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

JUNE 2014 · DELIVERED FREE

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at a glance

Tel: 01244 571 602email: jill@essentialsmag.co.ukwww.essentialsmag.co.uk....................................................................................

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Blues & real

ale festival

overton

walks

interesting

classics

gresford

liBrary

wedding

celeBrations

PICK YOUR OWNWe hope to be open mid June Come along with all your family for a great day out and delicious freshly picked fruitStrawberries • Raspberries • Gooseberries

Tayberries Loganberries • Blackcurrants Redcurrants • Rhubarb • Broad Beans • Peas

Wrexham Rd Farm, Holt Village, LL13 9YU

01829 270302www.bellisbrothers.co.uk

ELLESMERE: 8 Willow Street, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 0AQ tel: 01691 622413, fax: 01691 623226 · email: ellesmere@gtssolicitors.co.uk

OSWESTRY: 31 Salop Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2NR tel: 01691 655600, fax: 01691 655666 · email: oswestry@gtssolicitors.co.uk

www.gtssolicitors.co.uk

‘You make the choice, not your insurance company’No Win No Fee • Any size of claim

Free initial meeting with a qualified solicitorContact Ken Law or Claire Andrews for a free meeting

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Telephone 01244 571 602jill@essentialsmag.co.uk

Welcome

Hasn’t it been lovely, a few days of rain and then the sun came back! It’s only a week between being sat here writing and then hitting the streets with the delivery of the magazines, but anything could

happen in terms of weather. As I write we’ve just had a lovely sunny bank holiday Monday. I hope it’s going to be schorchio this summer again. Certainly is in terms of sport, what with Wimbledon, the world cup and the commonwealth games, I believe. I hope I haven’t missed anything out there.

I managed a weekend away recently, and chose to use John Lennon airport, where I haven’t been for years. If you’re anything like me going away is a stressful affair; constantly checking the passports haven’t magically disappeared in my bag, despite them being there just 2 minutes ago, all this checking in online in advance, printing off boarding passes, vouchers for hire cars and parking etc etc. I thought I’d be safer in Liverpool, it’s a smaller airport and I always get lost in M/cr or end up in the wrong terminal. I remember going to Liverpool airport for the first time many years ago. Late again, I set off to Liverpool city centre, relying on picking up signs for the airport, got stuck in city centre traffic and missed the flight, and was told later to follow signs for Runcorn. Why I decided to head for Liverpool centre I have no idea, I’ll put that down to being young and foolish!

Anyway this time I set off in plenty of time. No hold baggage, to save an extra £10 and some time at the other end. That’s a job in itself

measuring your cabin bag to make sure it fits the accepted cabin size, and making sure none of your toiletries are too big a size to travel in the cabin. When on the plane what really annoys me is people taking ages to put their bags in the overhead lockers, not a thought for the big long queue outside on the hard standing area getting wet in the rain. It’s not hard is it, either sit down with your bag and pop it up later when everyone’s onboard or just do it quickly! John Lennon airport was an experience I have to say; I was amazed at the girls travelling with their hair in rollers! Yes, apparently it’s quite usual for the local girls to travel with their hair in rollers. I’ve never seen anything like it. Only in Liverpool, I guess. Apparently they go out shopping like this too. Hilda Ogden springs to mind if you’re old enough to remember!

Anyway soon at the other end we found out we had printed out the wrong piece of paper for the car hire, so that was useless, and the £40 cheap weekend bargain became an expensive last minute airport purchase. Oh yes and my partner dropped his phone in the car park when we arrived at John Lennon airport, and we only noticed when embarking our flight so too late to go and find it. Would you believe it was returned safe and sound to us upon our return! Restores your faith in human nature, doesn’t it , and we had a lovely break more importantly.

Anyway it’s fast approaching holiday season, so don’t let me put you off and I hope you all have a lovely summer.

All the best, Jill

PROFESSIONALCAR VALETING

In house service at Trotting Mare Garage

Tel: 01978 710 435www.trottingmaregarage.co.uk

Knolton, Nr. Overton on Dee, Wrexham LL13 0LE

Tel: 01978 711978www.trottingmaregarage.co.uk

Trotting Mare Garage, KnoltonNr. Overton on Dee, Wrexham LL13 0LE

CAR LEASINGNEW & USED CARS AVAILABLE

LEASING BARGAINS AT TROTTING MARE GARAGE

FORD TRANSIT 350 L4 DIESEL RWD Curtainslider TDCi 100ps ‘One Stop’

Business lease from £340.72 + VAT per month (48 months), Initial payment: £2044.32 + VAT

May 9th/10th

The 4th Bangor on Dee Blues & Real Ale Festival

Photography by Ian Williams

Following on from last year’s successful festival, fans once again turned up from all over the UK to what is now firmly regarded as one of the best blues festivals in the country, with once again, all profits being returned into groups within the local community.

The Friday evening opened with North Wales band Bad Moon who rocked their way through a great selection of self penned songs and well chosen covers before the tone dropped with acoustic duo Wooden Horse from Worcester. Their musicianship and harmonies were perfect throughout before the tempo was again raised with headliners, The Sean Webster Band who presented a very soulful brand of blues highlighted by Sam and Dave’s classic “Hold on, I’m Coming”.

Saturday opened with American duo Swampcandy who had starred last year and again were brilliant and later on in the week appeared at The Buck again and The Bridge in Ruabon. They were followed by Newcastle’s finest, The Lyndon Anderson Band with their classic blues sound before American David Migden and his Kent based band gave us a feel of funky New Orleans.

Southern rock influenced Rosco Levee and The Southern Slide rocked us then with their Americana styled blues before one of the UK’s finest blues guitarists Ian Parker and his band demonstrated his skill on his cover of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World”.

The night ended when Ellesmere based guitarist Tommy Allen and his band got everyone up dancing with his 50’s influenced R’n’B ending with some great rock and roll to climax a great weekend of varied music.

Top American band Moreland and Arbuckle make their Welsh debut on the final night of their short UK tour at the large Overton on Dee Village Hall on Friday June 27th supported by The Blues Duo, local

musicians Tommy Allen and Johnny Hewitt. From Wichita Kansas, the band (a trio despite their name) have

established themselves at the top of the American blues scene with their rocking vibrant style which has similarities to legends ZZ Top. With the

date being their last of their tour, it is guaranteed to be a storming night and already tickets have been sold to fans from all over the UK.

Tickets at £15 can be bought at the Corner Shop in Overton or by ringing 01948 770215. For youtube clips of the band check http://youtu.be/K4J0NS5HJe8 http://youtu.be/rMQjLrbgRz8

http://www.morelandarbuckle.com/photos/

Find us at

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B1 Chester Trade Park, Bumpers Lane, Chester CH1 4LT

Open 7 days

This is a pleasant 5-mile walk, mostly across undulating meadowland with extensive views over the surrounding countryside and the Dee Valley.

Starting at Overton Church the walk will lead you through the garden of Electricity House across some fields to Musley Lane.

Retracing the hedge just before the farm,

the path continues through several farm gates, fields and pine woodland. Passing a pond and a further farm you reach the main road (A528).

Walking up a slope you will turn into a yard and walk behind a 17th century half-timbered barn. Passing the site of the

Starting at Overton Church the walk will lead you through the garden of Electricity

the path continues through

former corrugated iron Knolton Bryn church you cross more fields and pass another farm building.

Crossing more stiles and a small bridge you come along a scrub-hidden pond on a field. Continuing along a hedgerow you will pass another pond and reach a small woodland conservation area that was planted in 1990.

Walk through more fields until you reach the B5069 Overton - St Martins. Crossing a field and walking down a slope

you will come to Llan-y-cefn Wood. Following a clearly defined path along the River Dee you can see an old hydraulic ram formerly used to raise water to a house above the river.

Track towards the village and cross a brook. Follow the path through the wood leading to Salop Road.

Go ahead to the crossroads, returning to the car park.

For a detailed description, map and picture gallery visithttp://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/leisure_tourism/walks/routes/overtone_9.htm#download

Walk through more fields until

you will come to Llan-y-cefn

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36-39 Chester StreetWrexham LL13 8AHTel: 01978 291500

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We are open 7 days a week, Mon- Fri 9-5pm Sat 9-4pm Sun 10.30-3pm.

This is Malcolm Hemmings aged 77 who moved to Rossett over a year ago. From the age of 8 he has entertained in pubs, nightclubs and theatres all over Britain, as a comedian ventriloquist and for some years travelled in circus. In April this year he was invited to take part in the popular tv game show Deal or No Deal, and asked to take his ventriloquist dolls with him to add to the entertainment.

These programmes are recorded 6 months in advance and so will be seen on our tv everyday from the 15th of October to 5th November. I did ask if he won the big one but he’s not allowed to say. However, he did assure us that Noel Edmonds and the banker, do not know what is in any of the boxes and that they really look after the contestants.

We look forward to seeing his game on November 5th, and no doubt we will easily recognise him!

A C DAVIES Chimney Sweep

Traditional & Power SweepingOpen Fires, Wood Burning Stoves, Solid Fuel Appliances, CCTV Inspections & Smoke TestingProfessionally Trained, All Work Fully Insured

Tel: Anthony 01978 263573 | 07871794190

Proposed Wind Turbine on East Side of Ellesmere Road, Tetchill, ShropshireA planning application has been made, and is being considered by Shropshire local authority under the details above. As it’s virtually next door to our area if you have an opinion either for or against the wind turbine you are able to post a comment on the Shropshire council website, you just need to log onto the website and look up the planning application. I have received the following letter from chairman of the chamber of commerce for Ellesmere.

The presence of wind turbines near homes has wiped tens of thousands of pounds off their value, according to the first major study into the impact the eyesore structures have on house prices.

The study by the London School of Economics (LSE) – which looked at more than a million sales of properties close to wind farm sites over a 12-year period – found that values of homes within 1.2 miles of large wind farms were being slashed by about 11 per cent. This means that if such a wind farm were near an average house in Britain, which now costs almost £250,000, it would lose more than £27,000 in value. Homes as far as 2.5 miles away could be reduced by 3%.

Professor Steve Gibbons, said his research was the first strong evidence that wind farms are harmful to house prices. Professor gibbons director of the LSE’s Spatial Economics Research Centre said: property prices are going up in places where they’re not visible and down in the places where they are.

Other reasons why we do not need Wind Turbines

1. They produce power only intermittently, and no way is known of storing power on a scale large enough to continually match supply and demand. Unless power cuts are to become commonplace, backup conventional power stations have to be maintained, running at idle for part of the time which is inefficient use.

2. To produce enough power to make a real difference to the UK’s energy requirement then you would need to plaster them all over this green and pleasant land.

3. They are heavily subsidised by our greatly increased energy bills, which drive poorer households into poverty and winter cold. The real cost of wind power is about 10x that of energy from fossil fuel burning.

4. Some of those subsidies go into the pockets of landowners who are already rich, on whose land these turbines are sited.

MAILBOX Your views, comments and thoughts.

5. The rest of the subsidy goes to the turbine owner; most turbines are owned by overseas companies, or large UK companies whose boards are packed with bankers and other people from the world of finance – so the UK is simply giving taxpayers’ money away to these people.

6. Maintenance costs are high (especially on offshore turbines).

7. They are a serious menace to bird life, in particular soaring raptors (which are already rare).

8. Evidence that warming due to manmade carbon dioxide emissions is potentially catastrophic is lacking.

Unless government energy policy changes then we are due for power cuts within a decade, following which realism will set in. Wind turbines will not be around in a generation’s time, and any farmer/landowner who comes to depend on revenue from wind turbines on his land will be in a dangerous position.

These are the views of experts I am just relaying them to you for you to decide. Do we want our properties to go down in value and the businesses will also suffer if you have less money in your pocket to spend and as shop keepers are finding it hard now they need your support more than ever so keep your properties value up and let your views be heard before it is too late to stop these monstrosities being build. Put pressure on Shropshire Council to stop giving permission for them to be built.

Lincoln McMullanChairman of Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce

Your views, comments and thoughts.

Thanks to Steve at the White Horse for sending in the photo. I’m pleased the road has finally been returned outside the pub, but it does appear to have gone missing further down now!

SOMEBODY HAS STOLEN OUR ROAD

ERDDIG SPECIAL OFFER FOR

READERS

FREE POT OF TEA in the Hayloft

restaurant, tea garden or the Midden café. Offer valid in June 2014 only, voucher is for a pot of tea for

one only.

in the Hayloft restaurant, tea garden or the Midden café. Offer valid in June 2014 only, voucher is for a pot of tea for

one only.

restaurant, tea garden or the Midden café. Offer valid in June 2014 only, voucher is for a pot of tea for

*Terms & conditions apply.

WINA PAIR OF TICKETS FOR SENSE AND SENSIBILITYEmail Jill at jill@essentialsmag.co.uk with subject “Sense & Sensibility” and we will draw the winner from

all entries received.*

Share your love of Erddig on Facebook.com/nationaltrust and #specialplaces

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity, Number 205846.

summer days

01978 355314 nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

Conservation Conversation 7 - 29 June 12:15 and 2pm (weekdays only) Join the conservation team on a tour to discover how they keep at bay the agents of decay. £2.50pp, normal admission prices apply.

Outdoor theatre 28 June, 26 July and 7 August Enjoy an evening of magical theatre as Chapterhoue Theatre Company presents Sense and Sensibility, The Jungle Book and Peter Pan (Powis Castle). Tickets prices start at £8. Call 0844 249 1895 or visit our website.

Thursday Lates Every Thursday from 22 May - 28 August Make the most of longer evenings and stay awhile in our glorious garden; music and entertainment most evenings.

Lynne Maurice

Police Advice

CONTACT NUMBERSPCSO 0151 Lynne Maurice Blackberry 07854 352 815

PCSO 2858 Phil Jones Mobile 07854 389056Overton, Hanmer, Bettisfield, Horeseman’s, Green & Penley

PCSO 2610 Robina Ahmed Mobile 07854 334279Cross Lanes, Bangor on Dee, Bronington, Worthenbury & Tallarn Green

Overton Police Station 01978 348 425CALL 101 which is a 24 hour number for non emergency calls ie.

threatening and abusive behaviour, drunk and rowdy groups, drug related anti-social behaviour.

999 FOR EMERGENCY

Please be aware of DOOR TO DOOR CHARITY COLLECTORS. There have been enquiries with regards to persons at the door claiming to be collecting from a charity. Many charities do collect door to door using authorised companies. Although such person will have various forms of identification, our advice is to always be wary of giving personal details/bank details on the doorstep or handing over cash donations. When you do want to give to a charity our advice would be to ask them to leave any information and any forms to fill out. You can then check with the charity whether the collection is genuine or not and see how you can donate without having to hand over cash or give personal details on the doorstep. If you have any concerns about a person at your door please do not hesitate to contact North Wales Police at the earliest

opportunity. Dial 101 for non emergency matters and dial 999 in an emergency. Also I would like to bring up the issue of DOG FOULING once again. There is still quite a bit around the village and if this continues you will be caught out sometime. It has been reported to me recently that people are still letting their dogs run free on the football pitch at the bottom of Station Road in Marchwiel. This is NOT acceptable as it is a play area and dogs are not allowed here, on or off the lead. There are signs regarding this legislation at the entrance so there is no excuse. Please refrain from letting you dog onto the football pitch as it is an offence and worthy of a £75 fine.

JOHNSTOWN & RUABON TYRE SERVICE

Visit u

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Unit 2, Gardden Industrial Estate,Tatum Road, Ruabon, Wrexham LL14 6RG

Tel: 01978 822 702 • Freephone: 0808 1557397www.johnstownruabontyres.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER (Budget New) Tyres (205/55VR16)

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FROM £4.50Comfortable waiting room with tea/coffee facitlities

FULL SET OF PROTECTED ALLOYS ONLY £100 + VAT supplied & fi tted

Fits wheels up to & including 21'' alloys

Have you noticed the amount of interesting classic cars in our area, ranging from a rare and immaculate Sunbeam of the ‘20s, a Lea-Francis, Triumphs Herald and Vitesse, Austin 1800 and even a Ford Capri.

Sports cars are well represented, with a ‘dental’ Austin-Healey 3000, an MG RV8 and a host of Mazda MX5s- still very popular even after 25 years of production, but in Bangor -on-Dee there is also a little jewel of a sports car, a 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint owned by Lotus enthusiast Charles Bebbington.

The Sprint engine has the higher compression ratio of 10.3 to 1 as compared to the 9.5 to 1 of the standard Elan, enabling the 1,558 c.c. Lotus-Ford twin-cam unit to produce 126 b.h.p. at 6,500 r.p.m., thus allowing the Elan, with its high power to weight ratio and renown handling qualities to give a brilliant sporting performance.

Indeed, the Mazda MX5 owes its very existence to Colin Chapman’s Lotus Elan, because when I spoke to its designer at the Motor Show on its

Terry Davies

Interesting ‘Classics’ in our area

introduction, he told me how much he admired Chapman as a designer, and how his brilliant little Elan had inspired him to produce a sports car of his own- but in doing so with the MX5, he also built into it something that Chapman didn’t achieve, namely reliability! Some Lotus owners have said rather unkindly that the word LOTUS stood for Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious- and sadly, they were often right! John, a very good friend of mine, had owned a Singer-Le Mans and a T.V.R over the years, but longed for a Lotus Elan. He bought a beautiful powder blue one from Camden Motors of Leighton Buzzard, but when he came to my house to show it to me a few days later, I could hear him coming because the horn

wouldn’t stop blowing, as the cable form in the engine compartment had dropped onto the exhaust manifold and melted all the wires together! John soon cured that little problem- and a few others- before he and his wife, Pat, went on a camping holiday to the Continent with it, but goodness only knows where they managed to stow their tent and equipment in an Elan? Still, they apparently enjoyed it, though Pat did say that they had learned how to ask for a push in three languages before they got home!

Tel: 01978 358781THE RIDGEWAY MARCHWIEL

WREXHAM LL13 0SB

OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAYFREE PARKING

THE SALON f o r h a i r & b e a u t y

NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

£5 off a cut and blow and free conditioning treatment

£5 off all colour servicesTuesdays to Friday, only

available to certain stylistsOn production of this voucher. Offers can’t

be used in conjunction with each other.

SPECIAL RATES FOR OVER 60S

Please ring for info

WELCOME BACK DANNI after maternity leave

1/2 price cut with any colouring service

on a Saturday with DanniOn production of this voucher.

14th & 15th June 2014FREE ENTRY TO THE PUBLIC

OPEN FROM 10AM TILL 4PM BOTH DAYS with food and drink from around the world

It is a great weekend for all the family and it includes Father’s Day so take your Dad out for a treat.

Main Sponsor

FANCY DRESS COMPETITION

1st price:A years supply of chocolate (365 bars) & a family ticket to Cadbury World!!!

Plus lots of runner up prizes.

To be judged at the Town Hall at 3pm on Sunday 15th June.

Fancy dress must be in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme.

find the golden ticket

www.ellesmerefoodfestival.co.uk

Indian • Thai • Afro-Caribbean • Spanish • Polishalso

Hog Roast • Ice-cream • Cakes • Chocolate • CrepesBeer • Cider • Wine • Tea • Coffee • Liqueurs

This years themeThis years theme

There is so much to taste and buy...Fudge, Confectionery, Preserves, Pork, Beef, Chicken,

Fruit and Veg, Cordials, Jams, Chutney, Flavoured Oils and more.

Have a look at the web site

www.ellesmerefoodfestival.co.ukfor the list of exhibitors.

14th & 15th June 2014FREE ENTRY TO THE PUBLIC

OPEN FROM 10AM TILL 4PM BOTH DAYS with food and drink from around the world

It is a great weekend for all the family and it includes Father’s Day so take your Dad out for a treat.

Main Sponsor

FANCY DRESS COMPETITION

1st price:A years supply of chocolate (365 bars) & a family ticket to Cadbury World!!!

Plus lots of runner up prizes.

To be judged at the Town Hall at 3pm on Sunday 15th June.

Fancy dress must be in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme.

find the golden ticket

www.ellesmerefoodfestival.co.uk

Indian • Thai • Afro-Caribbean • Spanish • Polishalso

Hog Roast • Ice-cream • Cakes • Chocolate • CrepesBeer • Cider • Wine • Tea • Coffee • Liqueurs

This years themeThis years theme

There is so much to taste and buy...Fudge, Confectionery, Preserves, Pork, Beef, Chicken,

Fruit and Veg, Cordials, Jams, Chutney, Flavoured Oils and more.

Have a look at the web site

www.ellesmerefoodfestival.co.ukfor the list of exhibitors.

The villages of Gresford, Marford and Rossett have rallied to save and run their local library and met in glorious weather to celebrate its opening “under new management”. The “Gresford and District Library Company” (GDCL) runs their own library service as a social enterprise and a growing band of around forty people have volunteered their help.

The “Grand Opening” was performed by local author Katie Flynn, also known as Judy Turner and Judith Saxton, who “cut the ribbon” on Saturday 17th May. Invited dignitaries and around eighty local residents of all ages met at the library premises in Vicarage Lane in Gresford to celebrate and give their support to the new enterprise.

The opening was also given good coverage by the local press, S4C and BBC Wales, radio and television. The good turnout is testament to

the passionate support of libraries, books and reading, but our library also has computer access and directors will explore all practical ways of “spreading the word.”

The library is to be open Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 1.0pm and Tuesday 2 to 5pm (Remember FaST). They are one of a dwindling number of libraries in the Wrexham area to have Saturday opening hours.

The company is keen to customise our library to the needs and wishes of the local area; to reach out to all ages and spread the joy of reading, and to keep members of the Essentiallyours community informed about what is going on in our villages. If you have any ideas or information, or would like to join our ranks of volunteers, email Gresfordlibrary@hotmail.com.

Company Directors, over a glass of celebratory bubbly, say a great big “thank you” to all those in the community who gave us their wonderful backing at the opening. We look forward to meeting you all in the near future and attending to your reading requirements.

Spread the word - Gresford Library is OPEN.

Community rallies round to run Gresford Library

Author Katie Flynn officially opened the library

the passionate support of libraries, books

BAR * BISTRO * CAFÉ

Traditional Afternoon Tea 3 – 5pm £19.95 for two people

On production of this advert. Bring this advertisement with you to receive a 25% discount on afternoon tea throughout June. One per household.

The Boathouse Restaurant, Mereside, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 0PA

01691 623 852 www.ellesmereboathouse.co.uk

Café 9.30 – 6pm, Restaurant 12 – 3pm for lunch, 3 – 5pm afternoon tea

Early evening dining & tapas style selection Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Jones Brothers Farm Shop - 80 years in the makingJones Brothers Farm Shop -

We are a family-run farm shop based in Wrexham, North Wales.

At Jones Brothers our aim is, and always has been, to offer locally-sourced, high quality food at reasonable prices.

In addition to a wide range of meats we also offer a selection of locally-sourced dairy products and fresh fruit and vegetables.

We have an impressive selection of award-winning sausages that we make ourselves, creating traditional flavours as well as experimenting with new blends.

Our qualified butchers are happy to advise you with any particular requirements, cooking times or serving ideas.

Our business was started in the 1930s by brothers Cyril, Davey and Bryn Jones.

In later years the business was handed down to Cyril’s sons Joe, Pete, Steven and Cyril and cousin Merfyn. Our company is still family-run.

In 2008, we set up a farm shop at our premises in Stansty. Over the years our business has gone from strength to strength and we have won awards, gained loyal customers and have expanded our workforce. We look forward to welcoming new customers to our farm shop and our staff are always happy to help.

To find us, look out for the giant butcher greeting you at the farm entrance.

Stansty Lodge, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 4YF

jonesfarmshop.com01978 359 001 info@jonesfarmshop.com

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Marriages in Bangor were often celebrated in style such as that of George Cambell of Althrey Cottage (now Althrey Lodge) to his second wife Charlotte in September 1858. The church bells were rung and guns were fired at intervals during the day and the village was en fete with their windows decorated with flags, banners and mottoes. Mrs Platt, the toll-bar keeper, had covered the toll bar with evergreens and with mottoes such as “Long life to the happy pair”. The poor were not forgotten and a collection was made and a fat sheep was roasted and distributed amongst several poor families.

Two years later the marriage in St Dunawd’s church of John Douglas of Chester, the architect responsible for the restoration of St Dunawd’s church, to Bessie Edwards of Poplar Cottage, Bangor Isycoed was marked by the erection of triumphal arches and banners, flags and mottoes and again the bells were rung throughout the day. The horses were taken out of the carriage and about 20 stalwart villagers drew the carriage in triumph for the return journey from the church to the bride’s home for the wedding breakfast. This same custom was afforded the rector’s son and his bride in 1881 on their first visit to Bangor after their marriage. As their carriage approached the bridge the horses were replaced by villagers and with Mr Bickerton of the Buck Hotel acting as charioteer they drew the carriage over the old bridge and up the rectory drive.

It was often the custom to make a collection amongst friends and well wishers of the couple for a wedding gift and to mark the occasion with sports or other festivities.

The marriage of Miss Mostyn Owen of Althrey Woodhouse to Mr H Walker of Chester in 1871 was celebrated with great rejoicing and feasting on the wedding day even though the ceremony took place in London. On the day of the wedding a sports event took place on the Groes field under the stewardship of Ambrose Sutton with Mr Evison acting as judge, George Marsh, starter and George Cambell, clerk of the course.

The events were: • Pony race for ponies under 14 hands,

over one mile, 1st prize £3• Foot race over 200 yards. Winner 7s,

second 2s 6d, nine ran, won by T Longworth.

• Pony race not to exceed 13 hands over one mile, 1st prize £2

• Boy’s race not to exceed 14 years. Winner 5s, second 2s. 15 ran. Won by Whittaker.

• Donkey race over half a mile. Winner 7s 6d, second 2s 6d.

• Beaten pony race. Winner £1, second 5s.• Coracle race from Turn O’ Dee to the

bridge. 1st prize 10s, 2nd prize 2s 6d.Winner Philip Cartwright, 2nd Richard Griffiths, 3rd Moses Young, 4th John Lewis.

At 6 o’clock everyone who had contributed to the wedding gift of a pearl workbox repaired to the Buck Hotel where they partook of a dinner, toasted the happy couple and generally made merry.

MOT’s • Repairs • Service • Tyres • Exhausts • Recovery • Bosch Trained Technicians Courtesy Cars Available • Specialists in the supply of low mileage vehicles up to three years old

www.trottingmaregarage.co.ukKnolton, Nr. Overton on Dee, Wrexham LL13 0LE

Tel: 01978 710 435Lines open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

“a business built on recommendation”

MULTI MAKE SERVICING AND REPAIRS AT

COMPETITIVE RATESFord • Nissan • Volkswagen • Skoda

Vauxhall • Renault • Peugeot • Citroen

New & Used Car SalesWe can fi nd the make and model

you require

Four Wheel Laser Alignment

FATHER’S DAY CARVERY LUNCHSunday June 15th • 12.00 - 3.00pm

Booking recommended

Special Father’s Day Promotion2 Adults & 2 Children eat for £24 (one course)

www.thewhitehorseoverton.co.uk • 01978 710111

www.shannonsales.co.uk Chirk, Nr Wrexham LL14 5NA 01691 773 257

Su tes Carpets ar dea V edroo g Fur ture

eds L R se Rec ers

Did you know that skin is the largest organ in your body covering about two square metres in total?

Your skin plays a vital role in your overall wellbeing too: it not only protects you, keeps you warm, helps you cool down and allows you to interact in the world, but it also shows how healthy you are on the inside. There is a link between diet, digestive health, hormonal changes and your skin’s health. So make sure you look good on the outside by feeling good on the inside too!

Homeopathy Awareness Week, from June 14-21, will this year focus on skin. Nothing is more miserable than constant itching and rashes that make you uncomfortable and affects how you look. Homeopathy can play a part in helping you achieve a healthier and more comfortable skin.

Homeopathy is a complementary therapy that can be used to help with skin ailments for you and your family. Skin problems are one of, if not the most common problem that patients seek homeopathic consultations for because homeopathy looks at skin disorders in a holistic way and does not just look at the skin symptoms in isolation from the rest of the body.

A professional homeopath will not just prescribe topical creams or homeopathic medicines (called remedies) towards the

skin condition alone but instead will spend a great deal of time exploring all aspects of the case to assess how your body is functioning as a whole, including the impact of physical, emotional and psychological stress on your skin. Prescriptions are tailored to each individual patient according to their specific symptoms. Take a step towards a new you and see a homeopath soon!

As part of homeopathy awareness week I will be offering a 50% discount to all new patients on all first appointments made during June 2014. For further details see www.keynotehealth.com or ring 07747 615 713.

Carol Lloyd BSc(Hons) Homeopathy, MSc, LFHom, RSHom, LCHE

Homeopathy awareness week – June 14-21

Feel good inside and out

I run a regular clinic in central Wrexham, please see website for further details or call Carol Lloyd on 01978 257031.

www.keynotehealth.com

When it comes to looking after yourself and your family it is important that you make the right choices.

Homeopathy is holistic and works by stimulating the body’s own healing abilities.Homeopathy is evidence based and has been around for more than 200 years.

Common problems that may respond to homeopathic treatment include:• Skin disorders• Joint problems• Digestive disorders• Stress and emotional

problems• Hormonal disorders• Respiratory complaints• Childhood illnesses

Carol Lloyd BSc (Hons) Homeopathy, MSc, LFHom, LCHE, RSHom.

Healing the Body & Mind WITH HOMEOPATHY

It seems like a long time since the Conservative Party said it would raise the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold, above which deceased estates are taxed at 40%. Since forming the coalition government they have yet to turn those words into action and have confirmed the threshold will remain unchanged until at least 2015, and subject to further legislation the freeze will be extended up to and including the 2017/2018 tax year.

The days are long gone when IHT could reasonably be regarded as a tax only for the very wealthy. Many of us still think that we are unlikely to be affected by it, but many of us would be wrong. The IHT threshold – officially known as the ‘nil rate band’ – currently stands at £325,000. Consider what your house is worth today. For many people, this alone is enough to exceed the threshold.

Married couples and civil partners can pass assets to each other without paying IHT, while they are alive or on their death. A fairly recent change of rules also allows them to transfer any unused portion of their nil rate band when they die. So it’s now possible for the surviving spouse or partner to leave assets of up to £650,000 before IHT becomes payable. (It’s important to remember that the full nil rate band of £650,000 is not available to unmarried couples.)

It’s estimated that UK taxpayers waste £448m a year in IHT payments which could have legally been avoided by simple tax-planning measures when drawing up a Will. (www.unbiased.co.uk).

There are some well-proven methods to reduce IHT, which can help reduce the size of your estate and therefore the size of any IHT bill.

Every tax year, for example, you can make gifts totalling £3,000. On top of that, each year you can make small gifts of up to £250 to any person and to as many people as you like, provided you have not made any other exempt gifts to that person. Investing that sum annually into a Junior ISA or Pension for a grandchild or godchild could accumulate into a much-appreciated sum by the time they turned 18. Potentially the most generous exemption for IHT purposes, however, is the one that allows you to make regular gifts as part of normal expenditure from your income. These payments must be part of a regular pattern and may not come out of your capital. You must also keep enough income to maintain your standard of living, so you are unable to make gifts out of your salary or pension if you then have to raid your capital to pay the bills.

Remember that IHT is a complex area and, without professional help, it can be very easy to get things wrong.

Do you need to protect your wealth from the ever-present threat of Inheritance Tax?

Advertising Feature

Contributed by Warren Hadlow & Medwyn Edwards,Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited.

Telephone: 01978 311611 – e-mail hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.ukHadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited represents only St. James’s Place Wealth

Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details

of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products

“Wisteria woke me this morning, And there was all June in the garden”Ann McGough

Gardening Tips

This month is the longest day of the year and the extra light and warmth gives the plants in our garden an extra boost of growth. So whether it’s pruning, tidying or sowing, there’s always something to do.

Shrubs & Hedges• Dis-bud roses if larger blooms are wanted.• Continue trimming hedges.• Prune early-flowering clematis.• Deadhead and prune shrubs that have

finished flowering.• Dis-bud grey-leaved shrubs.

Flowers• Continue sowing biennials.• Sow perennials and calceolarias, cinerarias

and fairy primroses.• Lift and divide bearded irises and primulas

after flowering.• Continue training sweet peas.• Move chrysanthemums outside.• Stake tall-growing flowers.• Propagate pinks from cuttings.• Cut back or dead head spent flowers.

Veg & Fruit• Continue sowing salad crops.• Make a final sowing of peas and

French beans.• Thin carrots.• Plant out tomatoes and pumpkins.• Transplant brassicas and leeks.• Plant winter celery in trenches.• Expose shallots to ripen.• Remove side shoots of tomatoes

as necessary.• Finish earthing up potatoes.• Harvest new potatoes, autumn

sown peas.• Stop picking asparagus.• Start harvesting herbs.• Layer strawberries and remove

unwanted runners.• Thin fruits of apples, plums and pears.• Continue tying in the young shoots of

cane fruit.• Continue training and tying in grape.• Begin harvesting gooseberries and

strawberries.• Summer-prune gooseberries and

red currants at the end of the month.

When you purchase a W8 Sony 2014 TV. Terms and conditions apply.Call in-store for more details.

www.barlows-electrical.co.uk facebook.com/barlowselectrical

Barlows Electrical, High Street, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8NN,01948 860480, malpas@barlows-electrical.co.uk

When you purchase a W8 Sony 2014 TV. Terms and conditions apply.Call in-store for more details.

www.barlows-electrical.co.uk facebook.com/barlowselectrical

Barlows Electrical, High Street, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8NN,01948 860480, malpas@barlows-electrical.co.uk

The service was recognised for its innovative marketing of a Murder Mystery evening when it received third place in the Public Libraries category. Eight library services from all sectors and two archive services have scooped national prizes in the Welsh Libraries and Archives Marketing Innovation Awards 2014.

The awards were open to all library and archive services in Wales to recognise and reward innovative marketing activities which take place throughout the year and the aim of the awards is to celebrate and promote this valuable work.

The awards were judged by Dr Jonathan Deacon, Reader in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at University of South Wales and Trustee (former Chair) of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Cymru –

Dr Deacon said: “Although these awards are to recognise marketing within the library and archive services across Wales I have to say that there are many aspects and illustrations of excellence in marketing that could equally be applied to any business or organisation within Wales. The majority of entrants displayed a clear focus as to what their objectives were and set about developing a marketing strategy to achieve their goals - what makes this applicable to many more business situations is that the strategies were low in budget but high in innovation and creativity - just proving that sophisticated and successful marketing does not depend on large budgets.”

Thirty six entries were received in total (fourteen more than last year) –from public, higher education libraries, further education and health libraries plus archives services.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships and Collaboration commented: “I am very pleased that our Libraries have won an innovation award for the marketing of a Murder Mystery evening last year. The staff involved in the project really enjoyed themselves and I think this was a crucial factor in scooping the award. I am delighted that we have gained national recognition for the work that our libraries do locally.”

This year two new categories were introduced for Library Marketer of the Year and Joint Marketing Project of the Year. The marketer of the year category was looking for someone who goes the extra mile to promote their library, bring in new audiences and the joint project category identifying excellent collaborative working, sharing audiences and giving great results.

The Marketing Innovation Awards form one part of the Welsh Government’s national marketing and audience development programme for libraries and archives in Wales.

Wrexham Library Service has scooped a prestigious award at the Welsh Libraries and Archives Marketing Innovation Awards 2014

NEWS

Overton-on-Dee Brownies continued our Centenary celebrations, with an amazing trip to Belfast. We stayed at Lorne, which is a Guiding centre on the outskirts of Belfast. Good fun was had by all, with lots of new challenges faced, from trying new foods, to abseiling.

We learnt some new songs, and some new phrases from our instructors, who couldn’t have been more friendly & welcoming. In fact, everyone we met was fabulous & made us feel very much at home.

We had a day of activities on site, where with the help of some very enthusiastic instructors, we all had a go at archery, abseiling, zip wire, a treasure hunt & a campfire.

Tallarn Green Methodist Church Summer Celebration Service

Sun. 29th June, at 10.45a.m. Led by Rev.M Lorrimar, followed by a Lunch in the Village Hall, book with

Edna Parry 01948 770287.

CaLLINg aLL goLFErs18 hole Texas Scramble

at Hill Valley, Whitchurch on Mon. 30th June

Team of 4 £80, incl. prizes, coffee and bacon sandwich. Book with David Paton 01948 770687.

Part-time Caretaker at Overton Village HallOverton Village Hall is a versatile multi-use venue for up to 200 guests.

It regularly hosts children’s and adults parties and celebrations. There are sporting events, amateur dramatics, WI, coffee mornings and the annual

village produce show along with indoor bowls, charity fundraisers and Hooker Blues Events.

The caretaker role is approx 30 hours per month flexible to cover each week’s bookings. It requires cleaning, setting up, opening up and closing and preparing the venue for

events.Because of the unusual times of bookings the role would best suit a local person. A Job Description can be requested on line or by leaving details on

01978 710413info@overtonvillagehall.co.uk www.overtonvillagehall.co.uk

JobOffer

BANGOR-ON-DEE ART GROUPPainting: Watercolour/Acrylic/Pastel/

Oils. A group of leisure painters pursuing their hobby of painting in various mediums with regular demonstrations and workshops.

Bangor-on-Dee Village Hall, Overton Road, Bangor-on-Dee

Every Wednesday: 9.45am – 12.15pmAge Range: Adults

Contact: Trisha Lay, 01978 780438. Email: trisha.lay@btopenworld.com

Quiz The Buck House HotelFriday 6th June, 7pm

Help Maelor School Penley to purchase some benches for the

children to sit in the shade.

Dog sHoWsaturday 5th July

12.30onwardsat the

the maelor school Penley all proceed go to

Cancer research uK

marchwiel Village Hallare pleased to have

Men in Generalperforming a comedy

and music show

on saturday 7th June at 8pm

Tickets available from Marchwiel Village Storesat £7.00 & £5.00 concessions

Worthenbury W.I. Come and learn how to make jam,

chutney and cordials at Worthenbury Village Hall

on Tues. 10th June at 7.15p.m.Visitors welcome £4. We have many

activities on our programme, come along and join us.

ECCLEstoN VILLagE summEr FayrEsaturday 21st June

12pm - 4pmTraditional Stalls - Children’s Games

Bar and BBQ - Fun Dog ShowTug of War - Bake Off

For further details - 01244 683414 Eccleston Villagers

ECCLEstoN VILLagE oPEN garDENs

Sunday 8th June, 1pm until 5pmRefreshments - Plant and Produce Stalls

For further details - 01244 683414 Eccleston Villagers

PENLEy raINBoW CENtrE

KARATE Every Tuesday, 7pm – 8.30pm

Age 5 to Adult. £2.50 per session01948 830 730

STRICTLY DANCINGLearn all the TV’s Strictly Dances & more

Improvers 7.15pm till 8.15 or 9.15pmBeginners 8.15pm till 9.15pmAged 16 plus - £5 per person

For more information please talk to a member of staff at the Rainbow Centre

FREE SWIMMING FOR THE OVER 50sSchool Term Time Only

Spring/Summer Term 2014 Every Wednesday, 11.30am-12.30pm

Maelor School PenleyTo book your place call 01948 830730

LUNCH & LEARN 1st Thursday of the Month

Booking essential. Please register by contacting us on 01948 830730

Penley Rainbow Centre, Whitchurch Road, Penley LL13 0GB

Capricorn Animal Rescue

Companion Dog ShowSunday 13th July

at the Rec, Ruthin Road, MoldOpen 10am, Judging 12 noonAll Welcome, Entries taken

on the day

Little Scholars Day NurseryThe Centre for the Child,

Glyndwr University, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW

Little Scholars Day NurseryThe Centre for the Child,

Glyndwr University, Mold Road,

For further details and availability call CATRIN or BECCA

01978 314912littlescholars@activechildcare.co.uk

Children at Little Scholars Nursery have great fun

whilst learning through play