February 2009
OVERTON ORACLE
Overton’s Free Newspaper - issued
monthly to over 600 homes in Overton
February 2009
The Editorial Team EDITOR - JILL
BURTON Please remember that the Oracle has no reporters. We rely on individuals or representatives of our village’s many organisations to write contributions and e-mail them to editor@overton-on-dee.co.uk or leave them at the Corner Shop. So if you think there is something that should be in the Oracle or your organisation is not mentioned - do something about it! Write something for the Oracle! EMAIL YOUR STORIES TO
EDITOR@OVERTON-ON-DEE.CO.UK |
| Volume 11. Issue 2 February 2009 Overton
celebrates its connection with Charles Darwin.
Charles Darwin often stayed with his sister at her home at The Brow, Overton, and no doubt regaled his young nieces and nephews with tales of his famous voyage on the Beagle. Charles was a keen walker, perhaps examining Overton’s flora and fauna, and the 1841 census shows us the names of the people he would have met. From the grounds of the Brow he would have walked into Willow Street. Here was the home of Overton’s Surgeon John Ellis Eyton, and one of Overton’s many public houses, The Plough looked after by publican Edward Cartwright. The High Street contained many businesses, including John Matthews and his wife Mary who ran the Grocers and Confectioners, the White Horse (not the present building) run by Inn Keeper John Lea, Thomas Griffiths the tailor, Thomas Pembry the Druggist, and Laurence Large the Draper.
Passing Overton Hall on his right and saying good morning to the Randler family (now site of Sundorne) Charles would have walked past the Church to Penyllan Street where there was another inn The Bowling Green (Harmony Interiors) with its publican, Maria Davies. Also in this area was a private school run by Mrs Eliza Wigan and her governess daughters which provided education and lodgings for 17 girls up to the age of 15. Shops in Salop Street (now Salop Road) included two butchers shops run by Charles Wilson and William Edge, and Edward Ashley’s grocers. Perhaps Charles could have looked for gifts for his sisters in the shop of Ellen Shone, Bonnet Maker or Ester Roberts the Milliner. At the corner was the home of Roger Kynaston, the Turnpike Gate Keeper (John Pidgeon was the Toll Collector on the Wrexham Road gate). Charles could now walk along Back Street and Back Lane (now Church Road and School Lane). The cottages here were mostly lived in by agricultural labourers and their families although there was also the home of John Jones the Butcher. The new National School was yet to be built and Thomas Parry School Master was lodging in Salop St. School mistresses Mary Williams and Catherine Hughes lodged in Wrexham Road. In Turning Street the families of agricultural labourers were the Brookfields, Whistons and Pierces, and May Roberts kept a shop Robert Polehele, Clergyman lived at The Pendise (Pendas House) and returning along Wrexham Road Charles passed the cottage of Timothy Roberts the Parish Clerk. He would have known Charles from the baptism of Marianne’s children when Charles was godfather for his nephews. Although there were fewer houses in the village in 1841 population was high as each house contained many people. Families averaged at least 5 children with some having as many as 8 still at home, and often grandmother was also living with the young family. The larger houses had many servants both male and female, although these were not necessarily local people as it was thought local servants would spread gossip in the village about the business of their employers! Children went out to work at an early age, the little scullery maid Hannah Thompson at Little Overton Farm and Thomas Williams, hall-boy at Gwernheylod were both 10! The village was full of familiar names, there were lots of Williams, Davies, Roberts, Evans, Owens, Hughes, Thomas, Rogers and Jones; Samuel Manley was the Miller at Knolton, John Evison was an agricultural labourer at Knolton Bryn, Hannah Haynes lived in Red Hall Lane. So just remember it may have been that your ancestor said good morning to Charles Darwin. He was just that nice young brother of the doctor’s wife, but they didn’t know then that the world would still remember him today! The Brow - home of Charles Darwin’s sister Raphela Fitzhugh, with her sister Sophie, writes about her home, a house which Charles Darwin knew well. In 2003 our Grandfather, Michael FitzHugh, commissioned a history of The Brow as a present for our father, William. It gives great detail on the architectural and residential history. The Brow was until approx 1820s a working farm with around 24 acres of land. The age of the old part of the building at the back is unknown (and it could date back to 1650 if you believe in ghosts – but that is a different story!).
In the 1820s a new resident, Dr Parker, the village Doctor, added what is now the main part of the house in a Regency style, keen to exploit the fashion for ‘picturesque locations’. This was the time when much of the village was rebuilt, which explains why The Brow is architecturally similar to Pen Dyffyn, Min-yr-Afon, The Quinta, and other houses of the period. Dr Parker paid for all the works (not the materials), though the house was always rented from the Bryn-y-Pys estate. In 1850 it was again remodelled somewhat oddly by adding an extension to the dining room. Two further additions have given The Brow its current piecemeal appearance. Doctor Parker married Marianne Darwin, older sister of Charles. He fell in love with Fanny Mostyn-Owen who lived locally but could not pluck up the courage to propose prior to leaving on the Beagle. On his return he rushed straight up here to be informed by his sister that Fanny had married Robert Myddelton Biddulph of Chirk Castle. Dr Parker died in 1856 and his wife in 1858 (a year before the publication of the ‘Origin of the Species’) and, after a few tenancies, The Brow became a cause for concern around 1919 for the Bryn-y-Pys estate, due to poor state of repair. Our Grandparents started to rent it in 1945 and eventually bought it in the 1950s. From our Granny’s (Rafela FitzHugh) mother’s diaries I gather they had to do much modernising to The Brow, moved the kitchen and did some minor structural work. They also pulled down much of the original part of The Brow around 1960 during what is known as the ‘austere’ architectural period. No further work was done until last year when we replaced the roof, electrics, plumbing, modernised the kitchen and redecorated. The house is currently being re-rendered and the drive renewed. The land linked to The Brow was originally farmland; then plans from the 1870s shows details of a landscaped garden and terraced walks. The landscaped gardens were a grass tennis court when our father was younger and are lawns now. There is evidence of a lake on the flat area beside the road (where our Grandfather kept horses, then chickens before planting Christmas trees in the 1970s). This area has now been cleared of the Christmas trees, and re-planted, with about half as ‘edible forest’ with various nut, fruit and fungus growing trees (including Quince, Medlar, Mulberry, Almond, truffle etc) and the remaining native species. The slope was traditionally grass before being planted with Christmas trees. This has now been planted with native trees too, including Oak, Ash, Blackthorn, Cherry, Rowan etc. The remaining land on the slope below The Brow was originally grass with evidence of sheep having been kept, then sandstone walls and bushes such as laurels, backed up by maps, suggest terraced walks which are now completely overgrown. As soon as management of the new trees is easier, then the next (hopefully final) stage is to work with the Forestry Commission-approved arboriculturalist to complete the submitted Land Management Plan by managing this bank through replanting with native species. Marianne
- Charles Darwin’s sister Marianne Parker (née Darwin) was the eldest child of Dr Robert and Susannah Darwin, and eldest sister of the great naturalist Charles. Theirs was a privileged childhood; the family home at The Mount in Shrewsbury was filled with fine Wedgwood china, and many of servants looked after the children, house and beautiful garden. Charles was thoroughly spoiled by his three older sisters, and his earliest surviving letter indicates that he adored them, especially Marianne, since he wrote ‘I like Mariane excessively…’ Charles & Marianne’s mother, Susannah Darwin suffered from ill-health, and in July 1817 suddenly took a turn for the worse, dying after a short and painful illness, during which she was nursed by Marianne, then aged 19, and sister Caroline age 16. After her mother’s death, Marianne’s main role was to run the Darwin household for her father and look after her young brothers and sisters. One of the most important events in their calendar was a ‘great feast’ that was given by the Darwins for all the local medical fraternity, as well as members of the gentry. It may have been at one of these occasions that Marianne first met Dr Henry Parker, who was 10 years her senior. Like Robert Darwin he had graduated MD from Edinburgh University, and it appears that soon after he qualified in 1814 he began to practise in our village of Overton. He was popular and successful, and soon built up a flourishing practice. He was well-liked by the gentry, one of whom described him as a man who possessed ‘eminent skill, constant attention to his duties, and truly Christian charity.’ Henry and Marianne were married at St Chad’s Shrewsbury on Nov 9th 1824. One of the witnesses who signed the marriage register was her brother Charles Darwin, then aged just 15. After her marriage Marianne moved to Overton to join Henry, where they lived at The Brow on Wrexham Road, Overton and letters tell us she planted a lovely flower garden. Her experience at looking after her father’s house must have made her ideally suited to the role of being the doctor’s receptionist, secretary and assistant that she would have been expected to fulfill. The newly married couple also had their hands full with the arrival of 4 sons and a daughter over the next 12 years. The boys went to Oswestry School but when one caught scarlet fever so severely he couldn’t be moved, so Marianne went into school to nurse him. But Marianne was pregnant and exhausted, so sister Caroline came to Overton to help her, while the three younger boys stayed at the Mount with the other sisters. When not at school the Overton school master came to the Brow to teach the boys Latin. Marianne's brother Charles was a frequent visitor to Overton and when he went to Edinburgh University his beloved dog “Spark” was lodged at the Brow. Charles was god father to his nephews, the Parker boys and when their Uncle Charles embarked on his famous voyage on the Beagle they plotted his progress around the world on the map. When Dr Darwin died Marianne was so upset that she was unable to go to his funeral, remaining at The Mount with Charles, who, also overcome with grief, had arrived too late for the ceremony. Henry Parker was appointed Honorary Physician to the Salop Infirmary, though he continued to live in Overton. Perhaps the travelling was too much, for in 1850 he resigned. He died in January 1856 aged 68. Marianne herself died in July 1858 – she was just 60. Their tombstone is still clearly visible in Overton churchyard near the north wall of the church. After their deaths the youngest two children made their home at The Mount in Shrewsbury with Marianne’s sisters. Other
than these brief glimpses within her famous brother’s letters,
we know little of the detail of Marianne Parker’s life. Another
frustration is that there is no known portrait of her. Such an important
and prosperous lady must have had her portrait painted, so maybe one
of her descendants has it – a job for a keen historian to track
down!
Ramblings
From the Rectory Dear
Friends, Whilst in the temple Mary and Joseph met an old man called Simeon. Simeon was an old man who had been waiting many years for the coming of the Messiah, having been told he would not die until he had seen him. On seeing Jesus he realised that time had come. Here was the Messiah, a saviour, in the form of a tiny baby, who would be a light of hope to the world. And so Christians, following Simeon’s words, often refer to Jesus as the Light of the World and on Candlemass Day candles were lit as a reminder of this. And thus we have the popular name of Candlemass. But another explanation for the festival is that it celebrates the return of light after the long dark winter months, being halfway between the longest night and the spring equinox. And I am sure all of us are looking forward to the longer summer evenings. Whatever the reason for the name Candlemass, it is a festival that reminds us, that although the world is often a dark place, we do a have a light of hope in Jesus, who sought to bring God’s love and hope to our lives. And so
in early February may we all light a candle in our own homes, and
in doing so may Jesus’ love touch our own hearts. COUNTRY
BEAT I start this report with good news, the Christmas period passed without major incident, with reductions in crime, anti-social behaviour and accidents and we also gained an additional member of staff. PCSO Jenna Owen has been joined by PCSO Beth Large and when she has completed a short period of induction she will have sole responsibility for the Overton Ward. Beth’s arrival is of course great news and I wish her luck in her new role. You can find contact details of all members of the local policing team below.
We are very fortunate that we have low levels of crime in our area, however we must not become complacent and leave ourselves vulnerable such as leaving valuable items on display in cars such as SatNavs, phones, or handbags. These can be an open invitation to the opportunist thief, who will simply smash a window and help themselves, that is IF you have remembered to LOCK your vehicle in the first place. Wrexham Community Safety Partnership have produced a kit containing a number of items including a "Anti Tamper" Tax disk holder, a car air freshener with a reminder to remove all valuables from your car as well as a number of window markers and dashboard flyers to identify that the vehicle has no valuable items within. Should you want one of these excellent packs please call at Overton Station and pick one up, the packs are available free of charge. Tip of
the Month: WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT. Let this be your "New Years"
Resolution. I can not stress the importance of wearing your seat belt,
even if your "just nipping around the corner", it may save
your life, non compliance is a £30 fine! OVERTON MEDICAL PRACTICE There does seem to have been rather more than the usual number of patients suffering from coughs, colds, sore throats and earache over the past few weeks, but did you know that each of the above usually lasts for: Ear Infection = 4 days; Sore Throat = 1 week; Common Cold = 1½weeks; Sinusitis = 2 ½weeks; Cough = 3 weeks. Most of these are caused by viruses and will clear up on their own. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Of course if symptoms persist or the patient is extremely unwell you will need to be seen by the doctor. The pharmacist can help with advice and ‘over the counter’ remedies. If you are making New Year Resolutions please include one that says; ‘I must keep my Doctor’s appointment or cancel it beforehand’. DNA’s for the year 2008 amounted to 744 . Although this is a 5% improvement on 2007, it equates to over 60 sessions wasted. The first Patient Practice Participation Meeting for 2009 will be held on Monday 16th February at 6pm. At this meeting we will elect a ‘proper Executive Team’. The plan for the future is to develop a larger, more structured, self managing group. It is hoped that patients of all ages and members of associated local organizations and volunteer groups who are also patients will come along. OVERTON CARNIVAL OLD PHOTO I was on holiday from the United Arab Emirates recently and l was reading the January Oracle with my mother, Mrs. Nancy Andrews. She immediately knew the people in the picture of the article on Overton Carnival who were on the float. The lady
on the left is as stated Mrs. Bussey, the first young girl is in fact
my mum, Nancy Bailey as then, and next to her is her brother William,
better known as Bunt. She thinks the next lady was Mrs. Woolley and
the lady with the dark shawl was my grandmother Mrs. Harry Bailey
of Argoed House. The last lady she could not recall. She thinks that
she was about six years old at the time, which makes it about 1928. TWINNING ASSOCIATION 2009
sees the 15th Anniversary of the Twinning Association and this year
our friends in La Murette will play host to visitors from Overton.
If you are interested in taking part or would like more information
please contact Glynis Farley on 01978 710 455 BEFORE March 9th. Kids
Kolumn
~ In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. ~ In
some countries a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a
young man. If she keeps the gift it means she would ~ Some
people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead
on Valentines Day, it meant she would marry a LAUGH WITH LYDIA
What
can you break without touching it? What
did the bee say to the flower? Animal:
Bird Reviews BRAND NEW PROJECT - OVERTON BEAVER SCOUTS In the centenary year of Overton Scouts we have a brand new project, to create a new Beaver Scout Colony here in Overton. We will provide all the training and resources to help and support this new section, help it establish itself and be managed by a team of adult leaders with drive and enthusiasm and the ability to have a good time. BEAVER SCOUTS are the first section of the Scout Movement, for 5¾ to 8 yr old boys and girls. It provides an introduction to Scouting, prior to graduating to the Cub Scout and then Scout sections. Our modern day BEAVER SCOUTS are very much into playing games, making things, listening to stories, exploring their world, meeting new people including going on visits, acting, singing and making music – all backed by badges and awards for achievement........WOW! It’s no wonder that there are now over 3000 Beaver Scouts in Wales. We would
therefore like to invite BOYS AND GIRLS (aged 5 ¾ to 8yrs of
age) and PARENTS and ANY ADULT WISHING TO JOIN OUR NEW LEADER TEAM
to BEAVER SCOUT TASTER SESSIONS 11th & 25th February at Overton
on Dee Scout Hut, on the Playing Fields. Just come along 6 –
7pm. For any further information contact David Burton, Group Scout
Leader Overton Scouts 1909 – 2009 100 years of Scouting Camels & Kings At 12:30pm on 10th of January, kings and camels were seen walking the streets of Overton. Our Messy Church for Epiphany had just finished and the children and adults were returning home, armed with camel masks, crowns, pipe cleaner camels and boxes filled with gold coins (well chocolate ones at least! We are in a credit crunch after all!), all made by themselves. Even Rector David was persuaded to make a pipe cleaner camel, which is proudly sitting in his study at this very moment! It was a wonderful morning, jointly organised by St Mary’s Church and the Methodist Church in Overton. 20 children and adults joined together to celebrate Epiphany by drawing and colouring, gluing and sticking and having lots of fun. One lady even wrote a humorous poem about how the camels met up with the three kings. Una, our Methodist minister for Overton, enthralled the children by telling the story of the fourth wise man, with added actions. Seeing Una pretend to ride a camel will long live in my memory! Everyone
enjoyed themselves and voted unanimously to hold a second Messy Church
at Easter. Calor Village of The Year Having won the North Wales Calor Village of the Year for 2007 the village was not eligible to enter in 2008. We are now eligible to enter the 2009 competition. The Community Council is looking for a volunteer/volunteers or community group to head up this year’s application process. The deadline for entries is 30th April 2009. The person does not have to be a councillor, it can be any member of the community. The Council will give its full support to anyone interested in taking on this task. If you are interested please e-mail occ.clerk@btinternet.com or ring Katrina Chalk on 710055. For further details see www.villageoftheyear.org/wales Your Letters... Dear
Editor, We would like to say thank you to all the people who helped
us to try to persuade the powers that be to not build on the garden
of No 26 Salop Rd, Overton, We failed! It was refused, then after
appeal, planning permission was given. It’s Grade I listed and
a conservation area so if you want to build in your garden it should
be a doddle. Dear
Editor, To whoever found the black Labrador early in December which
was badly injured and lying in the ditch by the side of Salop Road,
and then phoned the Dog Warden, would you contact 01978 710219. We
would like to thank you. Overton Community Council Clerk’s office is at the Village Hall and is open Mon & Wed 9.30 to 1.00pm. All Councillors can be contacted through the Clerk (Katrina Chalk) on 01978 710055 or leave a message. The current members of the Community Council are Cllr David Burton, Cllr Andrew Dodwell, Cllr Howard Jones, Cllr Rob Lawrenson, Cllr Martin Lewis, Cllr Sue Glover, Cllr Joanne Kember (Chairman), Cllr Jacky Maskall (Vice- Chairman), Cllr Mick Pinder, Cllr Lesley Pugh, Cllr Josie Ralphs. Meetings commence at 7.30pm and members of the public are welcome to attend all Council and Committee meetings. Members of the public wishing to speak can do so between 7.20 – 7.30pm. Agenda’s for all meetings are advertised in the notice board opposite St Mary’s Church, three working days before the meeting takes place. THANK YOU Lion President John and the members of Wrexham Maelor Lions wish to extend their appreciation to Mick & Karen of The Corner Shop, Overton for their donation of a Christmas Hamper which raised £306-00. The money will be used in the community to those less fortunate than ourselves. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Overton for their continued support and wish you all a Very Happy 2009.
Ronnie, Marilyn and family wish to thank all neighbours and friends for the donations and their kindness and sympathy shown to them following the bereavement of Phyllis Cox. |
