Charlotte looks back on some of the stories, people and places that shaped Oswestry in 2025.

From outdoor learning at Park Hall Forest School to the work of The Movement Centre, from Apple Day to Remembrance Sunday, this episode brings together moments from across the year that reflect what life in Oswestry is really like.

Oswestry Life Podcast is taking a break in 2026, so thank you to all our guests this year and a huge thank you to you for listening.

Charlotte's visiting the building formerly known as Centre North West to learn about its new identity as The Centre Spot and its future role in the town.

The building’s been taken over by The New Saints FC Foundation, the independent charity linked to The New Saints Football Club.

Charlotte chats with Gill Jones and Jimmy O’Reilly from the foundation about the future and how sport and activity are used to support confidence, social skills and participation for youngsters.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

Charlotte's been to Maona Cinema on Arthur Street to catch up with founder Tatenda Jamera — just a few weeks after the independent cinema reopened its doors in October.

Tatenda first appeared on the podcast earlier in the year while campaigning to save the building following the closure of KinoKulture. Now, with films screening again and the community returning, he reflects on the early days of the new chapter.

Tatenda explains what sets Maona apart, from its Zimbabwean name meaning “you have seen” to the ambition to spotlight African cinema alongside a diverse programme chosen with local people.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

Charlotte visits Park Hall Stadium to see how Amanda Jones has transformed the venue into a full Santa’s Village — starting with a gold coin wishing ritual, the North Pole walkway, an elf workshop, and a village filled with real Christmas trees and interactive displays.

There’s even a butterfly garden, Candyland, mulled wine, letters to Santa, reindeer food making and a nostalgic grotto where children pick their own present. A brilliant look at a huge community effort created in just a few weeks.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

Charlotte's been to Oswestry Library to find out more about With Love From — a community-run shared wardrobe offering free occasion wear that you borrow in the same way you borrow a book!

Founder Lizzie Dibble explains how the project works, why it’s based in the library, and how it’s inspiring people locally (and beyond) to rethink what “new clothes” really mean.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

Charlotte is at the Bailey Head for Oswestry’s Christmas Lights Switch-On, chatting with the Town Council team about how the event comes together and what it means for the community.

She speaks with the schoolchildren who have been performing and hears from Mayor Cllr Rosie Radford on her first switch-on.

And of course, Father Christmas has the final word on whether Charlotte made the Nice List.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

Charlotte speaks with G Sabini-Roberts from Pant about Rainbow Wise, a new e-learning platform designed to help schools and adults create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ young people.

The conversation explores why this work matters, the impact a single supportive adult can have on a young person’s wellbeing, and the importance of having informed, confident adults in every school community.

G also discusses the challenges of working in today’s political climate, the experience of being shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards, and their hopes for bringing Rainbow Wise to schools across the UK.

You can find out more about Rainbow Wise here rainbowwise.co.uk

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

This week Charlotte joins the town for Remembrance Sunday, speaking with Scouts, veterans and Rev’d Harvey Gibbons, the Vicar of Oswestry, about why remembering matters — and how the community keeps that tradition alive.

Young members of Oswestry Scouts share what it means to march in the parade, reflecting on honour, respect and learning about those who served before them. Local veterans recall their time in the forces and what it means to see younger generations take part in remembrance today.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

A few letters found on eBay led Oswestry Museum’s Mark Hignett to uncover one of the most remarkable love stories of World War II.

In this episode, Charlotte hears how 1,000 letters between two soldiers, Gilbert and Gordon, revealed a hidden chapter of local and LGBTQ+ history — and inspired projects, exhibitions, and even a Hollywood film.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact

This week Charlotte shares a special project created with students from Lakelands Academy and Ellesmere College for Shropshire Youth Awareness Day.

The teenagers explore how social media shapes their lives — from connection and creativity to distraction and digital overload.

Hear their views on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, and how they manage screen time, phone addiction, and the pressure to stay online.

The Oswestry Life Podcast is sponsored by Martin and Jones - helping you to get seen. Using a blend of traditional marketing and PR and digital campaigns they get you in front of your customers.

Oswestry Life Podcast has been produced by Charlotte Foster Podcasts , Martin & Jones MarketingMartin and Jones and Oswestry Life general .

We're already planning more episodes for our next series and we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Oswestry Life team Oswestry Life Contact