OVERTON ORACLE

Overton’s Free Newspaper - issued monthly to over 600 homes in Overton

September 2001

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

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

"We were all touched by the desire to please....."

On the 22nd July, 16 members of the Twinning Association, including 6 children, left Overton for the start of the biennial visit to Overton's twinned village of La Murette. "What a great time we had" - writes Sue England.

Includes Photographs

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Big Cat story purrs on!

Since reporting the sighting by Mervyn Rodenhurst of what was thought to be a Puma in the fields below St Mary's House, Overton, several other sightings have also been reported. On the same day that Mervyn saw the animal, it is believed a young horse rider from the Knolton area was startled as a similar beast came out of the hedgerow and crossed the road in front of her. And in the last month, it is believed further sightings have also been reported in the Ellesmere area, and that HTV Wales has taken an interest in the stories.

This news, coupled with the numerous sites on the Internet all detailing sightings of Big Cats throughout the country, gives credence to Mervyn's story.

Surf the net in Safety

8 Rules for staying safe

by Mike Redworth - MRT Training and Consultancy, Overton.

The use of chat rooms by children is a normal part of growing up now and should be encouraged. We have seen, however, how vulnerable children are to abuse and sexual exploitation through the meeting of people on the internet. This has been amply demonstrated through the recent episodes of Coronation Street.

With a little caution using the internet can be an educational and rewarding experience for young and older people alike.

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Scouts Win Best Raft Shield in District Raft Race

Overton Scouts recently took part in the Wrexham District Raft Race at the Quinta, Weston Rhyn. They competed well in the speed race, but won the Best Raft Shield for their traditionally built Scout Raft which was made of plastic drums, long pioneering poles and knotted rope. Not a nail or glue in sight and no pallets, crates or streamlining in use!

Includes Photograph

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Photograph with the Famous

This month we feature Jill Burton of Maelor Court with Ainsley Harriot during filming of his cookery TV series at the National Trust property, Erddig.

Ed: Please send your photos for publication to 1 St Mary's Court and they will be printed in a future issue. All photographs will be returned in good condition.

Future looks bright for the White Horse

At a recent meeting of the Community Council, concern was expressed over the future of the White Horse, which closed its doors to the public last June. With each successive tenant finding it increasingly difficult to sustain any profitability, and the building being left to deteriorate both internally and externally, members felt that the time had come to enter into a dialogue with the Pub's agents to see how this downward spiral could be turned around.

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Scouts Need New Administrator By David Burton

With Group Scout Leader Harold Toone retiring at the end of September, Overton Scouts are on the lookout for someone to look after the Group's administration. We need someone who can look after the accounts, the Group's correspondence and liase with the uniformed leaders. No knowledge of Scouting is necessary. Only a few hours a month is required. Anyone interested should contact me, David Burton, on 01978 710631. Scouts and Ventures run concurrently from 7pm to 9pm on Fridays, if any youngsters are interested in joining. Sadly we cannot run Cubs or Beavers, as we are without suitable leaders. If anyone out there wants to restart Cubs, give me a call. We also need extra leaders for Scouts and Ventures and we know there are a number of ex-Ventures still in the area we would like to welcome back as leaders.

KEEP FIT- make new friends

Do you want to keep fit, make new friends, have a good laugh and enjoy yourself? Then why not go Line Dancing in Overton Village Hall. There is Line Dancing for children aged 6 years and above each Saturday from 2pm - 4pm (£2.00 per session) and Line Dancing for adults every Tuesday from 7.30pm - 10.00pm. (£3.50 per session) Details from Cynthia Davies (01978 710658) or Geoff Langford (01978 824311)

Top Hat and Tails Dance Group new season

The Top Hat and Tails Dance Group, which teaches Ballet, Tap and Modern Dance, The Oracle would like to publish an update of the numerous clubs and organisations in the community and would be pleased to receive a note from you indicating the names of the Chairperson and Secretary, with contact details and a short description of the aims and objectives of your group. Please send your details to 1 St Mary's Court, Overton by the 15th September. will be held each Thursday commencing 6th September in Overton Village Hall. Children from 3yrs - 6yrs (5.00pm - 5.45pm) and 7yrs and over (5.45pm - 6.30pm) £2.50 per lesson .

For further information contact:- Diane Hughes 01978 780632

Club's update

The Oracle would like to publish an update of the numerous clubs and organisations in the community and would be pleased to receive a note from you indicating the names of the Chairperson and Secretary, with contact details and a short description of the aims and objectives of your group. Please send your details to 1 St Mary's Court, Overton by the 15th September.

Development Plan moves a step forward

Wrexham County Borough Council has agreed changes to its Unitary Development Plan following a period of public consultation last year. The Plan covers the administrative area of the County Borough and will supersede existing adopted plans, namely the Wrexham Local Plan - Forward to 2001, the Glyndwr Local Plan, and the Clwyd Structure Plan. Its purpose is to provide a framework for local decision making and indicates the provision to be made for housing, employment and other major land uses: the broad locations for development and the areas where policies of restraint may be necessary.

News In Brief

  • A further £27 has been received towards the Organ Repair Fund for Overton Methodist Church. This brings the total to £352, of which £325 was made at the Garden Fete held at Holly Cottage, Knolton, the home of Mrs Beaty Roberts. Iris Edwards wishes to thank everyone for their hard work and support.
  • A service of Thanksgiving for the life of Sue Williams, formerly of Station Road, Overton who died on July 31st, was held at Penley, where Sue and her daughters Alison and Helen had moved to a few years ago. Sue's vibrant energy led her to enthusiastic involvement in all aspects of village life. Our deepest sympathy goes to her family.
  • OOOPS! We sincerely apologise for the typographical error in our last issue when we referred to Mrs Rose Woodfine as Mrs Rose Worthington in our report on the 25th Anniversary of the Thursday Club. Knuckles have been rapped!