The Editorial Team

David Burton - Euan Stevenson - Sean Clarke - Jacky Maskall - Cynthia Davies

Our reporters cannot be everywhere.

EMAIL YOUR STORIES TO EDITOR@OVERTON-ON-DEE.CO.UK

The White Horse 2008 Pub of the Year

The White Horse, Overton beat 50 other Wrexham area ale house to win the Evening Leader Pub of the Year title for 2008. Owners Andrew and Sam Nikolic who gave the pub a massive makeover in September last year, said they were “absolutely delighted” with the news. They said that reviving the pub has been a worthy challenge and they had spent a lot of time and money bringing it back into the hub of the community. Sam said “We completely gutted the building and even gave it a beer garden so customers can enjoy barbecues in the summer. We have also opened a new function room perfect for parties and events. The locals were so grateful for our efforts and were determined that we were going to win the competition. We would like to thank all our customers for their support. We cannot stress enough how pleased we are with the news.” The top prize in the competition sponsored by Permavision is a VIP evening in July of racing at Bangor-on-Dee racecourse for the pub management and 10 regulars, with a private viewing suite, a three course meal with wine and a £10 Tote betting voucher each. To celebrate their award Andrew and Sam were presented with a banner to display on the front of the pub.

THE PROBLEMS OF THE WINTER WINDS & STORMS !

Many apologies to all those affected by the traffic diversion when one of the trees at The Brow fell across the Wrexham Road in the storm on Friday 29th February. Also, thanks to all those who came out and helped remove the tree and redirect traffic – it was very much appreciated.

Sadly a number of other trees had to be felled the following day as the Highways Agency deemed them ‘unsafe’ – and safety is paramount. Therefore we have arranged for a Forestry Commission approved aboricultural planner to design the replanting of the whole area beside the road and on the bank beside the footpath where the Christmas trees were. He will ensure that safety of the public on the Wrexham Rd and footpath are topmost, as well as complying with the felling regulations and creating an attractive area of vegetation to promote biodiversity.

If anyone has any questions, please drop in to the Brow or call on 710329 . Rafela FitzHugh

The last issue of the Oracle described the problems at the 2 bridges alongside the Dee at the entrance to Llan-y-Cefn Woods and across the Shellbrook which effectively blocked the Maelor Way long-distance footpath.

Since then the bridges have been examined by the Ramblers Assoc. and a Footpath Officer from Wrexham CBC and it was agreed that, though repairs were still needed on the Llan-y-Cefn bridge, it is sufficiently safe to allow people to cross it. So the cones and notices are removed and walkers can again enjoy this beautiful stretch of this popular footpath, with its wealth of wild flowers and stunning views along the river.

The Shellbrook bridge, however, is still down and ramblers await action by Shropshire County Council. In the meantime, for those wishing to continue along the Maelor Way, it is necessary to walk to the south from the fallen bridge to join the B5069 at Barton's Bridge, passing Knolton Mill and Hall. Then it means a road walk up Shellbrook Hill to Sodyllt Bank, where one can turn right and rejoin the Maelor Way.
Ken Farrell

Ramblings From the Rectory
by David Lewis

Dear friends,

A film star turned up for her showbiz wedding wearing a topless mini dress. The vicar refused to allow her into church. The actress was furious, shouting, ‘You can’t refuse me, I have a divine right!’ To which the vicar replied’ You’ve got a divine left as well, but you are not coming in here.’

As summer approaches, so the round of weddings starts up again. I remember a similar story to the above that actually happened in my home town of Prestatyn. A couple had arranged with the vicar that they wanted a Thirties Gangsters and Molls themed wedding. He had Okayed it but said he would be on holiday so a retired colleague would take the wedding.

Unfortunately he forgot to tell the retired cleric about the theme of the wedding. The retired cleric was horrified when these gangsters turned up with machine guns and girls in very bright and revealing thirties dresses with bright lipstick. He refused them entry into church. Eventually a compromise was reached and the gangsters had to leave their machine guns at the entrance door. It was quite a sight seeing these machine guns all lined up outside the church! The vicar got quite an earful when he returned from holiday from both cleric and wedding couple!

Weddings remind me of how important our parish churches are to so many people, whether it is for weddings, funerals, christenings or the fact that the church helps make the village or town feel like a proper and desirable place to live. And yet so often we take these wonderful buildings and the heritage they offer for granted, thinking that somehow they will always be there.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have become involved with our friends of St Mary’s Scheme. Under Mr Peter Rosselli, a group of people have committed themselves to donating money so that the fabric and heritage of our wonderful parish church of St Mary’s can be maintained for future generations. We as a church are grateful for all their efforts.

We are all lucky to live in a place as beautiful as Overton and it is a real privilege to be rector of St Mary’s. Thank you to all those who have committed themselves to ensuring that St Mary’s will stand at the centre of our village for many generations to come.

Your friend and Rector, David

COUNTRY BEAT
by Constable Luke Hughes, Community Beat Manager

I have recently attended a "Restorative Justice" course, this was a 3 day course and I am now able to run Restorative Justice Conferences.

Restorative Justice processes give victims the chance to tell offenders the real impact of their crime, to get answers to their questions and to receive an apology. It gives the offenders the chance to understand the real impact of what they’ve done and to do something to repair the harm. It holds offenders to account for what they have done, personally and directly, and helps victims to get on with their lives.
R J takes place when the offender has already been sentenced, in prison or in the community or can take place when an offender has pleaded guilty in court, but before the judge passes sentence. It can be used as an alternative to prosecution for less serious crimes. RJ works
41% of victims say they want to meet the offender; and 51% say they think RJ would work better than prison to reduce re-offending. 75-95% of victims who do take part in RJ are glad they did so.
RJ has been shown to reduce the post-traumatic stress symptoms of victims, and help them return to work following serious crimes.
Research from around the world shows that RJ can substantially reduce re-offending rates in many cases.
The break down of the crime, anti social behaviour and accidents that have occurred in our area in the period 15th Feb - 15th March is below, but I would continue to encourage people to report any incident of suspicious behaviour immediately to North Wales Police on 0845 607 1002

Crime = 2 (1 Theft / 1 Damage) Anti Social Behaviour = 2 Vehicle Accident = 2.
As a community based policing team, I am keen that we deal with the issues that the community believe effect them the most, The current priorities for the OVERTON area are listed below.

Op Vardon: Pro- Active Operation set up to deal with Rural Crime and to encourage the reporting of suspicious incidents.

Speed Enforcement: Operation to deal with vehicles exceeding the speed limit and/or driving dangerously in our remote villages.

Environmental Audit: Partnership Initiative to enhance the environment that we live and work in.

Littering and Dog Fouling: In particular in the High Street Overton and School Lane.
Thanks, Luke

KID’S PAGE !
by the Overtinions and our mascot Lucy

Hey Guys! Welcome to April and a very happy birthday to Lucy Chalk of the Kid’s Page

Jen’s Reviews

Cloverfields

A shuddering crash jolts the camera, everyone screams and panics, the nightmare begins.

This film does not seem to be that original - big monster attacks, a large city, panic strikes everyone, disaster everywhere, no sign of hope. Except there’s a twist, unlike other disaster films this scenario is captured on a hand-held camera, a bit like “The Blair Witch Project”. This might seem a little strange, but in my opinion it added a lot more to the film, making it a lot more original and exciting as you feel closer to the action.

What is also special about this film is that there aren’t any famous names in it so realistically it cannot be harshly judged as you never focus around just one person and no one tries to grab the spotlight. There are many twists and it is not predictable.

I really like this film as you’re never quite sure what's going to happen and there are a lot of jumpy scenes! The effects are very realistic with a clever ending to a clever film.

There has been a lot of talk about how this film makes some feel queasy but I would not let that put you off as neither me nor any of my friends felt like this. I wouldn't advice small children to watch this film as it is quite gory and scary in some parts.
Rating : 9 / 10

Agony Aunt

Q: I’m finding science very hard at the moment, all my other subjects are okay, but science seems to have become a lot more complicated. I don’t want to ask for help because the teacher is quite strict and I’m sacred he’ll shout at me and the class will laugh. What should I do?!?

A: Many people find themselves in this kind of situation. You must realise that's teacher’s job is to help their students learn. You go to school to learn so don’t worry if you get stuck, just ask for help! No one can be good at every subject. You could also buy a revision book or revision CDs for help at home.

Lucy & Rebeccs Amazing Facts

Humans are the only animals that can blush!
The average person has over 1,460 dreams a year!
China was the first country to use paper money!

• April 10th 1849 Safety pin invented by Walter Hunt.
• April 12th 1961 Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space.
• April 21st 1964 BBC2 television introduced
• April 23rd 1564 William Shakespeare was born

OVERTON & LA MURETTE TWINNING NEWS
by Glynis Farley

Some of you may have noticed the display cabinet which appeared in the Parish Rooms last year. The cabinet was made by Rob Lawrenson for the Twinning Association and holds gifts presented over the years to the community of Overton on Dee by our friends in La Murette. Why not take a few minutes to have a look when you're next passing as the display will alter over time, eventually, we hope, to include a photographic display of exchanges.

A few people have been surprised to learn that as residents of Overton they are automatically members of the Twinning Association and don't actually have to 'join'. Those of us on the committee are in fact 'caretakers' for and on behalf of the Community Council, which gives us a grant each year towards the administration of the Association. Fund raising events are organised to supplement this grant and enable us to provide our guests with a memorable visit. Our host families aren't funded to receive guests and all participants from Overton pay for any outings they go on as well as for pre-visiting venues to ensure they're suitable to include on the weeks itinerary.

We welcome new people coming along to meetings to have a say in how the committee is run and how best to further cement ties with our friends across the water. If you'd like to know the date of our next meeting or have any questions, please contact Glynis Farley on 01978 710 455.REMEMBER to make a note of this years exchange: August 3rd - 10th when we hope as many of you as possible will join in the weeks events.

Overton Recreational Club's Pool.

Overton Recreational Club's Pool team. The 'A' Team have won The Ellesmere League 2008 and then were hopeful of winning the singles and doubles knockout as well. Mark Williams took on Dane Walsh from the 'B' team in the singles and won, while Mark Williams and Roy Richards won the doubles!
Congratulations to all of them.

Can you see yourself?

Gordon Whitfield, who now lives in Cambridgeshire and reads the Oracle on the website, sent this photo of Mr Chatterton’s class at St Mary’s School, Overton, in 1967. Who can you identify?

Last months 1984 school photo was of
Mrs Wright (Formerly Miss Phillips, after Mrs Hamlyn) Back row. Alan Pugh, Gareth Evans, Gordon Whitfield, Colin Brereton, Robert Latham, Jeremy ?, David Edwards and Gary Rogers.
Middle Row. Martin Sodden, Stephen Andrews, Sharon Stant (Eshmade), Denise Evans (Millard) Carol Owen (Sadowski), Lynne Ogden, Alison Evans, Elizabeth Latham and Ken Hampson.
Front Row. Peter Colley, Shane Evans (Stubberts), Yvonne Capper, ? ? ?, Ceri Thomas, Roberta (Bobby) Osborne (Edge) And James Riddell.

PLAY CENTRE NEWS
by Andrea Buttress

‘NEW 2 U SALE’. We are hiring the village hall on Saturday 10th May for all those of you who would like to clear out things you no longer need. All you have to do is buy a table for £10 to secure a place and bring along your goods to sell. The only product that cannot be sold is alcohol. Apart from that, sell what you like – clothes, toys, cakes, jams, plants, cards etc! Naturally, anything you don’t sell will need to be taken home with you after the event. Please do call me to reserve your space, as tables are limited. Tel: 710246 The Sale will take place from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, with set up in the morning. If you don’t want to sell anything, then do come along to see what bargains you can find!! Refreshments will also be available.

A BIG thank you. Just a really big thank you to all those people who came to the Easter Craft Day in March. The children had a wonderful time making cards, baskets, hats and nests, decorating biscuits and having their faces painted. They had fantastic fun also searching for Easter Eggs in the garden and taking part in the Egg and Spoon Race. So, well done everyone and a big thank you for coming to join in! Also, a very big thank you to Margaret for doing the face painting and to Sam for all the time she gave preparing the crafts

Carol Dykes would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in taking in some of our foreign visitors for the Eisteddfod in July. If anyone can help or would like to know more about it please ring Carol on 01978 710794

Overton Amateur Dramatic Society

Proudly presents on April 24th, 25th & 26th
DEATH WALKED IN
By Bettine Manktelow, Directed by David Hughes.

Set in a small country hotel, a sudden death creates Mystery and Intrigue and an ever-increasing sense of suspense with a surprising climax.
Celia Randolph (Cynthia Davies), Rex (Stephen Sorfleet), Joan Mountstevens (Joanne Kember)
Eva (Rhian Farley), Roy Boothby (Alan Farley) George Carter (Mervyn Haynes),
Angela Webster (Anne McCulloch)

Your Letters...

Dear Editor,
Re the March Oracle Medical Practice news - yes, I have noticed the receptionist is often on the front desk now, thank goodness.

Previously by the time I have found out what to press, although there are no knobs to press, I keep getting told to “start again” although I am quite happy with what I have done. Then when I press number 1 for the start of 19 days for my birth date, I’m told I am “not accepted, start again”. By the time I get it right my blood pressure must be sky high!

So well done, thanks for taking notice. My next visit to the Doctors will be hassle free with a lovely low B.P.

Happy Senior Citizen

Where on earth do you read the Oracle?
Dear Editor,
My wife and I (whose grandfather 'Mr. Wright' is mentioned in early history of Overton scouting in the February issue) look forward to catching up on all the latest monthly goings on in Overton very much!!

We are located 60 miles north of Toronto in the Province of Ontario - currently under an accumulation of several feet of snow!!
Keep up the good work -
Frances & Norman Knapton

Acupuncture Versus Depression ‘Recognising The New Generation of 2008’
by J A Perkins

World Health Organisation predict that by 2020 depression as a disease looks set to be second after cardiovascular disease in terms of the world’s disabling diseases. NICE guidelines highlight point prevalence of depression amongst 16 to 65 year olds in the UK to be 17 per 1,000 for males and 25 per 1,000 for females with prevalence rising when anxiety and depression are mixed to 71 and 124 per 1,000 in males and females respectively all at a cost to the NHS of £300m in prescribed medication. Published research results in the Times discussed how the outcome of one recent trial conducted by Irving Kirch at Hull University measuring treatment effectiveness with prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) demonstrated very little evidence to support that the drugs were better than placebo: It is interesting though that both protocols can be considered as effective. The reality is that this ‘New Generation’ we have created is here to stay. As a practitioner I can only empathise with this current mind struggle and urgently recognise a need to identify with other effective and safe alternative ways forward that could be viewed as supportive and helpful.

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Depression: Chinese diagnostics focus on the detection of qi imbalances, rather than diagnosis and treatment of disease. Chinese medicine explains relationships between physiological and psychological events that are considered separate phenomena in the Western medical model. The theoretical framework provided by Chinese Medicine can be used to understand the appearance of symptoms that characterize depression and to account for the heterogeneity of symptom presentation in depression. A trained Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner is then able to prescribe individually tailored acupuncture treatments for the different manifestations of depressive symptoms without side effects. As a TCM practitioner based at the Overton Medical Practice I regularly see patients in clinic who have been struggling with depression and as a result of working together have found positive ways forward with the use of acupuncture treatments. If you would like to discuss your individual case with myself in view of making an appointment please contact the surgery or Ellesmere Clinic. J A Perkins BSc Hons. 01978 710666 or julihealth@aol.com

SPOT ON

Overton domino team played a two-leg match against Rhos Snooker Club in the knockout cup. In the first leg, at home in the Recreational Club, they unfortunately went down by a 3 – 1 score. The away leg, played on 25th February, did not have much appeal since two of the regular team had dropped out due to illness and holiday. The team arrived expecting a quick exit.

In the first two matches, however, Overton surprised everyone by going 2 – 0 up, the two lead players, Ivor Parkinson and Gerald Williams showing how good they can be. Overton had now levelled the tie at 3 – 3, and the mood became more upbeat. Rhos adopted a more focused approach but soon fell behind when Peter Williams and Head Coach John Dodd from Overton scored heavily with 3 “eights”. It was left to the veteran Pat Lynch and the dependable Dave Bellis to close out the match at 5 – 3 to Overton. Was it skill or good luck? The victors were jubilant and the losers couldn’t believe it.

OVERTON SCHOOL VACANCIES

Bookkeeper & General Office Help required. 2 days a week, 10 hrs per week
Closing date April 11th Application forms available from the school office.
School Cleaner required. Hours negotiable. Contact Pat Clarke 710370

OVERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS ARE MAY 1st 2008

This year, 2008, is a nationwide election year for community councils. The Community Council Elections will take place on Thursday 1st May 2008, 7.00am to 10.00pm. The timetable preceding the Election is as follows:

Last day for delivery of nomination papers is noon, April 4th
Last day for postal vote applications 5pm, April 16th
Last date for applicants to vote by proxy 5pm. April 23rd
Last date for applicants to vote by proxy on grounds of medical emergency 5pm May 1st
The present Council dissolves 5th May. .

Are you qualified to be a councillor?
• A British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the EU.
• Be 18 years of age of over
• Have during the whole 12 month proceeding that day occupied as owner or tenant any or other premises in the council area
• You cannot stand if you are subject to bankruptcy restriction order or interim order.
• Have, within five years before the day of the election, been convicted in the United Kingdom of any offence and have had a sentence of imprisonment for a period of over three months without the option of a fine.

Further information is displayed in the Library and the village Notice board

It is not always fully understood exactly what the community council is and how it operates and what it has achieved for your community.

The community council is a non party political and an elected unity of local government whose activities are controlled by Acts of Parliament. Very importantly it can ‘precept’ – raising a sum collected with the council tax each year to improve facilities and services for local people. Community councils have a number of basic responsibilities in making the lives of local communities more comfortable, many of which are taken for granted. Essentially these powers fall within three main categories: representing the whole electorate within the community; delivering services to meet local needs and striving to improve quality of life in the community. Individual committees are formed and they report back to the main council. The planning committee sit regularly, as there is a limited timescale for the applications; their aim is to ensure progress and expansion in the village without compromising the ambience and comfort of the community. The council employs a Clerk whose role is administrative. Formal monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, members of the public are invited to give written notice of wishing to speak during an allotted time of 19.20 -19.30 prior to the meeting. The public is entitled to attend the entire meeting but not permitted to speak during the meeting. A copy of the Minutes is placed in the Library.

The Councillors are elected individuals who give their time voluntarily receiving neither incentive nor remuneration; being a community councillor is an enjoyable way of contributing to the community and helping to make it a better place to live and work. Invariably their duties require a donation of personal free time, as well as day time meetings; many meetings are held in the evenings, some at weekends. Attending meetings of bodies affecting the wider community; taking up issues on behalf of members of the public; special events such as the Calor Awards and the Fete require a huge input of time as does the production of the Oracle. It is probably fair to say that their work is unnoticed when all is going well, street lights are working, highways are repaired and so forth.

Recent achievements of the Community Council have been -

Winning a Calor award in 2006 and being voted Best Calor Village in North Wales 2007 which hopefully will impact on our commercial and community life.
Negotiating a redirection of Bangor race traffic to ease village congestion.
Close liaison with the Police regarding crime prevention measures and trying to implement better cohesion with the youth is ongoing.
Traffic calming measures at each entrance to the village have been agreed.
Maintenance and improvement of the playing field; Millennium Meadow, the cemetery and village in general,
Negotiations to keep the public toilets open all year.
Installation of permanent Christmas lights.
Tourism activities - Twinning activities with La Murette.

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to James and Lucy Burton on the birth of Oliver James, a first grandchild for David & Jill Burton.

Congratulations to the family of Huw Benjamin Williams on his Baptism.

Happy second wedding anniversary to Sarah and Matthew Hayward of Bangor Road. Wishing you many more years of happiness and lots of love and best wishes from Mum, Dad Andrew, Jade and Joshua xx

Happy April Birthday:
To Iory Evans, Hayden Austin, Derek Edwards, Mervyn Haynes and a very Happy 40th Birthday to Mike Dorey & Luke Hughes.

Belated March Birthdays:
Freda Thompson, Barbara Griffiths, Kate Jenkinson 7yrs, Joanne Kember 50.