Oswestry Borderland Tourism - a non profit company limited by guarantee led by volunteers
We are Oswestry Borderland Tourism and we depend on our volunteers to operate our organisation. This is the only organisation that exists to solely promote Oswestry and the Borderlands to new and returning visitors.
For over 40 years we have been providing information to visitors to encourage them to visit Oswestry and the Borderlands and to return again and again. Every person that arrives in Oswestry is helping to support the vital visitor economy whether they pop in for a coffee or stay overnight at a local hotel, B&B or self-catering property.
Our aim is to showcase all of Oswestry and The Borderlands, not just member businesses but to give a complete picture of what a special place we live in.
Oswestry Borderland Tourism Ltd is managed by a group of experienced directors. They are all volunteers and freely give their time, enabling Oswestry and the Borderlands to have its own dedicated tourism destination organisation. Each director has a particular skill set, which combines into a wide breadth of experience and expertise. They produce much of the marketing content and continually seek new and innovative ways of promoting the area.
Our 4 part-time tourist officers are employed to staff the Tourist Information Centre, support our marketing and encourage businesses to become members. They are supported from time to time by additional volunteers who help to meet and greet visitors and look after the gift shop. They also call in to see local businesses with local maps and keep the map dispensers filled up.
Our valued, volunteer Tour Guides spend their summer Saturdays showing visitors and residents round our wonderful market town and sharing their in-depth knowledge of Oswestry’s history and heritage.
Oswestry Tourism Ambassadors are spreading the word about Oswestry by enrolling in our Tourism Ambassador course. This is a free online course that encourages people to find out more about Oswestry and the Borderlands and then to share the knowledge with visitors to the town and area. Anyone can become an Oswestry Tourism Ambassador and we are the first organisation in England to create this version of the Wales Tourism Ambassador scheme.
Who we are
Lee Lucks - Chairman
Lee was one of the founder members of OBT. After running a small hotel in Oswestry for over 20 years with her family, she retired and has been a key member of OBT ever since. She has been Chairman for several years and oversees finance and marketing. She is responsible for web site content, ensuring the site is a vibrant and comprehensive guide to all of Oswestry and the area. Along with Graham, Lee has created, found funding and promoted the Oswestry Tourism Ambassador Scheme. Her passion is to support the many micro businesses that make up a large part of Oswestry’s visitor economy and to ensure Oswestry is recognised as a unique part of Shropshire and The Borderlands.
Graham Mitchell - Vice Chair
Graham (Grum) is not only vice chairman but also the talented photo journalist who shares his dailyexcursions around Oswestry and the Borderlands with OBT’s growing number of social media followers. His background in multi national companies brings expertise in many areas especially risk management
and health and safety. With Lee, he has developed the Oswestry Tourism Ambassador scheme, contributing content and stunning images. His passion is showcasing our town and area with his photography and he has been awarded the 2023 Town Mayors Award for the promotion of Oswestry.
Chris Toller - Finance Director
Chris is a master distiller and owner of award winning Henstone Distillery. Chris came to Oswestry working for a national company and stayed on to create the unique brand of Henstone spirits. Chris has experienced all the pitfalls of setting up a small company and learnt how to flourish even when there is a global pandemic. As a small business owner, he understands every element of business management and his expertise is vital to the operation of OBT. Chris’ passion is to put Oswestry firmly on the map as an essential destination to visit in Shropshire and The Borderlands.
Karen has been employed as a tourism officer for over 20 years. She currently works for OBT for two days each week. Her duties including managing the Tourist Information Centre, being the face of Oswestry for members of the organisation and supporting the board wherever possible. In addition to this, Karen organises and trains the volunteer town guides who take visitors around town telling them about our heritage and history.
Steve is chairman of Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. He is also involved with the restoration of the Montgomery Canal and all things heritage railways. His background is as a senior engineer and business manager with a global company. Steve’s knowledge of HR and how to co-ordinate a growing volunteer business is invaluable to OBT. His passion is showing how our area’s industrial heritage creates a very modern visitor experience which can appeal to all ages.
Jane is part of Park Hall Countryside Experience. This award winning farm park is Oswestry’s most popular family day out with its mix of animals and play attractions. Jane’s experience brings finance and HR expertise with knowledge of operating a hugely successful family attraction. Her passion is to make OBT much more sustainable and eco-aware.
Our volunteer town guides give up their time on Saturdays from Easter to September to share their love of Oswestry by taking tours around our lovely town. These tours last for about two hours and are enjoyed by visitors and locals who want to know more about Oswestry. They are also available to take booked tours from groups who wish to go at a different time, sometimes in an evening or on a Sunday. These tours can be tailored to suit the interests of the group.
Oswestry Tourism Ambassadors
The Oswestry Tourism Ambassador Scheme was launched in 2022. It is the first English version of the Wales Tourism Ambassador scheme.
The scheme is managed by volunteers at Visit Oswestry. Every one who completes just three modules to achieve bronze level becomes an Oswestry Tourism Ambassador. Volunteers from many local organisations are signing up to the scheme and helping to tell everyone what a special place Oswestry is to live, work and visit.
Oswestry Tourism Ambassadors' presentation evening
Will you join Visit Oswestry as a volunteer? We would love to welcome you to the team.
Our volunteers take on many roles – if you would like to know more, click on the link below.
Volunteer roles: Meet and Greet in the Tourist Information Centre | Join the board | Help with social media | Help with web site input | Deliver town maps to Oswestry businesses | Become a volunteer town guide | Become an Oswestry Tourism Ambassador
