Essentials Mag January 2017 Bangor

MAG JANU ARY 201 7 • DELIVERED FR EE

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

essentials Text

MAG

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AT A GLANCE Text

CHRISTMAS RECYCLING

From Wrexham Council

HISTORY PAGE

By Viv Lavis Jones

NEW BUS TIMETABLES Starting 19 January

GARDENING ADVICE & TIPS For January

TORONZO CANNON

Coming to North Wales

Follow us on @EssentialsJill for online editions of the magazine and up-to-date news

IT’S YOUR MAG TOO! Got any comments?

Let’s have them!

Call us on 01244 571602 or send an email to

jill@essentialsmag.co.uk

essentialsMAG www.essentialsmag.co.uk DISCLAIMER

The opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this issue of essentialsMAG are not necessarily the views held by the editors All facts and figures are correct at time of going to press Whilst every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in this publication, we cannot accept any responsibility for any error or omissions that may have occurred Registration No. 08947483 Printed by EWS Colourprint www.ewsprint.co.uk 01244 545 829 Design & Layout by Victoria Lee www.victorialee.uk.com 01978 855 459 Front cover image of Ellesmere Canal

by Peter Leslie

Michael G Lamb Painter & Decorator mldecorators@yahoo.co.uk

ML Decorators Home: 01978 780 036 Mobile: 07484 625 821 Smithy Cottage, Whitchurch Road, Bangor-on-Dee LL13 0AY

See my customer reviews on: www.yell.com

Welcome

editor’s LETTER

Telephone 01244 571602 email jill@essentialsmag.co.uk Happy New Year to you all and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas.

Here we go again, the start of a new year. I can tell it's the new year because I have a cold!

Victoria Lee - Designer

Despite that, there's always a good feeling about starting a new year, putting the old one behind you and striving for a better year, whatever your goals.

I hope this proves true for the 146 bus service, which is struggling to maintain a consistent replacement service. However, I have included an update from Wrexham council in this month's edition.

2016 was a busy year North Wales police dealt with over 380 incidents over Christmas and the New Year period and made 44 arrests. A Wrexham motorist was found to be four times over the limit! A motorist managed to crash into Specsavers in the town centre in December too. I hope they had their eyes checked whilst they were there too!

Earlier in the year we had the elections, and Brexit. We also had the year long saga of the old Groves School in Wrexham town centre as the locals fought Wrexham County Borough Council to save it. It was listed, then de-listed, and the current status is it is listed again! Wrexham police station is now up for sale as the new plans start to take shape and the new super prison nears completion. Whilst I think the building and site is a eye sore and I would normally worry about the replacement development, surely any replacement development would be better than the old police station?

We also had the evacuation of Eagles meadow after a shop fire in October too.

So 2017 has quite a lot to live up to! Mind you we have the continuing saga of Brexit and local elections this year. That could just be enough!

Wishing you all a healthy, and happy 2017.

Keep warm.

All the best, Jill www.facebook.com/EssentialsRossett twitter.com/EssentialsJill

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Wrexham News

Recycling All Wrapped Up As Christmas approaches Wrexham Council is making plans to recycle even more card and paper from the kerbside following the festive period.

For the first recycling collection after Christmas residents are asked to recycle all their cardboard and paper, except the foil wrapping paper which cannot be recycled, in their box or re-usable blue bag. Brown corrugated card should be separated from the paper and presented at the kerbside separately.

The Council has laid on an extra vehicle to pick up the anticipated extra paper and cardboard on every round which will be dedicated to cardboard and paper only and will therefore need emptying less. Residents are also reminded to check their calendar for the bin day collections due to the Christmas period.

Anyone concerned about missing a collection can also register online to receive an email reminder the day before the bin and recyclables are due to go out. To register go to: www.wrexham.gov.uk/register

It is important that FOIL Paper is not put into the recycling bags/boxes as it will not be accepted by the company WCBC sends it recycled paper to.

For further information about the recycling service please email:

contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk

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Finance News with Hadlow Edwards

Saving the Best For Last Anyone who risks exceeding the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold can limit the impact of death duties by simply spending the right assets. Gifting is perhaps the most popular way to reduce your IHT liability. You can make gifts worth £3,000, free of IHT each year, including contributions to a Junior ISA or a child’s pension. You can also make larger gifts, but the catch is that you need to survive for seven years for these to completely move out of your estate.

Pensions, on the other hand, offer investors an effective – if unexpected – way to avoid some of the worst effects of IHT. Recent reforms to the way pension benefits can be paid out to loved ones have opened new estate planning opportunities. Furthermore, they have changed the way many investors are using and designating their funds in retirement.

Last year former chancellor George Osborne announced that, regardless of whether a defined contribution (DC) pension is already being drawn or not, it can pass tax-free to any beneficiary as long as death is before 75. Even after 75, nominated beneficiaries do not pay IHT, only Income Tax at their marginal rate, and then only when the money is withdrawn from the pension.

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn Edwards

In light of the changes, those who have the financial means are starting to ring-fence their pension so they can pass it on to the next generation – potentially free of tax – while using other assets to fund retirement.

In this situation it would make sense to live off the assets you have outside of the pension plan first (such as ISAs and savings), while keeping the value of the pension pot as high as possible.

Passing on pensions is done through completion of an ‘expression of wish’ form.

This tells the trustees of the pension scheme to whom they should pay death benefits. It’s important to keep this updated, especially when either your own circumstances or those of your intended beneficiaries change.

Any contributions you make to your pension attract tax relief on the way in and accumulate income and gains free of tax once inside. So, as well as valuable estate planning opportunities, saving into a DC pension provides many other attractive benefits.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.

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

Telephone: 01978 311 611 - e-mail: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk

Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products

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Text Viv Lavis Jones

Text Bangor on Dee History In June 1905 Messrs Whitfield & Son, auctioneers of Oswestry, conducted an important sale of valuable property in the parishes of Bangor and Overton, being the Estate of the late George Cambell, which has been held in trust for a number of years. The sale took place at the Buck Hotel, Bangor and drew a big crowd.

Lot 1: The freehold residence known as Deeside, with gardener's cottage, ornamental grounds, pasture land, out buildings. Bidding quickly reached £800 but when there were no further bids it was withdrawn.

Lot 2: A piece of pastureland close to the previous lot, brought only one bid of £206 and was withdrawn.

Lot 3: Was the large farm of 130 acres, Bidding started at £3,000 by Mr Child, Brynpys, went by slow stages to £3,400 when it was withdrawn. It was later acquired privately by Mr Hugh Peel.

Lot 4: Described as a valuable piece of accommodation or building land. After some spirited bidding reached £380.

Lot 5: A piece of pastureland on the Whitchurch Road was bought by captain Mcnabb for £515.

Lot 6: consisting of two cottages, buildings, gardens and piece of meadowland quickly reached £320 and was sold to the tenant, Mr R Bostock.

Lot 7: A cottage, garden and piece of land was bought by Mr Child for £90.

Lot 8: A piece of accommodation land being part of Cloy Farm, was knocked down to Mr TG Boscawen for £460.

Lot 9: A piece of accommodation, feeding land and part of Cloy Hall Farm was bought for £1,040 by Mr TG Boscawen.

Lot 10: The ancient hostelry, known as the Buck Hotel. After a spirited competition the lot was eventually knocked down to Messrs Bate, brewers, Wrexham for £1,220.

Lot 11: Was the shop and two dwelling houses adjoining lot 10, was sold for £525 to Mr H Wiliams, Overton.

Lot 12: One of the best farms in the neighbourhood known as Cloy Farm.

The bidding commenced at £2000 and it was eventually sold to Mr Morris, The Groves, for £2550.

The last lot offered consisted of two pieces of accommodation pastureland near Hollybush was sold for £290.

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Police Advice Hello everyone, we hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Year and got the presents you wanted or deserved.

Our OWL TEAM (Online Watch Link) have been reporting on the different kinds of scams that have been used over the last couple of months in the Wrexham and surrounding areas. Anything from door to door cold callers to computer and telephone scams. Reports that there have been further attempts to gain remote access to computers recently. One claimed to be from China and gained control of the user’s computer charging a substantial cost for this service. Thankfully the scam was realised before any monies were fraudulently gained and there was no loss to this person. Others are not so lucky as all these scammers are so convincing.

Another scam was from a person who was described as ‘well spoken’ offering a service regarding stopping nuisance telephone calls for £1 a week. We all get them and know how annoying they can be. The person was asking for the last three digits on the back of the persons card (no other details were requested). We would like to remind everyone NOT to provide any details to a telephone cold caller.

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is free and is an official central opt out register on which you can record your preference not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls. It is a legal requirement that all organisations (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS unless they have your consent to do so. To register free with the TPS tel. 0845 070 0707 or via the website at www.tpsonline.org.uk

The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) is also a free service enabling consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from mailing lists used by the industry. It will take up to 4 months for the service to have full effect although you should notice a reduction in mail during this period. To register for this service contact Tel. 0845 703 4599 or via the website at www.mpsonline.org.uk

There is also the other Opt Out Service for the Royal Mail. Royal Mail deliver letters addressed to ‘The Occupier.’ To opt out of this service you need to contact the Royal Mail on tel. 08457 950 950 or email optout@royalmail.com

I hope some of this advice helps you and have a safe and prosperous 2017.

CONTACT NUMBERS PCSO 0151 Lynne Maurice Blackberry 07854 352 815 PCSO 3020 Mike Simister Mobile 07880 156956 Overton, Hanmer, Bettisfield, Horeseman’s, Green & Penley CALL 101 which is a 24 hour number for non emergency calls ie. threatening and abusive behaviour, drunk and rowdy groups, drug related anti-social behaviour.

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Wrexham News

Check Your Bus Timetable

There are slight alterations to some bus timetables from Monday 19 January. Passengers are advised to check online before they make their journey. The changes are as a result of new operators taking on routes

formerly run by RJs of Wem.

• Service 64: Ceiriog Valley to Llangollen will be operated by Tanat Valley Coaches as per the existing timetable.

• Service 146: Wrexham to Whitchurch will be operated by D Jones and Son (slight change to afternoon journey. Check timetable)

• Service 17: Wrexham to Moss and Lodge will be operated by Wrexham Taxis 3 days per week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday)

• Service 34: Wrexham to Burton & Trevalyn will be operated be Wrexham Taxis 3 days per week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) Cllr David A Bithell, Lead member for Transport and the Environment, said: “I would like to thank those staff and operators who have acted very proactively and ensured that the bus services continued in these areas.”

No commercial operator has shown any interest in running Service Number 6 (Wrexham to Ruabon/Pont Adam) so the service will cease to operate from 19 December. The Council remains committed to finding an operator for this service and will be undertaking another tender exercise for this route as soon as possible.

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Latest News

The Maelor School Penley Booking of School Facilities

At the Maelor School Penley we have a number of facilities that can be hired out such as: Sports Hall / Dance Studio / School Hall / Swimming Pool • Badminton is available in the Sports Hall to the local community on Thursday evenings 7pm to 8pm at a cost of £3.00 per person. Please phone to book a court. Term time only.

• Junior Community Badminton for Year 7 pupils and Primary School pupils. Will be held in the main sports hall on a Tuesday 4.30pm to 5.30pm. £1.25 per session. Sports kit required but rackets can be supplied. Term time only.

• Community Clubs there are two community clubs available to both Maelor School pupils and primary school pupils from age 8. Please check with Audrey Stewart, Community Officer, availability of places before coming.

• Drama is held in the Main School Hall after school on a Friday 3.45pm to 5.45pm

and costs £3.75 per session. Term time only.

• Athletics Club takes place in the Maelor School Sports Hall. 3.30pm to 4.30pm for

Maelor School pupils and 4.45pm to 5.45pm for Primary School pupils (age 7+). £1.25 per session. Term time only.

• Swimming Pool is open to the public on a regular basis. Swimming schools also hire the pool to teach children. Following the completion of the rebuilding and refurbishment work, the community use of the pool has increased. This year's programme includes: - Sunday Penguin's Swimming Lessons 10am to 11.30am - Primary School swimming lessons take place Mon to Fri during term time

For enquiries please contact Mrs Audrey Stewart on 01948 830291 Mon to Wed 9am - 3.30pm.

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Headteacher The Maelor School Penley, Wrexham LL13 0LU Tel: 01948 830291 Email: contact@maelorschool.org.uk www.maelorschool.org.uk

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Essentials Mag

Property Section

So what happened in 2016 and what do we expect for 2017?

The first quarter of 2016 saw a rush of activity in the property market, as buy to let landlords and holiday homebuyers rushed to complete purchases prior to the introduction of the 3% Stamp Duty surcharge on second homes introduced on April 1st 2016. The focus then turned to the European Union referendum in June, with some homebuyers opting to hang on until the outcome of the vote was known before buying, whilst those selling tried to get deals sealed in advance of the result.

Post Brexit A few months on from the vote, and the impact of Brexit on the property market has so far not affected it as much as people thought, although of course Article 50, the formal mechanism for leaving the EU, has yet to be triggered. Price rises have slowed since the vote, but there are still signs of growth across the UK. It is expected that with fewer homes coming to market, this, along with low interest rates, should keep values rising.

Better mortgage deals The Bank of England's decision to cut the base rate by a quarter of a percentage point from 0.5% to 0.25% in August following the vote for Brexit has meant cheaper mortgages for many on variable rate deals. The summer months saw some of the lowest ever fixed rate deals launched too.

2017 The good news is that are still plenty of great mortgage deals available to take borrowers into the New Year. But with swap rates rising and inflation on the up, which could prompt an interest rate rise, homebuyers and those looking to remortgage may want to take advantage sooner rather than later. It's not just rates which you need to keep your eye on.

There are several other changes which will coming into effect next year that property buyers should be aware of. From 2017 the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme will no longer be available. This was originally designed to boost the number of lenders offering mortgages to those with small deposits and has enabled first-time buyers to purchase a home with just a 5% deposit. Even though the scheme has been withdrawn, there are plenty of mortgage deals available which only require a 5% deposit without relying on the guarantee.

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Wrexham News

Wrexham Cemetery Works Work is well underway to improve the Victorian section of Wrexham Cemetery, through major works to the grade 2 Chapel Buildings and Lodge and the refurbishment of the gates and fencing. Grosvenor

Construction has been appointed as the contractor and Harrison Design Development, the managing agent for the works. Lawray Architects are supervising the building refurbishment.

Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member, Environment and Transport said “I am very pleased works are progressing and look forward to the opening of the refurbished Cemetery in the spring.”

Christmas is a very busy time for the Cemetery and due to the works, access is very limited onsite and parking outside the cemetery is restricted.

Richard Bellamy, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, Wrexham Cemetery will be conserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from. This is an example of how community heritage can be adapted and managed to meet the needs of today. As well as maintaining the Victorian buildings, the project will preserve an important green space in a very urban area which will be of benefit to all of us who enjoy spending time in the fresh air.”

Local Member for the Offa area, Cllr Alun Jenkins, said: “I have been very supportive of this project and am very pleased that work is now underway to restore the cemetery to one of the finest examples of a Victorian garden cemetery in Wales. Restoration of the Grade 2 listed building, railings and gates and the improvements to be made to the paths will enhance the visitor experience and the attractiveness of the site alongside one of the major entrances into Wrexham. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for the £1.2 million grant which has made this project possible. Those researching the history of Wrexham will also benefit from the visitor and interpretation centre and they will be able to access documents and plans that have not been easily available in the past.”

Vehicular access to the cemetery is through the Bersham Road entrance. Vehicular access is only for Blue Badge holders and visitors will need to be patient and wait for the onsite attendant to allow them to use the cemetery pathways. This is dependent on the number of cars onsite.

Wrexham Council apologises for any inconvenience, but it is necessary to manage the restricted access as safely as possible during the building works.

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Text RHS Gardening Tips

For January - The Coldest Month Text Text In January, your garden could need protecting from frosts, gale-force winds and heavy rain. Check stakes, ties, fleeces and other supports for damage and consider moving plants to sunnier positions to maximize light. Don't forget to keep feeding the birds, as food is scarce. You can also start planning next year's vegetable plot.

1.

Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch

3.

Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already

5.

Inspect stored tubers of Dahlia, Begonia and Canna for rots or drying out

7.

Start forcing rhubarb

2.

4.

6.

8.

9.

Clean pots and greenhouses ready for spring

Disperse worm casts in lawns Prune apple and pear trees

Plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season Keep putting out food and water for hungry birds

10. Make a polythene shelter for outdoor peaches and nectarines, to protect against peach leaf curl

Information provided by www.rhs.org.uk

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December, January and February for winter servicing.

Chester Small Plant, Brymau Three Estate, River Lane, Saltney, Chester CH4 8RQ

Bangor On Dee Village Hall

Latest News

Last time we gave you an update on the Hall we highlighted the concern we had about the loss of income and low utilisation caused by the closure of Playgroup and Mothers and Toddlers after more than 40 years.

We were hoping that by freeing up a number of slots during the week other activities would take advantage of their availability and that’s exactly what’s happened. In fact the Hall is fast becoming the Village Health and Fitness Centre.

It’s Yoga on a Tuesday morning with Jo (contact on 780557), Zumba with Sue still going strong on a Wednesday evening (07813312492), Zumba Gold especially for the older person on a Thursday morning with Marisa (01948820402) and Tai Chi on a Friday morning with Linda (07599813077) and to compliment these activities we have Slimming World with Angela on a Thursday evening (07804286503).

If you prefer something a little more relaxing then why not try our other new activity, Craft and Chat held in the evening of the second Tuesday in the month (contact Val on 780477 for details).

All of these sessions have room for more and you would be made very welcome.

If you would like more information call the relevant contact number above.

In our last update we mentioned that Cubs were back in the Hall and thanks to the commitment of David Huyton and his team it is thriving and there is a possibility that Beavers may be starting soon (contact David on 780608 for more information).

Our long established local groups continue to be well supported and the Hall continues to be very popular with private hirers for children’s parties and other social events.

The Hall was hired recently by the Academicals for their Christmas party and 60 people sat down to a superb meal prepared by outside caterers. The Hall has excellent facilities and is available for any local group or individual to hire.

Hall hiring rates are:

• Contract hirings local “not for profit” organisations - £6 per hour • Occasional Private hirings - £10 per hour • Commercial Contract hirings £11 per hour • Non Contract Commercial hirings £20 per hour (session rates available)

All rates include the use of the kitchen for the preparation of food and drinks including the use of all equipment, microwave and conventional cookers and crockery and cutlery for up to 80 people.

Contact the Hall Manager on 780622 for details.

Finally don’t forget the coffee mornings held on the first Saturday in the month (except January) which are organised by a different local organisation each month and as well as giving them the opportunity to raise money for their organisation or a charity of their choice it is a wonderful opportunity for local people to catch up with friends and neighbours.

The coffee mornings are becoming increasingly more popular. The December one saw 97 local residents drop in for a drink a cake and a chat!

Linda Hallett

Timber Direct Ltd Fencing & more at competitive prices

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine PAIN RELIEF: INFERTILITY:

Decking Fencing Sleepers Gates

BSc(Hons) Acupuncture RGN RHV

STRESS:

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

Period problems, PMS, Menopause, PCOS Anxiety, Depression, Post Natal Depression.

I.B.S, Chrone's, Parkinson's, ME, Fibromyalgia

Conditions with no Western diagnosis

For all enquiries please ring:

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

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

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Essentials NOTICEBOARD Volunteers Needed Could you...

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

Have 2-3 hours a week to spare?

Attend our training sessions to develop your skills?

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

Maelor Music Society The society present five concerts each season. The annual subscription in ÂŁ40pp. Tickets for non-members are available on the door and cost ÂŁ10 per performance.

All concerts take place at 7.30pm on a Wednesday in The Maelor School Hall, Penley.

1st February 2017 - the English Piano Trio. Now in its 27th season, this highly-acclaimed trio has played in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room on London's South Bank.

THE ROYAL WELCH FUSILIERS

Explore the eventful history of the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the regiment’s links to Wrexham in a special display in the main gallery. Look out for some wonderful objects never before on public show. Loaned by the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum Trust, RWF CT Cymraig. at Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives 16/01/2017 to 21/01/2017 Ticket Price: FREE

Contact Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives on (01978) 297460 or email museum@wrexham.gov.uk

THE TALE OF BERSHAM COLLIERY

On December 18th 1986, the last tub of coal was wound to the surface at Bersham Colliery. With the closure of the last pit in the Denbighshire coalfield, a centuries-old tradition came to an end.

This exhibition tells the story of coal mining through the history of one pit, that although often threatened with closure, outlasted many larger and more modern collieries. In association with the North Wales Miners Association Trust. at Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives 16/01/2017 to 21/01/2017 Ticket Price: FREE

Contact Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives on (01978) 297460 or email museum@wrexham.gov.uk

THE STORY OF WELSH INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Timed to coincide with Wales’s first appearance at an international football finals since 1958, this exhibition chronicles the heroic endeavours of the Wales’s greatest footballers. The right of a Wales team to exist has often been questioned and its stars refused permission to play; however, the team has become one of the unifiers of Wales and its star players – John Charles, Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale, some of the most famous Welshmen in the world. The eventful story is told through the artefacts and archives of the Welsh Football Collection. at Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives 16/01/2017 to 21/01/2017 Ticket Price: FREE

Contact Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives on (01978) 297460 or email museum@wrexham.gov.uk

A Taste of Tai Chi/ Beginner Qi Gong Class Thursday evenings 7.30-9pm Penley Rainbow Centre £5 per session Contact Linda 07599 813077

Advertisement Feature

Abbeyfield - A Caring Sharing Home

Information to help recognise when it’s the right time to make a move

At some point in our lives many of us will need to make a decision on the level of support and care we might need in the future. No one thing will necessarily determine when the time is right to make this decision, and the level of help that you might need can vary depending on lots of different factors, so it’s sensible to find out in advance and have in mind what options might suit you best.

Find the right time to make the move

Making plans early and getting the information and advice you need will help make any changes much easier and less stressful for you, your family and friends. Even if you only need temporary respite, for example after an illness or a fall, it’s always a good idea to know what’s available in your local area and what steps you’ll need to take to make it happen.

There are many things to think about, and the checklist below can give you an idea of the things you need to consider. It’s not something that you have to do on your own, so why not sit down with a family member or friend and talk through them?

• What is it that’s making you feel that you need to make changes to the way you live? Is it a lack of social contact, or are you physically not able to do some of the tasks that you want and need to do?

• Do you want to stay in your own home and get some extra help? There are devices like handrails or stair lifts that might help, or services where people can visit you to help you with daily tasks, like your shopping or cleaning.

• Do you want to downsize and not have to worry about the garden, the size of your home, your security or your bills?

• Do you want to rent or buy another property?

There are so many forms of care and support available that there really is something for everyone.

Abbeyfield Wrexham Society Ltd 12 Box Lane, Acton, Wrexham LL12 8JU abbeyfieldwrexham@yahoo.co.uk T. 01978 366516

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Where will 2017 take you?

For ideas and inspiration visit...

T. 01978 853886 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford LL12 8NE www.delmarworld.com

Essentials Mailbox

Speeding in Bangor on Dee I am totally disappointed with responses from our local council and Wrexham CC who deny there actually is a problem with speeding and refuse to take further action. My complaints concern Whitchurch Rd but villagers know there are similar problems on Overton Road. The police have also responded by saying they do not have the resources to control the problem. Everyday we witness vehicles, large and small, SPEEDING into and out of the village at all hours. How can this be ignored? Something has to be done.

Make sure you pass your opinions to the local council to take action. bodcommunitycouncil@btinternet.com or darren.green@wrexham.gov.uk or gosafe@nthwales.pnn.police.uk B. Richardson, local resident -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you for the opportunity to reply to the recent letter. The community council work on a regular basis with the local PCSOs and Wrexham County Borough Council's Highways Department on the issue of speeding and speed signage in and around the village.

Villagers will have noticed that over the last 18 months, new speed restrictions have been implemented outside the village on Overton Road, Worthenbury Road and the A525 slip road. Within the village, around the school the speed limit has been reduced to 20mph, new road marking have been introduced on Overton Road and Whitchurch Road. The PCSOs have carried out regular speed checks around the village, with an emphasis on Whitchurch Road. On each occasion over the last 12 months the average speed on Station Road and Whitchurch Road was recorded below 30mph. To counter claims of people slowing down when they see the police, Go Safe fitted road cables on Whitchurch Road, which monitored speed day and night and again the average was below 30 mph. Given the above results, there is no evidence to support a proposal for a static speed camera in the village. The same applies to speed bumps or calmers on Whitchurch Road, furthermore the 146 bus service uses Whitchurch Road, given the reduction in service the village has recently experienced, the county council do not wish to compound this problem. The community council, with the aid of the police are monitoring the speed around the village and to date there is insufficient evidence to support the claims of the author. Where there is evidence and a valid argument, the community council are prepared to make changes to protect residents in and around the village.

Sean Merry Clerk Bangor on Dee Community Council Bodcommunitycouncil@btinternet.com

Essentials Mailbox

Charity Valuation Day Dear Jill, In view of your generous reporting of the Valuation Day held in Bangor on Dee on 24th November I am writing to both thank you again and report the result. Significant publicity prior to the event attracted almost 200 people on the day, with a resultant approximately 350 items valued by Christina Trevanion and her team.

The final sum raised for local charities was £888 from which a payment was made to the church for use of the premises.

Feedback on the day was extremely positive and your support is much appreciated.

Henryk

Freezing Cold Mannequin Challenge A woman from Wrexham was part of this bonkers team which scaled Moel Famau in near freezing temperatures in just their swim wear to pull off an eye-watering Mannequin Challenge. The five bikini-clad women and four men in shorts walked to the Jubilee Tower in temperatures of just 2C and raised over £6,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care. It is the second year running Maja Kenney of Wrexham and her friend Alex Egan have organised the Bonkers Bikini Walk, only this year men were invited to take part and it had the added element of a Mannequin Challenge finale.

Maja said: “It was a fantastic event and really good fun despite the freezing weather. At first, due to the fact you’re trying to walk fast and with the adrenalin perhaps, you don’t really feel the cold too much. It took us about 30 to 40 minutes to get to the top and then, to be honest, you do really start to feel it. But once we had done the Mannequin Challenge and had it videoed we soon got dressed and headed down the mountain.”

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

Wrexham News

Wrexham 2018 Calendar The first month’s winner of the Wonders of Wrexham 2018 Calendar photography competition has been announced. Keen amateur photographer David Audsley was the first month's winner and his stunning photograph of Bersham Woods Waterfall will be the feature photograph for the month of November in 2018.

The Wonders of Wrexham 2018 Calendar Competition was launched at the beginning of November following the news that North Wales is ranked fourth in the world of regions to visit. Staff at the time thought it only right that Wrexham celebrated its place in the world with a snapshot record of Wrexham throughout the year.

The aim of the competition is to find the best photograph taken by an amateur photographer which captures the essence of the month of entry. Each month one photo will be chosen to be included in the corresponding month in the 2018 Calendar. There's no prize except all 12 winners will receive copies of the Wonders of Wrexham 2018 calendar when it is produced in November 2017 with their photo and name attributed.

All profits from the sale of the calendar will be donated to the Mayor's chosen charities.

Photos can be of anywhere in the county borough and terms and conditions will apply.

Photos should be submitted via email, full resolution, to calendar@wrexham.gov.uk.

“I am absolutely delighted to have won this month's competition. As a keen amateur photographer I am always on the look out for great shots and I knew this one was special when I took it.

There are some wonderful areas in Wrexham and I'll certainly be looking for some more to enter into the competition." DAVID AUDSLEY

20th January

Toronzo Cannon and his Band

From playing in front of tens of thousands of fans at the world's biggest blues festival in Chicago in June to playing in front of 225 fans at Overton on Dee Village Hall in January is what will be happening for Toronzo Cannon and his band from Chicago.

At the Goin' Up Country Blues Club on January 20th, the band will be playing their first ever date in England and Wales. They are currently one of the biggest names in the USA and fans from all over the country will be travelling to North Wales to see them.

To crown what will be a great night, the band will be supported by Wrexham's own Delta Radio (The Big Beat).

Tickets are £17 each and are available at The Corner Shop in Overton, The Middle Shop in Bangor on Dee or by ringing 01948 770 215.

Toronzo Cannon has become one of Chicago's most recognized and most popular bluesmen through the sheer force of his music, his songs, his live charisma, and maybe most impressively, his passion for what he is doing. He’s played the Chicago Blues Festival on nine separate occasions, either as a sideman, a special guest, a band leader or, most recently, as a main stage headliner. When he’s home, Cannon drives a Chicago Transit Authority bus by day and performs by night. Using every vacation day and day off and working four ten-hour shifts a week, Cannon arranges his schedule to gig out of town as much as possible. He's performed in a number of U.S. and European cities and continues to build his audience one roof-raising show at a time. It isn't easy, but, like all of the Chicago greats who have come before him, blues is his calling. "I am proud to be part of a movement,” he says, anxious to hit the road and bring his music to new fans in new places. “I’m proud to be standing on the shoulders of every great Chicago blues musician who came before me."

Local Charity

Penley Rainbow Centre We offer Day Care for the Elderly, Befriending service for the over 50s, Monthly Social Outings, Art Classes, Lunch club, Knitting, Crafts, Gardening, Exercise classes, Meals on Wheels and much more... Since 1994 The Rainbow Centre (reg:1100479) has been delivering

services to the rural Maelor area of Wrexham, North Wales.

Our community work is based in the Penley Rainbow Centre and within the community through our Befriending project. Our aim is to improve the health and well-being of our rural community. We provide support, services and facilities that can empower people of all ages to retain as much independence as possible and enable them to access services in their locality. Our vision is for older people to be recognised and to lead healthy fulfilling lives as engaged citizens, with rights of access to quality services according to their need.

The Rainbow Centre is proud to offer a day centre for the elderly, a Befriending project for the over 50s. Mother and toddler activities, exercise facilities and room hire for the community to offer their own events/activities.

The Penley Rainbow Centre is governed by their Board of Trustees, the board is made up of 9 community representatives. The dedicated Trustees consist of local business people, a local councillor, a retired headmaster and residents (combining over 50 years of community work and experience).

The Centre manager is Abie Tudor, Abie has been supporting the Rainbow Centre for 17 years and has ensured the Rainbow Centre serves the community and develops its activities according to the communities needs.

Rainbow Centre

Whitchurch Road, Penley, Wrexham LL130GB Tel:01948 830730 www.rainbowcentrepenley.org.uk

VW Polo Hatchback 1.0 75 Match 5dr Personal lease from £145.20 incl. VAT per month (36 months) Initial payment: £871.20 incl. VAT

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

For further details and availability call CATRIN or BECCA on 01978 314912, littlescholars@activechildcare.co.uk

“At Little Scholars Nursery, every day is packed with fun, excitement and adventures.”