EssentialsMAG December 2022 Bangor on Dee/Overton/Garden Village/Borras

Welcome...

After two years of plans thwarted by Covid, it looks like it’s “business as usual” for the organisers of the numerous Christmas markets, school fairs, Santa’s grottos, pantos, and musical concerts in our region –if our magazine’s community pages are anything to go by! It appears that we’re craving some hopeful pragmatism, and we want to find ways to make this a Christmas to remember despite the hardships going on around us.

So, I’m urging all our readers and customers to do two things this year: Please shop local as much as you can. If everyone in our local community spent just £5 extra per week with small businesses it would help them to stay open in the long term.

Look out for our elderly and most vulnerable neighbours, who can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated during the colder months, and just check that they are OK.

However you celebrate the festive season, I wish you joy and peace.

Cover Image: Christmas market

January Deadlines: Editorial - 9th December

Advertising - 16th December

We’ve got the local area covered! Delivered by hand to 7,600 homes and businessesmore 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 25+ pick-up points across the region.

You can also read our magazines online at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk

EssentialsMAG is published by Essentials MAG Limited, a local independent publishing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Essentials MAG Limited.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URLs and phone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print.

EssentialsMAG Limited 2022.

This publication is printed on FSC® certified paper.

When you have finished reading it please pass it on, or put it in your paper recycling bin.

Up The Town!

Wrexham Museum forecourt is the venue for a new outside photography exhibition by north Wales documentary photographer, Carwyn Rhys Jones. The display is part of a wider project about the life experiences of Wrexham AFC supporters and their commitment to the Club. Carwyn Rhys Jones started the project because of his belief in the importance of fans to football clubs and how their life stories are a key part of their relationship to the Club. Carwyn got the project rolling by contacting Wrexham’s many fan clubs and, through them, getting to know the community that supports Wrexham AFC better.

The photographic display is on the Wrexham Museum forecourt on Regent Street.

Roman Remains

An archaeological dig which took place on Barnston Estate land in Farndon successfully uncovered Roman remains. Dozens of volunteers took part in the 10-day dig close to the banks of the River Dee in Farndon.

The dig, which was organised by the Holt and Farndon Community Archaeology Project and supported by the Holt Local History Society, quickly discovered Roman industrial activity.

Archaeologist Christopher Matthews of the research group, Archaeological Survey West, said: “Within the enclosure we found evidence of Roman industrial activity on the site which included a bloomery furnace. It appears that the site was used to process iron ore into workable iron. We will be releasing a short video diary in the coming weeks for anyone who was unable to visit the dig to see how the excavation unfolded.”

A public open day will take place at a date to be confirmed to display the findings.

UK Stamps Changing

The humble British stamp is about to get an upgrade, with the Royal Mail starting to officially add barcodes to them. Those without a barcode will be obsolete after July 31 2023. This is an extension to the previous deadline of January 31, giving people more time to use up their old stamps, or swap them out for the shiny new barcoded ones.

Everyone has some old stamps lying aroundso make sure you dig yours out and use them up before the deadline. Or swap them for the new digital ones at: www.royalmail.com/ sending/barcoded-stamps

A Network of ‘Warm Places’

As the cost of living crisis deepens, and with winter approaching, Wrexham County Borough Council intends to do everything it can to support its residents during these difficult times. The council needs the help and support from their partners as well as community groups and organisations across the county borough to work together to support vulnerable individuals and families.

The council is looking to provide a network of ‘warm places’ to support anyone struggling with the cost of living. They are keen to work with any community group or organisation that would be able to provide warm spaces within their community.

Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cost of Living Group, said: “The cost of living crisis that the UK is experiencing is putting unprecedented pressures on people, who are being forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.

“We want to do more to help Wrexham residents, but we can’t do this alone. We’re keen to work with community groups and organisations, building on the great work carried out during the pandemic, to create a network of warm places where people can come together, get warm, stay warm and enjoy some company.

“If any organisation or community group is able to provide a warm place this winter, we want to hear from you. This is our collective opportunity to make a positive difference to our communities and will help residents during this crisis.”

If you are a group or organisation who can provide a warm place please email warmplaces@wrexham.gov.uk

In your email, please include the following details: Organisation name, address, email, telephone/mobile number and contact person.

Please note: It is an expectation that the basic offer of a warm place is FREE of charge to all attendees.

Christmas

Crackers

Every country has its own unique Christmas traditions – here are some that are most peculiar to the British.

Christmas pudding

This fruity dessert started out life in the 14th century as a savoury pudding of mutton, beef, spices, dried fruit and wine called frumenty, only morphing into the meat-free dish we enjoy today in the Victorian era. It has traditions of its own, too. It’s probably the only pudding we’d dream of dousing in brandy and setting fire to – a practice which was said to represent the burning Passion of Christ, with the holly garnish on top representing the crown of thorns. And then there’s the addition of the “lucky” sixpence (now usually a five-pence piece) – although it does carry the risk of a less-than-lucky cracked tooth for the finder!

Boxing clever

The origins of Boxing Day date back several hundred years to a time when wealthy families would give their servants a rare day off on December 26th to spend with their families, sending them home with a Christmas gift box containing gifts, money and food. It was also traditionally the day when money collected throughout the year by churchgoers in an alms box would be distributed to the poor of the parish.

Going crackers for crackers

While they’re now popular the world over, Christmas crackers were invented in the mid-19th century by a London confectioner called Tom Smith. His first attempt was more or less a straight copy of French festive bon bons – sugared almonds

wrapped in a twist of coloured paper, inside which would be hidden a motto or riddle –and they were met with indifference. Then one night, sitting in front of a log fire and observing it spit and spark, he was inspired to add a crackle, and his Bangs of Expectation were born – although they quickly became known as Christmas crackers.

Play your cards right

It was in 1843 that Sir Henry Cole, founder of the V&A museum in London, sent the world’s first Christmas card. Too busy to send detailed personal messages at Christmas, he asked his friend, the artist John Calcott Horsley, to design him a card printed with a festive greeting, which he could send out instead. By the 1860s, the idea had really caught on, and around a billion cards are sent in the UK alone every year.

Who ate all the pies?

Like Christmas puddings, mince pies used to be filled with meat, typically mutton, and spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg –said to be symbolic of the gifts given by the three wise men to the baby Jesus. They were also originally oval-shaped, to echo the crib, with the pastry top representing the swaddling cloth. And did you know that, according to one tradition, eating a mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas will bring you health and happiness for the following year?

Dates for your Diary

1 - 23 DECEMBER

The Lanterns 2022

Chester Zoo, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU

Chester Zoo is transformed into a wonderland, full of sparkle, illumination and plenty of cheer!

From £12 Child/£15 Adults www.chesterzoo.org

1 - 31 DECEMBER

Wrexham Nativity Trail Wrexham

Follow the trail to reveal the Christmas story. 10am - 4pm Free www.facebook.com/ wrexhamnativitytrail

THUR 1 DECEMBER

FRI 2 DECEMBER

Farndon Christmas Fair

Farndon Primary School, Churton Road CH3 6QP Fun for all the familySanta’s grotto, games, festive food, mulled wine, gifts and jewellery.

3:30pm Free

1

DECEMBER

- 14 JANUARY

The Rock 'n' Roll Panto - Robin Hood

Theatr-Clwyd, Mold CH7 1YA

The popular Christmas panto returns! Rock, soul and pop songs, fabulous frocks, dazzling sets, and the anarchic panto puppets.

From £15 www.theatrclwyd.com

1 - 21 DECEMBER

Chester Christmas Market

Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HJ

A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits you in the heart of Chester with 70 market traders situated in the square around the Town Hall. Food, gifts and more!

Mon-Wed: 10:30am - 6:30pm

Thu - Sat: 10:30am - 8pm

Sun: 10:30am - 6:30pm Free

Rossett Christmas Tree Switch On

Outside Co-op, Chester Road, Rossett LL12 0HW

Carol singing, mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies and raffle. All welcome! 4:30pm Free

THUR 1 DECEMBER

2 - 4 DECEMBER

Chester Christmas Festival Weekend

The Carriage Shed, City Place, Chester CH1 3DR

Undercover Christmas market, with music, shopping, great food and drink for all the family. 10am - 5pm Free

Christmas Spectacular by Candlelight

Viennese

Chester Cathedral, Chester CH1 2DY

If you don’t consider yourself ‘in the know’ about Mozart, Beethoven, or Bach, fear not! The London Concertante has its audience laughing at jokes, gasping at virtuosity, moved by gorgeous string playing, and leaving with a smile on their faces.

7:30pm From £26.46 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e /314678902067

2 - 24 DECEMBER

Christmas at Bolesworth

Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall CH3 9HQ

Bolesworth is transformed into a festive wonderland with an enchanted Christmas Lights Trail. You can also look forward to a spectacular fairground, Christmas markets featuring shopping and food, magical meeting with the friendly reindeer, visit Santa’s grotto and indulge in an exclusive champagne experience.

www.bolesworth.com

FRI 2 DECEMBER

A Choral Christmas

St Giles Church, Wrexham LL13 8LS

The Fron Male Voice Choir return to St Giles Church for an exciting evening of choral music. With special guests - the Wrexham Youth Choir. 7pm £15/£12.50 concession www.wegottickets.com/ event/551994/

While every effort has been made to ensure all the details are correct at the time of going to print, it is advisable to check details with the venue concerned.

SAT 3 DECEMBER

Bangor-On-Dee Christmas Fayre

Ysgol Sant Dunawd, Sandown Rd, Bangoron-Dee LL13 0JA

The Christmas Fayre will be open to the public between 11am-4pm, followed by a Christmas lantern parade led by the children from Ysgol Sant Dunawd between 4pm - 5pm. 11am - 4pm

Free

SUN 4 DECEMBER

Gresford Artisan Market and Santa’s Grotto

Gresford Trust Memorial, High Street, Gresford, LL12 8PS

Gresford’s Artisan Market featuring great food and craft producers, carol singers from The Rofft School. Come and visit Santa’s Grotto! Donate if you can - all proceeds to go to Wrexham Foodbank. 11am - 3pm Free

3 DECEMBER Christmas Fayre

SAT

Erlas Victorian Walled Garden, Bryn Estyn Rd, Wrexham LL13 9TY

Enjoy a Santa’s grotto, activities, refreshments and winter plants for sale. The beautiful winter garden will also be on display for visitors to walk around. 10am - 2pm £1 Adults/Children free Tel: 01978 265058

SAT 3 DECEMBER

Christmas Craft Fair

Alyn Waters Country Park, Mold Rd, Gwersyllt, Wrexham LL11 4AG

A fun and family friendly Christmas event featuring crafts, gifts, food, activities and more!

11am - 3pm Free

SAT 3 DECEMBER Christmas Market

Gresford Royal British Legion, High Street, Gresford LL12 8PS

Crafts, gifts, festival treats, home decor, and more! 1pm - 5pm Free SAT 3 DECEMBER Carol Concert

St Giles Church, Wrexham LL13 8LS

A magical evening of classic Christmas carols and festivities featuring Aled Wyn Davies, Rhos Male Voice Choir and The Wrexham Salvation Army Band.

6:30pm

£18 (no concessions) Tel: 01978 314292 www.nightingalehouse.co.uk

WED 7 DECEMBER

Wrexham Victorian Market

Wrexham city centre

Over 100 stalls selling a host of festive goodies and gifts alongside Victorian Street entertainers and a traditional carousel. Stretching from Queens Square to St Giles’ Church. 12pm - 7pm Free

8 DECEMBER - 7 JANUARY

Cinderella Panto

Grove Park Theatre, Hill St, Wrexham LL11 1SN

Will the Prince ever find the owner of the crystal slipper or will Cinderella’s evil family keep her sweeping the cinders from the fire? groveparktheatre.co.uk

Dates for your Diary

9 - 31 DECEMBER

Beauty and The Beast Christmas Panto

Stiwt Theatre, Broad Street, Wrexham LL14 1RB

Go on a journey to a far-off land where we learn that true beauty comes from within!

£16.50 Adult/£14.50 Child £57.00 Family www.stiwt.com

FRI 9 DECEMBER

Christmas Soul Night

Worthenbury Village Hall, Worthenbury, Wrexham LL13 0WA Christmas Soul Night at Worthenbury Village Hall featuring Band of Gold. 7pm £12 (by reservation only) Tel: Herbie 07727 152501 herbieadams@live.co.uk

SAT 10 DECEMBER

Carols Around The Christmas Tree

Chester Road, Gresford Village Come and sing carols around the tree. Good company and mince pies - a winning combination! Organised by Gresford Community Council. 4pm Free Tel: 07470 631184

For a comprehensive list of Christmas events, shows, groups and classes please visit: essentialsmag.co.uk/whatson

10 & 11 DECEMBER

Wrexham Christmas Market

Queen's Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT

Amazing stalls for your Christmas shopping. Saturday 10am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 5pm Free www.facebook.com/ wrexhamchristmasmarket/

11 - 17 DECEMBER

Christmas Tree Festival

All Saints’ Church, Gresford LL12 8RG Beautiful Christmas Tree Festival raising funds for local charities. 4pm - 6pm Free (donations welcome)

WED 21 DECEMBER

Woodland Solstice Celebration

National Trust Erddig, Wrexham LL13 0YT

Join us around the campfire, for a celebration of the Winter Solstice. 10am - 2pm £30.00 woodlandclassroom.com

SUN 1 JANUARY

The Chester & Wrexham Charity Heritage Bus Running Day

Chester - Wrexham

A large selection of vehicles will be running on a free service between Wrexham Road Park & Ride, Chester and Wrexham on New Year's Day. The routes will follow the current Number 1 & PR1 services. Vehicles are expected from local Crosville and Chester Corpy buses to a mix of London Transport and many other non-local vehicles. Make sure you come for a ride and support Nightingale House Hospice. All vehicles will serve all normal bus stops along the route. 9:30am - 6pm Free (donations welcome)

Share your events with us - it’s FREE! Let us know your events taking place next month so we can feature them. essentialsmag.co.uk /whatson

Grove Park Theatre - Just the Ticket!

By SUE TUNLEY, Grove Park Theatre

Cinderella will finally get to go to the balltwo years later than planned! After our “Rapunzel” pantomime ended in January 2020, even the meanest panto villain couldn’t have predicted a global pandemic would force us to shut up shop and cancel the rest of our 2019/20 season.

The cast of “The Darling Buds of May” were deep in rehearsal when the first lockdown began and were forced to disband. Not to mention “Cinderella”, which was due to run in December, was also put on hold.

Grove Park Theatre are Wrexham’s oldest amateur theatre and with only 170 seats, we are often affectionately known as ‘The Little Theatre’. But it takes a big team of volunteers to put on every show. From lighting technicians and front of house stewards; to set builders and prop makers; not to mention our actors!

Once the green light had been given for theatres to re-open we decided to stage a simple play as quickly as possible. Alan Bennett’s “Talking Heads” Monologues were the perfect choice to welcome the first audiences back, but despite having just two actors, one was struck down with Covid forcing a slight postponement.

This autumn, we launched our new season and came back stronger than ever with the seductive “The Graduate” and the spiffing “Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense” attracting big audiences and rave reviews.

So onto Cinderella, which this year, features a largely new cast with a debut writer and director. Grove Park’s annual pantomimes are the engine that drives the rest of the season. The support of generations of families cheering the heroes and booing the baddies helps us produce a wide variety of other plays all year round.

We’ve more to come in 2023 - from dark laughs in “The Anniversary”, to the emotional punch of “The Revlon Girl” and the ‘perfick’ season finale, “The Darling Buds of May”.

After a difficult time for everyone, Grove Park Theatre is just the ticket.

For a full list of performances and to book tickets, visit: groveparktheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on: 01978 351 091

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 fireside garden planning.

TOP 10 JOBS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

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.

Delmar World

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Greetings All!

At this time of the year, we tend to reflect on the year and take stock.

The recovery of the travel industry is gathering momentum with many companies reporting their busiest Autumn ever, which is great news for us all.

Personally, I have observed that the initial start-up of worldwide travel was fraught with confusion as restrictions changed regularly with endless paperwork and PCR testing causing more anxiety than the normal excitement of going away on holiday.

Here at Delmar World, we have spent many hours with nervous clients who needed assistance in preparing for their travels to take away the worry. Thankfully though, these unwelcome demands have eased and more and more of you are planning a break or even a bucket-list adventure for next year.

Canada is proving to be one of the top destinations for next year. Japan, one of the latest countries to open up is experiencing much demand especially for the Cherry Blossom Springtime and the Autumn colours.

Cruising is growing with many new ships being launched next year and so many styles of cruises to choose from such as River and Adventure is enticing first time cruisers.

Luxury all-inclusive resorts are also in high demand due to no budget being necessary for extras before you travel –a real attraction in today’s world of escalating costs.

There is a lot to choose from which is why we are showcasing many inspirational ideas at our Travel and Cruise Show at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Chester on Sunday 15th January. You are most welcome to come along – just register your interest and we will keep you informed right up to the event.

To register your free place, please email: sales@delmarworld.co.uk or call: 01978 853 886. You can also scan this QR code on our advert opposite.

In the meantime, I send you all warm wishes for a peaceful and joyful Christmas. Delmar

Gresford Sailing Club

- Welsh Sailing Club of the Year 2023

Gresford

Sailing Club has been awarded

The Royal Yachting Association’s Welsh “Club of the Year 2023” and is going forward to the Great Britain final of this prestigious award in February. But how did we, probably the smallest sailing club in the world, get to be Welsh Champions and a contender for this prestigious award?

Gresford Sailing Club was established in 1959 by Arthur Jones and Reg Gibbs with the ethos, “cost must not be a barrier to participation”. We sail on the six-acre Flash by the Old Wrexham Road, near Wrexham. As far as we know, this is the smallest dinghy sailing club lake in the world. We have adult dinghy sailing, junior and adult training sessions and model boating. We are an RYA Recognised Training Centre with RYA Sailability Foundation status and hold a Sport Wales in Sport Ribbon for Inclusive Sports Activity.

Low water in 2018/2019, followed by Covid, almost led to the collapse of the Club in 2020. But a small group was determined for the Club to survive and grow again and EssentialsMAG was part of that story.

In May 2021, we relaunched the Club with our ‘Discover Sailing Week’ with some advertising in EssentialsMAG and a rejuvenated website. We Introduced stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and trained 120 people to SUP safely. This led to increased junior sailing (numbers up from 4 to 40). This, in turn, led to parents learning to sail and growing participation through 2021. We also introduced new Scout and school groups to sailing on The Flash.

We began working with others, including Mindful SUP, RYA, All Afloat charity, Sport Wales, and local schools.

With Covid restrictions being lifted, we were able to take our first steps toward rebuilding the social infrastructure of the Club by hosting a Regatta Weekend. This combined ‘Last Night of the Juniors’, ‘The Arthur Jones Classic Regatta’, our ‘Model Boaters Exhibition’, a ‘Quiz & Chips’ and ‘Paper Boat Championship.’ The crowning glory was ‘Pirate Day’ - total chaos with a pirate theme!

2022 has been a year of consolidation with continued growth in adult and junior sailing and SUP. The All Afloat Wrexham schools programme was enhanced as we became the hosts for the All Afloat fleet of Hansa accessible dinghies. A Sport Wales development grant has enabled us to improve our training fleet. Club boats can now be hired by members, so boat ownership is no longer essential. The social Infrastructure has thrived in 2022 and we now have over 100 adult and 40 junior members.

Evolving the Club into 2023, we will be focusing on improving our training and regrowing racing. The Flash is too small to be a cruising destination, but it’s a great place to hone skills through racing.

If you want to find out more, see our website: gresfordsailingclub.com To support our bid to be RYA National “Club of the Year” please vote for us at : awards.yachtsandyachting.co.uk/rya/

Housing Law Changes in Wales

By Property Consultant CHARLES LAWSON

The Renting Homes Act: designed to make renting property easier in Wales.

From 1 December 2022, anyone renting out or living in a rented home in Wales, should be aware of changes to the way properties are rented. These changes are intended to improve and provide further security on how rented homes are rented, managed and occupied.

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, all social and private tenants will see some changes to the way their contracts are provided, how their homes are maintained and how they communicate with their landlords.

All landlords, whether social or private, and including those who rent their properties via an agent or management company, must make sure that they comply with the new law and make all the necessary updates to their property and paperwork.

What will the changes look like and what difference will the new law make?

Tenants and licensees are going to be referred to as ‘contract-holders’ and ‘tenancy agreements’ are going to be replaced with ‘occupation contracts’.

If you are a ‘contract holder’, you will receive a written contract setting out your rights and responsibilities. Your ‘no fault’ notice period is increasing from two to six months and you will get greater protection from eviction. You will also have improved succession rights, which will set out who has a right to continue to live in a home, if the current tenant dies, for example. Joint contract-holders will have more flexible arrangements too, making it easier to add or remove other people to an occupation contract.

If you are a landlord, the system is going to be simpler, with two types of contract, either ‘secure’ for the social rented housing or ‘standard’ for the privately rented sector. If a property is abandoned it can be repossessed without the need for a court order. You must ensure the home is fit for human habitation (FFHH). This includes electrical safety testing and ensuring working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fitted.

Landlords can find more information and helpful resources by going to https://gov.wales/landlords-housing-lawchanging-renting-homes

EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Christmas Pudding Strudel

INGREDIENTS

250g/9oz leftover Christmas pudding, crumbled 250g tub mascarpone

2 tbsp Baileys

4 sheets filo pastry 25g melted butter

Icing sugar, for dusting Cream or custard, to serve

METHOD

Heat oven to 200°C/180°C, fan/gas 6.

Mix the pudding, mascarpone and Baileys.

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

Place the filling in a log in the centre and brush the border with butter.

Roll up to enclose the filling, then brush with the remaining butter.

Can be chilled for one day until ready to bake.

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

A Seasonal Treat - Brussel Sprouts

There’s more to December than Christmas dinner, but if you’re looking for ways to wow the family on the 25th, why not spruce up your sprouts and turn what can be a sadly unloved brassica into a star?

These little green nutritional powerhouses first became popular – or loathed, depending on your tastebuds and past cooking experiences – in the UK in the late 19th century.

While they are often over-boiled into mushy and malodorous oblivion, they take

on a whole new lease of life when roasted. Just trim and halve, toss in olive oil and season, then place cut-side down on a baking tray. Roast at 220°C for around 20 minutes until the bottoms are caramelised, the top leaves are crispy and the insides gloriously tender.

A revelation! You can also pimp them up by adding chopped chestnuts, bacon lardons and garlic before they go into the oven.

Can you Balance on One Leg?

By PHIL CABRAL from Natural Balance

Now, here’s a question that you didn’t think we would ask: can you balance on one leg for more than 10 seconds? And do you know how important it is to be able to do so? We probably all learnt to balance whilst riding a bike as a child but, as we get older our balance becomes more of an issue –whether consciously or subconsciously. As such, we find ourselves leaning on an inanimate object for support or sitting down to put on our shoes. But is this really necessary?

It is vital to our overall general health and wellbeing to continue to cultivate our balance so that it remains in tip top condition, but it takes practice.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine published a report earlier this year which was taken from a 10-year study of more than 1,700 people – all middle aged. It was found that the increase of death in those who struggled to balance was almost double.

One of the tests they had to try was to stand on one leg with the second leg pushed against the first. Both arms were by their sides and their eyes were open and staring straight ahead. They were given three chances to pass this test and, allowing for age, sex and any underlying health conditions, if they failed to hold this position for at least 10 seconds, they

were deemed to have an 84% increase in the chance of death, from any cause.

Around one in five people failed the test –a figure that rose parallel to age - and more than one in three people aged between 66 and 70, failed the test.

In summary, a lack of balance can be a symptom of a serious health condition or due to a lack of physical activity caused by the condition. For the rest of us, it is important to maintain balance to reduce the risk of health issues and untimely death.

And that’s where we come in. We can advise you on how to improve, and maintain, your balance by beginning a fitness programme that is designed specifically to address your balance problems. No matter how old or how fit you are, we can help you maximise your health for longer.

If you are suffering from poor balance and would like our help, please get in touch.

We would be delighted to help you continue to live a long, healthy, happy and productive life.

by Phil Cabral at Natural Balance

Physiotherapy & Sports Injury

Tel: 01244 639898

E: lorna@natbalance.co.uk www.natbalance.co.uk

Facebook: @philthephysio

Family Time and Screen Time

While screen time may be a way for many to relax, a recent survey of Welsh parents with children aged under five, found that their child’s use of technology was one of their top concerns.

So, how can you balance your child’s use of technology with access to family time and interaction?

‘Screen time’ refers to time spent in front of a screen watching television, playing on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Screen time guidelines

No-one is able to single-handedly entertain a young child all day or keep up with their energy levels! Often, parents will see technology as a way to offer children ‘down time’ or ‘quiet time’ so that they focus on a household task. However experts recommend limiting young children’s daily screen time. This is because of the potential impacts on their physical health, particularly their vision and posture and also their language and social skills.

They recommend:

• Infants aged 18 months and younger should not be exposed to any digital media.

• For children aged two to five years of age, screen time should be limited to one hour per day.

• Children of any age (and grown ups!) should avoid screen time before bed as the light emitted can make it harder to fall asleep.

Getting the most out of technology

Parents can involve themselves in their child’s use of technology, sharing time together, setting limits and role modelling how and when it is used.

• Think about on-line safety - reduce risks by checking the privacy settings on apps that your child uses.

• Act as a role model - it is easy to forget the frequency with which we check our phones but our children could be mirroring our behaviour. Try to create a place in your home to keep mobile phones and only choose to get it if you need to use it purposefully.

• Think about posture - try to make sure your little ones are not straining their necks looking down at a tablet. Try to encourage them to look at the screen on a table and to take regular breaks to look away from the screen.

• Enjoy together - the best way for a child to develop their language skills is by listening to ‘live language’ from the real people around them. Try to sit with your child when they play on their tablet and talk to them about what they can see and what’s happening.

Try choosing age appropriate apps or games that your child will enjoy. For tips and recommendations visit The National Literacy Trust website: literacytrust.org.uk

Free practical tips and expert advice for all your parenting challenges is available at: gov.wales/parenting-give-it-time

The Road to Hell

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

At COP27, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that humanity was on a “highway to climate hell”. He went on to say that, “The global climate fight will be won or lost in this crucial decade – on our watch.” It’s worth reflecting on how we’ve reached a point where a statement such as this from the Head of the UN can be met with so much apathy.

The UN says global emissions must be halved by 2030 to have any chance of avoiding 1.5oC or more of warming. Current pledges to reduce emissions, if fully delivered, would result in warming of around 2.5oC.

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions” Pledges to act represent nothing more than good intentions and are absolutely worthless if not followed through. As highlighted earlier this year, the UK Climate Change Committee’s annual progress report concluded that “Current programmes will not deliver Net Zero“.

The UK Government is certainly not alone in its woefully inadequate progressCOP26 ended with an agreement to “revisit and strengthen” plans to cut emissions before COP27 - since then, only 24 of 193 countries have actually submitted improved emissions reduction targets.

There is no hope without action. The above is not intended to depress

you, but to instead motivate action. There is nothing inevitable about any of this - it’s a choice and we can still avoid this destination. However, if we’re not prepared to make significant changes, then there is no reason for hope.

Year’s end offers an opportunity for reflection - I’d suggest asking ourselves the following questions:

• What changes have I made in my own life to help tackle the climate crisis?

• What have I done to encourage/help others to take action?

• What have I done to pressure businesses to act?

• What have I done to pressure politicians to act?

Individual action on its own will not solve the climate crisis. However, I’d argue that this pivotal moment in history places a moral obligation on every one of us to do whatever we can. We’ve already squandered nearly a third of this critical decade - we’re currently being let down by politicians, large sections of the media unwilling to tell the truth, and those prioritising short-term financial gain over the future of our planet. I still believe that we’re far better than this - the remainder of this decade offers all of us an opportunity to prove it.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

Financial

with Hadlow Edwards

‘Moments of Clarity’

Well, what a year!

Who could have foreseen war in Europe, the death of our Monarch, political mayhem (let’s not go there!), an unbelievable heatwave, and very real concerns over the rising cost of living… all alongside the ‘normal’ day to day stuff?

As always, we have set new records for our Hadlow Edwards business. We have seen and supported more people in 2022 than in any other year of the last 20 and our team is now nearly 40 strong and is ready to help you throughout 2023, whatever your financial needs or concerns may be.

So, to wrap up this year’s articles, I’ve found some light-hearted ‘moments of clarity’ which I hope will raise a smile.

Here’s a few with a monetary or financial nod:

US Astronaut, John Glenn, is attributed to saying the line: “I felt exactly how you would feel if you were getting ready to launch and knew you were sitting on top of two million parts — all built by the lowest bidder on a government contract.”

Howard Hughes quipped: “I am not a paranoid deranged millionaire... I am a billionaire!”

And Arnie ‘I’ll be back’ Schwarzenegger said the line: “Money doesn't make you happy. I now have $50 million but I was just as happy when I had $48 million.”

When it comes to news, what and who do we believe? In the United States, Donald Trump perhaps claims that he created the idea of ‘fake news’. Or perhaps it may have been around somewhat longer…

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

Hadlow of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Tel: 01978 311 611 www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

TV giant, David Letterman, said: “America is the only country where a significant proportion of the population believes that professional wrestling is real, but the moon landing was faked.”

A chap called Dave Lewis shared his Lewis’s Law of Travel: “The first piece of luggage out of the chute doesn’t belong to anyone, ever.”

Johnny Carson, another US TV giant and comedian, noted: “If life were fair, Elvis would still be alive, and all the impersonators would be dead.”

And finally, one last one from way over a century ago. Robert Benchley wrote: “I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it.”

All that’s left for me to say, as I know we are all looking forward to a break over the festive holidays, is that my colleagues and I wish all of you and your families a healthy, safe, and prosperous 2023.

If you would like to consider some rather more important topics in the New Year, please do give our office a call on 01978 311611, or email hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk.

Best wishes, Warren and all the team at Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management.

financial affairs.

erience from an approachable,

away the frustration of

planning.

Hadlow

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.

By Warren

Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

It’s been another busy month in the constituency…

I officially opened Green Rock Group's new manufacturing facility in Wrexham. The business, which specialises in producing fully recyclable paper cups and lids, opened their facility on the Whitegate Industrial Estate following a seven-figure investment. The company is currently producing 200 million fully recyclable paper cups every month and this figure is set to increase. Green Rock already employs more than 50 people but they expect to create another 100 jobs by the end of this year. Green Rock investing in Wrexham is positive news and it is great to see an eco-friendly business moving from strength to strength.

Happy 30th birthday to Advance Brighter Futures. The Wrexham-based mental health charity aims to ensure that no individual experiencing mental health problems ever feel like they’re on their own. It was a pleasure to join in with the celebrations and to see their newly renovated building. The extension and refurbishments were funded by the Welsh Government and, having been closely involved with the charity for a number of years, I am sure the improved facilities will make a huge difference, enabling ABF to continue to provide a fantastic service to local people. Attitudes towards mental health have changed considerably since ABF was established in 1992 but there is still work to do to make people recognise a person’s mental health is just as important

as their physical health. We’re living through difficult and stressful times and it’s ok not to be ok. If you’re struggling, charities like ABF are there to help.

In addition to being passionate about filmmaking, Eternal Media is a local charity determined to have a positive social impact. The company, which often supports people who have experienced difficult times in their lives, use filmmaking, music production and photography as a way to encourage self-esteem, creativity and teamwork. Based at The Bunker in Borras, I recently visited founder, Marcus Fair, and the team to hear more about plans to expand and construct a recovery hub and community classroom in a neighbouring building, as well as creating a garden and new communal area. I will do all I can to help support the project.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please get in touch.

As this will be my final column of the year, I would like to wish all EssentialsMAG readers a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Tel: 01978 355743

Lesley.Griffiths@senedd.wales www.lesleygriffiths.co.uk

Facebook & Twitter: @lesley4wrexham

Talwyd costau’r cyhoeddiad hwn gan Gomisiwn y Senedd, o gronfeydd cyhoeddus / The costs of this publication have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds.

Legal Advice

Landlords Beware: The Rules they are a-changin’

On December 1st private landlords in Wales will be coming to terms with more changes to the industry as even more new legislation comes into force. Keeping up and complying with all the legislation changes over the past few years has become a nightmare for those landlords with private housing, that is so important due to public housing stock being so reduced.

Property prices in Wales are at an 18-year high; mortgage interest rates are fast approaching those of a decade ago; the need for private rental property is likely to become even greater, and now The Rented Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is coming into force on December 1st

Under this latest legislation, Tenancies will now be known as “Occupation Contracts”, Tenants will become Contract Holders, and private landlords will be given a period of six months from when the new Act comes into force to provide Contract Holders with the new written statement. The Act itself contains precedents of the written statements. If a new contract is entered into, the written statement must be provided within 14 days. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in sanctions being imposed on the Landlord.

There will also be new notice requirements if a private landlord wishes to evict a tenant. For breach of contract, for example nonpayment of rent, landlords will need to give one month’s notice. If they wish to serve a no-fault notice, then they must provide six months’ notice. However, if a landlord has already commenced possession proceedings, or served a notice prior to the Act coming into force, then they will still be able to rely on this notice.

rentsmart.gov.wales is offering a training course for landlords, managing agents and staff, to help them understand and comply with the Act. In total, the course is made up of seven modules, covering: Introduction to the Act; Occupation Contracts; Succession, Joint Contracts and Consent; Property Conditions; Contract-holders Rights & Obligations; Conversion; Ending Contracts.

If you are a private Landlord, you might, however, find it easier to seek advice from a Solicitor to ensure you comply with the requirements of the new Act. But whatever you decide, you will do well to heed the warning that there will be no “bedding in” period for The Act – it will come in and affect the vast majority of existing and future tenancies, in Wales, from 1st December 2022.

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.

Keep Your Home Secure This Winter

As the nights draw in, the cold and longer hours of darkness can mean easy pickings for criminals. Burglaries can increase by up to 35% during the winter months, so your home security is more important than ever when the colder weather arrives.

Even though the danger of burglary varies depending on the kind of property and the amount of protection in place, it’s worth taking a few additional steps to effectively protect yourself from a break-in without spending a fortune on complicated home security systems.

Keep your doors and windows locked –even when you’re at home Update your security by fitting a latch lock (also called a night latch) or a five-lever mortice deadlock to both front and back doors. Also fit a letter box cage to prevent thieves tampering with locks through the letter box, and a peephole in the front door or a “smart” doorbell to check who’s outside before deciding whether to open the door to them. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and any others that are easy to reach, such as those above a flat roof or near a drainpipe. Use a professional locksmith wherever you can.

Use clever lighting

When you’re out give the illusion that someone is home using plug-in timer switches on your lights which can be purchased for a few pounds each and can be pre-set to turn different lights on and off. Install an outdoor motion-sensor security light to prevent a burglar sneaking up to and entering your house, making it a less attractive target.

Secure any garages, sheds, and passageways outside your home

Garages and sheds are often full of expensive tools, some of which a burglar could use to break into your home. Make sure that garage doors are solid and fitted with good locks. Always keep garage windows and doors locked, particularly if your garage is attached to your house with a door leading inside. Deter thieves from getting into your garden by putting up a strong fence or planting a prickly hedge. Padlock the side gate, which should be strong enough to withstand a strong kick.

Protect your valuables Mark possessions with your postcode and the number of your house or flat. This deters burglars because it makes stolen property harder to sell. If your valuables are stolen, the police are more likely to find them if they are marked. You can register your valuable possessions online for free on the Immobilise Property Register (immobilise.com). This website helps police identify owners of lost or stolen property.

Keep curtains or blinds closed at night

We all know to keep valuables away from view, but a good habit to adopt is closing the curtains or blinds to keep your home away from view at night. A potential burglar might try and look through your windows to see if there is anything to attract them, so closing the curtains helps prevent this.

Useful Numbers

In an EMERGENCY always dial 999

For your local POLICE STATION in a NON EMERGENCY dial 101

ANIMAL CARE

Blakemere Veterinary 01691 622 201

Borras Park Veterinary 01978 310 131

Daleside Veterinary 01978 311 881

Farndon Kennels & Cattery 01829 270 198

Gatehouse Veterinary 01244 570 364

Lightwood Boarding Kennels 01978 710 487 Park Lane Kennels 01978 852 914

Rhyd Broughton Veterinary 01978 720 362 RSPCA 0300 1234 999 Vets4Pets 01978 352 499

COUNCILS

Cheshire West & Chester 0300 123 8 123 Wrexham 01978 292 000

DOCTORS

Borras Park Surgery 01978 801 960

Hanmer Doctors Surgery 01948 830 223 Overton Surgery 01978 780 804 Overton Medical Practice 01978 710 666 Strathmore Medical Practice 01978 352 055 NHS Direct 111

DENTISTS

Bridge End Dental Practice 01978 762 030 Maelor Dental Care 01978 780 943 Wrexham Dental Centre 0300 085 9666

OPTICIANS

Gresford Eyecare 01978 855 828

HOSPITALS

Countess of Chester 01244 365 000 Wrexham Maelor 01978 291 100

LEISURE CENTRES

Gwyn Evans 01978 269 540 Northgate Arena 01244 380444 Plas Madoc 01978 821 600

LOCAL FACILITIES

3C Pest Control 01948 838 111

Adult Social Services 01978 292 066

Citizens Advice 0300 330 1178

Foodbank - Chester 0151 355 7730

Foodbank - Wrexham 07538 547971

Recycling Centre - Chester 01244 372 764

Recycling Centre - Tattenhall 01829 771 337

Recycling Centre - Whitchurch 0345 678 9007

Recycling Centre - Wrexham 01978 292 000 Samaritans 116 123

LOCAL SERVICES

Environment Agency 03708 506 506

Fire & Rescue - North Wales 01745 535 250

Natural Resources Wales 0300 065 3000 Severn Trent Water 0800 783 4444 Welsh Water 0800 052 0130

LIBRARIES

Chester Library at Storyhouse 01244 409 113 Gresford Library 01978 852 627 Overton Library 01978 710 557 Wrexham Library 01978 292 090

SCHOOLS & NURSERIES

Abbey Gate College 01244 332 077

Acorns Playgroup Rhosddu 07516 254623

Acton Park Primary School 01978 318 950

Alexandra School 01978 315 120

All Saints’ Primary School 01978 852 342

Bangor-on-Dee Childcare 01978 780 757

Barkers Lane Primary School 01978 357 754

Bishop Heber High School 01948 860 571

Borderbrook Primary School 01948 770 676

Borras Park CP School 01978 346 890

Bronington VA Primary School 01948 780 283

Darland High School 01244 570 588 Eyton Primary School 01978 823 392 Farndon Primary School 01244 981 280 Garden Village Playgroup 01978 363600 Holt Primary School 01829 270 021 Holt Under 5’s Playgroup 07496 231 275 Madras Primary School 01978 710 419 Overton Playgroup 01978 710 688 Rhosddu School 01978 318 830 Rhosnesni High School 01978 340 840

Shocklach Primary School 01829 250 285

St. Chad’s School 01948 830 238 St. Mary’s School Overton 01978 710 370 St. Paul's VA Primary School 01978 661 556

The King’s School 01244 689 500

The Maelor School 01948 830 291

The Queen’s School 01244 312 078

Wat’s Dyke School 01978 355 731

Ysgol Bryn Alyn 01978 720 700

Ysgol Deiniol Primary School 01978 353 760

Ysgol Plas Coch 01978 311 198 Ysgol Rhosymedre 01978 812 510 Ysgol Sant Dunawd 01978 780 757

TRAVEL

National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50 Traveline 0871 200 22 33

Crossword ACROSS

1

4

Very long (7)

Conducts reconnaissance (7)

Requirements (5)

A woolly ruminant animal (5)

Epsom horse race (5)

Camera image (5)

Money (5)

Deadlock (7)

20

21

22

DOWN

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

13

14

15

16

17

19

If you want to find out the answers they will be published in next month’s edition. Here are the answers from November: