Bangor January 2011

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YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOCAL LIVING COVERING

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Tel: 01244 571 602 DECEMBER 2010

JANUARY 2011 • DELIVERED FREE

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YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOCAL LIVING COVERING

BANGOR ON DEE, OVERTON, CROSS LANES AND SURROUNDING AREAS

YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOCAL

BANGOR ON DEE, OVERTON, CROSS

LIVING COVERING

LANES AND SURROUNDING AREAS

YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT

BANGOR ON DEE,

INTO LOCAL LIVING

OVERTON, CROSS

COVERING

LANES AND SURROU

NDING AREAS

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Call 01244 571602 or email info@essentiallyours.co.uk your life, your home, your community.

DISCLAIMER The opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this issue of essentiallyours are not necessarily the views held by the editors --------------All facts and figures are correct at time of going to press --------------Whilst every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in this publication, we cannot accept any responsibility for any error or omissions that may have occurred

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Printed by EWS Bemrose • Tel: 01244 545829 Front cover picture © Carol Hartnell 2011 January Sunset.

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your life, your home, your community.

Happy New Year!

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

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

No new years resolutions for me this year but I’m sure the usual keep fit, dieting, less alcohol and eating more healthily ones are out there.

Keep your eyes peeled, some of our advertisers may be able to help you with those.

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

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

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

And we’ve thrown a detox recipe in for good measure.

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

All the best, Jill

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

Beating off tough competition Maja received her award after being in business since only July 2009, when she started Black Iris Exhibitions Ltd. Creating her business during the recession has not been easy, but Maja has worked tirelessly to network amongst local and national businesses, working to create exhibition stands for clients from a wide range of business sectors. Recent clients include Yale College and i7 Technologies Ltd based in Hampton Heath near Malpas.

Maja attributes her success to her focus on customer service. “I really do think that in tough economic times it is those businesses who care about their customers that will succeed. At Black Iris we work hard to get great results for our clients, and by listening carefully to what they need, we’ve been able to stand out above the competition. I’m delighted to have won the award - thank you Network She!” Originally from Slovenia Maja has lived in the UK for over 12 years, and is well known and respected amongst local business leaders.

For more information please visit www.blackiris-exhibitions.co.uk For award information please visit www.networkshe.co.uk For media enquiries / interviews contact Caroline Sanger-Davies at Aero Media on 07854 835171 caroline@aero-media.co.uk

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essentialresolutions The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future.

Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn’t begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had.

The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the

guardian of doors and entrances.

He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back.

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

In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year’s Day to December 25, the birth of Jesus.

Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called the Annunciation.

In the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII revised the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned to January 1.

10 Most Common New Year Resolutions 1. Lose weight 2. Stop smoking 3. Stick to a budget 4. Save or earn more money 5. Find a better job

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

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My Slimming World journey by Mark Edwards My name is Mark Edwards age 25, my mum is Jackie Edwards slimming world consultant for the Bangor on Dee group My weight at my heaviest was 17.5 stone now I am 12.2lbs, the lightest I have ever been I can’t believe I have lost over 5 stone.

I could only wear elasticated trousers to cover my 40 inch waist. Now I can buy myself 32 inch jeans.

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

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

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

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thweith cthlue b big heart!

I am 25 and have just moved into my own supported house with 3 house mates and am enjoying my new life! Every where I go and bump into people that haven’t seen me for a while they can’t get over how slim I look Dad often jokes that now when I and mum come in the car now, 10 stone lighter, and the enormous amount of fuel he is saving!!

Cheeky!

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

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Car Valeting NEW IN HOUSE SERVICE at Trotting Mare Garage Knolton, Nr. Overton on Dee LL13 0LE

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Farndon Heating Solutions Local Plumbing & Heating Services • High efficiency boiler installation, maintenance, repair and service • Landlord gas safety checks & certificates • Central heating and hot water installation • Gas, oil & LPG registered engineers • Full bathroom installation including tiling Professional service with over 30 years experience Small family run business with competitive prices All work guaranteed to the highest standard

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Governments over the last 50 years have encouraged us to save towards our own retirement and be less dependant on the state by way of incentives in the way of pension tax relief There are restrictions on the amount you can benefit and this has changed on numerous occasions over the years and is due to change again next April.

The way relief is granted depends on how you pay your pension. If you are a member of an employer scheme at work any pension contribution is usually taken from your salary before you pay tax and National Insurance which means that the amount of your taxable pay is reduced by the level of contribution you have paid. If you have no company pension scheme or are self employed you will usually have a personal pension plan and tax relief is provided by a top up to your contributions. For example if you are personally paying £100 per month by direct debit the amount that would be credited to your pension scheme would be £125. If you are a higher rate tax payer then you could claim another £25 of tax relief by way of a refund from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which works out as an equivalent increase in your contributions

of 67%. Higher rate tax payers need to be especially careful to make sure they reclaim the overpayment as HMRC will not automatically pay it back.

Some large companies run schemes known as ‘Salary Sacrifice’ where employees can give up some of their wages to make additional payments to their pension scheme. This is a very tax efficient way of increasing your pension savings as in addition to the tax relief you can also save on National Insurance payments. Small companies can run similar schemes for employees or Directors and if you have an opportunity to consider this option or would wish to set a pension scheme up for your own business you would be well advised to look at a ‘Salary Sacrifice’ scheme.

Tax relief is one of the few ways we can get free money from the state and it is well worth taking full advantage of this benefit. For example saving £300 per month to a pension with 20% tax relief would mean that over 25 years you would have saved £112,500 at a cost of £90,000. Interest or growth on this additional sum over 25 years can boost the saving even further and make the difference between a comfortable retirement and a struggle.

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

Please find below a copy of an e mail from County Councillor June Fearnall expressing thanks to all who were involved and contributed.

Dear Lynne, Once again, many thanks to you and Ade for your kindness on Saturday 27th November 2010 - it is such a pleasure working with you.

Marchwiel Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch 2010 An afternoon of fine, festive food and fun, organised by Councillor June Fearnall, with the assistance of Mrs. Margaret Hanmer and PCSO Lynne Maurice, was enjoyed by 70 Marchwiel Senior Citizens at Ysgol Deiniol on Saturday, 27th November. The guests welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Councillor James Kelly and Mrs. Elizabeth Kelly.

A delicious 3-course lunch was prepared

by School chef, Sue Bellis and her team, and served by a wonderful group of members of our community, including 10 young people,

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

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

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

by Marchwiel residents.

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

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Statement on potholes In a statement issued by Wrexham Council, Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “Following the recent severe weather, Wrexham Council has spread just over 5,000 tonnes of salt on its highway network. An extensive roads and resurfacing programme was carried out following last year’s severe weather and we will not know the true extent of the damage until after the thaw is complete this winter” In the meantime, additional resources will be made available within Streetscene to carry out immediate temporary repairs where damage has occurred following the recent adverse weather. It is important that these repairs are carried out quickly and followed by a more comprehensive programme when the weather improves.

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

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

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

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

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We can find the make and model you require The Trotting Mare Garage is a small family run business with a large stock of quality used cars. All cars are sold with warrantees, MOT’s and service and we believe that our after sales service is unrivalled. As a small business we will take the time to make sure that you make the right choice and if you require something specific we will make every effort to match your needs no pressure, just good honest advice.

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

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

Bentley’s spinning rear wheels. Yes, a great painting, but a few years ago when I was visiting Bentley motors at Crewe, I was told that the actual Bentley depicted in the painting was not the correct one! Never mind, Terence didn’t know that at the time, and deserves some artistic licence anyway!

But as I studied the print more closely, I was amazed to see a tiny mouse running for dear life in front of the car. Apparently Cuneo included a little mouse in most of his paintings, and this reminded me of the famous carpenter, Robert Thompson of Kilburn, North Yorkshire, who also used a little carved mouse as a trade mark on his work, and he was known internationally as the ‘Mouse Man’. There are many examples of this to be seen in local hospitals and churches.

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

May I wish you all a very happy New Year.

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

Things to avoid: Alcohol, fizzy drinks (swap for unsweetened tea, unsweetened juice, black coffee and water), fried foods. If in doubt, have soup. It’s full of fibre and will fill you up. You may find The soup: your bowel movements change, but unless The heart of the diet is vegetable soup.

Excluding potatoes, you can use any veg you the change is dramatic, enjoy the detox! like - experiment! - but the simplest version of the recipe is this:

Take equal portions of • Spinach • Carrots • Celery • Onions • Green peppers • Tomatoes

Chop them up, chuck them into a pot, cover with water and cook! Once cooked, blitz the softened vegetables in a food processor.

You could also throw in some fresh herbs or spices for a bit of extra flavour.And there you have it - a unique, tasty and filling vegetable soup that you’d never find in a can!

King’s – Much more than an education The King’s JUNIOR School offers an outstanding education, preparing your child academically and socially for Senior School and beyond.

The JUNIOR School for girls and boys aged 7-11, offers an inspiring education within a separate self-contained school.

Within the caring and supportive environment of the JUNIOR School, your child will flourish and become, as the recent inspection described the children, ‘happy learners’. Overlaid on strong academic foundations, the curriculum offers excellent Drama, Music, Sport and a whole host of other activities.

For children 11-18 years, the SENIOR School has excellent academic results, but add to this the outstanding teaching staff and the unique learning environment, and

the result is an unbeatable combination to inspire and stretch young minds. With over 60 clubs and activities the opportunities are endless.

King’s is a high achieving school with a vibrant atmosphere. King’s students are articulate, confident and valued by the top universities.

Our students are phenomenally successful, with virtually all going to university - 63 to Oxbridge in the last 7 years and almost a quarter to the “The Times Top 10” universities.

Financial considerations should not deter you from visiting us, as financial help is available for Senior School, dependent on parental income.

Don’t worry if you missed the open morning, we are happy to arrange a visit or taster day for your child, so that you can see for yourself what makes The King’s School unique. Contact admissions@kingschester. co.uk. to request a prospectus or to arrange a visit. www.kingschester.co.uk/welcome

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essentialvalentine Lovers & St. Valentine’s Day have long been associated.

History is rich with stories as to how Valentine’s day started .Here are some of them: Valentine was a priest living in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II (2nd century AD). Claudius prohibited the marriage of young people as it was believed that unmarried soldiers fought better !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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E CUNNAH & SON LTD is your local family run authorised distributor delivering heating oils, fuels and lubricants for your homes, farms and industry.

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

robbieburns

Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 to William Burness, a poor tenant farmer, and Agnes Broun, Robert Burns was the eldest of seven. He spent his youth working his father’s farm, but in spite of his poverty he was extremely well read - at the insistence of his father, who employed a tutor for Robert and younger brother Gilbert. At 15 Robert was the principal worker on the farm and this prompted him to start writing in an attempt to find “some kind of counterpoise for his circumstances.” It was at this tender age that Burns penned his first verse, “My Handsome Nell”, which was an ode to the other subjects that dominated his life, namely scotch and women.

When his father died in 1784, Robert and his brother became partners in the farm. However, Robert was more interested in the romantic nature of poetry than the arduous graft of ploughing and, having had some misadventures with the ladies (resulting in several illegitimate children, including twins to the woman who would become his wife, Jean Armour), he planned to escape to the safer, sunnier climes of the West Indies.

But, at the point of abandoning farming, his first collection “Poems- Chiefly

in the Scottish Dialect Kilmarnock Edition”, was published and received much critical acclaim.

In a matter of weeks he was transformed from local hero to a national celebrity, fussed over by the Edinburgh literati of the day, and Jean Armour’s father allowed her to marry him, now that he was no longer a lowly wordsmith.

Alas, the trappings of fame did not bring fortune and he took up a job as an exciseman to supplement the meagre income.

The last years of Burns’ life were devoted to penning great poetic masterpieces such as The Lea Rig, Tam O’Shanter and a Red, Red Rose. He died aged 37 of heart disease exacerbated by the hard manual work he undertook when he was young. His death occurred on the same day as his wife Jean gave birth to his last son, Maxwell.

On the day of his burial more than 10,000 people came to watch and pay their respects.

However, his popularity then was nothing compared to the heights it has reached since.

On the anniversary of his birth, 25th January - Scots both at home and abroad celebrate Robert Burns with a supper, where they address the haggis, the ladies and whisky. A celebration which would undoubtedly make him proud.

Valentine’s Tribute Evening Michael Bublé - Friday 11th February - £40.00 To include 3 course menu plus coffee, tribute entertainment and disco 7.30 pm arrival 8.00 pm sit down

Valentine’s Gourmet Evening Ciro’s Brasserie - Saturday 12th February - £40.00 To include Kir Royale on arrival, 3 course menu plus coffee and petits fours

Valentine’s Night Ciro’s Brasserie - Monday 14th February - £38.00 To include a Passion Potion on arrival, 3 course menu plus coffee and chocolates

Valentine’s with Spa by Kasia

Treat your loved one this Valentine’s to a luxurious day of pure indulgence.

Romantic Spa Day Packages and Breaks from £105.00 per person Please call Spa by Kasia on 01244 572199 for further details on our Valentine’s spa packages.

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



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

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

Finding a Reputable Tradesperson This can be difficult as having major work done to the house is something you do once in a lifetime. Most people prefer to do business locally so use your local tools to find a company, including asking your friends and work colleagues, people that you know well.

Okay so you think you’ve found someone to do the work, don’t just take their word for it that they are good, ask to speak to previous customers and preferably see examples of their work. Also check they are members of the relevant professional bodies they need to be.

Agree things beforehand • Get a written quote and contract covering the work, the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates and including any guarantees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pushchairs • Car Seats • Furniture • Bedding • Moses Baskets • Feeding Time • Accessories • OPENING TIMES Mon, Tue & Fri 9.30 - 5.00 Wed 9.30 - 6.30 Thu 9.30 - 2.30 Sat 10.00 - 5.00

36/39 Chester St, Wrexham LL13 8AH

Tel: 01978 313778

www.bundleofjoywrexham.co.uk The Family Law Department atThe Thomas Andrews and Department Partners has a good Family Law reputation having runand very successfully for the at Thomas Andrews Partners has a good lastreputation 30 years and is run based experience having veryonsuccessfully forand the our approachability clients.

We believe that last 30 years and istobased on experience and ourit is extremely important upthat a good approachability to clients. to Webuild believe it is relationship with our clients our motto is extremely important to build up aand good relationship

with our clients and our motto is

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

Please consult Carol McGuire at THOMAS ANDREWS & PARTNERS

Contact: Ian Atkinson

01978 710661 / 07880 555 547 email: ian@allthingstrees.co.uk web: allthingstrees.co.uk

THOMAS ANDREWS & PARTNERS SOLICITORS

SOLICITORS 31 High Street, Wrexham LL13 8HY 31 High Street, Wrexham LL13 8HY Tel: 01978 291506 email: carolinem@thomasandrews.co.uk Tel: 01978 291 506 email: carolinem@thomasandrews.co.uk for some initial advice or Fax 01978 358793 for some initial advice or Fax 01978 358 793

essential

gardening top gardening jobs for January.

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

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

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

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

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

in spring. Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ benefits from hard pruning, cutting away all stems at ground level.

General care - Bulb care: Check bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rot or deterioration. Remove diseased ones and sprinkle others with sulphur powder to prevent disease attack.

Water features - Removing pumps and filters from ponds and water features helps prevent them being damaged by freezing water during the winter. Keep ponds covered with netting to prevent fallen leaves blowing in.

Rake leaves - Finish raking up fallen leaves, especially those collected under hedges and shrubs. These offer protection to slugs and snails over winter months, so all leaves should be cleared away. Also clear gutters which can get clogged up and put all the leaves in a leaf bin to rot down.

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

07720 315 885

Evenings 01978 823 750

Your local destination Farm Shop & Garden Centre Only 15 minutes from & Chester Your local destination Your localWrexham destination Your destination Your locallocal destination Farm Shop & Farm Garden Centre Garden Centre & Garden Centre Farm Shop & Shop Garden Centre Farm Shop & Garden Centre

Only 15 minutes from Wrexham & Chester indoor plants, Only 15 minutes fromOutdoor Wrexham & Chester Only minutes from Wrexham &&Chester Only 1515 minutes from Wrexham & Chester

garden sundries, fresh flowers, Garden Centre Garden Centre Garden Centre pet & bird &care products, Outdoor & indoor plants, Outdoor indoor plants, Outdoor & indoor plants, barbecues & clothing. garden sundries, fresh flowers, garden sundries, fresh flowers, garden fresh flowers,plants, garden indoor petOutdoor &sundries, bird careand products, pet & bird care products, pet & bird care products, sundries,&fresh flowers, pet and bird barbecues clothing. barbecues & clothing. barbecues & clothing.

Farmcare Shopproducts, barbecues and clothing.

Garden Centre

With a wonderful selection

Farm Shop Farm Shop of locally sourced goods, Farm Shop With a wonderful selection With a wonderful selection including fresh fruit & With aawonderful With wonderful selection of locally of locally sourced selection goods, of locally sourced goods, vegetables from our fields. of locally sourced goods, including freshincluding fruit & sourced goods, fresh fruit including fresh fruitand & includingfrom fresh fruit & vegetables our fields. vegetables from our fields. vegetables from our fields. vegetables from our fields.

Farm Shop

Gift Shop Homeware, Cards, Toys, Gift Shop Gift Shop Gift Shop Gift Shop Novelties, Toiletries, Homeware, Cards, Toys, Homeware, Cards, Toys, Homeware, cards, novelties, Homeware, Cards, Toys,toys, Candles, Books, Jewellery & Novelties, Toiletries, Novelties, Toiletries, toiletries, candles, books, Novelties, Toiletries, Candles, Books, Jewellery &Accessories Candles, Books, Jewellery & Candles,Accessories Books, Jewellery & jewellery and accessories Accessories Accessories

Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields Restaurant

Strawberry Fields Restaurant Strawberry Fields Strawberry Fields Restaurant Restaurant With panoramic With panoramic views across views the Restaurant With panoramic views With panoramic views across the Welsh Hills.

Our Welsh Hills.

Our daily menu reflects Withthe panoramic views across Welsh Hills.

Our across the Welsh Hills.

Our daily menu reflects the across the Welsh Hills.

Our produce. the menu freshest seaonal daily reflects the daily menu reflects the freshest daily menu reflects theseasonal produce. freshest seasonal produce. freshest seasonal produce. freshest seasonal produce.

Pick your own in the summer months

PICK YOUR OWN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS PICK YOUR OWN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS OWN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS PICK YOUR OWN INPICK THEYOUR SUMMER MONTHS Wrexham RoadHolt Farm, Holt Village, Wrexham LL13LL13 9YU9YU Road Farm, Holt Village, Wrexham Road Wrexham Farm, Village, Wrexham LL13 9YUWrexham Wrexham Road Farm, Holt Village, Wrexham LL13 9YU Wrexham Road Farm, Holt Village, LL13 9YU Tel: 01829 270302/304 •Wrexham info@bellisbrothers.co.uk Tel: 01829 270302/304 • info@bellisbrothers.co.uk Tel: 01829 270302/304 • info@bellisbrothers.co.uk Tel: 01829 270302/304 • info@bellisbrothers.co.uk Tel: 01829 270302/304 • info@bellisbrothers.co.uk SeeSee our our website for our more details www.bellisbrothers.co.uk See website for more details www.bellisbrothers.co.uk website for more details www.bellisbrothers.co.uk our website for more details www.bellisbrothers.co.uk See our website forSee more details www.bellisbrothers.co.uk

the the toulouse thetoulouse ladythe victoria sherwood

also available in black finish HEB403 also available in black finish available in black finish alsoalso available in black finish

also available in also blackavailable finish in black finish RX134 RX134

also available in finishin alsoblack available also available in black finish HEB404 available in black finish highlight polish also also available in black finish RX246

RX132

RX132 HEB403

RX002

the daisy

combinations

the verona verona thethe tiffany the knox

the morris thejekyll morris the

combinations

combinations

the knox

combinations

the jekyll

the valentine the valentine

also available in also available in black black finish finish also available in black finish RX254 RX180 RX254

HEB404 RX246

the laurel

the aladdin inserts

also available in black finish HEF343

126cm

89cm

code: RX138 96cm 111cm code: RX199 code: HEB057 code: HEB057 code: RX138 circa: 1900 circa: 1870 circa: 1900 circa: 1900 circa: 1900nouveau style: art art nouveau style: early style: artstyle: nouveau style: art victorian nouveau finish: polish full polish finish: fullfull polish finish: fullfinish: polish finish: full polish tiles shown: LGC012 104cm tiles shown: LGC012 gas fire to suit: MLG020 surround: SMC010 gas fire fire to to suit: suit: MLG071 MLG020flue type: class 1 & 2 gas MLG071 ashpan: DJX036 flue type: flue classgas 1 &fire 2 to suit: fire 1heat 55cm flue type:gas class & 2input: 6kW gas gas fire fire heat input: 6kW no gas fire available gas fire heat input: 6kW ashpan: DJX037 with this inser t ashpan: DJX037 ashpan: 63cm41cm ashpan: DJX037 17cm

96cm

111cm

code: RX179 RX141 SMC101 code: code: RX009 surround: code: RX141 96cm circa: 1870 1900 RX080 circa: circa: 1905 tiles: circa: 1900 style: victorian art style: style:nouveau late victorian style: art nouveau finish: highlight full finish: finishpolish finish: full polish finish:polish highlight tiles shown: LGC065 (2 boxes req�d) surround: SMC007 gas fire to suit: MLG015tiles shown: LGC065 (2 boxes req�d) 89cm 96cm 119cmto suit: MLG067 gas fire flue type: class 1 & 2 gas fire to suit: MLG067 gas to class suit: MLG006 flue fire type: 1 & 2 56cm gas fire heat input: 6.95kW flue type: class 1 & 2 flue type:heat class 1 & 6kW 2 60cm gas fire input: DJX0366.95kWgas fire heat input: 6kW gas fireashpan: heat input: ashpan: DJX037 40cm ashpan: DJX037 solid fuel brick: RX238 20cm 87cm 5 13cm ashpan: DJX036 5

code: HEB341/HEF341 circa: 1905 style: late victorian finish: highlight polish

code: RX123 circa: 1900 style: late victorian finish: highlight finish

97cm

code: RX125 surround: SMC011 circa: 1890 - 1900 tiles: HEB093 style: art nouveau finish: highlight finish 88cm

surround: SMC109 tiles: LGC013

98cm

55cm

40cm 85cm

gas fire to suit: MLG036 flue type: class 1 & 2 gas fire heat input: 6.95kW

14

87cm

105cm

113cm

64cm

64cm

55cm

39cm 40cm 90cm

87cm

20cm

40cm 90cm

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

52cm

20cm

gas fire to suit: gasMLG069 fire to suit: MLG069 flue type: class 1 & 2 class 1 & 2 flue type: gas fire heat input: 6.95kW gas fire heat input: 6.95kW solid fuel brick: RX212 solid fuel brick: RX212 ashpan: DJX037 20cm 39cm ashpan: DJX037 14

105cm

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

115cm

128cm tiles shown: HEB051/LGC083 gastiles fire shown: to suit: HEB051/LGC083 MLG023 104cm 128cm gas fire to113cm suit: MLG023class 1 & 2 78cm 96cm flue gastype: fire to suit: MLG069 gas fire to suit: MLG069 72cm flue type: class 1 fire & 2type: gasflue heat class input:16kW & 2 type: class 1 & 2 51cm flue 55cmheat input: 6kW gas fire 55cm 51cm gas fire heat input: 6.95kW ashpan: DJX037 gas fire heat input: 6.95kW ashpan: DJX037solid fuel brick: RX212 40cm 35cm 73cm 26cm 107cm RX212 solid fuel brick: 40cm 20cm 22cm 74cm 77cm 24cm ashpan: 335cm 107cm 22cm DJX03732ashpan: DJX037 3 17cm

77cm

26cm

22

79cm97cm

73cm

119cm 96cm 81cm

60cm

40cm 88cm

89cm

96cm

58cm

13cm 24cm 41cm 97cm

18cm

ashpan: DJX037

89cm

surround: SMC008 tiles: HEB095/LGC086

97cm

57cm

40cm 88cm

gas fire to suit: MLG060 flue type: class 1 & 2 gas fire heat input: 6.95kW

20cm

gas fire to suit: MLG062 flue type: class 1 & 2 gas fire heat input: 6.95kW ashpan: DJX036

20cm

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ashpan: DJX037

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

HEB056 code: RX131 code: HEB056code: code: RX131126cm 96cm89cm 1900 circa: 1900 circa: 1900 circa: circa: 1900 style: victorian/arts and crafts style: artcrafts nouveaustyle: style: victorian/arts and art nouveau finish: fullfull polish finish: polish finish: full polish finish: full polish

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

106cm

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

52cm

40cm 90cm

105cm 106cm

loads more available! Ask to see catalogue

115cm

40cm 90cm

code: RX133 code: RX133 105cm circa: 1900 circa: 1900 style: art nouveau style: art nouveau finish: full polish finish: full polish tiles shown: HEB097/LGC087 tiles shown: HEB097/LGC087

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

101cm

' JIG uk Ltd 2008

102cm

101cm

23

ANY STOVE FITTED

£1550

5, 6, 7 or 8 kilowatt stove from a large selection, stove pipe, 8 metre flue liner, cowl, closure plate, granite hearth laid, chimney opened up, brickwork and plastering made good. All this included in the price!

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

GOT A CHIMNEY?

Chimneys swept. Lowered. Capped.

Repaired. Opened up. Cowls fitted.

Own in-house scaffolding service. Fully insured. All services available now.

GET YOUR CHIMNEY SWEPT NOW FOR EXTRA FUEL EFFICIENCY ANY CAST IRON FIREPLACE

£850

Any fireplace from the selection shown, plus a black granite or Basalt black tiled hearth - rigged for solid fuel. All fitted!

TEL: 07979 691 202 ANYTIME or 01691 830 304 After 7pm

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

It has been said that the bridge dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, say around 1500, but no one knows for sure, only the date of its first recorded restoration in 1658.

This date, inscribed on a stone inserted into the southern side of the bridge, can no longer be seen. According to Thomas Pennant in his ‘Tours in Wales’ published in 1883, a learned schoolmaster, not named, recorded and deciphered the letters and numbers before they became too worn. Apparently this recorded the date of the restoration in three ways, 1036 from the time of the Hegria, 1658 from the birth of Christ and 5607 from the age of the world. In an early edition of the Ordnance Survey Map the date ascribed to the bridge is 1036, which date has clearly been misread.

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

If you think that it was the invention of the motorcar that brought forth requests for a new bridge across the river, then you would be wrong; calls for a second bridge over the Dee were being made two hundred years ago!

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

Live first… work second!

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

Available to assist with: Personal Tax returns for PAYE and Self-Assessment Remember THE deadline of 31st January is fast approaching Capital Gains Taxation Issues Full Accountancy / Book-keeping / VAT services for Sole Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies

Build a business in your spare time.

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

Choose: • the hours you work • how much time and effort you invest • how fast you build your business.

Suitable for:

EAR N

WIT HU S!

• Entrepreneurs • Stay-at-home mums/dads • Retired people • Anyone who wants a supplementary income!

Find out more!

Contact us on 07597 709933 01978 855323

Call: 0800 298 5048 www.jteltd.info

always thinking

MENDED PROVI DE OM EC

R

R

Or email info@forefrontaccountancy.co.uk

Plastering Contractor

FURNITURE & CARPETS

NURSERY SHOWROOM

M.T. Proudlove

GRAND OPENING 31ST MAY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

www.shannonsales.co.uk

Tel: 01691 773257

SALE NOW ON Shannon Sales, Old School, Chirk, Nr Oswestry LL14 5NA

www.shannonsales.co.uk Tel: 01691 773257

OS417163-V3/CB

10% OFF

NURSERY NURSERY ON THE DAY SHOWROOM Old School, Chirk, OPEN Nr Oswestry, LL14 5NA

0

B

ro 1 ad 20 ban d - September

All aspects of Plasterwork • Dry lining • Skimming • Rendering • Tiling Free estimates • Reliable local resident

Call Max

07944 481831 • 01978 710095 The Holding Brynhovah, Bangor-on-Dee Road Overton-on-Dee LL13 ODA

Coffee Mornings

Tallarn Green Methodist Chapel Annual Quiz Night Friday February 4th Tallarn Green Village Hall 7.30pm Quiz master Brian Felstead from Ellesmere Teams should be of up to 4 people More info is 01948 830249

ADULT EDUCATION COURSES Starts: Thur 20th Jan 2011 Sugar Craft, Sewing from Scratch and Understanding Shakespeare 8 week courses on offer £55 Contact Audrey Stewart at the Maelor School 01948 830291 FOR MORE DETAILS

Marchwiel Church Alternate Tuesdays 10.00am - 12 noon.

Please join us. All Welcome.

hire an apartment PIRIN HEIGHTS,BANSKO,

BULGARIA A lovely area for Skiing, Mountain Biking, and Hill Walking. £300 per week

call 07873 129 213

HIRE BOD Village Hall for details contact 01978 780622

Marchwiel Village Hall Maelor Music Society Concerts

34

(Piercy Hall)

31st March 2011

Chetham’s School of Music Wednesday 2nd February Piantel - Harp and Piano Wednesday 23rd February Both concerts in Maelor School, Penley 7.30pm. Members free.

Non-members adult ticket £10.

Further information on 01948 770633.

Hunting the Giants Daughter

Registered Charity No. 501996

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

The telling of Old Welsh Tales in Song and Stories Being perform by the Adverse Chamber Theatre Company Tickets available from Marchwiel Village Stores or 16 The Glen Marchwiel

Tel 01978 314 344

Nightingale House Hospice invites

you to join their

sponsored

2011

January - April

Lose lbs for £££s!

Aim to lose up to 14lbs in 14 weeks through diet and exercise.

Join in with this fantastic slimming opportunity between January and April and help raise much needed funds for Nightingale House Hospice!

For more information call:

01978 314 292

www.nightingalehouse.co.uk

Only £5 to

Register!

The following are kindly supporting our 2011 Slimathon Visit their websites for more informa tion

!

www.rowlandspharmacy.co.uk

30 minute fitness for Women

www.curves.com Wrexham Hospice and Cancer Suppo rt

www.slimmingworld.com Centre Foundation Registered Charit

www.tota lfitne ss.c o.uk

y Number: 1035600 (Registered in

England and Wales)

Invitation to Apply for Start-Up Grants for Lunch Clubs in Wrexham County Borough As part of the Day Services Development Programme, the Adult Social Care Department at Wrexham County Borough Council is offering one-off small grants to stimulate the development of lunch clubs in Wrexham County Borough.

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

If you are interested in setting up a new lunch club in an area that doesn’t have a Club, an information pack is available which includes an application form for a start-up grant.

Deadline for applications is 28th February 2011 For an information pack and a grant application form, please contact: Yvonne Kelso, Adult Social Care Department, Crown Buildings, 31 Chester Street, Wrexham LL13 8BG Tel: 01978 298617 • E-mail: commissioning@wrexham.gov.uk

Plastering Plastering Services Services Ltd Ltd All aspects All aspects of plastering, of plastering, domestic domestic and commercial and commercial

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICE

CALL 0800 695 1352 FREE CONSUMER INFO-LINE 24HR RECORDING HOW TO CHOOSE A CARPET CLEANER

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All aspects of plastering Commercial & Domestic

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01978 856 854 07947 583 256 10 Oak Drive, Marford LL12 8XT

That’s right, the most thorough cleaning ever.

If you’re not 100% delighted with my carpet & upholstery cleaning service, I’ll quickly return and give you a free re-clean. If I still can’t make you happy - for whatever reason - I’ll refund your money 100% - What could be fairer?

I’ve invested in the best cleaning systems possible giving a fantastic result on carpets and upholstery every time! I’ll clean, deodorise and condition your items leaving them clean and fresh.

100% No-Risk Iron Clad Guarantee What does this mean? Simply this: If you’re not totally happy with my work, I’ll reclean the area for free. If you’re still not satisfied, I’ll give you your money back.

01352 730 555 CALL for a free quotation

essentiallywales Made a New Years Resolution to appreciate the great outdoors? These will make a great day out and you probably didn’t know they existed!

Visit www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/sites/seven_wonders for more info and maps etc

1. Pistyll Rhaeadr At 240 ft (74 metres) tall, it’s the highest waterfall in Wales & England.

It is found in a remote location in Powys, near Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant.

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

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

4. Overton Yew Trees Some of the 21 famous yew trees at St Mary’s Church, Overton, date to the 12th century, when the first stone church is said to have been erected. The yew trees themselves date back to medieval times.

In 1992 the Queen planted a young yew tree in the churchyard, to commemorate her visit to Overton as part of 700th anniversary celebrations.

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

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

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

01948 861124

The Wyvern Church Street Malpas Cheshire SY14 8NU

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

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

Moving to new purpose built premises

In Spring 2011 Little Scholars Nursery is moving to

The Centre for the Child at Glyndŵr University This exciting new children’s nursery facility includes: • Unique outdoor play areas designed to inspire, challenge and make learning fun.

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

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

• A bespoke sensory room …and of course our team of talented, enthusiastic and highly trained early years professionals.

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

Bookings being taken for Spring 2011

To find out more about this exciting new childcare and early years education centre contact

Active Childcare on 01978 661189 or info@activechildcare.co.uk