Oswestry Life Magazine Photographer among award winners at Civic Dinner

Oswestry Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore hosted Oswestry Town Council’s annual civic dinner at Carriages on Saturday 22^nd April. Over 100 people were in attendance with food provided by local charity Os Nosh and live music performed by Alfie Edwards. Mrs Veronica Lillis, Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire was also at the dinner and gave the toast for the evening.

The Mayor presented a number of special awards in celebration of local people, who have gone that extra mile to help Oswestry’s community.

Samantha and Adam Cleal accepted the ‘Business Award’ for Niche Patisserie and Lorna Hankey and Lee Cooper won the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ for their involvement with Oswestry Balloon Carnival and raising funds for Nightingale House Hospice. Oswestry Life Magazine photographer, Graham Mitchell won an award for his ‘Contribution to Promoting Oswestry’, in recognition for his photography work with the Oswestry Life magazine and voluntary work for Oswestry Town Council, Oswestry Borderland Tourism, Gatacre Allotments and Oswestry in Bloom.

And last, but certainly not least, Theo Lewis Prior won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award’ for his fundraising for a fellow school pupil, Finley, who needed help towards a two-year programme of monthly therapy to help him cope with food.

During his speech, Oswestry Town Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore, commented “”It has been a monumental year for our country with the celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, then the passing of Her Majesty and now the Coronation of King Charles.”

He spoke of his pride representing the town wearing his father’s medals in the Remembrance Day Parade and of the support for youth and mental health services. “I’m particularly proud of the support this council provides for young people. In addition to the weekly youth club and summer holiday activities, we fund a mental health support service at a local school. We have also been involved in pulling together a programme for young men at risk of coercion and are continuing with our intention to bring The Centre on Oak Street back into use as a youth facility.”

Councillor Moore thanked the Town Council Clerk, staff and wider community for their support during the year and had special words for the Mayoress, his partner, Poppy King. “Every time I have been out as the Mayor, she had either been at my side or raising the human whirlwind that is our son, the Mini-Mayor.”

The Mayor’s raffle raised £290 during the evening, which will be donated to the Mayor’s chosen charities.

Theo Lewis pictured with Oswestry Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore. Winner of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award’

Oswestry Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore pictured with Oswestry Life photographer, Graham Mitchell. Winner of the ‘Contribution to Promoting Oswestry’.

Oswestry Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore pictured with Lorna Hankey who won the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’, along with Lee Cooper (unable to attend) for their involvement with Oswestry Balloon Carnival and raising funds for Nightingale House Hospice.