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TheChronicle December, 2008
West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury May 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2009
New Dawn E Events vents New Dawn
May 2009 Friday night 22nd m. 6:30pm to 11:30p
KILLER QUEEN LETZ ZEP PINK FLOYDS IN THE FLESH.
y 2009 Saturday 23rd Ma m. 2:00pm to 11:30p
TALON
Special fireworks display with Killer Queen.
May 2009 Sunday night 24th m. 6:00pm to 11:30p
TCHIACOVSKY NIGHT NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RHOS MALE VOICE CHOIR JONATHAN ANSELL AND TEATRO
Ticket price: £22.00 BOUGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS OFFER, £17.00 (Plus £2.95 Postage and Packing) NO BOOKING FEE HIDDEN.
Support: RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC.
LOGICALTRAMP. ABBA GOLD.
More artists will be added to the afternoon programme.
A full gala fireworks display will be at the finale with all the artists on stage. Bring your table and chairs to see the best gala proms night ever.
Ticket price: £27.00 BOUGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS OFFER, £22.00 Box Office: 0845 0508252
Email: brian.davies82@btinternet.com www.new-dawn-events.co.uk
Ticket price: £25.00 BOUGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS OFFER, £20.00 (Plus £2.95 Postage and Packing) NO HIDDEN BOOKING FEE
(Plus £2.95 Postage and Packing) NO HIDDEN BOOKING FEE
Monday Bank Holidays Programme not as yet finished.
TheChronicle December, 2008
2
Make room for Christmas COOKS CARPETS & FURNISHINGS
SALE STARTS SAT 27 DEC 10 AM TH
le Sa
9 79 £ er ff ith ol O w sto ot fo
% 50 s
o fa pt ff So U O
MORE OFFERS IN STORE
U
pt
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% 20 ets
p ar C ff O
% 5f0 e
o f r pt Ournitu U F
Just 20 mins from Chester, Wrexham and Ruthin . Free and Easy Parking. Queens Lane, Bromfield Industrial Estate, Mold CH7 1XB Just off A494 Mold By Pass
Tel: 01352 700265
www.cooks-furnishings.co.uk
SET THE SCENE: Keep decorations to a minimum to create the right ambience this Christmas.
W
e all want a cosy, cheerful home this Christmas to banish thoughts of the doom and gloom that’s going on around us.
After all, there’s nothing more appealing than a crackling fire, a beautifully garlanded mantel and a sparkling Christmas tree. You’re not alone though if, instead of thrilling to the task of transforming your home into a seasonal sanctuary, you secretly feel it’s yet another drain on time and money. Even those who specialise in style such as Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company, know it can be stressful. “This is one time of year when we and our homes really come under pressure,” she said. “Whether we are having countless friends to stay or just arranging a festive family lunch, chances are that we’ll be up to our ears in holly, baubles and all the trimmings, and then worrying about how to create that perfect
Christmassy look.” Chrissie’s strategy could banish those seasonal nightmares. She keeps it simple by choosing a two-colour theme, not overdoing the decorations, and relying on the power of candlelight. “This year I’m using strings of white fairy lights, silver, clear glass and white decorations,” she said. “And I use candles everywhere, whether little clusters of tea lights on a shelf or window ledge, or even a clear glass fish bowl with long white taper candles nestled into a base of white dishwasher salts. “A room filled with flickering candlelight instantly feels softer, warmer and much more welcoming.” Chrissie’s new book, How To Make Your House A Home, includes inspirational festive ideas. She says the trick is to have a small seasonal touch throughout – “whether it’s a bunch of Christmas flowers – I love Snowberry, Amaryllis or delicate Freesia – or a collection of fir cones and baubles in a bowl on a shelf”.
If you would like to advertise during January please call our advertising team on
01244 606335
3
TheChronicle December, 2008
Pick up a bargain... M
ost people love a bargain, and knowing that you have bought something for less than its original ticket price somehow makes it all the more desirable.
So January sale time is marked on the calendar along with the other important events of the year, and even though we may have spent a fortune on all the necessities for Christmas, we still manage to find a way of treating ourselves to a little something in the sales – after all, it’s nice to buy a present for yourself after all the hard work that goes into preparing for Christmas. Some people have been known to so delight in the January sales that they have made a real occasion of them, even camping outside on the pavement waiting for the shop to open after the Christmas break, particularly if there is something special that they want like a cut-price suite or a designer outfit. The moment the doors open they are off like greyhounds after the hare as they pursue their chosen item. Out goes our natural reserve and politeness as the bargains come into view and sharpened elbows are used liberally to ward off any rivals to the ‘prey’. Shopping for Christmas can seem a real chore but the January sales offer a different sort of challenge and with the shops wanting to clear out their winter stocks to make way for the spring ranges, there is many a bargain to be had. Everything from clothes to toys, from carpets to shoes can be found at knock-down prices and even if you aren’t shopping for anything in particular, you’re bound to find something to catch your eye, simply because suddenly all the prices seem so reasonable that with a stretch of the budget and an even bigger stretch of the imagination, you really
SALE TIME: With the shops wanting to clear out their winter stocks to make way for the spring ranges, there is many a bargain to be had.
INDOOR KARTING Main track 900 metres CAFE NOW OPEN for Hot Snacks & Refreshments
2 Outdoor sections Hen and Stag Nights Welcome Ramps, Tunnels & Outdoor Section Arrive & Drive Group Specialists
SUNDAY NIGHT is OPEN GP NIGHT £25 per driver Always someone to race against
www.thecircuit.co.uk
01244 531652 Babbage Road, Engineers Park,
can afford it after all. At one time we used to get all our home refurbishments completed before Christmas, but canny shoppers know that all those coveted furnishings and fabrics, paints and wallpapers are likely to be found in the sales.
Sandycroft, Nr. Chester, CH5 2QD
One amazing home At Iddenshall Hall Care Home, we can offer you complete peace of mind through personalised care. At Beeston View, part of Iddenshall Hall Care Home, we believe that experiencing a dementia shouldn’t stop you from leading a full and active life. Our new residential Memory Lane Community provides expert dementia care to encourage independence and promote wellbeing in each individual. The Barchester Memory Lane programme recognises the benefits of many different therapies and we incorporate a variety of them within our home. You’ll notice in our Memory Lane Community home that we gently stimulate the memory using reminders of the past such as photographs, objects, scents and music therapy.
Beeston View Memory Lane Community
www.barchester.com
This person-centred approach can be seen throughout the home – in the furnishings and fittings – in rummage boxes and sensory gardens, just to mention a couple. Alongside our dementia care services, we also put a strong emphasis on delicious and nutritious home-cooked food. For more information, or to arrange a visit, please call Ann Hull, General Manager. Iddenshall Hall Care Home Rode Street, Clotton, Tarporley Cheshire CW6 0EQ Tel: 01829 732 454
TheChronicle December, 2008
4
Step in right direction F
ollowing the party season, the New Year is the perfect time for new starts and resolutions. Many of us will vow to lose half a stone, join the gym or give up a bad habit. Unsurprisingly, research shows that nine out of 10 New Year’s res-
olutions fail within days. Don’t set yourself up for a fall this year and give yourself realistic goals that will make a positive difference. The emphasis is usually put on achieving the ‘perfect body’, with endless exercise tips and fad diets. But why not start at the bottom
and work up – and get your feet in shape? The Christmas break may have given you time to think about recharging your career. Get a head start and make sure you look the business in a sharp suit and sophisticated stilettos. Use Kiwi Foot Silk – an invisible spray that contains
OUR REPUTATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE
pure natural silk and wraps your feet with an invisible veil to help protect from shoe friction. It is lightly fragranced to leave your feet feeling fresh and dry, with barefoot comfort. French shoe designer, Louboutin, recently confirmed that high heels are here to stay, adding: “There’s no doubt heels have never been as high as they are now.” Avoid hobbling around the office or eating lunch at your desk because the thought of walking to your usual eaterie fills you with dread. Wear your shoes with pleasure with Kiwi Smiling Feet – a range of transparent gel cushions, specially developed to target the main pressure points on your feet, so you can get on with your day without compromising comfort and style. At the top of your priorities for this year, you may be looking to rein in your spending, as the credit crunch bites. Charity shops are booming and boot sales
NT U O unt C o S isc DI
% 5% D 0 - 3 to 4
NS up E H ens C h T KI Kitc
JANUARY SALE STARTS
WNBrand O CR ome H
Sat 27th December
KITCHENS
See in store for other fabulous offers
NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN!
Supply only made-tomeasure doors also available
Before you buy from one of the ‘BIG’ retailers, try Images own factory brands. Friendly, professional help, FREE Plan and Design and a great range of products.
S F OF OOR % 20 G D IN ID L S
BEDROOMS
Unit 3 Riverside Trade Park, River Lane, Saltney, Chester CH4 8RL
Tel: 01244 677 579 Opening Times Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday
Closed New Years Day 9.30am - 5.30pm 9.30am - 5.00pm 11am - 4.00pm
BAREFOOT COMFORT: Kiwi Foot Silk is a spray that wraps your feet with an invisible veil to help protect from shoe friction.
Come On In & Warm Yourselves
SLIDING DOORS S GES M OO RAN R D BE TED C D TE SELE T FI FF O % 0 5
are bustling as the high street takes a hit and consumers tighten their purse strings. You may aim to be thrifty this year and make a resolution to recycle your wardrobe. A survey by shoe care experts, Kiwi, showed that more than a third of women has at least one pair of shoes in their wardrobe that they have never worn. Use Kiwi Smiling Feet to combat those shoes you love but cause too much pain to wear. Revive your old favourites and make them as good as new with Kiwi Quick ‘n’ Clean – disposable wipes that quickly and effectively clean all types of shoes, both inside and out. Lastly, step out with confidence by slipping Kiwi Fresh’ins into your shoes. These ultra thin, breathable shoe liners with a light fragrance will give you a feeling of freshness all day long.
Don’t Miss Out - Everything meaning Everything Is Going
F S OF ICE F % 35 OF ME O H
Fireplaces - Gas & Electric Fires & More Make us The First Or Last And You Won’t Be Disappointed Our Promise - Professional Service - quality Unbeatable Prices To Clear Internet Matched or Beaten
HOME OFFICES 68-70 Wallasey Road, Liscard, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 2AE
Tel: 0151 630 5044
Opening Times Monday / Tues / Thurs / Fri Saturday Sunday / Wednesday
9.00am - 5.00pm 9.00am - 5.00pm Closed
e-mail: images.bedrooms@btconnect.com
12-14 Moorcroft Mews, High Street, Saltney, Chester CH4 8SH
Tel: 01244 680336 / 681406 Fax: 01244 680336 Email: info@fireplaceandheatingcentre.co.uk
5
TheChronicle December, 2008
Season’s Greetings
AFONWEN
CRAFT & ANTIQUES CENTRE Christmas Opening We close at 5pm 23rd December Closed 24th, 25th & 26th December Closed New Year’s Day Open Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th December Open as usual Tues-Sat 9.30-5.30pm Free Parking
Stunning Range of Gifts For Christmas
* 1000’s of unique quality gift ideas for all occasions, glass, silver, stunning range of carols and fabulous choice for all, at very reasonable prices. * There just really is too much to choose from! Looking for that special gift? * Over 14,000 sq.ft, covering 2 vast showrooms, furniture from c1700 to c1900 * 60 show cabinets with spectacular stock of Beswick, Moorcroft, Royal Worcester, Dalton, Jewellery, Silver, Crystal and 1000’s of Curios
of l l a a ing Wish ustomers o u r C ry Merry d a Ve as an tm Ch ris Happy ar e Y Ne w
Homemade is our Speciality
Select from our unbeatable menu - includes a wide range of traditional & speciality dishes Excellent fish, meat and vegetarian selection * Many light bites for a smaller appetite * For a real treat enjoy scrumptious homemade puddings and cakes, morning coffee and delicious afternoon cream teas *
A F O N W E N Nr Caerwys, Mold, Flintshire
Craft Centre - 01352 720965 Restaurant - 01352 720797 www.afonwen.co.uk antiques@afonwen.co.uk edenshine@afonwen.co.uk
OPENING TIMES CLOSED 24th, 25th & 26th Dec OPEN Sat 27th & Sun 28th Dec CLOSED NEW YEARS DAY OPEN AS USUAL
to 5.30p Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am
m
Signposted off A55 jct 31
TheChronicle December, 2008
6
Health & Beauty
Nail the trends I
t wasn’t just the music making everyone go wild, when stars flocked to the annual Mobo awards recently.
SHAPE UP: a quick coat of polish can give you the feel-good factor and lift an outfit – without blowing the budget.
Backstage in the Talent Retreat, celebrities were flocking for a speedy manicure makeover. The likes of Estelle, Jamelia and the Sugababes couldn’t get enough of manicurist Marian Newman’s Inkredibles nail pens. But that’s the beauty of nail colour. With
Pure Indulgence The North West’s most exclusive and opulent, award winning Spa
the credit crunch biting, a quick coat of polish can give you the feel-good factor and lift an outfit – without blowing the budget. Unlike buying a new dress, you won’t upset the bank manager if you splash out on a nail polish in all your favourite shades. Give neutral colours a wide berth and brighten up your winter with look-at-me polish. We reveal the nail shades and shapes that are so hot for autumn/winter you won’t ever want to wear gloves again. Read it and weep shrinking nail violets, this season is all about turning to the dark side. Taking inspiration from the catwalks, Gothic black and deep plums are this season’s musthave shades, along with chocolate and deep red. “This autumn/winter is all about statement nails, offering a complete contrast to summer’s girly, pastel colours,” expert nail technician Leighton Denny says. “Red nails will once again be a classic favourite for the winter season, but aim
to be bold and choose bright reds instead of mid-cream reds.” If you have a dark winter wardrobe and want to brighten up your look via your nails, Leighton recommends you “opt for unique colours that scream attitude, like aquamarine blue”. Metallics are back and this time of year is when gold and silver really shine on talons. Why bother with jewellery? “Moving forward into the new year metallics dominate,” says Carolyn Sears, director of Zoya polish. “Though the emphasis is still on dark shades this season, gold in particular makes a strong appearance but any colour can be metallicised.” Clinching your ideal winter colour is easy but if your nails underneath look shoddy it’s like applying make-up without the foundation. So what shape should you be crafting with the nail file? “It’s all about sharp shaped square nails which have been gently filed around the edges to maintain a certain hardness yet sophistication,” says Katie Icklow, Barry M’s celebrity nail technician.
The Karma Spa experience includes:
• • • • • • • •
6 indulgent treatment suites VIP couples suite Couples hydrotherapy bath 3 Luxury relaxation rooms Traditional Turkish Hamman Arabian Rasul Spa Boutique and Spa Eatery Rejuvenation Skin Clinic
BE BOLD: Zoya Pulse berry collection, £8.95 each (0800 1116647/www.zoyapolish.co.uk).
Great Teeth For Life
laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, vein treatment, skin rejuvenation, injectables, fillers and teeth whitening
• Spa ranges include:
Elemis, Dermaquest, Spa Ritual, Young Blood Mineral Makeup and Karma Spa’s signature range Truly Thai
Replacement of several or all teeth with dental implants
Other facilities include: swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gymnasium and tennis court.
Have you considered fixed titanium implants which ■ look feel and function like natural teeth ■ mean life long tooth replacement for many people ■ preserve the bone ■ do not damage adjacent teeth ■ are stable as the crown is firmly attached to the implant ■ restore your natural chewing capacity ■ restore your ability to taste the food
Dental implants let you have back what you have lost Karma Spa specialise in Luxury Day & Overnight Spa Packages Karma Spa at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG
For further information please call: 01244 572 199 karma@grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk
CHESTER DENTAL IMPLANT CENTRE (Established 1993) Graham A Magee BDS. M. Med. Sci. (Dental Implantology) 12 Whitefriars, Chester, CH1 1NZ
Our fully trained team provide friendly advice, help and support to patients from the point of initial contact right through to treatment and aftercare. We aim not only to provide the treatment necessary to address patients needs but also give that personal individual care and attention people deserve
01244 340177 www.GreatTeeth.co.uk
VAdre
TheChronicle December, 2008
7
Health & Beauty
Love your LBD
I
t’s the red carpet staple that will never go out of fashion. In fact, this season the old faithful LBD – that’s ‘little black dress’ in fashion speak – has gone off the style stratosphere.
A-VA-VOOM: French Connection black prom ess, £100.
From supermodels to pop singers, stars are shunning print and colour trends to go back to black. Up-and-coming designer Hannah Marshall’s entire collections centre around the powerhouse LBD, while black dresses were big on the autumn/winter catwalks at Balmain, Versace and Chanel. Even the supermarkets are at it for the party season. This year Tesco launched The Little Black Dress Collection, featuring cutting-edge designs from the London College of Fashion, and Asda unveiled two LBDs at just £12 each. So what’s the reason behind this
new-found LBD love? They’re flattering, sexy, but most of all they’re credit crunch-friendly fashion. Get it right and the LBD rivals the wow factor of a glitzy gown – but with added wardrobe staying power. You can even, shock horror, recycle them over and over again by styling them up with different jewellery and accessories. All hail the return of the LBD. We’re doing anything but mourning in this season’s black essential. Keep any detailing simple and play up your accessories with sparkling jewels or bright shoes. For added drama you have two LBD options – va-va-voom volume or ‘look-at-me’ detail. With evening wear glamour written all over them, these frocks should only ever come out after dark. Go as voluminous as you dare with
girly prom dresses by adding extra layers of netting to create a puffball look. Quirky features and hems add an extra dimension to the LBD. Choose from fringing, feathers, tassels or oversized
Raymond Francis OF TARPORLEY
SPECIAL OFFER Full Head of Highlights with Cut and Blow. Tues and Fri £47.50 with Tom, Jayne or Sarah
Walk in... walk out solution for veins VEIN Solutions is a Cheshire based, private service specialising in modern techniques for the treatment of varicose and thread veins. It is run by Sameh Dimitri, an experienced consultant vascular surgeon who offers the latest techniques without the need for general anaesthesia. Vein Solutions offers a walk in... walk out
Advertiser’s announcement service, by using minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), foam sclerotherapy and radio frequency ablation of veins (VNUS). It also offers treatment of thread veins with the use of microsclerotherapy and
mankind
veinwave techniques. Treatments are undertaken under local anaesthetic in about an hour. Some patients will still require open surgery for the treatment of varicose veins under general anaesthesia. ● For further information, telephone 0800 0431997.
bows for anti-wallflower impact. Netting, feathers and fringing all create extra volume so beware of adding bulk to problem areas like your bust, bottom or thighs.
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of chester
The place for guys to take time out to look and feel good
mankind of chester is Cheshire’s first male only grooming salon to offer a wide range of spa treatments, skincare and barbering. Its quirky and comfortable decor combined with its city centre location and highly experienced staff ensure that any time spent at mankind of chester will be time well spent. Its where everyone’s talking about! Gift vouchers and packages available. For more information or bookings
Please call 01244 322188 www.mankindofchester.co.uk
AMERICAN CREW
6 Northgate Row, Chester (above Whittards)
✢ Endovenous Laser & Foam Sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins ✢ Treatment in less than an hour by Mr S. Dimitri consultant vascular surgeon ✢ Over 95% success rate ✢ Immediate return to normal activity ✢ No general anaesthesia, groin incision or hospitalisation ✢ Veinwave and microsclerotherapy for thread veins
Call us free on 0800 043 1997 for an information pack Or alternatively visit our website www.veinsolutions.co.uk info@veinsolutions.co.uk
TheChronicle December, 2008
www.e-addysg.com
8
Would you like to learn Welsh?
• FREE online Welsh language courses with video clips to aid pronunciation • Start Immediately For information please contact Linda Jones in the Department of Welsh on 01570 424754 e-mail: linda.jones@lamp.ac.uk
www.e-addysg.com
Education & Training Advertisers’ announcements
Make the right choice
C
hoosing the right school for your daughter is one of the most significant decisions any family makes. You want her to be happy, safe, supported and to reach her full potential.
Investing in your daughter’s future through independent education is an option that more and more families are considering. For over a century, The Queen’s School has given its girls a head start in life, offering an education that has become a byword for excellence within Chester and far beyond. It represents excellent value: ■ outstanding teaching in small classes ensures that Queen’s School pupils significantly outperform girls of the same ability nationally ■ a purposeful learning environment where girls have the space and the security to build up their confidence and self-esteem, without distraction ■ a highly-developed pastoral system means that every girl is
HAPPY TIMES: Pupils at The Queen’s School. nurtured and given the support she needs to thrive ■ a huge range of extra-curricular activities – everything from football and fitness to meditation and philosophy offer the best possible opportunities for personal development. Girls on average mature two years ahead of boys. At The Queen’s School your daughter will learn at
the pace which suits her developmental ability. To make such excellence accessible to any girl who would benefit from it, the school offers generous, means-tested bursaries to eligible families. ● For an informal chat , contact Mrs Jane Taylor on 01244 312078 or jtaylor@queens.cheshire.sch.uk
Your chance to learn Welsh UNIVERSITY OF WALES LAMPETER PRIFYSGOL CYMRU LLANBEDR PONT STEFFAN
ABBEY GATE COLLEGE Saighton Grange, Chester
WOULD you like to learn Welsh at your own pace and in your own time? You can register at any time during the year and begin at once. The Department of Welsh at Lampeter has been offering a pioneering and successful elearning programme since 1999. Language modules for complete
beginners include video clips and sound files to aid pronunciation, while modules in translation and related areas are available for those students wishing to improve their written skills. You can enrol for only one or two modules that are of particular interest to you or you can
register to do an entire degree scheme online. If you already attend a Welsh language night class, or regular sessions in the workplace, these online materials will provide you a further opportunity to better your language skills at your leisure. ● Further details on the website www.e-addysg.com
THE QUEEN’S SCHOOL H O N O U R
W I S D O M
Independent Day School for Girls (4 - 18) Chester Cheshire’s leading girls’ school - the right choice for your daughter
We offer a broad and balanced education that aims to meet all the needs of our pupils, providing an education for life.
Key Dates for Entry 11+ and 13+ Entrance Examinations - 26th January 2009 Reception Assessments - 27th and 28th January 2009 Sixth Form Taster Day - 23rd January 2009 Music Scholarships available at 11+ and Sixth Form Sports Awards and Bursaries available at 11+ • Excellence in Pastoral Care • Wide range of extra-curricular activities • Outstanding Music Department • Flourishing Junior and Infant Department at Aldford • Strong academic results • New Design and Technology Workshop and Art Suite • Additional new Science Laboratory • Newly designed and extended Sixth Form Centre • Idyllic village locations and stunning grounds For further details please contact the School Registrar on 01244 332077 or email admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk for a prospectus. Visit our website at www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk
Senior School Entrance Examination Assessments for Reception and Junior Entry Monday 19 January
2009 Please contact: Mrs J Taylor, Admissions Officer Telephone: 01244 312078 email: jtaylor@queens.cheshire.sch.uk w w w. q u e e n s . c h e s h i r e . s c h . u k Financial assistance is available.
TheChronicle December, 2008
9
Education & Training
Advertisers’ announcements
Invest in your child’s future
HIGH PERFORMERS: King’s is a high achieving school with a vibrant atmosphere.
S
ince its foundation in 1541, the King’s School has maintained an impressive reputation for academic excellence and offers an exceptional, all-round education to girls and boys from 7-18 years old, preparing them academically and socially for university and beyond. King’s students are articulate, confident and valued by the top universities.
King’s has chosen to specialise in Junior education, taking boys and girls aged 7-11. It offers an exciting and inspiring education and outstanding music, drama and sport – starting in small classes of 16. The
vast majority of children go on to success in the Senior School. The Senior School takes children from 11-16. Excellent academic results speak for themselves but add to this the outstanding teaching staff, wonderful extracurricular programme and unique learning environment, and the result is an unbeatable combination to inspire and stretch young minds in small classes of 24. The Sixth Form@King’s is an independent centre within the school, with its own cyber café, study area, careers library and lecture theatre. There is a wide choice of Alevel courses, all taught by specialist teaching staff who are highly qualified in their chosen subjects.
King’s is a high achieving school with a vibrant atmosphere. The academic success of students is phenomenal with 100% going to university – 10-15% to Oxbridge and almost 50% to “The Times Top 25”. Many more go on to other top universities and specialist schools such as medical and vet colleges. Financial considerations should not deter you from visiting King’s, as bursaries are available for Senior School and sixth form study. ● Call to arrange to visit the Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form Centre. There is no better way to get to know King’s than to see for yourself its unrivalled facilities and meet pupils and teaching staff.
Abbey Gate leads the way ABBEY Gate College is a well established, co-educational school on the outskirts of Chester. The college celebrated its 30th anniversary last year with major developments in facilities. These included a faculty for Art & Design and Technology, a science laboratory and a Sixth Form Centre comprising first-rate social, ICT and study provision. Abbey Gate College
emphasises the importance of building selfesteem and a love of learning in a friendly and caring environment. It values every child, whatever their age; the potential in every pupil is nurtured and encouraged. Pupils are helped to develop their imagination, determination and aspirations in order to be the best they can. Abbey Gate staff believe that education is
more than achieving good examination results; that the journey itself is of equal importance, providing a stimulating experience, widening opportunities and providing an education for life. ● For further details, contact the school registrar on 01244 332077 or e-mail admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk and visit www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk
ENTRANCE EXAMS Missed our Open Day?
The Grange’s success story
THE Grange School is one of this country’s most remarkable educational success stories of the past 30 years. Growing out of a Junior School that still thrives today, the Grange Senior School has become one of the country’s best performing schools since its arrival on the Cheshire independent school scene as recently as 1978. A-level and GCSE results are regularly in the top end of national league tables. The high standard of work and behaviour is achieved through personal attention and encouragement, wonderful relationships
between pupils and teachers, an enormous range of confidence-building activities and a great sense of fun in every aspect of school life. A lively, dynamic school, The Grange is focused firmly on the future. And, with the best of traditional values at its heart, continues to aim to produce confident, interesting and thoughtful young people who leave, armed not only with the best exam results they are capable of, but with the skills, attributes and attitudes needed to ensure that they thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our
‘Education At Its Best 2009’
Feature is published in January 16th
For more information or to place an advert please contact Vicky on
01244 606357
Don’t worry – applications for our Junior and Senior school for September ‘09 are still welcome. EXAM DATES:
23rd January, ‘09: Year 3 (age 7) & Year 7 (age 11) 31st January, ‘09: Years 4, 5 & 6 (age 8-10)
For a prospectus, further details or to arrange a visit/taster day: Co-educational 7-18 years
www.kingschester.co.uk
Tel: 01244 689553 Email: registrar@kingschester.co.uk
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TheChronicle December, 2008
10
Home & Garden
Gifts for the green-fingered
HANDY GIFT: Ideal for DIY-ers the – cordless screwdriver RRP £119.99.
NORTON PLUMBING AND HEATING
Gas Oil & LPG Installations, Repairs & Servicing CORGI, LPG AND OFTEC Reg. Free Estimates
01978 761843 or 07841 110087
T
here are so many gardening gifts out there this festive season to suit all pockets and tastes. It’s reassuring to see so many have been produced with ecofriendly materials, and designed with wildlife in mind.
Here are just some which have caught my eye... ■ Adopt a vine gift box: This is a wine lover’s dream: a vine dedicated to them at a British vineyard and some tasty perks to go with it. First register ownership and then receive a privilege card entitling the recipient to a vineyard tour, a wine tasting and 10% discount at the vineyard shop (£29.99, Leukaemia Research – www.leukaemiashop.com, 01736 364636). ■ For contemporary gardens, check out this stylish glass bird feeder. Made of mouth-blown glass, it would make a wonderful decorative feature and will soon find fans among small birds all year round (£29.95, Natural Collection – www.shop.com). ■ For a really individual MAKE gift, check out gettingpersonal.co.uk for its personalised gardening calendar. Available in two versions, wall hanging A4 size or
By Hannah Stephenson desktop tent style. (£14.95, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk, 0845 217-6382) ■ If the man in your life needs to put up trellis, shelves in the shed, build a tree house for the kids or make a compost frame, he’ll need the right tools for the job. Bosch is claiming a world first with its launch of the Uneo, a cordless screwdriver, drill and rotary hammer all-inone tool. (RRP £119.99. For more details visit www.bosch-do-it.co.uk/diy or call 0844 736 0107). ■ If you are forever losing your gardening string, these jute twine holders, designed and hand-crafted in the UK, are ideal for hanging in the greenhouse, potting shed or kitchen. Complete with chunky twine and scissors, they also ensure that the twine doesn’t get tangled (£12, www.fairwindonline.com or 0208374-6254).
STYLISH: Glass bird feeder, £29.95, Natural Collection.
IN THE BAG: Jute twine holders £12.
YOUR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION GO OFF WITH A BANG
BUY 1 GET FREE 1 FREE!
IN -S NO TO W RE
ON TOP OF THIS DEAL RECEIVE
FIREWORKS WORTH £25 WITH EVERY £50 SPENT. BEST SELECTION AND PRICE IN THE AREA. FIREWORKS FOR SMALL OR LARGE DISPLAYS
AQUATIC CENTRE OPEN TROPICAL / COLD WATER FISH NEW REPTILE CENTRE - SNAKES, GECKO’S, FROGS, SPIDERS, SCORPIONS ETC...
189x20mm wide board oiled oak flooring, usually £49.99, now only £30m2 + VAT Only available whilst stocks last!
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WATERWAYS AQUATIC & GARDEN CENTRE Holt Road, Wrexham, Llan-y-Pwll (01978) 660289 Opening Hours: 9am until 6pm Monday-Saturday Sunday 6hrs www waterwaysgardencentre co uk
MAKE USE OF YOUR LOFT We can create extra storage space.
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11
TheChronicle December, 2008
Holidays & Leisure
Time for a natural high T
hinking about taking a break and getting away from it all after the festive holidays or even early spring?
OUT AND ABOUT: Whether you opt for walking in Snowdonia or ponytrekking, there’s a variety of activities available.
Why not escape to an area of Britain where beauty comes naturally? With a quarter of the country covered by three National Parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wales has much to offer as a holiday destination. Each of the National Parks is very different, but all are irresistible to those
Photo/ Wales Tourist Board.
M
The Mill Stone
❄
H A W A R D E N R O A D , P E N - Y F F O R D D , CHESTER CH4 0JE Tel: 01244 548824 Email: themillstone@live.co.uk
Under New Management of Chas, Jayne & Sophie Hughes A family run pub open 7 days
OPEN NOW
❄ ❄
❄Drinking area with pool table, fabulous menu being served from 11am - 9pm everyday. All our
dishes are homemade, consisting of light lunches, traditional pub food and other exciting dishes
SUNDAY ROAST 2 courses £8.95 3 courses ❄ £12.95
❄❄
CHILDREN’S MENU AVAILABLE ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL OFFER - 2 MEALS❄ FOR £10 ❄ ❄ NEW YEAR’S EVE BUFFET & DISCO TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW ❄
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CALL FOR DETAILS
Daffodil Time in the Lakes 4 days from 17th April
£199
Like romantic poet William Wordsworth, be inspired by the beauty of springtime daffodils set against the backdrop of the spectacular Lake District. This four-day holiday takes you to the very best the area has to offer, and is sure to be a wonderful short break. Price includes: • Coach travel throughout • Three nights half board accommodation • Visits to Keswick, Kendal, Bowness and Muncaster Castle • Tour of the Lakes and single journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
For further information and a FREE brochure
Call: 01244 606 454
Visit: www.readertravelholidays.com
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST IN CONJUNCTION WITH: DIAMOND HOLIDAYS ABTA W0552
Llys Llewellyn is a newly renovated rural accommodation centre situated in the coastal village of Aberffraw on the West coast of the Isle of Anglesey, and close to one of Anglesey’s best beaches. This corner of the island boasts an unique heritage and is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - perfect for fabulous coastal and forest walks, cycling tours, exciting water sports or relaxing on clean safe beaches. Whether you wish to relax and go as you please or to enjoy an active break trying out new outdoor activities, Llys Llewelyn is the perfect base.
Christmas & New Year Special Offers -
stay at our delightful cottages from just £50.00 a night and only £40.00 a night at our cosy studios. Games room also available free of charge, meals available on request (charges apply). Contact: 07799 837045/01407 840940 or email info@llys-llewelyn.com
who love walking and the open countryside. Snowdonia’s rugged landscape, with jagged peaks and wooded gorges, is dominated by the highest summits in England and Wales and is a lure for climbers and hikers. And if you prefer a gentler mode of travel, you could try cycling through Snowdonia National Park. The Brecon Beacons in the south, by contrast, are smooth and undulating. You can head for the heights the easy way on horseback. Pony trekking is popular throughout Wales, but centres are particularly thick on the ground in the Beacons. Pembrokeshire has one of Europe’s finest stretches of coastline with towering sea cliffs and untouched beaches providing a wildlife haven for nature lovers. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are
the Clwydian Range, Isle of Anglesey and Llyn Peninsula and Llandudno in North Wales, the Gower Peninsula and the Wye Valley. ● For information on holidays and breaks in Wales, visit www.visitwales.co.uk
WHEELIE GOOD: Cycling in the Snowdonia National Park.
TAKING TO THE SKY: A trip on the cable car at Llandudno is a treat when visiting the area. Photo/ Wales Tourist Board.
12
TheChronicle December, 2008