Community spirit gives Wings to Safari Trail

The Eagle Has Landed

Staff at The British Ironwork Centre, joined with Oswestry School as one of the first sites in Oswestry to adopt a giant metal sculpture. As part of the Oswestry Urban Safari Trail the sculpture – A historic Giant Eagle will grace “Oswald’s well” visible by visitors and passers-by alike. 

The British Ironworks Centre of Oswestry, together with local Councillors, Keith Barrow, Vince Hunt, Oswestry School, Digger Rentals, T G Griffiths & Jeremy Schrecker (Local Sculptor) have teamed together to site the second of the larger Urban Safari creatures, chosen for the iconic Safari Trail in Oswestry, with all of the Installation labour & raw materials being donated freely for the sole benefit of the Town. The magnificent "Eagle" which stands at circ nine feet tall on its specially designed plinth has been provided by the British Ironworks Centre, recent winners of the Chronicle Business Awards for "Community Champion".It has been placed at the site of St Oswald’s Well, next to the school, on Oswald’s well Lane. T G Griffiths kindly supplied the Ready Mix concrete, whilst Digger rentals then lifted and sited the huge bird using their Teleporter. Engraving Plus of Oswestry then kindly engraved the plaque, with a fitting inscription to the memory of King Oswald the Christian King who bravely fought in the battle of Masefield in 642AD.
King Oswald, who was defeated in battle, supposedly had one of his arms taken by a huge eagle, who took it to a nearby tree where it fell to the ground and was said to have caused a natural spring to form. Local Sculptor, Jeremy Schrecker, has carefully crafted a mans arm which has been fitted into a specially created gauntlet to represent the arm of King Oswald.
Mr Douglas Robb, Head of Oswestry School, representing the students, says “I am delighted we can be involved in the Safari trail, The eagle highlights the history of Oswestry, And I am astonished by the Generosity & kindness from the British Ironwork Centre to help our town!”.
Mr Clive Knowles, Managing director of the British Ironworks Centre, said “I am both surprised and delighted at the response for help and donations from local business owners. It has been most inspiring”.

Mr Vince Hunt Councillor said “I am so pleased the eagle has been installed, this will be the anchor for the safari trail, St Oswald’s well is a Forgotten place & hopefully this will encourage far more visitors.” 
Hereford Course of blacksmithing excellence is represented here by two second year students, Mr James Osborne & Mr Alex sellers, currently undergoing work experience at the British iron work centre.
It is hoped that this coming together of the British Ironworks centre, with local schools, town Councillors and local artists, sculptors, and businesses will help to promote a great sense of pride in the community, and give a healthy, much needed boost to local tourism trade.
The British Ironworks centre would like to hear from any artisans, ground workers or historians that would like to contribute time, resources or advice, in preparing any of the projects being proposed.