The Seventh Annual Oswestry Community Games more than lived up to expectations and a large crowd of people of all ages turned up to enjoy the free activities in Cae Glas Park  provided by diverse local organisations covering sports and dance. The live music was again provided by Bartells, a local group and much enjoyed by the crowd.

Whilst the rain spoilt the morning proceedings, it disappeared in the afternoon and encouraged several hundred people to turn up and get involved, and the atmosphere was very positive.

Shropshire‘s Di Carrington – our Guest of Honour, who was in the Atlantic Ladies trio that rowed the Atlantic from La Gomer in the Canaries to Antigua in the Talisker Whisky Challenge in 2017/18, threw herself enthusiastically into her role trying out a range of activities that she had not had a go at before, and talked to many people of all ages during the course of the day. David Davies was also in fine form as our MC for the day.

Of particular interest in the park was the opportunity to see the boat that locally based Atlantic Mavericks led by Oswestry man Ian Davies, will use In the Talisker Whisky Challenge in December, which Atlantic Ladies successfully undertook, so best wishes to Ian and his four man team!

Many thanks to our Ambassadors who worked hard throughout the day, and played a key role in helping with the running of the Games. They oversaw the raffle and charity boxes in support of Di’s chosen charity Relapsing Polychondritis, an aggressive wasting disease.

At the closing ceremony, Di Carrington made an inspiring speech about their voyage and how they had to overcome adversity, including capsizing two days from the finishing line. She then carried out the task of “passing the oar” to Ian Davies. Oswestry Town Council Mayor John Price thanked everyone for their support, and closed the Games. Border Counties School of Gymnastics then provided a spectacular finale overseen by Kelly Clarke.

Clive Knight – Director said “It is very encouraging to see the progress made yet again in the variety of activities on offer that we have made from two years ago. Many thanks go to all our local sponsors – Oswestry Town Council, Charlotte Hartey Foundation, Oswestry Sports Forum, Wynnstay Hotel, Mary Hignett Bequest Fund and Shropshire Rural Housing Association, to our Working group, our Ambassadors, and in particular to Hazel Davis – my Co-Director, who worked tirelessly throughout the year to help make this great event happen”.