bangor january 2011

YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOCAL LIVING COVERING BANGOR ON DEE, OVERTON, CROSS LANES AND SURROUNDING AREAS

JANUARY 2011 • DELIVERED FREE

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essentiallyours ltd Bridge House, Station Road, Rossett

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Front cover picture © Carol Hartnell 2011January Sunset.

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DECEMBER 2010

YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOCAL LIVING COVERING

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At Curves, you won’tjust change your body,you’ll change your life.

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At Curves, you won’tjust change your body,you’ll change your life.

A 30-minute workout on Curvesstrength training and cardio circuitwill help you look and feel amazing. We also offer weight managementalong with the total support of ourtrainers to help, teach or just inspire.

Join now and get 50%off PLUS 30 Days Free*

*Offer based on first visit enrolment, minimum 4 month direct debit program. New members only. Not valid withany other offer. Valid only at participating locations from 3/1/11 - 28/2/11. © 2011 Curves International, Inc.

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Happy New Year!Another Christmas has been and gone and I bet a lot of you like me are struggling to get back into the routine of early mornings after a leisurely break.

I’m actually quite pleased to get back to work after the Christmas break. Isn’t it funny though that when we’re at work we’d love to be doing nothing at home, and when we’re doing nothing at home we miss being at work. I’m sure this will all sound very familiar to a lot of you, there’s no pleasing us is there! Anyway more importantly I hope you all had lovely family time.

No new years resolutions for me this year but I’m sure the usual keep fit, dieting, less alcohol and eating more healthily ones are out there. Keep your eyes peeled, some of our advertisers may be able to help you with those.

Anyway we’ve covered new years resolutions in an article this month, along with our regular contributions from

the finance professionals, Viv and her historic stories, Terry and his motoring tales and our local police.

While not the most glamorous of subject matters, but useful after the snow, we have also covered pot holes in Wrexham County Borough, and then the touch of glamour comes in the form of the 7 Wonders of Wales, Robbie Burns, and Wrexham County Borough’s Lunch Club grant scheme. And we’ve thrown a detox recipe in for good measure.

Let’s hope January isn’t too cold or too long in the wait for the next pay day, and I hope you enjoy the read.

All the best, Jill

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Wrexham Business Woman of the YearPenley businesswoman named Wrexham Businesswoman of the Year. At a glittering awards ceremony in Chester, Maja Kenney, director of Penley based Black Iris Exhibitions, took the title of Wrexham Businesswoman of the Year in the Network She Awards 2010.

Beating off tough competition Maja received her award after being in business since only July 2009, when she started Black Iris Exhibitions Ltd.

Creating her business during the recession has not been easy, but Maja has worked tirelessly to network amongst local and national businesses, working to create exhibition stands for clients from a wide range of business sectors. Recent clients include Yale College and i7 Technologies Ltd based in Hampton Heath near Malpas.

Maja attributes her success to her focus on customer service. “I really do think that in tough economic times it is those businesses who care about their customers that will succeed. At Black Iris we work hard to get great results for our clients, and by listening carefully to what they need, we’ve been able to stand out above the competition. I’m delighted to have won the award - thank you Network She!”

Originally from Slovenia Maja has lived in the UK for over 12 years, and is well known and respected amongst local business leaders.

For more information please visit www.blackiris-exhibitions.co.uk

For award information please visit www.networkshe.co.uk

For media enquiries / interviews contact Caroline Sanger-Davies at Aero Media on 07854 835171 [email protected]

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1. Lose weight 2. Stop smoking 3. Stick to a budget 4. Save or earn more money 5. Find a better job

6. Become more organised 7. Exercise more 8. Be more patient with others 9. Eat better 10. Be a better person

The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year. The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn’t begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had. The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the

guardian of doors and entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus he could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year’s Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the god Janus became more common New Year’s gifts.

In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year’s Day to December 25, the birth of Jesus. Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called the Annunciation. In the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII revised the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned to January 1.

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My name is Mark Edwards age 25, my mum is Jackie Edwards slimming world consultant for the Bangor on Dee group

My weight at my heaviest was 17.5 stone now I am 12.2lbs, the lightest I have ever been I can’t believe I have lost over 5 stone. I could only wear elasticated trousers to cover my 40 inch waist. Now I can buy myself 32 inch jeans.

I have had my best Christmas ever; I am a few pounds away from my target weight! Thanks to my mum and Slimming World. Since my mum lost 5 stone with slimming world and she became a consultant, our food eating at home has changed. We make all our own food from scratch; I am the chief vegetable peeler and enjoy helping mum cook. My favourite food is roast dinners and steak and slimming world chips.

I now enjoy doing exercise (Not the gym) my favourite hobbies are karate, keeping fit on the Wii, family walks around where we live and I enjoy swimming with my mum.

I am 25 and have just moved into my own supported house with 3 house mates and am enjoying my new life! Every where I go and bump into people that haven’t seen me for a while they can’t get over how slim I look

Dad often jokes that now when I and mum come in the car now, 10 stone lighter, and the enormous amount of fuel he is saving!! Cheeky!

If you are nervous about going to a Slimming World group with a load of women, there are other men and teenagers, so don’t worry!

My mum will help you on your weight journey. Call her or pop into her group at the Village Hall in Bangor on Dee at 5.15pm and 7.00pm

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Governments over the last 50 years have encouraged us to save towards our own retirement and be less dependant on the state by way of incentives in the way of pension tax relief There are restrictions on the amount you can benefit and this has changed on numerous occasions over the years and is due to change again next April. The way relief is granted depends on how you pay your pension. If you are a member of an employer scheme at work any pension contribution is usually taken from your salary before you pay tax and National Insurance which means that the amount of your taxable pay is reduced by the level of contribution you have paid. If you have no company pension scheme or are self employed you will usually have a personal pension plan and tax relief is provided by a top up to your contributions. For example if you are personally paying £100 per month by direct debit the amount that would be credited to your pension scheme would be £125. If you are a higher rate tax payer then you could claim another £25 of tax relief by way of a refund from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which works out as an equivalent increase in your contributions

of 67%. Higher rate tax payers need to be especially careful to make sure they reclaim the overpayment as HMRC will not automatically pay it back. Some large companies run schemes known as ‘Salary Sacrifice’ where employees can give up some of their wages to make additional payments to their pension scheme. This is a very tax efficient way of increasing your pension savings as in addition to the tax relief you can also save on National Insurance payments. Small companies can run similar schemes for employees or Directors and if you have an opportunity to consider this option or would wish to set a pension scheme up for your own business you would be well advised to look at a ‘Salary Sacrifice’ scheme.Tax relief is one of the few ways we can get free money from the state and it is well worth taking full advantage of this benefit. For example saving £300 per month to a pension with 20% tax relief would mean that over 25 years you would have saved £112,500 at a cost of £90,000. Interest or growth on this additional sum over 25 years can boost the saving even further and make the difference between a comfortable retirement and a struggle.

Contributed by Warren Hadlow and Medwyn Edwards, St. James’s Place Partnership.Telephone: 01978 311 611 • email [email protected]

coping with redundancy or early retirement

At Hadlow Edwards we specialise in helping people make the most of their

3. Go through your typical expenditure and work out what is absolutelyessential). NB you might be a sports fanatic but does that mean your SKY subscription is essential?4 Id tif dit hi h

FINANCIALA W A R D . W I N N I N G

money.

Recently we’ve been approached by a few people who have been made redundant or taken early retirement and are therefore worried about their

4. Identify expenditurewhich you can reduce or cut out altogether.5. Understand what State Benefitsmight be available.6. Assist with reclaiming any overpaidtax – this is often forgotten but can be FINANCIAL

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Typical questions include:How will I cope with a lower income?How can I concentrate on finding another job when I’m trying to make

a nice surprise.7. Prioritise paying off any debts you might have. 8. Manage any lump sum you’ve just received. This is so important to ensure that this money is managed

More than ever before, it could be time to find a financial advisor that completely understands your financial affairs and

provides highly tailored advice

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another job when I m trying to make ends meet?Will my money last until I’m 60/65?

The good thing is by seeking helpthey’ve made a very good start totaking control of their situation and

ensure that this money is managed correctly to help you through the next few years or to your chosen retirement age.9. Understand what company benefitsyou may have lost and whether you

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taking control of their situation andgetting back on their feet.

So what should you do if faced with the prospect of redundancy or early retirement?

need to replace them eg health insurance.10. Finally a good Adviser will help you remove the worry from the situation thereby allowing you to concentrate on finding your next job or helping you Investments

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Here we outline a 10 point plan to making the most of the situation.

1. Don’t ignore the situation seekprofessional help. A Financial Adviser ill h l ith th f ll i 9 t

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Taking control over your finances could be simpler and easier than you think. Why not start by spending an hour with us We would be delighted

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hour with us. We would be delighted to hear from you. Please just call us on 0800 652 8175 or email us at [email protected] to book an appointment.

H dl ed d ltd i t dbe frank about what you owe (credit cards, loans, mortgages)

Hadlow edwards ltd are appointedrepresentatives of st. james’s Place Wealth Management.

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Hello all, Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful safe Christmas and that Santa brought everything you wished for.

Please find below a copy of an e mail from County Councillor June Fearnall expressing thanks to all who were involved and contributed. Dear Lynne,Once again, many thanks to you and Ade for your kindness on Saturday 27th November 2010 - it is such a pleasure working with you.

Marchwiel Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch 2010An afternoon of fine, festive food and fun, organised by Councillor June Fearnall, with the assistance of Mrs. Margaret Hanmer and PCSO Lynne Maurice, was enjoyed by 70 Marchwiel Senior Citizens at Ysgol Deiniol on Saturday, 27th November. The guests welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Councillor James Kelly and Mrs. Elizabeth Kelly.A delicious 3-course lunch was prepared by School chef, Sue Bellis and her team, and served by a wonderful group of members of our community, including 10 young people,

all of whom volunteered their free time to assist at the event.

Excellent entertainment was provided by local tenor, Davi Chris and Wrexham Leader journalist, Les Lever.

The afternoon concluded with a free raffle of 70 prizes, all of which were kindly donated by Marchwiel residents.

The organizers of the celebration would like to convey their special thanks to Marchwiel Community Council for their generous financial donation, and to everyone who contributed to the success of the Christmas Lunch.

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STATeMenT On pOThOleSIn a statement issued by Wrexham Council, Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:

“Following the recent severe weather, Wrexham Council has spread just over 5,000 tonnes of salt on its highway network. An extensive roads and resurfacing programme was carried out following last year’s severe weather and we will not know the true extent of the damage until after the thaw is complete this winter”

In the meantime, additional resources will be made available within Streetscene to carry out immediate temporary repairs where damage has occurred following the recent adverse weather. It is important that these repairs are carried out quickly and followed by a more comprehensive programme when the weather improves.

This year the Council undertook a 2 year programme to the total value of £4.3 million, therefore the remaining £2.1million will be spent on the highway network following our Engineer’s report during the new financial year.

Wrexham Council has also just received £253,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government, and we are adding an additional £300,000 to this to be spent on the highway network during this financial year to compliment our existing programme.

Although the additional resources from the Welsh Assembly Government are welcome, I have written to the Deputy First Minister to ask for a Road Maintenance Grant to be reinstated, which will assist in the backlog of highway maintenance and therefore maintain our roads to a reasonable standard.

If members of the public have any concerns about pot holes, please contact our Contact Centre, telephone 01978 298989, who will forward any queries to Area Managers for assessment.

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Of Mice and Men

What a wonderful artist Terence Cuneo was! He specialised in painting railway engines and railway scenes, and many thousands admired his work during his lifetime. However, in 1970, he painted something he had longed to do for years, namely the race between Woolf Barnato’s 8- litre Bentley coupe and the famous ‘Blue Train’ which ran from Paris to the French Riviera.

Woolf Barnato was a multi-millionaire who’s family owned diamond mines in South Africa, and, apart from being the most famous driver of the ‘Bentley Boys’ team which was so successful at Le Mans during the late ‘20s and early ‘30s, he was also an international playboy who spent much of his time on the French Riviera. It was at Cannes in 1930 that he made a £100 bet with one of his friends that he could beat the Blue Train back to the U.K., which he won easily in his three -seater Bentley coupe, which was nicknamed the ‘Packsaddle Bentley’ due to the rear seat being fitted across the rear compartment. Now, as I look at a print of Cuneo’s painting on my wall at home, I realise what a master he was at creating such power and speed, with clouds of steam belching from the engine’s ‘smoke stack’ and the dust being scattered by the

Bentley’s spinning rear wheels. Yes, a great painting, but a few years ago when I was visiting Bentley motors at Crewe, I was told that the actual Bentley depicted in the painting was not the correct one! Never mind, Terence didn’t know that at the time, and deserves some artistic licence anyway! But as I studied the print more closely, I was amazed to see a tiny mouse running for dear life in front of the car. Apparently Cuneo included a little mouse in most of his paintings, and this reminded me of the famous carpenter, Robert Thompson of Kilburn, North Yorkshire, who also used a little carved mouse as a trade mark on his work, and he was known internationally as the ‘Mouse Man’. There are many examples of this to be seen in local hospitals and churches.

The company still exists at Kilburn to this day, and when I visited there a few years ago, I bought a little oak ashtray with a mouse carved on it--- couldn’t afford one of their magnificent Welsh dressers! May I wish you all a very happy New Year.

1 Leeks Cottage, Station Road, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham LL13 0AB

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A6 postcard:Layout 1 23/3/09 15:32 Page 1

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A6 postcard:Layout 1 23/3/09 15:32 Page 1

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Here’s a great five-day soup detox, unwanted fat will burn quicker as your body uses more calories keeping warm. Eat one major type of food each day, with unlimited vegetable soup, and you’ll get your nutrients as well as losing lots of weight!

THINGS TO AvOID: Alcohol, fizzy drinks (swap for unsweetened tea, unsweetened juice, black coffee and water), fried foods. If in doubt, have soup. It’s full of fibre and will fill you up. You may find your bowel movements change, but unless the change is dramatic, enjoy the detox!

neW year detoX souP!

THE SOUp: The heart of the diet is vegetable soup. Excluding potatoes, you can use any veg you like - experiment! - but the simplest version of the recipe is this:

TAkE EqUAL pORTIONS Of • Spinach • Carrots • Celery • Onions • Green peppers • Tomatoes

Chop them up, chuck them into a pot, cover with water and cook! Once cooked, blitz the softened vegetables in a food processor. You could also throw in some fresh herbs or spices for a bit of extra flavour. And there you have it - a unique, tasty and filling vegetable soup that you’d never find in a can!

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Juniors & Seniors

Entrance Exams 201121st January 2011

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29th January 2011Years 4, 5 & 6

Colour their lives forever...Open the door to a unique educational experience withentrance exams for The King’s School, Chester. Financial assistance is available for Senior School and Sixth Form pupils.

January 2011 January 2011

King’s – Much more than an educationThe King’s JUNIOR School offers an outstanding education, preparing your child academically and socially for Senior School and beyond. The JUNIOR School for girls and boys aged 7-11, offers an inspiring education within a separate self-contained school. Within the caring and supportive environment of the JUNIOR School, your child will flourish and become, as the recent inspection described the children, ‘happy learners’. Overlaid on strong academic foundations, the curriculum offers excellent Drama, Music, Sport and a whole host of other activities. For children 11-18 years, the SENIOR School has excellent academic results, but add to this the outstanding teaching staff and the unique learning environment, and

the result is an unbeatable combination to inspire and stretch young minds. With over 60 clubs and activities the opportunities are endless.King’s is a high achieving school with a vibrant atmosphere. King’s students are articulate, confident and valued by the top universities. Our students are phenomenally successful, with virtually all going to university - 63 to Oxbridge in the last 7 years and almost a quarter to the “The Times Top 10” universities. Financial considerations should not deter you from visiting us, as financial help is available for Senior School, dependent on parental income.Don’t worry if you missed the open morning, we are happy to arrange a visit or taster day for your child, so that you can see for yourself what makes The King’s School unique. Contact [email protected]. to request a prospectus or to arrange a visit. www.kingschester.co.uk/welcome

For boys and girls, aged 7-16

Call 01244 689553 for more information and a prospectusemail [email protected] www.kingschester.co.uk/welcome

Juniors & Seniors

Entrance Exams 201121st January 2011

Years 3 & 7

29th January 2011Years 4, 5 & 6

Colour their lives forever...Open the door to a unique educational experience withentrance exams for The King’s School, Chester. Financial assistance is available for Senior School and Sixth Form pupils.

January 2011 January 2011

King’s – Much more than an educationThe King’s JUNIOR School offers an outstanding education, preparing your child academically and socially for Senior School and beyond. The JUNIOR School for girls and boys aged 7-11, offers an inspiring education within a separate self-contained school. Within the caring and supportive environment of the JUNIOR School, your child will flourish and become, as the recent inspection described the children, ‘happy learners’. Overlaid on strong academic foundations, the curriculum offers excellent Drama, Music, Sport and a whole host of other activities. For children 11-18 years, the SENIOR School has excellent academic results, but add to this the outstanding teaching staff and the unique learning environment, and

the result is an unbeatable combination to inspire and stretch young minds. With over 60 clubs and activities the opportunities are endless.King’s is a high achieving school with a vibrant atmosphere. King’s students are articulate, confident and valued by the top universities. Our students are phenomenally successful, with virtually all going to university - 63 to Oxbridge in the last 7 years and almost a quarter to the “The Times Top 10” universities. Financial considerations should not deter you from visiting us, as financial help is available for Senior School, dependent on parental income.Don’t worry if you missed the open morning, we are happy to arrange a visit or taster day for your child, so that you can see for yourself what makes The King’s School unique. Contact [email protected]. to request a prospectus or to arrange a visit. www.kingschester.co.uk/welcome

Lovers & St. Valentine’s Day have long been associated. History is rich with stories as to how Valentine’s day started .Here are some of them:

Valentine was a priest living in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II (2nd century AD). Claudius prohibited the marriage of young people as it was believed that unmarried soldiers fought better !

St. Valentine ignored the edict, secretly marrying the Christian couples. Valentine was caught and beheaded in 269 AD. Valentine had previously healed the daughter of Asterius. Valentine’s last words were written in a note to her saying ‘from your Valentine’. Hence the tradition of signing valentines cards ‘from your valentine’. St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers due to his support of romantic couples.

Pope Gelasius in 496 AD honoured Valentine with sainthood. St. Valentine Day was the new name for the pagan Lupercalia fertility celebrations of 14 February. During this formerly pagan ceremony, the matching of young women & men became known as Saint Valentine’s Day .

St. Valentine’s association with love and romance comes also from the Roman god Cupid & Eros in Greek mythology also associated with fertility.

This is reflected in St. Valentines Day celebrations. Indeed, Cupid with his little bow & arrow adorns many St. Valentines Day cards. Eros was the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

In medieval England even Chaucer (1346-1400) recorded St. Valentines Day in his Parliament of Foules (Modern translation !)

For this was sent on Saint Valentine’s day, when every fool comes there to choose his mate.

Saint Valentine’s Day was initially celebrated by sending poems and simple gifts, in the 1600’s saw the first St. Valentine’s Day celebrations in the UK. By 1750, lovers began to send intimate love letters & gifts to one another on St. Valentines Day.

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E CUNNAH & SON LTDis your local family run authorised distributor delivering heating oils,fuels and lubricantsfor your homes, farms and industry.

For a prompt and reliable delivery service contact:Tel: Wrexham 01978 720115Web: www.cunnahoil.co.uk

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Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 to William Burness, a poor tenant farmer, and Agnes Broun, Robert Burns was the eldest of seven. He spent his youth working his father’s farm, but in spite of his poverty he was extremely well read - at the insistence of his father, who employed a tutor for Robert and younger brother Gilbert. At 15 Robert was the principal worker on the farm and this prompted him to start writing in an attempt to find “some kind of counterpoise for his circumstances.” It was at this tender age that Burns penned his first verse, “My Handsome Nell”, which was an ode to the other subjects that dominated his life, namely scotch and women. When his father died in 1784, Robert and his brother became partners in the farm. However, Robert was more interested in the romantic nature of poetry than the arduous graft of ploughing and, having had some misadventures with the ladies (resulting in several illegitimate children, including twins to the woman who would become his wife, Jean Armour), he planned to escape to the safer, sunnier climes of the West Indies. But, at the point of abandoning farming, his first collection “Poems- Chiefly

in the Scottish Dialect - Kilmarnock Edition”, was published and received much critical acclaim. In a matter of weeks he was transformed from local hero to a national celebrity, fussed over by the Edinburgh literati of the day, and Jean Armour’s father allowed her to marry him, now that he was no longer a lowly wordsmith. Alas, the trappings of fame did not bring fortune and he took up a job as an exciseman to supplement the meagre income. The last years of Burns’ life were devoted to penning great poetic masterpieces such as The Lea Rig, Tam O’Shanter and a Red, Red Rose. He died aged 37 of heart disease exacerbated by the hard manual work he undertook when he was young. His death occurred on the same day as his wife Jean gave birth to his last son, Maxwell. On the day of his burial more than 10,000 people came to watch and pay their respects. However, his popularity then was nothing compared to the heights it has reached since. On the anniversary of his birth, 25th January - Scots both at home and abroad celebrate Robert Burns with a supper, where they address the haggis, the ladies and whisky. A celebration which would undoubtedly make him proud.

robbieburns

Valentine’s Tribute EveningMichael Bublé - Friday 11th February - £40.00To include 3 course menu plus coffee, tribute entertainment and disco7.30 pm arrival 8.00 pm sit down

Valentine’s Gourmet Evening Ciro’s Brasserie - Saturday 12th February - £40.00

To include Kir Royale on arrival, 3 course menu plus coffee and petits fours

Valentine’s NightCiro’s Brasserie - Monday 14th February - £38.00

To include a Passion Potion on arrival, 3 course menu plus coffee and chocolates

Valentine’s with Spa by KasiaTreat your loved one this Valentine’s to a luxurious day of pure indulgence.

Romantic Spa Day Packages and Breaks from £105.00 per person

Please call Spa by Kasia on 01244 572199for further details on our Valentine’s spa packages.

To make a booking on a Valentine’s event please contact the events office on 01244 570 560 Wrexham Rd, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG events@grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.ukwww.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk

Owned and operated by Nelson Hotels www.nelson-hotels.co.uk

Valentine’s Tribute EveningMichael Bublé - Friday 11th February - £40.00To include 3 course menu plus coffee, tribute entertainment and disco7.30 pm arrival 8.00 pm sit down

Valentine’s Gourmet Evening Ciro’s Brasserie - Saturday 12th February - £40.00

To include Kir Royale on arrival, 3 course menu plus coffee and petits fours

Valentine’s NightCiro’s Brasserie - Monday 14th February - £38.00

To include a Passion Potion on arrival, 3 course menu plus coffee and chocolates

Valentine’s with Spa by KasiaTreat your loved one this Valentine’s to a luxurious day of pure indulgence.

Romantic Spa Day Packages and Breaks from £105.00 per person

Please call Spa by Kasia on 01244 572199for further details on our Valentine’s spa packages.

To make a booking on a Valentine’s event please contact the events office on 01244 570 560 Wrexham Rd, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG events@grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.ukwww.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk

Owned and operated by Nelson Hotels www.nelson-hotels.co.uk

We’ve all seen the horror stories on the TV, so if you’ve made a New Years resolution to get work done on the home here’s some helpful tips.

finding a Reputable TradespersonThis can be difficult as having major work done to the house is something you do once in a lifetime. Most people prefer to do business locally so use your local tools to find a company, including asking your friends and work colleagues, people that you know well. Okay so you think you’ve found someone to do the work, don’t just take their word for it that they are good, ask to speak to previous customers and preferably see examples of their work. Also check they are members of the relevant professional bodies they need to be.

Agree things beforehand• Get a written quote and contract covering

the work, the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates and including any guarantees.

• Before you make any final payment make sure you are satisfied the work has been carried out properly and meets the terms of the contract.

• Be suspicious if you are suddenly being charged for extra expenses. If you have agreed a price beforehand for the work, you should not have to pay for ‘extras’. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for receipts.

• Sometimes unexpected extra work will be needed, but agree the additional costs in writing before extra work starts.

payment• Try to avoid paying deposits, particularly large deposits, and don’t ever pay the whole amount up front. There is a risk that the trader could disappear with your money and you will have less leverage over completion, quality etc.

• In all cases, you should try and keep back enough money to keep pressure on the trader to get on with the job and to finish it properly.

• But be fair about completion: pay promptly if everything contracted for has been completed satisfactorily.

• Get an invoice, including VAT, and ask for a signed receipt for every payment you make - keep all invoices and receipts.

• Do not pay an individual builder, always the company. If you have any kind of credit agreement, think carefully and take legal advice before you withhold payments as your future credit rating could be affected.

• If you paid by credit card or the work is being financed by a credit agreement arranged by the trader, the lender is jointly liable with the trader for any breach of contract (if the work costs between £100 and £30,000). Tell the lender if there is a dispute.

36/39 Chester St, Wrexham LL13 8AH

Tel: 01978 313778www.bundleofjoywrexham.co.uk

OPENING TIMESMon, Tue & Fri 9.30 - 5.00

Wed 9.30 - 6.30Thu 9.30 - 2.30

Sat 10.00 - 5.00

Pushchairs • Car Seats • Furniture •Bedding •

Moses Baskets •Feeding Time • Accessories •

Contact: Ian Atkinson01978 710661 / 07880 555 547email: [email protected]: allthingstrees.co.uk

The Family Law Departmentat Thomas Andrews and Partners has a good

reputation having run very successfully for the last 30 years and is based on experience and our approachability to clients. We believe that it is

extremely important to build up a good relationship with our clients and our motto is

“ Treat clients as you would hope to be treated yourself ”

The Family Law Departmentat Thomas Andrews and Partners has a good

reputation having run very successfully for thelast 30 years and is based on experience and our

approachability to clients. We believe that itis extremely important to build up a good

relationship with our clients and our motto is

“Treat clients as you wouldhope to be treated yourself “

THOMAS ANDREWS & PARTNERSSOLICITORS

31 High Street, Wrexham LL13 8HYTel: 01978 291506 email: [email protected]

for some initial advice or Fax 01978 358793

Please consult Carol McGuire at THOMAS ANDREWS & PARTNERS

SOLICITORS

31 High Street, Wrexham LL13 8HY Tel: 01978 291 506 email: [email protected]

for some initial advice or Fax 01978 358 793

TOP GARDENING JOBS FOR JANUARY.

Flower Garden - Sweet peas, pinch out the tips of seedlings raised from autumn sowings to encourage side shoots to form and make bushy plants.

Roses - Continue planting bare-rooted roses. Avoid planting new roses where old ones have been removed, unless the soil is replaced and conditioned, to avoid diseases.

Snow warning - Be ready to brush snow from evergreen shrubs and conifers, as the weight can weigh down and damage their branches.

Containers - Stand planted patio pots up on feet to improve drainage and prevent water logging. Protect pots in very cold spells by moving them to a sheltered position.

Cutting back - Many perennials can be cut back hard now, removing old growth to make room for new shoots that grow up

in spring. Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ benefits from hard pruning, cutting away all stems at ground level. General care - Bulb care: Check bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rot or deterioration. Remove diseased ones and sprinkle others with sulphur powder to prevent disease attack.Water features - Removing pumps and filters from ponds and water features helps prevent them being damaged by freezing water during the winter. Keep ponds covered with netting to prevent fallen leaves blowing in.Rake leaves - Finish raking up fallen leaves, especially those collected under hedges and shrubs. These offer protection to slugs and snails over winter months, so all leaves should be cleared away. Also clear gutters which can get clogged up and put all the leaves in a leaf bin to rot down.

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• Fencing • Decking • Gates • Groundworks • • Flagging • Paving • Patio Work • • General Builds • Mini Digger Work

CALL STEVE 07720 315 885 Evenings 01978 823 750

essentialgardening

See our website for more details www.bellisbrothers.co.uk

Your local destinationFarm Shop & Garden Centre

Only 15 minutes from Wrexham & Chester

Wrexham Road Farm, Holt Village, Wrexham ll13 9YU tel: 01829 270302/304 • [email protected]


Garden CentreOutdoor & indoor plants,

garden sundries, fresh flowers,pet & bird care products,

barbecues & clothing.

Farm ShopWith a wonderful selection

of locally sourced goods,including fresh fruit &

vegetables from our fields.

Strawberry FieldsRestaurant

With panoramic viewsacross the Welsh Hills. Our

daily menu reflects thefreshest seasonal produce.

Wrexham Road Farm, Holt Village, Wrexham LL13 9YUTel: 01829 270302/304 • [email protected]


PICK YOUR OWN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS


Gift ShopHomeware, Cards, Toys,

Novelties, Toiletries,Candles, Books, Jewellery &

Accessories

Garden CentreOutdoor and indoor plants, garden

sundries, fresh flowers, pet and bird care products, barbecues and clothing.

















Accessories

Farm ShopWith a wonderful selection of locally

sourced goods, including fresh fruit and vegetables from our fields.

















Accessories

Gift ShopHomeware, cards, toys, novelties,

toiletries, candles, books, jewellery and accessories

















Accessories

Strawberry Fields Restaurant With panoramic views across the

Welsh Hills. Our daily menu reflects the freshest seaonal produce.

Pick your own in the summer months

teL: 07979 691 202 anytIme or 01691 830 304 after 7pm

Fitting fireplaces since 1966 • Over 33,000 satisfied customersNo Fancy showroom. No fancy prices • As seen on TV at

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£15505, 6, 7 or 8 kilowatt stove from a large selection, stove pipe, 8 metre flue liner, cowl, closure plate, granite hearth laid, chimney opened up, brickwork and plastering made good. All this included in the price!

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Got a ChImney?

12 bags seasoned logs, 2 bags of kindling, 1 box of firelighters.

amazInG LoG deaL

The bridge, a scheduled ancient monument, replaced an earlier one the remains of which could at one time be seen a few yards slightly down stream. There are four, unequally elliptical arches and three full height splayed cutwaters on each side with refuges at the top for pedestrians to avoid the, not inconsiderable traffic. The arches are principally of red sandstone with a parapet and cutwaters of mainly yellow sandstone. The parapet is of large dressed slabs.

It has been said that the bridge dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, say around 1500, but no one knows for sure, only the date of its first recorded restoration in 1658. This date, inscribed on a stone inserted into the southern side of the bridge, can no longer be seen. According to Thomas Pennant in his ‘Tours in Wales’ published in 1883, a learned schoolmaster, not named, recorded and deciphered the letters and numbers before they became too worn. Apparently this recorded the date of the restoration in three ways, 1036 from the time of the Hegria, 1658 from the birth of Christ and 5607 from the age of the world. In an early edition of the Ordnance Survey Map the date ascribed to the bridge is 1036, which date has clearly been misread.

As Inigo Jones (1573 – 1652) built Llangollen Bridge in similar style some people think he must have built Bangor’s bridge, but it would not have needed major restoration after such a short time. It is much more likely that he copied the design of Bangor’s edifice when he built the one at Llangollen!

If you think that it was the invention of the motorcar that brought forth requests for a new bridge across the river, then you would be wrong; calls for a second bridge over the Dee were being made two hundred years ago! In February 1810 the Clerk to the Quarter Sessions wrote to Colonel Puleston to know if he would consent to the disposal of his cottages at the east end of the purpose of erecting a new bridge. Nothing came of that request. In 1826 Mr Turner, the county surveyor, prepared a plan for improvement of Bangor Bridge by adding a footpath and railing on each side and he and his counterpart in Denbighshire met with a Mr Hartley, engineer of Liverpool, to discuss the feasibility of the scheme. However, Denbighshire’s finances were in a precarious state and they were asked to wait until that county had cleared its debts. They would have been in despair if they had known that it would take 150 years before the two counties could agree on the site and design of the new bridge!

Contributed by Miss Viv Lavis-Jones

Call Max 07944 481831 • 01978 710095

The Holding Brynhovah, Bangor-on-Dee RoadOverton-on-Dee LL13 ODA

pLASTERING CONTRACTOR

M.T. Proudlove

All ASPECtS oF PLASTERWORk

• DRy LINING• SkIMMING

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always thinking

3 Hawthorn Road, Marford, Wrexham, LL12 8XJ Registered in England and Wales Company No. 07386814

Available to assist with:Personal Tax returns for PAYE

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Contact us on 07597 709933 01978 855323

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FURNITURE & CARPETS

NURSERY SHOWROOMGRAND OPENING

31ST MAY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

10% OFFNURSERY ON THE DAY

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EARNWITH US!

Live first… work second!Build a business in your spare time.

The Utility Warehouse offers you an opportunity to own and build yourown business… on your terms.

Choose:

• the hours you work

• how much time and effort you invest

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• Stay-at-home mums/dads

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RECOMME

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Coffee Mornings Marchwiel Church Alternate Tuesdays 10.00am - 12 noon.

Please join us. All Welcome.

HIRE AN APARTMENT PIRIN HEIGHTS,BANSkO,

BUlGARIAA lovely area for Skiing,

Mountain Biking, and Hill Walking. £300 per week

CAll 07873 129 213

Tallarn Green Methodist Chapel

ANNUAL qUIz NIGHT friday february 4th

Tallarn Green Village Hall 7.30pmQuiz master

Brian Felstead from EllesmereTeams should be of up to 4 people

More info is 01948 830249

ADULT EDUCATION COURSES

Starts: Thur 20th Jan 2011Sugar Craft, Sewing from Scratch and Understanding Shakespeare 8 week courses on offer £55

Contact Audrey Stewart at the Maelor School 01948 830291

FOR MORE DETAILS

HIRE BoD Village Hallfor details contact

01978 780622

Maelor Music Society ConcertsChetham’s School of MusicWednesday 2nd February

Piantel - Harp and PianoWednesday 23rd February

Both concerts in Maelor School, Penley 7.30pm. Members free. Non-members adult ticket £10.

Further information on 01948 770633.Registered Charity No. 501996

Marchwiel Village Hall(Piercy Hall)

31st March 2011Hunting the Giants Daughter

The telling of Old Welsh Tales in Song and Stories

Being perform by theAdverse Chamber Theatre Company

Tickets available from Marchwiel Village Stores or

16 The Glen Marchwiel Tel 01978 314 344

Prices £5.00 or £4.50 for Concessions with a limited bar being available

2011

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January - AprilLose lbs for £££s!

Aim to lose up to 14lbs in 14 weeksthrough diet and exercise.

Join in with this fantastic slimming opportunitybetween January and April

and help raise much needed fundsfor Nightingale House Hospice!

The following are kindlysupporting our 2011 Slimathon Visit their websites for more information!

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Nightingale House Hospice invites you to join their

For more information call:01978 314 292

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Wrexham Hospice and Cancer Support Centre Foundation Registered Charity Number: 1035600 (Registered in England and Wales)

30 minute fitness for Women

www.totalfitness.co.uk

As part of the Day Services Development Programme, the Adult Social Care Department at Wrexham County Borough

Council is offering one-off small grants to stimulate the development of lunch clubs in Wrexham County Borough.

Proposals are invited from individuals or organisations who wish to develop new lunch clubs.

If you are interested in setting up a new lunch club in an area that doesn’t have a Club, an information pack is

available which includes an application form for a start-up grant.

Deadline for applications is 28th February 2011

For an information pack and a grant application form, please contact:

Yvonne Kelso, Adult Social Care Department, Crown Buildings, 31 Chester Street, Wrexham LL13 8BG

Tel: 01978 298617 • E-mail: [email protected]

Invitation to Apply for Start-Up Grants for lunch clubs

in Wrexham county Borough

Professional, Reliable & Friendly

10 Oak Drive Marford Wrexham LL12 8XT

Office: 01978 856854Mob: 07947 583256 Email: [email protected] Registration No: 7175472

All aspects of plastering, domestic and commercial

Plastering Services Ltd

Professional, Reliable & Friendly

10 Oak Drive Marford Wrexham LL12 8XT

Office: 01978 856854Mob: 07947 583256 Email: [email protected] Registration No: 7175472

All aspects of plastering, domestic and commercial

Plastering Services Ltd

ALL ASpECTS Of pLASTERING

Commercial & Domestic

professional, Reliable & friendlyJon Pritchard

01978 856 854 07947 583 256

10 Oak Drive, Marford LL12 8XT

THE MOST THOROUGH CLEANING YOU’vE EvER SEEN OR IT’S fREE

That’s right, the most thorough cleaning ever. If you’re not 100% delighted with my carpet & upholstery cleaning service, I’ll quickly return and give you a free re-clean. If I still can’t make you happy - for whatever reason - I’ll refund your

money 100% - What could be fairer?I’ve invested in the best cleaning systems possible giving a fantastic result on carpets and upholstery every time! I’ll clean, deodorise and condition your

items leaving them clean and fresh.

100% NO-RISk IRON CLAD GUARANTEE

What does this mean? Simply this: If you’re not totally happy with my work, I’ll reclean the area for free. If you’re still not satisfied, I’ll give you your money back.

01352 730 555CALL FOR A FREE

QUOTATION

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICE

CALL 0800 695 1352FREE CONSUMER INFO-LINE 24HR RECORDING

HOW TO CHOOSE A CARPET CLEANER

Made a New Years Resolution to appreciate the great outdoors? These will make a great day out and you probably didn’t know they existed! Visit www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/sites/seven_wonders for more info and maps etc

1. pISTYLL RHAEADRAt 240 ft (74 metres) tall, it’s the highest waterfall in Wales & England. It is found in a remote location in Powys, near Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant.

2. wRExHAM STEEpLEThe 16th century tower of St Giles Church is a major feature in Wrexham. Although referred to as a steeple in the Seven Wonders of Wales rhyme, it is actually a tower, the first of which collapsed in the 1300s. In fact it was rebuilt again in the early 1500s following a fire which largely destroyed the whole church.

3. SNOwDONSnowdon is in North West Wales. At 3,560ft (1085m) tall, Snowdon needs no introduction. It’s popular with walkers and day trippers who can take the easy way to the top via the train.

4. OvERTON YEw TREESSome of the 21 famous yew trees at St Mary’s Church, Overton, date to the 12th century, when the first stone church is said to have been erected. The yew trees themselves date back to medieval times. In 1992 the Queen planted a young yew tree in the churchyard, to commemorate her visit to Overton as part of 700th anniversary celebrations.

5. wINIfREDS wELLHolywell gets its name from the holy well of St Winifred where people have gone to bathe in the supposedly healing waters since the 7th century.

6. LLANGOLLEN BRIDGEIt’s said this was the site of the first stone bridge over the River Dee. The bridge was built in 1345 by Bishop of St Asaph John Trevor I, before being rebuilt during the Elizabethan period. It’s said that the structure remains the same today.

7. GRESfORD BELLSIt’s the bells of All Saints, the parish church of Gresford. The church’s own website records that the earliest record of the six bells goes back to 1775 when the parish register noted that the two bells had been returned after being recast. The church itself is much older, having being mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but it’s not known whether it was on the present site at this time.

essentiallywales

As a Company we specialise in the design and installation of beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. From the smallest en-suite to the grandest kitchen each project is as individual as our clients and we believe that function and beauty need not be separate ideals.

Please visit www.christianoscheshire.co.uk for further completed projects.

The WyvernChurch Street

MalpasCheshire

SY14 8NU01948 861124

Moving to new purpose built premisesIn Spring 2011 little Scholars nursery is moving to

the Centre for the Child at Glyndŵr Universitythis exciting new children’s nursery facility includes:

• Unique outdoor play areas designed to inspire, challenge and make learning fun.

• Bright, carefully planned indoor areas designed for comfort and practicality• A safe and secure environment.

• Unrivalled facilities and resources for all children including those with additional and complex needs.

• A bespoke sensory room

…and of course our team of talented, enthusiastic and highly trained early years professionals.

The new nursery is open to students, Glyndŵr University staff and the general public.

Bookings being taken for Spring 2011To find out more about this exciting new childcare and early

years education centre contact

Active Childcare on 01978 661189 or [email protected]

bangor january 2011

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