IT IS AN INEVITABILITY that, as a first-world country (hmmm), our seemingly insatiable appetite for buying things cheaply has led to the majority of what we wear, drive, use and eat being imported in, usually from those not so sleeping tigers, China and India;  and that is the way the world is now. 

However, the recent recession that we are climbing out of has sharpened the mind and intent of many to concentrate more on quality, rather than quantity, and to buy that product as locally produced as possible.  This means using our markets and independent retailers – something we at The Best of Oswestry fiercely support. 

It also means re-learning to appreciate the skill and time that goes into something that has been handcrafted and paying for that craftsmanship.

Two exhibitions currently on in Oswestry illustrate this perfectly. 

The Willow Gallery is hosting a fascinating exhibition of the work of the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft, featuring jewellery, fabrics, ceramic, woodwork and ironwork ranging from the artistically beautiful to the functionally exquisite.  I  strive to William Morris’s dictum  “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” and have some pieces by some of the craftsmen and craftswomen on show and certainly have my eye on the throws and linens on display.

The Willow also holds numerous workshops in painting, textile art, ceramics and jewellery making.

Over at Qube, until 8^th September  there are some truly spectacular embroidery and needlecraft works from the Oswestry and District branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild.  Each Saturday morning during the exhibition,  members of the Guild will be on hand to demonstrate their craft and talk about their work.

If this inspires you to havea go yourself, Qube are holding beginners embroidery workshops every Wednesday during the exhibition from 10am to noon. Just £5, all materials included.  Book your place by calling 01691 656882.

Don’t forget, if you want to learn a new skill  or craft, Oswestry and the Marches abounds with workshops and activities through the year.  Our second Oswestry Makes Festival from 27^th September through to 4^th October can give you the opportunity to have a go at anything you want, with taster evenings and workshops through the week.  Events will be going up on the Oswestry Makes site and facebook page next week.