A LONGSTANDING member of the Oswestry Sports Forum committee is retiring from her role after almost half a century.

Doreen Leggatt, who was involved in the Oswestry & District Sports Council, as it was known in 1976, has retired after 45 years of service to local sports.

During that time, Doreen served a long period as Secretary but, since 2012, she has represented Oswestry Otters on the Policy committee.

A spokesman for the forum described her knowledge of sport in the town as invaluable.

They said: “Doreen helped to guide the strategy of Oswestry Sports Forum, helped to plan awards evenings, forum evenings, fundraising events and took a great interest in the grant applications from local clubs and individuals.

“Doreen was also always keen to promote Oswestry Otters, as their representative.

“Doreen’s knowledge of sport in Oswestry over so many years has been invaluable and fascinating! She will be sadly missed.”

Her departure has come at a time of more changes at the club, with other committee members vacating their roles.

Rob Walker of Crossfit Oswestry who served on the committee since 2014 and chaired Oswestry Sports Forum from 2017 to 2019, has stepped down.

Ben Morris, of Oswestry Boy & Girls Club, and Mark Jones, of Croesoswallt Archers, have also stepped down, having served on the Grants Committee since 2018.

New committee members have joined to fill their shoes, including; Bob Batts, of Croesoswallt Archers; Andy Lee, of Oswestry Otters; Ian Richardson, of Shropshire Paddlesport; and Stuart Dix of Knockin & Kinnerley Cricket Club.

Chairman of the forum, Stu Manford, is delighted to welcome the new committee members onboard.

He said: “The pandemic restrictions have been devastating to local grassroots sport and most committees have had a shake-up.

“We hope to do all we can to support local clubs to get back on their feet. One way we can help is through our grants programme where we can award up to £500 to local clubs.”

The closing date for applications to the next round of grants is Monday, June 7.

Full details are available on the Oswestry Sports Forum website at www.oswestrysportsforum.org.uk