OSWESTRY Town Council has agreed to hold a civic reception for one of the town’s famous names when she visits next month.

Technology engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley, will visit the town on Wednesday, April 1.

The 86-year-old was schooled at Oswestry Girls Grammar School, before being moved to Oswestry Boys Grammar School because of her exceptional mathematical ability.

She will visit Ellesmere College as a keynote speaker, and Jools Payne, a refugee advocate, is keen for the council to make the most of her visit to the area by holding a civic reception.

“I have submitted a proposal for the town council to hold a civic reception for Dame Stephanie,” said Jools.

“She was an IT entrepreneur and Britain’s first ever ambassador for philanthropy. She is a refugee, and she provides a very powerful narrative that speaks very loudly, that those seeking refuge in this country, can go on to achieve really remarkable things.

“I was very much hoping the town council would use that opportunity because she’s very unlikely to visit this area again I should think.

“I’d also like the council to consider whether in future, we could erect a blue plaque somewhere in Oswestry, to recognise how much the town has given her in terms of her refuge and education.

“Blue plaques through English heritage can only be registered when someone is dead, and blue plaques through the Jewish refugee council, similarly, can only be awarded when you’re dead.

“I think it would be very nice to recognise Dame Stephanie’s achievements while she’s still here.”

The proposal gained support of councillors, including Councillor Duncan Kerr.

He said: “I’m just delighted Jools has brought this to our attention, because I think there are a number of people in the past who haven’t received the recognition they deserve.

“It’s brilliant that we’re able to honour someone who benefitted from the town and is able to inspire other people.”

Councillor Chris Schofield added: “I think sometimes we don’t really blow the trumpet enough for the old alumni of Oswestry.”

There was a further suggestion made by Councillor Vince Hunt, who raised the idea of naming a road after Dame Stephanie.

“This is a remarkable woman and we’re not talking huge sums of money here,” he said.

“I think priding people who have benefitted from our wonderful town is a good thing, and I’m quite happy to move that we accept this.

“Perhaps we could suggest to the clerk that next time we have houses built somewhere and they are asking about names for roads, perhaps we could put her name forward.”