The Local Magazine Delivered Free to Upton & Hoole

The Heart of the Community April 08

The local magazine delivered free to Upton & Hoole 1 !"#$%#&'#()*+(&,-*%&.$/$0*(#&1-#(&2#3"4*(/&)+&$(&$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)*(#'$6#':-4#" ' 16. Wet Wet Wet ! 17. Gerry & the Pacemakers ! 18. Bangles ! 19. Motorhead ! 20. Haircut One Hundred ! 21. Flock of Seagulls ! 22. Duran Duran ! 23. Iron Maiden "#$%!&'()*!+,'!+-'!./!&+*-'*-000)! 24. Depeche Mode 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

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April 08 The Heart of the Community check out our website

The local magazine delivered free to Hawarden & Mancot

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 • Safe and well checks which they looked after my late Uncle ~ • 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. O ce 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 [email protected] 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

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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 daunting. Many people don’t know where to go or what to do. Are you Single? “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 Sta ordshire provides a searching. condential, safe, bespoke introduction “We interview and vet anyone who wants to meet our member. We ask service to nd 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. Searchmate takes the client one step further with information on body Call 0800 043 1376 language, surviving the rst date and telephone coaching to help give the right rst 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 www.searchmate.co.uk consultation or visit 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 Sta ordshire has its own singles solution. The UK’s largest introduction agency has just arrived with the launch of Searchmate Sta s, 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 Sta ordshire’s Director David Meckin believes the single people of Sta ordshire are more than ready for this innovative service. Call• Safe 0800 043 1376 “There are over 11 million single people in Britain and the number is 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 • Personal widows and widowers want to share their lives with someone rather than remain alone. “All these changing trends have created a huge number of people who • Proactive are alone and don’t want to be.”

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7 garden

ood soil is often the answer to see the food but can’t get it. ther by digging out or spraying Gthe question – why don’t my What to do? Well its simple to get with weed killer. Then spread a plants grow? the soil right for most plants. Com- layer of soil improver over the top Look at your soil from the plants post made from decomposed or- to a depth of 4 inches (10cms) and point of view! If you were a plant ganic matter is what is needed so lightly mix it into the top 6 inches. would you like to spend time in well rotted manure or spent mush- The manure will open up the soil that nasty thick sticky clay or com- room compost (do not add mush- and help it retain moisture making pacted soil which has weeds and room compost if your garden has it an ideal environment for plant moss growing on it? rhododendrons or other acid lov- roots. Aim for a crumbly soil that’s ing plants in it) is ideal. Don’t add easy to dig into. It will also add Many soils already contain the food peat as it doesn’t give soil a good some food and release the locked a plant wants but it is locked up, as structure and it is a declining re- up nutrients making them avail- the soil structure isn’t right for the source. able to plants - yummy! roots to take it up as food. It’s like being locked out of the supermar- Dig and fork over the soil to a spades ket when you are hungry – you can depth and remove the weeds ei- Janet Heath - Garden Mentor

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

hy choose to get married in church in the presence of God. As part of the deal we include a Win church when there are For one thing we need all the help session on marriage preparation. so many other options available? we can get! But more seriously the Couplesgarden often approach this a little Many couples who book weddings church building and the assurance nervously, but the response forms tell me that they feel this is of God’s blessing ﬁts the solemnity at the end of the session have been somehow the right thing to do, and joy of the occasion. invariably positive. We feel that we that they would not feel properly For some cost is an issue. At St should give the space to couples married unless it were in church Deiniol’s Church in Hawarden to be getting married to think about the and before God. (I must add that married it costs a basic £350. This meaning of marriage. There is couples who choose to get married includes an organist. If you would much more to getting married than elsewhere are indeed properly like the extras of a choir and the the wedding day itself. married!). bells, it will cost £510. If you would like to talk more At a wedding we make the On occasions we about being married in church, most amazing do marry people please feel free to contact me. promises who have been of lifelong divorced, but commitment we will want Tudor Grifﬁths to the person to talk about 01244-520091 we love. It is thisbefore [email protected] good to do this hand. Rector of Hawarden

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12 We love it! Fast, Reliable and Efficient

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13 culture

Severenth

ombining a turbo-charged twin guitar attack with earthshaking bass, ballistic blast-beats Cand the kind of throat-shredding screams that cause nightmares, SEVERENTH have developed a mature modern metal sound which switches between aggression and melody e ortlessly, 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 inuences 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

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1975 are suitable for a loft conversion, extend & improve 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 "EEJOHBHSPVOEøPPSFYUFOTJPO 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 UIF CVJMEFST XPSL GSPN UIF outside until the existing wall is knocked through. f you are happy in your house, but get a scheme drawn up and then seek Wiggins Builders are experienced in feel it lacks space or the layout planning permission. Once you have I all areas, from loft conversions to large needs changing, the rst thing to do is approval, you can choose a builder, extensions. We can provide help for decide which areas of the property you prepare detailed paperwork and get every step of the way, from getting the would like to extend and improve. on with the job - the key then is not to plans drawn up, to nishing 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 Before you go ahead with any plans, it’s There are two ways of adding extra living a friendly chat with Jamie and get the essential to make sure the work is done space to your house: home you have always dreamed of by a reputable FMB builder with the brought to life! correct planning permission and building t -PGUDPOWFSTJPOTBSFBHSFBUXBZ regulations approvals. Otherwise, when to create extra room without altering the time comes to move house, you may the external appearance of your home. nd yourself with a few problems. Costing between £15,000 and £35,000, Wiggins Builders are fully insured “Once you are comfortable with your they can add about 15% to the value and are members of the FMB. ideas, make a list of your priorities, of your house. Most homes built before www.wigginsbuilders.co.uk

16 ?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.

If you are happy in your house, but feel it lacks space or the layout needs changing, the rst 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 t -PGU DPOWFSTJPOT are a great way to create into the loft. Again, the builders work from to make sure the work is done by a reputable FMB extra room without altering the external the outside until the existing wall is knocked builder with the correct planning permission appearance of your home. Costing between through. and building regulations approvals. Otherwise, £15,000 and £35,000, they can add about 15% when the time comes to move house, you may to the value of your house. Most homes built Wiggins Builders are experienced in all areas, nd yourself with a few problems. before 1975 are suitable for a loft conversion, from loft conversions to large extensions. We which adds another room or two in the attic can provide help for every step of the way, from “Once you are comfortable with your ideas, space. The work takes about 12 weeks and the getting the plans drawn up, to nishing touches make a list of your priorities, get a scheme drawn builders access the roof from the outside, which such as decorating and tiling. up and then seek planning permission. Once means there shouldn’t be too much disruption Please ring 01244 529522 now to have a friendly you have approval, you can choose a builder, until they break through to build the new stairs. prepare detailed paperwork and get on with the chat with Jamie and get the home you have job - the key then is not to change your mind!”, t "EEJOHBHSPVOEøPPSFYUFOTJPOcan create always dreamed of brought to life! says Roy Ilott from the Federation of Master good practical space such as a bigger kitchen Wiggins Builders are fully insured and are Builders (FMB). or dining room. Costing between £30,000 members of the FMB. 6hbZbWZghd[[ZYZgVi^dc 97BBKIJE7HH7D=; and £50,000, one-storey extensions are more d[BVhiZg7j^aYZgh;B7 There are two ways of adding extra living space ndjXVcWZhjgZd[djg 7ED;&'(**+(/+(( ;C7?B _d\e6m_]]_diXk_bZ[hi$Ye$ka 17 The premier Major alliance with Bill Smith legal team Motorcycles in Chester

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 ampkin & Co are proud to announce that they have been appointed by the famous, almost historic, maximum compensation and give you an extra 10% from the costs we recover motorcycle dealership in Chester Bill Smiths Motorcycles to run the ‘Bill Smith Motorcycles Accident from the other side…Free Phone 08081 782110 L “We guarantee Claimsline’ from their headquarters in St. David’s Park, Ewloe. 110% service at Lampkin & Co Solicitors Estate Agents – ‘One Stop Property Shop’ General Manager of Bill Smiths Mark Smith has considered carefully this alliance and is happy all times” 1% plus VAT is all you pay. Includes disbursements, HIP’s package (payable to endorse the Claimsline which fits squarely with the Bill Smith’s Motorcycle customer care on abortive sale) & conveyancing charges on sale. Full estate agency service policy. including Rightmove, local press & high street presence in Shotton, Queensferry Mark Lampkin and Hawarden. Bill Smith’s Motorcycles share Lampkin & Co’s view that no referral fees should be Solicitor charged by dealers and garages to merely refer personal injury claims to solicitors. This Injured at work? 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 Call us for straight professional true ‘No win-No fee’ advice AND £250 cash up level customer care wish to make it absolutely clear that any of their clients involved front for all claims accepted by us. Why? Because we don’t pay anyone to get your case, we just look after you! 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 Insurance litigation Bill Smith’s in Chester. 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 Thereafter all cases are conducted on a strict ‘No win –No fee’ basis with Lampkin can help you fight back and claim what you are entitled to. Don’t be fooled by & Co showing clients our top quality service insurers rejecting your claim on spurious grounds. from start to finish.

Full repairs, credit hire and replacement Your Family Solicitor clothing can be provided by Bill Smiths. We Wills, Probate, conveyancing, family problems, contract disputes and full covering aim to give injured motorcyclists the best of employment law. Our expert team is on your doorstep to help you with any value when disaster happens. problem. Free 20 minute initial interview (The only conditions are that the case contains an injury of a value in excess of £1,000 and/or Call us now 01244 525725 damage in excess of £5,000) Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

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

RTA110 the ground breaking road trafﬁc accident compensation scheme

Aled House, Lakeside Business Village, St Davids Park, Ewloe, CH5 3XA 19 KITCHEN WIZARD started business in Swansea, South existing fittings and furnishings. Wales six years ago when it was recognised that many There is an extensive range of very high quality doors, people wanted a new look kitchen without having to handles and worktops available, together with sinks, replace perfectly good kitchen cupboards and carcasses taps and appliances to complete the new look. with all of the time, mess and disruption that went with it. In June last year KITCHEN WIZARD were appointed as official installers of ‘GraniteLite’, the granite type The idea of replacing just the kitchen doors and worksurface which fits over your existing worktops, worktops proved so popular with the public for both price allowing you to have a beautiful scratch and stain and quality that it was decided to expand the company nationwide. resistant granite work surface in your kitchen with minimum mess and disruption, and at less cost than That’s where local man Steve Bullock comes in. Steve slab granite. So high is the quality of this product that it opened his KITCHEN WIZARD franchise in the Chester carries a 10 year guarantee. and Wrexham area over a year ago after a long career as a Police sergeant in the South of England and also Professional fitters ensure that your new look kitchen or mid Wales. bedroom is in place with the minimum of disruption. KITCHEN WIZARD offer a high quality, made to If you would like a local representative to call on you measure kitchen and bedroom transformation service at home to provide a no obligation quotation, please where sample doors and worktop swatches are brought call Steve on 0800 032 8756. Lines are open Monday to your home enabling you to compare them with your - Saturday 8am - 8pm.

CALL STEVE ON 0800 032 8756 FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION 20 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! Where do 90% of your potential customers live? .... ASK ABOUT OUR REPLACEMENT LOCALLY BEDROOM DOORS! 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 GRANITELITE Living Magazine.... 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 As market leaders in the fast growing month after month! Your presence will ensure 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 expense. - SCRATCH HEAT AND STAIN month! 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 - NO NEED FOR TEMPLATING month! • 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: [email protected]

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

(Mr Weasley from the Harry the love interest for our young A fairy tale too far? Potter lms) from a goat hero. Now I realise that this is to human form, though merely escapism, but it seemed t always worries me slightly unfortunately an odd premise Iwhen a lm as obviously one who retains and one which expensive to make as this one, his goatish habits I found myself featuring such an array of stars and abilities is questioning (Peter O’Toole, Michelle Pfeier, 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 lm. But the box oce, 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 nding the important qualities potentially scary suspending in oneself and others, of nding moments for the belief. Better true love, of ghting 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 lm’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

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23 pubreview

The route that they have chosen is that of chicken, mozzarella and sweet chilli sauce. It The Red Lion - Bar & Courtyard a chique City wine bar aiming at those that came with a fabulously dressed salad, home want a relaxing drink and meal also at those made minted potato salad and coleslaw. returning home from a hard day’s work. But Seemingly simple, yet perfectly done, very ollowing last month’s excursions out during my stay there was an encouraging tasty and £6.15 for the two which would not Finto the countryside, I thought that this lunchtime trade, but it still deserved more buy a couple of sandwiches in a motorway month I should con ne myself within the attention that it was getting. services. The menu promises an extension realms of suburbia. With this in mind I set of the food range ’soon’ and if this standard I was greeted by a is maintained, it will be worth another look. o for Handbridge very pleasant young to see exactly what Having soaked up the atmosphere, I stepped waitress who was outside half expecting to nd myself in central had been done to a busily polishing the part of my youthful Manchester: still being in Handbridge felt ttings of the already incongruous. If however, you are this side of stamping ground; the immaculate counter Red Lion. From the hazy town looking for a light lunch, you could do in this minimalist, yet far worse. memories of my drink surprisingly comfortable fuelled excesses of the bar. The curmudgeon early 70’s, the Red was in me was immediately a simple, honest to aronted by an array goodness pub with no of beer pumps with pretentions whatever. nothing hand-pulled, Blind Alec’s idea of until I noticed with culinary sophistication stretched to oering relief a Timothy Taylor’s sign. A welcome sight toothpicks with which to attack your pickled anywhere and in this instance, very well kept egg. He was a landlord from the old mould; a into the bargain. seller of beer. My God, things have altered. I know all things must change, but to witness I asked for a menu and realised how far change of this magnitude to somewhere once removed the place now was from the old Red so familiar is to feel the bed rock of one’s life Lion I remembered. The menu was delightfully shifting. However, once I had got over the written, with amusing drink related poems shock and begun to examine the place with and a staggering array of very reasonably a less jaundiced eye, it all began to make a priced cocktails. The food portion however, little more sense. The days of the street corner was limited to several starters and a selection pub making a living from its wet sales alone of lled paninis; further underlining the are long gone. Today food is the passage attempt to create an essentially Mediterranean The Red Lion to survival. If you are situated on the edge ‘café society’ feel to the place. I ordered the of a town oering the choice of dining that soup of the day, which was a (genuinely) 37 Overleigh Rd, Chester does, then in order to make a splash home made cream of vegetable and but for Handbridge, Chester you must be a bit dierent and the Red Lion a slightly heavy hand with the salt, delicious. 01244 679997 has certainly made an eort to achieve that. I followed with a toasted Panini lled with 24 “ 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

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25 winereview tasting nights. range are, the price range to go for, or maybe How do They Do That? what’s unusual and catches your eye. It’s There are also quite a lot of portfolio tasting important to make notes on each wine you fairs. This is where a number of importers taste, because believe me, you won’t be able do get asked a lot how we choose the wines and agents come together and show a to call it to mind afterwards! After several Ifor the shop, so I thought I‘d give you a little range of wines from their list, or sometimes dozen wines the old palate can get very insight into how the shop is stocked. The rst a single agency will show their entire range tired. You see, we work very hard to bring myth to dispel is that we wander around by bringing over all their growers and you all our lovely wines, and make sure that France dropping randomly into picturesque winemakers. Contrary to popular belief, each is researched so you know where each little vineyards and haggling with an old guy these events aren’t a big free for all where one has come from. Why not come and see in braces and wielding a pair of secateurs; it’s everyone gets sozzled and has a party - it’s what’s new on our shelves this month? just not that glamorous I’m afraid. We buy serious business. There are big three foot from a range of importers and agents who high bins full of sawdust by each table, and do all the globetrotting and tapas eating once you’ve swilled and tasted your wine, it for us. If the agency is very large, we have a gets spat and thrown into these spittoons. Scatchards Independent good old fashioned sales rep who bobs in It’s very bad form to over indulge at these Wine & Sprit Merchants from time to time with samples and sales events - it’s business after all. Before you All these wines and hundreds more are bumf, or if it’s a small independent importer, even begin tasting, you need to have your available from Scatchards Wine Merchants we get an occasional visit and a great wealth strategy. There are literally hundreds of wines 19 Charles Street Hoole Chester CH2 3AY of extensive knowledge on the end of a on show and you cannot possibly taste them Tel: 01244 317094 phone. These are all the guys who I regularly all, so you need to sit down with your listings strongarm into guest speaking for us at our booklet and decide where the gaps in your or email: [email protected]

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!

11am - 7pm Tuesday to Saturday 19 Charles Sreet, Hoole 11am - 8pm Friday Chester CH2 3AY Choose the best, choose Scatchards! email: [email protected] telephone: 01244 317094 • www.scatchards.com 26 COMMERCIAL • RE-WIRE SPECIALISTS & DOMESTIC • STORAGE HEATING • SHOWERS • EXTENSIONS • FIRE/SECURITY • 24hr CALL OUT • CCTV systems at realistic prices • Prompt, local friendly service CALL STEVE ON T: 01244 539042 M: 07742 117 067

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27 YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT TAX & ESTATE PLANNING SPECIALIST Devine Mortgages For the highest quality legal advice, look no further than Devine and Company Your local legal advice specialists, able to provide specialist legal The ideal mortgage services tailored to your most speciﬁc needs is not expensive, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRIVATE CLIENT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Sales and Purchases Wills and Probate Sales and Purchases its priceless! Tenancy Agreements Retirement planning Leases and Licenses Remortgages Family law

Right-to-buy Estate planning BUSINESS LAW Caring for your family Independent Mortgage Advice Sole tickets Mortgages Buy-to-let services Equity release schemes Tel: 0151 356 2009 Dedicated Mortgage Advisers, Property management Elderly client Company Law 13 Chester Road, Whitby, Ellesmere sourcing the whole of the market Secured loans Repossessions Personal insolvancy Partnerships Port, Cheshire, CH65 9BE Fax: 0151 356 2007 Why not have a free Mortgage review? We could end up Equity release schemes Long term care planning Corporate Insolvancy & Rescue [email protected] saving you thousands and it costs nothing to ﬁnd out! Commercial borrowing Devine and Co are Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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Not the right time to remortgage? Valuation instruction s an experienced conveyancer, I fully understand the Why not speak to us today about a secured loan? Astrains and concerns of anybody selling a property. I have opened HIPS Direct, to try and cover all aspects of IVA’s Buying to let? these sometimes stressful and time consuming processes – so that I can offer my clients all they need under one Buying your council house? We can even refer you to a solicitor and roof. a home information pack Wanting to re-locate? provider on request I can even refer you to a local Mortgage broker, Financial Adviser or Solicitor depending on your individual needs. Why not call me today, Specialising in taylor made special offer to Local Residents discuss your circumstances, mortgage advice to suit everybody’s and let me tell you how much easier I can make the whole needs and circumstances. process of selling your 10% discount off our fee! Selling your property? property. Telephone 0151 356 2009 You need a 11 Chester Road, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 9BD Home Information Pack* Many Thanks [email protected] fees are only payable once your mortgage has completed. All advice and research is completely free Call Toni on 0151 356 2009 Toni Jones

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. *unless the property is being sold Tel: 0151 356 2009 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 privately and not marketed) First Class Financial marketing group Email: [email protected]

28 YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT TAX & ESTATE PLANNING SPECIALIST Devine Mortgages For the highest quality legal advice, look no further than Devine and Company Your local legal advice specialists, able to provide specialist legal The ideal mortgage services tailored to your most speciﬁc needs is not expensive, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRIVATE CLIENT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Sales and Purchases Wills and Probate Sales and Purchases its priceless! Tenancy Agreements Retirement planning Leases and Licenses Remortgages Family law

Need to release cash from the equity in your home? Bridging ﬁnance Is it time to remortgage?

29 Hoole Lighthouse Centre Millennium Greenway 68 Westminster Road 01244 342955 Community... 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 Cycling for people with disabilities St Werburgh’s Roman Catholic Church D’Biz Coffee Bar (11 – 16 yrs) Thurs, Fri 4 – 5.30pm and tidy! Grosvenor Park Road, Chester D’Biz Youth Club (11-14yrs) Thurs 8pm LIVE, a voluntary group based at New Scene Rev Fr Paul Shaw D’Biz Youth Club (15-18yrs) Fri 8pm Contact the ‘friends’ Youth Centre, Newton Lane, Chester have Times of Masses D’Biz Football (15-18yrs) Thurs 8pm SUNDAY 01244 343055 Ofﬁce hours Volunteered to supervise the use of 5 hand Vigial Mass: 6.00pm at Rowton Methodist Chapel Crossway Colts Football (7 – 11 yrs) Sat 10.30am bikes, a trike and a duet bike at the Youth 9.00am (Sung) Holiday Clubs Easter & Summer holidays 10.45am (Sung) Slimming World Centre for use on the millennium Cycle 6pm Parenting courses please ring for details All Saints Church Vicarage Route, Chester to Deeside (trafﬁc free). MON-FRI 12.15pm Exposition: Friday 11-12 noon Road Ordinary bikes have also been provided SATURDAY Join Slimming World and the facility is free of charge. For more Confession 11am - 12pm Hoole Art Society Experience a world of support Art Exhibition & Sale H.A.R.A. Centre that makes a world of differ- information or to reserve a bike call: 01244 350236 Westminster Road, Hoole ence. Discover Food Optomising Saturday May 10th [email protected] Meets each Thursday from – the no-diet secret of weight www.stwerburghchester.co.uk All Saints Church 10am – 2pm at the Old Girl’s School loss without hunger! 01244 320479 Tues 5.30pm – 7pm Corner of Vicarage Rd/ Hoole Tel: Katie 01244 401637 Toddler Group Road Upton Together A mums,babies and toddler group meets in Hoole Meet on a Hoole united Reformed Church hall on Hoole St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church Monday 10am – 12pm Hamilton Street Methodist Church Plas Newton Lane, Plas Newton Road every Tuesday morning between 10am – 4pm Hamilton Street, Hoole 9.30am and 11.30am The pavilion Wealstone Lane Rev Fr Russell Cooke. Rev Lawrence Hordley. Admission & Parking free Anyone interested in attending should ring Enjoy a cuppa and a chat Rev Paul Taylor BA Times of Masses Gwyneth Lewis SUNDAY On 01244 680445 SUNNDAY Vigial Mass: 7.15pm HAMILTON STREET CHURCH GROUPS Morning Service: 10.30am (Traditional) 9.15am (Sung) and 6.45 - 7.10pm Women’s Own Afternoon Fellowship: 4.00pm (Informal) 11.00am (Sung, Children’s Liturgy) Services: Slimming World MON-FRI 9.15am Wed 2.30pm - 3.30pm - New members welcome 6th - Rev Paul Taylor (Sacrament) SATURDAY All Saints Church Vicarage Road Contact Edith Waterson on 383934 13th - Mr Malcolm Pearson Confession: After Morning Mass and 6.45 - 7.10pm Join Slimming World 20th – Rev Martin Hardy Holy Days.: 9.15am 7.15pm Experience a world of support that makes a world of dif- Chester Community Toy Library 27th – Mr Bernard Bentley ference. Discover Food Optomising – the no-diet secret of Open to all children under 5 1 Newhall Road, Plas Newton, Chester CH2 1SA weight loss without hunger! Meet Thursdays 9.30am to 10.30am and Saturdays 01244 321950 01244 400873 Fax: 01244 409407 Tues 5.30pm – 7pm 10.00am to 11.30am. To book the Hall or Lounge for Birthday Parties, Meetings or Regular [email protected] www.stcolumbachester.org.uk Tel: Katie 01244 401637 Contact Sally Banks on 317099 for further info Events, Contact John Jones on 344583.

30 Hoole Lighthouse Centre Millennium Greenway 68 Westminster Road 01244 342955 Community... 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 Cycling for people with disabilities St Werburgh’s Roman Catholic Church D’Biz Coffee Bar (11 – 16 yrs) Thurs, Fri 4 – 5.30pm and tidy! Grosvenor Park Road, Chester D’Biz Youth Club (11-14yrs) Thurs 8pm LIVE, a voluntary group based at New Scene Rev Fr Paul Shaw D’Biz Youth Club (15-18yrs) Fri 8pm Contact the ‘friends’ Youth Centre, Newton Lane, Chester have Times of Masses D’Biz Football (15-18yrs) Thurs 8pm SUNDAY 01244 343055 Ofﬁce hours Volunteered to supervise the use of 5 hand Vigial Mass: 6.00pm at Rowton Methodist Chapel Crossway Colts Football (7 – 11 yrs) Sat 10.30am bikes, a trike and a duet bike at the Youth 9.00am (Sung) Holiday Clubs Easter & Summer holidays 10.45am (Sung) Slimming World Centre for use on the millennium Cycle 6pm Parenting courses please ring for details All Saints Church Vicarage Route, Chester to Deeside (trafﬁc free). MON-FRI 12.15pm Exposition: Friday 11-12 noon Road Ordinary bikes have also been provided SATURDAY Join Slimming World and the facility is free of charge. For more Confession 11am - 12pm Hoole Art Society Experience a world of support Art Exhibition & Sale H.A.R.A. Centre that makes a world of differ- information or to reserve a bike call: 01244 350236 Westminster Road, Hoole ence. Discover Food Optomising Saturday May 10th [email protected] Meets each Thursday from – the no-diet secret of weight www.stwerburghchester.co.uk All Saints Church 10am – 2pm at the Old Girl’s School loss without hunger! 01244 320479 Tues 5.30pm – 7pm Corner of Vicarage Rd/ Hoole Tel: Katie 01244 401637 Toddler Group Road Upton Together A mums,babies and toddler group meets in Hoole Meet on a Hoole united Reformed Church hall on Hoole St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church Monday 10am – 12pm Hamilton Street Methodist Church Plas Newton Lane, Plas Newton Road every Tuesday morning between 10am – 4pm Hamilton Street, Hoole 9.30am and 11.30am The pavilion Wealstone Lane Rev Fr Russell Cooke. Rev Lawrence Hordley. Admission & Parking free Anyone interested in attending should ring Enjoy a cuppa and a chat Rev Paul Taylor BA Times of Masses Gwyneth Lewis SUNDAY On 01244 680445 SUNNDAY Vigial Mass: 7.15pm HAMILTON STREET CHURCH GROUPS Morning Service: 10.30am (Traditional) 9.15am (Sung) and 6.45 - 7.10pm Women’s Own Afternoon Fellowship: 4.00pm (Informal) 11.00am (Sung, Children’s Liturgy) Services: Slimming World MON-FRI 9.15am Wed 2.30pm - 3.30pm - New members welcome 6th - Rev Paul Taylor (Sacrament) SATURDAY All Saints Church Vicarage Road Contact Edith Waterson on 383934 13th - Mr Malcolm Pearson Confession: After Morning Mass and 6.45 - 7.10pm Join Slimming World 20th – Rev Martin Hardy Holy Days.: 9.15am 7.15pm Experience a world of support that makes a world of dif- Chester Community Toy Library 27th – Mr Bernard Bentley ference. Discover Food Optomising – the no-diet secret of Open to all children under 5 1 Newhall Road, Plas Newton, Chester CH2 1SA weight loss without hunger! Meet Thursdays 9.30am to 10.30am and Saturdays 01244 321950 01244 400873 Fax: 01244 409407 Tues 5.30pm – 7pm 10.00am to 11.30am. To book the Hall or Lounge for Birthday Parties, Meetings or Regular [email protected] www.stcolumbachester.org.uk Tel: Katie 01244 401637 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. Re ecting his aectionate 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.markbardsleyillustration.co.uk 01938 500731 • 07719 538478

1) Australian didgeridoo playing cartoonist 2) This cartoonist brought the girls of st Trinians to life 3) Cartoonist known for his little fat ponies competition 4) The creator of Snoopy and Charlie Brown 5) He illustrated the BFG and the Twits 6) Illustrator whose cat was in a hat 7) Gnasher’s badly behaved owner Send your entries to:- 8) Desperate Dan’s favourite dish Living Magazine. Ofﬁce 159,Gateway WIN! 9) Tintin’s faithful white dog House, 78 Northgate Street, Chester. A unique 10) Paul McCartney’s favourite cartoon bear CH1 2HR MARK BARDSLEY CARICATURE 11) Walt Disney dog with the same name as a planet Don’t forget to include your name and of your friend, loved one or 12) This Nick Park creation loves cheese contact details! Closing date 25th of yourself. Simply answer 13) He drew the Daily Express’s fearsome grandma’s April 2008 14) Creator of the Farside cartoon series We reserve the right to copy winning the following questions for a caricature for publicity purposes. chance to win. 15) Danger mouse’s short-sighted side kick 32 Upton & Hoole

your guide to local events doorstepdiary

Monday Thursday 9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271 9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271 9.30am Parents & Toddlers Upton Baptist Church 377142 10am Men’s Fellowship United Reformed Church 350591 10am - 11.30am Carers & Toddlers New Church, Dicksons Drive 10am - 2pm Hoole Art Society HARA Westminster Rd., Hoole 10.15am - 11.45am Retired Men’s Discussion Group United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591 9.30am - 10.30am Chester Community Toy Library Hamilton Street Methodist Church 317813 12.15pm Luncheon Club (older people) United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591 1.30 - 3.30pm Line dancing St.Columba’s Parish Hall, Newall Road 546286 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 4pm - 5.30pm D’Biz Coffee Bar Hoole Lighthouse Centre 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 6.15pm - 8.00pm Chester Music Society Youth Choirs - Hoole URC Church Hall 300717

Tuesday 7.45pm - 9.15pm 1st Upton Scouts Upton Drive, Upton 9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271 8pm D’Biz Youth Club Hoole Lighthouse Centre (11-14yrs) 10am - 12pm Hoolitots Hoole Lighthouse Centre 8pm D’Biz Football Hoole Lighthouse Centre (15-18yrs) 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 Chester Family History Group meet at County Sports Club, Plas Newton Lane. 6.15pm - 7.45pm 7th Chester Brownies Hamilton Street Methodist Church 317813 Last Thursday in Month. Members £1.20 Visitors £1.50 7pm Slimming World All Saints Church, Hoole 401637 8pm Womens Fellowship United Reformed Church, Hoole (fortnightly) 343632 Friday 7pm Deva Flamenco New Scene Youth Centre 383293 9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271 Slimming World 4pm - 5.30pm D’Biz Coffee Bar Hoole Lighthouse Centre All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Road 6pm 42nd Chester Scout Group United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591 Every Tuesday 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.00pm. Tel: Katie on 01244 401637 - All welcome 6pm - 7.30pm 17th Chester Brownies New Church, Dicksons Drive 7.30pm Friday Club (1st/3rd Fridays) Upton Baptist Church (11-16yrs) Wednesday 7.30pm Play Reading United Reformed Church, Hoole 350591 9.30am Slimming World County Officers, Plas Newton Lane 536754 7.30pm - 9pm 17th Chester Guides New Church, Dicksons Drive 9am - 11.30am Pre-School (Term Time) Newton School, Kingsway West 314271 8pm D’Biz Youth Club Hoole Lighthouse Centre 2.30pm - 3.30pm Woman’s Own Hamilton Street Methodist Church 1st Upton Explorers Upton Drive, Upton 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 Saturday 6pm - 7.15pm 1st Upton Beavers United Reformed Church, Hoole 316231 10am Chester Community Toy Library Hamilton Street Methodist Church 317813 6.15pm - 7.30pm 21st Chester Brownies St Columbas Church Hall 382761 10am Crossways Football Club Hoole Lighthouse Centre (7-11yrs) 7.30pm - 9.00pm 21st Chester Guides St Columbas Church Hall 382761 9.30am 1st Saturday in month United Reformed Church, Hoole Rambling Club Mr A Wise 374347 7pm - 9.30pm Scottish Country Dancing Hammond School, Manning’s Lane 545550 7.30pm Singing for Pleasure New Church, Dicksons Drive 351130 Sunday Chester Rambling & Hill Walking Club walks alternate Wednesdays Tel: 347742 Ramblers Association. Upton by Chester. Contact John Chilton Tel: 377786

Wednesday evenings through the summer cycle rides, meeting at the Town Hall at 7pm, CTC Local cycle rides and events, contact Sue again on 315669 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: [email protected] 33 Chester’s Riverside Walkway by Paul Morris

New sections of a purpose-built promenade are now open to have included the widening of the upstream side by 7ft (2m) in the public alongside the River Dee. Stretching from the Groves 1826 to provide the present footpath. to the Cop Park on Sealand Road, it’s a fascinating walkway, with The Hydro-electric station was opened in1913 on the site of the many points of interest and views, previously in-accessible to the old Dee-Mills on the City side of the bridge to use the excess people of Chester. water created by the weir to generate some electricity. Since The walkway takes in the Roodee, Little Roodee and Crane- 1951 it has become a water pumping Station as rising demands Wharf along the way and was constructed with support from in electricity over the years, meant it was no longer viable. various funders which included the Water in Historic City 3. CHESTER CASTLE - Passing along Castle Drive, Chester Centres (WIHCC) project, a project which is part of the Castle becomes visible on your right. European Union’s interregional programme for North-West 4. GROSVENOR BRIDGE - Passing through the Little Roodee Europe. car park you come under the vast and very impressive Grosvenor The new trail (Groves to Cop Park) is approximately 2miles Bridge. Opened in 1832 and designed by Thomas Harrison, the (3km) and listed here are places/points of interest to help bridge had the widest single span arch in the world. A model you plan your walk and enjoy the rich heritage of Chester’s bridge can be seen nearby in Castle Drive. riverside. 5. THE RACECOURSE - Known as the Roodee - this is the oldest 1. Starting at the Groves, commence towards the racecourse racecourse in Britain and the Walkway trundles nicely around along the Castle Drive. Take in the Weir as you pass, a structure the race-track itself. From here you can view the skyscape of originating from as far back as 1092. Steps were built in later Chester from different points as you pass. years to help migrating salmon pass over this barrier - hence the 6. RAILWAY VIADUCT - After passing through the Grosvenor name Salmon Leap for the ﬂats on the opposite side of the River Bridge onto the Racecourse walkway, you pass under the railway in Handbridge. viaduct at the other end. This impressive structure has a mass 2. OLD DEE BRIDGE & HYDRO ELECTRIC STATION. The of arches dotted all along it as it heads off towards the City, bridge is thought to date from 1387. Alterations over the years alongside the Roodee.

34 After passing under the Railway Viaduct a whole new promenade Lock where the Shropshire Union Canal meets the River Dee. section sees you pass the Racecourse Stable blocks and plush Currently undergoing some renovation the lock was constructed new residential apartments before you arrive at the Old Port in1801. area (also known as Crane Wharf). This was a previously After passing the lock, a short walk onto Sealand Road brings inaccessible stretch of the riverside which was cut - off by the you to Cop-Park. This is named after the bank (cop) which former gasworks, the site now occupied by the stables. is still clearly visible and was raised in the early 18th century 7. CRANE WHARF From the approach to Crane - Wharf you to protect low-lying areas from ﬂooding. A Cheshire Cheese will see on your right the Water Tower. Built in 132 as the New Warehouse stood here, next to the bend in the river in the late Tower to help protect the City from any ship- borne attack. 18th Century. (Of course back then it stood in the waters of the River Dee!) After the Cop-Park - beyond the river bend, it is worth a little The river has long since changed its course and the Wharf was look at the “new-cut” a straight section of the river made from developed during the second half of the 18th Century. Taking cutting a channel through marshes in the 1730’s to aid navigation sea-going vessels of up to 350 tons, the port was connected to between Chester and the open sea. Here on, a newly created the City by a new road (now known as New Crane Street). The path/cycleway extends riverside to Queensferry in North Wales walkway here has been constructed directly above the former (approx 8 miles away). quay and a listed former riverside warehouse still remains. Do enjoy exploring the fascinating walkway, but as ever, by 8. COP-PARK Walk along out of Crane Wharf (Old Port) passing the river, do take care and be safe. Please also note that the the various new riverside apartments, you will pass the Dee- racecourse section is not open on race days.

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