In pictures – Camera club capture Oswestry and the borders

We are reaching the halfway point of January already and perhaps some people have already abandoned their New Year resolutions.

Certainly keeping fit at this time of year is a tricky business with the weather playing its part in keeping people indoors.

We are a country of weather watchers and throughout the past week or so we have all been keeping an eye on the latest flooding updates.

Sadly the days when Britain's weather was moderate seem to have ended.

OTHER NEWS:

• Oswestry firefighter fractured man's skull with punch
• Man died in Gobowen house fire
• Historic 61306 Mayflower to travel through Chirk and Gobowen

Last year we endured an historic drought during the summer and now we are all bracing ourselves for the flooding season which typically begins in February and continues until March.

Of course other countries are now experiencing similar annual extremes and it is a case of preparing and coping as best we can.

In that regard we are all part of a greater society, or at least we can be if we choose to be.

This means we take care of one another, we take the time to ask if our neighbour is OK and whether they need any help.

Perhaps this may mean you picking up their shopping or helping them move some furniture.

Every day we hear reports about public sector strikes and it is frightening to think of the mess the country is in at the moment.

All we can do is soldier on and help those in need and just hope that the latest crisis will soon be over.

Easyjet flight on route from Belfast to Gatwick passing the moon over Oswestry. Picture by Ginger Togger.

A sparrowhawk. Picture by Jenna Parry.

The mere in Ellesmere. Picture by John Barrett.

Refreshment at the mere in Ellesmere. Picture by John Barrett.

A nuthatch makes off with its prize. Picture by Paul Meakin.

The River Vyrnwy in flood flowing under the Aqueduct at Llanymynech. Picture by Mary Morgan.

Views from Moel-Y-Golfa. Picture by Rob Evans.

Canoeists in Rednal. Picture by Ginger Togger.

A goldfinch takes flight. Picture by Paul Meakin.

A bridge spanning the Shropshire Union Canal. Picture by Neil Henderson.

Sunset from Gatacre. Picture by Vicky Brayne.

A dip in the mere in Ellesmere. Picture by Jill Adger.

One jay, two nuts. Picture by Paul Meakin.

These guys love a natter. Picture by Rob Evans.

One of the resident swans from the Aston locks nature reserve. Picture by Ginger Togger.

Memories at the Old Racecourse in Oswestry. Picture by Marg Kelsall.