The Editorial Team Maxine Palmer - Sean Clarke - Wally Wilton - David Burton - Lesley Pugh - Euan Stevenson Our reporters cannot be everywhere. EMAIL YOUR STORIES TO EDITOR@OVERTON-ON-DEE.CO.UK
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Oracle Exclusive....We Reveal Below the New Clerk to the Community Council! Katharine Crockford has been appointed as Clerk to the Community Council. She and her husband Brian, live at 7 Salop Road, Overton on Dee. Katharine's father was in the Army and this meant that she has lived in many different places; she moved to Overton about 7 years ago and absolutely loves the village. "I have been very happy here and the people are so friendly. When the position of Clerk became vacant, I thought it would be a lovely way to become more involved with village life and give something back to the community. Mind you, I didn't realise just how much work is involved but it will become easier as I get more to grips with the job. I like meeting people and play in the Ladies Darts Team, I also enjoy gardening, walking and reading." Whilst her degree in Marine Biology may not be called for as Clerk, her considerable experience in administration will.
If you need to contact Katharine by telephone the number is 710055 or the email address is clerk @overton-on-dee.co.uk After School Club at St Mary's CA School... The After School Club at St.Mary's C.A. School was established in May 1993. The Club was opened purposely for the use of the children attending the school by two teachers who had the foresight to understand the future requirements of our community. Initially there where 4-10 children it became apparent that a team would need to be recruited, dedicated exclusively to the After School Club. This is where Davina, Cynthia, Trish and Grace come in. Davina and Cynthia have been with the After School Club for 10 years now and Trish has been with them for 5years. Grace helps out whenever called upon, especially when business is booming!
The Club is registered to take twenty-six children per session, and regularly has between16-20 attending after school. Refreshments are provided daily, reflective of a healthy eating policy, but with the occasional treat! The children enjoy a relaxed session of various activities, including board games, construction games, craft, and free play and of course outdoors play in the better weather. This is just what they need after a hard day at school! All the staff regularly attend courses to keep up to date with current practices, and hold Foundation Certificates in Food Hygiene and First Aid. They are currently working hard towards their N.V.Q. Certificates in Childcare. As a consequence of the success of the After School Club, it was decided to extend the hours to provide a Before School Club, which takes the children into school between 8:00hrs and 9:00hrs in addition to the after school at 15.15hrs until 17:30hrs. Of course, the club is subject to annual inspections by Social Services in order to ensure that the children are well cared for. Mrs. Lesley Roberts a Social Services Inspector, visited the club in March 2004. Her visit comprised of accessing the premises and facilities used by the children and speaking to the children to gain a full understanding of their environment. She was very pleased with the way that the club was run, delighted by the children's reactions; as a consequence she sent a very encouraging report to the School's governing body. Some of the children attending the club do so on a regular basis, Monday to Friday, morning and afternoon, and when they leave Overton to go on to their secondary schools there have been more than a few poignant moments. We have always been proud to be part of their school lives. If you need any more information on the Before and After School Club, log on to www.stmarysoverton.co.uk By Davina, Cynthia, Trish and Grace. Country Beat I would once again like to thank the organisers of the monthly youth club discos held in the village hall. I have mentioned before how the night clubs in Wrexham should take a leaf out of your book regarding security and 'peace keeping'. I was reminded of this when I attended the September disco with a colleague of mine who is the local officer for Rhos. While we were stood outside talking to the door staff, one of the organisers 'frog marched' a male out of the building whilst giving him a telling off. Naturally my colleague, who you can understand has a very different area to police than myself, thought that the male had either assaulted someone, caused damage, was abusive, or was drunk. He was very surprised, and relieved, to discover that this males "crime" was to smuggle chewing gum into the building. I think this just goes to show how dedicated the organisers are. They not only give up their time to provide a very secure atmosphere for the youths to enjoy themselves in, but also ensure that the discos do not cause problems for other users of the hall. The only problem I ever encounter with the discos, which seems to be on the increase, does not come from the venue itself, but from the way the youths arrive and are collected. Parents tend to drop their children off early so that they can meet up with friends. However, a number of these youths then go off around the village where some of them are drinking alcohol. (Earlier in the year, one female youth collapsed after drinking so much alcohol, and she had to be rushed to hospital in an ambulance). Upon the night of the September disco my colleague and I had to seize 4 bottles of beer and a bottle of spirits from one 15 year old male who intended to consume the alcohol on the sports field with his friends before they made their way to the village hall. Naturally when he and his friends later arrived at the disco they were not allowed in and spent the evening standing outside. (The male in possession of the alcohol, who resides in Ruabon, has been reported and will not be allowed to attend any future discos in Overton). Therefore can I please ask that parents ensure that they know where their children are? Are they attending the disco at all, or are they just turning up outside at the end of the night in time for you to collect them? Once they attend at the disco they are in a very safe environment, but if they choose to 'wander off' in this fashion, any breaks in the law will be sufficiently dealt with, but my main concern is in their welfare. Thank you. Wedding
Bells in Le Pin
Some of you may remember that back in 1996 an agricultural student named Fabienne Gonon came to stay at The Firs Farm for 10 weeks because she needed to study farming in another country as a part of her degree course. As well as writing an in-depth report and working on the farm, Fabienne became an honorary member of the family in just the time it took to travel home from Birmingham airport! So it was a real thrill to receive an invitation for the whole family to attend her wedding on 7th August 2004 at 17:30hrs in the church in Le Pin. This sounds very innocent doesn't it? In fact we had 48 hours of merry-making! The day before the wedding we gathered at the village hall in Le Pin (about 11/2 times the size of Overton's hall) to make preparations. This was a social occasion in itself with many members of the family and friends arriving during the afternoon so there was much kissing and hilarity! The decorations in the hall consisted of the usual balloons, flowers etc. with the addition of metres of paper chains made up in pale green, lilac and ivory draped all around the hall. We were told come to the house at 3 p.m. the following day for the photographs. Imagine our surprise to find more paper chains along the street to the Mairie, around the pillars of the church and up both sides of the road leading up the hill out of the village to the house! On arrival we were given paper flowers and balloons to decorate the cars (it was so hot that the balloons burst as soon as they touched the metal of the cars!). As with a British wedding the photographs seemed to take an age with a real fight for any shady spot! A pony and trap arrived to take the bride and groom to the Mairie for the civil ceremony, attended by all the guests. We then watched the service in the tiny church where the bride and groom exchanged rings. There was no organ music; the hymn singing being led by a lady who made the congregation practise until she considered it could sing the choruses well enough! At the end of the service there was a line up of the bride and groom and their parents to kiss and shake hands, guests leaving by a side door. To say that church seemed like Dr. Who's tardis is no exaggeration as it turned out the whole village came through to give their congratulations when the service was over. This also meant that the whole village joined with guests (140 in total) to return to the Mairie where a buffet was served and alcohol started to flow. There was time for about an hour's siesta before the wedding reception proper began at 21:00hrs. Although we all had place cards there was no 'top table' with the hosts sitting amongst their guests. Between courses there was entertainment and dancing which meant it was no surprise to be eating the final course at 03:00hrs! We crept away at 04:00hrs only to discover the following day that the party finished at 06:00hrs, when the bride and groom's 'friends' went around the village with a large cow bell looking for them. (Another custom!) It was a case of all back to the village hall on Sunday at 13:00hrs. for a lunch party which went on until 17:00hrs., the highlight of the party games involving drinking something rather strong out of half a watermelon! There was just time on Sunday evening to visit La Murette, as this was Graham's first visit to the area. It was lovely to see his surprise at the village sign which also has Overton-on-Dee on! To travel so far and to feel so much a part of the local community there is fantastic. If you get the opportunity to get involved with the twinning why not seize it - you will make friends for life!
KIDS
COLUMN
What's On?
Nothing to do? What do you mean there is nothing to do! Why, you
could go to theatre Clwyd and watch the classic Sleeping Beauty...with
a new rock and roll style! You can see it any day between the 26th
of November and the 22nd of January but tickets are selling out
fast. You can book online at: Sports During the summer holidays, Eleanor McCusker (age 7) went to a fun day at the Trench Villa riding stables. She won 4th place in the dressage competition, 1st place in the quiz and she won a special award for what she learned during the day! A huge well done. Eleanor is pictured below with her rosettes!
Hey guys! I still need all your cool pics and letters! Just drop it through my door at 20 Bangor Road or e-mail it to me at:-info@overton-on-dee.co.uk Come on! This page can't continue if you don't send in your stuff!
Guys we really need your help! As most of you will have realised the bridge on the climbing frame in the park has been broken! The community council have already had to pay for the repair of the springy kids toys in the park, and they cost around £500 each to fix! Now because the bridge has been broken, the kids can not have the "youth shelter" in the park they have been requesting, as the bridge will cost £1000 to repair . All we need is for any-one with any info to contact the police immediately, which will be kept in confidence. If people continue to damage the play equipment in the park, we can not have the new things we want! SPORTS NEWS....Team comment We need people to submit their info' as per every months plea...I am sure that there is a Cricket Team...but I have had no one contact me yet, surely the results can't be that bad! (yes I realise that the season may now be over, but it would be good to have review on 2004 season-highs and lows potentially generating new team member interest?). Goal Spree! Maelor Youth under 15's new season kicked off to a flying start! (the league results say it all!)
11th
September Bowling Update ...This month saw the conclusion of Overton bowling club's A teams ascent to the top of Oswestry and District League Division two by 11 points and return to its rightful place amongst the elite group which form Division one of the six tiered league. Reg Jones (Chair) explained that this was the clubs first season playing on the new pitch and that it was a significant improvement on the last one. During my brief visit I was fortunate to witness a number of seminal performances. Paul Edwards 'fired' the jack, overturning a potential defeat with a ball bowled with amazing power. Impressive
as it was, his feat was unable to match the achievement of Derek
Edwards whose unbeaten record of 19 wins from 19 matches played
will see him collect the League Merit Award. The consistency of
his performance throughout the season is particularly impressive.
With the C team playing Johnstown for entry to Division five. The
C team finished runners up, an effort that takes them to Division
four next year. One final note Reg and the members wanted to thank all who supported the coffee morning held in September "the event was well supported thank you all very much."
Dave competed with players representing Scotland, Ireland, England. He is one of 12 team members representing Wales . The day comprised of a number of play offs which resulted in the achievement of a silver medal. Dave has totted up in excess of 50 national matches in a bowling career that has spanned 21 years. Encouraged by his Dad he discovered that he had a natural flair for the game, which was given further credence by him becoming the Welsh Champion in 2000. Dave is a member of Ifton Miners Club (opposite Stans!) and he also plays at Esclusham (Wrexham). Well done Dave and roll on your next season, we look forward to reporting on next years achievements.....no pressure! Overton
RC Five matches
under their belt the lads are doing well. (won 2, drawn 2 and lost
1) the team where a little unlucky in the Gresford and Glynceriog
matches, despite leading, "goals had been let in at the final
kick of the game" said one of the players. I have not had the
opportunity the watch the lads play yet. We will photograph the
team and feature them in greater detail in next months issue. In
the meantime see the picture below which I believe was taken in
1953. (perhaps our readers could help me understand about the impressive
cups in the picture. I wonder if apart from the length of the shorts
any other aspects of the game have changed ? (that ball looks hard!)
Scores to date: Overton Reserves seem to be on the winning streak now; winning their last game against Brickfield Rangers 4-2 other matches have resulted in two draws and lost 1 to date. I hope to feature their season highs and lows in the next issue too.
'Flu clinics begin again on October 4, the doctors do recommend that as many as possible who are over 65 and those 'at risk', have the injection which is free of charge, to safeguard their health through the winter. There is also a campaign to promote the over 75's and those at risk, having the additional vaccination to cover pneumococcal disease (pneumonia), the cover lasts for several years. Please ask at reception if you need further information. Reception and the telephone are always very busy at the start of each morning. If you are ringing for results could you please contact us after 11am. X Rays results can take 2-3 weeks to reach us even though the department may tell you approx. 10 days; please bear this in mind if you are anxious and awaiting results. In Brief
Reflections
of....Den Owen (a life in brief) Den's family were Overton residents but he was born in Liverpool and returned to School Lane at two weeks of age. Schooled in St. Mary's from 1934 until 1940, he recalls the tutelage of Headmaster Mr. Freeman as being that of a fairly strict disciplinarian. After leaving Grove Park School in Wrexham aged fifteen he gained employment at the American Hospital Penley as an apprentice plumber until the end of the Second World War in 1945. The end of hostilities was expected to signal the closure of Penley although it's decommissioning seems a little protracted. Den found a new post in Ellesmere working for Fullwood & Bland and he spent four years there before relocating to Frome in Somerset in 1949 the same year as his marriage. Speaking of adjusting to life down South, Den recalls starting his planting a month earlier due to the more temperate climate. 1952 saw the birth of his son and he moved back to the Overton area working as a Head Herdsman for Colonel Myddleton at Chirk Castle in 1954. Two years later his daughter was born and he moved employment to Argoed Farm, then managed by a Mr. Leslie Lewis. Living in Salop Road, Den enjoyed his time at Argoed. However, he recalled the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in 1964 with lucid horror describing the abhorrent but necessary slaughter of over seventy livestock, many of which he had helped to raise. Den was came from a farming lineage with both his father and grandfather working Little Overton Farm from around 1850 until 1935, but so profound was this event, that he decided to leave farming for good and took up a position at the Maelor Brickworks on Whitchurch Road. One of fifty employees, the company was producing in excess of fifty thousand bricks per day until its decline in 1971. Redundancy brought a move to Courthalds but he was to return to the same site to a Management post with Rounder Fencing. His years there coincided with a great expansion in the Company's turnover and workforce. His last employer was the Weston Group in Oswestry. He retired aged 67 with a total of fifty-two years of employment. Den now appears to be enjoying his retirement. He is a keen bowls player and has developed new interests. During our interview we touched briefly on some of the events of his working life but as they say, the best stories remain untold! Remember if you wish to share your experience of work, leisure, hobbies or interests we would be delighted to hear from you. Thank you Den for taking the time to share your recollections and reflections with us.
Prompt collection by our "transport manager" Sian Greville and her 9 year old daughter Alice, ensured we all arrived on time to register for the Nightingale House Sponsored Walk on Sunday 4th September. As well as Sian's donation of transport Barbara and I received generous sponsorship from neighbours, friends and relatives in Overton raising £170 towards hospice funds - thank you all. The 5 mile walk was held in Erddig Park and we joined a cheerful group of adults, children and dogs. On such a hot afternoon the walk through woodland edges provided both welcome shade and glimpses of surrounding and distant views of distant hills. Although not walking "against the clock" we estimated the walk would take 1 1/2 to 2 hours allowing for age, ability and number of legs per walker. We soon realised we had a "pace setter" in Alice who led us at smart 3mph back to base in 1hr 40minutes. Where various drinks and delicious hand made "shortie" biscuits baked by Nightingale House kitchen staff where much appreciated. Barbara James and Paula Bottomley New Season of Music. The Maelor Music Society's 36th season begins on Wednesday 10th November 2004 at 19:30hrs in the hall of the Maelor School Penley. The first concert features Helen Field (soprano), Jeremy Huw-Williams (baritone) and Jane Samuel as accompanist. Helen Field was born in North Wales and after studies in Manchester and London and winning many prizes has sung with all the major opera companies in the UK and most Eurpean countries. Jeremy Huw-Williams was also born in Wales, studied at Cambridge and has sung with Welsh National Opera and at many major venues in the world. The second concert is on Saturday 27th November and features Cantorion Colin Jones, one of the best choirs in Wales and known already to many members. Once
again there are five concerts in the series with music to interest
everyone. The dates in the New Year are Wednesday 9th February -Phamie
Gow, Wednesday 2 d March-The Jhonston String Quartet and Wednesday
16th March-Cheltham's School of Music. There will also be s Christmas
Supper Evening on Friday 3rd December 2004.
The corner shops recent Proprietors are Mick and Karen Pinder who purchased the business from its previous owners Colin and Jan in January of this year. The shop has served the village in various guises for approximately two hundred years. When it came up for sale at the end of last year, rumours were rife in the village as to its future purpose and many wondered what would become of it. Fortunately the Pinder's, and potentially the rest of the village, were to take a gamble on the old shop and it has continued to provide the goods that its customers rely on.
With a twenty-five year background in retail, Mick Pinder yearned for an opportunity to transfer his skills into a more local market and the High Street shop has provided this. The family soon realised the depth of responsibility that they had taken on, appreciating the dependence that its customers had. 'There was a few teething troubles initially, as we learnt what was required of us', explained Mick,' but we found that our customers were loyal and forgiving and we appreciated their patience whilst we got up to speed'. The
new incumbents are keen to ensure that the business continues to
offer the goods traditionally associated with the shop whilst trying
to increase choice.' We want to test new lines and see what meets
demand. If something sells well we'll stock it .If not, we will
try something else. If a customer wants a particular item, we will
do our best to provide it'. This attention to customers individual
needs and flexible attitude to stock is a position that the large
chains can't match. Don't be too concerned if, whilst travelling through the village, you witnessed the sight of a floating giant hand and heard a disembodied voice bellowing 'it's you' above the Corner Shop. (or a small unicorn with purple mane!) The shop has recently introduced a National Lottery terminal and the addition of an extra till to reduce waiting. For those amongst us who have to travel to satisfy this particular vice, local availability will certainly save us a trip. The range of goods and services available within the village is always surprising to learn of and the shop is no exception. Offering cigarettes, newspapers and confectionary, you may also decide to entrust them with your dry cleaning or book a coach trip to the Lake District whilst there. Choice indeed. OPEN
VILLAGE PRODUCE SHOW On the 4th of September having just got over the disappointment that I could not submit an entry into the "Initials Grown in Cress" section as this was for the children to participate in, I decided to attend the 32nd Annual Overton Village Open Produce Show for the first time. Wow there's some talent in this village! The Village Hall was a myriad of stunning displays from chrysanthemums to cherry cakes. There where examples of autumn harvest including a fine array of marrows, onions and cabbages. The WI Handicraft Show also generated a lot of interest. I spoke to Doreen Walker who explained that there seemed to have been more entries this year and that she hadn't seen as many cherry cakes in one year! Indeed once Doreen had collated the figures she confirmed that there where 56 Adult entries and 11 Children entries at total of 337 entries - 89 more than last year. The judges where very impressed with the high standard of entry, which no doubt made their task a little trickier. I spoke briefly to Stanley Wright complimenting him on his entry of four cut herbs in separate containers. ...he divulged how he revived his mint just in time for the show for a last minute entry; a great example of the pool of knowledge under the Village Hall roof that day. The afternoon was a hive of activity as visitors admired the exhibits. The climax for the event was the presentation of trophies to give credence to individual effort. Doreen told me that the show had been generously supported with donations for draw prizes and many tickets sold for the event. She explained that the success of an event like this can only continue with the submission of new entries and was delighted with the upsurge in support. Roll on the next 32 Years! Congratulations to all who entered and won. Next year's Show is on Saturday 5th September (Look out for a rogue entry. That Shield will be mine!!) Trophy
Winners
Llangollen Residents take to the sky.... September the 4th saw this eighth hot air balloon festival being celebrated virtually on our doorstep. At the feet of Crows Nest, Llangollen the community hosted what is becoming a must attend event in the local calendar. The entertainment included displays from the' Over the Top 'motorcycle stunt team, twenty-two hot air balloons and incredulously a troop of belly dancers. You couldn't accuse them of lacking variety. I managed a brief word with the event organiser Christine Legate-Baggs who explained some of the unique attributes of the event, "this is a particularly tight place to balloon in, because of the steep valley sides but we really enjoy coming here. We have a special farmer's event, which went off this morning where we take some of the locals up by way of a thank you. The pilots come from all over the country and one of the Hopper pilots has come over from Holland to join us". Hoppers, I was to discover are basket -less balloons, which are navigated by means of a single harness, attached to the balloons underside. The pilot controls the flight whilst dangling precariously underneath. She continued, "We expect fifteen thousand visitors this weekend and I'm told that you can't book a B&B within a fifteen mile radius. Each time we stage this it's like playing Russian roulette with the weather but we have been very lucky this year." Thanking her I sidled off to enjoy the attractions. You couldn't help but be impressed with the balloons; they move with such grace and elegance that just observing their flight gives the observer a feeling of tranquillity. My inner peace and serenity was short lived though when the attempted purchase of two baguettes from a food stall was to render me seven pound the poorer. £7-at least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask. Leaving the car park mid evening I was losing my last vestiges of good will, having to leave the car and ask other drivers to let me through, preventing a Mexican stand off that could have resulted in my continued presence in Llangollen long after the festivities were over. Peace was restored however when we returned for the climax of the event. At 9pm a choreographed sequence of balloons and music lit up the arena, which really was stunning. This was followed by a firework display that we really enjoyed. Attending the afternoon and evening worked out at reasonable value although spending the odd hour wouldn't really justify the entrance fee. The 'Nightglow' really was a sight to behold even though I was sure that I could detect the faint clip clop of hooves of the mobile caterers echoing through the valley. I think Sean's article is great. But please don't leave it to the team to report on their experiences (remember its your paper!) if you have had an interesting day out, let us know, we will print it -Maxine. Community Council Meeting - September 14 2004
The Community Council gave a vote of thanks to the Chair, Sue Glover,
for all the work she had undertaken at short notice, in respect
of that normally done by the Clerk. Katharine Crockford was welcomed
to her position as Clerk to the Community Council. |
