Essentials Mag December 2015 Bangor

MAG DECEMBER 2015 • DELIVERED FREE

YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOC AL LIVING COVERING BANGOR ON DEE, OVERTON, CROSS LANES AND SURROUNDING AREA S

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essentialsMAG CHRISTMAS EVENTS

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

in Wrexham

DISCLAIMER

THE BUCK IS BACK The Buck House Hotel reopens

SPEED WATCH Volunteers needed

MARCHWIEL VILLAGE HALL

The opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this issue of essentialsMAG are not necessarily the views held by the editors

All facts and figures are correct at time of going to press

Whilst every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in this publication, we cannot accept any responsibility for any error or omissions that may have occurred

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Front cover image of a red Robin.

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Welcome

editor’s LETTER It's difficult to feel festive with what's happening in the world, and I'm sure you will all gather that I'm referring to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, and the Russian plane disaster. I am wondering what kind of world we live in more than ever, and did contemplate avoiding busy places for the immediate future, or at least until the world feels a safer place, in a moment of worry. However, I have decided that I will not let recent events affect how I live my life, as I'm sure many of you will agree.

I was pleased to see Wrexham town centre seemed busy last weekend whilst I was out and about, with plenty of Christmas shoppers making a start on their shopping.

I presume, no doubt, having just been paid.

Retail is hard enough as an independent business without people being put off to go out and shop. It would be too easy to sit at your laptop and order everything for Christmas online, but I'm not sure that has quite the same effect getting you in the

Telephone 01244 571602 email jill@essentialsmag.co.uk Christmas spirit as browsing in shops and hearing the Christmas music in the back ground. Mind you that's the world we live in now, everything at the touch of a button!

Christmas is normally a quiet affair for me, my sister used to do a Christmas Eve buffet and a traditional meal on Christmas Day for the immediate family. Now I have taken on the responsibility of Christmas Eve, and have the lovely dilemma of finding a meal suitable for children and adults alike. I thought I'd cracked it, everyone seemed to approve of crispy duck pancakes (and I can always cheat and go to the Chinese if I don't want to cook my own), and then I spoke to my Step Dad who said he couldn't be bothered with the idea of making a pancake, doesn't like the mess! So I'm back to the drawing board. I know I'm not on my own with this one!

Anyway I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas time with your families and I'll no doubt see you in the New Year.

All the best, Jill

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Christmas at the Trotting Mare Inn Christmas Fayre menu available throughout December.

Booking preferable, but not always necessary.

Regular menu also available. Two course lunch menu ÂŁ6.95.

Open everyday from 12pm.

Closed Christmas Day.

Pat and Barrie wish you all a very Merry Christmas Overton On Dee, Wrexham LL13 OLE Telephone (01978) 710743

Wrexham News

Former Groves School Site Wrexham County Borough Council is to retain the freehold of the former Groves School site for future educational use.

This will allow Wrexham Council to explore how it meets the demand for more school places in the town centre. Detailed analysis of the Council’s Local Development Plan predicts dramatic changes in the number of people moving into the County Borough over the next 13 years. This means that more school places will be required to satisfy the demand. It is estimated the figure could be between about 20,000 more people by 2028.

An agreement had been reached between Wrexham Council and Coleg Cambria in June 2014 to move ahead with the sale and plans for the site are due to be considered by the Planning Authority in November 2015. However, the Council’s pressing need to find land to meet the growing demand for school places means that the Council needs to retain the former Groves School site for its own use.

Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard said: “This important site needs to remain within the Council’s portfolio and help us develop our wider aspirations for Wrexham town centre. This will allow the council to strengthen its overall education provision within the county borough as the covenant on the site requires.”

Lead Member for People: Children’s Services & Education, Cllr Michael Williams said: “Wrexham Council’s

commitment to education remains a key priority. We have invested heavily in our schools over the years by taking an innovative approach to our school building projects. The forecast population growth in demand is likely to put more pressure on the Council to provide more school places and subsequently more land. We have to be realistic and not only look at current infrastructure but how what we do now will impact on future generations.”

Local Member for Maesydre, Cllr Carole O’Toole said: “I am pleased that councillors are mindful to use this site for educational use in the future. The derelict site has attracted considerable anti-social behaviour over the years including vandalism.

This has often had a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood surrounding the site as well as a cost implication to the council to keep it secure. To include this land in the future development of the town centre, coupled with providing more education provision will be a huge boost to the area”.

cool, carved & collectable

a new workshop and gallery space Simon, Liz and Dan are proud and excited to announce the opening of their new workshop and gallery space, situated at Hem House Farm on the B5102 between Rossett and Holt!

(Look out for the giant wooden Owl at the entrance!)

Simon has been carving on a professional level for around 10 years now, and this new development is a great celebration of that.

Our new gallery is open to the public and orders for small to medium sized bespoke artwork, including wooden jewellery and pet portraits are now being taken for Christmas.

Please call Simon or Liz on the telephone numbers below to book an appointment.

With very best wishes for Christmas and the coming year!

From all at Simon O'Rourke Ltd! PLEASE NOTE: The workshop and gallery will be closed between 1st - 8th December due to Simon having a commission in Japan, but will be re-open on 9th December.

simon o’rourke tree carving ltd hem house farm, rossett, wrexham, ll12 0bw tel: 07886 881815 or 07971 297419 email - simon@treecarving.co.uk www.treecarving.co.uk simon o'rourke ltd

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Festive Season

Christmas Events in Wrexham Christmas Grotto A visit to The Christmas Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive season.

Venue: People's Market, Wrexham Dates: 5th December Times: 10am - 4pm Ticket Price: ÂŁ4.50

Christmas Fayre & Table Top Sale Table top sale, lots of stalls, Santa, Grotto, refreshments, and craft activities Venue: Acton Community Resource Centre, Overton Way, Acton Wrexham LL12 7LB Dates: 6th December Times: 11:30am - 1:30pm Ticket Price: Free entry

Christmas Grotto A visit to The Christmas Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive season.

Venue: People's Market, Wrexham Dates: 7 - 12 December Times: 10am - 4pm Ticket Price: ÂŁ4.50

Victorian Christmas Market 80 stalls selling a selection of festive treats and gifts, including quality local and regional products, crafts, clothing, accessories, jewellery and unique gifts Sample the delicious hot food and drinks Venue: St. Giles' Parish Church and Church Street, Wrexham Dates: 10th December Times: 12pm - 8pm Ticket Price: Free entry

Christmas Grotto A visit to The Christmas Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive season.

Venue: People's Market, Wrexham Dates: 14 - 19 December Times: 10am - 4pm Ticket Price: £4.50

Christmas Grotto A visit to The Christmas Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive season.

Venue: People's Market, Wrexham Dates: 21 - 23 December Times: 10am - 4pm Ticket Price: £4.50

Christmas Fayre Christmas crafts and gifts, cakes, mince pies and refreshments, Santa’s Grotto and carol singing, lots of fun for all the family!

Venue: Ysgol Clwedog, Wrexham Dates: 16 December Times: 5pm - 7pm Ticket Price: Free

Short Stories for the Shortest Day Relax and unwind at Wrexham Museum this Christmas by listening to celebrated local author and storyteller, Fiona Collins.

Price includes storytelling and a Christmas craft to take home. Booking and payment in advance essential.

Venue: Wrexham Museum, Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1RB Dates: 21 December Times: 2 - 4pm Ticket Price: £4 per child

Christmas Crafts Christmas themed crafts to take home.

Venue: Wrexham Museum, Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1RB Dates: 19th December Times: 11am - 1pm Ticket Price: £2 per child

Messy Museum Wrexham Museum’s messy craft session for 0-4 year olds! Have fun colouring, painting and making.

Venue: Wrexham Museum, Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1RB Dates: 21st December Times: 10:30am - 12pm Ticket Price: £1 per child

Christmas Grotto A visit to The Christmas Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive season.

Venue: People's Market, Wrexham Dates: 24th December Times: 10am - 12pm Ticket Price: £4.50

Ysgol St. Dunawd School

Operation Christmas Child

Ysgol Sant Dunawd School Council voted to support the Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal this year. Operation Christmas Child is part of Samaritan’s Purse. They demonstrate God's love to children in need worldwide by delivering gift-filled shoeboxes and the good news of Jesus Christ!

The School Council presented an assembly all about the appeal. During the assembly children were shown a video about Operation Christmas Child and gave the children information on how to pack a shoebox.

The children were to bring to school decorated shoeboxes filled with toys and useful gifts.

The shoeboxes were then delivered to Operation Christmas Child drop-off point in Wrexham where they are then distributed around the world to vulnerable children.

Operation Christmas Child said “A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children’s lives all over the world in Jesus’ name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.”

For more information please visit: www.samaritanspurse.org

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Wrexham News

Patrol Officers Needed Appeal for School Crossing Patrol Officers The search is on for people to take up vacancies at school crossing patrols. Road Safety Week – a nationwide awareness event to encourage all users of the road to take more care as they travel, starts on 23rd November. But Wrexham County Borough Council is looking for people who can help keep an eye on pedestrians throughout the year.

Patrols are on duty two hours a day during peak morning and afternoon periods.

Wrexham Council is looking for new School Crossing Patrol officers to take on permanent vacancies at schools at Borras and Gresford, along with a number of relief positions throughout the county borough.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “As Road Safety Week approaches, we hope to encourage residents who may have a couple of hours a day free to help the service by applying to become a patrol officer. Our staff work term-time only and have school holidays off. There are no set qualifications and there are currently vacancies within the team for permanent staff, as well as relief.

Training and uniforms are provided, and it’s an ideal opportunity to help out in your community.”

The role offers officers the chance to work outside and in the vicinity of schools to assist children and other pedestrians in crossing the road safely.

Anyone interested can contact the Road Safety Section on (01978) 729605 or 729606, or visit the council’s vacancy website at http://bit.ly/1NdoK3h.

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New Bentley Bentayga Shock! Horror! That was the reaction from many traditional Bentley owners when they heard that Bentley were going to introduce a new luxury SUV (sports utility vehicle). A Bentley SUV? What on earth would the famous ‘W.O.’ have thought about that, particularly as he got so peeved in the early ‘30s when racing driver (and Bentley boy) Tim Birkin fitted a large supercharger on the front of his Bentley, creating the famous ‘blower Bentley’ in the process?

As if an SUV Bentley wasn’t controversial enough, what about the name Bentayga?

How Bentley does that sound? It is apparently named after a mountain in the Canary Islands! When the first preproduction vehicle was revealed to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, it certainly wasn’t well received. It didn’t really look like a Bentley, even though it had the usual Bentley grille and the Bentley signature integrated in the head and tail lamp clusters. But inside, the wood, hide and metal make this surely the best Bentley interior ever - and that’s saying something! As well as that, it is simply bristling with all the very latest technology.

The special chassis has an elaborate air suspension system, controllable for many types of terrain, and the eight speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive, give it go-anywhere capabilities.

Power is provided by an amazing W-12 cylinder, 6.0 litre twin turbo engine which

produces as much as 600bhp, enabling the car to reach 60mph. in only four seconds and on to a maximum speed of 187mph.

When required, the engine can shut down six of its cylinders to conserve fuel.

Production started last month, and deliveries will begin in Spring next year.

So what will the new owners get for their £160,000+? (depending on spec.) Well, just the fastest and most luxurious SUV the World has ever seen - that’s what!

There will, apparently, be diesel and hybrid versions to follow.

Mr. Jimmie McAlpine of Gerwyn Hall, Cross Lanes had a 1931 eight litre Bentley for many years, fitted with an ugly but very practical locally made wooden shooting brake body. Eventually it was replaced by an elegant dual cowl body by Panelcraft, which turned the ugly duckling into a swan again- well, nearly!

Linda Hallett

BSc(Hons) Acupuncture RGN RHV

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine PAIN RELIEF: INFERTILITY: STRESS:

Back Pain, Joints, Sports Injuries, Migraine, Muscular Pains etc...

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Conditions with no Western diagnosis

Clinic Open Tues, Thurs-Sat 9am to 6pm 07599 813077 / 01948 830277 www.hanmerholistichealing.com hanmerholistichealing@gmail.com

Police Advice I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween and Bonfire night. There was some scary stuff around the villages, I can tell you, but some people went to a great deal of effort and they looked brilliant. Well done to all of you.

Rubbish Down to the serious stuff now I’m afraid.

I’ve had complaints from residents as regards the rubbish that is left behind after the football matches in Marchwiel. If anyone is involved with any of the teams, home or visiting can you please stress to parents, spectators etc... to please put their rubbish, plastics bottles and the like, in the bins provided. The Marchwiel football pitch is right next to the recycling bins so there is no excuse. Please help to keep the village tidy and clean.

Protection Also as I mentioned regards the dark nights approaching, well they are here, and we need to keep our properties safe and well light during this time. Use the timer switches to make it looks like someone is in. Also Christmas is not far away and some of you will have started your Christmas Shopping. Don’t leave presents on display and tempt thieves who can’t be bothered to do their own Christmas shopping.

Dogs worrying livestock We have had a few incidents of late where people are walking their dogs on the field behind Scotts Furnishings and letting them off the lead. There are usually sheep in this field and there have been a few attacked by dogs that were not kept on a lead or have gotten into the field via other means. Every year large numbers of livestock are either injured or killed in dog attacks. This results in horrendous suffering by the animals, which can die an agonising death. There is also a huge financial loss to the farming community. Any dog has the ability to worry livestock. If you are walking your dog where there are farm animals, ALWAYS keep your dog on a lead. If your dog worries livestock you may be liable to prosecution, and subject of a fine. The courts also have the power to place a control or even a destruction order on your dog.

Also under THE ANIMALS ACT 1971, if a dog is caught by the landowner in the act of worrying livestock, the dog may be shot.

So ‘THINK’, do you really want that. Always keep your dog on a lead around livestock, but let go of the lead if chased by cattle.

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year to you all.

CONTACT NUMBERS PCSO 0151 Lynne Maurice Blackberry 07854 352 815 PCSO 2858 Phil Jones Mobile 07854 389056 Overton, Hanmer, Bettisfield, Horeseman’s, Green & Penley PCSO 2610 Robina Ahmed Mobile 07854 334279 Cross Lanes, Bangor on Dee, Bronington, Worthenbury & Tallarn Green Overton Police Station 01978 348 425 CALL 101 which is a 24 hour number for non emergency calls ie. threatening and abusive behaviour, drunk and rowdy groups, drug related anti-social behaviour.

Celebrate together this Christmas Abbeyfield houses around the country are looking forward to welcoming visitors over the Christmas period. Now entering its sixth year, the annual Coping at Christmas campaign invites older people living in the local community to join in festive events throughout December and January.

Come and enjoy a home-cooked meal, some Carol singing and mince pies – a warm welcome and companionship await you. Your local Abbeyfield will be delighted to see you this Christmas.

Get in touch to book your visit today, call us on 01978 366516 12 Box Lane, Wrexham Ll12 8BU Email: abbeyfieldwrexham@yahoo.co.uk www.abbeyfield.com

Finance News with Hadlow Edwards

Year End Ramblings As another year draws to a close our traditional last article on slightly less serious topics gleaned from many hours of extensive research. We do hope you have enjoyed our articles this year on the more serious stuff!

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn Edwards

We accept zero responsibility for the accuracy of the following! Here goes:

• Or perhaps, "Where there's a will - I want to be in it." (no wonder that's anonymous!)

• The IRS (Internal Revenue Service in the U.S. equivalent to our much loved HMRC) actually told their tax payers this year - "the trick is, to stop thinking about it as 'your' money."

Doesn't really soften the blow when you pay your tax does it?

• Here's a much more modern take (social media - no less) where one bright spark wrote "I love finding money in my clothes. It's like a gift to me, from me."

• Sam Ewing is a former baseball star who said "Inflation is when you pay $15 for a $10 haircut you used to get for $5 - when you had hair."

• From the movies Michael Douglas playing the part of Gordon Gekko in Wall Street said - "A fool and his money - are lucky to get together in the first place." Funny line, great film! I will watch it again instead of The Wizard of Oz this Christmas.

That's enough for now! Please do let us know if there are any (serious) financial topics you would like to see something on next year. We have heard from lots of you this year and always appreciate your feedback, thoughts and suggestions.

To finish, the brilliant Jackie Mason said - "Money is not the most important thing in the world.

Love is. Fortunately - I love money."

And last of all, please remember that to steal ideas from someone is plagiarism. But to steal ideas from many is research.

A couple of anonymous ones next.

• How about - "A father is someone who carries photos in his wallet where his money used to be."

We truly hope that all of our readers have a lovely, safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. Equities do not have the security of capital which is characteristic of a deposit with a bank or building society. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

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

Retirement Planning Insurance Tax Planning

Investment Planning

Mortgages

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.

63 - 65 Regent Street, Wrexham LL11 1PF

Telephone: 01978 311 611 Fax: 01978 311 633 email: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

Marchwiel Village Hall

A Village Hall to be proud of...

The building work on Marchwiel Village Hall (formally Piercy Hall) is virtually complete and is looking stunning.

This has been a total renovation of the 110 year old building incorporating a new entrance, new toilets, kitchen and bar and all with disabled access.

Many thanks must go to the Big Lottery Fund, Wren’s FCC Community Action and Cory Environmental Trust and the support of Marchwiel Community Council without this we would not been able to go ahead.

The builders for this project are R.E Brown of Shrewsbury working to the plans of Richard Pidduck, Architect who have produced a Village Hall with all up to date facilities within a finite budget.

Coffee Morning The Hall will be holding a coffee morning on December 12th at 10am - 12pm for anyone interested to come along and have a look.

Later that evening there will be a cash bingo event. Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm start.

On Saturday 19th December there is a Lauren Brown Appeal. Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm start.

January Saturday 30th January 2016 Comedy Group ‘From Here to Absurdity’ Comprising 90 minutes of original comedy sketches - aimed particularly at those whose youth is behind them!

Christmas Hampers at Delifine, Holt

The Kitchen Makeover And Furniture Paint Shop Telephone: 01978 780113 Mobile: 07703 422416 Email: dianegdavies@btinternet.com Upcycle your Kitchen Units For a fraction of the price of a new kitchen We can paint your kitchen units in a colour of your choice, supply and fix new worktops, wall tiles and flooring giving a complete kitchen makeover.

From fruit baskets to wine, and champagne and chocolates, our bespoke tasty food and wine gifts make the perfect Christmas gift.

Give your kitchen an updated look without a hefty price tag.

Also Why buy new furniture when you can upcycle?

We can paint your furniture in a colour of your choice, in a ‘shabby chic’ style or solid colour.

Please call for further details and a free quotation.

1 The Cross, Holt 01829 271666 www.delifine.co.uk

SALE STARTS 4th JANUARY

Essentials Mailbox

DVLA Scam!

Beware all of you who licence your vehicle online. If you receive an email pro-porting to be from the DVLA asking you to update your details as they have a database problem...

DON'T! It will tell you that if you fail to do so, your license will be invalid. It will ask you for your name, address, vehicle make. along with your credit card details including your three digit security number. It certainly looks genuine, and even has a real link to the DVLA website. IT IS A SCAM TO ROB YOU! Please share this to everyone you know.

Sheila Miller

Halloween photos These Halloween photos from the local area provided by Lynne Maurice, local PCSO.

Winter Fair Our annual Winter Fair took place on Saturday 14th November 2015 in the main school hall. Lots of stalls were selling a variety of goodies, raffle, tombola etc. and our PTA would like to thank all those who came along to the event a success. ÂŁ716 was raised which all goes to the school. THANK YOU! Maelor School, Penley

If you have a comment about any local news/information please email: jill@essentialsmag.co.uk

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NEW WREXHAM BEDSTORE NOW OPEN!

We are open 7 days a week, Mon- Fri: 9-5pm, Sat: 9-4pm, Closed on Sunday The Carpet & Bed Warehouse Wrexham, 36 - 39 Chester Street, Wrexham LL13 8AH Telephone: 01978 291500 www.thecarpetwarehousewrexham.co.uk

Community Speed Watch

Volunteer in Your Neighbourhood One of the most popular subjects to be discussed in Neighbourhood Watch meetings is speeding.

North Wales Police are now recruiting volunteers for the role of ‘Community Speed Watch Operator’.

If you would like to help reduce speeding in your area and feel that you would be interested in this role please visit the North Wales Police website: www.north-wales.police.uk and follow the link on the recruitment page for volunteers.

OWL Watch Eastern Tel: 01352 708118

Advertising Feature

The Buck is Back...

Welcome to the Buck House Hotel It's great to see the Buck House Hotel open its doors for business once again, just approximately 12 months after its sudden closure. It was purchased by Mark Roberts and family, of Wrexham lager, and local resident, and it has had a fabulous refurb over the last 12 months.

The refurb has completely transformed the pub whilst sympathetically you still recognise the Old Buck House too. Its had a major overhaul both inside and out, including a new roof. Local business owners have taken over the running of the Buck House, who are very experienced in the pub industry, and who manage several other village pubs within Wrexham Borough too. The team at the Buck are keen to meet all the locals to enjoy a drink or a meal and enjoy a warm community atmosphere.

The 7 hotel bedrooms have been modernised and are ready for booking as too is the function room which can cater for 60 people and host any occasion.

The pub officially re opened at the beginning of October, and food is now being served too. And of course the Buck House is keen to help make your Christmas enjoyable too.

Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year bookings are now being taken, please call: 01978 780336

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Wrexham’s Largest Country Park

Alyn Waters Alyn Waters is situated in the beautiful Alyn Valley and is currently a Green Flag accredited site. There are a variety of woodland, grassland and riverside walks throughout the Park helping you to explore the whole site.

The Park is split in two either side of the River Alyn. The Gwersyllt side of the park offers free parking, a visitor centre with café, gift shop and toilets including baby change facilities. The Visitor Centre has a permanent exhibition on the history and wildlife of the Park. The Llay side of the Park has a large car park, children’s playground and a Local Nature Reserve.

Trim Trail

Throughout the year an exciting programme of events and activities, for children and adults is provided alongside a formal education programme which is available for schools and groups to book.

The Gwersyllt side of the Park has a specially designed Trim Trail which contains a selection of different simple exercise equipment. The equipment is designed to improve your strength, stamina, balance and co-ordination. The Trim Trail is fun and easy to use. The balance and co-ordination equipment is especially suitable for the young, while the parallel bars and sit up benches will really tone up the grown ups.

Admission

Friends of Alyn Waters

Admission and parking at Alyn Waters is free but donations to the Friends of Alyn Waters are welcome.

Dogs

The Friends of Alyn Waters are a community group who work alongside the staff to improve and maintain the park for all its users. For further details please visit the Friends link.

Dogs are welcome at Alyn Waters but must be kept under control at all times.

How to get there

Walking The Park has a variety of surfaced and unsurfaced paths for you to enjoy. The paths range from short circular routes to longer routes through wooded areas and grasslands.

Cycling The Park has a variety of paths for cyclists to enjoy.

Alyn Waters is located 3 miles North of Wrexham between Gwersyllt, Bradley and Llay. To reach the Visitor Centre take the A541 Wrexham to Mold road just outside Gwersyllt and look out for the brown and white signs. Postcode for the Gwersyllt side LL11 4AG. To reach the Llay-side, take the B5425 to Llay from Wrexham and before you enter the village of Llay look out for the brown and white signs. Postcode for the Llay side LL12 0PU.

PLUMBING, HEATING & RENEWABLES Local family firm with 30 years experience

10 year parts and labour warranty for new boiler Longest warranty from any local company

No job too big or small Boiler installation, service and repair • Plumbing repairs • Landlord certificates • Renewable energy installation GAS, OIL, LPG, SOLID FUEL

www.awrenewables.co.uk Tel: 01978 806075 • 07860 563827 We will beat any like for like written quotation

Orchid Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services

Professional Laundry Service for all Your Personal, Domestic and Business Needs.

COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

T. 01978 664166 $#"! " # ! " # #

$ " # " " " #

Essentials NOTICEBOARD

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From Advent to Christmas in Music & Verse Friday 4 December, 7.30pm St Margaret’s Church, Garden Village Organist David Evans Pianist Jayne Belton Soloist Helen Belton St Margaret’s Singers Conducted by Gill Ellis Accompanist Maifun Rogers Tickets £5

TALLARN GREEN METHODIST CHURCH SERVICES Sunday 13th December, 10.45am Christmas Praise Sunday 20th December, 6.30pm Village Carol Service Christmas Eve, 5pm Crib Service Christmas Eve, 11:15pm Christmas Eve Communion Sunday 27th December, 10:45am Rev. Rob Weir

Bangor on Dee Playgroup Opening in January 2016 at Ysgol Sant Dunawd For a registration form: Nia: 07727 193 676 01978 780757

Holiday Cottage Short-term Rental House FAMILY OR FRIENDS COMING TO VISIT OVER CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR? Lovely local cottage available for short stays, from one night upwards.

Fully furnished contact Richard for enquiries 07580 077099

Opening times 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday Will take from two years +

Maelor Music Society December 4th 2015 - Christmas Party Maelor School Hall, 7:30pm Excellent supper with entertainment on a Christmas theme.

Further details call 01948 770633 or 770394.

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Coffee Morning

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PIANO OR BRASS LESSONS IN YOUR OWN HOME? IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER AND LIVE WITHIN 10 MILES OF ELLESMERE, CONTACT MRS LYNDA KAY FOR MORE INFORMATION 01691 624852 or L@lyndakay.co.uk

December 5th Bangor on Dee Village Hall 10am - 12pm 贈1 entry Various stalls - books and cakes.

All money raised for British Heart Foundation

Volunteers Needed Could you...

YOGA CLASSES Tuesday 足 10.30am.

Bangor on Dee Village Hall Wednesday 足 8.00pm.

Worthenbury Village Hall Thursday 足 10.30am.

Overton Village Hall Any enquiries to: jo@wrexhamyoga.co.uk or phone 07798795217

Support families under stress with children aged 5-11yrs?

Have 2-3 hours a week to spare?

Attend our training sessions to develop your skills?

If the answer to the above is YES and you would like to find out more and join our team then please contact Mary or Julia on 01978 366115

All welcome.

Experienced or absolute beginners.

Santa will be visiting Penley, Overton and Worthenbury on the 11th December in the early evening giving out sweets for the children.

Please have any spare change at the ready because Santa would like to give some money to the Penley Defib fund which is providing life saving defibrillators to Penley and the surrounding areas. Other local good causes will also be supported.

rs Caregive Required

g staff ic, carin st a si u th En art time locally. P rs. required ible hou and flex 8 660423 Tel: 0197

The Maelor School

Rugby Team Sponsorship Needed The Maelor School have recently introduced Rugby and are actively participating in matches against other schools. When competing, the presentation of the team is just as important as the game itself.

However, the school has no budget for match shirts, so they are sending out an SOS for shirt sponsorship. Either a major sponsor to feature on the front of shirts, or a collection of donations from businesses or individuals who would like to help.

The school are looking to raise ÂŁ1,000 in total to ensure the teams look and feel like winners!

All donations, no matter how big or small, are welcome.

Closing date: 18th December 2015 Any interested parties please contact: Steve Kay at Sarah's Embroidery steve@sarahsembroidery.co.uk or 01978 798024.

Wrexham News

Parents and Carer Survey

In 2012 the Welsh Government passed a law meaning that every three years all local authorities in Wales must carry out an assessment of children’s opportunities for playing in their local communities.

An animated video of the findings from Wrexham’s first ‘play sufficiency assessment’ in 2013 can be found here: www.wrexham.gov.uk/play Wrexham Council must now complete and submit a new ‘play sufficiency assessment’ to the Welsh Government by the end of March 2016.

Filling in and sharing this survey you will be helping us to build a picture of what it’s currently like for children playing in Wrexham. We will then use the information to try and find ways of protecting and improving children’s time and space for playing. www.surveymonkey.com/r/wrexhamplaysurvey The survey closes at the end of December so please fill it in now before it’s too late!

Timber Direct Ltd Fencing & more at competitive prices

Decking Fencing Sleepers Gates For all enquiries please ring:

01978 710802 Overton Sawmills, Lightwood Green industrial Estate, Overton on Dee, Wrexham

Colour their lives forever...

We’d like to invite you with open arms to take a look around King’s. Here you’ll uncover a vibrant, academic environment for girls and boys with distinctly separate schools for Infant, Junior and Senior pupils. A nurturing approach and stimulating curriculum will combine to develop and enrich your child’s life forever.

www.kingschester.co.uk

#KingsChester

Ages 7-11

Ages 11-16

Junior Assessment Days

Senior Entrance Exams

Year 3: Saturday 16th January 2016 Years 4, 5 and 6: Friday 22nd January 2016

Year 7: Friday 22nd January 2016

We are proud to show parents and potential students around King’s, any time.

To book a place or register your interest, please call

01244 689 553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk

Financial help is available for Senior School, dependent on parental income.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Little Scholars Nursery.

Nadolig Llawen

For further details and availability call CATRIN or BECCA on 01978 314912, littlescholars@activechildcare.co.uk Little Scholars Day Nursery The Centre for the Child GlyndĹľr University Mold Road Wrexham LL11 2AW