December 2017

The voice for local business

Issue 152 - December 2017

and Frodsham at your fingertips!

Serving The Areas Of: Alvanley // Dunham Hill // Elton // Frodsham Hapsford // Helsby // Kingsley // Manley // Mouldsworth // Norley // Overton

Daily Specials Available

Tel: 01928 788210

www.wtgibson.co.uk

Opening Times: Closed Monday Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 4.30pm Sunday 10.30am - 3.30pm

Kingsley Mill, Mill Lane, Kingsley, Cheshire, WA6 8JA Your local magazine - 7100 copies FREE every month | tel: 01928 727 165

David Emanuel for Clogau by iconic Welsh designer David Emanuel. Inspired by our Welsh culture and British heritage, celebratee love and glamour. From ÂŁ109

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Hello and welcome to the festive December edition...

Well done to the organisers of Frodsham’s Christmas Festival last Saturday, which despite the weather proved once again to be very popular and much appreciated. I loved the ‘real life’ unicorn!

This weekend it’s the turn of Ho Ho Helsby as well as ‘Small Business Saturday’, a National event to encourage people to support their local businesses. There is a list of the businesses taking part on page 96, along with the offers available on the day. Apologies if you didn’t receive your copy of Helsby to Hand in time for this event, unfortunately I didn’t receive the information ahead of the November edition.

Lincoln Court in Helsby has a vacancy for a caretaker. If you looking for a rewarding career to kick start your new year then take a look at the advert on page 4 - closing date is 15th December.

Ladies, do you love fashion? Have you ever fancied doing a spot of modelling? That lovely feeling of being dressed up, complete with hair and makeup? Then get in touch with Olivia May Showroom in Ashton Hayes, their lovely advert is on page 5.

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the panto. This year Frodsham Panto group is putting on the well loved fairy-tale ‘Cinderella’.

Full details are on p12, oh yes they are!

I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas, Best Wishes

Sarah x @helsbytohand

Helsby to Hand

This month in pictures...

p11

p43

p14

p54-55

p20

p58

p28

p84

PLEASE NOTE COPY DATE FOR ADVERTISING IN THE JAN EDITION

IS 11TH DEC (COMMUNITY EVENTS 8TH) TO ADVERTISE PLEASE RING SARAH ON 01928 727165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com If you don’t have a copy ’to hand’ check out the website: www.helsbytohand.co.uk

Helsby to Hand - Kerrowmoar, Manley Road, Alvanley, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 9DE Tel: 01928 727165 Email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

“Helsby to Hand” is produced by an independent organisation; which is not connected to any other organisations, publications or groups. All material is copyright and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, photographic or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without written permission of the copyright holder. Please note that we do not endorse any product or services of any advertisers. All advertisements and their content are accepted in good faith.

Responsibility for copyright and the accuracy of the information provided lies with the advertiser.

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

3

01928 733 176

This is also our 24 Hour Emergency Service number

info@cbes.services www.cbes.services @cbesservices

Caretaker Vacancy 38 privately owned Apartments for Residents aged 60yrs and above Lincoln Court, Helsby WA6 0BW Starting Salary: £10,400 (for 20 hrs) with 20 days holidays Hours are 20 per week: Mon- Thurs 0900-1300hrs (some flexibility to suit applicant) Fri 0800-1200hrs Experience: Caretaking experience or practical transferable skills. Good communication.

Ability to plan workload and keep motivated.

Job Role • • • • • • • • •

Training given to carry out this role Cleaning and minor repairs/maintenance of common areas Responsible to the Management Agents Dealing with refuse/recycling Dealing with contractors/visitors Routine health and safety and security checks Record keeping and managing petty cash Respond to Helpline calls and support Residents Set up rooms for functions and carry out ad-hoc tasks.

For further details and application form contact Hml Group on 01565 755390 Closure date 15th December 2017

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

5

2 – 4 - 1 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING Tel: 01244 301752 Mob: 077821 62458 PGA Golf Professional

Sandfield Golf Course & Driving Range, Mickle Trafford Christmas Vouchers Available!

A great present for family or friends who already play golf and want to sharpen their skills or for anyone who is considering taking up the game!

This class will give you two classes in one – the first half of the class will give you a fun cardio Zumba class and the second other half will give you a strength and toning session involving multiple muscle groups

1/2 hour lesson £17* 4 x 1/2 hour lessons £60* 6 x 1/2 hour lessons £85* Junior lessons - 6 x 20 mins £55*

Come and join us - 7.00pm Starts Wednesday 3 rd January Elton Community Centre, School Lane Cost £4.50 or a 30 minute session £3.00

Email: jamiegarnerprogolfer@hotmail.com Website: www.jamiegarner.myprogolfer.co.uk

For more details, contact Dora on 07747 826150 or email dora-do-do@live.co.uk REPs registered, Level 4 (Register of Exercise Professionals)

* Excludes range balls

Christmas Advent Angel Bells Bread Cards Carols Chimney Crib Dasher Elves Fairy Fir Frosty Gift Gold Happy Holly Inn Jingle

Lantern Lights List Morning Myrrh Party Sack Santa Sleigh Star Tinsel

Toys Wreath

Find the words associated with Christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

7

~ Bias binding ~ glitter threads ~

Your Local Haberdasherie ~

Sew Simple

For all your sewing requirements Beautiful Christmas patchwork

by Barbara Norwood

Open 7 days 11 - 4.30pm Tel: 07733 091237

Patchwork & Quilting Lessons

Selection of kits ~

Cross-stitch / Patchwork ~ Ideal present!

Patchwork & Quilting supplies Cross-stitch supplies Large selection of 100% cotton patchwork D.M.C Thread, all colours material always in stock available, Aida Lady Heyes Craft Centre, Kingsley Rd, Frodsham

Snap fasteners ~ zips ~ cord ~ ribbon

Haberdasherie ~ needles ~ pins ~ buttons ~ Coates Cottons

velcro ~ wadding ~ rotary cutters ~ beads ~ elastic (all sizes)

M::::: - S:t::::: 9:: t: 5p: C:::e: S:::::: & B::k H::i::::

Christmas Catalogue available online:

:::::::::::::::::::::

Merry Christmas to all our Customers 24 C::::: St:eet, F::::::: 01928 735 147 :::e::::e::t:@::t::i:::::

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We‛re closed Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year‛s Day

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Café Fresh DUNHAM HILL

Tel: 01244 303 107 / 07946 192 950 OPEN 7 DAYS

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE FROM ALL THE STAFF AT CAFÉ FRESH AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS CHRISTMAS EVE

9AM - 2PM

CHRISTMAS DAY

CLOSED

BOXING DAY

CLOSED

27TH DECEMBER

9AM - 2PM

28TH DECEMBER

9AM - 2PM

29TH DECEMBER

9AM - 2PM

30TH DECEMBER

9AM - 2PM

NEW YEARS EVE

9AM - 2PM

NEW YEARS DAY

CLOSED

NORMAL HOURS THEREAFTER

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

9

Perfect Gifts this Christmas 25 Church St, Frodsham

01928 731675

2 Crown Buildings Latham Avenue Helsby

Tel: 01928 724422

Wishing all of our Lovely Customers a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year xxx

Open-Tues Open Tues Sat - Sat late nights Wed & Thurs with latewith nights Wed & Thurs

Colours • Perms • Bridal Hair Colours • Perms • Bridal Hair • Gents • Children LadiesLadies • Gents • Children Over 60’s Over 60’s specialon rates on Tuesdays special rates Tuesdays Appointments not always necessary Appointments not always necessary

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Short Story Christmas on Yarrow Avenue

“What took you so long?”

Gladys dragged Jean, heavily laden with shopping, through her front door.

She thought she could trust Jean to do this one simple job.

Naturally, she couldn’t do it herself. She had to wait in for a delivery of champagne and smoked salmon - her Christmas treat to herself after a very trying year.

“The traffic was awful,” Jean said, mopping her forehead, “and the queue for Santa’s grotto seemed endless.”

This stopped Gladys in her tracks.

“Who’ve you been taking to Santa’s grotto?”

“No one,” Jean said cheerfully, unwinding her scarf. “I went on my own.”

Gladys shook her head; this was definitively a conversation for another day.

“Was there any sign of the carol singers?”

“Yes,” nodded Jean, “they’re just outside number six.”

“You’re really cutting it fine,” Gladys tutted. “Tell me you’ve got the refreshments?”

“You bet.” Jean held up a bag.

“It’s all here.”

“Good,” Gladys sighed with relief. “I’ve got paper plates ready, let’s get cracking.”

It had been a troubling few months for Gladys in her selfappointed role as Chair of the Friends of Yarrow Avenue. After distributing all her admonishing leaflets concerning wheelie bins, barbeques and inconsiderate parking, she’d assumed her mantelpiece

would be heaving with Christmas cards. But there was just one solitary one of an Easter chick from Jean. It rankled that her neighbours didn’t realise how important she was to them.

But she’d found her chance to reinstate herself. Every year a dozen of the more musical residents went carol singing round the avenue on the Friday before Christmas. They were rather good. Last stop was always the Dawson’s next door, who would invite everyone in for mulled wine and mince pies. For some reason, Gladys noted, everyone thought this was marvellous.

Two days ago, Gladys got it on very good authority that the Dawson’s would be away for this year. Apparently, they’d got a late deal on a Nordic cruise that was too good to refuse, so Gladys saw her chance to provide some refreshments of her own.

“Have you bought something festive like I asked you?” she asked.

“Yes indeed,” said Jean, opening the bag. “I thought carefully about what you said.”

“So, what have you got?”

Jean reached into the bag with a grin. “Two litres of cherryade and a jar of pickled walnuts.”

Gladys was horrified. “What on earth were you thinking?”

“Everyone likes cherryade,” Jean protested.

“It hardly yells Seasons Greetings!” Gladys said. “Is that

all they had?”

“Oh no, they had plenty of things,” Jean said. “You told me to use my initiative.”

“More fool me,” muttered Gladys. “Wait, what’s that?”

It was unmistakeably a dozen singers cheerfully bringing Good King Wenceslas up Gladys’s drive.

“Quick, Jean.” She crouched behind the coat stand. “Turn off the lights - we’ll pretend we’re not in. Tell me no one saw you coming up the drive?”

“They all saw me,” Jean frowned. “I said, ‘See you round at Gladys’s for refreshments.’”

“What am I going to do?”

Gladys shrieked. “I can’t give them this, they’ll get indigestion.

I’ll never hear the last of it.”

“Have you got anything else in?” Jean asked hopefully.

Gladys groaned. If she was going to get back into the neighbours’ good books she realised she would have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

So, the carol singers enjoyed well-deserved glasses of champagne with smoked salmon. Meanwhile, Jean sat at Gladys’s breakfast bar with a tumbler of cherryade and a jar of pickled walnuts, which, coincidentally, was exactly what she’d asked Santa for.

By Jackie Brewster 11

FRODSHAM PANTO GROUP an amateur production of

Written by James Barry (In association with Lazy Bee Scripts) SUNDAY, 07TH TO SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY,2018 at FRODSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

Rehearsals are well underway for the group’s 2018 production of ‘Cinderella’.

Performances as follows :Sunday 7th January Matinee at 2.00pm Monday 8th January Evening at 7.00pm Tuesday 9th January Evening at 7.00pm No performance on Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Evening at 7.00pm Friday 12th January Evening at 7.00pm Saturday 13th January Matinee at 2.00pm Saturday 13th January Evening at 7.30pm Ticket prices are £9 Adults and £7 Children Reduced ticket prices Monday and Tuesday of £6 and £4.

Anyone who books 10 tickets or more will receive a 10% discount.

For further ticket information or enquiries please call 07971 606409.

BOOKING FORMS AVAILABLE FROM FRODSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE, www.FRODSHAMPANTO.ORG.UK OR TILLY PATEL on 07971 606 409

THE DUNHAM ARMS THE DUNHAM ARMS

RESTAURANT, BAR & TAKEAWAY Chester Road, Dunham On The Hill, WA6 0LN

Tel: 01928 723 942

Authentic Quality Authentic Quality

CHINESE & THAI THAI CHINESE &

PreparedWith With Fresh Fresh Ingredients Prepared Ingredients

Restaurant Opening Hours Mon-Fri Restaurant 12 NOON - 2.30PM Opening Hours 5PM - 10.30PM

Mon - Fri

Saturday SPECIAL LUNCH MENU A La Carte BUFFET 5pm - 10.30pm 1PM - 11PM 2 COURSES FROMA£6.95 AVAILABLE 6 DAYS WEEK Saturday Sunday & Bank (Excluding Fri &- Sat Evenings) (12 NOON 2.30PM) 1pmHolidays - 11.00pm ALL YOU CANMON EAT -FROM £14.95 SERVED FRIDAY 12.30PM - 9.30PM (childrenEARLY under 1.3m half price) Sunday & Bank BIRDheight MENU Holidays 2 COURSES FROM £9.95 HOME DELIVERY SERVICE 12.30pm - 9.30pm 7 DAYS WEEK (5PM -A7PM) ............

HAPPY HOUR SERVED - THURSDAY ONLY QUIZ MONDAY NIGHT WITH GRAHAM 3-5PM Available MON-FRI Xmas Eve & New Years Eve Buffet HOME DELIVERY SERVICE EVERY THURSDAY AT 9.00PM Buffet available until 6pm Mon-Thurs 5pm-9.30pm 7 DAYS A WEEK Private Parties CHRISTMAS QUIZ NIGHT Sat 1pm - 4pm Dining and Disco 7pm - late QUIZ NIGHT WITH GRAHAM WELCOME ST Sun - All Day (Xmas & Set Meal followed by Disco DECEMBER EVERY21 THURSDAY AT 9.00PM New Years Eve until 6pm) 4 Courses £20.95 pp With Complimentary Supper Platter 5 Courses £25.95 pp Private Parties www.thedunhamarms.co.uk (Booking essential) WELCOME

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

13

Salmon & Monkfish Filo Wreath Serves 6

Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes, plus chilling time

This festive wreath makes a great alternative to traditional roast turkey and can be prepared in advance the night before.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

Use the sunflower oil to grease a 1.2 litre capacity ring mould, then line the mould with cling film.

Brush the sheets of pastry one by one with melted butter and use nearly all of them to line the ring mould. Overlap the pastry sheets slightly as you go and repeat the layers 3-4 times. Leave the excess pastry to drape over the side of the mould.

Mix the salmon, monkfish and prawns in a large bowl and stir in the lemon juice and chopped dill. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Sunflower oil, for greasing 100g butter, melted 270g pack filo pastry, thawed if frozen 450g salmon fillet, skinned and diced 450g monkfish fillet, skinned and diced 225g cooked peeled tiger prawns 2 tbsp lemon juice 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill Salt and freshly ground black pepper Lemon wedges and dill sprigs, to garnish

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Cover the ring mould and the plate with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Carefully invert the ring mould onto a large baking sheet and then remove the mould and the cling film. Re-melt any remaining butter and brush all over the pastry.

6

Bake in a preheated oven at 190C/fan 170C/ Gas Mark 5 for 40-45 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Bake the pastry stars on a separate baking sheet for 5 minutes until golden.

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Allow the wreath to stand for 5 minutes then transfer to a serving platter and decorate with the pastry stars. Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs.

Spoon the fish mixture into the pastrylined mould, pressing down gently. Fold the excess pastry in over the filling and top with more buttered sheets of pastry, TIP Filo pastry sheets can cutting them to fit and completely cover vary in size so simply cut to fit. the filling. Stamp small star shapes out Don’t worry if they tear, just place of any remaining sheets of buttered another piece of buttered pastry pastry on a plate.

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or onemail: top tohelsbytohand@btinternet.com cover the tear.

14 and place

Graham Tonge

- Golf Professional

Book ONLINE www.grahamtonge.co.uk Frodsham Golf Club tel: 01928 739 442 Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

15

PILATES Help reduce and manage back pain Improve posture Improve pelvic floor health Aids stress and relaxation A complete body workout that zero’s in on your core muscles which are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen and pelvic floor.

Improves posture as well as addressing any underlying structural imbalances in the body which can lead to back pain.

Pilates is a great way to work on movement, stability, balance, mobility and strength in a relaxed environment where you feel comfortable and confident

Helsby Community Centre Monday 6.00 – 7.00pm – Starts 8th January Tuesday from 9.15 – 10.15am – Starts 2nd January Elton Community Centre Wednesday 6.00 – 7.00pm – Starts 3rd January £5.00 per session For more details, contact Dora on 07747 826150 or email dora-do-do@live.co.uk REPs registered (Register of Exercise Professionals) Personal Trainer - Level 4 Lower Back Pain - Biomechanical Trainer Sports Therapist - Level 3 GP Referral Specialist



FREE EXERCISE CLASS! Simply cut out this advert and redeem by 31/1/18, class must be pre booked, offer excludes pilates and yoga.

Looking for Christmas present ideas?

1 personal training session – £30 4 personal training sessions – £100 10 exercise class pass – £40 turnuptraining.co.uk

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James nickson PT 07435 154 736

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

K ing’s Seniors

Entrance E xams Friday 19 January 2018

Come and achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Through offering both girls and boys the very best academic education within state-of-the-art facilities, our students are encouraged to realise their full potential.

King’s is about opening minds, exploring individuality and having fun within a caring and fully supportive environment.

Top performing co-ed school in Cheshire To attend our entrance exams, please register your interest:

01244 689 553 admissions@kingschester.co.uk www.kingschester.co.uk

EveryPlease Opportunity.

Endless mention Helsby to HandPossibilities. when responding to adverts

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Christmas Food and Drink 1. What name is given to the part of a traditional Christmas dinner that consists of small sausages wrapped in bacon?

2. With the first part of its name meaning "star" in Latin, which lager was originally launched as a festive beer in 1926?

3. Not wanting to offend any of those who invited her, Geraldine Granger eats four Christmas lunches in a 1996 Christmas special of which TV show?

4. According to tradition, eating at least one what on each of the 12 days of Christmas is thought to bring good luck for the coming year?

5. Which liqueur is mixed with lemonade to make a cocktail called the Snowball?

6. Commonly eaten at Christmas in the USA and Canada, which dessert is mentioned in the lyrics of the songs Sleigh Ride and Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree?

7. Consumed by many people around Christmas time, what is known as Glogg in some parts of Europe?

8. In a famous nursery rhyme, who was "eating a Christmas pie"?

9. Which alcoholic spirit is traditionally added to butter and served with Christmas Pudding?

10. In 2008, three episodes of Deal Or No Deal that were aired shortly after Christmas featured what food item in place of the 1p booby prize?

MainStreetDental 69A Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 7DF Telephone: 01928 733974 Email: mainstreetdental@hotmail.co.uk

ZOOM! Tooth Whitening

ÂŁ299

(usually ÂŁ445) when quoting Helsby to Hand December & January

For your chance to WIN an ORAL B Electric toothbrush simply Like us on Facebook

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Assessment Day Friday 19 January 2018 For pupils aged 4-7 Discovering the world

King’s Juniors

For pupils aged 7-11 Igniting curiosity

Ensure your child has the best possible start by choosing King’s for 2018.

With outstanding facilities designed to encourage learning through play and discovery, girls and boys flourish at King’s. Our small class sizes and focus on providing outstanding pastoral care enables your child to develop their potential, knowledge and self-confidence within a truly nurturing environment.

Vibrant, nurturing environment for girls and boys

To attend our assessment day, please register your interest:

01244 689 553 admissions@kingschester.co.uk www.kingschester.co.uk

mention Helsby to HandPossibilities. when responding to adverts EveryPlease Opportunity.

Endless

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Get Real This Christmas

by Pippa Greenwood

yellowed or inclined to shed, needles. Typically slender, it is Christmas is well and truly just or with white fluffy bits. Never a good choice for smaller sitting around the corner and whilst buy an already netted tree rooms and has decent needle your thoughts may be on gifts, since you can’t see what retention - but no smell. meals, crackers and cards, you’re getting! don’t forget the tree. And I The Nordmann fir (Abies • If you buy one quite early mean a REAL Christmas tree, nordmanniana) is now the then the most important thing complete with needles and, if biggest-selling Christmas tree is to keep it outside - recut you choose the really traditional in the UK. Its shiny green the end of the trunk and put route, that wonderful aroma. broad needles are quite soft the tree in a bucket of water and almost impossible to shift, For those concerned about the in a sheltered spot outside. so it’s ideal for those who hate impact on the planet, BritishRemove any net as it is mess! grown trees are most definitely important to get air circulating not an ecological disaster zone The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) around the needles.

- think of them as a crop plant is less widely available, but its • When you bring a tree inside, rather like a field of cabbages, combination of good looks and avoid putting it anywhere except that typically Christmas needle-holding ability makes too warm or close to a heat trees will use less fertiliser and it worth considering. It has a source, and make sure that fewer chemicals than many narrower base than the Norway you use a stand with a water classic crop plants. spruce so is also useful in reservoir that is kept topped smaller houses.

To make sure you get what up. suits you best, there are a few So, how do you choose the When Christmas is over, make things to think about before best tree of the type you’ve sure you recycle your tree buying your tree. decided on and keep it looking - many councils and garden good?

The Norway spruce (Picea centres now offer this service. abies) is the traditional tree, • Don’t buy a real tree too early.

VisitPippa’s Pippa’swebsite website: Visit www. with gorgeous, short dark • Opt for a tree produced pippagreenwood.com for www.pippagreenwood.com green pointed needles and by a member of the British great gardening gifts: a that unmistakable Christmassy Christmas Tree Growers stylish ‘Grow Your Own with aroma, but it is the most likely Association - look for the Pippa Greenwood’ gift card to drop its needles. However, BCTGA logo. (a perfect Christmas present, if well treated it won’t perform • Choose a tree with a good, badly and it is the lowest-priced where the recipient receives full shape, not lopsided and of the real trees. their chosen garden ready with minimal gaps. Check vegetable plants in the spring the needles - they should be The Serbian Spruce (Picea and every week Pippa emails glossy (for those varieties omorica) is quite similar to with topical hints, tips and where this is a characteristic) the Norway spruce and is the advice), gardening tools, and the correct colour. They favourite festive tree in central raised bed kits, GrowerFrames, must be free from pests and Europe, with a distinct blueish signed books and more!

- avoid tint to the the call: diseases 01928 727 165anything or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 20 undersideToofadvertise

Take the stress out of Christmas.

It’s made easy at....

HALES OF FRODSHAM OPEN ON SUNDAY’S DURING DECEMBER

TOP QUALITY Nordman Forest Fresh non drop

All trees opened and available to view

CHRISTMAS TREES Available NOW!

FREE local delivery on all Christmas Trees Quality and value guaranteed, that’s why people return to us each year!

CHRISTMAS ORDERS * Orders now being taken for all your TOP QUALITY fresh fruit, vegetables and salad. * Orders are made up ready for you to collect or we can deliver on Christmas Eve to your home or work. * Simply phone or drop your order off with us.

FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS FLORAL NEEDS COME TO HALES Great Quality, Good Value - Holly Wreathes, Grave Arrangments, Table & Candle Arrangements.

HAMPERS & BASKETS

Fruit / Flowers & Non-Perishable goods - a lovely gift.

Order Line: 01928

732040

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

21

.H C •

.A.P.S

Cheshire Heating & Plumbing Services Ltd

Bathroom Design Service Free Design with Supply and Install Install Only options.

Yourorlocal bathroom inspiration Free home design service.

Guaranteed quality products.

Craftsmanship and care.

Fully insured.

• 30 Year Experience • Perfect Colour Matching • All Major & Minor Work Undertaken

• Quality Plastic Bumper Repairs • Courtesy Cars Available • Collection & Delivery • Oven Bake Finish for All Vehicle repairs

Tel: 01928 731735 Mob: 07834 394360 Email: chaps@qualityservice.com Web: cheshireheatingandplumbingservicesltd.co.uk

Meeting House Kingsley, WA6 6TP Norley Rd, Lane, Frodsham WA6 6TT

C.H.A.P.S, Frodsham Business Centre, WA6 7FZ.

Garden Design & Construction

CREATIVE DESIGN • GARDEN CONSTRUCTION

Natural stone patios ● Cobblestone edging and paths Hardwood, softwood & composite decks Raised planters ● Planting and lawn laying Proprietor: Duncan Gough

(Higher Diploma in garden Design) 35 Bridgewater Grange, Preston Brook, Cheshire.

Tel: 01928 751 449 Mob: 07801 284 723 www.wowgardendesign.co.uk

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Telephone: 01928 789217 Mill Lane, Kingsley, Cheshire Post Code: WA6 8HY

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7 DAYS A WEEK

Have you ordered your

Christmas Turkey?

Boneless Turkey Crown : £8.50 /kg (Approx £3.85 /lb) Whole Turkey: £6.20 /kg (Approx £2.82 /lb)

Make your life easier this Christmas with our delicious Pre-made Pigs in Blankets!

Gifts & Personalised Hampers Available Now

OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE UNTIL 1 pm

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

23

Come along & try...

Meet Ron aged 91, who is recovering well from major surgery. He puts his being fit enough to be accepted for surgery down to Nordic walking twice a week at wellbeing sessions for the past two years. He has also made new friends. This is important for him as he finds he has outlived many of his older ones.

Nordic Walking is suitable for all levels of fitness.

The workout that tones the whole body!

•

Burns 46% more calories than ordinary walking

•

Increases your energy levels

•

Tone up and lose weight

•

Easy on the knees and joints

•

Great for neck, shoulder and back problems

•

Sociable, safe outdoor exercise

•

Suitable for all levels

FRODSHAM CHIROPODY / PODIATRY CLINIC 103a Main Street, Frodsham, WA6 7AB

Tel: 01928 733 300

email: info@frodshamchiropodyclinic.com

Routine appointments from £26 and home visits available

If you are interested in finding out more about Nordic Walking and don’t want to let your fitness levels slide in the run up to Christmas, then come and try one of the free Advent taster sessions to get you ready for your New Year Fitness regime.

Advent 45 minute Taster Sessions Wednesdays 10.45am Castle Park, Frodsham Saturdays 9.30am Delamere Forest Noon Delamere Forest Sundays Booking essential

EaEasy

For more information about beginner courses, Fast Track Induction courses, regular walks and wellbeing sessions. fb kerleysnordicwoodlandwalking vist and Book online

at www.kerleysnordicwalking.co.uk

or call Kerley on 07803 037 332

email kerleynw@gmail.com

Opening hours: Mon 9am-5pm Fri 9am-5pm & Alternate Saturdays 9am-1pm

Colin Burgess BSc (Hons) MChs HCPC Registered Podiatrist

Treatments include:

All Aspects Of Your Family Footcare Provided.

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Nails Corns Callus / hard skin Nail Surgery Nail Reconstruction Orthotic Therapy

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Leather • Suede • Fabric

Tarvin based family business.

Call us for a free quotation on

www.facebook.com/zdtCheshireWest

0800 180 4925 zerodrytime.com

We also clean hard floors, tiles inc Grout, Karndean, Amtico and Wooden floors - Ask for a quote 25 Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

YOUR local, family-run business Providing electrical, plumbing, heating and bathroom services

Thanking all our customers for your support during 2017, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We look forward to working with you in 2018.

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Call us on

01928 711444

www.kde-ltd.co.uk enquiries@kde-ltd.co.uk

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

27

Finance

By Ann Haldon

How to Plan for the Boxing Day Sales for each store as you may have to pay for the returns postage and packing yourself.

If you’re shopping on the high street you need to keep all your receipts, and the store’s returns policy should be printed on the back.

Boxing Day is generally regarded as the biggest sales day of the year in the retail industry, so if you’re heading to the shops it’s worthwhile taking time to plan well in advance.

One of the major problems of sales shopping is the sheer number of offers available, and it’s very easy to be distracted once you start.

So what steps can you take in advance to help you get the most out of your day, and also protect your finances for the year ahead?

Planning your spending According to the Centre for Retail Research¹, the total Christmas spend per household in 2016 was £809.97. Even if you don’t spend this much on Christmas, it’s an expensive time of year when you also factor in credit card bills for the sales.

If you are not able to repay the balance at the end of the month, you may find the savings you’ve made are suddenly reduced. So what can you do to alleviate the strain on your finances and make sure you don’t find yourself in unmanageable debt in the New Year?

• Stay within your budget Calculate how much you can afford to spend on Boxing Day, and stick to it. By focusing only on the items you want, you won’t overstretch yourself financially.

• Use comparison websites to find the best price Compare prices online before you head out to the shops if there’s something in particular you’re looking for – this can save a lot of time and money.

0% interest for a fixed period of time are a good way to deal with large purchases. If you buy the goods on your ‘standard’ credit card and then transfer the balance over you can save a significant amount in interest, but there are also potential drawbacks: • If you miss a single payment on a 0% credit card, the provider will withdraw their offer and you are likely to be charged an extremely high rate of interest in its place.

• Fees are charged when you originally transfer a balance – usually a percentage of the amount transferred.

• Credit card providers are often owned by larger banking institutions, and it is unlikely you’ll be accepted for a balance transfer offer if you already hold a card connected to the group.

Whether you are purchasing a specific item or buying birthday presents for the year ahead, the Boxing Day sales represent a great way to save money.

Planning ahead helps you stay in control of your spending in the face of temptation, and manage your finances without entering serious debt.

Before you start high street or online shopping • Find out the store opening times before you go - they vary on Boxing Day, with some shops remaining closed. You can find this information from a store’s ¹www.retailresearch.org/ website and social media shoppingforxmas.php pages, along with details www.moneysavingexpert.com/ of the items that might be credit-cards/balance-transferincluded in the sale. credit-cards • If you’re shopping online, www.express.co.uk/finance/ save the home page of each personalfinance/747790/ store into your computer, Chrsitmas-sales-UK-Boxing-Dayalong with the product codes sales-January-deals-discounts Are 0% interest credit cards a of any items you’re interested www.yourmoney.com/creditgood idea? cards-loans/blog-are-boxing-dayin. sales-really-worth-it/ Balance cards offering • Check policy call: To advertise 01928transfer 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 28out the returns

More Properties Needed

Ballards SALES AND LETTINGS AGENT

Bowling Alley Farm, Alvanley £1,200,000 or £3,500pcm

Prenton Place, Handbridge, £170,000 (Offers Over)

Bardley Crescent, Prescot, £160,000

LET AGREED Room in Bouverie Street, Chester, £305.00pcm

Room in Bouverie Street, Chester, £370.00pcm

Room in Ruabon Road, Wrexham, £498.33pcm

Further properties required for Sales and Lettings Call now for a free, no obligation, market appraisal T: 01928 263083 M: 07900 322 966 E: info@ballardsproperties.co.uk More properties available on the website www.ballardsproperties.co.uk If you have already instructed another agent, check any contract that you have signed to ensure that you are not liable for more than one fee by instructing Ballards as your agent. Fees are not subject to VAT. Offer is subject to terms and conditions.

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

29

J L Moston Joinery & Property Maintenance Kitchen Fitting ● Window Fitting Wall & Floor Tiling ● Doors Soffits & Facias ● Gutter Cleaning Flagging ● Fencing ● Decking All aspects of joinery undertaken Fully Insured & References available

Contact Jason: 07742 266739 01928 209 722 (Langdale Way, Frodsham)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tel: 07764 484295

KAREN BUSHELL WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Mastermind your financial future We provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including: • Investment planning • Retirement planning • Inheritance Tax planning For further details contact Karen Jane Bushell on:

Tel: 01928 723226 Email: karen.bushell@sjpp.co.uk Website: www.karenbushell.co.uk

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Enjoy the challenge...

Register now for the Entrance Assessments and Entrance Examination at The Queen’s School in January.

Our nurturing ethos underpins an adventurous approach to learning where pupils feel confident to just ‘have a go’, embracing every opportunity and growing in confidence as a consequence.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

MONDAY 15 JANUARY LOWER SCHOOL Entrance Assessments (Infant and Junior entry) SENIOR SCHOOL Entrance Examination (Senior entry)

T 01244 312078 E admissions@thequeensschool.co.uk www.thequeensschool.co.uk Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

31

Serenity Beauty & Skin Clinic

Open Monday - Saturday with late nights Wed / Thurs / Fri ‘til 8pm

242 Chester Road, Helsby

Christmas advent vouchers available!!

Great offers and promotions on treatments to be used from 26th December to 31st March!

Call or check our Facebook to view the latest offers.

Great gifts available in the salon Have a wonderful Christmas from all at Serenity xx Tel: 01928 727907 www.serenityforbeauty.com

Hairdressing at Serenity

242 Chester Road, Helsby

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 68 or more words Good: 60 words Fair: 50 words

D Please feel free to pop in or contact me, Jane on: 07825 416896 / 01928 727907 for a free consultation or a chat about the cruelty free products that I use

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E

T

I

N E R

N G

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Helping Your Child To Become Money Savvy

by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk Purses: £3.95 each from www.dotcomgiftshop.com It’s never too early to get into the habit of saving up for what you want. Good habits learnt in childhood can last a lifetime.

If it feels as though your children are constantly asking for new toys, sweets and gadgets, you might want to consider giving them weekly pocket money, with the proviso that once it’s gone, it’s gone.

If they want to save up for something big, like a scooter, help them to focus by sticking a photo of it by their money box. You can also remind them about their goal when they’re tempted to spend their money on ‘tat’. Do they really want that Shopkins blind bag now, or would they rather buy a scooter in a few months’ time?

You can buy money boxes that have separate sections, such as short-term savings, longterm savings and quick spends.

Or just make your own, with different labelled jam jars.

Easy access accounts Easy access accounts are handy for short-term savings.

There’s no penalty to take the money out and the account can be in your child’s name if they’re aged seven or older.

Fixed-rate accounts Fixed-rate accounts often earn a higher rate of interest than easy-access accounts, but your child will be tied in to a set period before they can withdraw any money without a penalty.

Regular savings accounts If you or your child can commit to saving at least £5 each month, a regular savings account often pays a higher rate of interest than the accounts previously mentioned.

However, the rate usually drops considerably if you make any withdrawals within a set period, and it often drops anyway after the initial bonus period ends.

a better rate than a cash ISA, and are easier to access.

Which financial provider to go for? www.moneysavingexpert.com helps you to easily compare the rates of children’s savings accounts and junior ISAs. While the AER (annual equivalent rate) is important, you’ll also want to consider other aspects when choosing a provider, such as: • How easy is it to deposit money?

• How often can you withdraw money without paying a penalty?

• Does the provider align with your values? For example, do they have an ethical policy that says they won’t invest your child’s money in companies that use child labour or test on animals?

• How easy is it to manage the account?

Depending on your child’s age, they might also benefit from an account that comes with an app for their smartphone and a cash card.

Junior ISAs If your child is saving for a longterm goal, such as university, a junior ISA is a good way of Children’s savings accounts locking the money away from It can be difficult to resist temptation. As with adult ISAs, dipping into a money box, so Family budgeting you can choose between a you might want to think about The Money Advice Service is a cash ISA and a stocks and opening a savings account for useful resource if you need to shares one. There is a greater your child, particularly if they improve your own finances. It risk with a stocks and shares want to save up for something offers free advice on everything ISA, but there’s also the big, or you want to start putting from budgeting to pensions. possibility of higher returns. some money away to help Visit www.moneyadviceservice.

Do compare rates, as some with university fees or a house org.uk or call 0800 138 savings actually offerto adverts deposit.Please mention Helsby to 337777.

Handaccounts when responding

KELSALL WINDOWS

AND

QUALITY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year to all our Customers

WHY MOVE? When you can improve...

Over 30 years experience Orangeries

Qualified tradesmen - no pushy sales men

• • • • •

Windows - category A fitted standard Re glazing / Fogged up units Doors - Composite / Bi-fold / Patio / French Conservatories / Orangeries Oak Timber Structures

Conservatories

We Design, Supply and Construct bespoke Green Oak and traditional timber structures: Garages, Patio area covers, Garden / Summer rooms, Barbecue cooking areas / Bar, Hot tub outside canopy, Workshops and Home offices. Your options are endless!

Porches

PROOF

PROOF

Timber Structures

Bi-fold Doors

Lantern Roof

PROOF

www.kelsallwindows.co.uk

Contact us today for a FREE no obligation quotation on: 01829 34

781234 / 07738 540227 (Mark)

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

KELSALL BUILDING SERVICES All aspects of building work undertaken, from a small garden wall to a build off plan.

Working alongside the window team, one company can transform your home.

Plastering

Loft Conversion

Block Drive

Rubber Roofing

• • • • • • •

Soffits / Fascia / Rain Water Guttering Complete Garage Conversions / Extensions Renovations / Plastering Brickwork / Re-Pointing Tiling Full Roofs and Repairs Firestone Rubber Roof Installer (alternative to felted flat roofs). Comes with a 40 year manufacturers warrantee.

• Driveways and Patios

All our work comes with full guarantees & warranties and insurance backed guarantees where required.

Fasia

Garden Room

Follow us on Facebook Mobile: 07495 655 913 (Chris) Email: kelsallwindows@btinternet.com Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

35

2 men & van

Fast & friendly

Local service

Est 2011

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping Services Garden Maintenance starting from as little as £20 per visit Winter Tidy Ups Leaves Cleared and Taken Away Hedge Cutting & Tree Pruning Lawn Mowing / Turf Laying & Seeding Stump Grinding, Groundwork & Soakaways Patios, Drives & Walling JCB & Mini Digger Available Professional Horticulturist with over 29yrs experience

• Full Or Part House removals • Single Items Any Distance • House Rip Outs • Waste Disposal Registered Waste Carrier • All Clearances Undertaken • House Garage Garden • Antiques Bought And Sold • Fully Insured

Call Ben Hirst today Tel: 01928 734051

Mike Starkey

Mob: 07701065770

Frodsham Cheshire

01928 787940 / 07890 883509

TOTAL ROOFLINE SOLUTIONS All roof work undertaken

● ● ● ● ●

PVC. U FASCIAS SOFFITS BARGE BOARDS GUTTERING CLADDING

● ● ● ● ●

RE-ROOFING RUBBER FLAT ROOFING SLATING TILING POINTING email: john@totalroofline.co.uk www.totalroofline.co.uk

01244 373 734

07970 130 319

Trust your local company for a reliable service

36

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Join us this Festive Season at

Amoré and Mojito’s Christmas Parties available from 1st December until 24th December 2 Courses £19.95 pp / 3 Courses £22.95 pp Mince pies and coffee then dance the night away in Mojito’s

Christmas Day Join us for a sumptuous 3 Course Dinner Followed by mince pies & coffee Adults £59.95 Children £30.00 Call in to collect a copy of our Festive Menu’s

Christmas Eve An afternoon with Frank Sinatre plus Hot Turkey Baps 1-5pm to get you into the Christmas spirit

Bring in 2018 in style - Join us to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amoré and Mojito’s

4 High Street, Frodsham WA6 7HE

Live Music is Back!

9pm - Midnight. December Dates: Fri 1st Coldplay Tribute - the best band in Benidorm is now touring the UK. Sat 2nd Rachel Prescott superb vocalist Sat 9th Groovy Revolution - yes they’re back Sat 16th To be confirmed Sat 23rd Popular Irish band The Bogtrotters Sat 30th To be confirmed Sat 6th Jan Morocco - join us for the bands last ever performance!

Bar open until 2am

Book your Christmas Party NOW on

01928 734884

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

37

And Another Thing...

by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook

Christmas – a time for giving, a time for family, and a time for lists. Endless, interminable lists. The first set of written instructions was handed to me in November. Thankfully that gave me plenty of time to ignore it and wait for a similar, more urgent one to land around the feast of St Nicholas (Dec 6th).

It is usually by the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe (12th) that things start to get serious. By the eve of the Winter Solstice (20th), Christmas panic had risen to DEFCON 1.

“Tom? Have you ordered the turkey from Birchalls?”

Sarah, My Dearly Beloved, was cranking up the Yuletide pressure.

“Err…” “Look, you only have to sit in front of a computer, it couldn’t be easier. You want a nice day don’t you?

Well it doesn’t happen by magic.”

“But I thought it was the most magical time of the year?”

“Don’t be smart. Anyway, I can’t stop, I’m going out.”

“Where?”

“To sort out this little lot.”

Sarah, waving a piece of paper with dozens of scribbles on, duly exited the marital home.

sofa throw, click. Nigel and Veronica’s Le Creuset pan, click. Evan’s Vans (whatever they were) click.

After a credit card melting two hours my Christmas shopping was complete.

And so, with The Big Day almost upon us, I sneered at the usual last-minute panic shopping story on the TV news. Then I realised - I had ignored the most important present of all - Sarah’s!

I leapt into the Mondeo Ghia and, with the front axle spinning on the icy tarmac to gain purchase, I sped off towards the nearest girly emporium.

I examined my list.

Squeezing in through Imagining the hordes of the packed doors and shoppers screaming at immediately melting each other over parking “Err…it’s on my list of in my greatcoat and bays in retail parks whilst things to do.”

Peaky Blinders flat cap, I piped Christmas muzak approached the exotically“Well can you get it off your wafted over the ether, I named counters, each list please? And presents snuggled down on the sofa adorned with posters of - have you ordered Uncle to engage in the marvellous chiselled men and alluring Barry and Auntie Anne’s task of online Christmas women with sultry pouts throw?”

Uncle Barry’s To advertise call:shopping.

01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 38

and flyaway hair. I paused in front of one concession - a black shiny obelisk decked with rows and rows of pots, pencils and powders. I looked up at the name. In large letters was the word ‘Philosophy’. A pretty young woman with perfect unblemished skin approached. “Can I help sir?”

“Yes. Could you tell me - in a world full of evil, is it possible to live a truly good life?”

The woman blinked slowly.

“Today, we have an offer on our highlighter. It’s very popular as part of this gift set, and it’s brilliant for strobing. Todays’ price is just £89.99.” None the

wiser, I handed over my card.

Shopping over for another year, I returned home to await the traditional family get-together - where my cunning ruse for a pain-free Christmas was spectacularly undone.

The extended table, the excited chatter. Uncle Barry playing the spoons, Sarah secretly at the sherry. All the Christmas norms revisited. After HM the Queen but before the charades, we retired to the lounge to swap presents.

My hoard was plonked down in front of me. Socks, smellies and a book by Alain de Botton. Smiling wryly to myself, I handed

over Sarah’s gift. “Oh now, that’s lovely - and this particular product suits my skin tone - how did you know?”

After basking in this unexpected bullseye, all eyes were on me. Uncle Barry, my son Evan and everyone else sat expectantly, waiting for me to distribute Christmas cheer. Through gritted teeth I handed out my red cards.

Barry read his out. “‘Sorry we missed you - your parcel will be ready for collection by 27/12/2017.’

Tom, what’s this?”

“Err, the good news is, you’ll all only need one form of ID.” Merry Christmas all!

Early Paws is Cheshire’s latest purpose-built dog centre. Set in 90 acres, we offer: boarding kennels, grooming, doggie day care, secure field hire, play days, and we even have a dog friendly café with good home cooked food and cakes.

We are open 7 days a week for all your doggie needs, including a newly open retail area with frozen foods.

BOARDING GROOMING DAY CARE PlAY DAYS SECURE FIELD HIRE DOG FRIENDLY CAFÉ

Our kennels are all individually heated and lit to keep your precious pooch comfortable on these cold nights. All our kennel guests are allowed out in day care to mix and have all-day fun before settling down for the evening meal and sleep time.

Our secure field hire can be booked in 30 minute or 1 hour slots online via our website ‘www.earlypaws.co.uk’.

For grooming, we have 2 full time experienced dog groomers here 7 days a week to pamper your best friend!

The dog friendly café is open 7 days a week from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 5pm Saturday to Sunday. Why not pop in for an all-day breakfast or a homemade cake with a cup of tea whilst having a look around.

Contact Naomi Temperley M: 07825 545567 E: EARLY.PAWS@MAIL.COM W: WWW.EARLYPAWS.CO.UK Sutton Fields Chester Road Sutton Weaver WA7 3EY Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

39

Elizabeth Arnold Sewing Studio

Clothing alterations ● Bridal ● Curtains & Blinds ● Sewing Lessons ●

● Range of fabrics NOW in stock ● Sewing lessons - age 5 upwards ● Bridal, Prom, Gents, Ladies & Children‛s alterations

● Curtains & Blinds made from customers own fabrics

● Soft furnishings

FRODSHAM GARDENS OA P LTD DISC OUN T

Domestic and commercial

• Regular garden maintenance • Winter tidy-ups • Landscaping • Lawn mowing • Hedge cutting & tree surgery • Power washing Call Paul for a free, no obligation quote

01606 252128 • 07876 761025 frodshamgardens@yahoo.co.uk

www.frodshamgardens.co.uk Fully insured family run business

40

One to one sewing lessons from £15 Sewing lesson vouchers Fabric vouchers Pre cut bunting packs Fat quarter bundles from £2

Open Tues - Fri 11am - 4pm and Saturdays by appointment FOR ALL FITTINGS PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Established at Lady Heyes Craft Centre Kingsley Rd, Frodsham Since 2004 Phone Dawn: 07968

302884

elizabetharnoldsewingstudio@gmail.com

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

104 Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 7AB

We’ve got all your flooring needs covered, every step of the way.

Specialists in Sisal, Coir, Seagrass, Laminate Flooring, LVT etc.

Transform Your Home For Christmas All major brands supplied and fitted by our expert fitters No pressure / No nonsense!

Furniture? - No problem

Domestic & Commercial Doors? - No problem

Fabulous range of carpets All old flooring taken away Are the challenges of life, Challenging the life of your carpet?

We at ‘Rodgers Flooring & Carpets’ understand that although a new carpet is nice, there’s still plenty of life left in your existing carpet.

With the right kind of professional expertise, we can take care of many aspects of those everyday challenges your flooring is subjected to, such as Children, Pets and Parties!

‘Rodgers Flooring & Carpets’ is a family run business that you can trust every step of the way, invest a little in your carpet and it will provide you with a great return!

We also specialise in ‘Traditional’ and ‘Modern floor coverings, such as: CARPET • COIR • SISAL • JUTE • SEAGRASS • VINYL • WOOD So call ‘Rodgers Flooring & Carpets’ now for your FREE 5 Star Cleaning, no obligation estimate on:

41 Please to Hand when responding to adverts Contact Leemention todayHelsby - 01928 734545 Email: rodgerscarpets@icloud.com

•M Tails & Trails Helsby can help.

To arrange a free introduction session contact us on 01928 724847 / 07856640950 or e-mail sharon.bellion@outlook.com A friendly, caring and reliable service providing you with full peace of mind that your dog is happy, safe and being well cared for whilst you’re away.

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Mop Clea ni

ng

Busy lifestyle?

Live in Helsby or surrounding villages?

Need your dog walking?

ly ol

Regular Cleaning One Off Cleans Housekeeping Services Tenancy Pre & Post House Moves Commercial Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Ironing Service

Contact Us

01829 730969

Email: info@mollymop.co.uk

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

43

HAZELWOOD LANDSCAPES Complete Garden Services Garden & Ground Maintenance Grass Cutting / Hedge Cutting Complete Maintenance Programs, including Lawn Treatments, Weed control and Light Tree Work One off or regular visits

Landscaping

Turfing / Fencing / Decking / Patios Brickwork Garden Walls, Re-pointing etc Paths / Gravel Work Full Soft Landscaping

J. K. Bailey Brook Works Garage Established 33 years

MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE & REPAIRS • Brakes / Exhausts etc • MOT Preparation

Pest Control

Private & Commercial 38 Main Street, Frodsham, WA6 7AY

Tel: 01928 730005 Mobile: 07774 983947

APPLEGATE & CO. ACCOUNTANTS LTD SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST ACCOUNTANTS

Are you a business looking for some great advice?

Then Applegate & Co. Accountants Ltd can help...

Our wide range of services include: Limited Company Accounts, Tax Return, Bookkeeping, Capital Gains Tax, Corporation Tax, Management Accounting, Payroll & VAT “It’s easy to get behind with the accounts when you run your own business.

Applegate & Co. prepare my monthly accounts, act as credit control, chase my debts and look after my VAT returns and they always do it with a smile.” Helsby to Hand.

For a no obligation consultation, call us today on: FREE consultation for new business

44

01928 739996

Visit us online at: www.applegateaccountants.co.uk info@applegateaccountants.co.uk

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

2018 Wedding Offer!

Book Now & get £250 Off your Wedding Package* Daytime and Evening packages from £2,500 50 Daytime Guests and 80 Evening Wine on arrival and with meal, 3 Course Wedding Breakfast, Sparkling wine Toast, Evening Buffet, Executive room for Bride & Groom, VIP rooms and lot’s more special touches Evening Reception Buffets from just £15.50pp

* Book and confirm your Wedding for 2018 by 16th February 2018 and receive £250 off your final bill Eligible for New Wedding Bookings in 2018 only, minimum spend of £2,500 applies.

Call Nicole Barton, Wedding Co-ordinator for full details and to arrange a tour around the Hotel

Tel: 01928 735255 Email: events@foresthillshotel.com Best Western Forest Hills Hotel, Overton Hill, Frodsham, WA6 6HH

www.foresthillshotel.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

45

Fitness Studio based in Lady Heyes My Fitness Works

Do you want to Personal Train in your own private studio?

Become Fit, Strong and Committed to making this year, your year.

What’s on offer at My Fitness Works studio...

• Squat rack • Punch bags • Smith machine • Slam-balls • Kettle-bells • Cable machine • Spin-bike • X-T X-Trainer • TRX • Battle-rope • Pad-work • Rower along with much more gym and functional equipment, to provide tailored training sessions.

• •

40+ classes per month - Starting from 06am to 9pm 7 days per week.

10+ different types of classes - Low Intensity (30min LBT) - High Intensity (60min The Works) - Plus more to accommodate all levels of fitness.

Class memberships starting from just £15pm

STEVEN BISHOP Time Served

Visit the studio today and start to plan your fitness journey.

Lady Heyes, Kingsley Road Frodsham, WA6 6SU For further details please contact Steve on:

07708 605 369

Info@MyFitnessCoach.org.uk www.MyFitnessCoach.org.uk

D.T. Turner

Independent Funeral Directors of Frodsham

PAINTER & DECORATOR INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

TEL: 01928 731833 MOB: 07960 214260 46

Sympathetic and friendly approach 24 hours service, 365 days a year

Our Family Helping Yours 11 High Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 7AH

Telephone: 01928 735533

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

47

Beauty Tis The Season To Party

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk Handbag essentials to transform you from frazzled office worker to fabulous partygoer in minutes.

Work deadlines plus shopping, wrapping, cooking and dealing with family life can leave you feeling rather frazzled. Try a spritz of Tisserand De-Stress Mist to keep the tension down. The blend of calming essential oils, including geranium, orange, nutmeg, rose and jasmine smells lovely and really does seem to help soothe the senses. Not keen on sprays? The blend iss also available as a rolle erball. The De-Stress Mist is priced at £8.95 and the De-Stress Rollerball at £5.95, from www. tisserand.com.

Dry, chapped lips are not a good look and matte lipsticks often highlight the problem. Clarins’ Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector is a great alternative. It’s available in several shades and leaves lips feeling soft, hydrated and plumped, while adding a touch of colour and shine.

It is more of a gloss than a lipstick, so the colour and shine won’t last for hours, but it’s well worth the extra applications. A full-sized Lip Perfector is £18, but if you’re quick you may be able to snap up a mini one for a bargain price with one of Clarins’ Christmas giftsets, see www.clarins. co.uk.

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You can’t have failed to notice that brows are having their moment in the spotlight. Whether you prefer a bold bushy arch à la Lily Collins or something a bit more streamlined, a good brow pencil is invaluable. High Definition’s Browtec Pencil is a great choice. It has a fine, retractable tip so you can achieve precise strokes; it’s topped with a brush; and the colour stays put all day. £16 from www.beautyinhighdefinition.com.

High Definition has also released a Limited Edition Copper Eyeshadow Palette that’s definitely deserving of a place in your arsenal. The rose gold, copper and bronze shades work beautifully together to create a look that’s perfect for parties. The three shades come with a mirror and double-headed brush, all housed in a very compact case. £23.50, www. beautyinhighdefinition.com.

Don’t fancy carrying your makeup loose in your handbag? Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself to a new cosmetics bag. On a bit of a tight budget? Lots of gift sets have a case included for free, or check out TK Maxx for luxury options at a fraction of the price.

Pencil cases also do the job just as well, with the added advantage of often being waterproof.

The Paperchase Glamingo Pencil Case is just £7. The extra pocket at the front is perfect for makeup brushes and other extras. See www. paperchase.co.uk.

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

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49

50

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

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51

CB Tiling A specialist in Natural Stone, Porcelain and Ceramic Tiling along with Wooden, Engineered and Laminate Flooring.

All Natural Stone, Porcelain & Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles: Travertine Marble Slate Limestone Percelain Ceramic Re-grout and Cleaning Service

LPW PLUMBING SERVICES Your Local Emergency Plumber • 24 HOUR PLUMBING • ALL GENERAL PLUMBING REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN • PLUMBING MAINTENANCE • ALL BLOCKAGES • BATHROOMDESIGN&INSTALLATION • ALL WORK FULLY INSURED WIAPS - Water Industry Approved Plumbing Scheme Call Lawrence on:

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52

Available

Wooden Effect Flooring:

Complete

bathrooms Rustic Oak Bamboo installed Parquet Engineered Floors Laminate 10 years experience as a tiler based in Frodsham.

All work fully insured No job to small Call Chris for a fast and friendly quote

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Helsby Community Sports Club

“A vision for sport, leisure and recreation in Helsby, Frodsham and the surrounding villages”

Call 07804 656558

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Tel. 01928 722267 / 07518 www.helsbysports.com 53 Please mention Helsby to Hand106294 when responding to adverts

Quirky Britain The High Street Shops Where It’s Christmas All Year Round

by Kate McLelland

Are you one of those people who starts looking forward to next Christmas as soon as the decorations are packed away? If so, there’s no longer any need to shed a tear as those boxes crammed with shiny baubles, fairy lights and tinsel go back into the loft.

Thanks to a growing British shopping trend, you can now enjoy Christmas all year round.

The tradition of all-year Christmas shops began in the USA, with the first stores opening in the 1970s. Leading US retailers include Bronner’s, which boasts a half-mile long ‘Christmas Lane’ decorated with lights, and The Christmas Loft, a chain store providing displays of almost life-size ‘Christmas Villages’, complete with churches, shops and scurrying villagers stocking up for 25th December.

figurines, table decorations and tree ornaments - makes a lively contrast to the staid Shakespeare souvenirs on sale elsewhere.

The shop is part of a small family business founded by Robert Newman in 2001. After giving up his job as a care worker, Robert had intended to open a small gift shop, but a visit to a trade gift show in Birmingham opened his eyes to the huge potential for selling festive goods. He now owns a chain of Christmas stores in England and Scotland.

Lisa Hill-Whyte, owner of the Isle of Wight’s Jingle Bells Christmas shop, was inspired to open her business in 2009 after visiting Christmas stores in Austria and America. She began by filling an adjoining tea room with Christmas merchandise during the winter months, but this move proved so popular that she was able to realise her dream of selling festive goods for most of the year.

business in April as we do in December and our busiest months are July, August and September.” The shop closes on Christmas Eve, then after a brief pause in January Lisa and her husband start buying stock for the coming year.

She says: “We love Christmas and don’t mind listening to Christmas music all year: we are not fed up with it by the time 25th December arrives, and we certainly don’t think it’s strange selling Christmas things in March.”

Lisa’s policy is to stock items that are “a little bit special”, so customers can personalise their Christmas tree decorations. As a result she has had some unusual requests: “Some customers ask for a certain animal that you wouldn’t necessarily expect at Christmas – such as a fish, raccoon, tiger, elephant, sheep, cow or fox.

The list is long, but I have found all these and others. I haven’t been caught out yet!”

Here in Britain a growing number of retailers are trying out all-year Christmas shopping, with many of the more successful stores Lisa’s business sells only located in areas known Her Shanklin store now stays Christmas goods, but some for attracting tourists. In open seven days a week, general stores are now getting Stratford-Upon-Avon, The from March to Christmas Eve. in on the act. The Plymouth Nutcracker Christmas shop Herald recently reported on says: muchhelsbytohand@btinternet.com - with54 its range ofTo festive advertise call: Lisa 01928 727“We 165dooras email:

the decision by Chaplins Superstore in Plympton, Devon, to create an all-yearround display of Christmas goods. However, the Chaplin family, who own the store, took the decision to separate the Christmas display from other parts of the shop, where suncream and sandals remain on display during the summer months. Buyer Vanessa Chaplin says: “What we don’t want to do is disrespect anyone who doesn’t want to see Christmas decorations at this time of year, and we fully understand it is not for everyone.”

So what attracts shoppers to buy Christmas items at a time of the year when the festive season should be furthest from our thoughts? Hayley Corden from Bromsgrove sees it as part of the tourist

experience. She says: “Whenever we go away we always try to buy a Christmas tree decoration. As well as picking up pieces from yearround Christmas shops in England, we’ve also bought items from places like Iceland and Canada. It’s lovely to look at your Christmas tree and remember all the places you’ve been.”

James Tunstall from Newquay, Cornwall, enjoys the “magical feeling” he gets in a Christmas shop. He says: “While I probably wouldn’t buy anything until November or December, I love to browse out of season. It’s about recalling the Christmasses you had as a child, and these shops bring it all back.”

However, some shoppers are very far from experiencing nostalgia when they see

festive goods on sale out of season. Whilst enjoying a summer holiday in Dorset, Tracy Whelbourne from Chesterfield was shocked to find Christmas decorations on sale: “So there we were, enjoying the sunny weather, and what do I see? A Christmas shop, open, with customers inside! Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier these days, and seeing it made me really cross.”

Whether the sight of a high street Christmas shop thrills you with memories of childhood Christmasses past or makes you boil with rage, it seems that from now on - should they so choose - fans of the festive season will be able to shop for Santa stockings, advent calendars and shiny baubles whenever they want.

Contact us: Paul D Clarke FPC, Unit 18 Barrowmore Enterprise Estate, Barnhouse Lane, Great Barrow, Chester, CH3 7JS Email: pauldclarkefpc@talktalk.net

Openwork Limited offers insurance and investment advice on products from a limited number of product providers and advice on mortgages representative of the whole market.

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55

01928 567759 Visit our Showroom: 113 Norley Road, Cuddington, CW8 2LE

Many of you already know Paul Hughes of

Panda Blinds ltd

Vertical Roller Venetian

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Conservatory Blinds Thousands of colours and fabrics to choose from.

I come to you …

I measure ...I fit!

who until a few years ago worked for a well know national blinds company.

Paul saw an opening to provide customers with a wide range of British made quality blinds at realistic competitive prices with a personal belief in a ‘top notch’ customer service.

For a free no pressure quote call Paul on

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Email: Email: pandablinds@sky.com pandablinds@ntlworld.com

Support your local business. Keep it local.

56

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Unit 2, Sutton Quays Business Park, Clifton Road, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, WA7 3EH

We are here to make your dream move relaxing and comfortable as possible, we know how stressful moving home or relocating a business can be.

Removals Commercial Self-Storage Van Hire Collection & Delivery Box Shop Cheshire Removals Upon request of a professional removal service quotation, Cheshire County Removals will visit your home to assess the volume of goods that require moving. We will discuss any particular requirements you may need, such as a full/ part packing service from our experienced team along with access to your new property, insurance and transportation of your belongings.

Commercial

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With every commercial move comes a unique set of challenges and we can always deliver the right business move solution for you.

We have a wide selection of boxes and packaging materials at affordable prices designed to help you with your move.

Collection & Delivery Services

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Man and van, perfect for a single item or only a few items moving from one home to another.

We have a wide range of vehicles available for hire. Packaging and furniture blankets are also available for hire to protect your possessions whilst in transit.

Cheshire Self Storage If you require storage space for either your belongings or documents we offer various sized units that are clean, dry, lit and secure for as long as you need. Our individual units are locked by you, meaning only you have access to your storage unit.

Open Mon - Thurs 8am - 5.30pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 8am - 2pm Sun by appointment only

Call: 01928 897250 for a FREE estimate Email: info@cheshirecountyremovals.co.uk Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts Web: www.cheshirecountyremovals/suttonweaver.co.uk

57

The History of Christmas Traditions

By Alison Runham

Every year, some people mourn the loss of traditional, more faith-based Christmas celebrations. Yet most December 25th traditions are far less Christian and much more recently adopted in the UK than they may think. celebrating on december 25th Jesus’ birth date isn’t documented and the gospels of Matthew and Luke, written long after his death, give contradictory clues. Some scholars say the sheep on the hillside and the census suggest good weather, indicating spring to early autumn. So why is Christmas celebrated on the 25th of December?

these longstanding festivals than to persuade people to give them up.

mythology it’s also a symbol of love (hence kissing under the mistletoe).

The first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine, began celebrating Christmas on December 25th in 336. A few years later, Pope Julius I declared it the official date to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Some scholars believe he also chose this date to honour Hanukkah and Jesus’ own religion, Judaism.

christmas pudding The original ‘Christmas pudding’ was frumenty, a thin 14th century porridge containing raisins, currants, prunes, wine, spices, beef and mutton. However, by around 1650, people ate plum pudding, and by Victorian times, it was similar to the modern-day Christmas pud.

Orthodox and Coptic Christians celebrate Jesus’s birth on January the 7th - the ‘original’ December 25th. Our December 25th moved when we adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752.

the christmas tree Evergreen fir trees have been used in winter festivals for thousands of years to symbolise the coming spring and everlasting life, although they were often hung upside down from the ceiling rather than stood upright. ‘Christmas trees’ emerged in the 1500s in town squares but took time to come into people’s houses.

The Royal Family had one from Georgian times, but an 1848 photo of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family gathered around theirs popularised the idea.

yule logs Today, Yule logs have been mainly superseded by logshaped chocolate cakes here, but neither are connected to Jesus’ birth. Yule logs were part of the Scandinavian Yule celebration, beginning at the winter solstice and running into January. Yule logs were burned to mark the return of the sun and festivities continued until they burned out.

a merry christmas Christmas wasn’t celebrated Midwinter festivals abounded widely in the UK until the Celts also burned a Yule log, by the time Christianity took Middle Ages, when it was believing it persuaded the sun hold. There were winter predominantly a time for to return and bestowed good solstice celebrations such merrymaking and feasting on luck on those who dragged it as Yule and Koleda, and the animals too expensive to feed from the forest.

Roman festivals of Saturnalia through winter. It was later holly, ivy and mistletoe (which included decorating banned for many years by the Evergreens were used in winter your home with evergreens Puritans for its Pagan origins. solstice festivals to bring good – sound familiar?) and Dies It began to recover in Georgian luck and signify the coming Natalis Solis Invicti, ‘birthday times with a focus on charity spring. The tradition of hanging of the unconquered sun’, and gift-giving, paving the mistletoe in the house is an on December 25th. It was way for the idealised Victorian ancient Druid custom to ward easier for early proponents of Christmas described by evil spirits, but in Christianity it into call:off Charles Dickens.

To advertise 01928 727 165 orNorse email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 58 to introduce

Experience real relaxation in one of our exclusive bathrooms, wetrooms, ensuites or mobility bathrooms. With beautiful collections, creative solutions and over 20 years of experience, every bathroom we create and install comes with complete peace of mind.

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Mike Hopkins PROFICIENT IN DAMP ERADICATION GENERAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING CONCRETE WORK & REPAIRS

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FENCING & REPAIRS DRY LINING, PLASTERING & COVING JET WASHING - drives, patios, decking etc FREE Quotes TEL: 01928

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Interior & Exterior Work undertaken

Contact Mike on: Mobile: 07922 403485 Office: 01928 497942 Email: mikehopkins111@gmail.com

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Come Comeand andvisit visitour our brand brandnew newstudio studio ininFrodsham Frodsham Open Openevery everySunday Sundayuntil until Christmasfrom from1pm-5pm 1pm-5pm Christmas Wallpictures pictures Wall Bowls Bowls Sculptures Sculptures hugelydiscounted discountedprices prices allallatathugely Just2 2mins minsdrive drivefrom from Just Frodshamcentre centre Frodsham

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61

Retirement: Time To Call In The Builders?

by Kate McLelland When Saga Home Insurance conducted a poll of UK residents who had retired or were just about to retire, it found that many of the people questioned had decided to undertake major household renovation projects, spending £17,000 on average to improve their homes.

If you are going to spend more time at home, it’s natural to want to make improvements.

But before you start browsing the latest trends in glossy interior design magazines and booking a builder, it may help if you stop for a moment to consider the practicalities. how long do i want to stay in my present home?

If you want to stay on in your home for another twenty years, then it’s advisable to ‘futureproof’ it by making it as energy efficient and accessible as possible. The changes you make now will avoid the need for disruption when you are older and less able to manage household renovation projects.

property’s value in the long run.

Other improvements - designed to support you as you age - might include adding larger, double-glazed windows that let in more light, replacing garden steps with a ramp, or putting in grab-bars to help when getting in and out of the bath. how much should i spend on the renovation?

If it seems likely that you will move on in the not-so-distant future, then you should avoid spending money that you won’t be able to recoup when you sell. For example, there will be little chance of recouping the cost if you put a £25,000 bespoke kitchen into a terraced house valued at £150,000.

property trends in your area, so call your agent for some local insights. how can i finance home improvements?

From April 2015, UK residents aged 55 or over have been able to access the money in their state pension pots, spending or investing it as they wish, so this might provide a useful source of income for any home improvement projects. Taking up an equity release scheme is another possibility if you are over 55. This arrangement is similar to a mortgage, but your loan and interest are only paid back to the provider when you die or go into long-term care.

Recent events, including the Brexit vote and this year’s general election, have led to a According to Ideal Home (idealhome.co.uk), one of the more cautious, ‘wait-and-see’ attitude in the property market, best ways to add value to your home is by building an so this is a good time to explore ways of creating more value extension or conservatory.

The cost of adding a singlein your current home. If you can resist the urge to spend, storey extension can increase spend, spend whilst taking the value of your property by time to research the kind of 5%, a new en-suite or second bathroom can add a further 5%, refurbishment jobs that will really enhance your property’s while a new kitchen with plenty Eco-friendly improvements value, you should find that of storage can add up to 4% to such as modern insulation and that your investment will go on your home’s value. solar-panel heating can make providing benefits well into the a big difference to your annual Estate agents can be a future.

To advertise 01928 727 165 email: energy62 bills and increase your call:valuable source of or advice onhelsbytohand@btinternet.com

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OF FRODSHAM

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

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PETS FOR SALE Labrador x Collie Pups Farm / Outdoor Reared £200 each Ready To Go NOW Photo’s Available on Request

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66

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Tel: 01928 577761 Home Services Ltd Flexible boiler finance designed to suit you!

Our finance packages are designed to help you spread the cost of installing high efficiency heating and hot water today, so you can start to benefit from lower fuel bills tomorrow.

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Credit is provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a division of Hitachi Capital (UK) Plc authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority. The Gas Store 67 mention Helsby Hand when responding toto adverts Home ServicesPlease Ltd., 65 High Street, Runcorn WA7 1AH.to Prices are based on full installation, are subject site survey and may vary. Terms and conditions apply.

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69 77

Cake and Bake Chocolate & Walnut Biscotti These crunchy Italian biscuits are perfect for dunking into a festive coffee or serving as an after dinner treat. They also make a great foodie gift packed into clear gift bags and tied with ribbon and a Christmas label!

Ingredients: • 50g unsalted butter, softened • 100g golden caster sugar • 1 medium egg, beaten • Finely grated zest from 1 orange • 50g dark chocolate chips • 50g walnut pieces • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 175g plain flour, plus extra for kneading

Makes 20 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling time

TIP

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, fan 160C, Gas 4.

Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until pale and fluffy, then beat in the egg and orange zest. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnut pieces.

2. Sift over the baking powder and flour and stir well until combined. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and knead to a soft dough, adding a little more flour if necessary.

3. Divide the dough into two pieces and shape each to an oval shape roughly 20cm x 10 cm. Place on a large baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and light golden. Cool for 5 minutes.

4. Transfer the two pieces of semi-baked dough to a chopping board and, using a sharp knife, cut each piece into 10 slices.

The biscotti will keep in an airtight 5. Return the slices, cut-side down, to the container for up to 2 weeks. You baking sheet and bake for a further 8-12 can change the nuts – try pecans, minutes until crisp and golden. Cool on the toasted almonds or hazelnuts, if baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a preferred. rack helsbytohand@btinternet.com and leave to cool completely.

To advertise call: 01928 727 165wire or email: 70

OPEN Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm

Sat: 8am - 2.30pm

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71

The DIY Man No Job too Small

P.TURNER ROOFING

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24

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

14

11

24 24

S

12 4

17

19

6

6 17

4 17

17

2

24

6

8

2

17

11

11 3

10 24

72

18

16

17

18

17

6

10

24 20

4

18

4

3

13 22

14

20 20

A

9 10

17

10

23

9

4

24

17 9

17

26 13

3

23

24

11

4 21

24

25

16 5

11

18

7

2

10

9

17

24

16

17 15

17 13

24

13

4 11

3 17

24 15

2

2

24

24

18 20

L

15

1 13

18 13

22 14

15

16 4

16

2 21

2 7

18

17

17

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

www.cheshirebuildingandroofing.co.uk Email: cheshirebuildingandroofing@gmail.com 79 Church Street, Runcorn WA7 1LG

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73

BB Construction BRICKWORK SPECIALIST

4 Repaired o 4 Rebuilt o 4 Repointed o NO JOB TOO SMALL

74

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

75

Home & Interiors Christmas Elegance

By Katherine Sorrell

It’s all too easy to go overboard at Christmas. This year, why not decorate your home with subtle glamour, creating a sophisticated seasonal backdrop to festive times with friends and family. this living room is welcoming and cosy, but also cool, calm and collected, thanks to a subtle colour scheme of greys and whites, together with touches of texture in the form of wicker, wool and wood. traditional nordmann fir, from £29.99; led warm white string lights, from £9.99; wool throw, £59.99; firwood star decoration (set of three), £44.99; Magical Hare cushion, £39.99; tree decorations, from £1.49; all dobbies.

a glimmer of metal is all the rage, and these minimal, slightly rusted zinc garlands satisfy the trend without adding any bling. Use along the mantelpiece, twined along the christmas table or hung on the wall. £29.95, decorator’s notebook.

an intriguing and subtle way to display the twinkle of fairy lights. Bo 80 led glassdomed cylinder, £13, B&Q.

a simple white backdrop with natural, twining leaves is perfect for offsetting the glow of candles. large silver-dipped candle holder, £29.99; led glitter twig wreath, £39.99; medium silverdipped candle holder, £9.99; reindeer bell ornament, £4.99; decorated glass bauble, £3.99; garland (price and details on application); all dobbies.

Ideas for elegant festIve décor • Too many colours together tend to look garish. Choose one main colour theme for each room and stick to it. This season, dark backdrops are very on trend, with accents of gold or brass, while white, beige or grey are classics that always look great, with dashes of red or green for that seasonal feel.

• With limited colours, textures come into their own. Think linen, wool, fur (faux if you prefer), wicker and – this year’s must-haves – concrete and velvet.

• For this look, avoid twee animals, anything knitted or made from felt, and all-out glitter (a little sparkle goes a long way).

• Christmas ornaments tend to be collected over the years, and so can look rather haphazard if all displayed in one go. Carefully choose a selection that co-ordinates and – stay strong – put the rest back in the loft for next year.

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Beautiful baubles will add class to your christmas tree. Walther & co bronze acorn and leaf decoration, £9.99, cotswold trading.

set a christmas table with gorgeous linens and decorate each plate with a simple bauble, pine cone and sprig of eucalyptus.

A ribbon finishes it all off.

Perth fabric, £49.50 per metre, Ian Mankin.

Instead of a knitted or hessian sack, how about a pretty, printed fabric design? night owl christmas sack, £5.50, sophie allport. a wreath and tea light holder in one, this unique accessory in matt brushed brass is the subtlest of christmas decorations for minimal, modern homes. opt for white rather than multi-coloured lights and, if you are planning to use them on a pale background, make sure you find a set with a clear cable. 120 LED lights, £9, B&Q.

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

Who can resist a delightful christmas display? this magical woodland scene is dusted with snow, featuring two wooden reindeer silhouettes and warm white backlighting. aspen forest christmas scene window light, £14.99, lights4fun.

Photograph: oliver Perrott

77

Cheshire Handyman & Garden Services cheshire.handyman@hotmail.co.uk

07944-954724 01928-787674

 Gardening for all seasons  Fencing & Paving  Household repairs  Painting & Decorating  Plumbing  Tiling  Jetwash cleaning service

Seasonal Savings If you’re planning to buy expensive apps for a smartphone, tablet or computer, don’t go straight to theApp Store and pay the advertised price:at this time of year there are lots of special offers on gift cards and you’ll often see Apple or Google gift cards on sale with discounts of 20% off or more from supermarkets and chains such as Boots.The discounts tend to be on multi-packs of cards (e.g. a three-pack of £15 gift cards), but more than one card can be used to top up your available balance.Thus you can use the cards on big-ticket items such as Apple’s £199 music program Logic Pro X, or you could just buy a selection of albums, HD movies or games.The bigger the price tag, the more money you’ll save.

Professional Service, Sensible Price

78

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

If you are looking for experts who can advise you on security concerns, you can come to us. At KR security systems, we are a team of security advisers, with decades of experience in the security installation trade.

We take time to listen and understand what requirements are.

We deliver complete solutions for all your requirements.

We offer the following services:

• CCTV • Wi-Fi systems • Alarms • Audio Systems • Door Entry Systems 01928 207 881

07999 296 477

Our TV aerial and satellite installations engineers carry a broad range of digital TV aerials and satellite equipment, to ensure they can meet your viewing requirements.

All of our TV aerials and cable are benchmarkedcompliment to the CAI standards (confederation of aerial industries) and can be installed to improve your quality of reception for your television viewing.

We offer a range of TV and aerial services and can offer our experts services to all kinds of jobs:

FIND OUT MORE AT

0845 544 3180

07999 296 477

WWW.KRSECURITYSYSTEMS.CO.UK 79 Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

M. BUNTING

PLUMBING & HEATING • •

Gas Safe registered Heating installation & boiler replacement

•

Full bathroom & wet room design, installation & tiling

• •

Full kitchen installation Full plumbing service

Day Tel: 07903

069184 Eve Tel: 01928 722862

229619

Email: mbuntingplumbing@sky.com

TradiTional brush and vacuum service nesTs removed caGes, caPs and coWls FiTTed sWeePinG cerTiFicaTes issued ProFessional, clean service Fully insured Police checked

01928 897 294

wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk/ westcheshire

80

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

81

WE ARE OFFICIALLY ‘A’ RATED

I

Great people to buy your Windows & Conservatories from!

f you’re thinking about brightening up your home with new windows or extending and increasing the value of your property by adding a conservatory, our new guide ‘The Seven Costly and Potentially Disastrous Mistakes People Make When Buying Conservatories and Windows’ will help you ensure you get exactly what you pay for.

Is this what’s on your mind?

After installing 92,500 double glazed units and 3,814 conservatories David says he knows what’s on your mind when you’re considering buying windows and conservatories.

1. You don’t want to be pressured into buying – so we don’t employ those high pressure salespeople that double glazing companies have become infamous for. Instead, our designers will work with you, at your own pace and help you to maximise your budget and have complete peace of mind.

2. You worry about the safety of your money – so we don’t ask for big up front payments. As a long established, financially stable company, we’re not desperate to get our hands on your money.

Window and door designs to capture your imagination

3. You’re concerned about the mess that might be caused – so we employ a ‘tidy up system’ and we clean as we go, window by window, day by day.

4. You don’t want to be let down by missed start or completion dates – so we employ one of the industries top installation managers to manage our ten highly experienced fitting teams, some of whom have now been with us for over thirteen years.

5. And of course you want a fair price – our quotations speak for themselves… see for yourself by phoning for a free quotation or visiting our showroom for a no hassle browse.

Protect your home with Fairview’s maintenance free roof system

Visit our award winning showrooms at... Knutsford Road, Warrington & Ditton Road, Widnes

82

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

35

th

ANNIVERSARY & IT’S BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND* BUY NOW PAY 2018 SALE NOW ON

Enjoy the elegance of French doors

...or bring the outside in with bi-folding doors.

Choose our proven safe secure doors for peace of mind

35 SALE NOW ON SAVE 50%OFF th

Talk to our designer Steve Pilkington FREE on...

0800 328 8277 or 07732 162 187 quoting Helsby to Hand

ANNIVERSARY

THE FULL RANGE OF FAIRVIEW WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES

www.fairviewwindows.co.uk

Showrooms at: Old Todd Building Ditton Road, Widnes

645 Knutsford Road Warrington

0151responding 420 3164to adverts 01925 Please mention Helsby to Hand when

234 40083

THE CHRISTMAS TECHNOLOGY SURVIVAL GUIDE ’Tis the season to stock up on batteries

tend to come charger-free - so It’s a similar story with There are very few people you might need to get additional computers, tablets and whose Christmases won’t chargers or adaptors. Check smartphones: there have often involve some kind of first, though: the charger you been quite significant system technology: not just presents, need for, say, a new Nokia is software updates since they although even the simplest the same as for a Kindle or were made. There’s less toys seem to come packed with PlayStation 4 controller. pressure than with consoles, tech these days. You might use If some of your gadget gifts though, because while consoles technology to provide festive are pre-owned - something tend to be quite huffy - Xbox music, or to stream a crackling that can save you a great deal Ones and PS4s often refuse to log fire from Netflix. Here’s of money - it’s definitely worth let you use online features until how to make sure technology checking that the batteries you’ve updated your system doesn’t trip you up during the still hold a charge, because software - computers and festive season. batteries have a finite lifespan. mobile devices don’t demand First, check with Santa to For example, many PlayStation you drop everything. see what kind of batteries Move controllers being sold asDid we say “drop”? the children’s toys will need, new on eBay have been sitting Unfortunately one of the because even the simplest in warehouses for so long that problems with technology as toys often have an electronic their rechargeable batteries presents is that some gadgets component. Having a good no longer hold a charge, even are eminently breakable. It’s stock of rechargeable AA and though they are unused. worth checking if your home AAA batteries (and a charger!)

Replacement batteries are easy insurance or current account covers most eventualities, to get, but not on Christmas protects items such as mobile but some manufacturers like Day. phones, tablets, laptops or to keep you on your toes by If Santa’s bringing a games TVs from accidental damage demanding LR44s or CR2032s console, it’s a very good idea (and that the excess doesn’t or other arcane options. Don’t to connect it to your broadband make such coverage pointless) leave it to the last minute: well in advance: there’s - and with mobile devices for relatively uncommon batteries nothing more dispiriting on children it’s an even better idea can be hard to find at short Christmas Day than having to to put their gadget in a sturdy, notice, especially if you’re wait hours for a system update scratch- and impact-resistant reliant on small shops. Look out to download before you can case. That way you can be your sharp scissors and a small play anything - especially if confident of a smashing time Phillips cross-head screwdriver without smashing anything too: electronic items often come your broadband has slowed expensive. in plastic packaging that’s hard to a crawl because everybody to get into, while larger toys can else in the street is trying to do Images l to r: Energiser be secured to their packaging the same thing. And if you’re battery charger; screwdriver with screws or cable ties. planning a bit of multi-player set from Amazon; PlayStation Not every device that needs gaming with two or more people Move controllers; iPad toddler a charger comes with one in the same room, make sure protective case - mobile particular have727 enough advertise call:you 01928 165controllers. or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 84phones in To

Laurence Jones Covering all local areas, and just minutes from all addresses * Independent family run firm, priding ourselves on attention to detail, and personal service. * Professional, Dignified Funeral Services at Reasonable Prices * Beautiful, tranquil funeral home with private chapels of rest and free parking * Religious or Non - Religious services arranged * Home visits always available

Cresswell House Funeral Home, Ince Lane, Elton, CH2 4LU For help or advice, please telephone

01928 72 63 64

www.funeraldirectorscheshire.co.uk

Please send me more information about Prepaid Funeral Plans Name .................................................

Address ................................................. ................................................. .................................................

Telephone No ........................................

any time day or night

ÂŁ50.00 Donation Made to the Church or charity of your choice, with every prepaid plan purchased through requesting information from this advert. Simply fill in the form and post to the address above or call 01928 726364

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

53

KEN LEACH JOINERY

Why move when you can improve? ✓ ALL JOINERY WORK ✓ WINDOWS / DOORS / STAIRCASES ✓ LOFT CONVERSIONS ✓ GARAGE CONVERSIONS ✓ RENOVATION WORK ✓ PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Mobile: 07710976362 Email: kenleachjoinery@live.com Facebook Ken Leach Joinery & Building

HILLSIDE GARDEN & TREE LOCAL FULLY INSURED TREE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE BUSINESS TREE FELLING HEDGE CUTTING / PRUNING

All rubbish removed or wood chipper available

LAWN MOWING & TURFING GENERAL GARDEN RENOVATION & CARE

CALL JIM GEMMELL FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

01928 727241 0770 3016488

jim@gardenandtree.co.uk www. gardenandtree.co.uk

Ltd 506254

Domestic Heating and Plumbing of Gas and Oil Boilers Full Bathroom Suites 5, 7 and 10 year Parts and Labour Warranty on Worcester and Baxi Boilers

Tel: 01928 575251 Mob: 07872 835 547 www.gasmarc.co.uk • info@gasmarc.co.uk 86

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Digital Aerials supplied and tted Aerial repairs Multi - room installations Aerial repairs Satellite TV links Multi - room installations Moving home installations Digital SatelliteRepairs TV links No call out charge Moving home installations ree quotations FDigital Repairs No call out charge Free quotations

Call Martin:

01928 589766 or 07917 724475

18265857

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87

Frodsham Plastering Services No job too small!

Professional, Friendly, Reliable Service All types of plastering work undertaken: Internal Damage Repair, Ceilings Re-plastered, Skimming, Dry Lining, Rendering, K Rend

High Quality Finish and Extremely Tidy

P: 01928 722 252

M: 07730 135 884

Call for a free quote

01928 529 293 07919 337 545

Based in Frodsham 14 Church Street WA6 6QL

Your local chartered accountants Free no obligation consultation, For all your accountancy needs AGP provide a full range of services for all business types and sizes.

Our services include: • Accounts • Bookkeeping • Registered auditor

• VAT returns • Payroll • Advising family companies

• Tax returns & repayment claims • Tax planning and advice • Tax enquiries

call: 01928 707 370 visit: www.agp-accountants.co.uk email: enquiries@agp-accountants.co.uk Sycamore House, Sutton Quays Business Park Sutton Weaver, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 3EH Offices also at Warrington and Chester

88

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

0800 191 0490 / 07747 087 156 Regus House, Herons Way, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QR www.jnfroofing.co.uk Email: jnfroofing@yahoo.com Specialising in all aspects of roofing including: New roofs - Rubber flat roofs - Wall coatings - Fascias - Guttering - Repairs

• 10 year Insurance backed guarantee on materials and workmanship

• • • • • • •

We have & install own scaffolding Our own cherry picker for tall jobs 0% Finance (T’s & C’s apply) Fully insured (Public liability) Home Insurance Protection (HIP) Member of Roofing Federations We accept all major credit/debit cards

10%

Discount with this advert

Company Registration Number: 8722645 Vat Number: 187797822 7 Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts 89

CHRISTOPHER CHARLES Professional Advice Regarding: Mortgages Protection Pensions Investments Mobile: 07734 412935 Office: 01928 735510 Email: christophercharles@aspire2011.com

Pennine garage doors

If you are looking to change your garage door, why not let Pennine help you choose from a vast range of styles and colour finishes. ● Up and over ● Sectional doors ● Roller doors ● Side hinged ● All colours ● Automatic or manual For free quotation call Wirral Office - 0151 336 7136 Mobile - 07786 682152 www.penninegaragedoors.co.uk Head Office:

Birch Lane, Dukinfield, Cheshire, SK16 4AJ

90

Paul Armitstead Handyman Service Building, Decorating and Gardening.

No job to small Over 20 years experience an honest, reliable and skilled workman

Please contact Paul on:

01244 303055 / 07896 867 024

Or email: paularmitstead.handyman@aol.co.uk

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Christmas Postal Dates

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (formerly Airmail) Saturday 2nd December Wednesday 6th December

Africa, Middle East Asia, Cyprus, Far East, Malta, Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic & Slovakia) Thursday 7th December Caribbean, Central & South America Saturday 9th December Australia, Greece, Turkey, New Zealand Wednesday 13th December Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland Thursday 14th December Canada, Finland, Sweden, USA Friday 15th December

Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland

Saturday 16th December

Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES

UK Inland Services Wednesday 20th December

Thursday 21st December Thursday 21st December Friday 22nd December

Take Extra Care of Your Pets this Christmas All the trimmings and paraphernalia of Christmas are wonderful for us, but they can represent a danger to your pet.

So with this in mind, what in particular do you need to watch out for at this time of year? christmas decorations If your pet has a tendency to chew, be wary of your Christmas tree lights as they may cause electrocution. Glass baubles also break very easily and it’s difficult to spot the smaller shards of glass, which can easily lodge

Guaranteed®

PETS

in a pet’s paws or mouth – a particular problem if your cat is prone to climbing the tree. chocolate Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate has the highest amount, although milk chocolate also causes potentially life-threatening symptoms if consumed. It’s a serious issue at any time of the year, but at Christmas the fact that you’re likely to have more chocolate in the house increases the risk. rich foods Turkey meat is too rich for many dogs – they struggle to digest this fatty food which

2nd Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 2nd Class 1st Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 1st Class Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed® Special Delivery Saturday

can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. High fat foods in general tend to irritate your pet’s stomach and intestines, so it’s a good idea to stick to their usual diet as much as possible during the festive season.

Whether your pet is timid or bold, providing a safe place where they can retreat from the noise and chaos of Christmas helps them to cope until their normal routine resumes.

www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk/ top-tips-pets-christmas/ www.timeforpaws.co.uk/blog/ top-10-hazards-for-pets-atchristmas-time/

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

By Ann Haldon

91

Pop the kettle on....

R M D OAN You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

Pictograms 4 words

3 letters: 15 4 letters: 10 5 letters: 5 6 letters: 1

www.google Easy

Sudoko

Hard

3 words

SEAN MR SALUTATION 4 words

CH DE TAB

AIR SK LE

Word Ladder

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic you don’t have to guess!

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

R O C K

Hidato Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

7

2

1

46

45

49

42

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44 4

10

31

13

19

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

26

H I L L 92

28

37 23

33

21

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

©puzzlepress.co.uk

15

Cryptic Crossword 1

2

3

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9

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10 11

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16 17 20

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Across 1 Composer with poor range (6) 4 Resist in order to be menacing (8) 9 Lire put out with quiet enjoyment (6) 10 Sop near surgery fifty own (8) 12 Man revising score outside (8) 13 Weapon a clergyman heard (6) 15 Experiment put back to the sixth of August (4) 16 Bill and Mina’s innards, say (7) 20 Girl Don played with in Florida (7) 21 A heavy book, in my opinion (4) 25 Meeting-place at the end of a street (6) 26 Split pea’s changed value (8) 28 “Wet weather, love,” said a beast (8) 29 Lawyer going around bog gets respect (6) 30 Terrible lard feud not right (8) 31 Fish cut by Mr Henry, perhaps (6)

©puzzlepress.co.uk

27

Down 1 State given total guarantee (8) 2 Swimmer holds fig, bananas… (8) 3 Consumer taking in second festival (6) 5 Helper head to toe, it’s thought (4) 6 Ancient’s incorrect example (8) 7 Intent and incomplete lodger (6) 8 Lady inside regretting decree (6) 11 Top cobbler in shoe furore (7) 14 Purple lead put on many dogs (7) 17 Sensible girl opening circular (8) 18 Turn around to put in allowance (8) 19 Badly damaged lever, yes? (8) 22 City doctor in servant’s embrace (6) 23 Live deer is at sixes and sevens (6) 24 A composer he described left (6) 27 Country back in secure position (4)

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

93

(N.B Full page Community Event adverts do incur a charge)

Community Events deadline is 8th Dec for the Jan edition

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE CHURCHES OF HELSBY HELSBY METHODIST CHURCH

ALVANLEY CRICKET CLUB Contact Andy Bennion: 07812 207571 Alvanley Cricket Club encourages players to join of any standard.

Our teams range from Boys and Girls teams at Under 9s through to adult. Our youngest group is from reception children.

Our pitch and ground are among the best in the county with excellent practice facilities, 13 ECB Level 2 coaches and there is even an England player amongst the ranks.

You can also hire the pavilion for your special event.

Further information can be found at

www.alvanleycricketclub.org.uk

or look for us on Facebook and Twitter

Singathon 2018 Saturday 3rd March 2018 WAN T E D * Choirs and Musicians (to perform) * Volunteers (to help organise and run the event) If you are interested in being involved please contact Jean on singathon@frodshamcc.co.uk or 07932 754982

94

Sunday 3rd December 2.00pm Community Carol Service. Join us for a fun, informal carol singing event featuring local school choirs! Led by Revd David Bintliff and followed by refreshments.

Sunday 17th December 10.30am Carol Service followed by refreshments including mince pies Sunday 24th December – Christmas Eve 4.00pm Christingle Service - The story of the first Christmas - with sweets, candles, oranges! Start Christmas with the festive fun event, followed by refreshments including mince pies.

Monday 25th December – Christmas Day 10.30am Family Celebration - Family Service for ALL. Bring a present - share the fun.

Sunday 31st December – New Years Eve 10.30am Morning Worship

ST PAUL’S CHURCH Sunday 17th December 6.30pm Carol Service Sunday 24th December – Christmas Eve 4.30pm Christingle and Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass Monday 25th December – Christmas Day 10.00am Holy Communion with Carols All are very welcome.

May you receive the blessings and peace of our Lord and Saviour this Christmas time

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Traditional and modern carols ‘Old wine in new bottles’ 'A Christmas garland’ ‘ Light and Joy ’ ‘Yule Love this’ Topped off by a new take on

‘The twelve days of Christmas’

Conducted by Howard Kane with Robert Woods - piano and Vale Royal Concert Band Musical Director Mairearad Bushnell-Wye

Saturday 16th December, 2017 at 7.30pm

St Laurence's Church Frodsham Registered Charity No. 511939

available from

Dandelion: 19 Church Street Morag Bragger: 07845 730061 Tilly Patel: 07971 606409 www.fdcs.org.uk Frodshamchoral @frodshamchoral

Rotary Club of Frodsham and Helsby Present

Helsby’s very own Christm as event

!

Save the date

Fun for all the family

Saturday 2nd December from midday Festive procession from 6pm • Ice Rink Santa’s Grotto • Mini ponies Rupert & Bonnie Family entertainment • Reindeer • Magician Carol singing • Kitt the Knight Rider car Seasonal food and drink • Artisan stalls • Music Event content may change for reasons beyond our control

MORE ATTRACTIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

www.hohohelsby.co.uk

HoHoHelsby

Singalong at Christmas w ith‘Equinox’ Thursday 21st December 2017, 7.30pm Frodsham Methodist Church, Kingsley Road

£10.00 incl tea and mince pies Tickets from Dandelion Gifts, Ian Tickle Estate Agents Or Valarie Ball 01928 735922 Proceeds in aid of Rotary Charities and Frodsham Methodist Church

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

95

Small Business Saturday runs for the whole day (Sat 2nd December 2017).

Many of Frodsham’s fab independent businesses have agreed to come together to celebrate “Small Business Saturday” on 2nd December 2017. We’re collectively planning to offer our local community a range of free services, discounted products and refreshments on the day to promote what we do and to get behind this national campaign.

We want EVERYONE to make a trip into the town on Small Business Saturday. Please come and say hello to the hardworking people behind our local businesses and take advantage of the following great offers while you’re out and about - perfect for local Christmas shopping: - Paws and Claws: Offering 10% off everything in store, and will have food and drinks available.

- Eleanor’s Gifts: Offering 10% discount off all gifts and services (including readings and treatments) inc. any booked on the day, as well as raffle prizes (with proceeds going to Macmillan) and cake available.

- Lavender Rose Interiors: Get 10% discount on purchases, with Buck’s Fizz, mince pies and mulled wine.

- ORO Clothing: Offering 10% off all non-sale stock plus a discount card.

- Hilton Physiotherapy Clinic: Holding a FREE drop-in advice day for anyone seeking physiotherapy advice.

- Dandelion Gifts and Traditional Toy Shop: Holding a “Find the Elf” competition, and will have home made cakes available with special offers on gifts and cards too.

- @ the Barbers: Offering FREE beard trims, drinks and sweets on the day.

- Handknitted with Love: Get 10% discount on purchases with Buck’s Fizz, mince pies and mulled wine.

- The Complete Invitation Company Ltd.: Get a FREE wedding postbox with every consultation booked for a wedding invitation order.

- Chocaholics: Get a FREE box of chocolates (worth £6) with purchases over £25, plus their first ten customers on the day will get a FREE chocolate.

- TravelLab: Offering fizz and mince pies on the day for anyone wishing to pop in to talk about holidays, plus get a complimentary bottle of champagne with all holiday package bookings made in store on the day.

- The CraftBox: Get a free ‘decopatch’ tree decoration with any ceramic item painted.

- Melia’s Kitchen: Offering free chocolates or a hot Vimto with every sandwich, panini or toastie purchased on the day.

- Frodsham Flowers Limited: Discounts available for anyone that places their Christmas orders on the day.

- Candles Plus - Yankee Stockist: If you spend £30 or more you will get a FREE Yankee Candle Medium Jar (worth £18.95 - selected fragrances).

- No.5 The Barbers: Get 20% discount off all products bought on the day.

- Convoy Records Ltd: Get a free Rock ‘n’ Roll mug or beer glass when you spend £25.00 on vinyl.

- Groomingtails Dog Spa, Frodsham: Get your dog a FREE nail trim on the day.

Community Events kindly sponsored by YOUR

MOVE Andrew Hayes

Make your move with Frodsham’s local property experts 96

Call 01928 739777 for a FREE valuation

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Puzzle Solutions 14

Christmas Food & Drink Quiz

M

Word Ladder

1. Pigs in blankets 2. Stella Artois 3. The Vicar Of Dibley 4. Mince pie 5. Advocaat 6. Pumpkin Pie 7. Mulled wine 8. Little Jack Horner 9. Brandy 10. A turkey sandwich

Sudoku Easy

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Cryptic Crossword W A R R A N T Y

A G O E L D L F I E S H

M R A V E D S R E I I D D R E

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Wordwheel

TENDURING 1. No End In Sight 2. Beans On Toast 3. Part Of The Furniture

Word Search Hidden phrase: We wish you a merry Christmas

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

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Index of advertisers Accountants / Taxation agp 88 Applegate & Co. 44 Aerial Engineer/Sky TV KR Aerial Systems 79 Latham Aerials 87 Alarms & Security Complete Security Services 7 KR Security Systems 79 Architecture / Design Cheshire Planning Solutions 30 Scott Architecture 77 Beauty / Holistics / Tanning Serenity Beauty & Skin Clinic 32 Builder / Merchants /Joiner / Plastering BB Construction 74 Cheshire Building & Roofing Services 73 Frodsham Plastering Services 88 Greenacre Joinery 13 Kelsall Building Services 35 Ken Leach Building & Joinery 86 Mad Jak Joinery 88 Northern Drywall 60 ROC Developments 16 Tim’s Plastering 40 Butcher / Farm Shop Forresters 23 Car Repairs /MOT/ Tyres/ Valeting JK Bailey 44 JPW Body Repairs 22 O’Neill Dent Repair 80 Cleaning Dave The Ovencleaner 52 Molly Mop Cleaning 42 Wilkins Chimney Sweep 80 Zero Dry Time 25 Computing Helsby PC’s 66 Dentist Main Street Dental 18 Education Kings School 17 & 19 The Queens School 31 Electrician / Lighting Cheshire Boiler & Electrical Services 4 Frodsham Electrical Services 60 KDE Ltd 26-27 & 100 Trinergy 56 Woodhouse Plumbing & Electrical 50-51 Estate / Letting Agent / Houses for Sale Ballards Sales & Letting Agent 29 Your Move Andrew Hayes 96 Financial / Mortgage Advisor Aspire Wealth Management 90 Karen Bushell Wealth Management 30

Paul D Clarke FPC 55 Flooring Kingsley Carpets 65 Rodgers Carpet & Flooring 41 The Little Carpet Shop 81 Funeral Directors / Monumental Masons DT Turner 46 Laurence Jones 85 Furniture / Kitchen / Bathroom / Beds A-Design Kitchen & Bathrooms 74 Curtains of Frodsham 64 Inspired Bathrooms & Wetrooms 59 Kingsley Carpets - Beds 64 NYK Kitchen, Bedroom, Mirror Doors 71 Panda Blinds 56 Unique Design Kitchen & Bathroom 69 Garage Doors Pennine Garage Doors 90 Gardening / Allotments Frodsham Gardens 40 Hazelwood Landscapes 44 Hillside Garden and Tree 86 The Picture Garden 36 WOW - Design 22 Gift Shop / Interior Designs Candles Plus 47 Melt Designs 61 Greengrocers / Florist Hales 21 Hairdressing / Barber Headlines 10 Little Jay Hairdresser 32 Health / Care Frodsham Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 24 Hillcrest Care Home 78 Household Store Home & Beauty 8 Jewellers DRB Jewellers 10 Les Harris 2 Ladies Fashion Olivia May 5 Odd Jobs / Property repairs Cheshire Handyman 78 James Gribbin 80 JL Moston - Maintenance & Joinery 30 Paul Armitstead 90 The DIY Man 72 Total Home Solutions 68 Painter & Decorator Mike Hopkins 60 Roy Lamb 90 Steven Bishop 46 Pest Control Target One Pest Solutions 22

www.helsbytohand.co.uk

Pet Care / For Sale Early Paws Dog Boarding & Grooming 39 Pets For Sale 66 Tails & Trails 42 Plumbing & Heating Cheshire Boiler & Electrical Services 4 Cheshire Heating & Plumbing Services 22 Gasmarc 86 Indigo Heating, Plumbing & Gas 75 26-27 & 100 KDE Ltd LPW Plumbing Services - 24 HR 52 M.Bunting Plumbing & Heating 80 Trinergy 56 The Gas Store 67 Woodhouse Plumbing & Electrical 50-51 Removal Service / Storage 2 Men and Van 36 Cheshire County Removals / Storage 57 Restaurants / Pub / Wedding Venue Amoré & Mojito’s 37 Best Western Forest Hills 45 Café Fresh 9 Mill House Café 1 The Dunham Arms 12 Roofing All-Mighty Roofing 63 Altitude Roofing 68 JNF Roofing 89 P Turner Roofing 72 Total Roofline Solutions 36 Sewing Alterations, lessons, haberdashery Elizabeth Arnold 40 Sew Simple 8 Situations Vacant Caretaker at Lincoln Court 4 Solicitors Collaborative Law 49 Sport & Leisure 2-4-1 Body Conditioning 6 Frodsham Panto 12 Graham Tonge Golf 15 Helsby Community Sports Club 53 Ho Ho Helsby 95 Kathryn Smith School of Dance 42 Jamie Garner Golf 6 My Fitness Works 46 Nordic Walking 24 Pilates 16 Turn Up Training 16 Tiling CB Tiling 52 Taxis Frodsham and District Taxis 99 Turners Travel 68 Windows/Conservatories/Canopies Fairview Windows 82-83 Kelsall Windows 34

** Advertising deadline is 11th December for the January edition ** & Community Events 8th December 98

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

DISTRICT

TAXIS

CHEAPEST IN THE LOCAL AREA City Centres 1-8 Passengers Frodsham - Liverpool

£27.50

Frodsham - Chester

£18.00

Helsby - Chester

£15.00

Elton - Chester

£15.00

All prices are set before 11pm Prices are based on 1 pick up and one drop off. Prices may vary with extra drop off or pick up points (365 days per year)

Airport Prices 1-8 Passengers From Frodsham to Manchester Airport 1-8 passengers £28.00 On the return journey, Terminal 1 & 2 there is a car park charge of £4.00

From Frodsham to Liverpool Airport 1-8 passengers £18.00 Plus a car park charge of £3.00

For prices from surrounding villages please ring.

Silver Service for Executive Travel please enquire All above prices are on a one-way basis, return prices should be doubled and confirmed at time of booking

01928 733 733 01928 735 353 www.districttaxisfrodsham.co.uk *** Download our FREE App today! ***

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

99

YOUR local, family-run business.

Providing Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Bathroom services.

Call us on 01928 711444 www.kde-ltd.co.uk enquiries@kde-ltd.co.uk

100

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com