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January 2021

Your monthly local community magazine

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WIN a ÂŁ200 M&S Gift Card in our biggest ever Readership Survey!

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Welcome... Welcome to our January issue! Happy New Year everyone and welcome to our ﬁrst issue of 2021! Like me, maybe you have entered the New Year setting yourself personal challenges for the year ahead? The past year has taught us not to take anything for granted. So, whatever awaits you in January – and the rest of the year – be kind to yourself, do what makes you happy, and believe that things will get better. As we enter 2021 in another lockdown in Wales I’m even more conscious of our responsibility here at EssentialsMAG to keep our communities connected. Therefore, we have launched our biggest ever Readership Survey to understand from you, our readers, what you like, or maybe don’t like about our publications. Details are on the next page. The survey will only take a few minutes of your time and as a thank you, all names will be entered into a prize draw to win a £200 M&S Gift Card! Whatever your plans are for the New Year, we wish you a healthy and happy one. As always, let us know your news and stories - it’s your magazine too!

Cover Image: Robin in Winter

February Deadlines: Editorial - 8th January Advertising - 15th January

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.

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Readership Survey

WIN £200

M&S GIFT CARD

We are always trying to improve EssentialsMAG, and we very much value your views on it. Now is your chance to let us know what you think in our biggest ever Readership Survey.

Tell us what you think about your monthly community magazine, and as a thank you for your feedback, your name will be entered in a prize draw for a £200 Marks & Spencer Gift Card!

Please take a few minutes to complete our Readership Survey. Visit:

www.essentialsmag.co.uk/survey before it closes on Friday 19th February 2021

Local News Sharing Christmas Joy Over recent weeks, this community has again come together, with the help of the inspirational Refugee Kindness, to share Christmas with new members of our communities. Refugee Kindness was created locally in August 2020, as a result of a chance meeting with a family from Syria who had been brought here for refuge by the British Red Cross. As a recognised Town of Sanctuary, Wrexham is proud to offer homes to people who have been forced to ﬂee theirs. Sadly, most leave all their worldly belongings behind and arrive with nothing. Whilst they are provided with the basics, Refugee Kindness has facilitated the donation of 1000s of household items to help makes lives more comfortable. With 1600 members and 18 volunteers, the team now supports almost 40 new families. Thanks to the kindness extended, 70 more children were visited by Father Christmas in December. More details can be found at: www.facebook.com/RefugeeKindness

From Hollywood to North Wales Having worked for the BBC as a Script Editor and then as a Producer for Channel 4, Simon McCleave moved across the Atlantic to LA where he worked as a Story Analyst for Hollywood Studios such as Fox and Miramax. Returning home to North Wales, McCleave then spent his time writing television and film scripts, including Silent Witness, The Bill, Eastenders and even wrote a script for David Walliams’ first television role in the BBC2 drama Attachments. Having made the move to the more idyllic landscape of Worthenbury with his wife and children, Simon locked himself away and wrote his first novel, a gripping crime thriller The Snowdonia Killings. The novel follows the story of veteran London copper, Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter, who has had enough of the murder and mayhem of the South London streets. Now on the cusp of fifty, Ruth is looking for a new, more peaceful life in the North Wales Police. A move to Snowdonia was always the dream. When she’s put in charge of two brutal murders, Ruth wonders if Snowdonia is going to end up being her worst nightmare. The Snowdonia Killings by Simon McCleave is available to purchase on Amazon. Follow Simon on Facebook or Instagram @simonmccleaveauthor.

Three's a Crowd ‘Three’s a Crowd’ is a recently published and wellreviewed novel by Wrexham born and Wrexham resident Geoffrey Jones (writing as Geoffrey Allan). He previously has had published a collection of his photographs of Wrexham County Borough (Images of Wrexham). Geoff taught for many years at Yale College and is currently enjoying an active retirement. He is now planning his next project. Three’s a Crowd by Geoffrey Allan is available to purchase on Amazon.

Help Homeless People This Winter Levels of rough sleeping are on the increase across the UK. Living on the streets is dangerous, it causes health problems and affects people’s wellbeing. StreetLink exists to help end rough sleeping by enabling members of the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services that can support them. If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough in England or Wales, you can send an alert to StreetLink online: www.streetlink.org.uk. The details you provide are sent to the local authority or outreach service for the area in which you have seen the person, to help them ﬁnd the individual and connect them to support. It is important to note that if you think the person you are concerned about is under 18 please do not contact StreetLink but instead call the police.

Wrexham School Transport - January 2021 Schools in Wrexham will re-open on different days after the Christmas break and if your child uses school transport you should have been informed of this by the school or via their social media communications. The information is based on what ‘should happen’, however it may be subject to change due to COVID-19 and any additional guidelines or changes to lockdown rules that the Welsh Assembly Government may announce. Please keep the Transport Section up to date with any relevant transport issues you have via the school.transport@wrexham.gov.uk email.

Share your news with us! Submit an article at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article

Hoola Hooping is Good for Adults! By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY Most people think of hoola hooping as a fun activity for the kids; which it is! But it is also a lot more than that. It’s a great way for adults to keep fit - it is different, fun and effective. I have to be honest, when I first started hooping (after I had my second baby), I never thought hooping would have such a great positive effect on my body and on my mind! We all know hoola hooping can be good fun, but it is also a lot more than that. When you think of a hoola hoop you probably think about spinning it on the waist, although there are actually over 370 different moves you can try! With such a variety of movements, hooping is never boring but, more importantly, it is seriously good exercise. It has been scientifically proven to: • Burn up to 400 calories per 30 minute session • Speed up the weight loss process • Strengthen the abdominal area • Sculpt waist, thighs, buttocks and arms It has also been observed that hooping: • Improves balance and coordination. • Instils confidence. • Improves energy levels. • Promotes laughter and smiles.

That’s great, isn’t it? So what’s the problem? Oh, you don’t think you can hoola hoop? You are not alone. Sadly, “I can’t hoola” is the most common reply we get when we mention hoola hoops. Honestly, it’s frustrating. Why? Because, we have been teaching hooping for over 12 years and we know everyone can do it. You just need a good hoola hoop and the right technique. Luckily, here at Hoola Nation, we offer both ... what are we waiting for? Let’s do this, champ. Let’s get hooping. How can you get involved? Find out which hoola hoop is right for you: www.hoolanation.co.uk; here you’ll be able to take a little quiz and see what size and weight hoola hoop is best for you. Join our “Couch to Hooper in five days” challenge… it is free. During this five day challenge anyone can learn to hoola hoop and tone up. Email us to join the challenge: info@hoolanation.co.uk Follow Hoola Nation on Facebook and find out all the latest news and top tips on keeping well, healthy and fit. We look forward to hoola with you! With love and hoop la la, Sasha xxx

EssentialsMAG motivation contributor is Sasha Kenney of Hoola Nation, World Record holder and Motivational Speaker. sasha@hoolanation.co.uk

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Two-Factor Authentication By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES This is probably the most “techy” headline I have chosen since starting this column back in early 2018. But Two-Factor Authentication - also known as 2FA or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - is an important concept to understand that can really help to keep you and your information safe online. What is it? 2FA is an added layer of security to online accounts. It is secondary passcode speciﬁc not just to you and your account, but the actual log-in you are performing. It works using your smart phone. When you enable 2FA, you link your online account to an application on your phone. The most commonly-used app is called Google Authenticator (but there are others). When you connect your account, a new six-digit code is randomly generated every 30 seconds or so. This can also be called a One-Time Password (OTP). When you log in to your account, you enter your username/email then password as normal, then the site will prompt you to enter the six-digit code from the authentication app. Why should I use it? Hopefully, this is clear: Once 2FA is enabled on your account, a person would not only need to know your username/email and password, they would also need access to your smart phone (which itself should be passcode protected) before they can gain access to your account. So even if you are hacked or your password is guessed, your information remains safe.

How do I get it? First of all, you will need to download an authentication app on your phone. Google Authenticator is the most common, but there are plenty on the app stores of both iPhone and Android phones; just search for “authenticator app” on the store. Then you will need to set up 2FA on your online accounts. Not all websites offer 2FA, but the majority of larger, popular sites do. Log in to an account and go to the settings. There’s usually a section called Security or Password. If 2FA is available, this is where you will find it. The site should guide you through the process of setting up 2FA and have your smart phone handy. What about SMS? Some sites allow the second factor to be an SMS message. So when you log in with username/email and password, the site will text you a unique code. This is fine, but not as secure as using an authentication app, because most text notifications can be read without the need to open the smart phone fully. Whilst the set up of 2FA is a little time consuming, and logging in takes a bit longer, it is well worth adding it to your most sensitive accounts: especially social media and online stores. Think of it like setting your house alarm before locking the door: yes, it takes a little more time to leave the house, but it’s less likely you’ll have anything stolen!

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

If you and your ﬁnances have been affected by the recent corona virus outbreak, we could be here to help you and your family recover ﬁnancially. Here at Cambrian, we offer personal loans from £50 to £15,000 to people just like you, living within our local communities. • Easy application • Fair, affordable rates • No hidden fees • Choice of repayment options • ALL applications regardless of personal circumstances.

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Shooting Star Cancer Support Prehabilitation for Cancer Patients A cancer diagnosis and the prospect of major surgery can be very daunting. Help is now available to support patients due to have major surgery. A new “Prehabilitation” program has started at the Maelor hospital in Wrexham thanks to funding from the Shooting Star Cancer Support charity. Prehabilitation supports patients of all ages to get fitter, stronger and more prepared before their big operation. A team of physiotherapists, dietitians and occupational therapists will supervise a program of aerobic exercise, respiratory muscle training and dietary improvement tailored to each individual. Psychological support is also used to help reduce anxiety and depression, improve self-confidence and empower patients with motivation to change unhealthy behaviours. Money from the Shooting Star Cancer Support Charity was used to purchase heart rate monitors, respiratory muscle training equipment and relaxation chairs for mindfulness training. A six-month pilot enrolled 50 patients to undertake 12 supervised exercise sessions prior to their surgery. Patients really enjoyed prehab feeling physically stronger and more confident. Grip strength, walking distance, respiratory strength and overall wellbeing were all increased and anxiety scores reduced. Prehab patients recovered more quickly with less complications and a reduced hospital stay. Many patients have since kept up their healthier lifestyle which will help reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer recurrence and dementia. Dr Neil Agnew - Consultant Anaesthetist, Maelor Hospital

Your strong support, in these difficult times, will help ensure that your local Shooting Star Cancer Support Unit remains at the forefront of medical innovation and technological advancements by helping us provide the very best in cutting edge technology and equipment for cancer care. Your donations to Shooting Star Cancer Support have made a huge difference. If you would like to donate please donate on line:

www.shootingstarcancersupport.co.uk

Email: info@shootingstarcancersupport.co.uk Charity number: 1079693

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

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Dickens Vauxhall Wrexham Croesfoel Industrial Park, Wrexham LL14 4BJ 01978 290077 www.dickensvauxhall.co.uk

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EssentialsMAG Favourite Finds...

LOCAL ARTIST

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. (MARY ANNE RADMACHER)

LOCAL ARTIST

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LOCAL ARTIST

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Bye, bye to bare walls. Art can instantly transform the ambiance of a room and elevate any blank space.

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Richard Macneil - Tower Bridge £150 www.johnlewis.com

Chewing Gum Print £36 www.amara.com

Dog Breed (Cockapoo) Wall Art £20 www.next.co.uk

Christmas Tree Collection for Nightingale House Nightingale House Hospice will once again be collecting Christmas trees in January. Working in partnership with local ﬁrms and volunteers it will be the second year the hospice has offered the service when, for a small donation, people can have their trees collected for recycling on Saturday 16 January 2021. POSTCODE COLLECTION AREAS WILL BE: LL11, LL12, LL13, LL14, LL20, CH4 0, CH4 9, CH5 and CH7. To book in your tree visit nightingalehouse.co.uk/tree or call 01978 314292. Only real trees and those which have been booked in advance will be collected. No additional trees can be collected on the day. All decorations must be removed.

There is no minimum or maximum amount you can give however, the average donation is £10. Every penny raised will go towards patient care at the hospice. Local businesses who have kindly volunteered their vehicles and manpower this year to collect and recycle the trees include Enviroclear, MOTUS Commercials, Read Construction, JT&M Signs, Rivington Haulage, Kimpton Energy Solutions, Thorncliffe Building Supplies and Amberon. If you are a local business who has access to van or large trailer and would like to help please email info@nightingalehouse.co.uk or call 01978 314292 .

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Pack Your Bags for a Great Adventure... By EssentialsMAG travel contributor Ann Anglesea at DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Escorted Touring As I write this the COVID vaccination programme started today and there is the hint of a promise that - dare we say it? - life could begin to return to normal. And, when it does, what will be on your priority list? A street party, perhaps? Or a big family get-together? And, definitely, a holiday! But, when it comes to planning that longawaited, much desired break, will you consider your choices more carefully and want more reassurance around safety and restrictions, sightseeing accessibility, etc? If so, then you may want to consider an Escorted Tour - one that will take away the hassle and stress of researching health and safety requirements and will be able to provide you with the best possible sightseeing experiences. There are many Escorted Tour operators, so I always suggest to my clients that we consider the following factors in order to find the one best suited to your individual preferences: The pace - how busy do you want to be? Some tours will start early in the morning and keep you busy every single day. They will cover many miles in a day and not stop more than one or two nights in any one place. The end result is that you will see a lot but you may come back home needing a rest! If your itinerary is particularly hectic, plan a couple of nights either at the beginning or end of the tour just to catch your breath; or find a tour with a gentler pace that incorporates two or three nights in one place with some free time.

The itinerary - make sure that it covers everywhere you need to see. For instance, there are many Western Canada itineraries to choose from although some do not include Vancouver Island; but, if you are so close to this beautiful location, it would be a shame not to visit. At Delmar World, our team of Destination Specialists are able to give you the ‘insider’ view on what to look for in an itinerary. Type of tour - are you an adventurer, a solo traveller, a foodie, a culture vulture or all of the above? The success of your holiday experience depends on choosing the right tour for you. After all, part of the enjoyment will be meeting like-minded souls to lift you out of lockdown lunacy! What’s included - meals, excursions, tips? Do you want the opportunity to eat locally? Sometimes all excursions are included but often some are not. Gratuities for the tour guide and driver need to be taken into consideration. Also, some Tour Operators include return transport between your home and the airport, which is a very relaxing way to start and end your holiday.

“THE EXPERIENCE COULD WELL BE BETTER THAN BEFORE”

To learn more about Escorted Touring join our webinar on Thursday 14th January at 2pm – get in touch to register

Standard of accommodation - are you more at home in a hostel or five star hotel? If you prefer a high standard of hotel, then you will not want to compromise on a tour that offers more basic accommodation. However, if you like walking to local bars and attractions in your free time, then location may be more important. Financial protection & insurance - the past year has shown how important this is! When we book your holiday arrangements, we will ensure that you are completely protected financially through ATOL so that you are fully covered should anything change after you have paid. We also advise you which Tour Operators are offering a more flexible cancellation policy - giving you the reassurance to book something to look forward to without the worry that you could lose your money if COVID uncertainty continues.

COVID-19 – what restrictions or requirements are in place? It is too early to know how tourist areas will be affected post-vaccine but I think we all realise that it may take a little while to get back into full stride. Many Tour Operators have ensured that, when visiting attractions, their guides are well prepared to give their guests the best possible experience with clear information and advice. And they will often book VIP entry into busy venues in order to avoid delays and unnecessary stress. In fact, with all the extra thought and consideration, the whole experience could be better than before! Whatever the New Year brings, I wish you all a very happy, safe and fun-ﬁlled year after all, we have a lot of laughter, joy and fun to catch up on, don’t we! 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

TREATMENTS INCLUDE: • Corns and Callus (hard skin) Reduction • Hard, Cracked Skin Filed Down • Fungal Infections and Thickened Nails Reduction • Nail Trimming and Ingrown Toenails • Diabetic Foot Care Advice • Athlete’s Foot • Verruca Advice and Treatment

Foot Health Practitioner

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Bay Tree House Wrexham (01978) 365 818 Cherry Tree Care Home Coedpoeth (01978) 759 925

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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 make children good is to make them happy.” - OSCAR WILDE

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

Gardening Tips and Advice January - Often the Coldest Month January might be the middle of winter but as the days lengthen the garden starts to grow. Now is a great time to plan for the coming gardening year and to order seeds and plants. Enjoy the fresh air, on dry sunny days, and check your winter protection, stakes, ties and supports are still working after any severe weather. Also put out food for birds and leave some garden areas uncut, a little longer, to provide shelter for wildlife in your garden.

Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch.

Clean pots and greenhouses ready for spring.

Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already.

Disperse worm casts in lawns.

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

Prune apple and pear trees.

Start forcing rhubarb.

Plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season.

Keep putting out food and water for hungry birds.

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

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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Aubergine Parmigiana Aubergine Parmigiana is one of the most iconic Italian dishes - it’s a great appetiser or side dish. It also works really well for lunch, especially if served with a green salad. Buon appetito!

SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 3 medium aubergines

60g of Parmesan, ﬁnely grated

1 garlic clove, sliced

Vegetable oil, to fry the aubergine

600ml of passata

2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

10 basil leaves

Salt, to taste

180g of mozzarella cheese, sliced

METHOD Slice the aubergine lengthways into 1.5cm thick slices and soak them in salty water for 30 minutes. Pat dry then fry the aubergine slices in vegetable oil until golden. Place them in a colander to drain any excess oil. In the meantime, prepare the tomato sauce. Sauté the garlic with the extra virgin olive oil for 1 minute, taking care not to burn it or the sauce will taste bitter. Add the passata and basil leaves and season with salt to taste. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes on low, then set aside. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. To assemble the parmigiana, put a scoop of tomato sauce at the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Top with a layer of fried aubergine, tomato sauce, grated Parmesan, and sliced mozzarella. Then repeat the layers until you run out of aubergine. Finish the top layer with the tomato sauce and grated Parmesan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Trying out our recipe? Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

Time to Kickstart a Healthier 2021 By PAULA VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Hello and Happy New Year to you dear reader! I do hope you are well. December has been and gone. It was a time to reﬂect on the year, but also a time when we tend to overindulge. I’m sure you have heard it said many times: “January, I promise to exercise more and have a healthy lifestyle”. Well, I’m here to reassure you it doesn’t have to be as painful as you think. You might actually be growing the ideal items to help you. Through the winter months, there are many fruit and vegetables available to help you detoxify your body. Consider it as a ‘jumpstart’ to the New Year by ﬂushing out all those toxins from your body. An easy way is to make a juice - my personal favourite. However, If you don’t have a juice machine, don’t worry, eating fresh fruits and veggies as crudités and snacks, is another great way #eatraw Alternatively, making fresh soups is also a great start. Below are a few winter fruits and veggies to start eating or drinking during January 2021 through to January 2022 if you like: BRUSSELS SPROUTS LEEK POTATO RHUBARB

CABBAGE (savoy and white) ONION PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI SWEDE

CAULIFLOWER PARSNIP PUMPKIN TURNIP

From the list above, there is plenty to choose from to make a healthy, nourishing soup and it’s something I love to make daily #growyourown As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples can remove heavy metals and food additives from your body. Carrot content acts as an antioxidant which helps detoxify your system. Pears have a high water content, they help keep stools soft and ﬂush out the digestive system of toxins. If you are going to make any big changes to your diet, please seek medical advice from your doctor ﬁrst. Bye for now, and I look forward to writing to you again soon. Paula xx

Quick Tip: If you don’t have a garden why not search out a community garden in 2021.

By Paula Vaughan Williams from Pure Vegetable Wellbeing Tel: 07501 713236 purevegetablewellbeing@gmail.com

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Happy New Year? By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF 2020 provided graphic evidence of the worsening climate and ecological emergency, yet there were also positive developments which offer hope for 2021. The year started with the unprecedented bushﬁres in Australia. Alongside the human and economic costs, it’s estimated that almost three billion animals were killed or displaced. Apocalyptic images of orange, smoke-ﬁlled skies illustrated vividly how the climate crisis is happening right now, and these scenes were replicated in the US months later. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dangers of intruding into increasingly remote areas of the planet, which are exacerbated by some of our food production methods. The speed and scale of the pandemic response stands in stark contrast to the inadequate action to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. On the positive side, following the Presidential Election, the US looks set to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and pursue fewer environmentally harmful policies. China also surprised many with its target of carbon neutrality by 2060. These developments led Climate Action Tracker to project a more positive outcome by 2100. This good news does come with a massive health warning - the words have to be matched by actions. Many pledges to reduce emissions in the medium term have yet to be translated

into sufficient action this decade. Without this we’ll be relying on technologies like carbon capture to create negative emissions in the future. These are unproven at anything like the scale required, meaning we’d effectively be asking future generations to find ways of fixing the damage we’re creating, rather than not causing it in the first place. Wales’ Centre for Alternative Technology has already shown how we can achieve the necessary reductions in emissions using technology that already exists. We have the tools we need, the primary thing we’re lacking is the willingness to implement these solutions at the pace required. The UK can’t solve the climate and ecological emergency alone, but 2021 offers a real opportunity to influence other countries. In November, Glasgow hosts the COP26 climate conference. This will be the most important meeting since the 2015 Paris Agreement, with countries being asked to increase commitments made. 2021 offers real cause for hope, as long as we’re willing to take the actions we know we should. We can do many positive things as individuals, but we also need politicians to act and this year provides a real opportunity for them to do that.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

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Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Out with the old... If ever there was a year to make a few resolutions (and stick to them) - this might be it! For our first article of 2021 here’s half a dozen ideas which may mean this year turns a bit of a financial corner. Let’s hope so! We are happy to help you stick to a few of the following, whichever are most useful for you, as follows: 1. Sort out your paperwork. Forget sorting out your socks, make-up drawer or odds and ends drawer and spend an hour sorting out your finances with us. We will happily scan your papers into files to help you get organised. A great place to start being serious with your planning. 2. Do a little income and expenditure exercise. Are you still wondering ‘where does it all go’ each month? Let’s have a look at it with you, and help identify where savings can be made on all of your outgoings. 3. Once and for all - understand your pension position. Are you getting the best deal? Are you getting as much tax relief as you could? What will your pension be worth in 5, 10, 15 or 20 years time? Understanding this area would be a great start to 2021. 4. Protecting yourselves and your family. The basics of good financial planning is protection. Make sure you have protected your income if you have to take a long time 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.

off work - and make sure you have provided for the kids if the worst should happen. If you do number 2 above properly - you can probably save enough each month to make a good start on this area. 5. Have a conversation with mum and dad. Two sides to this. Some families talk and plan - and know what they can/can’t do with their finances. Some don’t. I will let you decide who comes out the best. Please don’t rely on ‘hearsay’. If you want to understand some ideas for gifting (both capital or from monthly income) and the importance of a ‘round table’ chat as a family - we are happy to help you keep your money, in your family. 6. Self employed - or running your own Limited Company? Why not come and see one of our Business Advisers (a Zoom meeting in the current climate perhaps?) and consider how efficiently your business finances are running. January or February before you get really busy? We do hope you might take one or two of the above suggestions on board. In no time at all it will be Easter and we will be into the summer (just can’t come quickly enough can it!). Drop us an email or please give us a ring if you would like to take the first step on a fresh start for your plans.

Contributed by Warren Hadlow Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited. Telephone: 01978 311 611 hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk

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Adjustable Bed Q&A North Wales Beds in Gwersyllt, Wrexham have been supplying motion intelligent adjustable beds for over 30 years, offering customers truly life-enhancing products. Do you deliver and install? Yes, we deliver to the room of choice, assemble, make sure everything is in working order. Do you remove the old bed? Yes. This service costs £20, we use a local recycling centre. What size options are there? All standard widths are available. Small single 75cm, Single 90cm, Large Single 105cm, Small Double 120cm, Double 135cm, King 150cm, Super King 180cm. Please note - all adjustable beds are 200cm long. Do I have to pay VAT? You are exempt from paying VAT if you are disabled, or have a chronic condition. Also if you have a physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial effect upon your ability to carry out everyday activities. What if I cannot make it into store? We offer a FREE home demonstration service, simply ring to arrange a convenient time to call and discuss your requirements. We also offer to collect you from home, bring you in-store then drop you off home again. This is a FREE service to EssentialsMAG customers! For details please contact: North Wales Beds, Mold Road, Gwersyllt Wrexham LL11 4AF Tel: 0800 056 0734 www.northwalesbeds.co.uk

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Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham 2020 was a difficult year for many and I’m sure that residents will join me in wishing for a brighter and more prosperous 2021. New Year’s celebrations across the whole of the country were scaled back and we were presented an opportunity to reflect on the past year and pay tribute to our friends, families and neighbours who sadly lost their lives to this pandemic. Last month the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to administer a clinically approved vaccine against coronavirus, marking the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. This is an important step in our country’s fight against the virus, and provides fresh hope that we can beat this pandemic, reclaim our lives and get our economy moving again. I’m immensely proud of our national effort. We owe all those who have worked tirelessly to develop and administer the vaccine an enormous debt of gratitude. However, it is vital that as the vaccine is rolled out, starting with the most vulnerable groups, that we do not relax our guard and abide by local restrictions, ensuring our communities are protected and that the sacrifices we’ve all made over the last year have not been in vain. Whilst we have made great strides in defeating the virus, our economic recovery won’t be without its challenges. I continue to work alongside the UK Government to ensure that Wales gets its fair share of resources as we build back better from Coronavirus. Our small businesses are amongst those hardest hit by this pandemic. Last month Small Business Saturday was celebrated across Wrexham. To mark this occasion, I visited a variety of local businesses to hear from them the importance of supporting our small local businesses following what has been an incredibly difficult year. As we look ahead to 2021 we must hope and strive to make this year a better one. We should take forth the positives of 2020 such as the revival of our community spirit and take solace in the knowledge that a sense of normality is returning soon. 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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Wrexham Foodbank - Compassion. Dignity. Justice. Community. The Wrexham Foodbank was established in September 2012 by a group of people from various churches in the town and was based at The Salvation Army. Over the next few years the project grew and in 2015 it became a charity and moved to larger premises. It now has a warehouse and nine distribution centres across the county and provides over 200 food parcels every month to local people in crisis, as well as several other initiatives such as cooking courses and Holiday Hunger schemes. To receive a food parcel you need to get a voucher from one of the Foodbank’s referral agencies. There are about 160 of these and include the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, doctors, teachers, health visitors, housing officers, social workers, and most charities and organisations working on the frontline. Vouchers can be arranged over the phone and food parcel home delivery can also be requested. Reasons for referrals vary from sickness and ill health, debt, delayed wages or benefits, fleeing domestic violence to income just not covering the cost of essential living. A food parcel consists of three day’s worth of nutritionally balanced food for the household. All the items are tinned or packeted and have been donated by members of the public. When someone comes to one of the Foodbank centres they are met by one of about 80 friendly trained volunteers who give a warm welcome. Before the pandemic they would sit and chat over a drink and cake, but sadly this is not possible at present, but the act of befriending and signposting to further help is still being done. Visitors can also request toiletries, pet food, cleaning products and nappies. The Wrexham Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. By changing communities and minds and campaigning for evidence-based policy change they work towards the goal of seeing a UK without the need for foodbanks. To find out more about how to get a food parcel, how to donate or to volunteer please look at the website: www.wrexham.foodbank.org.uk Please deliver food donations to our warehouse: Unit 1A Puleston Industrial Estate; Ruabon Road Wrexham LL 13 7RF Open: Tuesdays and Fridays 10am-3pm Email info@wrexham.foodbank.org.uk

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EssentialsMAG Book Club

This Time Next Year by SOPHIE COUSENS

30 Day Kick Start Plan by JOE WICKS

Hamnet by MAGGIE O'FARRELL

Quinn and Minnie are born on New Year's Eve, in the same hospital, one minute apart. Their lives may begin together, but their worlds couldn't be more different. Thirty years later they ﬁnd themselves together again in the same place, at the same time. What if fate is trying to bring them together? Maybe it's time to take a chance on love...

Lacking motivation? Know what you should do, but don't know where to start? Want to cook better, healthier food? This 30-day plan from the nation's favourite PE teacher will help you create new habits, keep on track and feel brilliant inside and out. Joe makes it easier than ever before to motivate your weight-loss journey.

On a summer's day in 1596, a young girl in Stratfordupon-Avon takes to her bed with a fever. Her twin brother, Hamnet, searches everywhere for help. Why is nobody at home? Hamnet is the heart-stopping story behind Shakespeare's most famous play. A story of the bond between twins, and of a marriage pushed to the brink by grief.

A Poem for Every Day of the Year by ALLIE ESIRI A Poem For Every Day of the Year is a magniﬁcent collection of 366 poems, one to share on every day of the year. Reﬂecting the changing seasons and linking to events on key dates - funny for April Fool's Day, festive for Christmas these poems are thoughtful, inspiring, humbling, informative, quiet, loud, small, epic, peaceful, energetic, upbeat, motivating, and empowering! A perfect gift, with a little bit of magic to read every day.

Tour Diﬀerently with Trafalgar

Dream holidays without the stress of the 'what ifs', is what we do. We design our tours so you can simply sit back and experience the world diﬀerently. With privileged access to local experiences as well as the must-see sites, choose from hundreds of tours trips across all 7 continents.

Best of Croatia & Slovenia Don't miss a thing on this epic Croatia and Slovenia trip where the travel highlight is a heart-warming visit with Monika and Gregor on their ecological farm near Lake Bled. Along with all the main sights, you'll soak up the sun-kissed village atmosphere on the sparkling Adriatic. 11 DAYS - 8 CITIES ZAGREB - BLED - LJUBLJANA - OPATIJA - PLITVICE - SPLIT - STON - DUBROVNIK includes: 10 nights accommodation / VIP private door-to-door airport transfers 10 breakfasts / 14 meals (including ‘Be My Guest’ dinner) From £1,796 per person Departures May 2021 – October 2022 Up to 12.5% savings when booked by 25 Feb 2020 Book with Confidence - Free 3 day booking hold · £100 - £49 deposit Flexible change options • Wellbeing Director: New for 2021* *Added on our trips of 20 or more guests (excluding Australia and New Zealand trips).

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Legal Advice Questions & Answers By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY. My daughter has said that I should enter into a Lasting Power of Attorney but I don’t understand what such is? No one wants to face the prospect of not being able to do everything for themselves . Whilst in reasonably good heath, we all think that we will live forever and we don’t want to think about the prospect of poor health. However, this may be masking what may be problems in the future. This is where it is wise to take action now and not leave your loved ones the horrendous problems that could face them, were you to become incapacitated. Age is irrelevant. We could all be knocked down by a bus regardless of whether we are 18 or 81. Basically, there are two forms of Lasting Power of Attorney. The first deals with the issue of Finance and the second deals with the issue of Health. Basically they are safeguards for any future problems that might arise. You can appoint more than one Attorney but in doing so, you need to make sure that they are “like minded” on what they think you might want at any particular point in time. So, it’s important that you discuss and give them your opinions . A Lasting Power of Attorney, simply means, that if you weren’t in a position to deal with your own finances, e.g. if you were bed ridden, then your daughter would be able to deal with the same on your behalf and if you loose the capacity to make your own decisions, then your daughter could deal with the same too. In relation to a Lasting Power of Attorney on the issue of health, then this might for example, be a case of dementia. Once a person has lost mental capacity, then unless there is a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, the only other option would be to make an application to the Court of Protection which creates a huge amount of work for your next of kin and then it is the Court of Protection that makes the decision and not your family who know what your wishes are, but would be unable to act upon them. This is a long process and it often causes practical difficulties in the payment of bills and so forth. It can also be a very slow process. Please be aware that a Lasting Power of Attorney can start at any time you choose. An application can be filed with the Office of the Public Guardian but it doesn’t mean that you lose control at that stage. You can decide when to operate it. Also you can change your mind at any time, about having a power of attorney and you can enter into a deed of revocation to stop the same. You can also appoint a Replacement Attorney. It is very worthy of consideration, for EssentialsMAG legal advice your family’s sake . contributor is Carol McGuire of Thomas Andrews, First Floor Suite, 5-7 Church Street Wrexham LL13 8LS

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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

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Tel: 01978 710 435 www.trottingmaregarage.co.uk Trotting Mare Garage, Knolton Nr. Overton on Dee, Wrexham LL13 0LE

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

AUTO COSMETIC REPAIRS SERVING WREXHAM & CHESTER SINCE 2004

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Puzzle Page... Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 3 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19 20 21 22

Access illegally (4) Deserving blame (8) Novice driver (7) Parody (5) Cut of pork (3) Germaine ___ : Australian author (5) Lucid (5) Elongated cephalopod (5) Game ﬁsh (5) Ant and ___ : British presenting duo (3) You usually do this whilst asleep (5) Experienced serviceman (7) Compliant; submissive (8) Mace (anag) (4)

DOWN 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 14 16 18

Unenthusiastically (4-9) Assertion (5) Not ready to eat (of fruit) (6) Person studying after a ﬁrst degree (12) Business deal makers (7) Fizz (13) Not familiar with or used to (12) Unit of sound in a language (7) Not level (6) Style of Greek architecture (5)

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

Classic Sudoku

BEAT THE 2021 PRICE INCREASE Extended for all orders placed before January 31st If it’s WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES or a NEW LIVING SPACE you desire, we offer both quality and large choice to suit all budgets. We believe our stunning indoor showroom is the biggest and best in the area showcasing everything we do, so it’s definitely worth a visit to view the finest array of options under one roof.

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.

• • • • •

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.