The Newsletter of the Westminster Park Residents’ Association Bringing our community alive

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www.wp-ra.org.uk December 2015 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Issue 67

Chairman’s Piece around the shops. For those interested in our Cultural services, How the year goes! I can't believe that it's In my last piece I said that Paycause Ltd there is also a consultation underway into coming up to Christmas again and you can't (the Company responsible for the proposed the future shape of these. It covers Librar- go round a shop now without carols playing 1300 houses to be built between us and ies, Museums and Cultural events. in the background. Mind you some of them the Wrexham Road) would be further con- We recently met with local community lead- started at the end of August! sulting residents of WP in September. This ers to gain ideas of how the New Homes Westminster Park will have its own Christ- date has slipped - they wrote to me in early Bonus Community Fund allocation could be mas celebration with lights and Christmas October to say it would now be in late No- spent in Handbridge Park Ward. This Fund- trees to cheer up the dark December days. vember/early December. We await their ing has been made available by They will be switched on by the Lord Mayor proposals with interest – keep an eye on West and Council to help communi- at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, 2 December our website for any further information. ties develop infrastructure in their local are- when there will be hot dogs, mince pies and In conclusion can I wish you all an enjoya- as. It is hoped that any new ideas will help mulled wine, singing from Belgrave School ble Christmas with your families and friends create a Community Action Plan for Hand- choir and more. No charge - please come and a peaceful 2016. bridge Park Ward, which will enable funds to along to join in the celebrations! Brian Westcott be accessed from CWaC. We are very grateful to our local councillors If you have any ideas or suggestions, for financial help with the Christmas lights News from your Councillors please contact us: and for the support of our local shops in A formal Planning Application from [email protected] obtaining the trees and providing the Paycause Ltd for the major housing or 01244312492 "goodies". We have a superb set of shops at scheme off the Wrexham Road is still [email protected] the moment with a fresh fish shop due to awaited, but we are already carrying out or 01244671099 open shortly so please support them this background work with Council officers on Once a number of ideas/suggestions have Christmas and through next year. some of the issues that will be key when a been received, these will be added to: http:// Our annual quiz was held on 31 October and proposal is eventually submitted. chester.yourwestcheshire.co.uk/ in order to was a sell-out as usual. Thanks to Sandra for Meanwhile, we have called in to Planning gain views from local residents and groups. the superb supper and the witches, skele- Committee a re-submitted application by Finally, we are pleased that work on the tons and lanterns that decorated the hall, Stewart Milne Homes for 41 houses at the long awaited Theatre complex is progress- and to all committee members who helped end of Sherbourne Avenue. We believe ing well and work has also started on the with the evening. I think everyone enjoyed that this application should be considered new bus interchange themselves and, although we don't set out to alongside the overall larger development Cllr Neil Sullivan and Cllr Razia Daniels make a profit, it has raised nearly £200. anticipated by Paycause Ltd. During the Quiz I was pleased to present In order to address concerns raised by Apology Mary Pole with a gardening voucher for her some residents in Fir Tree Avenue and May we offer our sincere apologies to Councillor work as Editor of the Newsletter for thirteen Cottage Road about on-road parking by Razia Daniels for omitting her name from the years, as well as for her services to the Gar- Kings School 6th form students, we met report on DB1/DB2 published in the September dening Club. Once again Mary has pur- recently with the School and Council Offic- WP News. Councillor Daniels has worked very ers. Students are parking on these roads hard on our behalf to secure the continuation of chased a large bag of daffodil bulbs which, this service, for which we extend our gratitude. this year, have been planted on the grass due to a shortage of on-campus space; we will be meeting again soon to try and re- Dates for your diary solve the issue. Christmas Lights Switch-on We would like to draw residents’ attention 2/12 5 pm WP Christmas lights switch-on Wednesday 2 December, 5 - 6pm to a Council consultation on the Council 6/12 4 pm Scouts Advent Service Come along and enjoy Christmas at budget for next year and beyond. The Westminster Park shops, with music, carols, 10/12 Evergreen Carols & Mince pies Council needs to find significant savings 20/12 6.30 pm St. Mary’s Nine lessons and mince pies, hot dogs, mulled wine and and is consulting on changes to many ser- not forgetting Father Christmas. Carols vices. Anyone who wants to make com- 24/12 4 pm St. Mary’s Crib Service Switch-on by The Lord Mayor ment on the proposals can do so. The of Chester at 5.30 pm 11.30 pm St. Mary’s Midnight Eucharist plans can be found on the Council website 25/12 10.30 am St. Mary’s Parish Communion A festive event not to be and in the Library. missed!

Westminster Park Community Belgrave School Ellesmere Port Music Society Association Belgrave Primary School is pleased to an- Christmas Gala Concert Events at the Community Centre: nounce that we have received our Silver 7.30pm Saturday, 12 December Friday 27th November School Games Mark Award for achievement Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port Chester Riverside Rotary Club in 2014-15. We are now going for Gold! Programme includes: Bach: Christmas Fun Race Night, 7.30 for 8.00pm In order to be “even better” we have estab- Magnificat, Haydn: Little Organ Mass £5 inc light buffet lished a Sports Council, which communi- Vivaldi: Gloria, Corelli: Christmas Concerto Book with Jane on 07804 252244 cates results, takes photographs at events Tickets: Adults £15, Students £7.50, Also check the notice board regarding our and writes sports reports. The school and under 18s free Tel: 0151 339 5225 or monthly Bingo nights. Colin Dollimore local school sports partnership have also Email: [email protected] appointed primary school Sports Ambassa- Chester Model Railway Club dors who have attended training and will Scouts, Cubs and Beavers New members welcome in either 00 or N lead our Sports Council. 18th Chester Scouts, who meet in the Scout Gauge. We will be selling surplus stock before We are very grateful to all the parents who Headquarters in Manor Road, are joining up Christmas and also buying. provide transport to sports events and to with St Mary’s Church for an Advent Service Details from Colin Dollimore on 01244 629167 James Moss and Jane Redmond, the at the HQ at 4.00 pm on Sunday 6 Decem- Evergreen school’s PE co-ordinators, for all their hard ber. Please come along and join us for this Are you over 60 and would like to meet friends work. informal service to mark the beginning of the Music: Christmas season. and have an interesting and enjoyable after- noon? Evergreen is the ‘senior’ club for West- At Belgrave Primary School all pupils in Year 4 are given either a brass or woodwind Deeside Oddfellows minster Park residents and meets every third Get more out of life with the Oddfellows, Thursday afternoon between 2 - 3.30 pm of instrument for the year and have a lesson each week with specialist teachers from the from eating out, day trips, playing scrabble, each month at the Community Centre. Com- travel and the theatre or just a good chat in plimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are provid- Cheshire Music Service. We are delighted that over 70% decide to continue lessons in friendly company. Formed in 1810, the ed. You are welcome to attend as a guest or Oddfellows is a not-for-profit friendly society. join for the year. Year 5 and 6. We also have a choir and school band which Its aims are to help people join together to At our next meeting on Thursday 10 Decem- socialise, as well as provide care, advice ber, there will be mince pies and other festive will be performing at the St Mary’s Centre alongside other local schools at the end of and support in times of need. goodies; the children from Belgrave School will Oddfellows run a regular Coffee Club every sing Christmas carols, and there will be plenty November. Community events at this time of year cheer Thursday at 10.30am at the Oddfellows Hall, to join in with. . 65 High St, Saltney. Denise Turner, District The 2016 programme features a talk on 16 up the long nights. Belgrave is taking part in the Lantern Parade in Chester on the 26 Secretary says, “There’s no need to book January by Barry Hayes, who will tell us about and refreshments are just 50p. We’re a his exploits rowing across the Pacific Ocean, November at 7pm, starting at the Town Hall as well as the Westminster Park Christmas friendly bunch and are always looking for and our AGM on 18 February. new faces to join us, so why not come The Supper Club has flourished and will start Lights Switch-On at 5:00pm on Wednesday 2 December. The school’s pupils will be along, relax, have some fun and find out up again in 2016. We are starting a Book Club what the Oddfellows could do for you.” with Drop-in sessions on the first Thursday of singing a selection of carols and would wel- each month at the Community Centre. come the community to sing along. Membership costs £10 per person for a year. The pupils have also been invited again to The Evergreen Club to sing carols on 10 We look forward to welcoming you along. December. Deanne Garratt, Headteacher Westminster Park Gardening Club Daffodils are such a welcome sign of spring WPRA Subscriptions and the Gardening Club has continued its bulb As you will be aware from the enclosed pay- planting programme throughout the estate. To ment slip it is that time of year when we ask date, we have planted approximately 200 kg of for your subscription of £2.00 to cover the daffodil bulbs, most recently on the green calendar year 2016. Please take the oppor- Call Denise on 01244 675757 or email outside the pharmacy. tunity to join by sending the form and sub- [email protected] You will be pleased to hear that the North scription to any committee member or my- or contact Olwen Bellis (WPRA) West is to get its own RHS garden. Plans have self. Alternatively, the WPRA has a post box been unveiled to create a stunning new gar- in the al dente deli where they can be post- Westminster Park Shops news den by bringing back to life the lost historic ed, so saving on postage. Cheques should Our new fresh fish shop is due to open on 26 grounds at Worsley New Hall in Salford. High- be made payable to ‘Westminster Park Resi- November, stocking a wide range of fresh fish lights will include the restoration of one of the dents Association’. and complementary products, and is taking UK’s largest Walled Kitchen Gardens and a You can pay the subscription for both the orders for Christmas. new schools’ Learning Centre. Called RHS WPRA and the Friends of Westminster Park Garden Bridgewater, it is scheduled to open in (FOWP) using the same form. The FOWP 2019. So, guess where the Gardening Club is represent all organisations and local resi- going for its 2019 outing! dents with an interest in Westminster Park Our 2016 programme will be publicised in the by pursuing discussions with the Council March Newsletter, on the website, via email and helping to raise external funds for im- and on notice boards. If you would like to be provements. Their annual subscription is kept in touch, then please email: mary- also £2 (if paying both by cheque, one will [email protected] suffice made payable to WPRA). All WP residents are welcome to our meetings Nick Ryan and outings. Mary Pole

The information section Friends of Westminster Park anything suspicious to the Police on 101. 2015 has been another good year for West- Adequate security measures can minimize Westminster Park Residents’ minster Park. The new operators of the golf the chance of being affected by crime. Association Committee course and café, Golfstorehouse, have made Make sure that you remove valuables from Chairman: Brian Westcott 675431 an excellent start in reviving the golf course, gardens and vehicles and lock them away. Vice Chairman: Pauline Brown 679823 introducing new junior and corporate golfing Ensure that car doors are locked and keep Secretary: Penny White [email protected] Treasurer: Nick Ryan, 17 Vincent Drive, CH4 7RQ sessions, and improving their range of food house doors locked at all times. If you have 675923 and beverages. The park also hosted, for the a house alarm, set it when you leave your Editor: Jennifer Crew [email protected] first time, the national Croquet Association two property. . Website Co-ordinator: Dave Craggs 682407 -day All Handicap Tournament, at- Please remember, if there are any issues Email: [email protected] Welcome pack co-ordinator: Pauline Brown tracting competitors from across the country. that you wish to raise, the Police and your 679823 Sporting and recreation groups that use the local Councillors hold a Surgery on the first Committee members park - bowls, cricket, croquet, junior football, Saturday of every month at Westminster Olwen Bellis 678719 golf, road running, tennis and walking - have Park Shops from 10.30–11.45 am Sue Britton 677936 reported record levels of participation. I can be contacted also by email: Susan Eva 676697 Richard Lewis The children’s play area and BMX track have [email protected] Sandra Magilton 677373 been hives of activity and dog walkers have PCSO Christopher Fox Rosemary Mason been active throughout the year. The spring Chester Riverside Rotary Richard Short 678559 bulbs and the summer flower displays have Who are we? Formed a year ago, we are Clubs & organisations based in provided a bright splash of colour and the fine an all-inclusive club for men and women of Westminster Park late summer weather has shown the autumn varying ages, backgrounds and interests. Please let the Editor know if any details are incorrect or tints of the trees at their best. For the seventh Our common aim is to raise awareness and if you have a club or organisation that you would like successive year, the park has received a na- money to help others in our area. We have listed. tional Green Flag award for excellence. supported a lot of local charities, most re- Belgrave Badminton Club: Keith 671077 David Guyton cently the Alzheimer’s Society and BIRD, an Belgrave Pre-School: Ashley Middleton Eccleston-based charity, treating those suf- 07761 816891 Glan Aber Tennis Club Bowls: Martin Amesbury 679271 There have been several notable achieve- fering from brain injury. Bridge Club: Nick Ryan 675923 ments recently: we have just been awarded We meet on Wednesday evenings, 7 - 8pm Cricket: Craig Edwards 07765 475095 Cheshire County LTA Club of the Year 2015, at the Handbridge Inn, but there is no com- Croquet: John Dawson 675929 mitment to attend every week. Anyone is Evergreen (Over 60’s Club): Sandra Magilton with additional trophies for Jo Trataris for 677373 coaching and Sue Britton in the Unsung Hero welcome to join us for conversation, listen- Friends of Westminster Park: David Guyton 675978 volunteer category; our adult Men's A and ing to invited speakers and social evenings. Gardening Club: Mary Pole 674439 Ladies A teams finished top of their divisions Thank you to everyone who has supported Healthy Walking Group: Mike Lloyd 680328 our events thus far. Watch out for notifica- Junior Football: Frank Marnell 07801 064211 in the Chester & District League and our mini- and Westminster Local History Group: red and men's teams also won their Aegon tions of upcoming events on local notice- Linda Shuttleworth 679791 Team Tennis divisions. In addition, we have boards, Westminster Park websites, or on Mini Soccer (5-10 years): Frank Marnell raised over £2,900 for Cancer Research UK facebook.com/rotarych4 or Youtube. 07801 064211 For more information, call 07804 252244 Model Railway Club, Chester: Colin Dollimore this year. 629167 Our membership is a mix of adult, student, Jane Monro, President National Women’s Register: Betty McLoughlin junior and mini players. We run regular club 677680 Rotary Club, Chester Riverside: Jane Monro nights, internal competitions, adult and junior 07804 252244 team matches in summer and winter leagues, Shotokan Karate Club: Dave Craggs 07711 009041 a funded outreach programme to local schools St Mary's Church Parish Office 671202 and charities, and a comprehensive coaching Revd Paul Dawson 675199 Tennis - Glan Aber Tennis Club: Sue Britton 677936 programme. Westminster Park Community Assoc: 671243 Pay & Play tennis sessions are on Saturdays Advent & Christmas 2015 at St WI, Handbridge: Secretary Veronica Bull 676865 throughout the year: 09.30-10.00 for 3-5 Mary’s Church, Handbridge SCOUTING: years, 10.00-11.00 for 6-10 years, 11.00-12.00 Group Scout Leader: Sue Jones 675538 for 11+ years and 12.00-13.00 for adults. Our Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December Beavers (Wednesday): Jane Shorthall 682136 New Year group coaching courses will start at 7.30pm Chester Operatic Society Concerts Cubs (Monday): Michael Glass the end of February. Contact Head Coach Jo Sunday 6 December Cubs (Thursday): Christine Owens 676691 4.00pm Advent Service at the Scout Hut, Scouts (Friday): Terry Coe 676734 on 07875 108690 for details. For information Explorer Scouts (Tuesday): Sharon Johnson about the club visit www.glanaber.com Westminster Park

Saturday 12 December GUIDING: Rainbows (Monday): Pat McGettigan 677134 Cheshire Police 7.00pm Jan Modelski Community Orchestra Brownies (Tuesday): Jan Hooper 674701 In my role as a Police Community Support Christmas Concert Guides: Contact the District Commissioner: Officer covering Westminster Park, I have Saturday 19 December Sue Fryer 679945 started producing Handbridge Park Crime 7.30pm Chester Bach Singers Carol Updates sent out via Cheshire Police Alerts. Concert This information service, received by phone, Sunday 20 December WP News is published by the Westminster Park text or email, informs residents about local 6.30pm Service of Nine Lessons & Carols Residents’ Association (WPRA) with the under- thefts, criminal damage and burglaries. To Thursday 24 December: Christmas Eve standing that from the information presented therein, there can be no responsibility as to the receive alerts, type ‘Cheshire Police Alert’ into 4.00pm Crib Service accuracy or legality of the content on the part of Google and register. 11.30pm Midnight Eucharist the WPRA. Views expressed are not necessarily As Christmas approaches, there can be an Friday 25 December: Christmas Day those of the Editor or Committee of the WPRA. increase in thefts and burglaries. Please report 10.30am Parish Communion

Our local businesses

al dente Francis Thomas Fruit Merchants S J Bebbington Butchers of Chester Five Ashes Road, Westminster Park 53 Five Ashes Road, Westminster Park. Tel: 682424 THE DELI Bread  Cakes  Pies  Olives Tel: 680448 Orders now being taken for Christmas! Specialists in locally grown produce  Wine  Pickles  Jams ˜We stock a wide range of finest festive Now available Lots of delicious homemade produce: produce, including: New Season English apples Ready meals, cakes & home-cooked meats Local free range turkeys Yeast and Wessex Mill Bread Flours Christmas goodies available & now taking A range of quality, selected fruit juices, Cheshire cured gammon orders for the award winning Copas turkeys cordials & preserves Award winning sausages

Freshly made stuffing Hampers made to order Christmas trees available from Mature British rib of beef Wishing all our customers a wonderful 1st December & much more Christmas & a very happy New Year Free local delivery for all orders over £15 Visit us instore for any help & advice 01244 675994 on placing your order DAVE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTIAN FAMILY CHURCH DEE SPORTS DIVING SCHOOL For all your photographic needs from Cheshire 67 Brook Street, Chester, CH1 3DZ passports and family portraits to Celebrating the life of Jesus Christ every Sunday 01244 314204 wedding and events morning at Westminster Park Community Centre Scuba diving courses and International 70 Lower Bridge Street 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Diving Certificate Chester CH1 1RU 01244 570205 Water Sports Equipment 01244 344164 www.cfeheshire.co.uk Check out our prices on our website www.davewilliamsphotography.co.uk email: [email protected] www.watersportschester.co.uk DJE ELECTRICIAN CHRIS PAGE PLASTERING Is walking a pain? I offer a complete domestic electrical service. Part EST. 1988 Contact INSTEP PODIATRY P registered. No job too small. Why not try me, an For all plastering requirements including: HPC Registered Podiatrist/Chiropodist experienced professional, for a reliable and friendly Float and skim Nails/Corns/Callus/Cracked Heels service. Call for a no obligation quote and advice: Plastering/re-skims Gait Analysis and Orthotics/Sports Injuries Dom: 07905 468817 Coving/Cornice work Nail Surgery [email protected] Dry-lining /Rendering Ia Moorcroft Mews, High St, Saltney, Chester Tel: 01244 659917 or 07754 884565 Tel: 01244 671226 PLUMBSTRUCT SERVICES SAUNDERS FOR SERVICE PASSION FOR LEARNING Chester based company providing a wide Save up to 50% off main dealer service/repairs is looking for volunteers with between 1½-4 hours range of skills and trades: without affecting your manufacturer warranty. a week to spare, who would like to help young Plumbing and heating – general building work All makes car servicing, repair and MOT children in local schools with reading and learning. Bathrooms and kitchens – joinery – floor and wall Services available from £79.99 inc VAT We are looking for enthusiastic adults who enjoy tiling – guttering and outside drainage – decking – MOT £39.99 the company of children and can bring new experi- fencing and landscaping – loft insulation – Free collection and delivery service ences and their own passion for life and learning to all aspects of property maintenance Free courtesy vehicles; free wash and vac the next generation. Our 1-1 sessions are based

All work insured and guaranteed. on fun and engagement. Our volunteers are City & Guilds qualified Unit 6 Ketlan Court, River Lane, Saltney, uniquely trained, nurtured and resourced. You will Totally trustworthy – references available. CH4 8SB – Tel: 01244 680777 have your own group to allow you to develop a Contact Russ for free quote – www.saundersforservice.co.uk consistent relationship with the children and pro- any job, whether large or small. [email protected] vide them with tailored support. It is an incredibly Mobile 07944 685260 fulfilling opportunity which helps children flourish. Office 01244 679200 A C Ground TEC Prior experience is not necessary. If you would like to know more then we would love Email: [email protected] Established 2001 to hear from you. All types of ground work Call Diane on 07966 404355 or email KEN BENNETTS Dig outs Fencing [email protected] Joiner & Builder Block paving Wall building General joinery, Kitchens, Bathrooms Windows, Tarmac Ponds WALKING AND WAGGING Doors Fascias and Gutters Patios Features Local dog walker who is trustworthy, reliable, fully 38 Vincent Drive, Westminster Park Paving Planting insure and CRB checked. I work on a basis that Tel: 629213 / 07976 801977 Decking Turf laying works around you and your day. Client recommendations and photographs of £7 full hour per dog, £4 half hour per dog. £15 per D JONES previous jobs are available to view day including letting out and tow walks up to 2-3 Property Maintenance Good quality sheds available at discount prices for hours per day. Flat roofs / Tiling / Pointing / Plastering / supply and build Discount for multiple dogs. Plumbing / Joinery / Brickwork / Painting / Decorat- NEW CAT SERVICE – remove the stress of going

ing / Bathrooms / Kitchens / Patios A C Ground TEC on holiday and putting them in a cattery. £4 per All work undertaken Est 2001 day includes daily visits twice a day, feeding and No job too big or too small lots of fuss. Call Dave on Mobile: 07568 324136 01244 679984 or 07707 059717 Tel: 01244 681496 Email: [email protected] Or Mob: 07904 445609 WP News is delivered to 1200 households in the Westminster Park area. The next edition of WP News will be March 2015, so send your copy to the Editor by early February