The Heart of the Community April 08

1
The local magazine delivered free to Upton & Hoole
 !"#$%#&'#()*+(&,-*%&.$/$0*(#&1-#(&2#3"4*(/&)+&$(&$56#2)*%#'#()&
!

!"#$%&&$'()*$&%+'
,&&#+'-'.&*+/#0"1&#)/+' competition
! answers
!
"
! 1. Status Quo
! 2. Spice Girls
! 3. AC/DC
! 4. Level 42
! 5. Scissor sisters
! 6. Beatles
! 7. Sugarbabes
! 8. Artic Monkeys
!"#$%&'()"$*+$%**,$%-..$&,,$/0&.-)1$)*$1*0'$"*(#" 9. Abba
$
2#3.&4#(#5)$%-5,*%6$&5,$,**'6$)&-.*'7(&,#$)*$1*0'$" 10. Guns n Roses
$'#/0-'#(#5)6$ 11. Foo Fighters
$ 12. McFly
8#&0)-+0.$9*56#':&)*'-#6$,#6-;5#,$)*$#5"&54#$1*0'$"*(#$ 13. Five
$
<-6)#,$=$9*56#':&)-*5$%-5,*%>,**'$?*-5#'1$ 14. Go West
$ 15. Stray Cats
@0&.-)1$3'*,04)6$A&4B#,$03$A1$#C4#..#5)$406)*(#'$6#':-4#"
16. Wet Wet Wet
'
! 17. Gerry & the Pacemakers
! 18. Bangles
! 19. Motorhead
! 20. Haircut One Hundred
! 21. Flock of Seagulls
! 22. Duran Duran
! 23. Iron Maiden
24. Depeche Mode
"#$%!&'()*!+,'!+-'!./!&+*-'*-000)! 25. Eurythmics
1.!2//234#!23!255.6317#31! 26. Nirvana
%%%D4"#6"-'#E*-5#'16#':-4#6D.),D0B$ 27. Talking Heads
F5-)$GA$8&''*%(*'#$H5)#'3'-6#$H6)&)#$ 28. Prince
$$$$$$$$I)$8&''*%$J'$9"#6)#'$$! 29. Led Zepplin
30. Christians

2 !"
 PROBLEMS WITH YOUR INTERNET?
PHONE SOCKETS NEED REPLACING?

Call Ray on:

01244 321001 or 07768 440880
Ex BT Engineer
    

The Heart of the Community

April 08

check out our website

to Hawarden & Mancot

The local magazine delivered free

Cheshire Homecare Services Ltd are an established homecare agency providing OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
care to the elderly and disabled within their own homes. Registered with • Meal Preparation
Commission Social Care Inspection (CSCI), United Kingdom Homecare Association • Assistance with morning & evening
(UKHCA) and Social Services. All employees of CHS Ltd are vetted & CRB checked routines/dressing/undressing
• Care relief
before employment, ensuring the safety and well being of all our customers.
• Light domestic
• Assist with all personal care tasks
• Constant nights & sleepovers
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of your staff for the dedicated way in
which they looked after my late Uncle • Safe and well checks
~ • Medication call
I wish to express our family’s appreciation of the quality of homecare that our mother has • Assistance with bath/showering
received from Cheshire Homecare Services Ltd. The family is unanimous in its gratitude
• Shopping service
for the understanding and sympathetic manner in which your department’s services have
been provided and for the quality of treatment provided by Debbie Leigh and her staff. • Pension/prescription collection
~ • Companionship
Just to say ‘thank you’ for all the care and kindness you show me • Continuity of care

Cheshire Homecare Services, 57 Hoole Road, Chester CH2 3NJ 01244 346644 or 01244 351134
3
 welcome
New Season, New Features
Here at Living magazine we are
“Spring is in the air. Flowers are always keen to hear about what is
blooming; lambs are in the fields and happening in the local community.
of course, longer, brighter days. It’s Please feel free to tell us about
only fitting then that Living magazine events, places of interest, local
also reflects this feeling of renewal personalities or celebrities past
with a great new format. and present, or indeed anything of
interest. Send them to the address
You’ll find all the same great articles below and you could see your
and services you’ve come to expect article in print.
from your favourite community
magazine but now we are bigger and
brighter and have great new features. CONTACT US...
Weddings are the theme of this issue and you’ll find lots of ideas
Living Magazine
and inspiration for the important day.
Office 159
So make a hot drink, sit back and enjoy the latest edition of Living
Gateway House
– the heart of your community”.
78 Northgate Street
Chester
CH1 2HR

Editor
01244 312539
Contributors Info@livingmagazine.co.uk
Design www.livingmagazine.co.uk
David Stevens www.dgstevens.f2s.com
Carol Hartnell
Emma Williams
Proofreading & Typesetting
Jen Hart
Pictures All major credit cards taken
Darren Buckley www.avidphotography.co.uk
Paul Williams www.cherrypitures.co.uk
Rob Sharpe www.robsharpephotography.com
Company Reg No:6221159 Registered in England & Wales
The opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements in this issue are not necessarily the views of the Editors. Living Magazine, Office 159, Gateway House, 78 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HR
All facts and figures are correct at the time of printing. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of this magazine, but we cannot
accept liability for any errors or omissions that may have occurred. Printed by EWS Buckley
Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, illustrations or photography without express permission is strictly forbidden.

4
 If things go wrong with
your laptop don’t send it
away for weeks,bring it
into the Quickfix office
for fast, friendly,
low-cost service...

Genine Ellis
Independent Financial Adviser
LAPTOP REPAIR SERVICE IN DEESIDE

See our range of refurbished laptops at

Trust House, 6 Chester Road West, Shotton.
Pick-up and delivery service available.
Free advice on upgrades for laptops & PC’s
01244 81 22 33
www.quickfixlaptops.co.uk
In partnership with Positive Solutions, the UK’s largest national,
IT-driven, independent financial adviser, I can provide you with
the best financial advice.
• Investments and Savings Plans
• Retirement Planning and Pensions

• Mortgages – First-Time Buyer service, Homemovers, Further Advances

and Buy-to-Let – the most competitive assured!1

• Remortgages – the best value, to reduce payments or release equity1

• Protection & Personal Insurance
• Tax Planning including Inheritance2
• Financial Planning – tailored to meet your individual needs

For an initial, free discussion, at a location

to suit you, please telephone or email
07712 182700 / 01928 723665 / 01244 532944
GenineEllis@ThinkPositive.co.uk

www.newbridgefsl.co.uk

Positive Solutions (Financial Services) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
1 Generally I do not charge a fee for mortgage advice, receiving a fee from the lender instead.
Your home may be repossessed if you cannot keep up the repayments on any mortgage or other loan secured on it.
2 Neither is Positive Solutions responsible for, nor does the FSA regulate, advice given with regard to taxation matters.

5
 But entering the singles game again after a long break can be

Are you Single? daunting. Many people don’t know where to go or what to do.
“The best and safest way to meet someone,” says David, “is through
friends or at work, but if that doesn’t happen what do you do?
“We are a professional friend. We interview you in your own home, get
Put a Spring in YOUR step with to know you and get a feel for the person you would be happy with.
Then we proactively search out people for you to meet through
LOVE in your Life... databases, the press and by placing adverts in national and /or local
publications of your choice, which will attract others, who are also
Searchmate Staffordshire provides a searching.

confidential, safe, bespoke introduction “We interview and vet anyone who wants to meet our member. We ask
service to find the one to change your life! for proof of I.D. and take a photograph. We don’t believe in blind dates
using 20-year-old pictures! If you are paying for an Introduction service,
you deserve better than that.

Call 0800 043 1376 Searchmate takes the client one step further with information on body
language, surviving the first date and telephone coaching to help give
the right first impression.
“We believe we can create more happy couples in the region than
any other service and look forward to doing so!”
Call David Meckin on 0800 043 1376 for your FREE
consultation or visit www.searchmate.co.uk
www.searchmate.co.uk

Searching for the Perfect Mate

With the onset of Spring, more and more of us are looking for love in
our busy lives whilst less and less of us know where to look for it. Now
Staffordshire has its own singles solution.
The UK’s largest introduction agency has just arrived with the launch
of Searchmate Staffs, the area’s own local branch of a national
company, which uses a unique proactive system. Traditionally, dating
agency systems of matching members to other members, limited by
their database numbers, lead to many unhappy blind dates. However,
the Searchmate system is a pro-active searching service on your
behalf.
• Local Introductions
Searchmate Staffordshire’s Director David Meckin believes the single
people of Staffordshire are more than ready for this innovative service.
“There are over 11 million single people in Britain and the number is
Call 0800 043 1376
• Safe
rising,” he says. “With divorce growing and younger people committing
to themselves to their career, we don’t have the time or opportunity to
meet a partner. Also, we are in an ageing population and many more
widows and widowers want to share their lives with someone rather
• Personal
than remain alone.
“All these changing trends have created a huge number of people who
are alone and don’t want to be.”
• Proactive
6
Plumbing & Heating Services

· Gas Central Heating

· Oil Fired Boilers
· Domestic Hot & Cold
Water
· Landlord Gas Safety
Inspection
· Electrical work
undertaken
· Electrical work
undertaken
· All emergency call outs
& boiler breakdowns

Tel: 01829 770129

Mobile: 07815 298660
www.professor-plumb.com

7

G ood soil is often the answer to
the question – why don’t my
plants grow?
Look at your soil from the plants
point of view! If you were a plant
would you like to spend time in
that nasty thick sticky clay or com-
pacted soil which has weeds and
moss growing on it?
Many soils already contain the food
a plant wants but it is locked up, as
the soil structure isn’t right for the
roots to take it up as food. It’s like
being locked out of the supermar-
ket when you are hungry – you can
8
see the food but can’t get it.
What to do? Well its simple to get
the soil right for most plants. Com-
post made from decomposed or-
ganic matter is what is needed so
well rotted manure or spent mush-
room compost (do not add mush-
room compost if your garden has
rhododendrons or other acid lov-
ing plants in it) is ideal. Don’t add
peat as it doesn’t give soil a good
structure and it is a declining re-
source.
Dig and fork over the soil to a spades
depth and remove the weeds ei-
Want a new garden?
Don’t know how to start?
I’ll help you get started with a one day gardening
coaching session working with you on your
garden.
I can also help with design ideas for all or part
of your garden.
garden
ther by digging out or spraying
with weed killer. Then spread a
layer of soil improver over the top
to a depth of 4 inches (10cms) and
lightly mix it into the top 6 inches.
The manure will open up the soil
and help it retain moisture making
it an ideal environment for plant
roots. Aim for a crumbly soil that’s
easy to dig into. It will also add
some food and release the locked
up nutrients making them avail-
able to plants - yummy!
Janet Heath - Garden Mentor
01244 318258
07984 627270
www.gardenmentor.co.uk
janet@gardenmentor.co.uk
 THE COMPLETE GARDEN & HOME SERVICE DOG WALKING SERVICES
• Garden Maintenance • Decking • Our beloved dogs needs lots
Garden Design • Paving • Turfing • Fencing • of exercise to keep them fit &
healthy. But are you struggling to
& Property • General Property Maintenance • get them out for walks enough?
Maintenance For those small jobs around the house you don’t get time to do. LOOK NO FURTHER!
Remember “No Job Too Small” Dog walking services
available £6 per hour
Tel: 01352 750 923 Mob: 07814 321 332
Tel: 01244 823 362 Mob: 07921 214 212 Please call Nic on 07970 492613

little-jobs.co.uk
VCMG
VJG
YGGMGPF
QHH
ECNN
WU
KP
• minor plumbing / electrical
• minor building work
• painting & decorating
• tiling / flat pack assembly
• window repairs
• bathroom & kitchen fitting service
01
,1$

611
01978 762 071 Extensions • New Build • Renovations
Design & Build
5/#..
07778 393 552 Garden Walls • Patios • Repointing
5 TIMES ‘BUILT IN QUALITY’ AWARD WINNER

No call out charge - all work guaranteed

Guilden Sutton Lane, Guilden Sutton

MINI SKIP HIRE J.E.G.DRIVEWAYS

SAME DAY SERVICE Block paving
7days a week • Fast & reliable Flagging
Concreting
We supply soil conditioner Shed bases
Large area covered • Contents Recycled Green house bases
Sheds & greenhouses supplied & erected
Chester, Deeside, Buckley, Mold Fencing & garden maintenance

Call 01244 540002 Tel: 01244 383453 • 01244 311466 • Mobile 0795 1261058
For prompt & courteous service
24hr Answering Service 07703 041722
9
 rose rimmer limited
GAS SERVICES HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS

Call/Fax 01244 329696

Peter 07910 872652
Keith 07790 595742

FREE WRITTEN QUOTATIONS

ALL ENERGY EFFICIENT CONDENSING BOILERS FITTED WITH CORGI AND BUILDING REGULATIONS CERTIFICATE

design
Logos
Corporate Identity
Advertising
Stationery
Web Images & Design

01244 312539

10
 TIMBER TOPS
Bespoke Worktops & Bar Tops
P A Callaghan
Design & installation
01244 344775 • 07836 543 004
gates79@supanet.com

SOLID TREATED TIMBER GATES

Made to your requirements
any size, any style
Also garage, stable and outhouse doors
Gates from just £69
Some with free fitting •
Fitting service available •
FREE no obligation quote •
Tel: 01244 344 775
or 07836 543 004
www.gates79.co.uk

Russell Payne
All your Plastering needs are undertaken .
• WALLS
REPLACED • CEILINGS
REPAIRED • BATHROOMS
• KITCHENS
CLEANING &
• DIY GONE WRONG?? WE’LL
PAINTING SERVICE MAKE IT RIGHT FOR YOU!!
Time Served Electrician
01244 383453
Call DAVID for a FREE QUOTE
ONSITE MOBILE: 07932 479632
email. gerry_boy1@tiscali.co.uk
HAWARDEN RESIDENT • No job too small
• Lights, Sockets,
Showers etc.

GREENCROFT • Re-wires
• Part P approved
MAN & VAN SERVICES
• Free estimates
Light Removals Fully Qualified & insured
Deliveries & Collections All breeds welcome
PHONE PAUL FOR AN ESTIMATE Ring Gill or Karen
01244 537 164
TEL: 01829 250994 or 07834 188 103 Telephone
MOB: 07743 574852
1 Wynnstay Road, Broughton, Nr Chester CH4 0RE 01244 314489 or 07903 562459
11
 Getting Married in Church
W hy choose to get married
in church when there are
so many other options available?
Many couples who book weddings
tell me that they feel this is
somehow the right thing to do,
that they would not feel properly
married unless it were in church
and before God. (I must add that
couples who choose to get married
elsewhere are indeed properly
married!).
At a wedding we make the
most amazing
promises
of lifelong
commitment
to the person
we love. It is
good to do this
“A Much Better Clean & A Far Superior Finish”
Town & Country Dry Cleaners
The stain removal Professionals
143 Hoole Lane Hoole Chester
On the corner of Hoole Lane & Canadian Avenue
Tel 01244 343922 wedding outfits a speciality
Free parking available
12
in church in the presence of God.
For one thing we need all the help
we can get! But more seriously the
church building and the assurance
of God’s blessing fits the solemnity
and joy of the occasion.
For some cost is an issue. At St
Deiniol’s Church in Hawarden to be
married it costs a basic £350. This
includes an organist. If you would
like the extras of a choir and the
bells, it will cost £510.
On occasions we
do marry people
who have been
divorced, but
we will want
to talk about
thisbefore
hand.
garden
As part of the deal we include a
session on marriage preparation.
Couples often approach this a little
nervously, but the response forms
at the end of the session have been
invariably positive. We feel that we
should give the space to couples
getting married to think about the
meaning of marriage. There is
much more to getting married than
the wedding day itself.
If you would like to talk more
about being married in church,
please feel free to contact me.
Tudor Griffiths
01244-520091
tudor@zoo.co.uk
Rector of Hawarden
 We love it!
Fast, Reliable
and Efficient

Introducing BEST Ironing Service

· We work 7 days a week so you don’t have to.
· FREE collection and delivery up to 10pm.
· All work finished to the highest of standards.
· Friendly, efficient, local service, with prompt turnaround.
· We can help you weekly, monthly or occasionally.
· Everything comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
· All work guaranteed.

Call now for more information

01244 344286 FREE SKIN PACK
WORTH £20.00
2 to Tango nails & beauty at Sultans Tanning Salon,
WITH EACH
dermalogica facial.
First Dance Together 52 Faulkner St, Hoole, Chester
Buy any 3 dermalogica
Wedding choreography service
Denise & Paul products and receive a
I.D.T.A./U.K.A./L.D.T.A. free dermalogica facial
Amaze your guests with your first dance
Learn in your home or studio
APRIL OFFERS
07746 921601
All acrylic/gel nails 01244 317771
www.2totangoweddingdance.com
£20 1/2 PRICE Monday - Friday 11am - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
St Tropez spray tans
Carolann
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
Your local
Bridal Hair Specialist SUNBEDS
We are now able to provide,
Fast Tan and Lie Down
fit & style Wigs & Hair Pieces For the ultimate tan
So if you want to change your look easily , All re-tubed
why wait?
Newly furbished with new owner
01244 543469
Hoole and Penyffordd

13
 culture

Severenth

C ombining a turbo-charged twin guitar attack with earthshaking bass, ballistic blast-beats
and the kind of throat-shredding screams that cause nightmares, SEVERENTH have
developed a mature modern metal sound which switches between aggression and melody
effortlessly, making their music not only intense but also catchy

The band consists of vocalist and front man, Peet Bailey, Guitarists Ste Ensall, Jay Ruddock, ‘can’t miss them.’
DanI Partridge on drums and Ben Jones on Bass. Chester Evening Leader
Determined and ferocious the Chester quintet’s music is the product of both modern day 21/06/07
influences such as Devildriver, Chimaira and Arch Enemy but also the old-school of Metallica,
‘keeping the crowd
Pantera, Sabbath and Maiden. captivated, even
when half the PA
In May 2007, Severenth entered the prestigious MCC studios in Cheshire to record their died.’
debut demo. The demo featured three tracks ‘The Regret’, ‘Age of Paranoia’ and ‘Burnt & Rock Chick Reviews
Blistered’ After careful consideration Severenth signed to Casket Records in August 2007 and 29/01/08
began working on their album entitled ‘The Age OF Paranoia’ .
Taken on location at Jackson’s Car Breakers Ewloe
14 Photography by Paul of Cherry Pictures 509988
 kitchen & bathroom specialists

wall & floor tiling •

laminate flooring •
painting & decorating •
electrical •
competitive prices • joinery •
clean, reliable service • plastering •
for a no obligation quote call our team
no job too small • building work •
project management • 01978 363611
07944 738 330
P.B.INTERIOR DECORATING SERVICES
domestic & commercial 07791 613055

Meet your local plumber

Kitchens fitted
Worktop Jointing & Fitting
Timber and laminate flooring fitted
~ No job too small ~
Quality, reliable and clean service
Call Patrick on
ered!
ll areas cov arge!
A out ch
No call I’m Kev Stevely
your reliable PlumbLocal plumber.
I can...
Install new bathrooms suites
Offer a complete tiling service
Clear blocked drains, sinks, baths etc
Fit cylinders, tanks, ball valves and taps
Install washing machines/dishwashers
Fit new pumps and add extra radiators
Make all plumbing repairs
Give a rapid response service
All major credit cards
accepted
Business accounts welcome
Give you a free quotation...
call

Tel: 01244 536982

Mob: 07736775231
0808 294 5359
0800 for a reliable local plumber at a sensible price. www.plumblocal.co.uk
The PlumbLocal service is provided by Independent Licensed Operators 19 Woodlands Drive, Hawarden, Deeside, Clwd, CH5 3LA

15

extend & improve

UIF
CVJMEFST
XPSL
GSPN
UIF

If you are happy in your house, but
feel it lacks space or the layout
needs changing, the first thing to do is
decide which areas of the property you
would like to extend and improve.
Before you go ahead with any plans, it’s
essential to make sure the work is done
by a reputable FMB builder with the
correct planning permission and building
regulations approvals. Otherwise, when
the time comes to move house, you may
find yourself with a few problems.
“Once you are comfortable with your
ideas, make a list of your priorities,
16
home
improvement
1975 are suitable for a loft conversion,
which adds another room or two in the
attic space. The work takes about 12
weeks and the builders access the roof
from the outside, which means there
shouldn’t be too much disruption until
they break through to build the new
stairs.
t
"EEJOH
B
HSPVOE
øPPS
FYUFOTJPO

can create good practical space such as
a bigger kitchen or dining room. Costing
between £30,000 and £50,000, one-
storey extensions are more common,
but a two-storey extension can create
another bedroom or bathroom without
going into the loft.

"HBJO
outside until the existing wall is knocked
through.
get a scheme drawn up and then seek
planning permission. Once you have
approval, you can choose a builder,
Wiggins Builders are experienced in
all areas, from loft conversions to large
extensions. We can provide help for
prepare detailed paperwork and get
every step of the way, from getting the
on with the job - the key then is not to
plans drawn up, to finishing touches
change your mind!”, says Roy Ilott from
such as decorating and tiling.
the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Please ring 01244 529522 now to have
There are two ways of adding extra living
a friendly chat with Jamie and get the
space to your house:
home you have always dreamed of
brought to life!
t
-PGU
DPOWFSTJPOT
BSF
B
HSFBU
XBZ

to create extra room without altering
the external appearance of your home.
Costing between £15,000 and £35,000, Wiggins Builders are fully insured
they can add about 15% to the value and are members of the FMB.
of your house. Most homes built before www.wigginsbuilders.co.uk
 ?DIF?H7J?ED
:?H;9J?ED
9ECFB;J?ED
Your home is the most important place in the world. We understand that you need it to be beautiful,
comfortable and practical. That’s why we, at Wiggins Builders, are devoted to building your dreams.
By combining your ideas with our expertise, we can help make the most of your property.

6hbZbWZghd[[ZYZgVi^dc
d[BVhiZg7j^aYZgh;B7
ndjXVcWZhjgZd[djg
Xdbb^ibZciidfjVa^in#
97BBKIJE7HH7D=;
7<H;;GKEJ7J?ED &'(**+(/+((
6aadjgldg`^hXdkZgZYWn

F>ED;&'(**+(/+(( ;C7?B _d\e6m_]]_diXk_bZ[hi$Ye$ka

XdcigVXidgh^chjgVcXZVcY
hjWhiVci^VaejWa^Xa^VW^a^inXdkZg#
17
 The premier
legal team
RTA110 the ground breaking road traffic accident compensation scheme

If you have a non-fault road traffic accident call us first and we will recover you
maximum compensation and give you an extra 10% from the costs we recover
“We guarantee from the other side…Free Phone 08081 782110

110% service at
Lampkin & Co Solicitors Estate Agents – ‘One Stop Property Shop’
all times” 1% plus VAT is all you pay. Includes disbursements, HIP’s package (payable
on abortive sale) & conveyancing charges on sale. Full estate agency service
including Rightmove, local press & high street presence in Shotton, Queensferry
Mark Lampkin and Hawarden.
Solicitor
Injured at work?

Call us for straight professional true ‘No win-No fee’ advice AND £250 cash up
front for all claims accepted by us. Why? Because we don’t pay anyone to get
your case, we just look after you!

Insurance litigation
If you have been sold any insurance policy that has been rejected when you have
come to claim contact our insurance litigation team for expert advice on how we
can help you fight back and claim what you are entitled to. Don’t be fooled by
insurers rejecting your claim on spurious grounds.

Your Family Solicitor

Wills, Probate, conveyancing, family problems, contract disputes and full covering
of employment law. Our expert team is on your doorstep to help you with any
problem. Free 20 minute initial interview

Call us now 01244 525725

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

18 Aled House, Lakeside Business Village, St Davids Park, Ewloe, CH5 3XA
 Major alliance with Bill Smith
Motorcycles in Chester

L ampkin & Co are proud to announce that they have been appointed by the famous, almost historic,
motorcycle dealership in Chester Bill Smiths Motorcycles to run the ‘Bill Smith Motorcycles Accident
Claimsline’ from their headquarters in St. David’s Park, Ewloe.

General Manager of Bill Smiths Mark Smith has considered carefully this alliance and is happy
to endorse the Claimsline which fits squarely with the Bill Smith’s Motorcycle customer care
policy.

Bill Smith’s Motorcycles share Lampkin & Co’s view that no referral fees should be
charged by dealers and garages to merely refer personal injury claims to solicitors. This
money comes from the amount available to spend on the legal costs and gives poor
client value. Bill Smith’s Motorcycles who pride themselves in offering the highest
level customer care wish to make it absolutely clear that any of their clients involved
in non-fault motorcycle accidents will be referred to Lampkin & Co free of charge.
Further Lampkin & Co will provide any clients who unfortunately have had non-fault
accidents and been injured £250 to spend on motorcycle products of their choice at
Bill Smith’s in Chester.

Thereafter all cases are conducted on a strict ‘No win –No fee’ basis with Lampkin
& Co showing clients our top quality service
from start to finish.

Full repairs, credit hire and replacement

clothing can be provided by Bill Smiths. We
aim to give injured motorcyclists the best
value when disaster happens.

(The only conditions are that the case contains

an injury of a value in excess of £1,000 and/or
damage in excess of £5,000)

19
 KITCHEN WIZARD started business in Swansea, South
Wales six years ago when it was recognised that many
people wanted a new look kitchen without having to
replace perfectly good kitchen cupboards and carcasses
with all of the time, mess and disruption that went with
it.
The idea of replacing just the kitchen doors and
worktops proved so popular with the public for both price
and quality that it was decided to expand the company
nationwide.
That’s where local man Steve Bullock comes in. Steve
opened his KITCHEN WIZARD franchise in the Chester
and Wrexham area over a year ago after a long career
as a Police sergeant in the South of England and also
mid Wales.
KITCHEN WIZARD offer a high quality, made to
measure kitchen and bedroom transformation service
where sample doors and worktop swatches are brought
to your home enabling you to compare them with your
CALL STEVE ON 0800 032 8756 FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION
20
existing fittings and furnishings.
There is an extensive range of very high quality doors,
handles and worktops available, together with sinks,
taps and appliances to complete the new look.
In June last year KITCHEN WIZARD were appointed
as official installers of ‘GraniteLite’, the granite type
worksurface which fits over your existing worktops,
allowing you to have a beautiful scratch and stain
resistant granite work surface in your kitchen with
minimum mess and disruption, and at less cost than
slab granite. So high is the quality of this product that it
carries a 10 year guarantee.
Professional fitters ensure that your new look kitchen or
bedroom is in place with the minimum of disruption.
If you would like a local representative to call on you
at home to provide a no obligation quotation, please
call Steve on 0800 032 8756. Lines are open Monday
- Saturday 8am - 8pm.
 WHY ADVERTISE?
NEW KITCHEN TOO EXPENSIVE?
FOR YOU TO GAIN MORE BUSINESS AND
WHY NOT REFRESH YOUR KITCHEN INSTEAD INCREASE YOUR PROFITS BY HAVING
MORE CUSTOMERS!
R
T OU T Where do 90% of your potential
OU EN S!
K AB CEM OOR customers live? ....
AS PLA M D
RE OO
DR
LOCALLY
BE
so, when you advertise, who are you
trying to reach?
When you advertise in
LIVING MAGAZINE we tell people
about you and your business. Of course,
you could decide not to advertise......
And tell no-one
Here are just some of the ways that you
will benefit when you advertise in
Living Magazine....
GRANITELITE
KITCHEN A revolution in worktop re-facing which • It works! Living Magazine has
wizard allows a granite type surface to be fitted produced heaps of new business for our
onto your tired, worn out kitchen work- advertisers, which is why 80% of them stay in
top. Granitelite is a month after month! Your presence will ensure
As market leaders in the fast growing granite and quartz combination, bound that local people looking for local products and
replacement kitchen door business, with a high tech polymer compound. This services.....Will find YOU!
we provide the solution for people results in a durable granite surface with a • Excellent prices. You get a full
who want the beauty of a new look deep shine. display advertisement at a fraction of the cost.
kitchen without the mess, fuss or Quarter page ad is just £39 for a whole
- SCRATCH HEAT AND STAIN month!
expense.
RESISTANT • Longevity. It isn’t thrown away like
the daily newspapers, so your advert will be
- CHOOSE FROM OVER 1000 - CHOICE OF COLOURS
seen over and over again throughout the whole
OPTIONS month!
- NO NEED FOR TEMPLATING
• Editorial Opportunities. You can
- SAVE SUBSTANTIALLY ON THE - FITTED IN A DAY feature in your very own two page editorial
COST OF A NEW KITCHEN spread! This gives you a depth of coverage
- 10 YR GUARANTEE normally only available at huge expense and
- NO MESS, NO FUSS can increase your response rate enormously.

Call Amanda NOW on 01244 312539......

FREEPHONE: 0800 032 8756 ....and get Living Magazine working for YOU!
www.kitchen-wizard.biz
Email: info@livingmagazine.co.uk

GR-KW-186x130.indd 1 18/9/07 16:11:15 21

 DVD review
(Mr Weasley from the Harry the love interest for our young
A fairy tale too far? Potter films) from a goat hero. Now I realise that this is
to human form, though merely escapism, but it seemed

I t always worries me slightly

when a film as obviously
expensive to make as this one,
unfortunately
one who retains
his goatish habits
an odd premise
and one which
I found myself
featuring such an array of stars and abilities is questioning
(Peter O’Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, a comic tour de again and again
Robert de Niro, Sienna Miller, force. Though to the possible
Ricky Gervais, David Walliams) is this performance detrimentof
available on DVD quite is purely visual, concentrating
so soon. It has evidently failed at there are many on the film. But
the box office, so why? Just how excellent that is probably
bad is it? moments in the because I am
The answer is not at all. script, which is so a middle aged
It is a fantasy escape movie in tongue in cheek bloke who has
the grand tradition, a tale of as to defuse any lost the art of
finding the important qualities potentially scary suspending
in oneself and others, of finding moments for the belief. Better
true love, of fighting witches younger viewers that I just sit back
with great and terrible powers, of immediately, especially when and laugh with the rest of them,
mad pirates with split personality even the villains so obviously fail because there is plenty to laugh
issues and much general to take themselves seriously. at: far more than the film’s early
derring¬do. Above all, and as For me, the weak spot was the arrival on DVD would have you
the presence of some of the cast story. For example, the principal believe.
would suggest to be the case, it female lead was a star. Yes, a
is very funny. The transformation heavenly body fallen to earth in
by the witch of Mark Williams human form in order to become Stardust is out now on DVD
22
 HiQ Chester
Now open
for offers
Yep, that’s £10 off
absolutely everything
we do* - that’s tyres,
exhausts, batteries,
brakes and servicing!

Call us or call into our

shiny new centre to see
what we do and how we
do it. Just remember to
bring this leaflet to get
your £10 discount.

INDEPENDENT
PROFESSIONAL CAR & LIGHT
Service and Performance Centre Audi Specialists
COMMERCIAL VALETING
Savings on Audi and VW
We come to you 7 days a week at Parts and Services
home or at work Fully Equipped Workshop with Air Con
Servicing and Diagnostic Facilities
WINTER SPECIAL WASH, DRY,
HOOVER & WINDOWS £15 Full range of Tyres, Wheels and Exhausts

• If your car looks good you feel good! TDI/Turbo Tuning and ECU Upgrades
• All jobs undertaken
We also offer a full range of Performance
• Scratch removal service Upgrades for all Audi and VW Models

BUY 3 FULL VALETS

GET 4TH FREE
QRSPORT UNIT 1A CANALSIDE BUSINESS PARK
TATTENHALL, CHESTER CH3 9BD UK
Email: mail@qrsport.com Ɣ Web: www.qrsport.com

23

The Red Lion - Bar & Courtyard
pubreview
The route that they have chosen is that of
a chique City wine bar aiming at those that
want a relaxing drink and meal also at those
returning home from a hard day’s work. But
chicken, mozzarella and sweet chilli sauce. It
came with a fabulously dressed salad, home
made minted potato salad and coleslaw.
Seemingly simple, yet perfectly done, very

F ollowing last month’s excursions out
into the countryside, I thought that this
month I should confine myself within the
realms of suburbia. With this in mind I set
off for Handbridge
to see exactly what
had been done to a
part of my youthful
stamping ground; the
Red Lion. From the hazy
memories of my drink
fuelled excesses of the
early 70’s, the Red was
a simple, honest to
goodness pub with no
pretentions whatever.
Blind Alec’s idea of
culinary sophistication stretched to offering
toothpicks with which to attack your pickled
egg. He was a landlord from the old mould; a
seller of beer. My God, things have altered. I
know all things must change, but to witness
change of this magnitude to somewhere once
so familiar is to feel the bed rock of one’s life
shifting. However, once I had got over the
shock and begun to examine the place with
a less jaundiced eye, it all began to make a
little more sense. The days of the street corner
pub making a living from its wet sales alone
are long gone. Today food is the passage
to survival. If you are situated on the edge
of a town offering the choice of dining that
Chester does, then in order to make a splash
you must be a bit different and the Red Lion
has certainly made an effort to achieve that.
24
during my stay there was an encouraging tasty and £6.15 for the two which would not
lunchtime trade, but it still deserved more buy a couple of sandwiches in a motorway
attention that it was getting. services. The menu promises an extension
of the food range ’soon’ and if this standard
I was greeted by a is maintained, it will be worth another look.
very pleasant young
Having soaked up the atmosphere, I stepped
waitress who was outside half expecting to find myself in central
busily polishing the
Manchester: still being in Handbridge felt
fittings of the already incongruous. If however, you are this side of
immaculate counter
town looking for a light lunch, you could do
in this minimalist, yet far worse.
surprisingly comfortable
bar. The curmudgeon
in me was immediately
affronted by an array
of beer pumps with
nothing hand-pulled,
until I noticed with
relief a Timothy Taylor’s sign. A welcome sight
anywhere and in this instance, very well kept
into the bargain.
I asked for a menu and realised how far
removed the place now was from the old Red
Lion I remembered. The menu was delightfully
written, with amusing drink related poems
and a staggering array of very reasonably
priced cocktails. The food portion however,
was limited to several starters and a selection
of filled paninis; further underlining the
attempt to create an essentially Mediterranean
The Red Lion
‘café society’ feel to the place. I ordered the
soup of the day, which was a (genuinely) 37 Overleigh Rd,
home made cream of vegetable and but for Handbridge, Chester
a slightly heavy hand with the salt, delicious. 01244 679997
I followed with a toasted Panini filled with
 “ the new drinking delight of Hanbridge”
Classically crafted cocktails,
Premium beers and real ales,
A range of carefully selected wines
And freshly ground coffees!
New Lunchtime & evening menu
10% off Indulgence Hour 5pm – 7pm
37 Overleigh Road, Handbridge
01244 679997

HOME INFORMATION PACKS

From Chester Energy Assessors
If you put your house up
for sale you need a Home
PARAGON
Book-keeping Services
Information Pack (HIP)
But you don’t have to get
your HIP from the estate
agent. Why not save money
by getting your HIP from For all your book-keeping needs
Chester Energy Assessors.

• No estate agents commission and no VAT to pay!

General book-keeping
• Friendly, professional energy assessor!
• Local and independent! Computerised Books
“You don’t have to get your HIP
Sage Accounts
from the estate agent” VAT
01244-351644 Competitive rates
edmund@chesterenergyassessors.co.uk
Check out
www.chesterenergyassessors.co.uk For more information call us on:
to find out what’s in a HIP
Chester Energy Assessors, 17 Kings Crescent East,
07962 437890
Great Boughton, Chester, CH3 5TH

25

How do They Do That?
I do get asked a lot how we choose the wines
for the shop, so I thought I‘d give you a little
insight into how the shop is stocked. The first
myth to dispel is that we wander around
France dropping randomly into picturesque
little vineyards and haggling with an old guy
in braces and wielding a pair of secateurs; it’s
just not that glamorous I’m afraid. We buy
from a range of importers and agents who
do all the globetrotting and tapas eating
for us. If the agency is very large, we have a
good old fashioned sales rep who bobs in
from time to time with samples and sales
bumf, or if it’s a small independent importer,
we get an occasional visit and a great wealth
of extensive knowledge on the end of a
phone. These are all the guys who I regularly
strongarm into guest speaking for us at our
There’s always something new at Scatchards!
As well as our huge range of delicious boutique wines and spirits, we also have a fantastic award-winning range of speciality beers and ales.
Free local delivery, expert advice, wine-tasting events, case discounts and free glass loan service to make your party go with a swing!
Choose the best, choose Scatchards!
26
tasting nights.
winereview
There are also quite a lot of portfolio tasting
fairs. This is where a number of importers
and agents come together and show a
range of wines from their list, or sometimes
a single agency will show their entire range
by bringing over all their growers and
winemakers. Contrary to popular belief,
these events aren’t a big free for all where
everyone gets sozzled and has a party - it’s
serious business. There are big three foot
high bins full of sawdust by each table, and
once you’ve swilled and tasted your wine, it
gets spat and thrown into these spittoons.
It’s very bad form to over indulge at these
events - it’s business after all. Before you
even begin tasting, you need to have your
strategy. There are literally hundreds of wines
on show and you cannot possibly taste them
all, so you need to sit down with your listings
booklet and decide where the gaps in your
11am - 7pm
11am - 8pm
telephone: 01244 317094 • www.scatchards.com
range are, the price range to go for, or maybe
what’s unusual and catches your eye. It’s
important to make notes on each wine you
taste, because believe me, you won’t be able
to call it to mind afterwards! After several
dozen wines the old palate can get very
tired. You see, we work very hard to bring
you all our lovely wines, and make sure that
each is researched so you know where each
one has come from. Why not come and see
what’s new on our shelves this month?
Scatchards Independent
Wine & Sprit Merchants
All these wines and hundreds more are
available from Scatchards Wine Merchants
19 Charles Street Hoole Chester CH2 3AY
Tel: 01244 317094
or email: sam@scatchards.com
Tuesday to Saturday 19 Charles Sreet, Hoole
Chester CH2 3AY
Friday
email: sam@scatchards.com
 COMMERCIAL • RE-WIRE SPECIALISTS
• STORAGE HEATING
& D O M EST I C
• SHOWERS
• EXTENSIONS
• FIRE/SECURITY
• 24hr CALL OUT
• CCTV systems at realistic prices
• Prompt, local friendly service

C A L L ST E V E O N T: 0 1 2 4 4 5 3 9 0 4 2 M : 0 7 7 4 2 1 1 7 0 6 7

The Heart of the Community

April 08

check out our website

to Hawarden & Mancot

The local magazine delivered free

design
Logos
Corporate Identity
Advertising
Stationery
Web Images & Design

01244 312539

27
 Devine Mortgages
The ideal mortgage
is not expensive,
its priceless!
Independent Mortgage Advice
Mortgages
Dedicated Mortgage Advisers,
sourcing the whole of the market
Secured loans
Why not have a free Mortgage review? We could end up
saving you thousands and it costs nothing to find out! Commercial borrowing
Need to release cash from the equity in your home?
Is it time to remortgage?
Bridging finance

Not the right time to remortgage? Valuation instruction

Why not speak to us today about a secured loan?

Buying to let?
IVA’s

Buying your council house? We can even refer you to a solicitor and
a home information pack
Wanting to re-locate? provider on request

Specialising in taylor made special offer to Local Residents

mortgage advice to suit everybody’s
needs and circumstances.
10% discount off our fee!
Telephone 0151 356 2009
11 Chester Road, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 9BD
fees are only payable once your mortgage has
rachelwalker@devineandco.co.uk completed. All advice and research is completely free

Some products arising from the advice given may not be regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Devine Mortgages is a Trading Style of The Clarkson Hill Group plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Devine Mortgages is a member of the
First Class Financial marketing group

28
YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT TAX
& ESTATE PLANNING SPECIALIST
For the highest quality legal advice, look no further than
Devine and Company
Your local legal advice specialists, able to provide specialist legal
services tailored to your most specific needs

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRIVATE CLIENT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Sales and Purchases Wills and Probate Sales and Purchases

Tenancy Agreements Retirement planning Leases and Licenses

Remortgages Family law

Right-to-buy Estate planning BUSINESS LAW Caring for your family

Buy-to-let services
Property management
Repossessions
Equity release schemes
Equity release schemes Sole tickets
Tel: 0151 356 2009
Company Law
Elderly client 13 Chester Road, Whitby, Ellesmere
Personal insolvancy Partnerships Port, Cheshire, CH65 9BE
Fax: 0151 356 2007
Corporate Insolvancy & Rescue
Long term care planning pdevine@devineandco.co.uk
Devine and Co are Regulated by the Solicitors
Regulation Authority.

A s an experienced conveyancer, I fully understand the

strains and concerns of anybody selling a property.
I have opened HIPS Direct, to try and cover all aspects of
these sometimes stressful and time consuming processes
– so that I can offer my clients all they need under one
roof.

I can even refer you to a local Mortgage

broker, Financial Adviser or Solicitor
depending on your individual
needs. Why not call me today,
discuss your circumstances,
and let me tell you how much
easier I can make the whole
process of selling your
Selling your property? property.
You need a
Home Information Pack* Many Thanks

Call Toni on 0151 356 2009 Toni Jones

*unless the property is being sold Tel: 0151 356 2009
privately and not marketed) Email: toni@devineandco.co.uk
29
 Community...

Cycling for people with disabilities St Werburgh’s Roman Catholic Church

Grosvenor Park Road, Chester
LIVE, a voluntary group based at New Scene Rev Fr Paul Shaw

Youth Centre, Newton Lane, Chester have Times of Masses

SUNDAY
Volunteered to supervise the use of 5 hand Vigial Mass: 6.00pm at Rowton Methodist Chapel
bikes, a trike and a duet bike at the Youth 9.00am (Sung)
10.45am (Sung)
Centre for use on the millennium Cycle 6pm
MON-FRI 12.15pm
Route, Chester to Deeside (traffic free). Exposition: Friday 11-12 noon
Ordinary bikes have also been provided SATURDAY
Confession 11am - 12pm
and the facility is free of charge. For more
information or to reserve a bike call: 01244 350236
werburgh465@btinternet.com
www.stwerburghchester.co.uk
01244 320479

Toddler Group
A mums,babies and toddler group meets in
St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church Hoole united Reformed Church hall on Hoole
Plas Newton Lane, Plas Newton Road every Tuesday morning between
9.30am and 11.30am
Rev Fr Russell Cooke. Rev Lawrence Hordley.
Anyone interested in attending should ring
Times of Masses Gwyneth Lewis
SUNDAY On 01244 680445
Vigial Mass: 7.15pm
9.15am (Sung) and 6.45 - 7.10pm
11.00am (Sung, Children’s Liturgy)
MON-FRI 9.15am
Slimming World
SATURDAY All Saints Church Vicarage Road
Confession: After Morning Mass and 6.45 - 7.10pm
Join Slimming World
Holy Days.: 9.15am 7.15pm
Experience a world of support that makes a world of dif-
ference. Discover Food Optomising – the no-diet secret of
1 Newhall Road, Plas Newton, Chester CH2 1SA weight loss without hunger!
01244 400873 Fax: 01244 409407 Tues 5.30pm – 7pm
stcolumba@btopenworld.com www.stcolumbachester.org.uk Tel: Katie 01244 401637

30
 Hoole Lighthouse Centre Millennium Greenway
68 Westminster Road 01244 342955
Volunteers are always needed to
Hoolitots - (Parents/Carers & Toddlers) Tues, Wed, Thurs 10am to noon
Who Lets the Dads Out - (Dads & Toddlers) one Saturday per month help with
Trackers Youth Club (& - 11yrs)Thurs 6 – 7 pm Projects to enhance this wildlife
D’Biz Coffee Bar (11 – 16 yrs) Thurs, Fri 4 – 5.30pm
and tidy!
D’Biz Youth Club (11-14yrs) Thurs 8pm
D’Biz Youth Club (15-18yrs) Fri 8pm Contact the ‘friends’
D’Biz Football (15-18yrs) Thurs 8pm 01244 343055 Office hours
Crossway Colts Football (7 – 11 yrs) Sat 10.30am
Holiday Clubs Easter & Summer holidays
Parenting courses please ring for details
Slimming World
All Saints Church Vicarage
Road
Join Slimming World
Hoole Art Society Experience a world of support
Art Exhibition & Sale H.A.R.A. Centre that makes a world of differ-
Westminster Road, Hoole ence. Discover Food Optomising
Saturday May 10th – the no-diet secret of weight
Meets each Thursday from
All Saints Church 10am – 2pm at the Old Girl’s School loss without hunger!
Tues 5.30pm – 7pm
Corner of Vicarage Rd/ Hoole Tel: Katie 01244 401637
Road Upton Together
Hoole
Meet on a
Monday 10am – 12pm Hamilton Street Methodist Church
10am – 4pm
The pavilion Wealstone Lane Hamilton Street, Hoole
Admission & Parking free Rev Paul Taylor BA
Enjoy a cuppa and a chat

SUNNDAY
HAMILTON STREET CHURCH GROUPS Morning Service: 10.30am (Traditional)
Afternoon Fellowship: 4.00pm (Informal)
Women’s Own
Services:
Wed 2.30pm - 3.30pm - New members welcome 6th - Rev Paul Taylor (Sacrament)
Contact Edith Waterson on 383934 13th - Mr Malcolm Pearson
20th – Rev Martin Hardy
27th – Mr Bernard Bentley
Chester Community Toy Library
Open to all children under 5
Meet Thursdays 9.30am to 10.30am and Saturdays 01244 321950
10.00am to 11.30am. To book the Hall or Lounge for Birthday Parties, Meetings or Regular
Contact Sally Banks on 317099 for further info Events, Contact John Jones on 344583.

31
 Mark Bardsley
Caricatures
Caricatures by Mark Bardsley are becoming
increasingly popular throughout the UK
and beyond.
Reflecting his affectionate humour and attention to detail,
Mark strives to portray even the most ordinary person as
someone special.
Subject matter often hints at his rural upbringing in Welsh
border country with his love for animals and the countryside
often revealed in his work.
Happy caricaturing animals as he is people, Mark is often
commissioned to produce humorous pet portraits. Not just
a caricaturist, Mark is also an experienced book illustrator
which he feels makes him well placed to tackle almost any
subject a client might throw at him.
His caricaturing also takes him
around the country working at
various events such as weddings,
special events and school
workshops.
www.markb ardsl ey i l l ustrati on.co.uk
01938 500731 • 07719 538478

1) Australian didgeridoo playing cartoonist

2) This cartoonist brought the girls of st Trinians to life

competition 3) Cartoonist known for his little fat ponies

4) The creator of Snoopy and Charlie Brown

WIN!
A unique
MARK BARDSLEY CARICATURE
of your friend, loved one or
of yourself. Simply answer
the following questions for a
chance to win.
32
5) He illustrated the BFG and the Twits
6) Illustrator whose cat was in a hat
7) Gnasher’s badly behaved owner
8) Desperate Dan’s favourite dish
9) Tintin’s faithful white dog
10) Paul McCartney’s favourite cartoon bear
11) Walt Disney dog with the same name as a planet
12) This Nick Park creation loves cheese
13) He drew the Daily Express’s fearsome grandma’s
14) Creator of the Farside cartoon series
15) Danger mouse’s short-sighted side kick
Send your entries to:-
Living Magazine. Office 159,Gateway
House, 78 Northgate Street, Chester.
CH1 2HR
Don’t forget to include your name and
contact details! Closing date 25th
April 2008
We reserve the right to copy winning
caricature for publicity purposes.

doorstepdiary
Monday
9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271
9.30am Parents & Toddlers Upton Baptist Church 377142
10am - 11.30am Carers & Toddlers New Church, Dicksons Drive
10.15am - 11.45am Retired Men’s Discussion Group United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591
12.15pm Luncheon Club (older people) United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591
2pm - 4pm Friendly Club (over 50’s) New Church, Dicksons Drive 2pm Ladies Fellowship United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591
5pm Rainbows United Reformed Church, Hoole 316231
5.45pm - 6.45pm Weight Watchers County Officers, Plas Newton Lane 6pm - 7pm Trackers Youth Club Hoole Lighthouse Centre (11-14yrs)
6pm 9th Brownie Guides United Reformed Church, Hoole 6.00pm - 8.00pm 2nd Chester Guides St Michaels Church Hall 371498
8pm Keep Fit United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591
Tuesday
9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271
10am - 12pm Hoolitots Hoole Lighthouse Centre
1.30pm - 3.30pm Hoole Babies/Toddlers United Reformed Church, Hoole 680445
5.30pm Slimming World All Saints Church, Hoole 401637
6.15pm Tuesday Club Upton Baptist Church (7-11yrs) 377142
6.15pm - 7.45pm 7th Chester Brownies Hamilton Street Methodist Church 317813
7pm Slimming World All Saints Church, Hoole 401637
8pm Womens Fellowship United Reformed Church, Hoole (fortnightly) 343632
7pm Deva Flamenco New Scene Youth Centre 383293
Slimming World
All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Road
Every Tuesday 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.00pm. Tel: Katie on 01244 401637 - All welcome
Wednesday
9.30am Slimming World County Officers, Plas Newton Lane 536754
9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271
2.30pm - 3.30pm Woman’s Own Hamilton Street Methodist Church
New Member Welcome - Contact Edith Watson Tel: 383934
2.30pm Beavers Hamilton Street Methodist Church 340411
5.30pm & 7pm Slimming World County Officers, Plas Newton Lane 536754
6pm - 7.15pm 1st Upton Beavers United Reformed Church, Hoole 316231
6.15pm - 7.30pm 21st Chester Brownies St Columbas Church Hall 382761
7.30pm - 9.00pm 21st Chester Guides St Columbas Church Hall 382761
7pm - 9.30pm Scottish Country Dancing Hammond School, Manning’s Lane 545550
7.30pm Singing for Pleasure New Church, Dicksons Drive 351130
Chester Rambling & Hill Walking Club walks alternate Wednesdays Tel: 347742
Wednesday evenings through the summer cycle rides, meeting at the Town Hall at 7pm,
due to start soon, contact Sue on 315669
If you run a local group or activity and would like to advertise on this page email: doorstepdiary@livingmagazine.co.uk
Upton & Hoole
your guide to local events
Thursday
9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271
10am Men’s Fellowship United Reformed Church 350591
10am - 2pm Hoole Art Society HARA Westminster Rd., Hoole
9.30am - 10.30am Chester Community Toy Library Hamilton Street Methodist Church 317813
1.30 - 3.30pm Line dancing St.Columba’s Parish Hall, Newall Road 546286
4pm - 5.30pm D’Biz Coffee Bar Hoole Lighthouse Centre
6.15pm - 8.00pm Chester Music Society Youth Choirs - Hoole URC Church Hall 300717
7.45pm - 9.15pm 1st Upton Scouts Upton Drive, Upton
8pm D’Biz Youth Club Hoole Lighthouse Centre (11-14yrs)
8pm D’Biz Football Hoole Lighthouse Centre (15-18yrs)
Chester Family History Group meet at County Sports Club, Plas Newton Lane.
Last Thursday in Month. Members £1.20 Visitors £1.50
Friday
9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271
4pm - 5.30pm D’Biz Coffee Bar Hoole Lighthouse Centre
6pm 42nd Chester Scout Group United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591
6pm - 7.30pm 17th Chester Brownies New Church, Dicksons Drive
7.30pm Friday Club (1st/3rd Fridays) Upton Baptist Church (11-16yrs)
7.30pm Play Reading United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591
7.30pm - 9pm 17th Chester Guides New Church, Dicksons Drive
8pm D’Biz Youth Club Hoole Lighthouse Centre
1st Upton Explorers Upton Drive, Upton
Saturday
10am Chester Community Toy Library Hamilton Street Methodist Church 317813
10am Crossways Football Club Hoole Lighthouse Centre (7-11yrs)
9.30am 1st Saturday in month United Reformed Church, Hoole Rambling Club Mr A Wise 374347
Sunday
Ramblers Association. Upton by Chester. Contact John Chilton Tel: 377786
CTC Local cycle rides and events, contact Sue again on 315669
33
 Chester’s Riverside Walkway
by Paul Morris
New sections of a purpose-built promenade are now open to
the public alongside the River Dee. Stretching from the Groves
to the Cop Park on Sealand Road, it’s a fascinating walkway, with
many points of interest and views, previously in-accessible to the
people of Chester.
The walkway takes in the Roodee, Little Roodee and Crane-
Wharf along the way and was constructed with support from
various funders which included the Water in Historic City
Centres (WIHCC) project, a project which is part of the
European Union’s interregional programme for North-West
Europe.
The new trail (Groves to Cop Park) is approximately 2miles
(3km) and listed here are places/points of interest to help
you plan your walk and enjoy the rich heritage of Chester’s
riverside.
1. Starting at the Groves, commence towards the racecourse
along the Castle Drive. Take in the Weir as you pass, a structure
originating from as far back as 1092. Steps were built in later
years to help migrating salmon pass over this barrier - hence the
name Salmon Leap for the flats on the opposite side of the River
in Handbridge.
2. OLD DEE BRIDGE & HYDRO ELECTRIC STATION. The
bridge is thought to date from 1387. Alterations over the years
34
have included the widening of the upstream side by 7ft (2m) in
1826 to provide the present footpath.
The Hydro-electric station was opened in1913 on the site of the
old Dee-Mills on the City side of the bridge to use the excess
water created by the weir to generate some electricity. Since
1951 it has become a water pumping Station as rising demands
in electricity over the years, meant it was no longer viable.
3. CHESTER CASTLE - Passing along Castle Drive, Chester
Castle becomes visible on your right.
4. GROSVENOR BRIDGE - Passing through the Little Roodee
car park you come under the vast and very impressive Grosvenor
Bridge. Opened in 1832 and designed by Thomas Harrison, the
bridge had the widest single span arch in the world. A model
bridge can be seen nearby in Castle Drive.
5.THE RACECOURSE - Known as the Roodee - this is the oldest
racecourse in Britain and the Walkway trundles nicely around
the race-track itself. From here you can view the skyscape of
Chester from different points as you pass.
6. RAILWAY VIADUCT - After passing through the Grosvenor
Bridge onto the Racecourse walkway, you pass under the railway
viaduct at the other end. This impressive structure has a mass
of arches dotted all along it as it heads off towards the City,
alongside the Roodee.
After passing under the Railway Viaduct a whole new promenade
section sees you pass the Racecourse Stable blocks and plush
new residential apartments before you arrive at the Old Port
area (also known as Crane Wharf). This was a previously
inaccessible stretch of the riverside which was cut - off by the
former gasworks, the site now occupied by the stables.
7. CRANE WHARF From the approach to Crane - Wharf you
will see on your right the Water Tower. Built in 132 as the New
Tower to help protect the City from any ship- borne attack.
(Of course back then it stood in the waters of the River Dee!)
The river has long since changed its course and the Wharf was
developed during the second half of the 18th Century. Taking
sea-going vessels of up to 350 tons, the port was connected to
the City by a new road (now known as New Crane Street). The
walkway here has been constructed directly above the former
quay and a listed former riverside warehouse still remains.
8. COP-PARK Walk along out of Crane Wharf (Old Port) passing
the various new riverside apartments, you will pass the Dee-
Lock where the Shropshire Union Canal meets the River Dee.
Currently undergoing some renovation the lock was constructed
in1801.
After passing the lock, a short walk onto Sealand Road brings
you to Cop-Park. This is named after the bank (cop) which
is still clearly visible and was raised in the early 18th century
to protect low-lying areas from flooding. A Cheshire Cheese
Warehouse stood here, next to the bend in the river in the late
18th Century.
After the Cop-Park - beyond the river bend, it is worth a little
look at the “new-cut” a straight section of the river made from
cutting a channel through marshes in the 1730’s to aid navigation
between Chester and the open sea. Here on, a newly created
path/cycleway extends riverside to Queensferry in North Wales
(approx 8 miles away).
Do enjoy exploring the fascinating walkway, but as ever, by
the river, do take care and be safe. Please also note that the
racecourse section is not open on race days.
35
36