AN OSWESTRY-BORN man has admitted his delight at returning to host the launch event of his new memoir revealing his decades in town hospitality.

David Woodward held a question and answer session for his book ‘Confessions of a Waiter’ at Oswestry Cricket Club on Wednesday (September 6) with local MC James Bond.

David, who has worked in hotels and restaurants across the UK and Europe, was able to meet and greet old family and friends as more than 50 people attended, despite the hot weather.

He said: “I was delighted with the turnout and there were more people than I thought that was going to come.

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“There were more to come as well closer to the event starting and it was down to the hard work of my cousin Melanie.

“She helped me out massively – I had loads of family here too that I haven’t seen for years which was lovely.

“There were some of my old school friends who I’ve probably met once in 30 years so that was great.

“This was the whole point of the Oswestry event, to reconnect with my home town and it was fantastic, especially with my old school friends.

“Plus, this was the beginning of my book and the whole connection of when I started at 17 at the Wynnstay Hotel where I began my catering career.

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“I had a look there – it looks really good and they’ve done it up lovely too.

“And Oswestry Cricket Club was a fantastic location for the book launch as well.”

David, who counts First Dates star Fred Sirieix among his former close colleagues, was making a rare return to his hometown but said he felt ‘not much has changed’.

“I’ve done around four trips to Oswestry in around 30 years – I don’t think a lot has changed,” he said.

“There’s fewer shops open, that I noticed, which is a shame, but it’s the same vibe as ever and that hasn’t changed.

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“There was a good feeling of almost being back to my childhood and it brings a tear to my eye.

“I’ve done three stops – Isle of Wight, Bath and London at the hotel where my friend was head chef and Fred was general manager.

“Everyone has shown up here whereas in those events some people dropped out and I just want to thank everyone for coming to the event.”