Shropshire: Oswestry festival new award in memory of late vice chair

Alan Metcalfe, and his mother Eileen, were long standing volunteers and supporters of the festival. Both sadly died after a fire at their Glentworth Close home in December 2022. 

After the announcement of their sad passing, the commitee decided to honour their memory with a special award for volunteers, to be presented with all the other awards. 

Festival organiser, Sue Turner, spoke about Alan's cheerfulness and his mother's commitment to helping out at the festival. 

She said: "With the award we wanted to acknoweledge all their support. 

"We got togeteher with the Mayor and decided on the best way to honour them.

"The festival has 80 competitive classes and each one already has a trophy, so we wanted to create one for the volunteer."

The trophy that has been commisioned should be ready soon and in time for the festival.

"We will have a look at all the volunteers" Sue added "And it will awarded to one that has done a good service over the years."

Oswestry Youth Music Festival (Image: NQ Staff)

The award will be presented every year alongside the others for the performers. 

"The festival runs over three days, and we really rely heavily on our volunteers to make it run smoothly."

More details will be announced by the organisers soon.

Oswestry’s Youth Music Festival will be held from March 1-5, across three venues in Chapel Street at Christchurch, Hermon Arts and the Methodist church.

The mother and son were the tragic victims of a house fire on Wednesday morning, December 14 in Glentworth Close, Oswestry.

The funeral service was held for them in St Oswald’s church on Tuesday, January 17.