Essentials Mag December 2018 Garden Village

December 2018

Your monthly insight into local living

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www.essentialsmag.co.uk Hand delivered to 4,900 homes and businesses in Garden Village, Borras, Acton, Little Acton, Pandy and surrounding area

Welcome... to your latest edition of EssentialsMAG ‘Tis the season to be jolly and to shop! As we draw to the close of 2018, we are spoilt with a choice of seasonal markets and fairs in the Wrexham/Chester area. These are great places to explore and discover those unique gifts that are individually handmade by talented and innovative local makers and designers.

Handmade gifts are the best! They are often better for the environment and our local economy.

As the nights get longer and the temperatures continue to drop, charities are reminding the public to keep a vigilant eye out for vulnerable homeless people this winter. If you have concerns about someone sleeping rough read our article explaining how to contact the local authority or outreach services making them aware of those people who might need help.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year - from all of us at EssentialsMAG.

All the best, Vicky Heathfield It’s your mag too!

Got any comments?

Let’s have them!

Call us on: 01978 855 459 or email: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Photo: Merry Christmas everyone!

We hand deliver EssentialsMAG to 4,900 homes and businesses in Borras, Garden Village, Acton, Pandy and surrounding area. @EssentialsMagWrexham @EssentialsMAG1

Copies of this magazine are available for collection at the following locations: Co-op 175 Chester Road, Wrexham LL12 8DW Co-op Borras Park Road, Wrexham LL12 7TH EssentialsMAG is published by essentials Mag Limited.

The views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this edition of EssentialsMAG do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

The reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written permission consent of the publishers. Whilst every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in the publication, we cannot accept any responsibility for any error or omissions that may have occurred, or any consequence arising from use of this publication.

All facts and figures are correct at time of going to press. © EssentialsMAG Limited 2018.

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Carol welcomes you to the brand-new offices of Thomas Andrews & Partners at First Floor, Suite 7, Church Street, Wrexham LL13 8LS, which are just around the corner from her old premises, next to St. Giles Parish Church.

Call today and arrange an appointment.

Telephone 01978 291506.

Carol McGuire, Thomas Andrews & Partners, First Floor, Suite 7 Church Street, Wrexham LL13 8LS T: 01978 291506 / E: carolinem@thomasandrews.co.uk / www.thomasandrews.co.uk

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Prices are PER magazine, PER month + VAT For more information call us on: 01978 855459, or email: advertising@essentialsmag.co.uk EssentialsMAG publish three monthly lifestyle magazines which are delivered by hand to 13,600 homes and businesses in and around Wrexham. Our coverage includes: MAGAZINE A: MAGAZINE B: MAGAZINE C:

Rossett / Marford / Gresford / Pulford / Burton / Golly / Eccleston Holt / Farndon / Bangor on Dee / Overton / Penley / Marchwiel / Cross Lanes Garden Village / Borras / Little Acton / Acton / Pandy

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Taking Time Out to Reflect on The Year By essentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KeNNeY

Are you already thinking about new years plans, wishes and wants? Put your foot on the brake my friend! We are all for starting a fresh new year and dreaming big, but all this is much more meaningful when you remember the bends in the road behind you.

So, set aside a block of time, pure yourself a nice warm cuppa and reflect on your year.

Honour the past year by celebrating your joys, mourning your losses or just shaking your head at the wonder of it all.

Here are a few good year-end reflection questions to help you on the way: 1.

What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

2.

What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

3.

Pick three words to describe this past year.

4.

What was the most fun you had all year?

5.

What was your biggest regret of the year?

6.

What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

7.

Who were your most valuable relationships with?

8.

What was the nicest thing someone did for you this year?

9.

What was the nicest thing you did for someone else?

10. If you could travel back to the beginning of the year, what advice would you give to yourself?

Isn't it amazing another year has passed? And here we go again; the earth will orbit once more. Take your lessons, bring your passions and let’s spin again. Only this time stronger and wiser.

Wishing you all the very best, much love and plenty of joy.

Sasha

essentialsMAG motivation contributor is Sasha Kenney, Wellbeing Coach, World record holder, business owner and Motivational Speaker. sasha@fitphilosophy.co.uk

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DESIGN YOUR OWN WINDOW BLIND (worth £250) We are thrilled to announce our latest kids competition.

Are your little one’s budding artists, or do they dream of becoming an interior designer?

EssentialsMAG and GFS Blinds are giving TWO children the opportunity to design their own window blind.

The winners will receive a roller blind up to 180x150cm in size featuring their own design, so, you can show it off every time a guest comes around! GFS will install the blind for you.

How do I enter? To enter and for more details, simply download the competition form on our website (www.essentialsmag.co.uk/winablind) and get drawing. We’re looking for a small print/pattern that can be repeated across the blind, rather than one large picture that takes up the full blind. Good luck!

“But I can’t draw!” you say. No worries – the winning designs can be recreated by a professional illustrator, if required, before they go to print, so we’re really just looking for fun and unique ideas.

Closing date for entries: 31st January 2019.

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Pack Your Bags for a Great Adventure...

By essentialsMAG travel contributor Ann Anglesea at DeLMAr WOrLD in Gresford

Discover the Magic of Lapland It's a storybook setting - snowy branches going by in a blur; huskies working as one and Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen speeding through the glistening snow.

Visiting Lapland is an experience not to be missed, for all ages, creating memories to treasure forever. In the depths of the Arctic Circle lies the magic of Santa and all of his helpers preparing for Christmas Day. Christmas is a very busy time for Santa, but he will let a few very lucky families visit him at his home in rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland.

Visiting Father Christmas in his office, which he likes to call his ‘grotto’ as he prepares for his big journey around the World, is probably the most exciting place in the world for children. Here you will find him and red nosed rudolph stocking up on mince pies and carrots ready to travel over the rugged fells and through the freshly fallen snow; wrapped up warm in his royal red robe ready to brace the icy cold weather.

Christmas is Santa’s favourite time of the year because when he meets his visitors he gets to sing a carol or two (he is a keen singer!) and share a few of his favourite tales.

Whilst Father Christmas’s elves are busy wrapping up all the presents in the elf House, you could be taking an unforgettable husky ride along the frozen

lakes, taking in the breath-taking post card perfect views of the Finnish countryside.

An exhilarating snowmobile ride across the snowy arctic terrain to a remote hamlet is also a wonderful experience. Step inside one of Santa’s holiday Igloos and enjoy a warming glass of Mrs Claus’s hot berry juice to set you up for a fun day of tobogganing and games with Wendy Wood and other special elves. The secret to this delicious hot berry juice is due to the berries being from Lapland- home to the world’s most delicious rare berries.

Be adventures and try cloudberries, crowberries and lingonberries…. rudolph’s favourite!

There is no such thing as Uber drivers in Lapland - reindeer is the best mode of transport. With the same number of reindeers to people - you will never be waiting long for a sleigh ride! Sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Santa enjoys to the traditional Finnish town of Saariselka on his days off, where he enjoys taking husky rides in the breathtaking Urho Kekkonen National Park. With temperatures reaching -40 degrees be sure to wrap up warm. This is a great opportunity to grab a hot chocolate or even a punchy glass of mulled wine to warm up your paws.

“PrOBABLY THe MOST exCITING PLACe IN THe WOrLD FOr CHILDreN”

Woody the elf loves working in rovaniemi because after a long day in the toy factory, he loves to watch the iconic star-filled skies over Lapland at Abisko National Park, in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights.

This is a great place for viewing the Lights because the prevailing winds disperse the clouds before they get the chance to spoil the view. The crystal-clear skies provide a perfect canvas for the swirling ribbons of light… be sure to keep an eye out for rudolph’s red nose glistening in the sky too!

And after a long day of bucket list activities, head back to your log cabin and snuggle up in front of the open fire ready for another day of amazing experiences.

Time Difference: +2 hours Currency: Euro (or chocolate coins!)

Flying Time: 5.5 hours Top Tips: Did you know…. The cold weather in Lapland drains your batteries so make sure you pack extra batteries Be sure to send Santa your Christmas Wish List: Santa’s Post Office Tähtikuja 196930 Rovaniemi Finland

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises. For details contact: Tel: 0845 504 0054, www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR from all the Delmar Team!

News from Wrexham County Council

Free Parking Dates for the Christmas Period Christmas is approaching and we’re reminding you of the free parking days you can look forward to in Wrexham town centre. Our events Team has been really busy arranging all the usual Christmas events with the added attraction of a Christmas Village this year, and to make sure everyone benefits we are able to offer free parking for most of these events.

Free parking is on offer at the times stated below in all town centre council owned car parks. This includes Tŷ Pawb.

Small Business Saturday Come along on December 1 and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, a national event that we in Wrexham have taken part in for several years. Parking will be free after 10am.

Victorian Market and Late night shopping The very popular Victorian Market takes place on 6 December and parking will be free after 4pm. This event will once again see Queen’s Square to St Giles Church festooned with stalls selling a selection of festive treats and gifts alongside entertainment and a traditional carousel. A very popular event which sees thousands throughout the day descend on the town centre.

The December 6 event also marks the start of free parking for late night shopping which will continue on December 13 and 20 when shops are encouraged to stay open late.

Christmas Village A new event for shoppers and visitors this year and a very exciting addition for the festive season. A three-day winter wonderland is planned. We’ll have more information about this soon. The Christmas Village takes place on December 14, 15 and 16 and parking will be free after 10am.

Christmas shopping week The final days before Christmas will see parking free after 10am between December 17 and 24. Don’t miss the opportunity to bag last minute bargains and take advantage of all that’s on offer in the town centre.

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Gardening Tips and Advice December - Winter Frost As we approach the shortest day of the year in December you will need work to keep you warm outside, such as digging and tree pruning. Check your winter protection and if you have a greenhouse make sure the heater is working. Hopefully there are not too many jobs left to do this year so you will have time for some ďŹ reside garden planning.

1.

Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place.

2.

Check that greenhouse heaters are working.

3.

Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing.

4.

Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls).

5.

Take hardwood cuttings.

6.

Keep mice away from stored produce.

7.

reduce watering of houseplants.

8.

Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding.

9.

Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops.

10.

Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted.

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restaurant review Allium Bar & Grill By essentialsMAG food critic SALLY ANGLeSeA Restaurant: Allium Bar & Grill by Mark Ellis Address: Lynedale House, High Street, Tattenhall CH3 9Px Contact: Tel: 01829 771 477, www.theallium.co.uk Cost for three course meal, for two people, without drinks: £50 - £60 ‘Allium by Mark Ellis’ is set within a beautifully restored 19th century townhouse and by contrast, serves up a tantalising selection of BBQ classics. This two-tone, or perhaps I should say ‘layered’, approach is further projected through the design of the restaurant’s interior - homely gingham booths, wide bay windows and softly coloured surroundings welcome you in, whilst vintage chandeliers, ornamental stag heads and writing on the literal wall awaken you to a trendier edge. The combination works, like onion and garlic; gin and tonic; Christmas and weight gain – one complements the other.

Having trained with local Michelin star Head Chef, Simon radley, Mark worked as senior sous chef at Chester Grosvenor for a number of years, before moving on to work alongside Gordon ramsey (although he doesn’t seem to have inherited his intrinsic ability to intersperse every other word with fu…nky language). From there, he’s held the title of Head Chef in a number of highly regarded restaurants, including Peckforton Castle, and I was about to see why…

My friend, Claire, and I visited The Allium on a bustling Friday evening. The bar was lively, the atmosphere was energised and very quickly, our glasses were clinking. Priced at a very reasonable £24, we had swiftly ordered a bottle of prosecco, which Selena, our wonderful waitress, recommended we pair with black currant liqueur. Selflessly, we agreed (well, we didn’t want to hurt her feelings…) and two bottles of prosecco later, Claire and I concurred it had been a very wise *hic* recommendation.

The food menu is satisfyingly simple, with each dish labelled distinctly and without pretension: ‘Pig’, ‘Beef’, ‘Hake’, ‘Dirty’…I’ll let you discover for yourself what the latter means! With stomachs rumbling, we went straight in for some ‘Jumbo Shrimp’ and as an overflowing bowl of deep fried, golden king prawns arrived, I immediately knew this was about to become the second wise decision of the evening. Crispy, light, slightly salted batter surrounded fresh, rose-striped tiger prawns which, importantly but increasingly rarely, had been immaculately cleaned. They were perfectly cooked and judging by both their texture and taste, had evidently been prepared from fresh rather than frozen. They were served with a homemade bird’s eye chili mayonnaise, which was slightly fiery and

For more foodie fanaticism and photos, follow Sally on Instagram: @gingernutsaboutfood

Name Review Ratings: FOOD: 8/10 SerVICe: 9/10 ATMOSPHere: 9/10 OVerALL: 26/30

hugely flavoursome. This creamy condiment was the ideal partner for a juicy jumbo prawn and we happily doused our battered beauties in lashings of the stuff. At £5, the price was almost as delicious as the dish itself, and as a starter, the small portion was the perfect size. If you’d prefer to share, or you just have an admirable appetite, there is also a large option available.

Upon Mark’s recommendation (who, despite rustling up culinary wonders in the kitchen all evening, still found the time to pop out and see us), we then opted for ‘Zucchini’ and ‘T.S.F. (Tattanhall Southern Fried) Chicken Wings’. The slightly spiced, crispy T.S.F coating on the chicken wings soon had them taking flight straight from the bowl and into my mouth.

I ripped moist meat from those bones like an absolute savage and I’m not sorry about it…

Read Sally’s full review of The Allium at www.essentialsmag.co.uk/restaurantreview

To read the full review visit: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/restaurantreview

DINING | BAR | SOCIAL | ROOMS Our vision is to bring you the very best food using local and international produce to recreate the soul food of the deep south, imaginative modern interpretations of classic BBQ and grill classics in comfortable and informal surroundings.

If you would like to extend your visit, why not stay in one of our stunning boutique bedrooms- truly a home away from home.

Allium Bar and Grill Lynedale House, High Street, Tattenhall, Cheshire, CH3 9PX Tel: 01829 771 477, Email: info@theallium.co.uk, www.theallium.co.uk

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EssentialsMAG Tasty recipe

Christmas Pudding Strudel

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 6

250g/9oz leftover Christmas pudding, crumbled 250g tub mascarpone 2 tbsp Baileys 4 sheets filo pastry 25g melted butter Icing sugar, for dusting Cream or custard, to serve

METHOD Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

Mix the pudding, mascarpone and Baileys.

Lay out a sheet of filo on a large flat baking tray, brush with some melted butter and lay another sheet on top. repeat with more butter and filo until you have 4 layers.

Place the filling in a log in the centre and brush the border with butter. roll up to enclose the filling, then brush with the remaining butter.

Can be chilled for 1 day until ready to bake.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, dust with icing sugar and serve warm with cream or custard.

Trying out our recipe?

Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

This delicious recipe was created by www.bbcgoodfood.com

Bridge Between Beauty and Aesthetics By essentialsMAG beauty contributor PUre PerFeCTION CLINIC, rOSSeTT Pure Perfection Clinic specialises in medical-grade aesthetic treatments, and we pride ourselves on our wonderful patients that leave our clinic happy and confident in their skin.

However, clinical aesthetic treatments were not where we started our journey to perfection. But, we think our history makes us even better at achieving amazing results.

Aesthetics and The Beauty Industry Simple beauty treatments seem a million miles away from the innovative technological equipment we use in the clinic today, but our roots started to form in the beauty industry.

We soon realised that beauty wasn’t just skin-deep, and so started our journey of discovery into the world of aesthetic medicine.

Now, we can combat a range of symptoms for our patients’ right at the source of the problem, so there’s very little need to use beauty treatments to mask unsightly conditions.

Whether you suffer from acne, scarring, fine lines, or pigmentation, our clinic helps to correct skin conditions and enhance your natural beauty. rather than hiding your conditions, we strive to have you radiating confidence.

A Deeper Understanding of You However, we haven’t completely neglected what we learned in those halcyon days of beauty. Now, we understand on a deeper level what each individual’s search for perfection means to them, and how we can better help them reach their goals. We know that confidence does not occur overnight, and that each patient brings a varying set of challenges and different ideas of what results they’d like.

At Pure Perfection Clinic, we offer long-term solutions by harnessing technology and science (rather than short-term cover ups) to enhance your natural charm.

Our focus now lends itself to treatments such as semi-permanent makeup, proven clinical treatments, and medical-grade skincare. Our aim is to make you look and feel like the best version of yourself, and we believe you deserve the very finest.

To give you the lasting results you deserve, Pure Perfection Clinic is always pushing itself to be at the top of its game, delivering superior aesthetic results.

Want to schedule a free consultation?

Get in touch today on 01244 917266 and quote ‘ESSENTIALS MAG!’

essentialsMAG beauty contributor is Pure Perfection Clinic in rossett, www.pureperfectionclinic.com Tel: 01244 917259

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How to Survive and Thrive this December By essentialsMAG fitness contributor HeLeN CONWAY December can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. Days are short and cold. There is so much to do as Christmas approaches. But there are things you can do to survive and thrive in this busy month.

Maintain your exercise routine It's easy to let things like your gym routine or Pilates class drop by the wayside. But it's so important that you maintain your own energy levels, both physically and mentally.

Self-care is not selfish, it's essential. We all know the phrase 'you can't pour from an empty cup'. Your workout will create the endorphins that will lift your mood and create an energy that you can then employ productively.

Be flexible However, it's inevitable that something will crop-up and demand you change the routine you've worked so hard to maintain! Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Let go of the stress, or guilt and enjoy the moment. Try not to get frustrated by a change of plan you can always take-up the routine again after the event. Accept that you may not tick everything off your to do list today. But there's always tomorrow.

Breathe If there was ever a time we needed to take a breath, the approach to Christmas is it. This might be the time for you to start a short, regular meditation practice. It doesn't need to be prolonged, or complicated. But sitting for a few minutes every morning, quietly focussing on your breath and simply being still, in the moment, may offer you a clarity that allows you prioritise upcoming tasks to best effect. Or perhaps, meditating before bed to relax and encourage better, more restful sleep, which in turn, will allow you to wake-up refreshed and ready to face another busy day with energy and vigour.

December can be a busy month, but it's full of joy and brightness. enjoy it.

essentialsMAG fitness contributor is Helen Conway from Bodywork Pilates www.bodywork-pilates.co.uk Tel: 01978 512401

“Play is the highest expression of human development, for it alone is like free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” ­ FRIEDRICK FROBEL

We are registered to offer Early Education and combined 30 Hours Childcare Offer

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Why not pay us a visit and see what we have to offer you and your child?

Call to arrange a visit today.

Ian Lucas MP for Wrexham Post Offices play a vital role in the heart of our communities, stretching from the town centre to the various villages and districts around Wrexham. However, the way some branches are being run is changing – and this causes me concern.

More and more Crown branches are being turned into franchises run by WH Smith. What we’re seeing here is a system which benefits a big business, while at the same time unfairly discriminating against popular smaller businesses.

There are examples of this happening in Wrexham.

Three years ago, the Post Office made the decision to move our Crown Post Office from Henblas Street, closing recently refurbished town centre premises, to an upstairs site in WH Smith’s in Hope Street. This new site was accessible for the disabled only by a service lift at the back of the ground floor. I opposed the decision, and arranged a demonstration with disabled constituents but, unfortunately, our protests were ignored and the change took place.

Now, having had the Post Office refurbish part of their shop at public expense, WH Smith will take over the Crown Post Office entirely, including all staff, in the new year. This means that a big, private business is taking over many larger Post Offices, including our own.

This raises many questions.

One is why should a big business like WH Smith have better terms, like the ability to deal with passports, which sub-post masters, like Avi Bungar from Hightown Post Office, whom I visited recently, cannot have?

Unlike the Hope Street shop, Avi’s business runs from the ground floor and has excellent disabled access. I know he is not allowed to deal with passports because the Post Office refused him the terms to do so when I asked. I oppose the privatisation, but, if it happens, we must have fair competition between all businesses, not a sweetheart deal for an ailing big firm which discriminates against a small business like Avi’s.

I hold regular advice surgeries throughout the Wrexham area and also meet constituents at my office on a weekly basis. The next advice surgery will be held at the Expresso Cafe, Unit 4, Dodds Lane, Gwersyllt, on Friday, December 14 (3pm-4pm). Please call or email me if you would like to book an appointment to see me. If you can't make it on December 14, I would be happy to see you another time. Please feel free to get in touch.

Tel: 01978 355743 ian.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

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Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Are you making it up?

Yet again I find myself asking - ‘where did that year go to’? A mild winter, a lovely spring, fantastic summer (well until August anyway!) then all of a sudden the clocks go back, the heating goes on and my rather fetching knee length shorts are a distant memory.

We had a busy one. Our team has grown and along with it the clients we look after. New offices (The Old Brewery) since the Spring and it already feels like we have been here for ages.

Thank you for continuing to read and comment back to us on our articles. Some much more serious ones to come in the New Year - please do let us know if there are any particular topics or areas you would like us to cover.

For now, with absolutely no guarantees of accuracy - a few Christmas and money odds and ends as follows: Under the heading of ‘How Much?’ - how about the present everyone must have this year? Hand cut ice cubes. Available in the US at present for just £250 equivalent - for a bag of just 50 cubes! Now I like a G&T but!

Or... the fan of Sharon Stone who bid $50,000 at a charity auction for... a kiss. Good cause.

Great kiss. I hope.

Here’s one that makes you think (and is true!).

Globally, gambling now has a bigger turnover than movies, spectator sports, cruise ships and the recorded music industry - added together.

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn edwards

Then there’s some very odd Christmas traditions around world such as: • In Germany you hang a Green Pickle on the tree. Whoever spots it first - will have a year of good luck. (Unless you are one of those people supporting global bookmakers above I guess!).

• In Iceland they have the ‘Yule Cat’ that legend has it stalks around the place devouring people who haven’t worked hard in the previous year. Hmm...!

• In Japan a famous fried chicken brand (there are others available) launched in 1974 an advertising campaign suggesting chicken was THe choice for Christmas dinner in the West. every restaurant will already be fully booked for this year- and Christmas Day is not even a national holiday of course.

• In Sweden this year it is anticipated that 40% of the country will sit down at 3pm on Christmas Day to watch... this year’s Donald Duck Cartoon Christmas Special. Started in 1958 and it grows in popularity every year.

Now you couldn’t make that up!

Wherever you are, whatever you are watching or doing - we hope it’s with friends, family and loved ones.

Our best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and great 2019.

The whole team at Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management. xx

Contributed by Warren Hadlow & Medwyn Edwards, Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited.

Telephone: 01978 311 611 - e-mail: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products The title `Partner Practice' is the marketing term used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

PRinciPal PaRtneR PRactice oF st. James's Place WealtH management

• RetiRement Planning • moRtgages • tax Planning • investment Planning • sPecialist insuRance

at Hadlow edwards we offer a distinctive approach to our clients and their financial affairs.

You get all the benefits of personal attention and years of experience from an approachable, friendly team of professionals. We take care of the details and take away the frustration of financial planning.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

HADLOW EDWARDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD chartered Financial Planners

Telephone: 01978 311 611

email: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

News from Wrexham County Council

Looking After Rough Sleepers in Cold Weather We know a lot of people become concerned for rough sleepers when the weather turns harsher and colder. And a lot of people want to know what we do to ensure there’s proper shelter in place for homeless service users, and support from the right services. That’s why we have our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol – or SWEP. What is the SWEP, and how does it work?

The SWEP is triggered whenever we spot below zero temperatures are on the way.

Once the SWEP is triggered, our outreach workers will do everything they can to get the message out to known service users who are sleeping rough, or visit areas where we know people are sleeping rough.

Our housing options team will then try to accommodate all those rough sleepers who ask for help by directing them to Tŷ Nos, the night shelter run by Clwyd Alyn. even if they can’t stay at Tŷ Nos – for example, if all of the beds are already full – staff there will advise them where else they can go and arrange transport if necessary. We’d then get in touch with service users the following morning to offer further assessments and support.

How can I help?

If you have concerns about someone sleeping rough, you can visit the StreetLink website, www.streetlink.org.uk, or download their app. StreetLink allows users to alert agencies of people who might be sleeping rough, just by providing a few key details, which are then sent to local authorities or outreach services. Alternatively, you can also get in touch with our housing options team during office hours on 01978 292947, or the out-of-hours homelessness service on 01978 264240. Any one of these options will make our teams of aware of those people who might need our help. even if the SWEP hasn’t been activated, Tŷ Nos will provide support and items such as gloves, blankets, sleeping bags to all those who approach the shelter for help.

If you want to donate, items such as sleeping bags and blankets can be donated at The Wrexham Foyer, Crescent Road, Wrexham, LL13 8HF. Photograph ©Shutterstock.com

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Great Day Out - Submerge Yourself in the Merseyside Maritime Museum Take a trip down Merseyside’s maritime memory lane, with the Dock’s Maritime Museum. Home to original artifacts from the ill-fated Titanic, grand reconstructions of ocean liners from bygone times.

Liverpool’s heritage is rooted in its maritime history. Once one of the biggest sea ports in the world, the city owes its success to its seafaring past.

The Merseyside Maritime Museum takes you on a trip through time, from the Titanic, to the lives lost on rMS Lusitania, and the history of the Albert Dock, itself. The Merseyside Maritime Museum is also home to the International Slavery Museum, which highlights the importance of slavery, both contemporary and historically, and acts as a beacon of awareness for the legacy of the slave trade.

Entrance fee: Free!

Opening Times: Open daily from 10am-5pm.

Quayside Café: Located on the ground floor, the Café offers great views looking out over the royal Albert Dock, with seating inside and outside on the Colonnades. You can choose from a selection of light bites including soup and pastries, alongside a selection of freshlymade sandwiches, cakes and biscuits, snacks and hot and cold drinks.

Maritime Dining Room: Situated on the top floor of Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Maritime Dining room offers modern, locally-sourced food, all freshly-made by a team of talented in-house chefs. You can enjoy a fantastic range of dishes while admiring stunning views of the royal Albert Dock and Liverpool waterfront. Our afternoon tea and Sunday roasts are particularly popular. To book please call 0151 478 4056.

Accessibility: There are two ramped accesses and a lift to all floors. There is access to every floor but due to evacuation procedures we have restrictions for the number of wheelchair users on each floor at any one time. Adapted toilet facilities available.

Merseyside Maritime Museum, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ Telephone: 0151 478 4499 www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime

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RSPCA - Have an Animal Friendly Christmas We all love Christmas! But, whilst we're busy getting wrapped up in the festive fun, we may forget to think about the effect Christmas can have on our pets and other animals too.

Christmas is great! There are presents, fantastic food and we get to spend time with family and friends. But, did you know that Christmas food can be hazardous for your pets?

Festive food can be poisonous to pets Festive food is delicious to us but to our pets much of it is highly toxic and dangerous. Take a look at the list below to ensure you're not giving treats that can make your pet unwell: • • • • • •

Chocolate Mince pies Christmas pudding Onion gravy Alcohol Bones from carcasses are a dangerous choking hazard.

What Christmas food can pets eat?

Skinless and boneless white meat such as turkey is okay for dogs and cats, but be careful that it's not covered in fat, salt or gravy. It's best to keep to your pets eating their appropriate food.

Helping pets feel calm at Christmas • Try to keep food, exercise, bed and toilet break routines the same as consistency can help pets feel more secure.

• If you have guests coming over, let your pet meet people at their own pace.

• Give them somewhere cosy and quiet to retreat to, away from all the excitement, where they won’t be disturbed by anyone. Leave toys there to help them associate the area with positive experiences.

• For cats, you can also give some hideyholes to retreat to in case they feel unsure. Try on top of wardrobes or under furniture – even cardboard boxes can make good hiding places.

• Christmas is a busy time and there’s a lot to do and people to see, be careful about leaving your pet alone for any period which might cause them distress.

• If you’re spending Christmas day with friends or family and your dog is coming with you, take something which smells familiar, like their bed, to help them feel secure. Take some of their toys and chews to help keep them entertained.

For more information visit: www.rspca.org.uk

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Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun Crossword Across 1 3 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19 20 21 22

Sweet dessert (4) Relating to time (8) Love; genre of fiction (7) Move from one place to another (5) Top (anag) (3) Question intensely (5) Armature of an electric motor (5) Managed (5) Our planet (5) Rocky peak (3) Expect; think that (5) __ Bedingfield: musician (7) Ability to meet liabilities (8) Grain that grows into a new plant (4)

Down 1 2 4 5 6 7

Period of the Paleozoic era (13) Tidily kept (5) Small hole (6) Person studying after a first degree (12) Dried grapes (7) The __ / __ : Fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen (6,7) 8 Perform below expectation (12) 14 Pertaining to warfare (7) 16 Meal eaten in the fresh air (6) 18 Sense experience (5)

If you want to ďŹ nd out the answers they will be published in next month’s edition.

Here are the answers from November:

Classic Sudoku

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