December 2020
Your monthly local community magazine
MAG
essentials
FR EE
www.essentialsmag.co.uk
Welcome... Welcome to our December issue! When you think back over Christmas past, what do you remember most fondly? Whatever it is, it probably involves some sort of yearly tradition. There's nothing I don't love about Christmas! The food, the tree, the songs, the films - there are so many great traditions that we take part in, but my favourite has to be decorating the tree (which usually involves a glass of wine and a Michael Bublé Christmas album playing in the background!) In our family we buy a Christmas decoration from every place we go on vacation, so our ornament box is special and full of memories. Some of our most-loved Christmas traditions originated in the Victorian era. Read the article by contributor Rebecca Johnson on how and why they begun. And if you’re looking to buy bespoke, handmade gifts this year, we have complied a list of brilliant local makers and creators to help you with your Christmas shopping. Whatever the festive season looks like this year, we wish you a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year - from all of us at EssentialsMAG.
Cover Image: A Victorian Christmas Card
January Deadlines: Editorial - 4th Dec Advertising - 11th Dec
We’ve got the local area covered! Delivered by hand to 7,600 homes and businesses more than any other magazine in our area. Garden Village, Borras, Pandy, Acton, Bangor-on-Dee, Overton, Penley, Hanmer, Marchwiel, Tallarn Green, Cross Lanes, Worthenbury, Pentre Maelor Also available at 40+ pick-up points across the region.
You can also read our magazines online at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk
@EssentialsMagWrexham @EssentialsMAG1
Stay safe and look after one another.
All the best, Vicky Heathfield
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.
EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk CALL: 01978 855459
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.
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© EssentialsMAG Limited 2020.
Local News
Agri-cation: Education From Seed to Plate Thank you all for your ongoing support during this difficult time, I am pleased to say that from our last feature in August 2020 we have gained the support of a fantastic garden designer that has put our dreams onto paper and created a beautiful sensory garden, so thank you to Christine from budding landscape design for this work. Why support us? People matter – it is important to us that people are able to engage with nature, wildlife, and understand what it is that creates good quality food produce that will create a healthy lifestyle change. We are keen to be working with disabled groups and mental health charities too. We have been successful for Co-op community funding. This will help us get started with the project that will benefit a wide community. Currently we are linked to Co-op shops on: Poplar Road, Prince Charles Road, Wrexham, E Clarke & son Funeral Care. When you spend in these branches please could pledge to Agri-cation Facebook: @enjoyableducation, Instragram: @Agri_cation, Twitter: @agri_cic or email: Agri-cation@outlook.com
Wild Thyme in Overton Village ‘The Wild Thyme Cookbook’ has just been published by Overton’s Jenny Horton. It contains over 300 contemporary and classic dishes with an emphasis on using natural foods where possible. Along with the recipes are photos and memories of times past, all seasoned with humour and served up in style. Thanks are given to fellow Overtonians Rob Davies of Bramblewood Publishing for his expertise as editor and publisher, Fred Langford Edwards for his enhancement of the old family photos and Simon Glantz for his advice on nutrition. A great example of country village life functioning at its best! To buy a copy of The Wild Thyme Cookbook call at The Corner Shop, Overton, or google Amazon or call 01978 710 646.
Available from Wrexham Country Market A selection of delicious jams, marmalades and chutneys. Orders taken, including mince pies, Christmas puddings and cakes and crafts. Call: 07854215040 / 07523385048 Wrexham Country Markets Facebook
All-day Playgroup Opens in Tallarn Green Borderbrook Playgroup is delighted to offer all-day childcare for children aged 2+. During these difficult times, working from home whilst caring for your little one can be really demanding, yet making the decision to send them to a childcare setting can be tough, especially now. Borderbrook offer daily childcare in a safe environment, with very small numbers of children in each bubble, and robust procedures in place to protect the children. At just £21 per child per day, (with half-day options) it’s very affordable childcare. Please call Lisa Mayers on 01948 770767 or email mailbox@borderbrook-pri.wrexham.sch.uk
Tallarn Green Methodist Church will hold the Village Carol Service on Sunday 20th December at 6.30pm. Please see Tallarn Green Village Facebook for details of other services,which are subject to Welsh COVID rules
Christmas in Penley Church On Thursday 24 December Christmas Eucharist at 9.30pm
ENTER TODAY Do you have what it takes to be Bangor-On-Dee's Best Dressed House this Christmas? All you have to do is decorate the outside of your home with Christmas decorations to enter. Entries are free and the winner will receive a luxury hamper on Christmas Eve delivered to your doorstep.
COVID 19 guidelines for social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing will be strictly observed. Due to the pandemic Carol and Crib services have both been cancelled this year.
Share your news with us! Submit an article at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article
Has Your Self-Care Slipped? By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY Have you struggled to keep your healthy habits since we started with all the lockdown shenanigans? It’s the end of the year, so not your usual time to prioritise self-care, but we all know the positive effect of exercise and self-care on mental health, so let’s look at the reasons why self-care slips… You know you should be exercising, eating well and stressing less - but many of us struggle to stay consistent. Why is that? I bet you’d answer with one of these reasons… ...I’m too busy! Between home and work, there are so many demands on your time. It feels like you just don’t have time to take care of yourself. You think, “I’ll just get through this one busy week.” But then one week becomes two, becomes ten. • You need bite-sized healthy habits that fit into your full schedule. There are so many things you can try, from a simple walk or short workout you can do from home – for example, I am doing 20 min morning workouts live on “Hoola Nation” Facebook page – you are welcome to join in, free of charge.
...Self-care feels selfish You’re taking care of work, home and the people you love. So often, you are the last one on the list. Especially in this challenging season, it can feel self-centred to do something just for you. I love that generosity in your spirit!, but here’s what I know to be true... • Self-care lets you offer your best to others. When you start nurturing yourself: You feel better, you become stronger - and you actually have more energy to bring to the people you care about. ...I can’t find the motivation We all lack motivation at some point... But here is the thing..... Motivation is not something that will hit you in the face while you are sitting on the couch... You need to go out and find it. Work for it. I can not stress enough, how important supporting community are, when you are trying to find your motivation and your achieve goals. • You need an "accountability buddy" and/or supporting community. There are many communities, that will keep you in check. Just have a little look. You are always welcome to join Hoola Nation on-line for that instant “let’s move and feel good.”
(Facebook: @hoolanation) EssentialsMAG motivation contributor is Sasha Kenney of Hoola Nation, World record Holder and Motivational Speaker. sasha@hoolanation.co.uk
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Can You Find the EssentialsMAG Mice? Hidden throughout this magazine are five other mice, (just like the one here, but smaller) for you to find. Find the five other mice for a chance of winning a £30!
WIN!
HOW TO ENTER THE COMPETITION: 1. Simply read this magazine from cover-to-cover and find the other five little mice hiding amongst the adverts. 2. Go to: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/mice and complete the competition form with your answers. 3. Closing date: 31st December 2020. The first correct answer drawn at random wins. The usual EssentialsMAG competition terms and conditions apply.
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Keeping Pets Safe At Christmas Christmas is coming! Before your family wakes up to see what Santa has left under the tree on Christmas morning, be sure that you have taken all of the proper precautions to keep your dogs, cats and other pets safe this festive season. Here are a few Christmas safety tips to help you keep your fur family safe! • Christmas tree - If possible, set up your tree in a room that you can easily close off when you are not home and make sure you anchor the tree securely to avoid a dangerous tree-tipping disaster. If you have a ‘real’ tree for Christmas, you should also make sure the water reservoir inside of the tree stand is not accessible to dogs and cats. As the tree drinks water, it can release sap into the stand and as many fresh trees are also preserved with pesticides etc this water can easily become toxic to drink. • Christmas lights - Pets can easily die from electrocution, internal injuries, or intestinal blockage after enjoying a decorative snack. Be sure you fasten holiday lights to your tree and place cords out of reach of your curious pet’s mouth. • Ornaments - Chewing on ornaments can cause cuts in the mouth, throat, and digestive system, as well as other serious injuries. Eating tinsel can result in gastrointestinal blockages that have the potential to harm or even kill your pet. • Pick safe Christmas plants - Popular decorative plants like holly, mistletoe, and the poinsettia can be poisonous if ingested. Eating the leaves or berries of Mistletoe can cause stomach upset and a slowed heartbeat. The poinsettia flower is typically only toxic when ingested in large quantities, but the milky white sap of the poinsettia tends to cause diarrhoea, excessive drooling, and vomiting, Christmas bouquets and floral arrangements that contain lilies are very hazardous to pets, especially cats. • Gifts, confectionary and foodstuffs – Always keep these and children’s toys, gift wrap and sweets out of reach of your pets! Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, cats and rabbits. Cooked poultry bones are soft and can splinter when eaten. Grapes, and all their dried forms including raisins, sultanas and currants, can cause kidney failure. Dates can cause an upset tummy, but pet parents should also be wary of their high sugar content! Always consult your Vet if you have any concerns about your pet! Have a safe, healthy and happy Christmas!
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EssentialsMAG pet care contributor is Karen Volger, from DoggyBizzNizz www.facebook.com/doggybizznizz Mobile: 07488 270386 e-mail: karen@doggybizznizz.com
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
“The best way to see Christmas is through the eyes of a child.”
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
Victorian Christmas Traditions By Rebecca Johnston Did you know that some of our most-loved Christmas traditions originated in the Victorian era? At the start of the 19th century, Christmas was not what it is today – businesses didn’t consider it a holiday and gift giving was undertaken at New Year. However, Victorian advancements completely transformed Christmas turning it into an occasion enjoyed by all of Britain. The Christmas Card In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, the first director of the V&A, introduced the idea of the Christmas card and commissioned the artist J.C. Horsley to design a festive scene for his greeting cards. He printed 1000 and sold the remainder to the public.
Christmas Trees Christmas was a family event to Victorians with new railway networks making it possible for people to come together. Popular Queen Victoria epitomised the image of family life and traditions with her husband Albert and their nine children. In fact, the decorated Christmas tree was a custom introduced to Britain by German-born Prince Albert. In 1848, a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a tree covered in ornaments was published in the Illustrated London News and with this, the trend soon caught on.
As advancements in chromolithographic printing developed, the process of buying and sending cards became more affordable for everyone.
A new market for tree decorations grew quickly with Victorians buying brightly coloured ornaments that shimmered in candlelight.
The Christmas Cracker The Christmas cracker was invented by a sweetshop owner called Tom Smith in the 1840s. He was inspired by bon bons (French sweets wrapped in paper) during a trip to Paris. It took him around 20 years to perfect the cracker’s explosive ‘bang’ and soon it became a popular seasonal staple. Nowadays, we see an assortment of gifts hidden inside the cracker. Back then you would find whistles, trinkets, miniatures dolls and sometimes jewellery alongside a joke.
Creating new traditions Today, technology has evolved to be more efficient, but we still hold on to these traditions. We’re likely to find gimmicky plastic in our crackers instead of jewellery and our printed cards may be substituted with e-cards, but it doesn’t make Christmas any less magic. In fact, we may find that this year our traditions develop even more as we follow government guidance and try to keep our families safe. Perhaps we will even set a new trend that will be looked back and written about in years to come.
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EssentialsMAG Favourite Finds...
Set the scene for a Christmas day to remember with these festive ideas to make your table merry and bright!
4 Penguin Placemats £32 www.amara.com
Set of 4 Silver Fade Champagne Glasses £14 www.therange.co.uk
Ellen DeGeneres by Royal Doulton from £8 www.dunelm.com
Recyclable Berry Crackers £8 www.dunelm.com
4 Home for Christmas Napkins £15 www.sophieallport.com
Gold Effect 16pc Cutlery Set £38 www.next.co.uk
4 Pinecone Napkin Rings £12 www.johnlewis.com
Christmas Tree Teapot £8 https://direct.asda.com
Berry Cake Tin £7 www.sainsburys.co.uk
Wrexham & North Wales Makers & Creators is a Facebook group where local creatives can come together, inspire others and showcase their work. With much emphasis on buying bespoke handmade gifts and shopping local this year, we have compiled a list of some of the brilliant local creators from the group to help you with your Christmas shopping.
Cantraig Candles & Wax Melts
Noart
Homemade candles & wax melts. Candles, holders and burners - vegan/cruelty free. www.cantraigcandles.co.uk contact-us@cantraigcandles.co.uk
Contemporary abstract ink art for sale and commissions taken. Facebook: @Noart1984 nikkiowens@hotmail.co.uk
Humble and Whole Bakery
And Made by Trevor Blackburn
Freshly baked treats made from 100% natural and locally sourced ingredients. humble-whole-bakery.myshopify.com humbleandwholebakery@gmail.com
Handwoven scarves made from baby alpaca wool, merino wool and cotton. Facebook: @Andmadeby trevorblackburn@hotmail.com
Hand Made by Paula
MiZa Creations
Hand crafted knitted and sewn goods, baby knits, cushions, scarves, gloves etc. Facebook: @paulashandcrafts craftyladieswxm@gmail.com
Hand stamped jewellery and gifts. Facebook: @mizacreationshandstampedgifts
Phil Green Photography
Maria Barnard's Sewing Creations
Beautiful local photography - stand alone or framed prints, jigsaw puzzles etc. Facebook: @Philgreenphotographyuk phil2289green@hotmail.co.uk
From wedding dresses, hand made curtains or gifts and clothing alterations. Facebook: @mariabarnardsewingcreations
The Little Things by Emily Walker
Svitlana Parry Artist
Handmade cards and little things. Facebook: @thelittlethingssss things.ew@gmail.com
Drawing and painting commissions in different media. Facebook: @creativevisualarts svitlanaparryartist@yahoo.com
Vanilla Jewellery
Lucy Cowley - Jewellery by Design
Beautiful, hand rolled, pattern and moulded polymer clay jewellery. www.vanillawales.co.uk Facebook: @vanillajewellery
Handcrafted jewellery using precious and semi-precious stones. www.lucycowleyjewellery.co.uk Facebook: @sparklecircles
Quirky D Art
Sam Menzies Designs
Local artist producing original, custom quirky bespoke pieces of art. www.quirkydart.co.uk Facebook: @QuirkyDArT
Handmade gorgeous neck warmers, pet coats, bags, gifts etc. Facebook: @sammenziesdesigns samantha379@hotmail.co.uk
From Katy's Kitchen
Macrame by Chlo
Homemade cakes, scones, biscuits and fudge, vegan/dairy free options available. Facebook: @Fromkatyskitchen 07929 667022
Handmade macramĂŠ pieces - keyrings wall hangings, plant hangers, shelves. www.macramebychlo.etsy.com Facebook: @macramebychlo
Mention EssentialsMAG if you order from these sellers. More information can be found at: www.facebook.com: @Wrexham and North Wales Makers and Creators
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Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham This is the last EssentialsMAG column I will write this year. Most will agree 2020 has been incredibly challenging, with each and every one of us affected by the coronavirus global pandemic. Being a member of the Welsh Government, helping to coordinate the national response to the virus, has been the most formidable task I have faced since being elected Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd. One of the highlights of my job is to travel around the constituency, visiting and supporting local people, organisations and businesses. Unfortunately, for the vast majority of this year that has not been able to happen. Virtual meetings and working from home has become the norm. Following Government guidelines, my constituency office remains closed and I am unable to conduct face-toface meetings with constituents. However, my staff and I have worked remotely throughout the pandemic and have been on hand to offer support and guidance to constituents. If there is anything I could help you with, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the contact details below. Our attention turns towards the festive period which, clearly, will look very different this year. In Wales, we followed the latest medical and scientific advice, initiating a two-week firebreak that concluded on Monday 9 November. By intervening early, it meant we had a clear path through winter, enabling businesses to take advantage of the vital pre-Christmas trade. Just like in the spring, the Welsh Government adopted a cautious approach, relaxing regulations gradually to ensure we secured all the gains we worked so hard for.
The firebreak was unwanted, but it was respected and I thank the people of Wrexham for once again adhering to the strict regulations. Throughout the winter period the message from the Welsh Government has been clear. Altering the course of the virus will not be determined by government rules and regulations. Our success lies in the hands of every one of us and how we act from now on. People must be responsible and each of us needs to ask ourselves what can I do to keep myself and others safe? I recognise we have asked a lot of people but adopting this approach will give us the best chance of getting through to Christmas without the need for further restrictions. As we approach a new year, there is hope on the horizon. Reports suggest a COVID vaccine is not too far away, with some speculating a mass roll-out may take place in the first part of 2021. In spite of the strange times we live in, I do hope all EssentialsMAG readers have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Tel: 01978 355743 Lesley.Griffiths@senedd.wales www.lesleygriffiths.co.uk Facebook & Twitter: @lesley4wrexham
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Bach Flower Remedies By MELANIE BURGESS Have you ever heard of, or used Rescue Remedy? You might recognise the name, or you may have a friend who uses it, but what is it that millions of people are using to help them cope with the stresses and anxieties of their daily lives? Rescue Remedy is a combination of five flower essences discovered by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930’s. A medical Doctor and Homeopath, Dr. Bach believed that emotional wellbeing is the key to overall health and that the key to that emotional well-being is in the use of plants and flowers to heal negative emotional states. He spent seven years exploring and developing his healing system of the 38 flower essences that make up the Bach Flower remedies which are now used by people and animals around the world. Bach Flower Remedies are a safe, natural and gentle method of energy therapies that can help to heal any negative emotion such as anxiety, stress, feelings of dread, worry about your loved ones, lack of confidence, depression, hopelessness, mental exhaustion, indecisiveness, feeling overwhelmed, guilt or constant unwanted thoughts. Whatever you struggle with, there is a remedy, or combination of remedies, that can help. One of the brilliant things about them is that they can be used by anybody including children, pregnant women and animals, and alongside any medication or alternative remedies. How does Rescue Remedy fit in? Rescue Remedy is the most well known and widely used remedy in Dr. Bach’s healing system. It is generally used for emergency or acute situations. For example - after an accident or sudden illness, grief, panic, interview or exam stress, or even before a driving test. The combination of flower essences in Rescue Remedy helps to restore calm and stabilise emotions back to a more normal level. It is taken through drops on the tongue (or sprays in the mouth), or, more effectively, put into a glass or bottle of water and sipped frequently until the stress or anxiety levels begin to lessen, as often as necessary. If you are finding life emotionally challenging, as so many of us are, then Bach Flower Remedies could help. They have made a difference to so many people and animals, they are truly remarkable.
For more details, contact Melanie Burgess at Daisy Holistics Tel: 07970 758811 E: daisyholistics@gmail.com
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A New Wave of Cruising By EssentialsMAG travel contributor Ann Anglesea at DELMAR WORLD in Gresford On board the luxurious Regent Splendor, I recline on my comfortable sun lounger, sip a cooling Margarita, close my eyes against the late afternoon sun and think about the glamourous outfit I shall wear for dinner this evening… Unfortunately, my dream is shattered by the buzzing of my alarm clock! Oh well, no luxurious pampering for me today instead of cocktails and gourmet dining, I’ll have to settle for a cup of tea and a piece of toast! I must confess that I am really missing my cruise holidays - and I know that many of you feel the same. A record two million Brits chose a cruise holiday last year and, with so many cruise experiences to choose from - ocean or river, small luxury yacht to large ocean liner or expedition ships there really is a cruise for everyone. Cruise activity supports well over one million jobs across a wide cross-section of industries and sectors and, with up to 2,500 jobs lost each day that cruises are not operating, it is important to our global and societal recovery that cruise operations resume as soon as the time is right. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that a global, industry-wide COVID-19 policy is presently being put together for its ocean-going cruise line members. Once agreed, the policy will be put into action across the board to reassure passengers and to adopt best practice in order to control any future spread of COVID-19 or, indeed, any similar outbreak. These measures, which will encompass
a door-to-door approach from booking through to disembarkation are being finalised now and will be announced in the near future. They will apply globally with some variance only for very small ships (less than 250 person capacity or expedition vessels) and examples include: • Booking procedures and risk disclosures • Staggered guest arrivals and departures • Health screening including temperature checks for anyone boarding • Augmentation of medical facilities and staff • Capacity management/social distancing • Dining restrictions • Use of contactless technology • Contact tracing Cleanliness has always been a top priority on cruise ships and the industry has a strict long-standing global sanitation guideline which must be adhered to. No other travel and tourism or entertainment industry has this type of compulsory programme. In addition, as a condition of membership within CLIA, ocean-going cruises lines are required to fit their ships with medical facilities that meet the standards of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) which require that 24/7 medical care along with intensive care unit is available.
“THERE REALLY IS A CRUISE FOR EVERYONE”
Ports of call will become more relaxed when the COVID-19 global policy has been agreed and implemented. However, if you really want to get back into cruising as soon as possible but don’t want to travel far, there are many great cruise lines sailing around the UK. From a personal perspective, all of us at Delmar are keeping positive and we are delighted that most holiday suppliers have already opened up bookings for 2022, which gives us all an opportunity to plan ahead and have something to really look forward to. And, after the recent big news that an effective vaccine has been developed, we could see the world opening up again even sooner than we had hoped! Look out for our informative webinars or Facebook Live chats on our website: these are designed to inform and inspire you through these rather strange times. Cruises will sail around the world again and when they do, I just hope that I can still fit into my holiday clothes! Until then, keep smiling! Ann Anglesea, Managing Director 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
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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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe
Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon INGREDIENTS
SERVES 4
4 eggs 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 2 English muffins, halved A little butter, for spreading 8 slices smoked salmon Chopped chives, to serve FOR THE HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 2 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp white wine vinegar 3 egg yolks 125g unsalted butter, diced
METHOD First make the Hollandaise sauce. Put the lemon juice and vinegar in a small bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk with a balloon whisk until light and frothy. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and whisk until mixture thickens. Gradually add the butter, whisking constantly until thick – if it looks like it might be splitting, then whisk off the heat for a few minutes. Season and keep warm. To poach the eggs, bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the vinegar. Lower the heat so that the water is simmering gently. Stir the water so you have a slight whirlpool, then slide in the eggs one by one. Cook each for about 4 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon. Lightly toast and butter the muffins, then put a couple of slices of salmon on each half. Top each with an egg, spoon over some Hollandaise and garnish with chopped chives.
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Try this for Christmas morning breakfast Nothing beats the feeling you get when you first wake up on Christmas morning - especially when you know you’ve got a warm breakfast (and some presents under the tree!) waiting for you. Whether you decide to eat before or after diving into the present pile, it's important to start off the holiday right with the a hearty Christmas breakfast - both to fill you up and to get you the energy you need to partake in all those fun holiday festivities, from decorating Christmas cookies to watching the best Christmas movies with the family.
A Wave of Financial Abuse COVID-19 lockdowns have brought a wave of financial abuse. It is well known that domestic abuse often fails to be noticed because it usually takes place behind closed doors. At the start of the first coronavirus pandemic lockdown in March, abuse behind closed doors became even easier for perpetrators to perform. Now, after almost nine months of various social restrictions, there is a different kind of abuse emerging in new numbers from behind closed doors – financial abuse, particularly of the elderly and the vulnerable. With vulnerable people self-isolating due to a greater likelihood of them catching COVID-19, and, if they do, becoming incapacitated or dying, more have become reliant on others to handle their affairs or have made provisions for the unexpected. The law governing someone’s legal right to handle the financial affairs of another thankfully offers several layers of protection against abuse, but we must all remain vigilant and if we believe someone is being financially abused we should report it to social services or to the police. The same applies if we believe someone has been coerced into appointing an
attorney in their LPA, or naming a beneficiary in their Will. If you suspect and have any evidence of financial abuse, a solicitor can help you apply to the Court of Protection (CoP), which has the power to authorise an investigation by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The CoP can make decisions for people who do not have mental capacity to make their own choices, including what happens when they die. More and more solicitors are advising worried relatives and friends in respect of whether an attorney has acted wrongfully from a legal perspective and are helping to make applications to the OPG and CoP. Also on the increase are cases of contentious probate where Wills and Trusts are being disputed. Never more so than now has it been important to stay vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and talk to a solicitor if you have any concerns about the financial and mental wellbeing of someone you know, or if you believe a Will should be contested.
This article has been written by Robert Williams, Partner with GHP Legal Tel: 01978 291456 To get in touch please use the ‘Contact us’ form on the website: ghplegal.com
We are still extremely busy, and whilst our colleagues are well equipped to work remotely, due to current circumstances work may be interrupted – however cases are still ongoing and will be prioritised by urgency and need. Stay safe and thank you for your support.
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The Best Christmas Gift By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF This Christmas looks likely to be quite different from previous years. If there’s any silver lining to this, it may be that it helps remind us what really matters. The possibility of being unable to spend time with family and friends brings into focus how this is far more important than the excessive consumption that’s increasingly become part and parcel of Christmas. Current levels of consumption are unsustainable. Globally we’re consuming around 1.7 times as much as our planet can support. We may not want to hear it, but there’s no way this can continue for much longer. Consumption levels vary significantly around the world. To enable everyone on Earth to consume as much as the average UK citizen we’d need 2.7 planets. The equivalent figure for China is 2.2, for India it’s 0.7 and for the USA it’s 5 planets. The UK may not be as bad as some, but it’s clear we’re consuming too much and far more than our fair share. The richest 10% of the world’s population are responsible for over 50% of global carbon emissions, whilst the poorest 50% account for only about 7% of emissions. These richest 10% are defined as people with incomes of over £27,000 per year, so the average UK household’s disposable income of over £30,000 places many of us into this category. Increased consumption in richer countries has been a much bigger contributor to the climate crisis than population growth in poorer countries. We’re the ones who need to reduce our consumption and the period around Christmas is when a lot of this takes place. Food is a big part of Christmas, and whilst we’ve reduced food waste in recent years, there are still big opportunities for improvement - UK households waste around 4.5 million tonnes of food each year (worth approximately £14 billion). This equates to around £700 for a family with children. We don’t even need to eat less to save money and help protect the environment - we just need to reduce the amount we’re throwing away. Hopefully we will all be able to get together with friends and family over the Christmas period. But whatever happens, consuming and wasting less will be the best gift we can give to the planet and future generations. EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com
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Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Funny Money As we near the end of 2020 I think a lot of us really hope for a bit of the ‘old normal’ in 2021. Who could have predicted the events of the last 10 months or so? So... here’s some ‘old normal’ - more useless facts, quotes and odds and ends from the world of money and finance. First, a question; What did Albert Einstein describe as the ‘hardest thing in the world to understand’? The answer...was Income Tax! Perhaps he just didn’t have a head for figures. Next - insurance. You can now insure (honestly!) against some truly way-out stuff including - being abducted by aliens. Also, you can take cover for the risk/cost of having twins and curiously for ‘theft by monkeys’. The theft by monkeys one is interesting. About 12 years ago I was lucky enough to visit the Victoria Falls in Zambia. Around the grounds of the hotel were some curious monkeys that we thought were lovely... until one stole my sunglasses off the table (and over a few days a whole lot of other stuff). They were ‘written off’ and I had no ‘theft by primate‘ cover sadly. Still, my favourite insurance tale though is the chap who purchased a box of ultra expensive Cuban cigars. He subsequently 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.
claimed on his household insurance saying they had been destroyed in a sequence of ‘small unexplained fires’. Genius! Over many years a lot of comedians and writers have made loads of quips and quotes about money. Mark Twain wrote ‘there are two times in your life not to gamble. When you can afford to - and when you can’t.’ Wise words, but perhaps falling on deaf ears given that the value of the UK gambling industry is now bigger than the UK music and film industries combined! On inflation somebody wise said ‘inflation is paying £10 for a haircut you used to pay £5 for.... when you had hair’. Now that’s true! Next year we will write on a bunch of rather more serious topics as usual. Please do let us know if there is an area or subject you would like covered. Or come and see us at The Old Brewery (when you can!) - if there is anything we can help you with over a cuppa or coffee. Most importantly we wish all of our readers a happy, safe and healthy Christmas season and New Year. We hope that you all enjoy time with your friends and families and that 2021 will be all that you wish for. Warren and all at Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management.
Contributed by Warren Hadlow Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited. Telephone: 01978 311 611 hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk
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Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. This year has been more challenging than most, but the people of our town have come together, as we always have done, to overcome the difficulties that have come our way. From producing face visors to caring for our neighbours, it is safe to say that whilst 2020 has certainly has been difficult for many, it has also brought out the very best in us and I am extremely proud to represent this fantastic community. Like most things, we will be celebrating Christmas slightly differently this year with scaled back services and celebrations. However, the Christmas spirit and sense of community in Wrexham is stronger than ever, with some fantastic local initiatives spreading Christmas cheer. ‘Operation Kidz Shoebox’ appeal and the Rotary Club’s ‘Rainbow Bag’ are two brilliant programmes that are collecting and delivering toy parcels for the most vulnerable children in our community, ensuring that everybody can enjoy Christmas in this difficult year. I am encouraged by the news that we’re making headway in securing a vaccine against coronavirus, and that the UK Government earlier this year ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine – enough for about a third of the population. That puts us towards the front of the international pack on a per capita basis. We have also ordered over 300 million doses from five other vaccine candidates as well. This is an important step in our fight against this virus and will provide hope to many this festive season. As we are nearing the end of the Brexit transition period, I am excited for the next chapter in our nation’s long history. I know that the Wrexham spirit, which has served us well this year, will allow us to thrive in this new era of our national life. I am on hand to help local people and business to prepare for the changes they may need to make. Please visit www.gov.uk or contact my office anytime via the details below. Once again, I’d like to wish everyone across Wrexham a very Merry Christmas. As always, if there is anything I can do to be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Tel: 020 7217 4885 / 01978 291742 sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk www.sarahatherton.org.uk
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The Diary of a Chainsaw Sculptor By Award-Winning Sculptor SIMON O’ROURKE The Ticking Clock… They say time waits for no man, and it certainly doesn’t hang around when it comes to how long wood lasts outdoors! I’m often asked how long a sculpture will last, and I usually have a two word answer ‘it depends!’ Different wood lasts for different lengths of time, which differs again depending on the environment! With any of the factors creating numerous fluctuations in the longevity it’s not an exact science, so can’t be predicted accurately. With this much uncertainty, I only have my personal experience and information from others to draw on, so my conclusions are as follows. Oak, Cedar, Redwood, Cypress, and Sweet Chestnut are among the longest lasting available timbers in this country, so I usually use those for my sculptures. You can expect an untreated sculpture made from any of these timbers to look weathered within a year or two, and will still keep its shape and structure for a good 20 years, or so. Given the fact that we still see solid Oak beams on the exterior of Tudor houses, I think it would last for over 100 years, and still have its shape, although the weather would have worn down the detail on the exterior! When I create sculptures, I don’t usually add colour, as this will wear away eventually and detail that was painted on would be lost. I love to over exaggerate depth and
form in my work to create contrast using shadow, which will stand the test of time and still work as a sculpture in decades to come. All this said, creating something that lasts forever isn’t my goal. I love the look of weathered wood, and I feel that the aging process is part of the creativity, and part of the art. This example shows how this Redwood face sculpture has taken on a different feel having been bleached by the sun and worn by the wind! The growth rings in wood tell their own history, and as time passes, each growth ring becomes more prominent as the faster grown spring wood wears away quicker than the slower grown summer wood. We Do so much to preserve art and keep it behind glass for the future generations, but life is fragile and temporary, and aging is a natural and beautiful process which we need to embrace, not fight. Wood sculptures, like ourselves, will weather and deteriorate over time, but every split, knot, and wrinkle tells a story!
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Mindfulness on your Winter Walks Getting out for walks in winter is vitally important to our health and wellbeing. We need direct sunlight to hit our retinas at the back of our eyes to activate the production of serotonin and cortisol. A lack of sunlight increases the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. A lack of serotonin can lead to depression and low mood, an increase in melatonin will leave us lacking in energy and lethargic. The ‘winter blues’ is a very real possibility at the darkest time of year. One way of remedying this is to get out in nature as often as possible. Walking about in the cold and wet doesn’t always hold much appeal for people. But, if we can take a different attitude to winter then our walks can be totally transformed! Mindfulness has become a popular practice for people here in the west over the last few years, it is a practice that can improve mental health and general wellbeing, it’s proven to reduce anxiety and best of all it can be applied to almost any activity. If you have ever tried a meditation or mindfulness practice and not achieved the results you’d hoped for then I’d recommend looking no further than taking your mindfulness practice outdoors with you when you go walking. Here’s my five tips that will transform your walks into a mindful experience during the winter months: 1. Awareness of Body and Breath – Notice your body and breath as you walk. Notice how your heart beat and breath changes as you exert yourself.
2. Adopt a Child-like Attitude – Look at the world as if for the first time, think of the wonder and curiosity that a child see the world with and adopt this attitude for yourself. Warning – this could result in a snowball fight. 3. Follow Wild Tracks – This is great for adopting a ‘wandering’ mindset on your walk. When the ground is wet it can be easier to see the tracks of wild animals, follow these tracks and see where they go, what animal might have made them? 4. Note Seasonal Changes – Notice what changes as the seasons pass. This can be the emerging snowdrops, the arrival of swallows, or which trees are first to lose their leaves. 5. Winter Tree Identification – Identifying trees in winter requires a deeper exploration of the tree. You need to look closely at the branches, buds and bark, so get yourself a simple tree ID guide and head out into a woodland. To watch a video with more tips on bringing Mindfulness into your winter walks see my YouTube video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z9Aeql0osQ
By LEA KENDALL, Counsellor & Woodland Activity Leader www.leakendall.com www.woodlandclassroom.com
New Year BY JO YOUNG
We have to look ahead and see that 2021 is a brand New Year Accepting that 2020 saw us all shedding tears With many good reason COVID-19 took us through all the seasons We all learnt new language, new behaviour We all looked for a Saviour.
Local Gresford Poet, Jo Young
The Saviour came in many different ways New hobbies, increased drinking, eating and weight that stayed All of our key workers were fantastic and so dedicated The care and support that has been continually offered was present day – and not belated The volunteers who look after our elderly neighbours knew no bounds For them, collecting vital medicines and shopping – they were sound. This year we have all experienced the roller coaster of emotions Whilst we all wait for a cure – the real potion! So, we have to start the New Year with positive thoughts Learning from the lessons that COVID-19 has taught Be kind to each other Respect your family, friends, neighbours and importantly your lover Continue to exercise, read, take up hobbies and certainly use Skype, WhatsApp and Zoom As together, united – we can all bloom!
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EssentialsMAG Christmas Book Club
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories by VARIOUS
V&A: The Twelve Days of Christmas by WILLIAM MORRIS
If all you want for Christmas is more time to curl up with a book then this collection of short stories might just be the thing for you. From enchanted forests in Sweden to midnight mass in Rio, this collection takes you around the world - and even to outer space with tales of ghosts, Santas and trolls.
As you’d expect from the V&A, this beautiful book The Twelve Days of Christmas - combines patterns from the V&A’s William Morris archive – and additional illustrations from the pen of Liz Catchpole – bringing the words of the classic song to life. A great gift, even if it’s just for yourself.
The Gritterman by ORLANDO WEEKS As the rest of the world sleeps, the Gritterman goes out to work. But soon, he will have to retire, and what is a life without gritting? This is a bittersweet story about a man leaving behind the work that he loves. A picture book for adults and a touching story that will remind you of all those unsung heroes who work over the holidays.
Snow Day by RICHARD CURTIS When Danny goes to school one quiet, snowy morning, the last thing he expects to find is a deserted school and his least favourite teacher. But that's exactly what he does find. And what starts as the worst day imaginable, ends as the most life-affirming and magical day of the year. An incredibly moving story about finding friendship in the most unexpected of places.
Oceania Cruises 2022 Voyage Collection
As you look towards a future of exploring the world, let the promise of new adventures within Oceania’s alluring collection of voyages be the inspiration for bright days ahead. Oceania Cruises 2022 voyage collection features a range of itineraries in many of the world's best cruise destinations. Sailing aboard one of Oceania's elegant mid-size ships, you will enjoy the highest standards in onboard comfort and luxury, with each day promising new dining experiences courtesy of Oceania's world-renowned 'Best Cuisine At Sea'
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Useful Numbers ANIMAL CARE Blakemere Veterinary Borras Park Veterinary Daleside Veterinary Farndon Kennels & Cattery Gatehouse Veterinary Lightwood Boarding Kennels Park Lane Kennels Rhyd Broughton Veterinary RSPCA Vets4Pets
01691 622 201 01978 310 131 01978 311 881 01829 270 198 01244 570 364 01978 710 487 01978 852 914 01978 720 362 0300 1234 999 01978 352 499
COUNCILS Cheshire West & Chester Wrexham
0300 123 8 123 01978 292 000
DOCTORS Borras Park Surgery Hanmer Doctors Surgery Overton Surgery Overton Medical Practice Strathmore Medical Practice NHS Direct DENTISTS Bridge End Dental Practice Maelor Dental Care Wrexham Dental Centre OPTICIANS Gresford Eyecare
01978 801 960 01948 830 223 01978 780 804 01978 710 666 01978 352 055 111
01978 762 030 01978 780 943 0300 085 9666
01978 855 828
HOSPITALS Countess of Chester Wrexham Maelor
01244 365 000 01978 291 100
LEISURE CENTRES Gwyn Evans Northgate Arena Plas Madoc
01978 269 540 01244 380444 01978 821 600
LOCAL FACILITIES Adult Social Services Citizens Advice Foodbank - Chester Foodbank - Wrexham Recycling Centre - Chester Recycling Centre - Tattenhall Recycling Centre - Whitchurch Recycling Centre - Wrexham Relate Samaritans
01978 292 066 0300 330 1178 0151 355 7730 07538 547971 01244 372 764 01829 771 337 0345 678 9007 01978 292 000 01978 265 028 116 123
In an EMERGENCY always dial 999 For your local POLICE STATION in a NON EMERGENCY dial 101
LOCAL SERVICES Air Ambulance - Wales Fire & Rescue - Cheshire Fire & Rescue - North Wales Environment Agency Natural Resources Wales Severn Trent Water Welsh Water
0300 0152 999 01606 868 700 01745 535 250 03708 506 506 0300 065 3000 0800 783 4444 0800 052 0130
LIBRARIES Chester Library at Storyhouse Gresford Library Overton Library Wrexham Library
01244 409 113 01978 852 627 01978 710 557 01978 292 090
SCHOOLS & NURSERIES Abbey Gate College Acorns Playgroup Rhosddu Acton Park Primary School Alexandra School All Saints’ Primary School Bangor-on-Dee Childcare Barkers Lane Primary School Bishop Heber High School Borderbrook Primary School Borras Park CP School Darland High School Eyton Primary School Farndon Primary School Garden Village Playgroup Holt Primary School Holt Under 5’s Playgroup Madras Primary School Overton Playgroup Rhosddu School Rhosnesni High School Shocklach Primary School St. Chad’s School St. Mary’s School St. Paul's VA Primary School The King’s School The Maelor School The Queen’s School Wat’s Dyke School Ysgol Deiniol Primary School Ysgol Plas Coch Ysgol Rhosymedre Ysgol Sant Dunawd
01244 332 077 07516 254623 01978 318 950 01978 315 120 01978 852 342 01978 780 757 01978 357 754 01948 860 571 01948 770 676 01978 346 890 01244 570 588 01978 823 392 01244 981 280 01978 363600 01829 270 021 07496 231 275 01978 710 419 01978 710 688 01978 318 830 01978 340 840 01829 250 285 01948 830 238 01978 710 370 01978 661 556 01244 689 500 01948 830 291 01244 312 078 01978 355 731 01978 353 760 01978 311 198 01978 812 510 01978 780 757
TRAVEL National Rail Enquiries Traveline
03457 48 49 50 0871 200 22 33
thomas andrews & partners Solicitors Carol McGuire has specialised in all areas of Family Law, including: DIVORCE; SEPARATION; ISSUES RELATING TO CHILDREN and FINANCIAL REMEDY for over 30 years.
During the COVID-19 pandemic we are still here to help and are quite prepared to do telephone appointments to assist you. Please call us on: 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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Puzzle Page... Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 5 9 10 11 14 15 17 20 21 22 23
Uses again (8) Large US feline (4) Small drum (5) Turf out (5) Dishonest (10) Destroy (6) Not as bright (6) A liking for sugary foods (5,5) Mosquito (5) Expels from a position (5) Inflammation of an eyelid (4) Greek dish (8)
DOWN 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 12 13 16 18 19
Precious red gem (4) Insincere moral talk (4) Reticent and secretive (12) Personify (6) Specified work outfits (8) Creative skill (8) Detailed reports (12) Includes in something else (8) Amicable (8) Lively Spanish dance (6) One of the continents (4) La ___ Bonita: Madonna hit (4)
If you want to find out the answers they will be published in next month’s edition. Here are the answers from November:
Classic Sudoku
FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
TRADING FOR OVER 30 YEARS
ONE OF SHROPSHIRE ’S LEADING INSTALLERS
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Visit your local showroom or call us to arrange your no-obligation quote SHOWROOM ADDRESS Unit 5 Moreton Business Park, Gledrid, Nr Oswestry, Shropshire, LL14 5DG
OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri - 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm
www.premierwindowsoswestr y.co.uk
01691 7 73993
Principal Partner Practice of St. James's Place Wealth Management 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.
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RetiRement Planning moRtgages tax Planning investment Planning sPecialist insuRance
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 The Partner Practice 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 at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.