The Editorial Team Alan Edwards - David Burton - Ken Farrell - Lesley Pugh - Christine Stead Our reporters cannot be everywhere. If you have
a story contact any team member or ring 01978 710422 |
Golden Jubilee Party Stays on Track - Just! The Jubilee Party being organised to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee almost ran into problems. Chairman David Burton has been forced by changed work circumstances to resign as Chairman but no-one appeared willing to take the job on. David was worried that unless someone grabbed it by the scruff of the neck it wouldn't happen. In the nick of time Paul Galloway has stepped into the breach and David is delighted. "I can't think of a better person than Paul to take it forward." he said. The new chairman was pleased to see how much work had been done already. Much of the credit for this was due to the efforts of the secretary Louise Morcumb whose work is much appreciated. The program for the day was discussed and refined and will now include the following:- children's sports, bouncy castle, tombola, white elephant, birthday book, burger stall, treasure hunt, badge making, coconut shy, balloon race and much more besides. The festivities will begin on the playing fields at four o'clock, teas will be served in the cricket pavilion, the bar will be open from three o'clock, disco from seven, live band and dancing till late. Mike Lawrenson will be organizing a fireworks spectacular for later in the evening, probably ten o'clock. There will be a hog-roast throughout the evening from five o'clock onwards. The question of finances was raised by the chairman, and after a lengthy debate a budget was established. A figure of £1700 was considered the minimum necessary and it was decided to raise two thousand pounds. The committee already has a thousand pounds in hand thanks to some generous donations from the Millennium Committee, Bowling Club, Youth Club, British Legion, Community Council, St. Mary's School and the Recreational Club. It was estimated that the balance can be raised from the forthcoming events particularly the plan to photograph every family in the village for posterity and sell them the photos at a reasonable fee. It was decided to ask local businesses for a small donation in return for publicity in the programme on the day. In the event of bad weather it would be impossible to hold the hog-roast and Disco on the playing field. In that event the festivities will continue in the village hall. It is hoped that the entire village will get behind this event, give it their support and make the day a truly memorable one. Contact numbers: Louise Morcumb 01948 830408; Paul Galloway 01978 780895. Other events include a Jubilee Party in a Marquee at the Trotting Mare Inn on Sunday June 2, from 6.30 pm -11.00 pm with live music. Tickets £5.00 (accompanying children free) Ring Ann on 710327, Glenys on 710308 or Vi on 710435. On Monday June 3, from 12 noon to 4.00 pm there will be Clowns, Magicians and Punch and Judy Shows in the Marquee with a BBQ and Hog Roast, and live entertainment to an Irish Band "Tubular Oaks" from 6.00 pm until 11.00 pm. Tickets £7.50 available from the Trotting Mare Inn. |
A Tribute to the Queen Mother Factories and offices across the U.K. came to a standstill for two minutes of silence at 11.30 am on April 10 as workers joined the nation's mourning of the Queen Mother who died on March 30 at the age of 101. The body of the Queen Mother was laid to rest alongside her late husband King George VI at a private committal service. The ashes of her daughter, Princess Margaret, who died two months ago, were also placed in the tomb in the George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Millions lined the route of the Queen Mother's coffin for her final journey to Windsor. It was estimated that, around the world, another 200 million people watched the day's sombre but spectacular proceedings on television. Her grandson, Prince Charles said: "Her departure has left an irreplaceable chasm in countless lives but, thank God, we are all richer for the sheer joy of her presence and everything she stood for. She was quite simply the most magical grandmother you could possibly have and I was utterly devoted to her" |
Drama Group rehearses for next play Overton Amateur Dramatic Society is currently rehearsing for its next play, "Habeas Corpus" by Alan Bennett. This was first performed in the Lyric Theatre, London in 1973 with a cast including such famous actors as Alec Guinness, Patricia Hayes, Andrew Sachs and John Bird. In this satirical merry-go-round, we meet a family and its friends and acquaintances for whom the determination to put sex and the satisfaction of the body (or corpus) before everything else, is the ruling passion of their lives. The permissive society is taken to task in this farcical comedy in which the characters move in and out through a maze of mistaken identities and sexual encounters. Performances will take place in Overton village hall on Thursday May 23, Friday May 24 and Saturday May 25 commencing 7.30 pm. Tickets £3.50 from Rowlands Chemist. |
My Childhood Memories of Overton by Jolanta (Rutkowska) Lewak In August 1946, I came as a child to Overton. At that time Polish Officers were stationed at Gwernheylod. To me it seemed like a Castle and I have since wondered how it came to be so used and who lives there now. I still remember the beautiful grounds and the large yew trees. Later we moved to some barracks on a hill - this was my first home with my parents. I believe there was a prisoner of war camp nearby. I was just 8 years old at the time and have many happy memories of that wonderful winter when there was so much snow around. I went to a convent school in Wrexham and remember not being able to get back home as the River Dee was flooded at Bangor. When I was older, I remember passing through Overton on a bus. I was so excited to see where we had lived, looking out for the barracks, but there was nothing, just a field full of sheep.....tears flowed. My first home was no more. Suddenly I realised what my parents must have experienced when they had lost everything in the war - their home, their country. I was weeping for my lost childhood. In 1947 we were resettled in Penrhos Camp, near Pwllheli and in 1949 moved to Holyhead where my mother still lives with my brother. He was the first child to be born in Penley Hospital on 26th August 1946. I left England for the United States in 1964 and now live in San Diego. It would be nice to hear from anyone who could tell me more about Gwernheylod. Jolanta (Rutkowska) Lewak San Diego US.A. Editor:- Jolanta found details of the Oracle on the Overton-on-Dee website, rekindling some very happy memories of Overton. I am sure Jolanta would like to hear from anyone who can talk about Gwernheylod, and I will be pleased to pass on your replies. However, if you are on the Internet, you can e-mail her direct at :- www.jolantar@adelphia.net |
POSTBAG Dear Editor For several years now, the residents of this village have put up with the stench inflicted on us by the spreading of slurry on the fields. This year has been worse than ever - many people have remarked on this- as it left them gagging and unable to breathe, windows and doors had to be kept shut and even the washing on the line absorbed the smell. Last weekend (13/14th April) I travelled to Milford Haven, and nowhere was such a foul smell to be found from North to South Wales, except in Overton - it's an absolute disgrace! One thing I am certain of, if this obnoxious stink was sent to Afghanistan, and pumped into the caves, Bin Laden and all his cohorts would surrender at once. D.F.Moraghan, Parkside. St. Mary's Church Sponsored Walk As reported in last month's Oracle, Ian Roberts and Phil Humprheys, both from Station Road, Overton are planning to walk "The Snowdon Horseshoe", a classic mountain walk which includes the infamous Crib Coch. This will now take place on Saturday 25 May. Ian and Phil are still hoping that fellow walkers will join them. All the money raised will go to St Mary's Church for grounds maintenance, which is costing £1200 per year. If you would like to sponsor Ian and Phil or would like to join them and raise further sponsorship, they can be contacted on 710504 or 710377. Ed. What better way to keep fit and help a worthy cause at the same time. A pair of boots, a waterproof and some sandwiches is all you need!! But talk to the lads first! |
Obituary to Mary (Mollie) Duggan By Dr Peter Turkie Mollie Duggan, who died recently, will be remembered by the village as the doctor's receptionist and nurse for many years. As the new young doctor when I arrived in 1974, I depended heavily on her support which she gave in abundance. In the early years, work at the surgery, initially at Peel House and later at Penyllan Street, was hard - Dr. Samson and Mollie were on their own, surgeries were very busy and went on late into the evening. Mollie often needed to cope with urgent situations single-handedly. She did all this without complaint and dealt with everyone with kindness and sensitivity. Her nursing background combined with her intimate knowledge of the village made her invaluable at the surgery, and I will always remember her with great fondness and gratitude. |
CYTUN IN BRIEF Short Informal Prayer Meetings, organised by Overton and District Cytun, are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the main car park. Can you spare 15 minutes to pray for the village and surrounding areas. Call Vonnie on 710786 On the 15th May a Hunger Lunch will take place at the Methodist Schoolroom between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm. Proceeds from the collection will go to Christian Aid. On the 19th May, Overton and Distict Cytun are holding a Pentecost Walk and Service, commencing at 2.00pm at the main car park, followed by a short open-air service on the Surgery Car Park at 3.00pm. This will be followed by tea/biscuits in the Chapel Schoolroom. |
YOUTH CLUB NEWS By Lauren Price Overton Youth Club is a place of the 21st Century. We have regular trips, the last one being ice skating at Deeside and we are now actively planning our Leisure Weekend at Ross-on-Wye, where we hope to canoe and abseil, etc The Scout Group has given us permission to do a little DIY decorating at the Scout Headquarters - bold and bright will be our aim with yellow and green in mind!
Members of Overton Youth Club outside the skating rink at Deeside Leisure Centre New membership cards have now been made by Kevin Bamber. These will act as an I.D., showing a photo, a contact telephone number, date of birth and membership number. A 50p reduction upon presentation of the card will be made at our extremely popular junior discos. Youth Club is a great place - please come and see for yourself. * make new mates * have a go at new games * do things outside Youth Club We meet on Tuesday evenings in the Scout Hut between 7.00 pm and 9.30 pm. Subs are just 50p per night and we welcome young persons who are 11 and upwards, or if you are going up to the Maelor School in September of this year, come along! Parents are welcome to visit at any time and see for themselves how the club is run. |
The National Garden Scheme 1927 - 2002 By Lesley Pugh Press Officer NGS Flintshire and Wrexham It is very sad that, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Gardens Scheme in 2002, we have lost our Patron, The Queen Mother. In 1859, philanthropic Liverpool merchant, William Rathbone, gained much comfort from employing a nurse to care for his dying wife in her own home. Aware of the plight of the poor, for whom there was no such provision, he asked her to finish her contract by tending to them. He raised funds for the recruitment, training and employment of nurses to go into the deprived areas of the City. He divided these into districts and this initiative was the beginning of 'District Nursing'. By the end of the 19th century, this regional scheme had been widely copied and, with the help of Florence Nightingale and the warm approval of the Queen, became Queen Victoria's Institute. In 1926, the now renamed Queen's Nursing Institute, found itself in great need of additional funds to give pension support to the District Nurses, many of whom were, by now, retired. A Council member, Miss Elsie Wagg, came up with the idea of asking individuals to open their private gardens to the public for 'a shilling a head'. Thus in 1927, the National Gardens Scheme was born. The Scheme continues to provide financial assistance to the Nurses Charities, including Macmillan Nurses, cancer care and aid for professional gardeners and their families. Flintshire and Wrexham raised around £12,500 in 2001.
Chris and Anne Billington of Argoed Cottage, Argoed Lane, Overton, will open their garden on Sunday, May 19th from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm in aid of the NGS. Admission is £2.00 per adult, with free admission for children. Teas in aid of the NSPCC. The Garden House at Erbistock will open on June 2, from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Admission £2.00 per adult. Share to the Frank Wingett Cancer Appeal. The NGS special 75th anniversary day will be on June 8 at Chirk Castle from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm, where you might well see some familiar Overton faces. |
STARGAZER A friend wrote me the other day:- Did you know that we old folks are worth a fortune? We have silver in our hair, gold in our teeth, stones in our kidneys, lead in our feet and gas in our stomachs! I have frankly become older since I saw you last, a few changes have come into my life. Frankly, I have become a frivolous old woman!! I am seeing six men every day!! As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me out of bed, then I go and see Jimmy Riddle and then it is time for breakfast with Mr Kellogg, followed closely by the refreshing company of Mr Tetley or my other friend who I only know by his initials - PG! Then comes someone I don't like at all - Arthur Itis - he knows he is not welcome, but he insists on being here, and what is more, he stays for the rest of the day. Even then he does not like to stay in one place, so takes me from joint to joint. After such a hectic day, I am glad to go to bed ( and with Johnny Walker too!!), what a hectic life. Oh yes, I am now flirting with Al Zheimer! The vicar came to call the other day and said that at my age I should be thinking of the hereafter. So I told him I did all the time. For no matter where I am, the bedroom, the kitchen, the sitting room or the garden, I ask myself, 'Now what am I here after?'. Well I'll close now and hope that Will Power is your constant companion too, but do make sure that his friend Emma Royd does not creep up on you from behind!!. And watch out for the crafty one - Gerry Atric. Club gets new Secretary John Dodd, Secretary of the Recreational Club for 10 years and a member of the original committee of some thirty years, has tendered his resignation as Secretary. He is succeeded by Brian Crockford. John said he thought it was time "someone younger took over", although he will remain a committee member. The committee and club members express their sincere thanks to John for his contribution to the position over the years. Council Awards new Street Light Contract Overton Community has awarded its street lighting contract to Wrexham Construction Services - the Direct Works Division of Wrexham County Borough Council. Wrexham Construction Services had recently won the contract to maintain the street lights in Wrexham from Alstom, and are now offering their services to Community Councils. The chairman of the Community Council, Mr David Burton said: "The changeover to Wrexham Construction Services offers considerable advantages over the maintenance currently provided by Alstom, not least that it will reduce the annual costs by 50 per cent" Alstom has since revised its contract to match that of Wrexham Construction Services. Announcements It is with deep regret we announce that George Stanley Rogers of Fairview, Station Road, Overton, has passed away. Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and relatives. Congratulations to Adrian and Sally Lloyd of Terra-cottage, Church Road, Overton, on the birth of their daughter Nia on the 22nd April. IN BRIEF
Overton to be recorded for posterity Fred Edwards, Cloy Lane and Keith Nicholson, Min-yr-Afon, Erbistock have teamed up to carry out a photographic record of everyone living within the parish as their contribution to the Golden Jubilee. This will then be placed in the County archives for future generations to see. This will start in May, with a voluntary donation being requested to assist with the jubilee funds. Overton Sports News By Christine Stead Easter Saturday saw the Overton Footballers playing at Home for the last time this Season. On a pleasant sunny afternoon a small crowd of supporters gathered to watch as the Overton team took on the New Brighton team who are currently top of the league. At half time they still had all to play for with their 0-0 score.
Dave Edwards can be seen in the front of the picture helping his team fight on towards the final score, which after a very tight game ended 0-1, a win to New Brighton. The team only have two games left this season which are both away. They need good results from both of these games to lift them from their position at the bottom of the league. Children's Line Dancing At the other end of the Village on the same afternoon a very different activity was taking place. Children from the age of seven and upwards were Line Dancing led by instructor Geoff Langford. And my goodness how they enjoyed themselves. Organised by Cynthia Davies they meet every Saturday from 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm.
The children really seemed to respond to the music and to being taught the correct way to dance the intricate steps. Cynthia asked me to point out that adults can go along and 'Strut their Stuff' from 7.30pm any Tuesday evening. Beginners are always welcome. Bowling News Easter Sunday saw the opening of the Overton Bowling Club Green by Reg Jones who wished everyone a successful bowling season. Matches begin on Tuesday April 16, with the "A" Team at home. The Club has four teams in the Oswestry League, and now a second team in the Veterans Division. The Club are pleased that some former players have re-joined this season, but they do have room for more members. Young people would be particularly welcome. In addition to League games they arrange friendly matches with other clubs. These are very enjoyable social occasions. Club Subscriptions have not increased this year:- Full membership £19, Senior Citizens £17.50, Junior (under 18) £5 and Social Membership £5. Do go along to the green on a fine evening and see for yourselves the enjoyment to be had or if you would like to see the veterans in action, try a Friday afternoon! Application forms are available at the Bowling Pavilion or from the Secretary:- Dilys Parkinson Tel:710376 Ed: If you have any sports news, ring Christine on 710300 or any member of the Oracle Team Fury over approval of woodchip factory Despite very strong objections by residents of Lightwood Green and Overton Community Council, Wrexham Council has given the green light to a wood chip factory on the Lightwood Green Industrial Estate. As one resident remarked: "How, despite all the opposition from local residents and the Community Council has this been passed. What is going on at Wrexham? It seems if your face fits you can have your own way - just do it first and then apply in retrospect and nobody will stop you. They are a joke " Wrexham County Borough Council has only granted planning permission for one year, and imposed a limit on the hours of operation, with no working on a Sunday or Bank Holiday. The Council has also insisted it wants to have a noise attenuation scheme and dust management plan in place by the middle of May. COUNTRY BEAT by Constable Pat Burns Love thy Neighbour Not the sort of thing you would expect a copper to say! However, this time of the year I cannot emphasise it enough. Who better a person to keep an eye on your property when you go away on holiday? I get a lot of callers telling me they are going away on holiday and asking me if I can keep an eye on their property whilst they are away. Sometimes I am reluctant to patrol during daylight hours because I don't know who's watching me watching your home!! So usually I patrol during the hours of darkness. But a good neighbour would be there 24 hours a day, on call and doing a far better job than me. So next time you have a barbeque, invite them over. If you have never got on with them in the past, why not use this time as an opportunity to try and bury the hatchet. Many thanks to all the people who say they enjoy reading my column. I think I might even have a few fans out there!! One thing for sure, I have had more people joining "Countryside watch" this month. Within the next few weeks, members will receive a special newsletter from me updating them with recent crime news and current trends. At the time of writing I can tell you that vehicle crime on the Maelor Section is lower this month than what it has been for a long time. Perhaps our IMPACT DAY did make a difference in getting the message across. Remember DON'T GIVE THE THIEF A CHANCE. If there are any topics you would like me to raise in my next column, please ring me on the number below and I will see what I can do. I promise you confidentiality and if I don't know the answer - I will probably know a man who can!! Overton Police Station Tel: 01978 290222 Extension 5420 Ed: PC Burns is responsible for communities at Overton-on-Dee, Bangor-on-Dee, Worthenbury, Tallarn Green, Ty Broughton, the Wyches, Redbrook Maelor, Bronington, Hanmer, Penley, Lightwood Green, Knolton and areas bordering Cheshire and North Shropshire, including Isycoed and Fenns Bank. The Overton Police Station is not manned 24 hours, and urgent calls should be made by dialling 999. |
