full year of operations with about 12,000 passenger journeys which made the service commercially viable. We now plan to build on this by running all manner of new and exciting services for schools, interest groups and developing a wider range of special events - but we won’t be losing old favourites such as the Friday and Saturday ‘Brewery Express’ evening services. 

The heritage railway has the advantage that Stonehouse Brewery set up their factory, bar and restaurant adjacent to the station at Weston Wharf and are now enjoying a pleasant symbiotic relationship which suits everyone. 

Rob continued, “We’ll be alternating steam and diesel services and repeating the successful format of 2022. Steam however is becoming extremely expensive to operate, as well as time consuming, the price of coal has gone through the roof – there’s not much being produced and a lot of it used to come from Russia – obviously, not possible anymore. Despite the overhead pressures, pricing for the heritage service will remain broadly unaltered. We feel that the railway has reminded people of their heritage and has a very broad appeal”.

Rob  Williams

Borderland Rotary make donation to local Silver Band

Jonathan Jones from Borderland Rotary presented Porthywaen Silver Band with a donation to help them with their work and said, “I’ve been aware of the band all my life and they’ve been an integral part of the Oswestry Christmas Parade, which we organise at Borderland, for as long as I can remember so it gives me great satisfaction to give something back on behalf of our club”.

Porthywaen Silver Band has a history stretching way back to 1934 when a group of local musicians came together to form a brass band. 

Would you like to learn a brass instrument? The Band is looking for new members and always welcomes people to join the band, whether they are new to playing a brass instrument, returning after a break or are experienced and looking to join a local band. The band very much values its family and community atmosphere and welcomes people of all ages to come and have a go.

There are no subscriptions and we offer free instrument loan and tuition to all. The band rehearses in its own purpose-built band hall just outside Llynclys and is split across three groups - Beginners band, Youth and Training Band and Senior Band. The band is available to hire for indoor concerts, outdoor events, parades and more, please look at our website for further information and contact details. www.porthywaensilverband.co.uk