This week has been a celebration of arts and community with Oswestry Town Mayor, Councillor Olly Rose, visiting Kinokulture, Attfield Theatre, Oswestry Ladies Choir, The Community Games and launching Oswestry’s ‘Summer of Art’ at the Qube with Oswestry Cultural Consortium.
Cllr Rose first attended the screening of “The Other Guy” at independent cinema Kinokulture, which was shown by Oswestry Film Club. The film is about people around the world who have the name James Bond and the impact that has had on their lives. Cllr Rose commented “I was delighted to meet the Director, Matt Bauer, who then took part in a Q&A led by our recently retired Shropshire radio presenter, who is a film club organiser and also called James Bond! This was quite a coup for the club as the film has only recently had its London premier. It’s a great film if anyone has the opportunity to see it. Kinokulture is a great space and I’m reminded that some people in Oswestry still don’t know it exists. For more info on upcoming films at Kinokulture and Oswestry Film Club, visit www.kinoculture.org.uk and www.oswestryfilmsociety.com
On Friday, 9th June, Cllr Rose attended Attfield Theatre’s new season pre-launch and commented “It was interesting to see the Directors of forthcoming shows pitch their ideas on how to attract people to take part and help with sound, lighting, and staging. It feels like a big theatre family and there is a great youth group too, aimed at secondary age children. Volunteers seem to gain a lot out of their involvement. If you are interested in finding out more contact, www.attfieldtheatre.co.uk”
On Saturday 10th of June, Oswestry Town Mayor visited a charity tea event in Whittington, which raised money for Guide Dogs and Streetz CIC, an organisation whose purpose is to empower, and support disadvantaged young adults. “There were lovely cakes on offer, and I spent time with the Guide Dog volunteers and heard how vital guide dogs are to people with limited or no vision.
The charity needs additional volunteers to help fundraise. For more info contact www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer
On Saturday evening, Cllr Rose attended the Oswestry Ladies Choir ‘Summer Rhapsody’ concert at Memorial Hall. “It was a great evening with a wide variety of beautiful and uplifting songs. The choir usually performs twice a year and has a winter concert planned; however the group are keen to perform more and so if anyone needs a choir or would like to join, contact www.oswestryladieschoir.com
The Community Games was held on Sunday 11th of June in Cae Glas park. Cllr Rose commented “What a great event, that grows year on year. Games organisers James, Kelly and Clive did a tremendous job. There were so many different taster sessions for families to try and some great performances in the arena and bandstand. This year, Pickleball was the new sport to try, which is a very accessible sport that is increasing in popularity. The Community Games team also held their first community discussion event at the Hermon Chapel this week to discuss youth mental health. This year’s Games had input from local groups working to reduce social isolation and improve mental health, highlighting how physical activity and socialisation can enhance wellbeing. Although the storm clouds hung broodily overhead, they held off for the full day and the community enjoyed a hugely successful event.”
Tuesday, 13th of June was the launch of Oswestry’s ‘Summer of Art’ at the Qube by Oswestry’s Cultural Consortium, the team that organises the ‘Love Oswestry’ festival.
The Summer of Art takes its inspiration from the national theme for the 2023 Heritage Open Days: ‘Creativity Unwrapped’. This has inspired Oswestry’s Cultural Consortium to “artify” Oswestry for the entire summer with a special finale built around Heritage Open Days, taking place from September 8 -16.
A key centrepiece of the entire summer is ART-efact, led by local artist Holly Maries. ART-efact will see artists use the fascinating collections housed at Oswestry Town Archives and Oswestry’s Town Museum to inspire their art. ART-efact has recruited four talented local artists to work with Oswestry’s cultural partners and places, telling the stories of the town through their work. The project will culminate in a two-week exhibition, taking place during Heritage Open Days.
As well as ART-efact, Oswestry’s Qube opened its summer exhibition New Beginnings and the ever-popular Borderland Visual Arts Open Studios and Art Trail takes place on the 16-17 June.
More exciting events are being developed. These include some day long open-air art workshops, a drama programme for young people based on Oswestry’s history and opening some closed buildings to display the work of local artists. And a major exhibition of contemporary textiles, Stitch by Stitch will be held at Willow Gallery from 1 July – 19 August.
Cllr Rose added “This is a very exciting. I’m really looking forward to seeing this arts project develop and there will be lots of creative activities for residents and visitors to the town to enjoy. Look out for details of some great art events throughout the summer.”
