Owen Thomas

Cambrian Medical Centre, Thomas Savin Road, Oswestry .................................................................................... 652929

Minor Injuries Unit, Cambrian Medical Centre, Thomas Savin Road, Oswestry .................................................... 663617
Cambrian Pharmacy, Oswald Road, Oswestry ...................................................................................................... 670292
Caxton Surgery, Oswald Road, OswestryEmergency & General Enquiries ........................................................ 654646
Appointments....................6536000
Dispensary.....................659250
Repeat Prescriptions ............. 658519
Chirk Surgery......................................................................................................................................................... 772434
North Wales Out of Hours ........................................................................................................................ 0300 123 5566
Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre, Middleton Road, OswestryAppointments & Enquiries....................................... 655844
Repeat Prescriptions...............................................655538 Shropdoc NHS Out of Hours ....................... 08444 068888
Chirk Chemist (L. Rowlands) ................................................................................................................................. 772439
Wrexham Sunday Chemist11am to 3pm (L. Rowlands) .......................................................................... 01978 263408
Gobowen Pharmacy.............................................................................................................................................. 652377
Chirk Community Hospital, Johns Street, Chirk .................................................................................................... 772430
Princess Royal Hospital, Apley Castle, Telford ........................................................................................... 01952 641222
Robert Johns & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital ............................................................................................... 404000
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury ........................................................................ 01743 26100
Shropshire Nuffield......................................01743 817144 Wrexham Maelor Hospital ......................... 01978 291100
Marches School, Oswestry (Head Teacher: Mrs. S. Longville) ............................................................................... 664400
Weston Rhyn Primary School (Head Teacher: Mr. R. Hines) ................................................................................. 773429
St. Martins School (Head Teacher: Mrs. S. Lovecy) .............................................................................................. 776500
St. Martins Arts Centre (Head Teacher: Mrs. S. Lovecy)....................................................................................... 776502
Sure Start Family Centre, Weston Rhyn School ...................................................................................... 778734 / 65613
Nursery, Weston Rhyn School............................................................................................................................... 774701
Cool Kidz Breakfast Club, Weston Rhyn School ..................................................................................................... 774701
Church of England (Reverend Jermy).........778468 (Glen Pennington)..........778477 (Janet Garratt) ............ 777396
Quinta Church Independent Evangelical (Dr. Digby James) .................................................................................. 778659
Welsh Presbyterian (Gwyn Evans) ........................................................................................................................ 661250
Chirk Bank Methodist Church (Reverend Heather Wilson) ................................................................................... 679164
Local Police....................................................................101 PC Kate LeClere ......................................... 07792 774024
Reporting Crime Disorder (non-emergency) ............................................................................................. 0300 333 3000
Crimestoppers ........................................................................................................................ 0800 555 111 (FREE CALL)
Castle Vets Centre, Holyhead Road, Chirk ............................................................................................................ 774202
Park Issa Veterinary Hospital, Salop Road, Oswestry ............................................................................................ 670067
Border Vet Centre, Maesbury Road, Oswestry ..................................................................................................... 670395
Brownlow Vet Centre, Ellesmere .......................................................................................................................... 622152
Arriva Midlands North, Oswestry Depot.......0871 200 2233 Community Rail Officer ........................................ 772784
Gobowen Railway Station ..................................................................................................................................... 681010
National Rail Enquiries for long distance travel (local call charge) ............................................................. 08457 484950
Owens Coaches, Oswestry .................................................................................................................................... 652126
Traveline (public transport information)................................................................................................... 0871 200 2233
Dial-a-Ride ............................................................................................................................................................ 671571
Weston Rhyn Parish Council (Clerk: Mr. R. Dyke)...777344 Gardeners Club (A. Sadler/P. King) ....... 778521 / 774578
Age UK Parish Link (Tom Lerwill).............................772375 Chirk Post Office .................................................... 778731
Good Companions (Angela Bright)..........................770016 Bowling Club (Mrs. P. Manley)............................... 774170
Volunteer Bureau....................................................670021 Youth Service & Counselling ................................. 654175
Weston Rhyn Singers (Mrs. P. Edwards).................777048 Village Hall Caretaker ............................................ 774012
The Crew (Marianne James) ................................................................................................................................. 778659

Chair
Helen Bullen ............................. 01691 777081
Secretary/Editorial
Hayley Harling .......................... 01691 770925
Treasurer/Advertising
Alistair Nurden ......................... 01691 776012
Distribution
Jenni Bevington........................ 01691 657655
Editor
Alan Wright.01691 772926
Committee
Hazel Hall
Contributions for the February edition
please by 14th January can be sent to
hayleymarie@cheerful.com or left in the box
at Weston Rhyn Stores
Advertising Rates
1/8 page (65 x 45mm).......................... 49.00
1/4 page ............................................... 89.00
1/2 page ............................................. 169.00

Single issue advertisements

Subject to space requirements
1/8 page ............................................... 10.00
1/4 page ............................................... 15.00
1/2 page ............................................... 25.00
Loose A5 insert .................................... 35.00
Note
All rates plus artwork if required.
Contact Alistair Nurden on 01691 776012
E-mail Alistair.nurden@gmail.com
The Newsletter Committee accepts no
responsibility for statements/comments or
claims made by advertisers or contributors.
We are always on the look out for photos of
our beautiful parish of Weston Rhyn for the
front cover of the Wren. If you have an
image that you would like us to use, please
send it in to us at hayleymarie@cheerful.com
Thank you.

Cover photograph Owen Thomas

he committee would like to wish all

Wren readers a wonderful Christmas
and a New Year filled with happiness and
laughter.
Thank you to everyone who has helped
the Wren enter its 40th year: the distributors, the contributors, the advertisers,
current and previous committee members and of course the Wren readers.
We have a lot of active people in the
Wren area, who do a lot of good to help
our community be what it is. You only
need to read through the Wren to see
some of what they do. Without their
efforts, we wouldnt have a community
to be proud of and we hope you agree
we live in a very special place. Thank you
to all those unsung heroes for their hard
work throughout the year.
Distribution: We are looking for somebody to deliver 53 Wrens to the houses
in Brookfields Close. It only takes about
15 minutes. If you can help, please get in
touch with Jenni Bevington our distribution co-ordinator on 01691 657655 or
e-mail hayleymarie@cheerful.com

Christmas Wishes

enna Dulson would like to wish

friends and neighbours a joyful
Christmas and a happy healthy 2017.

Chirk Hospital Circle of Friends

hirk Hospital Circle of Friends

wishes everyone a very Happy
Christmas and a peaceful New Year
and wishes to thank everyone for all
their
very
generous
support
given over the past year to the Circle
of Friends with their fund raising
efforts. We also would like to warmly
invite you to the following
forthcoming events:
Thursday December 8th - Chirk
Hospital Christmas Tree of Light and
which will commence at 2pm with the
children from the Pentre, Fron and
Garth Federation School Choir singing
carols for patients, staff and visitors.
This will be followed with the reading
of the names of those
being
remembered with a star on
the Christmas Tree of Light and will
conclude with the serving of seasonal
refreshments and also the Christmas
Raffle being drawn - all welcome to
come along. Should anyone wish to
remember a loved one on the tree of
light then they may do so at Chirk
Hospital, Chirk Health Centre, Chirk
Library or by calling 01691 773642 or
01691 772321.
Saturday December 10th - Christmas
Craft Fair at Chirk Parish Hall from
10am - 1pm - lots of festive handmade goodies on sale.
Monday December 12th - Christmas
Carol Service at St Mary's Church

Chirk, at 7pm with Llangollen Silver

Band and the school choir of Ysgol
Dinas Bran, Llangollen. Donations to
Chirk Hospital Circle of Friends and
the Chirk and Weston Rhyn Branch of
the Orthopaedic Hospital League of
Friends.
Borderland Chronicles Part 3

reetings all! Continuing with the

fascinating local myths, legends,
history and folk tales; here is this
months gem featuring no less than
two giants and an iconic local hill
The Wrekin

ave you ever heard moaning at

night from The Wrekin? Ever
thought there was a grumble on the
wind? Perhaps the low groaning can
be attributed to wind in the trees,
echoes travelling through the still
night air but, maybe, just maybe,
those mournful grunts come from a
long-imprisoned giant and are his
pained lament.
A very long time ago, when giants
supposedly ruled the land, two giants
found themselves banished from their
group and forced to work together to
make their own home. They set to
work swiftly, using earth from the bed
of the Severn and piled up a hill, the
Wrekin, to become their home.
Between the Bladderstone and the
mount you will see bare patches of

turf these are said to be their

footprints, branded into the ground
forevermore, where no grass can ever
grow again. Such hard work made them
tired, irritable even, and it wasnt long
before the two mighty titans quarreled.
One giant hurled his axe at the other,
missing his target and instead hitting a
nearby rock causing a huge cleft this
remains there today and is known as the
Needles Eye. They continued to fight but
a raven, tiny in comparison to them,
swooped in between them and pecked at
the eyes of the ugliest one. The pain was
fast (imagine a beak in your eye!) and
tears instantly pooled in the giants eyes.
One huge teardrop fell, its weight carving
a little basin in the rock which, like the
Needles Eye, still stands and is known
today as the Ravens Bowl (or the
Cuckoos Cup). Apparently, the rock has
never been dry since, and even in the
heat of summer the teardrop water still
glimmers in the basin.
With his
opponent blinded by the ravens
intervention, the other giant was quickly
able to defeat his injured companion but
realized he would need to imprison him
to prevent any further fight, threat or
competition. Beside the Wrekin he built
Ercall Hill and restrained his fallen foe
within its mass. The poor blinded giant
was left there, imprisoned for life and it
is his moans that we hear when all is still
and nightfall has darkened the
Shropshire lands.
Legend, and locals, state that passing
through the Needles Eye today is

supposed to be an initiation to being a

true Salopian, or, a good omen for
marriage so long as the maiden passing
through the Eye gives her man a kiss as
soon as she emerges on the other side,
otherwise she will pay the penalty of
never marrying.
I hope youve enjoyed this next local
snippet; I cant wait to share another
with you in the next edition!
Take care all,
Ann O
Many Happy Returns

ongratulations & Happy Birthday to

Frank Rowlands of Chirk Bank for
his 90th Birthday.
The Institute

ost of us are familiar with the

Institute at the heart of the
village, but if you haven't yet set foot
inside, or even if you have, do come
along to our Annual General Meeting on
Monday, February 20th 2017 at 7.30pm.
Now that we've lost our Post Office, and
one of our pubs has been demolished
and another under refurbishment, we
need to treasure the Institute. So here's
an opportunity to see all that the
Institute has to offer, upstairs and
downstairs, and to discuss the best way
to move forward in the management
and use of this lovely building. The

Officers on the Institute Management

Committee are coming to the end of
their terms of service, and without a
committee the future is uncertain. New
to the village? Please come and see us.
User groups and friends, do come along
as we welcome your input! For more
information: Tel Pam Manley on 774170.
Severn Hospice Quiz

any thanks to all who took part in

this year's Name That Body Part
quiz, in aid of the Severn Hospice. An
amazing 1208 was raised for the
Hospice. The winner is Dr Katie Brooks
of Edinburgh, who scoops the 10 prize
and the glory!
I've been sent another quiz, in aid of
Wirral Wildlife, which runs until mid
January. If anyone would ike a copy,
please
email
me
at s.t.barnett@btinternet.com or tel
773453.
Sue Barnett
3 Parishes Community Wildlife Group

very successful meeting was held

on 3rd November with an excellent
attendance from all three parishes. It
was decide that a new Three Parishes
Community Wildlife Group should be
formed and a programme of meetings
would be arranged starting on
19th January 2017 at 7pm. The speaker
will be Claire Backshall who will give an
illustrated talk on Why Garden

Birdwatchers Matter The talk will be

in St Martins at the Ellesmere Road
Methodist Church hall. The following
months meeting will be held in
Gobowen. Anyone interested in
joining the group can contact Polly
Smith on 01691 239087, or email polly.j.smith@hotmail.co.uk for
more details of future meetings. Also
look at our Facebook page: 3Parishes
Wildlife Group
Weston Rhyn Gardeners' Club

here was a good turnout on a

wet, dark and windy night for the
AGM followed by Bryan Howards
talk on House plants and their care.
Looking after house plants over the
dark winter season can be quite a
challenge, as most house plants come
from all over the globe, growing wild
on roadsides, in hedgerows etc. and
we have to try and recreate these
conditions in our homes, if we want
them to survive. For example,
Cyclamen Persicum, as the name
suggests, come from Persia/Iran,
then there are African Violets.

Azaleas need to be out of direct

sunlight, with a temperature as cool
as possible, 8 10 degrees C. They
need rainwater not alkaline tap
water, as azaleas need ericaceous
soil. For a south facing conservatory,
cacti and succulents love high light

situations. Citrus plants flower and

fruit together and need the same
conditions.
Christmas
cactus,
however, do not like direct sunlight
and prefer slightly subdued light.
Tropical and sub-tropical plants like it
hot, but not sitting in the sun, and like
a humid/clammy atmosphere. Most
homes are too dry for Anthurium or
Peace Lilies, so their pots need soaking
in water. They can be sprayed with
rainwater to improve the humidity.

Ivies are very versatile plants and

hardy/tough plants for a beginner with
house plants. The variegated versions
need more light as the dark green part
of the leaf photosynthesises. Their
aerial roots, which cling to walls
outside, will hang down gracefully
indoors. Spider plants are also good
for beginners, but do not let them sit
in water for a long time to get
waterlogged. It will produce small
plantlets that can be potted up to
increase your stock.

Keep an eye on your plants if the

leaves start to droop or fall, the plants
likely needs water. Pale leaves/yellow
are a sign of either over/under
watering or shortage of feed. Keep
checking plants for red spider, white
fly, aphids and mealy bugs!!

December meeting 14th December

Christmas Arrangements.

The committee wishes all members

and visitors, a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!!

hen the Grinch thought of

something he hadnt before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesnt
come from a store? What if Christmas,
perhaps, means a little bit more?
Dr Seuss
A Change is Nigh

ecember will mark Nigels and

mine first full year in Weston
Rhyn, experiencing all the of seasons
along the Llangollen canal where not
only the seasons change but every day
paints a different picture. What a joy it
has been.
Autumn has been fairly gentle, but
cold weather is now creeping in and
while some of our little creatures tuck
up for the winter we humans just
have to brave it out wrap up and
walk the dog!

Some birds have departed and others

have arrived one of my delights are
the flocks of wee long tailed tits in the
hedgerows bordering the towpath.
I have written a selection of Haikus
celebrating little things in nature and
here is one of them, appropriate for
the end of autumn coming of winter.

Hazel Dormouse

iny belly full

from autumn glut; buttoned eyes
nest, in heart slowed sleep
Psalm 145:9 - The Lord is good to all,
Compassionate to every creature.
Happy Christmas WREN readers!
With beautiful soaring voices, praising
Gods will Christmas awakes

Jan Wilkins (writing as Jan

Hedger)
Community Christmas Spirit

he shared lives scheme just over

the border in Wrexham is a new
initiative which aims to support older
people and people with disabilities. It
matches clients with people in their
community who are able to support
them with shopping, transport,
companionship or a whole range of
other activities.
It would be lovely to be able to set up a
shared lives scheme in our own
community. Lots of us would like to
help out our fellow neighbour but with
many people having such busy lives we
often feel disconnected from one
another.
Such schemes are mutually beneficial,
as often the person giving their time
gets as much out of it as the person

who is requesting a service.

What we do have as we approach
Christmas is The Oswestry Open house
Christmas dinner. This is a lovely
venture which allows people to share
their Christmas lunch with others in a
community centre in Oswestry.
My family and I went last year, not
because we are financially poor, but
because we do not have extended
family to share the day with and
wanted to share the day with others. I
love the idea of community Christmas
rather than commercial Christmas. It
was a fun way to spend a few hours out
of the house on Christmas day and it
would be lovely to organise something
similar over the festive period in
Weston Rhyn.
If you want to attend the Oswestry
Open House community Christmas
lunch please call 01691 655 895 to
register. The event takes place from 102pm and free transport is available.
Volunteers and donations are always
welcome and there is no charge for the
day. (However you can choose to make
a donation).

Neighbourly ideas for Christmas

and beyond

isitors are welcome to our

Christmas Experience Night at
Derwen College Wednesday 7th late
night opening to 7pm. Meet Santa in his
grotto in Youngs Farm Shop and have a
go at gingerbread decorating 5.
Seasonal tastings in the shop. Pick up
some Christmas gifts and treats
including Derwen Christmas Hampers
with our award winning jams and
chutneys. Tuck in to a Christmas menu
at the Orangery Restaurant
Wednesday 7th. Christmas Wreath
Making Workshop at the Garden Centre
20.
To book a place for Santas grotto or the
Christmas Wreath Workshop contact us
onbookings@derwen.ac.ukcall
01691
661234 Ext 386. To book a table at the
Orangery restaurant call 01691 779213
or emailnina.brown@derwen.ac.uk
In 2017 Derwen College will be 90 years
old! We are celebrating our
birthday throughout the year
with a range of events
including Vintage teas, music
events, food tastings, tours
and more. If you would like to be part of
our celebrations and find out more
about the amazing legacy of Dame
Agnes Hunt, founder of Derwen College,
visitwww.derwenat90.co.uk.

ere is a list of good neighbour

ideas; which one will you try?:

Catch Up Over A Cuppa Instead of simply popping a

Christmas card through the door,
why not drop by with a card and
box of biscuits?
Young at Heart -Older people
are still very young at heart. If you
have children, why not suggest
they pop round to an elderly
neighbours with you for a game of
Monopoly or Cluedo?

Casserole Club -A great idea and

so easy to do! Next time you are
preparing a casserole, add some
extra ingredients to stretch the
dish and take a portion round to
a neighbour. Its a gesture that
they will really appreciate and
ensure they get a wholesome,
nutritious meal.

Lay an extra place at the table On a similar theme, why not

invite a neighbour round to share
a meal with you and your family?

Shopping can be fun -Christmas

shopping can be stressful at the
best of times so imagine how
worrying it might be for an

10

elderly person. Why not suggest

that you take a neighbour
shopping? It could be as simple as
a lift in to town or helping them to
find and buy presents.

Deck the halls -Could you help a

neighbour put up their tree or
some decorations? Why not offer
your services? You could help to
get the decorations out of the loft
and make their house look festive
and bright.

Reverse Advent Calendar Get a

box and for every day up to
Christmas, pop a food or small
clothing item in. On Christmas Eve
drop it in to your local Food Bank
or Church.

Chirk Bank Chapel

e are having a carol service on

Sunday the 18th December at
2pm with Black Park Choir followed by
coffee and mince pies. The Tuesday
coffee morning has now closed for the
Winter and will re-open on Tuesday 18th
April 2017 from 10-12pm. Judith and
Lyn would like to say a big thank you to
all who have attended.
Quiz

here will be a quiz on Saturday

December 3rd in the Institute at
Weston Rhyn at 7pm in aid of local
charities. 10 for a table of four. There
will be a raffle. Feel free to bring your

own drink. Ring Ruth on 774210 or

Angela on 770016 to book.
Bonfire Night Event

aving just arrived home from the

bonfire event at St Martins, I felt I
had to write and say well done. The
event was held in the Vicarage Garden.
The hot soup and Hot dogs were lovely
and we were all made to feel very
welcome. The children were very safe in
the enclosed garden and the fireworks
were a lovely display. In fact my two
young Grandsons said they were great
so thanks very much.
Angela Bright

St Martins School
This years Christmas Fayre will take
place on the 9th December from 3pm to
5pm.
There will be fun and games, prizes,
refreshments, Father Christmas, carol
singing, a raffle and much more! We will
also be giving you the opportunity to
taste samples from our fantastic new
catering team that will be providing our
school with their services in January.
We would like to invite you to come
along, have some fun and help us raise
some money for our school. This years
money will be going towards new books
for our libraries across the primary and
secondary.

11

Ray Godfrey an appreciation of a

life.

ercival Raymond Francis Godfrey 1927

2016.

Ray Godfrey lived at The Old Brewery House

on Station Road for 25 years from the mid
1980s up to 2005. He and his wife, Audrey,
moved up from a village outside Oxford to
run the Old Brewery House as a Bed and
Breakfast business.
Ray was a telephone engineer, who had
worked with the GPO, and then abroad in
South Africa, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on
various construction projects. It was the
Middle East that gave us our common
connection, as I worked in Saudi Arabia for
many years. I was also involved in civil
engineering on the materials side so Ray
and I had much to talk about.
He worked latterly for a telecoms company in
London and would commute down there to
work for the week, returning for weekends
until he finally retired.
Ray was eligible to become a Chelsea
Pensioner because of his military service just
after WW2. After his wife died, he applied for
a place and went to live his last years at the
Royal Hospital in Chelsea. He sold the Old
Brewery House. He cut a fine figure in his
scarlet coat and hat. Every so often he came
back to stay at our house and visit friends he
knew in the village.
He had suffered from diabetes for many
years and his health was deteriorating. This

summer he finally passed away and was

cremated in Oxfordshire. His coffin had a
Union Flag draped over it as befits a
Chelsea Pensioner, and the eulogies

were very touching. A plain spoken but

very generous spirited man, and a real
character, he will be missed by many
he leaves a grown up daughter who lives
in Oxfordshire.
Alex Lewis

sk your children two questions this

Christmas. First: What do you want
to give to others for Christmas? Second:
What do you want for Christmas? The
first fosters generosity of heart and an
outward focus. The second can breed
selfishness if not tempered by the first.
Author unknown
Let every day be Christmas

hristmas is forever, not for just one

day
For loving, sharing, giving should not be
put away
Like bells and lights and tinsel, in some
box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you
do yourself.
Norman W. Brooks
Stamps

lease save all your used postage

stamps over the Christmas
period. They'll be gratefully received to
help fundraising for the
Shropshire Union Canal Society. Please
drop them off at the Old Post Office,
1 Canal View, Chirk Bank, or ring 773453

12

Craft Sale

Chirk Bank Community Group

he sale held by the Knit and Natter

ladies made 210 for the Institute
fund. I think its worth mentioning that
since the group began three years ago,
we have raised in the region of 1000
for the Hall funds. Well done ladies
and everyone else who helped in the
afternoon and the villages who came
on the day.
Angela Bright

here are still a few seats available

for the Christmas Shopping Trip to
Liverpool on Monday December 12th
leaving the Institute at 9.30am. 10 a
seat. Call 770016 to book.
Chirk Bank Christmas Lights Judging will
take place on Thursday 15th December
after 6pm. Join us to hear the results
and enjoy free coffee, mince pies etc on the morning of Saturday 17th
December between 10-12pm.

Fashion Show

AEB

he Bonmarche Fashion Show held

in the village in October was a real
success and raised in total 730. 365
went to the ward Oswald Bone Tumor
Ward and 365 to Mr Cooks Bone
Cancer Research Fund at the
Orthopaedic.
A big thank you to all who supported
us by attending; giving wine and raffle
prizes and helping on the night. Thanks
to Ruth and Norah for doing the raffle.
Carry, Scott and Sarah for help on the
night and the lovely Oswestry Town
Mayor and Mayoress, who stayed all
night and were a real support.
AEB

St Martins School (Contd)

We would like to ask for donations

towards the Christmas raffle (See Page
10) and prizes for other games. If you
have a prize or prizes you would like to
donate then please send in to school.
Toys For Hope House

he lovely people at the Plough are

again doing a fantastic job of
collecting toys for the children of Hope
House. Christmas is a time of giving, so
if you can, please leave your gift of toys
at The Plough to help put a smile on the
face of a child staying at the hospice this
Christmas. Please contact The Plough
on 01691 772536 for any more details.

13

The Parish Church Of St. Johns Weston Rhyn.

SJ Coffee and Co December dates
1st December. 11:00am- 3:00pm
22nd December, 11:00am- 3:00pm,
Christmas Special, mulled wine and festive eats !!
St. Johns Messy Church - 9th Dec at 4pm - 5pm
Youth Group Fridays: 7.30pm-9 - Term time.
You and your family are warmly invited to our Christmas services. Details below.

Sunday 18th
December

6.30pm

Weston Rhyn Churches Together

Carol Service.
Refreshments afterwards

Christingle Family Service

Candlelight and carols with Christingles
given out. Suitable for all the family,
with mulled wine and mince pies
served, with a Special Guest
attending. Come in costume.

Christmas
Eve
24th Dec.

3.30 pm

Christmas
Eve
24th Dec.

11.30pm

Christmas Eve Midnight Service

Traditional Candlelit Carol service with Communion.

11.00am

Christmas Day Family Worship

A family service celebrating the birth of Christ, with a
short Communion.

Christmas
Day
25th Dec.

14

WESTON RHYN PARISH COUNCIL

meeting of Weston Rhyn Parish

Council was held on Monday, 14th
November, 2016 at 7.00 p.m. in the
Village Institute, Weston Rhyn under the
Chairmanship of Councillor Ralph
Cooper.

ollowing on from the October

meeting and the Councils campaign
to stop vehicles parking on pavements,
John Campion, Police and Crime
Commissioner had replied; Road safety
is one of our key priorities and we are
keen to make the roads in West Mercia a
safe place to all users. I have referred the
matter
to
Superintendent
David
McWilliam at Shropshires Local Police
Area for his consideration and allocation.
One of his team will make contact with
you in the near future to discuss the
matter and I will kept informed of any
actions taken.

ritish Telecom via Shropshire

Council were consulting Parish
Councils on removal of payphones
throughout Shropshire. The 3 payphones
in our Parish were included in the
consultation. Statistics revealed the
payphones had hardly been used over
the past 12 months, the one located in
Station Road had been used 4 times and
Lower Chirk Bank 2 times.

hoswiel had not been used at all.

The Council resolved to request
retention of payphones in Rhoswiel and
Chirk Bank due to their availability in an
emergency given their close proximity to
the canal, poor mobile phone coverage
and popularity of the areas with tourists.
The payphone in Station Road is poorly
used and constantly vandalised and is
not considered essential.

he Council were pleased to receive

news that the War Memorial at the
top of the village had been listed Grade
II on the List of Buildings of Special
Architecturalor Historic Interest. Thanks
were expressed to Nia Jones who was
instrumental in getting the Memorial
listed.

he Council adopted a revised road

safety submission being forwarded
to Shropshire Council as prepared by
Councillor Pat McGuinness. Areas
requested for road safety improvements
were Station Road by the Primary School
and in front of and opposite the Plough
Inn.

ouncillor McGuinness had written;

Clearly the activity causing most
concern is the frequent crossing of
Station Road by Staff and Pupils, to
access the sports field and activity area
opposite the School, which is currently

15

only subject to the national speed limit

of 30 mph for this class of road! It
should be noted that School Staff have
to stand in the road to ensure that
drivers stop to allow the children to
cross. Staff members have frequently
reported that drivers are reluctant to
stop and allow children to cross, when
requested to do so! I would point out
the following concerns: From a moral
point of view this situation cannot be
tolerated, we are exposing people to an
extremely high health and safety risk. I
have been involved with the
management of health and safety for
over forty years, and this is in terms of
probability of risk of serious injury or
death, is one of the most likely to occur
that I have ever encountered. It is
extremely worrying. Ideally the area by
the school would be subject to a 20
mph speed limit and traffic calming
measures, together with a suitable
traffic light controlled pedestrian
crossing.

he School and the County Council

are subject to health and safety
legislation, such as the Health and
Safety at Work act 1974 and the
Management of Health and Safety
Regulations 1999, which require the
management of the health and safety of
Staff, pupils and others affected by the
Schools activities. In particular the Work

Place Regulations 1992 (EU

legislation) are relevant here.

based

Under these regulations the School has a

requirement to segregate pedestrians
from vehicular traffic, and have a traffic
management
system
within
the
workplace (For School Staff this is part of
their workplace). The School cannot
achieve this, for the area of Station Road
that Staff and pupils frequently have to
cross without your assistance.
Furthermore, as I am sure that your legal
department will confirm both the County
Council and the School are emanations
of the state under EU law, and health
and safety directives have direct/vertical
affect on both. As such both could jointly
be taken through legal process following
any accident situation, and therefore it is
in best interests of both to resolve this
issue.

n summary, we have a very high risk

situation that we cannot address
without action from the County Council
to introduce a 20 mph speed limit, traffic
calming measures and a suitable traffic
light controlled pedestrian crossing
without delay. I believe that this level of
risk cannot, and should not be tolerated
and as mentioned earlier I would rate the
probability of an accident involving
serious consequences as extremely high.

16

Can you please do everything possible to ensure that rapid action is taken on this
matter; I will gladly assist in any way possible.
R.A.DYKE,
Clerk.
DIARY OF EVENTS

ue to a shortage of space in the main edition, not all of the events could be
added to the diary, here, below is the full list of forthcoming events
St Johns

SJ Coffee and Co

Institute

Quiz

Derwen College

Christmas Experience Night

Chirk Hospital

Christmas Tree of Light

Friday 9th 4-5pm

St Johns

Messy Church

Friday 9th 3-5pm

St Martins School

Christmas Fayre

Saturday 10th10am - 1pm

Chirk Parish Hall

Christmas Craft Fair

Monday 12 at 7pm

St Mary's Church,
Chirk

Christmas Carol Service

Wednesday 14th at 7.30pm

Institute

WR Gardeners:
Christmas Arrangements

Thursday 15th after 6pm

Chirk Bank

Christmas Lights judging

Saturday 17th 10-12pm

Chirk Bank School Christmas Coffee Morning

Room

Sunday 18th at 2pm

Chirk Bank Chapel Carol Service

Thursday 1st 11am- 3pm

rd

Saturday 3 at 7pm
Wednesday 7

th

to 7pm

Thursday 8th from 2pm

th

th

th

Sunday 18 at 6.30pm

St Johns

Carol Service

Thursday 22 11am-3pm

St Johns

SJ Coffee and Co: Christmas Special

th

St Johns

Christingle Service

th

Saturday 24 at 11.30pm

St Johns

Midnight Service

Sunday 25th at 11am

St Johns

Christmas Day Service

25 December 10-2pm

The Centre, Oak

St, Oswestry

Oswestry Open House

19th January 2017 at 7pm

Ellesmere Road
Methodist Church
hall, St Martins

Why Garden Birdwatchers Matter,

3 Parishes Community Wildlife
Group

nd

Saturday 24 3.30pm

th

17

News from St Martins School

Our Open Day and Evening this year was one of the best
attended for some years. Visitors commented that our students
who helped out as guides or subject experts were confident,
self- assured and knowledgeable. What fantastic ambassadors
for the school and the whole community!
Our year 11 students from last year, their families and friends
returned to school for our Achievements Evening, celebrating their contribution to
our family ethos and academic excellence. Guest of honour Mr Sean Lang Head of
S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering and maths) at Moreton Hall was very
impressed with the level of commitment and hard work the students demonstrated.
We wish them all every success in their chosen careers and are very proud of them
and their achievements.
Award winners were:
The Kronospan Award for Geography Jake Riley
The Weston Rhyn Parish Council Award for History - Connie Williams
The NFU/ Lloyds Bank Award for Religious Education Leyla Acar

The Health and Social Care Award Erin Williams

The Diamond Award for Health and Social Care Bethan Harrison
The Paddy Hughes Award for English Abbie King & Nathan Hayes

The Gwynfor Williams Award (Resistant Materials) -Liam James

The Gwynfor Williams Award (Food Technology) - Leah Tunnah
The Sports Trophy Liam Roberts
The Science Trophy Connie Williams
The Brian Case Trophy (French) Oliver McNally
The Longueville Gittins Award (Spanish) Tommy Pickles
The HSBC Art Award Jack Purkiss & Morgane Siebert-Jones
The Juliet Woollam Music Award Abi-Gail Lewis
The Media Award Beth Edwards
The Ifton Drama Award Harry Haynes

The Richard White Award for Expressive Arts Megan Hauton

18

Award for Arts in the Community - Lucy Duncan

The Rhyn Park Dance Award Tom Hebson & Matthew Miller
The Barclays Bank Award for Mathematics Mollie Bott
The Inclusion Award Maia Carruthers
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Award for ICT - Jordan Austin
The Heather Bowyer Award for Learning Support / Independent Study - Lucy Duncan
and William Jones
The Mary Lay Award for the student who made the greatest progress in core subjects
- Tommy Pickles
Student of the Year - Amber Pugh
Governors Award - Awarded by Year 11 to a member of the school community in
recognition of assistance given during their time in school - Ollie McNally
The Jack Paxton Award for the student who has made the greatest overall
contribution to the community - Tom Hebson
The David Hayden Trophy for the student who has achieved the most singular
achievement in any aspect (Dance & Theatre) - Matthew Miller
The Everest Trophy for the student who has made the greatest overall contribution to
the daily life of the school -Megan Hauton
The St Martins Parish Council Award for the student who has made the greatest
academic progress during his or her time in school - Jack Purkiss
The Chair of Governors Award in recognition of contribution to school improvement Mr Jonathan Forster
(Principal of Moreton Hall)
The Lord Robens Trophy for the female student who has gained the best external
examination results - Cariad Maddocks
The Janet Warwick Trophy for the male student who has gained the best external
examination results - Oliver McNally
This years Christmas Fayre will take place on the 9th December from 3pm to 5pm.
There will be fun and games, prizes, refreshments, Father Christmas, carol singing, a
raffle and much more!
We will also be giving you the opportunity to taste samples from our fantastic new
catering team that will be providing our school with their services in January.
We would like to invite you to come along, have some fun and help us raise some

19

money for our school. This years

money will be going towards new
books for our libraries across the
primary and secondary.
We would also like to ask for donations
towards the Christmas raffle and prizes
for other games. If you have a prize or
prizes you would like to donate then
please send in to school.

We return to school on Wednesday 4th

January 2017 and we wish all our
students, staff, parents and the
community a happy, safe and healthy
new year!
Check out our website for news and
updates:
www.stmartins3-16.org

@StMSNews

Editors Note
Students are in good voice as we gear
up for the Christmas performances
with auditions and practice sessions at
lunch and after school. Dates for the
diary:

Christmas Performance year 1-3

6th December and in the evening
on 7th December
Christmas Performance year 4-5
7th December and in the evening
on 8th December
Extravaganza matinee
performance at 4.30pm on 12th
December, evening performance
on the 13th and 14th December
Carol Service 15th December
2pm, St Martins Parish Church
School closes on the 16th
December at 2.00pm

I hope that you have enjoyed this

extended online edition. It is the
committees intention to continue with
it for the foreseeable future. Printing
costs mean that we have to stick to 24
pages for the normal version, most of
the time, particularly now we have
gone over to colour, but the online
version is free of costs, so if you have
any items, anecdotes, photos (colour or
b&w) etc etc that you would like to
share with Weston Rhyn please email
them to Hayley in the normal way at
hayleymarie@cheerful.com
Or direct to The Wren at
westonrhynwren@gmail.com
Making it clear that it is for the ONLINE
version ONLY

20

December

January

SEE PAGE 16

Sun

11:00am

Sunday Service

St. Johns Church

778468

Mon

10:30-11:30am

AM Group (3rd Monday of the month)

Mon

10:30-11:30am

Baby Ballet

Village Hall

688662

Mon

6:10-7:15pm

The Crew

Quinta Sunday School

Mon

8:00pm

Dancing (fortnightly)

Village Hall

Mon

7:30pm

Weston Rhyn Singers

Welsh Chapel

777048

Mon

7:30pm

Selattyn Wood Turning Club

Oaklands

661500

Mon

7:00-9:30pm

Weston Rhyn Parish Council Meeting

Tue

10:00-12:00pm

Watercolour Painting

Village Hall

Tue

2:00-4:00pm

Good Companions

Village Hall

Tue

6:00-7:30pm

MD Warriors (self defence for children)

Tue

12:00-2:00pm

Fairshare Credit Union

The Institute

Wed

10:00-11:30pm

Yoga

Village Hall

Wed

4:00-5:00pm

Baby Ballet

Wed

6:00-7:00pm

Ballet for Adults

Wed

7:30-9:00pm

Gardeners Club

Thu

6:00-9:30pm

Dog Training

Thu

11:00am-3:00pm

S. J's Coffee & Co.

St. Johns Church

Phoenix Group (formerly W.I.)

(2nd Thu of month)

The Cross Keys Function

Room, Selattyn
Oswestry Library

677388

Selattyn School Hall

690511

Thu
Fri

2:00-4:00pm

Discover Shropshire Family/Local History

Fri

6:30-9:30pm

Dog Training

Fri

7:30-9:00pm

Selattyn Youth Club

777344

The Institute

774578

21
Gym Road
Selattyn
Oswestry
SY10 7DL
Professional, family run, peaceful rural location,
luxury heated chalets, special needs and diets,
grooming, games and cuddles, fully licensed and
insured, book early, viewing welcome.
www.gyrncats.co.uk

All tree work & landscaping, hedge trimming,

fencing, patios, logs for sale, wood chipping and
stump grinding
Anthony Roberts
Tree and Gardening Care, 26 Cherry Tree Drive
St. Martins, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EQ
Tel. 01691 770054 Mob. 07725819414
antsgardening@hotmail.com

W.E. PRICE
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
A long established independent family run business
OAKWOOD
SALOP ROAD

OSWESTRY
(01691) 652995
Website: www.weprice-funerals.co.uk
Email: info@weprice-funerals.co.uk
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available

Cantab electrical Ltd

Allun Jones
Telephone: 01978 820026
Mobile: 07989 921630
Email: cantab.electrical@btinternet.com
Cantab, Rhos y Madoc, Ruabon, Wrexham, LL14 6LP

22

For Motorhomes, Caravans, RVs Sliding Panel

Vans, Mobile Homes, UPVC Doors and much,
much more. Bespoke gates are our speciality.

Breakfast, After School and Holiday Club.

Quality child care for children from 3 years of age.
Breakfast Club 8am - 9am (term time)
After School Club 3pm - 6pm (term time)
Holiday Club 8am - 6pm (Tues, Weds, Thurs)

K9gates is a small family run local business.

All K9gates designers are IPO registered.
Recommended Must have product Camping
and Caravanning Club.

For more information

please call Heather on
01691 774701

The Family Centre

Weston Rhyn
Primary School
Old Chirk Road
Weston Rhyn
Nr. Oswestry

When tradesmen wont call...

...because the jobs too small!

Help with childrens disorders, ADHD,

Allergies etc, Paediatrics, Traumatic birth
disorders & womens health issues.
Depression, Anxiety and Grief.
Contact Joy on 01691 718927

Interior & Exterior Property Repairs

Drystone Walling Stone Work
Garden Maintenance Hedge Laying

Tel: 01691 712831

Mob: 07790 153243

Emailinfo@omegahealingarts.co.uk
www.omegahealingarts.co.uk

Toilet Hire, Portaloos, WC Cabins, Toilet Blocks

Services Include:

We Are:

Dog Walking

Fully Insured

Pet Sitting

First Aid Trained

Pet Taxi

DBS (CRB
Checked)

Quality of service is our key to success!

Enquiries
Tel: 01691 772 904

The Village Hall has 3 rooms available for hire:

Parties, Weddings, Quiz Nights, Meetings, Dances etc, with catering facilities and kitchen.
Day and Evening Bookings: Small or Large
Groups, Car Park at rear.

Caretaker Andrew
01691 774012

Day Care
Overnight Stays

Diploma Qualified

Contact us for a FREE no obligation

home visit to discuss you and your pets

23

Plumbing & Heating

Bathrooms
Central Heating
Showers

Halton, Chirk
Clipping, hand stripping,
bathing, scissoring,
deshedding, nails.
Opening hours 9am 5pm
Monday to Friday.
Closed Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holiday.

No job too small:

Keith Payne
The Wern, Weston Rhyn

Telephone 07528 874365 or 777984

Tel: 01691 658165

FacebookThe Groom Room Chirk

W.G. Roberts

Gardening, Patios, Fencing, Decking

Interior/Exterior Painting
Flat Packed Kitchens assembled,
fitted
Wall/Floor Tiling
U N I P A R T N A T I ONW I D E G UA RA N T E E

TERRYS AUTO
REPAIRS
Servicing Fleet/Private
MoTs Petrol/Diesel/Catalyst Testing
Clutches
Engine Tuning
All Mechanical & Electronic repairs
carried out
We will collect and deliver
your car FREE!

LOCA L B R E A K D OW N R E COV ERY F R E E

U N I P A R T N A T I ONW I D E G UA RA N T E E

U N I P A R T N A T I ONW I DE G UA RA N T E E

CHURCH VIEW, CHIRK

Business Support
Programme
Management
Accounts
Computer Support
and Installation
Accounts Preparation
Business Start Ups
Financial Services
Payroll Services
Tax Planning
Auditing

Offices at: Oswestry, Ellesmere

& Llangollen
Telephone: 01691 654545
Email: partners@morriscook.co.uk
www.morriscook.co.uk

24

Mark Adams
Landscape Construction
Tel: 01691 777412 Mob: 07510 399202

Mob 07886 104644

Tel 01691 778171

Walling and Fencing

Pathways and Patios
Hedge/Woodland planting and maintenance
Tel: 01691 658206
Mobile: 07813308557
Email: m_arks@hotmail.com

Oswestry 01691 659596

ST. MARTINS
ALL YOUR SHOPPING UNDER ONE ROOF
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm: Sun 10am-4pm

Repair and Service. S/H units in stock,

batteries tested, supplied and fitted

Bryan & Chris Watkin

Painters and Decorators

Contact
Bryan on 772577 or 07805 344769
Chris on 712843 or 07929 750002

Friendly service guaranteed

25

Telephone
2 2 P l e a s an t V i e w , W e s to n Rh y n ,
O s w e s t r y , Sh ro p s h i r e , SY 1 0 7 T Q

Tel: 01691 773 708

Mobile: 07989 436 655

Mobile

Emergency Plumbing Service

Bathrooms and Kitchens Installed
All Plumbing Requirements
Prompt and Personal Service
(24 hours answering service)

Tel: 01691 773817

Fax: 01691 770153
Mob: 07890 841 504
Email: chrishughes-builders@talktalk.net

26

Telephone 01691 773832

Station Road, Weston Rhyn

Hair extensions
Supplied, fitted &
styled

Beauty Services Facial waxing,

Eyebrow and lash tinting &
Express lashes

WEDDING SPECIALISTS
Sienna X Spray Tanning now available
Find us on Facebook at Celebrityhair Carter
Simon JonesElectrician
Established 1989
All types supplied, fitted and repaired
Remote controls
Prompt, Reliable Service

OSWESTRY
01691
670394

WREXHAM
01978
354669

Part P Registered
No job too big or small

For free estimate call:

Als Property Maintenance

For all your Property Needs
Household Repairs, Electrical, Tiling,
Flooring, Painting & Decorating, Paving,
Fencing
Alwyn Hughes
01691 772790 (Home)
07791 267 457 (Mobile)
aljamar@homecall.co.uk

27

Delivered and placed

Telephone 07947 731995

Chimney Sweep
Stephen Morris
All types of flues swept
HETAS Approved
01691 682418 or
07802 655145

The Family Centre

Weston Rhyn Primary School
For children from 2 years to school age
Sessions run from 12:20-2.50pm
We provide a stimulating early years curriculum and environment
For more information please call
Teresa or Heather on

Septic tank emptying, installation & repair

Treatment plants - emptied, installed & serviced
(Licensed waste carrier)

Construction of new soakaways

Drains cleared, laid & traced
Installation & maintenance of pumps
Camera surveys available
Pen-y-Clawdd Farm, Pentredwr, Llangollen, LL20 8DG

Free estimates and competitive rates

Call Steve on 654597 or
07794 077306

BEAUTIFUL BLINDS AND CURTAINS AT

AFFORDABLE PRICES, FOR EVERY HOME AND
BUDGET. SPECIALIZING IN:
Verticals, Rollers, Venetians, Wooden Venetians
and Romans.
FOR A PROMPT AND LOCAL SERVICE
01691 682480 or 07940 757503
Www.skblinds.co.uk
FREE QUOTES, MEASURING & FITTING.

Modern high quality 6

berth caravan available at
Black Rock Sands
Short breaks September to October
7 days breaks from march to August

Call Penny on 01691 774470 to book

28

Hairdressing and Spray Tanning.

Also eyelash/brow tinting; eyebrow,
lip & chin waxing; eyelash extensions;
manicures & gel polish.
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
Call Krystle on 07866 756973

AVPC Established 2002

TOM ADAMS
FRUIT TREE NURSERY

Specialising in local heritage varieties

Planting & aftercare

Pruning & tuition
Consultancy

TEL: 01691 777 215 MOB: 07776 498 936

tomtheappleman@yahoo.co.uk
www.countrysidecrafts.co.uk

Local specialist in digital UHF and FM

aerials, and satellite installations.
All work guaranteed for 12 months

PC & laptop hardware diagnostics, repair

and upgrade
Virus removal and software help
Internet and wi-fi set up
Data revovery

01691 650679
www.VisionmasterAerials.com

Home and office networking

Qualified computer and electronics
service technician with over 20 years
experience.

NO FIXNO FEE
Call Jake on
07968 351053 or 01691 718247

Dry and seasoned firewood

Pickup/trailer loads: dumpy bags: nets
Delivery available
Tel: 01978 860716Llangollen

Mob: 07703 606139

THEORY
AND / OR
IN-CAR LESSONS

29

GOBOWEN
PHARMACY

Den and Sheila Baines

Shrubs : Conifers : Heathers
Bedding Plants : Roses
Fruit Trees
Pentre House, St. Martins
Oswestry, Shropshire

The Cross, Gobowen

01691 652377

Tel: 01691 772475

OPEN
Aerial Satellite Solutions

Prescription
Collection and
Delivery Service

Tel. 01691 670292

MON-FRI
9am to 1pm
and 2pm to
6pm
SAT
9am to 12

Installation of Digital Aerials, Satellite

Dishes and Digital systems.
Call Brian for a free quote with no
Obligation on 01691 690680 or
07944 990197

E mail: cambrianphamacy@dispense2u.org.uk
Or call in and see us at Cambrian Health
Centre Thomas Savin Road, Oswestry.
Opposite Morrisons

Well Established Local Family Firm

Dentures Repaired
By a qualified Dental Technician registered with
the GDC (General Dental Council)

Birchwood Lodge, Rhoswiel, Weston Rhyn,

Oswestry, SY10 7TA
Tel: Oswestry (01691) 772653

Peter Harling
Mob: 07712 894479 Tel: 01691 770477
1 Hours Service, weekend and evening repairs possible

Telephone (01691) 772462

Edmund Rowlands & Son

FUNERAL DIRECTORS
ELLEMUND HOUSE - FIELD HEAD
CHIRK - WREXHAM - LL14 5PT
Mrs D. HILL, S.R.N., Dip F.D. T.J. MORRIS, B. Ed,
G.J. MORRIS, B.A. Hons, Dip F.D.

Design Landscaping and Maintenance

Dawn Whitley, Qualified Horticulturist

PRUNING AND PLANTING

LANDSCAPING
TREE WORK
GARDEN DESIGN
PATIOS AND WATER FEATURES
GARDEN OVERHAUL