Essentials Mag March 2020 Garden Village/Borras/Acton

March 2020

Your monthly local community magazine

MAG

essentials

EE

FR WIN! Tickets to CASTLE PARK LIVE See inside for details

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

Welcome...

Cover Image: Close-up of a Daffodil

to your latest edition of EssentialsMAG

April Deadlines: Editorial - 13th March Advertising - 20th March

Spring has always been my favourite season. It’s a welcome sight when the blossom appears on the trees and the days start getting a bit longer. The Spring Equinox on 20th March is fast approaching, and not a moment too soon!

We’ve got the local area covered!

Delivered by hand to 4,900 homes and businesses - more than any other magazine in our area.

This month, our lovely friends at Woodland Classroom, who are local bush craft and outdoor learning educators, encourage us to step outside into nature and take our time to notice how much colour there is as everything starts to bloom with new life. It’s an interesting read, and great advice if you’re looking to improve your mental well-being.

Castle Park Live, which is a brand new festival happening down the road in Frodsham this June, have given us two adult tickets to give away. Take a look at the article and enter the competition via our website: www.essentialsmag.co.uk.

Whatever you are up to, have a great month!

All the best, Vicky Heathfield

Copies of this magazine can be picked-up at the following locations: Co-op 175 Chester Road, Garden Village Wrexham LL12 8DW Co-op Borras Park Road, Wrexham LL12 7TH You can also read our magazines online at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk @EssentialsMagWrexham @EssentialsMAG1

It’s your mag too!

Got any comments?

Let’s have them!

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.

Editorial - vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk Advertising - advertising@essentialsmag.co.uk

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.

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

© EssentialsMAG Limited 2020.

Call us on: 01978 855 459

your perfect

10% off with this advert* Free 3D Design | Complete Bathrooms | Quality Guaranteed | Tile Sampling With leading bathroom brands to suit every project, style and budget, you can get what is right for you.

We also offer a FREE 3D design and planning service, so you can see your new bathroom before it’s fitted.

Unit A, Rivulet Road, Wrexham LL13 8DT Tel: 01978 318820 Monday-Friday: 7:30am - 5pm, Saturday: 8am - 12pm

bathrooms.com

Be inspired, go online @bathroomshowroom

*Terms and Conditions: Discount applies to orders placed with The Bathroom Showroom Wrexham inclusive. This offer ends on 31/01/2020 inclusive. Discount only applies to products selected from the current Bathroom Brochure and Tile Brochure from The Bathroom Showroom Wrexham. Discount may only be used at point of purchase in the Bathroom Showroom at the City Plumbing Wrexham.

One per customer. The Bathroom Showroom accepts no obligation of stock availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher, discount or promotion.

Imagery used is for representation purposes only. This offer can only be redeemed by showing this advert at the Bathroom Showroom located at Unit A, Rivulet Road, Wrexham LL13 8DT. Discount is not available for online or telephone orders. All sales are subject to the Bathroom Showroom sale terms.

We can make your business a household name!

Low-cost, local, effective advertising EssentialsMAG publish three monthly lifestyle magazines which are hand delivered 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

from

from

from

from

£32

£56

£96

£160

+VAT per issue

+VAT per issue

+VAT per issue

+VAT per issue

Eighth page 63 x 44mm

Quarter page 63 x 90mm

Half page 128 x 90mm

Full page 148 x 210mm +3mm bleed

Prices are PER magazine, PER month.

For more information call us on: 01978 855459, or email: advertising@essentialsmag.co.uk This publication is printed on FSC® certified paper.

When you have finished reading it please put it in your paper recycling bin.

The Secret Power of a Smile

By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a superpower? What would your superpower be? Flying?

Invisibility? Good news! If you are looking for your superpower, look no further. You’ve got one... it’s your smile. Smiling is your superpower. Smile is universal; from Papua New Guinea, past Wrexham and all the way to Hollywood, human beings use smiling to express joy and satisfaction.

But what makes it a superpower? Let’s explore…

You’re more attractive when you smile. People are naturally drawn to people who smile.

Research has proven that we find others more attractive, likable and even more competent, when they are wearing a smile. Furthermore, the research has proven the popular theory that smiling might cause others to perceive you as being younger than you actually are.

Smiling makes you feel better. It creates a sense of well-being. As a behavioural psychologist, Sarah Stevenson writes in her blog “Each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain.” The notorious party animals’ dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin start whooping it up when you smile. And a bonus: those endorphins serve as natural pain relievers and act as the body's own opiates.

How about this: Even chocolate, a well-known pleasure inducer cannot match the power of smile. British researchers have found that one smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as 2,000 bars of chocolate!

A smile can change the world. Have you ever been in a sour mood and then someone has come along with a huge smile? How did this make you feel? When the person you are talking to or the people that surround you are smiling, you won’t be able to help but smile yourself! A smile is a contagious thing.

Smile at the world and the world will smile back at you. You will brighten the days of those around and make a difference in their lives… simply by smiling!

Use your superpower. Live a healthier, happier life and change the world.

One smile at a time.

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

Hey Google…

By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES We have a Google Nest Mini. A small, round speaker that sits on the coffee table in the living room. It’s always listening for a specific command to kick into action: “Hey Google.” The Nest Mini is part of a growing number smart speakers in the technology marketplace: Amazon Echo (with the command, “Alexa”), the Apple HomePod (“Hey Siri”) and Portal from Facebook to name the main contenders.

Just as the term smart phone is becoming an increasingly inaccurate name to describe the devices many of us rely on each day, so smart speaker is somewhat of a misnomer. Whilst these devices are generally pretty good speakers - in the traditional sense of the term - they’re best functionality lies away from projecting sound into our ears.

(I’ll talk about the Nest Mini from now on, but know that what follows broadly applies to the other speakers too, just with their different commands.)

“Hey Google… ...what time is it in New York right now?” ...what is 200 grams in ounces?” ...turn on the living room lights.”

You get the idea. Ask the Nest Mini anything, and it will attempt to find an answer on the internet and give you a succinct response. Connect it to other devices like a smart bulb, and you can turn lights on and off without even getting up.

As you can imagine in my line of work, not much gets me excited about technology any more, but when I first used the Nest Mini to turn my living room lights on and off, even I felt like Jean-Luc Picard on the deck of the Enterprise!

Connecting online services to the Nest Mini makes it even more useful. From playing music via Spotify, to ordering an Uber.

From current travel times to the latest news and weather, this tiny “speaker” goes way beyond its remit.

I’ve picked up on all the positives in this article; it would be remiss of me not to at least mention the trade-offs. These devices are always on; always listening. The more you ask of them, the better they know you.

They know where you are. Of course, all these things are true of the latest smart phones, but somehow it becomes a little more creepy when your main interaction is in the form of a conversation with a (sometimes frighteningly) realistic voice.

Our privacy is taking a hit for convenience, fun and funny interactions, and a magical quality that makes you feel like you’re actually, finally living in the technological future we have always been promised.

“Hey Google… well played!”

EssentialsMAG tech contributor is David Hughes a freelance web developer Tel: 07595 303418 www.davidhughes.co

Telephone Jim Hough T. 01978

M. 07738

853027 985375

Planning.

Action.

Satisfaction.

EXTENSIONS • RENOVATIONS REFURBISHMENTS • NEW BUILDS We undertake all aspects of construction work and services and provide a professional and dependable service you can rely on.

Boiler Installations / Replacements Complete Bathroom Installations Boiler Service and Breakdown

“TWEC Developments built our house extension. They finished on time, on budget and we are so happy with the final result. We would thoroughly recommend them.”

- VICKY HEATHFIELD

TWEC DEVELOPMENTS LTD 221986

www.totalheatsolutions.co.uk

01691 577 999 • info@twecdevelopments.co.uk www.twecdevelopments.co.uk

Pack Your Bags for a Great Adventure...

By EssentialsMAG travel contributor Anita Kelsey at DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List From the buzzing cities of Auckland and Wellington on the North Island, to the plethora of outdoor activities and hiking trails in the South – there is so much to see and do in New Zealand that will keep you coming back for more. Here's our must-do list for your first trip.

Go on a Milford Sound Cruise Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most iconic and frequented fjords, located on its South Island. It is home to rainforests, the Stirling and Bowen waterfalls and Mitre Peak. A cruise is the most popular way to discover Milford Sound, and trips often include a visit to the Underwater observatory, where visitors can observe rare black coral and other marine life.

Have an adventure in Queenstown Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown has plenty to excite travellers who want to step out of their comfort zone. Thrill seekers can jump off of Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, or enjoy jet-boating on the Shotover and Dart rivers. Adrenaline junkies can also enjoy jet boating, skydiving, white water rafting and other indoor thrills such as indoor sky diving, go-karting and simulation experiences. Skiers will enjoy the slopes of The Remarkables and Coroney Park in winter, while golfers are also catered for with many scenic golf courses on offer. If you'd prefer a more slow-paced adventure, why not take a winery tour, a boat cruise or indulge in a luxury spa treatment?

Explore Rotorua Rotorua is a renowned town on New Zealand's North Island that's well known for

its Maori culture and geothermal activity.

Here, you'll find hot springs and bubbling mud pools in Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley. Many visitors enjoy eco-tours that combine hiking, white water rafting and ziplining, while discovering the Maori ways of life and regional conservational programmes in the area. Learn the history of a Maori village and native skills – from basket weaving to wood carving, and experience cultural performances. If you'd rather sit back and relax, the geothermal activity of the Rotorua Lakes mean that many hot springs are on offer that are totally free to use as spa pools.

Go whale watching in Kaikoura Whale watching is an absolute must if you visit the tranquil coastal town of Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island. Boat trips, helicopter and plane rides allow visitors to get up close and personal with these majestic animals, with different tour operators offering a wealth of options.

Tour guides will also provide an insight into the geology of Kaikoura, and give visitors opportunities to spot other wildlife including fur seals, birds and dolphins.

This is a real must for any nature lover.

Explore New Zealand by camper van Getting on the road is the best way to explore New Zealand. You can get off the

“GETTING ON THE ROAD IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE NEW ZEALAND”

beaten track, away from tourist crowds, meet the locals and soak up some breathtaking scenery. If you are hiring a camper van, make sure that it is well-equipped for your trip, is large enough and does everything you need it to do. If you've only got a short amount of time in New Zealand, drive the Auckland and Bay of Islands loop, where you can enjoy the beauty of the northern coast. Those who make the trip in summer can spend some time on the beach in Omapere. Keep an eye out for dolphins! Another longer route option is to drive from Auckland to Wellington. Stop off to explore the Hobbiton film set from Lord of the Rings, before heading down to the geothermal springs of Rotorua for some relaxing time in the hot mud pools.

Wine lovers can stop off at Martinborough vineyards, before finishing in lively Wellington where there's plenty of entertainment, shopping, nightlife and good food to enjoy.

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises. For details contact: Tel: 01978 853 886, www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE Now also in Heswall, Tel: 0151 363 6115

Time Difference: +13 hours Currency: New Zealand Dollar Flying Time: 26 hours from Manchester Top Tips: Always have extra layers with you.

Savour the country’s seafood Indulge in the world-class wines of the country.

You don’t need a Visa to enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to 6 months, but you will need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel.

Gardening Tips and Advice March - Spring Arrives Spring usually arrives by mid-March and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It's time to get busy preparing seed beds, sowing seed, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up around the garden.

1.

Protect new spring shoots from slugs.

2.

Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes.

3.

Plant summer-owering bulbs.

4.

Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.

5.

Top dress containers with fresh compost.

6.

Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed).

7.

Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown for colourful winter stems.

8.

Hoe and mulch weeds to keep them under control early.

9.

Start feeding ďŹ sh and using the pond fountain; remove pond heaters.

10.

Prune bush and climbing roses.

Information provided by: www.rhs.org.uk

Little Scholars Day Nursery The Centre for the Child, Glyndŵr University, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW

For information about places please contact CATRIN or BECCA

Tel: 01978 314912 littlescholars@activechildcare.co.uk

“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.”

ABRAHAM MASLOW

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

• • • •

Purpose built nursery Dedicated and passionate practitioners Registered to deliver EE and the Childcare Offer Open to the general public as well as students and staff at Glyndwr University • Holiday Club provision for ages 4‐12 also available

Call today to arrange a visit ‐ 01978 314912 www.activechildcare.co.uk ALSO AT: ROSSETT HOUSE NURSERY, LLAY ROAD, ROSSETT, WREXHAM LL12 0HT. TEL: 01244 571872

Roll up... Roll up...

Family Fun at Castle Park Live!

Castle Park Live is a brand new charming and imaginative one day festival set within the picturesque surroundings of Castle Park, Frodsham on Saturday 20th June 2020.

Castle Park Live promises to bring back the nostalgic experiences of a traditional funfair featuring a lighthouse helter skelter, chair-o-planes, ferris wheel, swing boats and more.

Adding to the day, will be exceptional live music tribute bands featuring Queen, Take That and Coldplay, plus more to be announced. The creative and interactive workshops such as circus skills, arts and crafts, moo music and puppet shows will keep everyone entertained with their captivating shows and engaging activities.

And if that wasn’t enough, there will be a wide array of international cuisines to sample alongside tasty cocktails, wines, craft beers and more!

Right in the heart of Frodsham, the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the live music and entertainment that Castle Park Live has to offer whilst enjoying a picnic on the lawn, tasty treat from a vintage food van or an ice-cold beverage from the bar.

WIN!

Win Two Adult Tickets to Castle Park Live 2020

For your chance to win Two Adult Tickets to Castle Park Live (worth ÂŁ33) please go to our website to complete the entry form:

www.essentialsmag.co.uk/castle This competition will close on Tuesday 31st March 2020 at 8pm when one lucky winner will be picked at random. Terms & conditions apply. Good luck!

We remove and control all pests

WREXHAM

Rats • Mice • Squirrels • Moles Rabbits • Fleas • Bedbugs • Wasps Ants • Carpet Beetles • Cockroaches Flies • Moths • Beetles • Spiders and many more!

01948 838 111

DoggyBizzNizz Bespoke Pet Services Pet Sitting•Dog Walking Pet Taxi•Small Animal Boarding www.DoggyBizzNizz.com www.facebook.com/doggybizznizz Mobile: 07488 270386 E-mail: karen@doggybizznizz.com

HALF PRICE 2ND MONTH - QUOTE CODE W01 24 hour access Professionally insulated CCTV security Illuminated sites

EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Easy Fish Cakes SERVES A FAMILY OF 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS

450g potato, peeled, cut in half

1 x pack fish pie mix (cod, salmon, smoked

75g frozen sweetcorn, defrosted

haddock etc, weight around 320g-400g

Handful of grated cheddar cheese

depending on pack size)

1 large egg, beaten

3 spring onions, finely chopped

Flour, for dusting

100ml milk

Olive oil, for frying

METHOD Cook the potatoes in boiling water until just tender. Drain well and return to the pan on a low heat. Heat for another minute or two to evaporate excess liquid.

Mash the potato with a small knob of butter. Allow to cool.

Put the fish, spring onions and milk in a shallow dish, cover with cling film and cook in the microwave for 1 ½ - 2 minutes until just cooked. If you don’t have a microwave, put everything in a saucepan and gently cook until just opaque and cooked through.

Drain the fish and spring onions through a fine sieve. Gently mix through the potatoes, avoiding breaking up the fish too much, along with the sweetcorn, cheddar and a generous grind of black pepper. Form into 6 - 8 patties. The cooler the mash potato is when you do this, the easier it will be to form the patties as the mixture will be very soft when warm.

Pour the egg on one plate and scatter flour on the other. Dip the patties in egg and then flour and arrange on a sheet of baking paper on a tray. Put the patties in the fridge for at least half an hour to firm up if the patties feel very soft. At this point you can freeze the patties, wrapped individually. Defrost throughly before moving onto the next stage.

Heat a large frying pan with a generous glug of olive oil. When the oil is hot, carefully lower the fish cakes into the pan. Cook for 5 - 7 minutes or until golden brown underneath and then carefully flip them over. Fry for another 5 - 7 minutes or until golden on the bottom and heated all the way through.

Trying out our recipe?

Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

This delicious recipe was created by ©BBC Goodfood www.bbcgoodfood.com

Armchair Activism

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF Even if the increasing frequency of extreme weather puts us off going outdoors, there are still plenty of things we can do for the environment from the comfort of our sofa.

Change banks – for the avoidance of doubt, I’m not a financial advisor and so I’m not offering guidance. What I will say is that a little online research can quickly reveal which banks are the biggest investors in fossil fuels. More ethical alternatives are now available, who will invest our money in ways less harmful to the environment.

Community energy projects – if we’re lucky enough to have a bit of spare money, there are growing numbers of community energy projects offering shares. The recent offer from Chester Community Energy is fully subscribed, but there may be further opportunities to invest in local schemes.

Change energy suppliers – switch our electricity supplier to one where all the energy is generated from renewable sources such as hydro, wind and solar power. It may not be necessary to switch supplier, as our existing one may also offer a green tariff.

Online petitions – sign them or raise awareness and help increase support by sharing them via social media.

You can start your own petition using a site like 38 Degrees or change.org or the government’s petitions webpage https://petition.parliament.uk/

Make a donation – in addition to big names such as Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion (XR) and WWF, there are many others such as legal campaigners ClientEarth who need donations to support their work (including guitars from famous musicians). There are many local environmental groups we can also support.

Become a ‘remote rebel’ – many members of XR aren’t involved in direct action and it’s now possible to join online meetings and take on all kinds of support roles from home. Most other environmental groups haven’t embraced new technology to the same extent yet, but opportunities to support them online are increasing.

Tell politicians our views – last month I highlighted a big Welsh Government consultation that’s still active. We can also contact our Community and County Councillors, our Assembly Member or our MP. The Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths is the Welsh Minister for Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs.

If the weather improves and we do fancy venturing outside, Lesley Griffiths and our local MPs Sarah Atherton and Simon Baynes all hold regular surgeries where we can talk with them.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

Based in Lavister, Rossett SERVING WREXHAM & CHESTER AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Nick’s Odd Jobs & That!

•Lawn Cutting & Weeding •Hedge Trimming / Fencing •Painting / Decorating •Repairs / All Odd Jobs Any job considered

Tom’s Driving School TOM BATE APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

FREE ESTIMATES

07715 904130

07960 608084

info@passwithtom.co.uk www.passwithtom.co.uk

nick58103@gmail.com

PLUMBING, HEATING & BATHROOMS

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Foundry Road, Wrexham LL13 7AB (next to St. Giles Church) FREE PARKING OUTSIDE

Tel: 01978 357238 / 01978 264456 E: wrexhamplumbers@btconnect.com

We have a full range of Bathroom Suites & Wall Panels on display OPEN TO PUBLIC & TRADE

T. 01978 352900 We aim to not only please our customers, but to amaze them!

THE HOME SELECTION SERVICE homestyle-carpets.co.uk

DRIVEWAY & PATIO CLEANING Professional, Fully Insured & Trained Local Family Business Great Pricing Domestic & Commercial Over 20 Years Experience Amazing Results Every Time!

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION:

Tel: 01978 352900 Email: info@dsbcleaningservices.co.uk www.dsbcleaningservices.co.uk

FREE home estimates

FREE

professional fitting

FREE quality underlay

FREE

grippers & door plates

Old carpets uplifted & furniture moved Disposal and door trimming arranged if required We will beat any like for like written quotation

CARPETS • LAMINATE FLOORING • ARTIFICIAL GRASS VINYLS • ENGINEERED & SOLID WOOD FLOORING Open 7 days a week Daytime, Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

CALL DAN EVANS FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE WREXHAM 01978 799033 · CHESTER 01244 408966

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Financial News with Hadlow Edwards When the Queen turned 93 on 21 April 2019, she served as a very public reminder of how much longer, as a society, we are living. In her own family, four generations are now all alive at the same time, from the Queen herself down to her latest greatgrandchild. An increasing number of families now find themselves in the same position, which has implications for financial planning.

As a nonagenarian, Her Majesty is far from alone. The number of people over 90 years old rose by 39% between 2007 and 2017, according to a report published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2018.(1) A further ONS report states, by 2037, the UK’s 65 years and over age group could reach 24% of the whole population a marked increase in the 18.2% figure recorded in 2017. (2) Another key theme is how we manage our wealth against the backdrop of a growing generational wealth gap.

For those born after the Second World War and in the 1950s, the economy of their working years was benign and kind to them; but it was less so for those born in the 1980s and 1990s – the so-called ‘millennials’ – who are finding it harder to commence pension planning and to get onto the property ladder. It means many

Warren Hadlow

parents are having to support their children financially well into their adult lives.

While our children are struggling with their finances, our parents are living longer. This has led to an increase in the need for longterm care, which is likely to be financed from accumulated savings, selling the family home or with support from younger generations. A conundrum isn’t it?

Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management provides a range of advice on family oriented financial products and services, enabling families to work collaboratively to support each other across the generations.

Financial support need not be in the form of a handout; it can become an integral part of generational financial planning.

Whether you would like to help your children onto the housing ladder, contribute to a grandchild’s education or wedding, or help your parents with laterlife planning, careful consideration can ensure your wealth works harder for all your family without putting your own security and retirement comfort at risk.

Very often we work with more than one generation of the same family. If you would like to arrange a meeting without cost or obligation please do send us an email or call the office.

Contributed by Warren Hadlow Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited.

Telephone: 01978 311 611 - e-mail: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited is an Appointed Representative of and 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 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms 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

Helpful Tips For Start-up Businesses

By EMMAJANE ALBERTINI There is no perfect formula for starting a business, it’s an exciting new experience but it can also be daunting, here are few helpful do’s and don’ts to help make the road a little less bumpy.

Don’t stop earning. Keep onto your day job as long as you can while starting your new business. New businesses usually take longer than you predict to turn a profit, on average breakeven happens after 12 months in the game.

Don’t go it alone. Everyone needs a support system when starting a new business, if you don’t have a family member or friend that you can bounce ideas off then consider joining a local networking group, this is also a great way to meet local business people who’s services you may need or who could become future clients.

Don’t let your passion dictate. Of course you need to have passion for your new business it’s your driving force, however don’t let it be the main source behind all your decisions. Always ensure that you are making a considered approach, having done your market research, contacted the experts and gained professional advice.

The more informed your decisions are the better and more prepared you will be. You will still need all that passion to drive your business forward.

Do keep it simple. It is so easy as an entrepreneur to getting over-excited and carried away, keep considering how your business is providing a solution and continuously think how to keep it as simple as possible for the user.

Do get legal. Ensure that you understand the rules and responsibilities which come with owning a business and anything industry specific. If you use a local accountants when starting up they will assist you with guidelines when dealing with Companies House and HMRC. Then if there are technicalities within your sector, always seek legal advice if you are unsure.

Do keep it professional. You are the face of your new business and the way that you conduct yourself is a representation of your offering, if you treat everyone on the basis that they are your next client then you can’t go wrong.

And remember - it’s a marathon, not a sprint.There are so many benefits to starting your own business, but if you are thinking that this is a get rich quick plan, it’s unlikely, however with time and effort you can build your own little empire.

Wishing you every success!

EssentialsMAG business contributor is Emmajane Albertini, from Home of Offices www.homeofoffices.co.uk emmajanealbertini@icloud.com Tel: 0800 124 4640

We Can Make Your Business a Household Name!

LOW-COST, EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING & LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Established in 2005 EssentialsMAG is Wrexham’s longest-running and most trusted hyperlocal community magazine. Spanning the North Wales border, the magazine’s regional catchment area offers a wide range of opportunities to connect and advertise with local people and businesses.

To book your advertising space, or to ask for a copy of our Media Pack and more information about how we can help your business grow, please call Vicky on: 01978 855459, or visit: www.essentialsmag.co.uk

The Diary of a Chainsaw Sculptor

By Award-Winning Sculptor SIMON O’ROURKE A Ghostly Tale…

I have completed many commissions that relate to, or are situated at historical properties, and I just love delving into the past to bring to life the people that lived there. Last year I won a commission in Marbury Park, near Northwich. The task was to create the Marbury Lady, a local ghost, said to wander the area.

Back in 1787, James Hugh Barry-Smith inherited Marbury Hall, now sadly demolished. He was a keen traveller, and on his journey through Egypt, met and fell in love with a beautiful Egyptian girl.

He promised her that on his return to England he would send for her and marry her. On his return, however, he discovered his family had arranged a marriage for him, and despite his protests, forced him to take the promised bride. Even though he hadn’t chosen his new wife, he found he fell in love with her and was happy. Then one night there was a knock at the door, and he was shocked to find the Egyptian girl on the doorstep. Pleased to see her, but knowing he couldn’t give her the relationship and life he had promised, he introduced her to his family as a servant looking for work. They continued their affair and bore several children, and on her request, he promised her that upon her death he would embalm her body and keep her at the Hall.

She died before him and he remained true to his promise, embalming her and placing her in a wooden chest at the foot of the stairs in the great Hall.

The chest remained in the Hall up until the early part of the 20th Century when her remains were buried in the grounds of Marbury Park. It is said her ghost wanders the grounds shrouded in mist!

It is an inspiring story, and I decided to create a sculpture with two sides. One depicting life, with the lady as an upright proud figure, the other depicting death, recoiling with a veiled face. My intention was to create it so the viewer could never see both sides at once. The dead oak tree destined to be sculpted was unlike any oak I had carved before, due to the unusually dark colour streaks inside it. This added to the atmospheric look and created effect!

This project was a great excuse for me to go to town on creating drapery, and I was really pleased with the result. There is a video now on YouTube of the process as a time-lapse, which you can find on my channel. Just search for Simon O’Rourke on YouTube!

To see more of Simon’s amazing work please visit his website: www.treecarving.co.uk

F C SP OR O AL EC UR L U IA L S L O AT FF E S ER T S

Ready For Your

Best Ever Clean?

NEW LEATHER RESTORATION - call us for details

Honest and reliable service, with excellent results

Locally based, call Steve on:

0800 170 14 20 www.zerodrytime.com @zerodrytimewrexham

Transform your home with bespoke fitted furniture

At Reflections we specialise in the bespoke design, manufacture and fitting of high quality bedroom, kitchen, offices and bathroom furniture.

Tel: 01978 265 381

www.reflections-wrexham.co.uk

Unit 2, Fairfield, Barkers Lane, Borras LL13 9TP Showroom open: Monday - Friday 9am to 4:30pm with evenings and weekends by appointment

Shooting Star Cancer Support Your donations to Shooting Star Cancer Support has made a huge difference. Here are a few recent quotes from Clinicians and Clinical departments...

“Behind the scenes, the equipment provided by Shooting Star Cancer Support has profoundly influenced the investigation, treatment and follow-up of breast cancer in Wrexham. Thank you Shooting Star Support.

Shooting Star Cancer Support has furnished us with technology that has reduced mastectomy, reduced lymphoedema and reduced the need for cytotoxic chemotherapy.

The Sentimag equipment provided by Shooting Star Cancer Support allows us to find cancers so small they cannot be felt as a lump. These cancers are treated with smaller day case operations with a better cosmetic result. This has been a tremendous benefit to our patients.”

Mr. Cochrane - CONSULTANT BREAST SURGEON AT WREXHAM MAELOR HOSPITAL

“Encor equipment was funded by Shooting Star Cancer Support. It is a breast biopsy kit that can be used at the time of mammography to biopsy an abnormality more reliably than traditional methods. We have done ten procedures under anaesthetic as an outpatient.

These cases would otherwise have been required admission as a day case under a general anaesthetic. They proceeded without complications and produced excellent results for the patients with minimal scar.”

RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

“Shooting Star Cancer Support funded an endoscope cleaner/disinfector for the Outpatients department.This allowed a more rapid turnover of the equipment leading to a ‘one stop’ clinic for the diagnosis of many conditions, rather than having to do the same thing in the operating theatre.These improvements were noted in the Welsh Assembly government peer review. Thank you!”

INFECTION CONTROL TEAM

If you would like to help by making a donation please get in touch. www.shootingstarcancersupport.co.uk Email: info@shootingstarcancersupport.co.uk Charity Number: 1079693

Stay warm this winter with AW AW are your local breakdown and repair specialists, covering all areas of domestic and commercial heating gas, oil, biomass, ground source heat pumps, underfloor heating, solid fuel, catering and air source heat pumps.

RAPID RESPONSE BY OUR DEDICATED BREAKDOWN ENGINEERS

Call 01978 806 075 or info@awrenewables.co.uk www.awrenewables.co.uk

Legal Advice Questions & Answers

By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY. My daughter has said that I should enter into a Lasting Power of Attorney but I don’t understand what such is? No one wants to face the prospect of not being able to do everything for themselves . Whilst in reasonably good heath, we all think that we will live forever and we don’t want to think about the prospect of poor health.

However, this may be masking what may be problems in the future. This is where it is wise to take action now and not leave your loved ones the horrendous problems that could face them, were you to become incapacitated. Age is irrelevant . We could all be knocked down by a bus regardless of whether we are 18 or 81.

Basically, there are two forms of Lasting Power of Attorney. The first deals with the issue of Finance and the second deals with the issue of Health. Basically they are safeguards for any future problems that might arise. You can appoint more than one Attorney but in doing so, you need to make sure that they are “like minded” on what they think you might want at any particular point in time. So, it’s important that you discuss and give them your opinions .

A Lasting Power of Attorney, simply means, that if you weren’t in a position to deal with your own finances, e.g. if you were bed ridden, then your daughter would be able to deal with the same on your behalf and if you loose the capacity to make your own decisions, then your daughter could deal with the same too. In relation to a Lasting Power of Attorney on the issue of health, then this might for example, be a case of dementia. Once a person has lost mental capacity, then unless there is a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, the only other option would be to make an application to the Court of Protection which creates a huge amount of work for your next of kin and then it is the Court of Protection that makes the decision and not your family who know what your wishes are, but would be unable to act upon them. This is a long process and it often causes practical difficulties in the payment of bills and so forth. It can also be a very slow process.

Please be aware that a Lasting Power of Attorney can start at any time you choose.

An application can be filed with the Office of the Public Guardian but it doesn’t mean that you lose control at that stage. You can decide when to operate it. Also you can change your mind at any time, about having a power of attorney and you can enter into a deed of revocation to stop the same. You can also appoint a Replacement Attorney. It is very worthy EssentialsMAG legal advice of consideration, for your family’s sake . contributor is Carol McGuire of Thomas Andrews, First Floor Suite, 5-7 Church Street Wrexham LL13 8LS

SMART REPAIR FOR

SCRATCHES, SCUFFS, & SCRAPES We fix a range of bodywork damage using our extensive smart techniques and knowledge. Our convenient mobile service means we come out to you - saving you time and money!

AUTO COSMETIC REPAIRS SERVING WREXHAM & CHESTER SINCE 2004

01978 364510 07939 010706 A.D.G. ALPINE WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES

The Area’s Most Experienced Double Glazing Company

uPVC Double Glazed Windows & Doors WINDOW & DOOR REPAIRS We specialise in double glazing repairs to ensure your double glazing windows and doors last for longer

All Domestic & Commercial Work Undertaken Rewires • Sockets • Lighting Switches • Fuse Box Phone Sockets • Alarms Outside Lighting Showers • Extractor Fans Trip Fuse Consumer Units

Please keep my number, you might need it one day!

Call us on: 01978 720311 www.adgwindows.co.uk Alpine House, Old Mold Road, Gwersyllt, Wrexham LL11 4AP

T. 01978 851078 M. 07776 477396

www.lukejarrett.co.uk

Homebuyers’ Reports Why are They Important?

By Property Consultant CHARLES LAWSON If you are about to buy a new home, you should have it thoroughly checked out by a qualified Chartered Surveyor first, to make sure you are not making an expensive mistake.

Your new home is likely to be one of the most significant purchases you ever make so you should make sure you know everything you can about the condition of the property before you enter into a contract to buy it. A RICS Homebuyer Report can reveal many issues that may not be clear to you but can be picked up by a qualified surveyor.

If a problem is disclosed and you still want to go ahead with the purchase you will be in stronger position to negotiate a fair price. If you are selling a home, a survey can help secure the agreed price or identify any remedial work you need to do before putting the house on the market.

There are three levels of HomeBuyer Reports: • Level 1 - Condition Report is suitable for conventional homes, built from common building materials and in apparently good condition. It details the building’s condition and lists potential issues and how serious they are and includes a risk summary, building control, planning issues and guarantees for your solicitor.

• Level 2 - Homebuyer Reports provide much more extensive information on the property’s condition and includes a valuation and advice on issues to investigate.

• Level 3 - Building Survey Report is recommended if you are buying an older property or one that is in poor condition or if you are planning major structural renovations or additions. It provides even greater detail than the Level 2 and reports on a very wide range of issues, including an outline of repair options.

Whichever level is right for you, a HomeBuyer’s Report is worth having to identify any number of potentially expensive pitfalls in a property, saving you money, time and stress.

EssentialsMAG property Consultant is Charles Lawson, from Forge Property Consultants www.forgeproperty.co.uk charles.lawson@forgeproperty.co.uk Tel: 01691 610317 / 07873 388119

Local Properties For Sale Please get in touch if you'd like to view any of these properties, or to discuss rentals as investments. Telephone: 01978 312123

Bodwyn Crescent, Gresford, LL12 8NQ Three Bedroom Detached Family House

Churchlea, Rhosrobin, LL11 4RB Four Bedroom Detached Home

£240,000

£290,000

Claypit Lane, Gresford, LL12 8PB Four Bedroom Detached Family Home

Llys Y Groes, Wrexham, LL13 7AG Modern Three Bedroom End Property

£350,000

£170,000

Immaculately Presented Desirable Village Location Open Aspect Dining Room Modern Fitted Bathroom Driveway & Garage UPVC Double Glazed Energy Efficiency Rating 67 Band D

Arranged Over 3 Floors Large Master Bedroom with Dressing Room Large Ensuite to Master Bedroom 'Jack n Jill' Ensuite to Bedrooms 2 & 3 Conservatory to Rear Cul-de-sac Location.

EPC Rating TBC

Three Reception Rooms Plus Conservatory Kitchen and Utility Room Bathroom and Shower Room Attractive Rear Garden Brick Paved Driveway with Double Garage Popular Location EPC Rating TBC

Double Width Parking to Front Kitchen/Diner with French Doors to Garden Additional Downstairs WC Well Presented Freehold Property Convenient Location EPC Rating B84

41 King Street, Wrexham LL11 1HR www.whitegates.co.uk

How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan If a fire occurred in your home could you escape easily and raise the alarm? Your ability to get out of your home during a fire depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

Every household should have some sort of escape plan in place, just in case the worst was to happen. Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan together, ensuring that all the children know the plan and what to do in the unlikely event of fire occurring. Hopefully you will never have to use it, but it’s important to prepare so there’s no delay if it’s ever put into action.

Here are some tips for helping you with your escape plan: • Fire alarms and smoke detectors play a very important role - the earlier a fire is detected the less risk there is to your life - do your smoke detectors work? Check them regularly.

• Identify your exits.

• Identify the secondary escape routes.

• Identify where your assembly point is.

• Keep doors closed this will help to slow smoke spread.

• In a fire you must stay low to the floor to avoid the smoke.

• Feel any closed door on the exit route before opening. If the door is warm, open it slowly, and close it quickly if heat or smoke rushes in.

• Passageways may be completely filled with dense smoke, so everyone should practice exiting on their hands and knees while blindfolded.

• Establish a rule that once you're out you stay out!

• Parents, guardians and responsible adults should be aware that children may not wake to the sound of a working smoke alarm, therefore your escape plan MUST account for waking and evacuating children.

• Make sure all the children know your address in case they have to telephone the emergency services.

• Teach your family about the dangers of playing with fire.

The more familiar you are with your escape plan, the less likely you will panic during a real emergency. And remember, in the event of a fire call 999.

EssentialsMAG health & safety contributor is Martin Griffith, from Action Health & Safety www.actonhealthandsafety.co.uk Tel: 07956 067812

Your Community Noticeboard

TUESDAYS Wrexham Rugby Club 9:30am / 12:00pm 5:15pm / 7:15pm Wrexham Rugby Club, Bryn Estyn Lane, LL13 9TY Telephone Karen: 07749 787671

ROSSETT ART GROUP Members meet on most Mondays between 1pm and 4pm at Gresford Memorial Hall. We are a group of like�minded people who enjoy painting. We mainly paint in watercolours but some members paint in other mediums.

We are not a tuition group; however members are always available to help if required. We have occasional demonstrators and DVD sessions.

We are currently seeking new members to join this well established art group. If are interested then please contact Dennis on 01978 852529.

This is your local community noticeboard... promote your event or class here.

Free-of-charge to charities and not-for-proďŹ t groups and organisations.

Email: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

Make Time for Spring The Spring Equinox is fast approaching, and not a moment too soon. On March 20th the sun will pass the celestial equator into the North Hemisphere. This means that there will be exactly 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night. In ancient times our ancestors would celebrate this celestial event with religious rituals, some of which can still be seen today.

Spring is all about rebirth and reawakening Animals give birth and we traditionally plant seeds and crops, bringing new life to nature. Although we now celebrate Spring with eggs at Easter, originally Druids would bury eggs in fields where crops grew to invite abundance to the soil.

The tradition of Spring cleaning invites in the light and renews the homestead, but our ancestors also spring cleaned their blood with herbs such as dandelion and burdock, believing it would wake up the body after a cold winter. No matter what your beliefs, Spring is a time for celebration and getting ready for the fruitfulness of the year ahead.

All signs point to wildlife emerging from hibernation and living freely during the warmer months. One thing that is noticeable in nature is how much colour there is as everything starts to bloom and pulse with new life.

Make a nature colour pallette When I’m out taking a mindful walk in Spring I look at the colours in nature and how varied they are. Did you know the human eye can detect more shades of green than any other colour, and what better place to find them than in nature itself! There are many more colours then green in nature when you look closely.

I recommend making your own Nature Colour Palette. Take a postcard-sized piece of card and cover it in sticky back plastic, then walk out into nature and SLOW DOWN, taking a mindful approach to exploring your local green space. As you find different colours and shades peel of the plastic and stick samples for you to refer back to. It really can become a work of art. Looking through nature at the variety of leaves and foliage, they may all appear the same shade, until you start looking more closely.

Next time you are out in nature, take time to be present and look more closely, see what colours you notice emerging from the undergrowth and bursting to life around you.

By LEA KENDALL, Counsellor & Woodland Activity Leader www.leakendall.com www.woodlandclassroom.com

Co

ec

Sp

m 10 pl % et e

cl

of ta f

es

ES S RE ENT AD IA ER LS S M GE A T G

r se A r v ir ic co e& n re pa i

BALMUIR GARAGE

Your Local Independent Opticians with over 30 years of experience

We believe QUALITY, SERVICE and PRICE can go together Servicing and mechanical repairs for all makes and models of cars and light vans • MOT Testing Station for cars and light vans • Exhausts, clutches and brakes • Cam belts • 4-wheel alignment • Courtesy cars available

20% DISCOUNT OFF MOTs MOT = £45 on production of this voucher

DON’T FORGET WE DO TYRES

www.balmuirgarage.co.uk

01978 852412

info@balmuirgarage.co.uk 3 Chester Road, Gresford (behind Texaco service station)

Our friendly experienced optometrist’s and staff pride ourselves on providing professional eye care and supplying quality eyewear • PRIVATE & NHS EXAMINATIONS • WECS ACCREDITED • PICK UP SERVICE AVAILABLE • PRE/POST CATARACT SCREENING • PROTECT YOUR EYES WITH TRANSITIONS • FREE HEARING TESTS NOW AVAILABLE • EARLY DETECTION OF GLAUCOMA & DIABETES

17 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NB Tel: 01978 855828, email: gresford.eyecare@gmail.com www.gresfordeyecare.co.uk MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY - HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

Puzzle Page...

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

Loose hood (4) Finding (8) Tell a story (7) Speed music is played at (5) Bitumen (3) Denise van __ : English actress (5) Abatement (5) Answer (5) Avoided by social custom (5) What you hear with (3) Killer whales (5) Concentrated on (7) Smiling contemptuously (8) Associate (4)

Down 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 14 16 18

Buildings (13) Electrician (5) Wildcat (6) Branch of astronomy (12) People in jail (7) Amiably (4-9) Troublemaker (6-6) Fiasco (7) Seabird (6) Supporting frame used by an artist (5)

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

Here are the answers from February:

Classic Sudoku

NEW ZEALAND EVENING 2nd April • 6:15pm • Grosvenor Pulford EXPERT ADVISE • EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

New Zealand is on the bucket list of many travellers.

A country that is split across two islands, and with many contrasts, it is the many experiences on offer that make this destination a must-visit.

Join us on Thursday 2nd April, 6:15pm at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel for an evening with a New Zealand expert who will share their knowledge and expertise about this unique area to help you plan your perfect adventure!

REGISTER YOUR PLACE TODAY! Call us now on 01978 853 886 or email: abbey@delmarworld.co.uk

Tel: 01978 853886 email: sales@delmarworld.co.uk 54-56 Chester Road, GRESFORD LL12 8NE

www.delmarworld.com

EXCLUSIVELY AT