OsNosh is a place where food brings people together, where community is built through kindness, and where no one is turned away. Based at The Centre on Oak Street, OsNosh is a CIC that’s been steadily growing its reach and impact in Oswestry.
At the heart of OsNosh is a dedicated team. Donna Murdoch has been with the organisation since 2019, first as a volunteer and now as one of its directors. Donna coordinates around 40 volunteers of all ages who give their time to help OsNosh flourish. In 2024, Bex Syrett joined as a director, bringing a background in community work, catering, and public health. Together they lead a vibrant team supported by two talented cooks, Rebecca Wilmott and Jock Tyldesley, who serve up delicious meals in the OsNosh Community Café, Rebecca also brings creative ideas to keep the centre welcoming and engaging, while Jock is known for his inventive dishes and much-loved Jock’s Hot Sauce. The garden is cared for by Lesley Wills, a biodynamic grower and wellness movement teacher, who leads volunteers in producing fruit and vegetables without chemicals.
Volunteers are the backbone of OsNosh, helping prepare and serve food, keeping the café running smoothly, collecting surplus food from local shops, and providing a friendly welcome to visitors who may be going through difficult times. The garden volunteers also play a vital role, nurturing the sensory garden and growing produce that is shared in the café or sold one local market stalls.
In April, OsNosh welcomed HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, who met volunteers and enjoyed a meal cooked with pupils from St Martins School. The team also catered for the Mayor’s Civic Dinner and a wedding, gave talks to local groups, and entered the Oswestry in Bloom competition. Over the summer, families enjoyed picnics and games in the sensory garden, an initiative supported by Wrekin Housing Trust.
The OsNosh Community Cafe has been mainly funded over the past 2 years by the Big Lottery. That funding has recently ended, and the team are now working on a plan for what the next phase of OsNosh looks like.
Thursdays will continue to be the day OsNosh and Qube work together hosting the Lunch Club; enjoy a two-course traditional hot meal and some good company. After September, Thursdays will be the day of the weekly food share, and an opportunity to order one of our surplus produce boxes, made up of a selection of that week’s surplus.
OsNosh will also be looking at other opportunities to redistribute the food surplus to other organisations and venues in Oswestry, finding ways to support a wider number of people in the community.
More recently, funding has been provided by The Household Support Fund to provide ‘home-cooked’ style meals for the Oswestry Food Bank to redistribute to its clients.
People come to OsNosh for many reasons. Some come for an affordable hot meal, others to share food that would otherwise go to waste. Many enjoy the company and the welcoming space, while others take part in workshops from singing to healthy movement. Volunteers come to learn skills, support the community, and make friends.
Looking ahead, OsNosh is launching a consultation to understand how best to support working families who are still struggling to make ends meet. They are also planning to expand catering for local businesses, providing lunches and more jollier occasions such as weddings and birthday parties, whilst continuing to seek grant funding and community support.
You can help by supporting the share table, attend the Lunch Club (via Qube), volunteering, or supporting the upcoming crowdfunding campaign to help OsNosh as
it moves forward in it’s journey. Every meal enjoyed or pound donated helps keep OsNosh’s essential work alive. And don’t forget, if you need some catering for an office lunch or other function, give us a call.
Find out more at www.osnosh.co.uk or drop into The Centre, Oak Street, Oswestry, SY111LW, email enquiries@osnosh.co.uk or call 07538 709299. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Donna Murdoch, (Director), Lesley Wills ,Community Gardener and Dave Smith, (Volunteer)
