Pick me up I’m free!
The A41 December 2014
Seasons Greetings
Hello and Welcome. It’s chilly and cold, must be December! As usual lots of features this month from the stars who are my contributors also two or three pages of what’s on again (pages 58-61), so lets love our locals and support these great events. I’d like to use this space to say many, many thanks to all my readers, advertisers, contributors and also my distributors who have supported me over the last year. Special thanks to David Cummings who has written his final Wildlife Watch due to being very busy with other projects (see page 46 - Christleton Villages History; Great War Voices; “War Stories- Remembering our forgotten Heroes”). It’s good to know that the magazine is well read and used, I got an email from an advertiser the other day who said; “Thank you for your excellent service. My advert in your publication has generated more business for me than any other advert or promotion I have placed!” Thanks again for your support, Have a great month, enjoy the Christmas holidays and see you in the New Year,
Seasons Greetings, Julie The A41 is delivered free each month to homes and businesses in Littleton,Waverton, Rowton, Christleton, Aldford, Saighton along the A41 and distributed in Huxley and Tattenhall. Local voluntary groups and organisations may submit notices and articles, free of charge. The A41 Magazine Julie Coxall, West View, Whitchurch Road, Christleton, CH3 6AF Telephone 07709 697082 email westviewpublications@gmail.com Disclaimer. The opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this issue of The A41 are not necessarily the views of the Editor. All details are correct to the best of my knowledge. Every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in this magazine, however I cannot accept any liability for any error, inaccuracy or omission that may have occurred.
T
Midwinter Cheer Gardening with Janet Heath
he end of year is the best time to appreciate the evergreen plants, mainly shrubs and trees. Holly or Ilex is the classic Christmas shrub with dark glossy green leaves and red berries. Frost on the leaves gives them a magical Christmas touch. Hollies prefer a moist, well drained soil so heavy waterlogged clay is not recommended. There are many other evergreen shrubs with cream, yellow and green foliage which always cheer up a garden in winter. Ground cover Euonymus Emerald n Gold and the variety Emerald Gaiety will cover the soil under larger shrubs. Another green and yellow shrub is Elaeagnus x ebbingei Limelight that will grow in sun or shade and brighten up darker areas in winter. Conifers come into their own in winter and I love the smaller trees with silvery blue foliage. The blue spruce Picea pungens Hoopsii has silvery, ice blue needles and would be suitable for moist but well drained acidic soil. Another conifer with similar coloured foliage is Abies concolor Compacta which is a smaller slow growing tree with silver grey needles. These two smaller trees would look great with Rhododendrons and underplanted with Euonymus to give year round colour. My favourite sight in winter is to see Dogwoods or Cornus with red or yellow coloured bark planted against silver birch with the winter sun giving a glowing colour. Cornus alba Elegantissima is one of the best with rich red stems in winter and green with cream edged leaves in spring and summer. It is a vigorous grower and will thrive on well drained or heavier soils in sun. Cut the stems down to 30 cms every two or three years to promote new growth and bright red bark. Jobs to do in December are limited. Keep off lawns when frosted as you may cause damage to the grass by treading on it leaving a trail of footprint sized dead grass! Prune shrubs to shape. If you have ordered bare rooted, trees, shrubs or roses plant them out when the weather is dry and the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. If they arrive when conditions are not right for planting, plant them up in pots or heel them in where the soil is well drained. Janet Heath, Garden Mentor 01244 318258/07984 627270/janet@gardenmentor.co.uk
ZEPHYR GARDEN MAINTENANCE
Reliable and Experienced Professional Gardener NPTC (chainsaw) and NVQ Sports Turf Qualified Winter Cut-backs Lawns treated/scarified Hedges & shrubs trimmed and cut back Trees pruned – Leaves Cleared Waste removed Call Phil Patton on 07832 228213 Or e-mail phil.patton@btinternet.com For a free, no-obligation review & quote www.zephyrgardenmaintenance.co.uk
Tree Barber Tree Pruning Difficult Hedges Trimmed Fencing Supplied and erected Logs for Sale
Log splitting service Bespoke Log Stores Supplied Weekly Log Delivery Service 07971066115 01829752278 davethesprout@btopenworld.com
Christmas Spa Day Experience Celebrate your Christmas within The Spa at Rowton Hall, with our luxury spa day, which will leave you feeling serenely pampered and relaxed ready for the festive season ahead You may choose one treatment from each section below Frankincense Body Scrub Full Body Brush ---------------------------------Babor Express Facial Sensational Eye Treatment Lavender Mint Hot Stones Back Massage ----------------------------------Energising Body Wrap Energising Foot Treatment Lavender and Frankincense Hand Treatment ---------------------------------Mini Head Massage Hand Massage Foot Massage Included in this spa day is a relaxing spa lunch and full use of our Health Club Facilities Also enjoy a complementary glass of wine and mince pie.
Perfect Christmas Present for a loved one or friend Gift Vouchers also Available Please Call our Spa Reception on 01244 333458 for more information
Only ÂŁ89.00 Valid from 01/11/2014 until 28/02/2015 excludes 25th and 26th December 2014
terms and conditions apply subject to availability
More special spa offers on our website www.rowtonhallhotel.co.uk
Rowton Hall Country House Hotel Health Club and Spa, Whitchurch Road, Rowton, Chester CH3 6AD t- 01244335262 e- thespa@rowtonhallhotelandspa.co.uk www.rowtonhallhotel.co.uk
#KingsChester
King’s
Junior School Assessment Days Saturday 17th January 2015 – Year 3 Monday 19th January 2015 – Years 4, 5 and 6
Senior Entrance Exams Monday 19th January 2015 – Year 7
Colour their lives forever A King’s education is so much more than academic achievement. Our nurturing approach and enriching curriculum combine to inspire young minds, ensuring girls and boys gain skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime. To register your child please call the number below.
Call: 01244 689 553 Email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk www.kingschester.co.uk
Looking for a Christmas gift idea with a difference? Can be used for: golf merchandise
Gift Voucher
membership food and beverages visitor green fees lessons or driving range.
Vicars Cross Golf Club
Tarvin Road, Great Barrow, Chester CH3 7HN Contact 01244 335174 www.vicarscrossgolf.co.uk
Land Planning Limited Small planning and development company are looking for an experienced Project Manager / Quantity Surveyor that can help on a part time basis, with a small development in the Malpas area. We are also looking for a financial planner with accountancy experience to help on the same project on a similar basis.
Please contact Patrick Lomax at Land Planning Ltd. Tel. 01948 861484 / 07973 822273
Jennie’s Catering of Christleton (est. 1985)
Canapés, Finger Buffets, Buffets, Casseroles Specially prepared freezer food – Soups, and Puddings.
Contact: - Jenny Adam 01244 330090
Additional opening hours for Christmas: Tattenhall Christmas Market 12th Dec -
DECORATIONS
Open until 8pm & serving mulled wine
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Open 10 - 5pm Mon 15th to Sat 19th Dec
FLOWERS
10 - 5pm Mon 22nd & Tues 23rd Dec and 10 - 12 on Christmas Eve
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Century House, Old Mill Place, High Street, Tattenhall. CH3 9PX 01829 772617 www.nettlehomeandgarden.co.uk facebook
Swayne Johnson Solicitors opened their new
office on the High Street in Tattenhall in June earlier this year. Solicitor and Director, Lynette Viney-Passig reflects on the first six months and explains the firm’s commitment to providing professional services on our doorstep. About Us Swayne Johnson Solicitors’ is a long–established law firm, proud of its history but committed to growth and development. The firm’s roots can be traced back as far as the 1850s and currently the firm has over fifty staff who all work within specialist teams. We have offices across North Wales and now Tattenhall. Why Tattenhall? I’ve been reliably informed that Swayne Johnson Solicitors is now the 78th business within a three mile radius of Tattenhall. Although that initially came as a surprise, I can’t think of many better places to work. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside and there is so much going on! The work of the local communities is plain to see. Local groups, clubs and societies work tirelessly to promote their towns and villages and provide vital support to individuals and businesses. I’m keen for Swayne Johnson Solicitors to get involved too. We pride ourselves on our commitment to serving the local communities within which we live and work. What can we do for you? You want a professional service that’s convenient. As with all our other offices, our High Street location in Tattenhall gives you what you want, when you want it. Like you, we believe face-to-face communication is important. You want to be able to easily meet with your solicitor. Forget travelling long distances, busy traffic and finding suitable parking, we’re on your doorstep so just call us. We’re here to listen and help. Swayne Johnson offers a full range of services through a team of qualified people, each with expertise in their area. Contact Lynette or a member of her team on 01829 700 333.
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Ever thought about fostering as an alternative career?
Make a real difference: by using your parenting skills and experience by offering a young person a home We offer amazing rewards and benefits to our professional foster carers; • We provide first class Training and 24 hour social work support • Earning potential of between 26k - 52k (depending whether you are approved to foster either 1 or 2 children) • 14 days paid respite / holiday per year • Healthcare plan To find out more about becoming a professional foster carer, either call Alison Gregory on 01978 313777 or
e.mail: alison.gregory @ prospectscare.co.uk
A perspective from Prospects foster carers – Cathy and Calvin If you had told us 8 years ago that we would become foster carers we would have said ‘no way’ as it wasn’t something we had ever considered. . We worked hard and had always had a busy life style with 3 teenage children and we longed for a bit of peace. If only had we known then what path our lives were going to take. A Family member became a carer and was a frequent visitor with their children to our house. All our preconceived ideas about fostering went out the window and we realised that it was something we could do. We made the initial enquiry and set the ball rolling, with our children fully supporting us. The assessment was extremely thorough as our childhood background and our parenting skills were discussed, but it wasn’t anywhere near as daunting as we were expecting because we were supported all the time by our assessor. No two children are the same as their difficult life experiences have a massive impact on their behaviour. We never take it personally because we feel that often an outburst is just an outward demonstration of an inward pain. With lots of commitment, love, and consistent boundaries we have seen children really come into their own. Our hope is that we give all our children the best opportunities to reach their full potential. We are delighted to be part of Prospects Fostering agency in Wrexham. The support and training has been second to none and we even have access to clinical psychologists who really help us to support our children. All the carers are fabulous and really support each other and we have made some life long friends who really understand some of the challenges that we live with. We would encourage anyone who would love to make a difference in a child’s life to make an initial enquiry for an informal chat. We can honestly say that it has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. Is it hard? .... most certainly. Will there be tears? .....yes sometimes. Do you need to be resilient? ........definately. Does a sense of humour help? ....without doubt! Is it worth it? ....absolutely 100%!!
12
Saturday 10th January 2015
Doors open September 2015
King’s Infant School Entrance Assessments Join us in January for entrance assessments to Willow Lodge, King’s new Infant School, for girls and boys aged 4-7. Sessions will comprise nothing more than simple play and games for your child to enjoy. In colourful, caring and safe surroundings, Willow Lodge will deliver to infants the quality of a King’s education.
Call: 01244 689 553 Email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk www.kingschester.co.uk
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Deborah Wilkinson & Co SPECIALIST LAWYERS AND COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS
Can we help you with making a Will and other related services? Protect your family and assets
Lawyers and Commissioner for Oaths
• Appointment at local office or home visits available
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Our online service has been very popular with busy/ housebound people who prefer to deal with matters in their own time and in the comfort of their own home. The service includes telephone discussions, if required with a lawyer. Appointments also available in our unique offices set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside at Harthill near Tattenhall
Deborah is a Full professional member of Solicitors for the Elderly Members of Certainty - the National Wills Register 5 The Green, Harthill Lane, Harthill, Nr Tattenhall, CH3 9LH 01829 782604 Call for further information or to make an appointment, please email using our website at:www.legacydirect.co.uk
Hoarder’s Den Where can you find those items you have been looking for? That little piece of bric-a-brac, the collectable you have wanted for so long and that special individual Christmas gift? Visit Hoarder’s Den to find that special piece you want.
Vintage Brocante • Collectables • Furniture • Jewellery Open 10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday. Late night opening for Christmas December 12
Come and visit us, we will be delighted to see you. Janice, 07724 495963 and Jackie, 07810 402221 Hoarders Den, High Street, Tattenhall 15
THE NEW MINI 5-DOOR HATCH. open to everyone with our finance options. AVAILABLE FROM
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Model Term of agreement 48 monthly payments of On the road cash price* Customer deposit Dealer Contribution Total Deposit Credit Fee Amount of credit Option to Purchase Final Payment Total Payable Rate of Interest Representative APR Excess Mileage (Pence per mile) Contract Mileage
MINI ONE 5-DOOR HATCH 49 months £225.00 £14,712.64 £225.00 £412.63 £637.63 £0.00 £14,075.01 £1.00 £6,056.63 £17,495.26 6.9% 6.9% 4.32 32,000
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For further information or to book a test drive call us on 0845 230 8278.
Halliwell Jones Chester Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 6EZ. 0845 230 8278 halliwelljoneschestermini.co.uk
Finance example is for a MINI Select agreement for a new MINI ONE 5-Door Hatch with MINI TLC, with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 4.32p per mile. Applies to vehicles ordered between 1 October 2014 and 31st December 2014 and registered by 28th February, (subject to availability). Retail customers only. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year MINI Dealer Warranty, MINI Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. ^Optional final payment and option to purchase fee not payable if you opt to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement (vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable). **Credit arrangement fee payable with first monthly payment and credit completion fee payable at the end of the agreement. Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. ‘MINI Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by MINI Financial Services, a trading name of BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. We commonly introduce customers to MINI Financial Services, for which we may receive payment if you enter into an agreement with them. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. MINIstry of Finance is not connected to or endorsed by any government department.
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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT Driving with David Parry-Jones
It might be called the Land Rover Discovery Sport but is really the replacement for the much-loved Freelander - and starts at £32,395. MODEL: Land Rover Discovery Sport ENGINE: 2,179cc 4-cyl diesel PRICE: £32,395 up to £42,995 POWER: 190bhp @ 3,500rpm
TORQUE: 420Nm@1,750rpm EMISSIONS: 162g/km 0-62: In 10.4 seconds FUEL: 46.3 mpg average
WELL FOLKS you heard it here first a full year ago, that the present Land Rover Freelander2 was being wound down and replaced by a small luxury model. Well, here it is! OLD FREELY LOOKALIKE ~ It loses its distinctive name, to bring it back into the Land Rover fold, and the new car sports Discovery on its front and back, not Land Rover or Freelander. But if you look at the two side by side it looks more Freelander than old Discovery. PRICEY TOP END ~ It now starts at £32,395 for the SE SD4 190PS 4WD I review here and rises to £42,995 which is an awful lot for a small 4x4. But I have to concede it is a good looking motor and if it’s half as good as the still new and sensational Range Rover Sport, it will be worth every penny. IT ‘IS’ THE REPLACEMENT ~ It’s just a tad unfortunate it was launched in the summer with a competition to send four winners into space with Virgin Galactic. But forgetting that it was brave of Land Rover to state clearly this IS the Freelander2 replacement. NEW LOOK DISCOVERY ~ Land Rover is marketing it as the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV with its bold and progressive design the company says defines all-new Discovery family. Power output has been raised, CO2 reduced and you now have the option of three rows of seating. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ~ “Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility as the two attributes must work in harmony,” Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, strtessed at the launch. “I’m proud to say we’ve achieved that. This vehicle is more versatile than any other premium compact SUV on the market.” AND QUALITY INTERIOR ~ This spirit is reflected in Discovery Sport’s interior, which features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere. READY FOR 2020 ~ Storage solutions are integrated into the cabin and up to four 12V power points and six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows of seating, allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously. EIGHT-INCH SCREEN ~ And at the heart of the new model is an equally new advanced equipment, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and standard tilt-and-slide row-two seating for maximum interior configurability. MORE DIESEL POWER ~ From launch, the new Discovery Sport was equipped with the powerful and refined 2.2 litre SD4 turbodiesel engine producing 190bhp, featuring stopstart technology, high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging. Both 9-speed automatics and 6-speed manual transmissions are available. CLEANER ONE COMING ~ And, interestingly in these green times, later next year, a highly efficient two wheel drive eD4 turbodiesel engine will join the range with CO2 emissions as low as 119g/km. ANY BAD POINTS? ~ Just the top of the range price at £42,995 for the HSE Luxury SD4 190PS Auto 4WD. But, if you head for the £32,395 SE SD4 190PS 4WD, it looks the same, corners the same and you save £10,000. 18
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TRADING FOR
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Happy Christmas
from our family to yours! WE’RE all getting a little bit excited about Christmas at Somerville’s. We have had an exciting and successful first year and want to wish our customers, friends and family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As we are a family run business we thought we would share with you a Somerville family tradition – Grandma’s White Christmas cake recipe!
Topped with homemade marzipan and royal icing, this twist on the traditional Christmas cake is made with no treacle and is lighter in texture and taste. You can vary the recipe by changing the amount and type of fruit and nuts you add. Unlike traditional Christmas cakes it doesn’t keep so long so should be made two to three days before serving. We hope you enjoy it
Ingredients
For the almond paste:
For the cake:
50g/2oz glace cherries 50g/2oz glace pineapple 150g/6oz butter 150g/6oz caster sugar 2 large eggs 150g/6oz plain flour ½ level tsp baking powder 75g/3oz ground almonds 50g/2oz shelled Brazil nuts
For the almond paste: 75g/3oz icing sugar 75g/3oz caster sugar 50g/2oz ground almonds 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the icing:
1lb 2oz/500g icing sugar 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon glycerine
Method:
• Wash the syrupy coating from cherries and pineapple in warm water and then pat dry. • Cut cherries in half, coarsely chop pineapple, halve the nuts and mix together. • Cream butter and sugar until light. Beat in the eggs. • Fold in the flour, ground almonds and baking powder then add the fruit and nuts. • Spoon into a greased and lined 18cm/7inch round deep cake tin, slightly hollow out centre. • Bake at 160ºC/gas mark 3 for 1½ hours. Leave to cool.
• Sieve the sugars into a bowl. Add ground almonds and mix well. • Add the egg and lemon juice and mix together well. • Brush the cake with lemon curd or egg white and spread the paste evenly over the cake.
For the royal icing:
• Crack eggs whites into a bowl and stir in icing sugar until a thick paste is formed. • Whisk with a hand blender to form stiff peaks before stirring in glycerine and lemon juice and spread over your cake with a palette knife (ensuring top is level). • Create a snow scene effect by teasing icing into small peaks with a standard knife.
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20% off with this advert Acupuncture And The Treatment Of Back Pain Back pain can affect anyone at any age and moat People will suffer from it at some point in their lives. It is the UKâ&#x20AC;?s leading causes of disability and one of the main reasons for work-related sickness absence. How Can Acupuncture Help? Research has shown that Acupuncture is significantly better than no treatment at all and at least as good as (if not better than) standard medical care for back pain Acupuncture helps by: - Providing pain relief - By stimulating the nerves located in muscles and other tissues - Reducing inflammation - By promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors - Improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility - Improving the outcome when added to conventional treatment, such as rehabilitation exercise. The National Institute For Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on best practice now recommend that GPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S offer a course of 10 sessions of Acupuncture as a first line of treatment for persistent, non- specific low back pain Lynn Owen Lic.Ac - 0787 037 3545 www.lynnowenacupuncture.com 24
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SPACIOUS SEASIDE HOME FOR RENT IN RHOSNEIGR, ANGLESEY
Callus
£28.00
l Minutes walk to fantastic beaches plus shops and restaurants on the high street. l Large, enclosed, child friendy garden. l Perfect for families. l Sleeps up to 8. l 90 mins from Chester.
313079 01244 313179 01244 01244 313179
79 Green Lane, Vicars Cross (opposite shops)
79 Green Lane, Vicars Cross (opposite shops)
For availability and prices please call Kate on 07879 485 667 or email properties@raynershine.co.uk 25
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Design, supply and fit: ●Kitchens and fitted wardrobes ●Wooden windows and doors ●Staircases Other joinery work undertaken Contact Rob Parkinson on 01244 332346 or 07855 448473 or email: parkinsonjoinery@btinternet.com
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Friendly Waverton based family business with many years of cleaning experience Expert stain removal and cleaning on carpets and upholstery Staingard treatment on new carpets Rugs and cushions covers collected, cleaned & returned, drop off service available Leather cleaned and minor repairs carried out Specialist leather care products with every clean or repair job Weekend and evening appointments available Friendly male and female technicians Great rates - ring for a quote Not happy - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay
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THE MOOS OF THE WORLD, News from Grange Farm Since the last newsletter we have been surprised and honoured to be given the Golden Paw Award in conjunction with Cheshire Wildlife Trust. The award is from Glos Against Badger Shooting and is for badger friendly farming and opposition to the badger cull which has taken place in Gloucestershire and Somerset. LOCAL PRODUCE FAIR - All are welcome at our local produce fair which takes place every Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00. As well as our own Red Poll beef, there are free range organic eggs, jams and preserves from Find Inspiration In Food, honey produced on the farm, Jane’s Cakestand (specialising in gluten free cakes and fantastic fudge), Jane’s Handmade Bread, Chorlton Cheese, and produce from Trafford Mill Kitchen Garden. We are happy to take orders and deliver free of charge locally. You can also order online through the Food Assembly at www.thefoodassembly.com to collect your purchases from Telfords Warehouse in Chester on a Monday evening. RED POLL CATTLE - The herd is significantly smaller than two months ago, with 25 heifers (young females) having been sold to a breeder in Norfolk. All had to be tested for Bovine Tuberculosis (BTb) and it was a relief that they were found to be free of the disease. The entire herd is due to be tested in late November, and the results of this test will dictate how the development and management of the animals progresses over the winter. All the cattle are still out in the fields enjoying the unseasonably warm and comparatively dry weather, but they will have to be brought in to their winter quarters as November moves into December, when they will eat silage made from grass in the summer, and be bedded on straw which they also eat. The three heifers on loan to Lancashire Wildlife Trust have been brought home and look fit and healthy. Pint Pot, our ox, is making extra work. He has worked out that he can push his nose under a sheep wire fence far enough to be able to lift out the entire fence (with posts attached) using his head. Me and My Shadow CHESHIRE CIDER PROJECT - Brian and Liz Hardman have invested in an electrically powered apple scratter and are now in need of more of your windfall apples to turn into cider. The new scratter chomps through the apples at a rate of knots and pulps them more finely, enabling more juice to be squeezed from the pulp. This is to the disappointment of the Red Poll cattle who enjoy the remains of the crushed apples. You can drop off surplus windfall apples at the farm any time; please make sure you leave your name and contact details with the apples to ensure that you receive some cider once it is ready. BOUNDARY RESTORATION - Richard Johnson and Andrew Woodcock are erecting new fences along watercourses on the land near to Picton lane. You can see them from the permissive footpaths, and this project is partly funded through Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Gowy Connect. A section of hedge about 100 m long is to be restored at the end of the green lane between the Brown Gate Field and the Rushes Field. This will involve a mixture of coppicing, laying and new planting, and the stakes for laying will be cut from the new alder wood next to Plemstall Church. This work is being led by Steve Yandell and Ceris Timms, and they are offering training in hedge management as part of the project. If you would like to find out more please contact me. On completion the adjoining ditch is to be reinstated. WILLOW SPILING - The willow spiling downstream of the gauging station on the River Gowy is due to be coppiced this month by volunteers from Cheshire Wildlife Trust, and the willow is being used by Sarah Gallagher at Twig Twisters to make willow sculptures. The coppicing does look brutal, but the willow grows back at a phenomenal rate, and is cut at an angle of 45° so that rainwater runs off the stem rather than into it causing rot to set in. Huw Rowlands Pint Pot suspects an apple may be near. 30
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Christmas is a time to extend the message of love, sincerity and care. It is a time when friends and family come together and enjoy being with one another. Here at Tarporley Hospital we create a sense of family like togetherness through the relationships we build with our patients and their relatives. For those who are able, the nurses will work tirelessly to ensure they are able to return home and enjoy their family Christmas. For those patients who are with us this Christmas, we provide a peaceful setting with staff who sincerely care and every step will be taken to make their stay in Hospital as comfortable as possible. None of this would be possible without the support of you our local community and you can rest assured your contributions continue to make a dramatic and long lasting difference to all of the people who use the hospital. On behalf of all the team here, May the peace and blessings of Christmas be yours and may the coming year be filled with happiness.
HELP wanted delivering A41s in Waverton/Rowton. Moor Lane and estates in Rowton and the majority of Waverton. Good rate of pay. Please email Julie
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KITCHENS FITTED & SUPPLIED / KITCHEN FACELIFTS KITCHEN WORKTOPS REPLACED / JOINTED HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES INSTALLED
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Caldy Valley Renovations Ltd Local builders and roofing specialists All types of building work undertaken from new extensions and internal alterations to property maintenance and repairs All aspects of roofing including flat roofs Work carried out to the very highest of standards. Based on Eggbridge Lane, Waverton, we are a local building firm who pride ourselves in a personalised service, all of our customers have been extremely satisfied with the work and references can be obtained.
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Polly - The Blogging Boxer ........ Sam’s Revenge
W
ell, it’s that time of year again according to the TV. We’re off to Daughter-in-Laws again for Christmas dinner and as I’ve said before she’s a good cook. Sam and I have asked for extra ‘Pigs in Blankets’ this year, I’m dribbling already at the thought of them! I said last month that I’d show you Sam’s answer to being nominated to do the Ice Bucket Challenge by Edward the Pug. ‘Spose you might call it, ’The Biter Bit!’
Well, a Happy Christmas and New Year to you all, Love Polly and Sam xxx PS The drawing is by Senior Granddaughter, Francesca
Happy Christmas fromFarndon Dog Training Services Well trained, socialized dogs are a joy to own. Enhance your bonding and control by attending “Basic” dog training classes being held in the Farndon area, Mid-week, Saturday & Sunday mornings. Puppy clubs are held over the weekend (Dogs under 6 months) Call Francis on 01829 270374 for further info. www.thecheshiredogtrainer.co.uk 38
MRG PLUMBING SERVICES Friendly reliable service at realistic prices All aspects of plumbing and tiling undertaken Specialising in wetrooms, bathroom design and installation All work guaranteed Local plumbing for local people
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Increase the safety of welcome visitors at the front of your property after dark by simply installing these verge protection marker posts from Jacksons. They define the edges of drives and lawns, and help keep everyone on the straight and narrow by showing up with the aid of their handy reflectors. Seasonal Savers offer 15% off!
! "
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the season to beâ&#x20AC;Śnow try as I might I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember whether the next bit is jolly or merry, which is a shame, as it is one of the Christmas carols that I find really â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;harksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to the need for us to get into the spirit of the festive season. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit more upbeat, rather than some of the slower â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirge-yâ&#x20AC;? ones, that I have to be honest, can leave me a bit low. I had to smile a bit when I read that last paragraph back, to see I have used a word like hark, I mustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dredged that one up from the subconscious because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m forcing myself to think of carols, not a usual activity for me, and Hark the herald angels sing, is another one of the cheerier ones. The reason Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m wondering along this Christmas carol cul-de-sac, is I am trying to get into the mood to write the page that some of you may glance over in December. When you think about it, entering in to the celebratory spirit is pretty much what the majority of us do, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? As the nights draw in and the weather gets worse, we take a collective leap and launch ourselves into the swing of the festive season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by distracting ourselves with parties, chasing the darkness and bad weather away by â&#x20AC;&#x153;decking the halls with boughs of hollyâ&#x20AC;?- which translates into Christmas trees, tinsel and glittering up anything that stays still long enough for a sprinkling! The Log Store has a Featherboard pale roof to protect from rain, with slatted sides and rear to allow for ventilation to encourage log drying. The timber slatted floor is raised up from ground level to encourage airing. Seasonal Savers offer 15% off!
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing it for centuries, midwinter festivities were prevalent in Europe prior to Christianity
becoming widespread, so early Christians wanting to convert pagans adopted many of the celebrations recognising the importance of cheering everyone up with light, feasts and decorations. In our own small way we tip our hat to encouraging bonhomie and the feel good factor at Jacksons. Without being too OTT or glitzy, we have our Seasonal Savers offer which has become something of a tradition now. The products collected together for this offer are: raised bed kits (like the ones you can enter our free prize draw to win), Sissinghurst planters, verge protection marker posts, log stores, wheelie bin stores and metal wall trellis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for the whole of December and January we are offering 15% off. You can check all the details out on your local page, www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/chesterlocal which gives you links to the products and how to take advantage of the discount. You can also find out about Jacksons vouchers on there too. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a spate of people buying our vouchers as wedding presents recently, so we thought why not make sure people are aware they can get ÂŁ10 and ÂŁ50 vouchers to give as Christmas presents too.
$ % !
; 7 ) & ! <4 54 4= ! > Seasons greetings to Everyone! www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/chesterlocal or call 0800 408 4754 to talk to your local- . /0// 12 13 13 Jacksons Fencing Centre.
Eight tips to getting a good night's sleep on a long haul flight The best and most productive way to pass your time on a long haul flight is to fall asleep. But nodding off into a deep sleep can be harder than you think. When travelling on a short haul flight you will find the journey passes easily with a spot of duty free shopping, a quick coffee and a bun and you are off again with hardly any time to enjoy 40 winks. But on a long haul flight, falling asleep in an economy seat is a luxury that for many of us find impossible and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great shame because sleeping is the best way to prevent jet lag. So here are 8 things to consider in order to maximise the chances of getting some shut-eye: 1. Clothing - Make sure that you are suitable dressed for a long journey in layers of comfortable, loose clothes. . Track pants, loose clothing or a pair of PJs are the most comfortable. Make use of the blankets given to you, or travel with a pashmina to wrap around you. 2. Seating - Get yourself a window seat so you can shut the blind and have something to lean on. Also nothing more annoying than being woken up by a fellow passenger climbing over you on their way to the bathroom. 3. Relaxation - There are herbal remedies available that make you drowsy and promote a much more satisfying sleep than alcohol. 4. Noise - There may be inflight entertainment but to be sure of hearing something you like, bring an MP3 player with headphones so that you can listen to your favourite music to relax you and to block out unwanted noise. 5. Food & Drink - Drink lots of water so that you are hydrated. 6. Pillow - Invest in a good pillow. I avoid the inflatable ones because they tend to be uncomfortable, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth the carry on space to have a good neck pillow and they squash easily. An eye mask is advisable too. 7. Head for the back rows - Usually you have more room to spread out towards the back, particularly when the flight isn't full. Down the back you're also away from the bulkheads and sky-cots for infants. 8. Secure your personal belongings - A long-haul flight gives unscrupulous travellers all the more time to size up the location of your wallet, wait until you fall asleep and make a move on your luggage. Secure your valuables deep inside your bags and consider keeping items like your passport, credit cards and cash in a money belt under your clothes. Bon voyage and sweet dreams!
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/tracey.tweedle tracey.tweedle@travelcounsellors.com
01244 459720 If I can help with any holiday or travel plans, please contact me and I will be more than happy to help.
• • • •
Consistently excellent academic results Supportive, nurturing environment Strong focus on individual potential Exceptional extracurricular opportunities
Night Sky in December 2014 The main feature this month will be the Geminid meteor shower, one of the finest of the year, which this year promises to be particularly good because the moon will be out of the way. On the night of December 13 the Geminid meteor shower peaks. Expect to see up to 80 shooting stars per hour anywhere in the sky, but all radiating from a point in the constellation of Gemini. The meteors tend to be quite slow moving, but the tails are usually bright. A group of us are planning to meet at Saighton Village Hall to try to see as many Geminids as we can. Hopefully the sky will be clear! Mercury and Venus remain too close to the Sun to be visible this month. Mars is fading but still resembles a bright red star low down in the SW. It sets about three and a half hours after sunset. Jupiter rises before midnight and is visible until dawn in the constellation of Leo, steadily increasing in brightness throughout the month. If fact it is the brightest object in that part of the sky, except when the moon approaches it on December 11th. Saturn will be visible as a bright star in the constellation of Libra, low down in the SE sky before dawn. By monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end Saturn rises about three hours before the sun. Geoff Chamberlain
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Christleton Village History Group
Christleton Villages History; Great War Voices; “War Stories- Remembering our forgotten Heroes”.
C
hristleton Local History Group and partners from Christleton High School & the local Community has just received a grant for £9,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a community education project to explore the history and experiences of the men and women who died, and those who survived the First World War, from Christleton and the neighbouring townships of Littleton, Rowton, Cotton Abbotts and Cotton Edmunds. The project team and volunteers intend to research the stories of soldiers, and the way the Parish Community supported their efforts, and produce a range of educational activities to commemorate the Great War 1914-18. The Community has gathered together each Remembrance Day at a Church Service and at the War Memorial to hear the names of the fallen, but very little is known about these individuals who selflessly sacrificed their lives during the Great War. We want to know who these people were, where they lived, and what part they played in village life before they went to fight. We also want to explore what they did in the war, and where they died and are commemorated, so villagers of today, especially our young people can respect their memory. We want to put faces to names where possible, and tell the stories of these brave forgotten people. Our object is to inspire school children and the wider community, in researching the contribution local people made during the First World War. We hope to develop new skills, enhance interest in & foster understanding of the villages unique heritage during the war period for future generations to enjoy and cherish. To mark the Centenary of the First World War we will collaborate with village organisations and individuals to collect photographs, personal accounts and letters to help build up a clear picture of what life was really like. With the help of professional writers, designers and film makers the new information will be incorporated into a Commemorative Book and Village Archive which will be made available on the Village Website www.christleton.org.uk This archive will allow the community and in particular the Primary & High Schools to share and learn more about their heritage during the First World War in an interactive way. The Group will also be working with, and supported by, The Cheshire Military Museum, Cheshire Archives and Local Studies & Chester Heritage Centre. Commenting on the award, the Group’s leader and historian David Cummings said “We are absolutely delighted that our bid has been successful and thrilled to receive the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund”. The War Stories Book, videos and community activities will commemorate the lives of the soldiers from Christleton and the sacrifice that they and their families made in the Great War. In many cases we will be unearthing information about their contribution and bravery which has been lost or forgotten for nearly one hundred years. We are delighted to have this opportunity to do justice to the memory of the past. This wonderful lottery grant will enable us to pass on everything we have learned about the people of the five townships one hundred years ago, to the community of today. Project Coordinator, Phil Hirst said “The project will make a tremendous difference to everyone’s understanding of how the Great War affected Christleton. The work of our volunteers will leave a lasting legacy long after the Centenary of the First World War, for all to experience and reflect upon.” A spokesman for the Heritage Lottery Fund has said, “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. Since 1994 The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £647 million to more than 3,700 projects across the North West. Projects large and small- that are now marking this global Centenary; with our new small grants programme, we are enabling even more communities like those involved in Christleton Villages History; ‘War Stories- Remembering our Forgotten Heroes’ to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world”.
RURALstories OFFICE IfCITY anyoneOFFICE in the community would like to get involved in the project, or has any information, or old 20 Eggbridge Lane 18 Grosvenor St First World War they would like to share please could they contact photographs about the the project team on: Waverton CH3 7PE Chester CH1 2DD David Cummings 01244 332410 email: cummings.d@uwclub.net 01244 311 119 Phil Hirst Project co-ordinator. 07983 614567 email: philhirst@aol.com 01244 33 00 33 Web site: www.christleton.org.uk
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FLOOR SANDING Professional virtually dust free sanding Why not renovate your wood floor by sanding and re-sealing? Local family business Est. 1997
A family run business Est.1997, Living Floors & More offers a one stop shop for wood, laminate & vinyl flooring alongside Plantation Shutters & Blinds. Why not visit our fabulous showroom or contact us to arrange a free home visit? Our friendly and professional staff can help advise you on all aspects of your project from design to installation.
FREE ESTIMATES www.thesandingman.com Tel: 07779113510 www.living-floors.co.uk B1 Chester Trade Park, Bumpers Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT Open 6 days - Telephone 01244 382416
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Cheshire View the venue with a view
Freemasons’ Hall, Plough Lane, Christleton, Chester Tel: 01244 332442 Cheshire View offers extensive facilities for business conferences, exhibitions, meeting seminars, wedding receptions, civil ceremonies, anniversaries, celebration parties and Christmas functions.
Wedding Venue Set in beautiful countryside, Cheshire View is the ideal venue for your dream wedding. Our friendly and professional management team and staff, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, are on hand to give their individual attention at all times during the planning of your special day.
Conferences, Meetings and Seminars With a choice of Conference Suites and Meeting Rooms Cheshire View is the ideal venue to host your corporate event. Our superbly appointed suites are available in a number of seating configurations and can comfortablyy 0 accommodate up to 150 delegates..
For further information please contact Cheshire View, Plough Lane, Christleton, CH3 7PT Telephone 01244 332442
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G & S ROOFING Slating - Tiling - Flat Roofing - Fascias - Soffits - Leadwork Guttering - Pointing - Repairs - Extensions - Insurance Work Professional, Reliable & Quality Service Free Estimates - Fully Guaranteed No job too big or too small Member of the Confederation Of Roofing Contractors
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Landscape Design and Build, Complete Landscaping and Maintenance Service to both private and commercial sector. Services J Beattie Building Quality driveways and pathways. Block paving. Natural Stone. Flags and slabbing Interior and Exterior Home Maintenance Improvements Fencing Specialists Garden fencing. Trellis work.and Gates. Field fencing overHedge 30 years experience in the building trade General Garden maintenance. pruning. Tree surgery. Grass cutting
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Ground Works, Mini Digger and Micro Digger and 1 tonne dumper with fully qualified operator Specialist in groundwork • Ideal for small and big gardens • easy access drains • footings • patios • drives Driver fully insured
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thomas talk THOMAS PROPERTY GROUP CHRISTMAS WISH LIST On the first day of Christmas, A buyer sent to me, A special request for a nice propertyyyyyy On the second day of Christmas, A Landlord sent to me, A order for two inventoriesss On the third day of Christmas, 3 tenants sent to me, 3 deposit moniessssss On the Fourth day of Christmas, our contractor sent to me, 4 Brand new EPC’SSSSSS On the Fifth day of Christmas, sellers sent to me, 5 Premier propertiesssss On the Sixth Day of Christmas, A customer sent to me, 6 viewing requests for where they’d like to beeeeeee On the Seventh Day of Christmas, A client sent to me, 7 more properties with their sales feeeeeeeee On the Eighth Day of Christmas, The team ate with me, 8 mince pies with a lovely cup of tea On the Ninth Day of Christmas, a client sent to me, 9 words of thanks for our cheap feeeeeeee On the Tenth Day of Christmas, a tenant sent to me, A signed renewal for us to seeeeeee On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, a seller came to me, His recent exchange had filled him with gleeeeeeeee On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Thomas Propertyyyyyyy Is Number 1 in Chester Cityyyyyyyyy
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01244 311 119
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20 Eggbridge Lane Waverton CH3 7PE
01244 33 00 33
All of our properties feature google satellite mapping
J.P.WILLIAMS GOLDSMITH Established 1982
TOP QUALITY JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND HAND-MADE PIECES EVERY TYPE OF WORK UNDERTAKEN IN ALL PRECIOUS METALS YOUR OLD WORN CHAINS, RINGS, BRACELETS AND EARRINGS CAN BE MELTED DOWN AND MADE INTO A DESIGN OF YOUR CHOICE Charms soldered, Chains repaired, Rings sized, Claws renewed, precious and semi-precious stone supplied and set, worn rings restored and re-modelled. Safety Chains, Trigger Catches and Pendant Loops supplied and fitted. Watch repairs undertaken.
DRESS, ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING & ETERNITY RINGS DESIGNED & HAND-MADE
A SELECTION OF HAND-MADE JEWELLERY ALWAYS IN STOCK As you may be aware the price of gold and platinum has rocketed in recent months so you may be under insured on your items VALUATIONS FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES Second Floor, 28A Frodsham Street, Chester CH1 3LE www.jp-williams-goldsmith.co.uk
01244 312483
jpwilliams-goldsmith@hotmail.com
Open Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm Saturday 9.00 am - 2.30pm
Bacon, sausage and free range egg baps
Our seasonal Christmas menu istea now available. Croissants, cakes, eggs benedict All ingredients locally sourced where possible
Home made soups, daily specials, sandwiches, light lunches Bacon, sausage and free range egg baps Delicious made cakes, scones, Croissants, home tea cakes, eggs benedict
Find us at Barrowmore Enterprise Estate Barnhouse Lane Great Barrow CH3 7JA
tray bakes, puddings
Great Home coffee, speciality teas, hot chocolate, milkshakes, made soups, daily specials, sandwiches, light lunches presses, fruit juices, smoothies Wescones, wouldtray bebakes, delighted to see Delicious home made cakes, puddings
you Fabulous setting, warm and friendly welcome, dog friendly, local walks and cycle routes nearby Great coffee, specialty teas, hot chocolate, milkshakes, presses, fruit juices, smoothies Bluebell Private s Events Use our fully licensed venue for your special occasion, children’s birthday parties, corporate events We will tailor a bespoke menu to suit your requirements Please call to check availability and arrange a consultation For further information or if you would like to volunteer please call Leonie on 07983501580 or 01829 742633
Find us at Barrowmore Enterprise Estate Barnhouse Lane Monday to Friday 9.30am till 3pm Great Barrow Saturday 10am till 3pm CH3 7JA We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their continued support.
Seasonal menu and locally sourced where possible
Bacon, sausage and free range egg baps, any combination! Croissants, eggs benedict, smoked salmon bagels
Our Mission Statement being that Barrowmore is wholly committed to assisting people with learning difficulties toWe achieve their full potential. would be delighted to see you
Fabulous setting, warm and friendly welcome, of the day, salads, jacket potatoes, Home made soups, special hot dishes dog friendly, local walks and cycle routes nearby Sandwiches, paninis and wraps Bluebell Private Events Use our fully licensed venue for your special occasion, children’s birthday party’s, Delicious home made cakes, scones, tray bakes corporate events
and puddings
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Wildlife Watch with David Cummings
D
ecember is a good month to welcome wildlife into our gardens, when food is perhaps getting scarcer in the fields and hedgerows. Keep your eyes open for many of our native species as well as the wintering fieldfare & redwing from Scandinavia, and returning starlings after their migration back from Europe. Black headed gulls from the Baltic have recently been recorded at the Groves, and these noisy, aggressive small gulls certainly make their presence felt by the River Dee, along the canal and on our local ponds. It does seem to have been a good breeding year for many of our smaller species, wrens, robins, blackbirds, goldfinches, goldcrests, treecreepers, hedge and house sparrows and for all members of the titmouse family, great, blue, coal and long tailed. Noisy nuthatches and woodpeckers have been seen everywhere, but both song and mistle thrushes have been noticeably missing, as have bullfinches, greenfinches and siskins. Larger birds such as the mute swans have had a dreadful year with no cygnets born at all in the Chester area as far as I am aware, but all three species of owls have had a wonderful breeding season with two clutches born in several cases. I guess the warmer spring & summer weather, and a huge increase in the numbers of smaller mammals has been a great help. In fact the recent warm autumn weather has encouraged a lot of small mammals to be still out and about and several sightings of hedgehogs is really welcome news. Shrews, voles and moles are clearly plentiful from the signs they leave behind, and otters and water voles are still active along the River Gowy which is another good news story. There have also been recent sightings of both stoats and weasels scurrying along across lanes and racing for cover into the undergrowth, but also lots of evidence of road kill, with badgers, foxes and rabbits lying dead at the side of the roads unable to avoid speeding traffic.
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100 Boughton, Chester, CH3 5BP Telephone - 0 1 2 4 4 5 6 6 2 8 0 W W W . C O MP U T E R S U P P O R T C H E S T E R . C O . U K 55
Tom Morgan Man and Van Services • Light Removals • Courier Services • Deliveries & Collections • All types of clearance • Student moves • Single items or full loads Any distance in the UK Phone 0784 113 5130 anytime or 01244 678082 (6pm - 9pm)
ROY DALBY
JEM Entertainments Farndon Dog Training Services
Building Service
Organisers of entertainment for special occasions:
Loft conversion specialist
Well trained, socialized dogs are a joy to own. (Formerly with Clay Gwyther) of Grosvenor Lofts ) Enhance yourMusicians, bonding and Dance control by attending Classical Bands, “Basic” dog training classes Acts being held in the Multi-cultural We also doarea, sunSaturday/Sunday rooms & extensions Farndon mornings & & Specialist Artistes. Saturday afternoons + Monday evenings. 30 Years Experience Puppy clubs are held over the weekend (Dogs under 6 months) www.jementertainments.co.uk Training at Bellssupplied Garden Centre, Holtsubmitted on Wednesdays Drawings and
Julia Maria Elms 01244 340847 Call Francis on 01829 270374 for 426422 further information 07723 374234 /07946 01244 372058 Julia@jementertainments.co.uk the cheshire dog trainer.co.uk
S G GARDEN MAINTENANCE
Trudie’s Doggy undertaken Day Care All Groundwork
Are you working and need someone to look after your dog? • Free Estimates Going out for the day? • Grass Cutting Going on holiday? Bring your dog to me.... • Pruning I will walk your dog, take it to training or dog agility and • Hedge Cutting look after it for the day in my safe home environment.
• Turf Laying
Fully insured & council approved • Border Work Home visits available too. Please contact Trudie Call Mr Darlington 07718 494999 Chester & surrounding areas 0787 / 01829 752042 For more info933 visit 9474 www.trudiesdoggydaycare.co.uk
It pays to advertise and is not as expensive as you may think!
CITY OFFICE •20 years experience. •Interior & exterior.
Advertise your here! 18 Grosvenor St•Allbusiness aspects of painting & Chester CH1 2DD decorating undertaken. Get into 5000 homes each month
•Fast & reliable service. 01244 311 119
Call Julie 07709 697082 westviewpublications@gmail.com
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PRESTIGE HOME CLEAN M.J Roberts Tree Care Yvonne West
All types of treerun, surgery Local, family High quality mobile Trimming, shaping, domestic cleaning business. hairdressing service felling trees etc Twelve yearsdangerous of customer satisfaction. Wood chipper available Including cutting, colouring, Whether it’s a one off clean, weekly, fortFencing pressure perms etc. nightly or monthly, youwashing decide. All waste HomeLadies, or office, any jobremoved and children size welcome. gentlemen and
Tel 01948 841435 Previously at Essenelle Contact Lisa: Salon (Browns of Chester) mobile 07732160935 Telephone - 01244 637920 Tel: 0151 339 9448
email m.roberts75@btinternet.com Mobile: 07980 881138 £5 Mobile million pound liability insurance - 07795054921
STUART McCOLL City & Guilds Qualified Painter & Decorator For all your Internal & External Decorating needs 25 years experience References available Mobile: 07808 933900 Lawnmowers Repair and Servicing
mcg window cleaning
Pull cords replaced • Carburettors cleaned domestic cleaning Engine rough idling gutters • Loss of&power repaired fasciasFilters replaced • Oil changed conservatory Annual roof cleaning service Throttle/drive cables replaced bc & gs mcgreavy Blades sharpened
01606551286Call Darren on 07867 692568 07535390676
Eves 01244 336282
NB
WELFARE BENEFIT APPEALS Don’t pay N A Tlots H A NofBmoney E C K E T to T Solicitors
RURAL OFFICE
ELECTRICAL
I have 18 years experience in this field 20 Eggbridge Lane Local electrician 18 years experience Waverton CH3 7PE • AllAppeals work fully insured and guaranteed from £120.00 • Landlord certificates issued testing &33 inspecting 01244 00 33 • No job small from a690 socket6452 to a rewire Teltoo No: 0800 • Free quotes • No call out charge Tel. 01244 556989 Mob. 07832 273590
or Email email sara@benefitforms.co.uk - n.beckettelectrical@gmail.co.uk Website www.benefitforms.co.uk
GEOFF PARRY PLASTERING CONTRACTOR
Precision Plumbing and Heating
ESTABLISHED 1985
All plumbing and gas work undertaken
All aspects of Internal & External undertaken including: RENDERING, PEBBLE-DASHING, DRY-LINING AND COVING.
Tel: 01244 680394 Mob: 07771 895785
Rat - a - Tat - Tat Pest Control Moles, Wasps, Rats, Mice All insects Call Andy on 07828 911644 or Freephone 03333 112400 GARDEN D.R. PlumbingS&G Heating
MCG
Approved & registered with:
MAINTENANCE
All aspects of plumbing
Groundwork undertaken WINDOWAll CLEANERS work undertaken â&#x20AC;˘ Free Estimates Gas installation & servicing (G.S. & B.C. MCGREAVEY) â&#x20AC;˘ Grass Cutting â&#x20AC;˘ Pruning
Oil installation & servicing
Boiler breakdowns DOMESTIC â&#x20AC;˘ Hedge Cutting& INDUSTRIAL~WINDOW Woodburning stoves â&#x20AC;˘ Turf Laying CLEANING. GUTTERS, FASCIAS, Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;ƤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; â&#x20AC;˘ Border Work SOFFITS & BUILDERS CLEANS
Call Mr Darlington Call Dyfed: 07856 325713 / 01978 842070
Email: d.r.plumbing@icloud.com 0787 933 9474/ 01829 752042 TEL: 01606 551286
Yvonne West Bicycle Servicing High quality mobile and Repairs hairdesssing service In our fully Equipped Workshop including cutting, colouring, Important checks on: perms etc
Brakes - Tyres - Steering Ladies, gentlemen and children Electric Bike Conversion Previously at Essenelle Salon
We can(Browns collect your bike of Chester) City & Guilds Engineer
Tel: 0151 339 9448 Ronald E Cooke 07970 618392 Mobile: 07980 881138
Specialising in small plumbing work Bathroom and tiling service
reg no. 543704
Paul - local plumber Tel: 01829 770 559 Mob. 07969 132887
A. Roberts Tree Services Speedy Ironing Service The Studio Tattenhall Tree Work
Not enough hours in the day? Pilates â&#x20AC;˘ Inspections â&#x20AC;˘ Pruning â&#x20AC;˘ Felling & Reducing Fed up spending your day off ironing? â&#x20AC;˘ Reshaping & Thinning â&#x20AC;˘ Hedge Maintenance Alexander Technique I will do for you. 24it Hour Emergency Service Professional, reliable. Tree Removal â&#x20AC;˘ Dangerous Nia References available. â&#x20AC;˘ Neighbouring Tree & Hedge Issues ÂŁ12 Classes per 7 hour. and workshops Day Cooling Off Period Will collect & deliver. â&#x20AC;˘ All Work Guaranteed â&#x20AC;˘ Fully Contact: Jill Insured Call me to discuss. â&#x20AC;˘ Registered Waste Carrier Licence
Jo Molyneux â&#x20AC;˘ NPTC Qualified on 01829 771895
07756349494 or jomolly1@hotmail.co.uk Please phone for free estimates:
www.thestudiotattenhall.co.uk 0800 959 6610 Mob. 0796 790 2084
Piano and Harpsichord Tuning and Repairs Andrew P Dean Dip.NTC, CGLI, AVCM
01829 261222 or e-mail andrew@pianodean.co.uk Period RefURBISHMENTS Kate Foxton MTI, MAR, MIFPA by Geoffrey Collinson
Specialising in listed and period property. Remedial massage Reflexology Decorating - Cornice &Coving Sandblasting - Floor Restoration Aromatherapy Full property refurbs or single items for. The Boshawcatered Centre, Dunham Hill Tel: 0750567 885247 7638 01244 www.katesholistics.weebly.com 07730 795 798
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We all need a little Pamper at Christmas! It’s that time of year again where we have a long list of things to get done and presents to buy, and its easy to neglect yourself. Our advice at Tropic is to keep up with your beauty routines, keep smiling and enjoy every minute of this festive season! So whats your beauty routine I wonder? We all know to brush our teeth at least twice a day and its equally important to clean your skin daily. It is after all your biggest detox organ. It’s going to have a fair amount of detoxing to do over this Christmas season too! Now I don’t know about you but, until I discovered Tropic, I always found cleansing to be a bit of a chore. Now it’s as though I’m treating myself to a fabulous spa facial every time I use the Hot bamboo cleanser and cloth! Tropic is not just free of all chemicals, alcohol, SLS or any other nasty preservatives, its also vegan and it smells simply divine!! With Tropic your skincare routine now feels like 5 minutes of much needed pampering, just for you! With luxurious gift sets like “The Deluxe Skincare Gift Collection”, “A Walk on the Beach” and the Luxury Organic Oils and Body Love Tropic offers something special that cannot to be found in the shops and is delivered free to your door. So why not treat yourself or someone you love to a present that will keep them smiling long after Christmas? Prices range from £4 to £79 , plus you get a free personal consultation service as well as the ease of shopping online. Check out www.bit.ly/tropicskincare for the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones! …and have yourself a very Happy Christmas and New Year! Marie-Claire, Your local Tropic ambassador, 01244 314605, Mc@marieclairecarlyle.com
‘Alice In Wonderland … pantomime-style’ to Tattenhall. Special dates for your diary are Thursday
comes
January
29th, Friday January 30th and Saturday January 31st 2015 when TADS take over the Barbour Institute for their annual pantomime. It’s always a splendid night out and this will be no exception so remember the date and there will be more details in Decembers Parish News. Tickets will be on sale from Monday December 29th from ‘complement’ High Street, Tattenhall. More information from Alison Pritchard at the ‘Coffee Shop, Tattenhall
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GUILDEN SUTTON PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR Thursday 4th December 3.30 to 5.30pm Santa’s Grotto Gifts, Craft, Toys & Book Stalls Raffle & Tombola Mulled Wine & Mince Pies Homemade treats, Cakes & Refreshments School Choir & Christmas Carols Lots of fun family activities Adults £1 & Children Free Arrowcroft Road, Chester CH3 7ES
Tattenhall Christmas Market ....
is back !!!
on Friday December 12th from 4-7.30pm in Barbour Square This year it will be bigger and better with lots of stalls selling Christmas produce plus many gift ideas and again the local shops will stay open until 7.30pm. A new addition this year will be a Grand Hog Roast supplied and served by the ‘Travelling Pig’ company. So enjoy a wonderful pork, apple sauce and stuffing bap whilst you browse the stalls. This year the visit from Father Christmas will be on the same evening and children will be able to collect their ticket from Tattenhall Library on the following dates … Tuesday, November 25th & Friday, November 28th from 3.15-4.00pm. Contact Alison Pritchard on 07711 464338 or call into the Coffee Shop on Tattenhall High Street if you are interested in having a stall … only (£10) There will be lots of entertainment for everyone plus a Grand Christmas Hamper Raffle so put the date in your diary ... more details next month.
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What’s On ... in the local area ... in December MON-SAT TIL 17 DEC TUE 2ND
TIVERTON DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB 8pm at Tiverton Village Hall, Huxley Lane (off A49) Sharpen your wits by joining us for our Christmas Social Evening & Fun Gardening Quiz followed by mulled wine, mince pies and a raffle. Entry £3 for members & visitors.
WED 3RD
WAVERTON W.I. 7.30pm at Burley Hall. Subject: “Heritage of Tarporley Hospital”.
WED 3RD
CHRISTLETON WEDNESDAY GROUP - FESTIVE LUNCH. At Christleton Parish Hall at 12 noon. Tickets £10.00 include a glass of wine available from members or call 01244 336644. In aid of Macmillan Nursing.
WED 3RD
CHESTER RSPB Members’ Evening with Quiz at the Grosvenor Museum. 7.30pm. A members’ night with mince pies is always a good early start to the festive season. This year a quiz is the main course. Join us for some pre-Christmas fun.
FRI 5TH
RURAL TOURING ARTS: ‘The Snow Queen’, 7.30pm. Barbour Institute, Tattenhall Storytelling, original music & song to enchant the whole family this Christmas. (Suitability = age 3+) Tickets £5.00 (under 16s) & £10.00. Find out more & book online at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/122516 or visit our local outlets of Complement in the High Street & The Studio in Worley Court or telephone 01829 771374/771649
FRI 5TH
CHRISTMAS BBC BINGO (Birds, Booze and Confectionery) at Huxley Village Hall. Eyes down 7.30pm. For information call Steve 01829 781294 or Lorraine 01829 781573.
SAT 6TH
CHESTER RSPB. Field trip to North Wales Coast - 9.30am. We venture out along the North Wales coast to view the diversity of waders and water birds which inhabit the rocky and tidal sections of the coast (high tide 10.42am). It is essential to call Norman on 01244 335670 a few days before, to check details. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/chester
SAT 6TH
CHRISTLETON PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR 2pm-4pm Raffle, Hamper, Father Christmas, Crafts Stalls, Games & More! Refreshments available Admission £1 / Children Free
SAT 6TH
TARVIN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL AND MARkET Get in the Christmas spirit at Tarvin Street Market in Tarvin High Street 5.00pm - 9.00pm. Father Christmas will be in his Grotto. Enjoy the craft and food stalls. Musical entertainment will add to the fun.Come and join us!
SAT 6TH
WI SUPPER CLUB NIGHT at Hargrave. 7.00 for 7.30pm prompt. Speaker, Dr Michael Leach, is a well-travelled wildlife photographer and author who has worked with David Attenborough and has had much of his work included in TV documentaries. Tickets £14 include a welcome drink and 3-course home-made meal, available from Trisha on 01829 781255 or reserve from any member of the WI. Bring your own tipple. Husbands & friends welcome.
SUN 7TH
CONCERT in St Alban’s Church, Tattenhall at 6.00pm. A medley of music, song and verse. Suitable for ALL ages - children go FREE, adults £7.50 which includes wine and refreshments. A variety of performers and some very special surprises! Don’t miss this wonderful start to the festive season. Tickets from 20 Nov from Cat Got The Cream or 01829 770377 / 770482
TUE 9TH
RURAL CHESTER FLOWER CLUB 7.30pm at Burley Memorial Hall, Waverton. Christmas demonstration by Eleanor Griffiths (Frodsham) entitled “Fire & Ice”. Enquiries 300185.
MON 10TH
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CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES. 10am-4pm at Wesley Church Centre, St. John’s Street, Chester. Any enquiries, call Mary Thompson on 01829 733642.
TATTENHALL GARDENING SOCIETY at 7.45pm at the Barbour Institute. Come and celebrate ‘14 Sips Till Christmas!’ with us. A demonstration and tasting session of seasonal drinks, food and presents with the main ingredient originating from our gardens!
SAT 13TH
CHRISTLETON COUNTRY FARMERS MARkET at the Ring O’Bells 9.30am-1.30pm
SUN 14TH
CHESTER BACH SINGERS traditional Carols by Candlelight with A Celtic Christmas theme. At St. Alban’s Church, Tattenhall at 7.30pm. Tickets £11 to include refreshments from Box Office 0845 241 7868, Chester Tourist Office or www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk
More What’s On ... in December
MON 15TH
CHRISTLETON MONTHLY LUNCHEON CLUB. Serving a hot lunch at Christleton Parish Hall. All welcome. To book call Liz (409414), Janet (325529) or Christine (335562).
THU 18TH
WEST CHESHIRE RURAL U3A. In the Barbour Institute, Tattenhall at 2pm. Our Christmas festivities will include music/mulled wine/mince pies and a raffle. We will be entertained by the singer Paul Burns. Call Hilary Scarratt 01829 770516 or Peter Brunton 01829 741824.
SAT 20TH
CHESTER BACH SINGERS traditional Carols by Candlelight with A Celtic Christmas theme. At St. Mary’s Without The Walls, Handbridge at 7.30pm. Tickets £11 to include refreshments from Box Office 0845 241 7868, Chester Tourist Office or www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk
SUN 21ST
Welcome to MESSY CHURCH at the Parish Hall Christleton. 4.00-6.00pm. 3rd Sunday of every month. Crafts, games, food and a time of celebration with stories and songs. All ages welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult.
WED 24TH
CHRISTMAS EVE CRIB SERVICE at 4pm at St. James’ Church, Christleton for the very young and their families and friends to enjoy the Christmas message. CAROLS ROUND THE TREE outside St. James’ Church at 7pm followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Hall.
Waverton Primary School Christmas Fair
Friday 6th December 6.30 - 8.30 pm Mulled Wine, Hot Dogs and Christmas Turkey Batches. Tombola, Raffle, Craft Stall and lots more! Why not pop down and do some Christmas shopping whilst supporting the school PTA. Everyone welcome
Christleton Primary School Christmas Fair Sat 6th December 2pm-4pm Raffle, Hamper, Father Christmas, Crafts Stalls, Games & More! Refreshments available Admission £1 / Children Free 61
A Final Thought … Mega Monday Madness!
R
emember those innocent, pre Google, times when we still used to talk about the number of shopping days left until Christmas? Well those days have been very firmly banished to the virtual “recycle bin”, as online sales have taken an ever stronger hold on the UK’s festive shopping habits. It is predicted on line spending in the UK will top £13 billion for the first time this Christmas, an increase of over 18% on the mere £11 billion we recorded in 2013! With an adult population of around 50 million that’s roughly equivalent to £260 each we’ll be handing over to Amazon et al. This changing habit however hasn’t made us any better at planning in advance, £4.7 billion of this total (so well over a third) won’t be spent until we get into December, so while it seems those Christmas decorations really do go up earlier each year it doesn’t seem to entice us into a spending spree any sooner. It’s clearly now the number of “delivery days” until Christmas that everybody’s worried about. So when does this online onslaught reach its crescendo? The answer is right about now, just as your December magazine is landing on your doormat. This year Mega Monday, the biggest online shopping day of the year, will fall on the 1st December. For some years now, almost the world over, the first Monday in December has consistently been the high water mark for digital purchasing patterns. This trend first started in the US (as most do these days!) as retailers chose to help kick off the Christmas spree on the first Monday after Thanksgiving by offering specific discounts online “for one day only”. Given that statistics don’t lie though (at least most of the time) it’s now clear this has taken on a momentum of its own and become a truly global phenomenon. This year it’s estimated that UK shoppers will spend £281 million on internet purchases on Mega Monday alone, up a further 14% on last year, and representing a staggering £3,250+ spent for every single second. To show we’re not just blindly following Uncle Sam though there’s a subset of this trend where we’re now leading the rest of the world. We Britons have liberated Mega Monday from the desk top and rechristened it Mobile Mega Monday! 24%, or almost one in every four, of the UK’s online Christmas purchases will be made on either a smartphone or a tablet, the highest proportion recorded anywhere in the world. Where once we led the world into an industrial revolution we’re now showing we can lead the way in how to buy things on the move! A final thought … if like me you almost miss the challenge of the last minute gift purchase on Christmas Eve, there is some evidence that “leaving it late” may still pay off. Compared to its yearly average, online pricing falls by around 10% in late November and by 15% in early December, with the discounting hitting its peak (or more properly its nadir) by Christmas Eve, by which time prices are down by 25% on average, and up to 60% with some retailers. All you need to work out then is how you can still get it delivered on time … which brings us back, finally, to the spirit of Christmas as there’s surely some sort of role here for a cyber- Santa delivering down a virtual chimney!
Monthly Newsletter December 2014
Western Rural Police Team
Email western.rural.npu@cheshire.pnn.police.uk/ Twitter @WesternRuralNPU Website www.cheshire.police.uk
Local Priorities for December 2014 BURGLARIES Farms and isolated outbuildings are being targeted by thieves, looking for chain saws, quad bikes, generators and similar equipment. Owners of such equipment are being encouraged by police to increase their security measures. Police patrols are targeting vulnerable areas. ROAD SAFETY This time of year historically sees an increase in the number of collisions, as motorists fail to adapt their driving habits to take account of the increased hazards such as mud on the road, fallen trees and reduced daylight at peak times. Local officers continue to promote safe driving and will prosecute offenders when appropriate. Local news for your area Suspicious behaviour was reported on Haslin Crescent in Christleton in the daytime of 15th October when two males were observed looking up driveways. There was no trace of the males when local patrols arrived. Please report any similar behaviour to 101 as soon as possible.
Tools were taken from an insecure shed on Fox Lane in Waverton. Security advice has been given regarding the importance of securing any outbuildings. Anti-social behaviour was reported on Little Heath Lane in Christleton when youths were reported being rowdy and consequently upsetting nearby livestock. The local PCSO has been made aware and will monitor the area regularly. Suspected poachers wearing camouflaged clothing were sighted on Pepper Street in Christleton. There was no trace of the males when local patrols arrived. If you know anything about this please call us on 101. We have received reports from residents of the Tattenhall area of an intimidating male pressurising them into purchasing unwanted items such as generators and various other tools. Ring 101 if you ever find yourself in this situation and try to get a description of the individual involved and their vehicle. Consider purchasing a door chain to create a physical barrier between yourself and the individual and never feel pressurised into opening your door fully.
PC 2236 Neil Busby Mickle Trafford Police Station 0845 458 6394 You said, we did You said: “There are still concerns regarding the increase in burglary and other offences in the Christleton area.” We did: Operation Huron has been rolled out in order to ensure that there are extra patrols in the locality during peak times. There is a patrol plan currently in place for Christleton village which focuses on targeting local hot spots, stop checking individuals, gathering intelligence and preventing further incidents. There has been an arrest of a male in connection with these matters.
WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THOMAS PROPERTY GROUP
SELL YOUR HOME FREE OUR XMAS BONUS TO YOU Everyone who instructs us to market their property for sale by the 30th January 2015 will be entered into a draw whereby one lucky customer will not have to pay a sales fee subject to terms & conditions. You can add your details personally into our special Christmas present sack. The winner will be notified at 12.00 Friday 30th January. A Christmas Poem by Rachel Thomas Thanks to all for their support this year, It means a lot to have that near, Our family & team have worked hard all year, Moving Thomas Property Group up another gear, The New Year brings a new office in Chester, With 5 Star service, visit for a tester. We look forward to the festive season, Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here for you, no other reason, Having let the most properties in the last 3 years, You can rent through us without any fears, The Best selling agent we are told Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the ones to get your property sold.
CITY OFFICE
18 Grosvenor St Chester CH1 2DD
01244 311 119
convenient offices combining city centre activity with rural accessibility
thomaspropertygroup.co.uk
RURAL OFFICE
20 Eggbridge Lane Waverton CH3 7PE
01244 33 00 33
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