Essentials Mag March 2016 Bangor

MAG MA RCH 201 6 • DELIVERED FREE

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

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MAG

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AT A GLANCE Text

NORTH WALES PRISON New name has been chosen

GARDENING TIPS Jobs for the garden in March

TERRY DAVIES

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

MIGs and Mash

POLICE ADVICE

Information for motorists for approaching cyclist on the road

LOCAL CHAMPION

George Morris Fencer

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

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 Front cover image of local milestone

by Adrian Richards from Marford

Suzanne Evans

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Welcome

editor’s LETTER Is it me or does there seem to be road works everywhere at the moment? Always seems to be a job lot around this time of year, presumably it's the big boys spending any available budget before the end of the tax year. Don't you just love temporary lights, especially when you're stuck there for what feels like hours and there's nothing coming through from the other side!

Dog fouling seems to have hit a nerve in the local area after last months’ mention.

I know we've come a long way with this, and it's hard to imagine that it once used to be acceptable for dogs to mess on the pavements and be able to leave it. I have fond memories of washing the soles of my shoes under the kitchen tap after standing in some as a child. I particularly remember gagging from the smell too whilst digging into the grooves of my shoes with a knife to get it all out.

Children today are missing a treat! When it was first announced that it was no longer allowed and owners had to pick up the mess I never imagined it would catch on in any shape or form. Obviously making it law and imposing a fine helps, but it is disappointing that people still fail to take responsibility. I hope this can

Telephone 01244 571602 email jill@essentialsmag.co.uk improve, and it will if we all simply do what we're supposed to do. It's not difficult is it!

The old Groves school site in the town centre is causing concern at the moment.

It has been boarded up for a while now and there are future plans being considered to replace it with a modern new school to accommodate the future growing population of children in Wrexham. I went past the other weekend and noticed people picketting outside the site. I also spoke to a gentleman supporting the cause to stop the school from being knocked down who had fond memories of his family attending that school many years ago. It is sad when we appear to be losing a piece of local history, but at least it seems to be staying as a school and not going to be lost to a new housing development, that is something in this day and age.

Before I go Spring is on its way I am pleased to tell you, not that you need telling I'm sure, so just a little reminder that nesting season starts on the 1st April and to get your hedges cut before the end of March, and leave them until after the end of August for the next cut.

All the best, Jill

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Wrexham News

Former Groves School Site Members of Wrexham’s administration have confirmed that the former Groves site is to be redeveloped for education purposes only, as per the covenants that exist on this piece of land, and not for commercial, retail or housing purposes.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “Now that the matter called in by Scrutiny Committee who took the decision not to refer the matter back to the Executive Board is complete, it is appropriate that the current administration give the assurance to members of the public that the former Groves school site will not be used for anything other than educational purposes. This is in accordance with the educational covenants placed there many years ago which I believe were visionary for the future of education in Wrexham .

The Council is currently in negotiations to bring a new school to the site. Until the details are confirmed it is not possible to say anything further about what type of school that will be.

The administration recognises that this matter has been very emotive for some people and would like to assure them and all other members of the public that the future provision of schools that are fit purpose in the 21st Century is a priority for us and one which we do not undertake lightly. Providing our young people with an environment that meets that need and helps them achieve their full potential and aspirations is essential to achieving that priority.

Sometimes, particularly with the unprecedented financial challenges the council is facing, it is necessary to take difficult decisions. This was one of those decisions, however, to do nothing with a site that was being mothballed at considerable cost to the public purse was not an option we were prepared to consider. I look forward to announcing further details about plans for the site in the very near future.�

Terry Davies

MIGs and Mash

I’m sure many of you have admired the wing-carrying cargo aircraft BELUGA as it flies over Wrexham on its way to the AIRBUS factory at Broughton but if you are really interested in aircraft, why don’t you visit Hawarden airport, for an even closer view of it?

If you turn right off the B5124 Hawarden road and travel down Manor Lane on the B5129 following the Hawarden Airport signs, you will probably see a beautifully restored Vampire jet fighter of the ‘50s on your right, before turning into the airport itself and checking in at the security gatehouse. Follow the sign for the 'Chocs Away' diner, passing two Russian MIG fighters of he '50s and the Chester Classic Car showroom on your left and continue on to the General Aviation Centre building, within which the Diner and the Flintshire Flying Club are situated.

Inside the restaurant, the walls are adorned with aircraft pictures such as Wrexham's V.C. Flt.Lt. David Lord’s Dakota over Arnhem, De Havillan Comets, HS 125 executive jets and several pictures of Wellington bombers

which were built at the original Vickers Armstrong aircraft factory (one of them in a record 24 hours!) during WW2.

Various model aircraft are placed around the comfortable dining room,and the view through the large windows reveals how close you are to the main runway, and one weekday around about 2pm, you may even see the BELUGA landing or taking off just in front of you. It may also come as a surprise to see yet another '50s Russian MIG, and further to the right are areas where light aircraft and police and civil helicopters are parked.

All in all, it provides a very interesting and enjoyable experience for aviation buffs especially over a coffee or a very good and inexpensive meal!

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Advertisement Feature

Abbeyfield - A Caring Sharing Home

What Abbeyfield can offer you?

Living at home can become harder as you get older, but choosing to move into assisted living accommodation doesn't have to mean losing your independence. In fact, many of our residents tell us it feels like a new beginning.

We provide care and support for older people

At Abbeyfield we believe older people deserve time and respect. It's our mission to provide the best service of care and housing for all our residents, and to be a champion for older people. We have been a charitable housing organisation for nearly 60 years. Throughout this time our residents are always at the heart of what we do and the services we provide.

Barrie Cornes

Barrie Cornes joined Abbeyfield in Wrexham in 1993 and is, in the main, responsible for the day-to-day running and management of the Abbeyfield home in Borras. It's a small close knit team of local people, and the focus is to ensure a home from home happy atmosphere. Barrie's a local man and lives in Bangor on Dee with his daughter Jayne, and he has family locally in Ellesmere as well.

Barrie represents the Abbeyfield Wrexham Society as a Trustee on the Board of the Abbeyfield Cymru Society which is the umbrella body for all the Abbeyfield

Societies in Wales.

He spent the first half of his working life in the Hospital Service.

He was appointed to the position of Treasurer at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool where he met his wife, and was married in Wales in 1966. Barrie then decided to fulfill a long held ambition to move into the commercial world so he, his wife and their two children, moved to live in Bangor on Dee having obtained a position as Company Accountant with a local Wrexham Company until he was finally appointed to the position of Financial Controller to a large American owned company with their UK Head office in a factory in Ruabon.

Every organisation is as good as its staff and hopefully knowing a little more about Barrie will help you understand the great service Abbeyfield has to offer the local community.

If anyone would like to find out a little more how Abbeyfield can help you or your family Barrie would be happy to chat to you.

Abbeyfield Wrexham Society Ltd 12 Box Lane, Borras, Wrexham Ll12 8BU Tel: 01978 366516 www.abbeyfield.com

Overton Amateur Dramatic Society

Murder Mystery Evening

The next production by the Overton Amateur Dramatic Society will be a murder mystery evening called:

'Who Killed the Ship's Captain' held in the Catholic Church Hall on Wrexham Road at 7.30 on April 23rd.

It is July 15th 1912, exactly three months since the Titanic sank. The Blue Triangle Shipping Company's flagship the 'Celebration' is about to dock in Southampton and the sailors are gathering in the Passenger lounge...

This is a dramatization set in three parts with opportunities for the 'passengers' to help to solve the crime.

Wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase, light refreshments will be included with the admission. Tickets will be on sale closer to the date from society members and the Corner Shop

Viv Lavis Jones

Bangor on Dee History Penny Readings 'To improve the mind' During the nineteenth century in Victorian England there was a great thirst for knowledge and many people had a desire to learn about such things as politics, poetry, history and religion, and there was a movement to educate people from all walks of life and social classes 'to improve the mind'.

Many towns and villages like Overton built Reading Institutes or Reading Rooms for cultural and educational activities, run by committees made up usually of local people, where the general public could read newspapers, magazines and have access to books. In towns eminent speakers were invited to give talks on their specialist subject and members paid an annual fee, which gave them the use of a library and other facilities such as perhaps a games room or even a music room.

In small villages such as Bangor or Overton in place of eminent speakers local people such as Harold Lees of Pickhill or Ambrose Sutton of Althrey would read a chapter of a special book, recite their favourite poem, play the piano or sing a song. These meetings were often held each week in towns but every two weeks or monthly in smaller communities with the charge to the public being one penny, hence they became known as 'Penny Readings'.

The first Penny Reading in Bangor was held in the girls' schoolroom in 1868 and was instituted by the Rev JF Harris, curate of Bangor and soon proved very popular.

The sixth meeting took place in the Girls School the first week in January the following year when there was a very good attendance. The chairman for the evening was Dr Price and the programme for the evening's entertainment commenced with singing by Mr Batterbee and Mr E Jones of Malpas followed by a reading given by Mr Morris of Worthenbury and then a piano recital

by Miss McGill, the rector's daughter.

Others who contributed to the evening's entertainment included Mr Wharton, Miss Danily, and Mr J Johnson who gave a reading of Macbeths soliloquy. At the conclusion of the evening the chairman entertained those people who had contributed to the evening's programme to a supper at the Star Inn. Two weeks later the schoolroom was crowded for another Penny Reading when the chairman was Mr Ambrose Sutton and again the programme of a mixture of readings, music and song entertained the audience. The meetings became monthly and when education became compulsory the penny readings were gradually phased out. When they finally ceased is not known but, if they had not already ceased, they would have been yet another casualty of the First World War.

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Police Advice Safer Cyclists

More and more people of all age groups are relying on pedal power to get them around these days. Here is some information for motorists to help make our roads safer for everyone.

• When turning. Expect the unexpected.

Check your mirrors and your blind spots before turning. Approaching cyclists can often be momentarily hidden behind other vehicles when you’re turning right, or could be coming up on the nearside when you’re turning left. If there is a cyclist approaching, don’t try and turn in before they reach the junction, they may be approaching faster than you think, let them pass.

• When overtaking. Leave at least a meter of space when passing cyclists.

They may move out unexpectedly to avoid a pot-hole or drain cover.

• Treat overtaking a cyclist as you would when overtaking any other vehicle, if there is oncoming traffic or your vision is limited, wait until the road ahead is clear with plenty of space to allow you to overtake safely.

• The slightest touch can destabilize a cyclist. Leave extra room in wet weather to take account of wet or slippery surfaces.

• Don’t overtake a cyclist on a narrow stretch of road, or where the road narrows ahead. Better to wait until the road widens, to avoid forcing them off the road.

• At traffic lights. Some traffic lights have ‘advanced stop lines’ which give space for cyclists ahead of other traffic. Be patient give them plenty of time and space to move off when the lights change to green.

• On a roundabout. You must give way to cyclists approaching from the right, as you would any other vehicle.

• On country roads. Don’t take risks when driving around bends on country roads, your speed should take into account the chance that there may be cyclists, horse riders, pedestrians or slow moving vehicles just ahead.

• At night. As with any other road user, dip your headlights when approaching a cyclist at night.

• Parking up. Once you’ve parked up and are getting out of your car, open your door slowly checking that there is no cyclist approaching on the off-side. They won’t necessarily be expecting a door to suddenly open directly in their path.

• Don’t park in cycle lanes, thereby forcing a cyclist onto the main road. It is an offence to drive or park in a cycle lane marked with a solid white line.

CONTACT NUMBERS PCSO 0151 Lynne Maurice Blackberry 07854 352 815 PCSO 2858 Phil Jones Mobile 07854 389056 PCSO 3020 Mike Simister Mobile 07880 156956 Overton, Hanmer, Bettisfield, Horeseman’s, Green & Penley Overton Police Station 01978 348 425 CALL 101 which is a 24 hour number for non emergency calls ie. threatening and abusive behaviour, drunk and rowdy groups, drug related anti-social behaviour.

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Finance News with Hadlow Edwards

It’s Time to Act Regular readers of this page will know that we highlight the benefits of careful tax planning and with end of the tax year looming it’s time to act. Below we have outlined a checklist of the most common opportunities there are available and with some major changes coming in the new tax year it is especially important this year.

• ISA’s. This year’s allowance is £15,240 and this can be invested in a stocks & shares ISA, a cash ISA or a combination of the two. The average value of ISAs reveals how those investing in stocks and shares make the most of the opportunity.

The average cash holds £8,616 compared to nearly £39,000 in a Stocks shares ISA. Despite the recent falls in markets stocks & shares ISAs provide a much greater potential return. Don’t forget Junior ISAs for children and grandchildren are also available.

• Pensions. Every individual is able to invest at least £3,600 to a pension each tax year and receive tax relief on the contributions. For non-taxpayers and basic rate payers it means that the true cost of a £1,000 contribution is £800.

For higher rate taxpayers and additional rate tax payers the saving is even greater.

In times of low interest rates the value of the tax relief is of greater importance

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn Edwards

in the overall return. There is a possibility that tax relief for higher rate taxpayers will be removed in the budget so it is even more important to take action this tax year.

• Gifting assets away. This is one effective way to of reducing the value of your estate for inheritance tax purposes.

All individuals are able to give £3,000 a year away and if not used it can be lost in future. This could be an ideal way to reduce your own estate and fund a junior ISA or pension for children or grandchildren. Using this allowance every year can soon make a difference.

• Capital gains. Gains of £11,100 can be realised each year before any capital gains tax is due. Shares or Funds could be sold to realise this amount and reinvested in an ISA to shelter future gains. Spouses and civil partners should also consider transferring assets between them to realise gains.

Space does not allow us to elaborate on these opportunities or others that are available so please get in touch if you would like more information.

Please be aware that past performance is not indicative of future performance. The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. An investment in Stocks and Shares ISA will not provide the same security of capital associated with a Cash ISA. The favourable tax treatment of ISAs may not be maintained in the future and is subject to changes in legislation. 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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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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Local Gresford Fencer

George Morris

Local Gresford fencer George Morris has become British Cadet Epee Champion for the second time!

Last weekend George Morris was competing at the British Championships at UEL London. Sunday was the Junior U20 event where George finished a very good 5th place considering the age and experience of the other fencers. This was after fighting the day before in the Cadet U17 event where after suffering cramp in the final; he produced several inspiring hits to once again become the British Cadet Champion, this is the second time he has achieved this title.

Since the Commonwealth Championships in South Africa, returning with two bronze medals George has competed locally, nationally and internationally, leading Wales to silver place in the Sainsbury's school games team event Sheffield also travelling to Finland, Bonn, Copenhagen and Bratislava representing GBR. Well done George!

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Wrexham News

A Greener Future

New trees are set to be planted on urban parks and open spaces across Wrexham County Borough. A report will go before Wrexham Council’s Executive Board next Tuesday, asking members to approve an ambitious new Tree and Woodland Strategy for the County. The report says that the new strategy sets out targets to increase the urban tree cover in the County Borough and that this will benefit the local area “in terms of climate change, pollution, flooding and biodiversity.

and removing 60 tonnes of air pollution from the atmosphere, saving £700,000 in health damage costs.

The average urban tree coverage across the whole County currently sits at 17%. The new strategy sets out to increase this to 20% by 2026.

The new strategy aims to ensure that new trees are planted in the right locations and should include larger trees of a variety of species which will help protect against pests and diseases. The i-tree study also revealed that the County’s current tree population is predominantly made up of younger trees.

The new strategy highlights the need to protect our existing trees and to retain as many of our older, large growing trees as possible to ensure we do not lose their valuable benefits of carbon storage, biodiversity and interception of flood water.

The study estimates that trees save the local economy more than £1.4m a year.

They do this in a number of ways, such as intercepting 270 million litres of rainwater, which saves £460,000 in sewerage charges,

Lead Member Environment & Transport, Cllr David Bithell, commented: “The response to the consultation was extremely encouraging and it shows just how much trees are valued in our urban areas as an important part of the landscape, as well as all the other environmental benefits they bring.

This new ambitious strategy is a very positive step forward for the Council and for our local urban spaces.”

The report has been informed by extensive research undertaken through the i-Tree Eco Study, which was carried out around the County to measure value of trees to the local urban ecosystem. Data from the study revealed that Coedpoeth has one of the lowest urban tree canopy covers in Wales just 6% - and that four other urban areas, Chirk, Wrexham, Rhos, along with Penycae and Ruabon also have tree coverage which is below the national average.

A draft of the new Tree and Woodland Strategy was put to public consultation from July-September, 2015 and found that over 81% of respondents agreed with the strategy’s overall aim.

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Gardening Tips

March - Spring Arrives Spring usually arrives by mid-March and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It's time to get busy preparing seed beds, sowing seed, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up around the garden.

Top 10 jobs to do in the garden in March: 1.

Protect new spring shoots from slugs.

3.

Plant summer-flowering bulbs.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes.

Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.

Top dress containers with fresh compost.

Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed).

Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown for colourful winter stems.

Weeds come back in to growth - deal with them before they get out of hand.

Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain; remove pond heaters.

10. Open the greenhouse or conservatory doors and vents on warm days.

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North Wales Prison

Prison Name Chosen

Wrexham’s new Category B and C prison will be named ‘HMP Berwyn’.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “I welcome the announcement on the name of the new prison, and I’m especially pleased that it has been officially given a Welsh name.

This helps to set in stone the identity of the new prison, which is particularly important given that it will allow prisoners from North Wales to remain close to their families.”

The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) previously said of the name: “We had a number of suggestions for ‘Mynydd’, which is Welsh for ‘mountain’ because of the landscape. The prison’s naming sub-committee felt this was an excellent choice but then wanted it to be more localised so suggested naming it after the nearby mountains – hence Y Berwyn.”

NOMS have given zero further detail, despite promises to keep the local community informed.

The Queen has had the final say on the name, signing off on a suggestion put forward to her by various committees.

Essentials Mailbox

Dog Fouling in Cross Lanes I live in Cross Lanes near the Co-Op. I am always having to wash away dog poo by my gates. I have even had to jet wash it away. Its also been known to be tied in a bag to the railings. I think it’s awful because the kids get off the school bus outside my house its unfair if they walk in it. I have reported it to the Councilor in Marchwiel and also the PCSO. I have even rung the Council about a dog poo bin to be put by the railings... and they said no!

Thanking you Name and address supplied

Reply from John Pritchard...

I have received an e.mail from Mr John Bell concerning the above,I know we spoke early last year regarding your concerns,and a bin was promised by the area manager when we visited your property, to be placed on the corner of Bedwell Road where the pavement is wider. I will pursue this with the Manager tomorrow. I can assure you all is being done to resolve this issue, it is on the agenda on every Community Council Meeting, and it is reported to the PCSO as a priority to be dealt with, especially on the Holt Road, and the problems you have been experiencing near your property on the pavement. I know we did arrange for the local PCSO Ahamed to visit you which she did and you discussed the issues you were experiencing, and I do know that she monitored the area regular. PCSO Ahamed is no longer in this area, we now have another PCSO, his name is Mike Simister. I will contact him and request him to visit the area and probably speak to yourself, but Mike is already aware of the problem after attending the last Community Council Meeting. The good news I have is WCBC are employing a private partner to carry out the enforcement of dog fouling in all areas as a trial for 12 months, but it will still depend on local information which areas are given priority, as we do now with the PCSO and I know your area will be on the list. I hope this information is helpful.

Thanks John Pritchard

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

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Wrexham News

Welsh Language Survey In November, Wrexham County Borough Council launched a survey to gather residents’ views on its Welsh language services, seeking the views of speakers, learners and those who understood Welsh to see what improvements could be made to bilingual service delivery.

Some of the key findings to emerge from the survey include: • The number of respondents who understand Welsh – either fluently or mostly fluently – increased by four per cent, going from 48 per cent in 2008 to 52 per cent in 2016.

• Awareness and expectations of the council’s Welsh language services have grown. In 2008, 25 per cent of respondents said they didn’t expect to receive a Welsh language service from the council – but that has dropped to just nine per cent in this year’s results.

• The number of respondents who speak Welsh at home in Wrexham is consistent with the national proportion, at 21.3 per cent.

• 49 per cent of respondents said they used Welsh on a daily basis.

• 70 per cent of respondents said if they contacted the council in Welsh, they received the service they required in Welsh.

Some of the questions on the 2015/16 survey were the same as those used in

a survey undertaken in 2008 so that data could be compared. The results have also been compared with the results of a Wales-wide survey undertaken by the Welsh Government in 2013/14.

The aim of the survey was to ensure that all those who wanted to communicate with the council in Welsh could do so, and to find out whether council’s customers were aware of the channels in which they could use Welsh to communicate with us.

The Council asked respondents what it could do to encourage them to communicate in Welsh. Out of a list of eleven options, the most popular were: • All bilingual staff wearing a badge to identify themselves as a Welsh speaker • The Council taking more of a role to increase the use of the Welsh language • Continuing to invest in providing free Welsh language training for its staff.

• Welsh speaking staff available at the Contact Centre to deal with users face to face The Council will now use the results of the survey to prepare for the implementation of the Welsh Language Standards, and work with departments to ensure that they understand what is expected of them in terms of providing services bilingually.

A Young Man’s Voyage

Jack Shepherd

Who would have imagined that an invitation at the age of seven to join friends at Gresford Sailing Club would put local sailor Jack Shepherd on the Olympic pathway.

Despite a lapse of four years, the urge to take sail was rekindled in 2011 after joining members of the sailing club in the world famous Round the Island race. The race, which circumnavigates The Isle of White with some 17,000 competitors from world beaters to have a go hero’s crewing a range of yachts, was Jacks call to arms.

A summer of sailing back at Gresford and a three day learn to race camp at Llyn Brenig Sailing Club prepared Jack for his first RYA (Royal Yachting Association) regional event at Bala Sailing Club. His victory sailing an Optimist dinghy at the North Wales Onboard Festival ignited the fire that now drives his racing career. Transferring to Llyn Brenig club allowed Jack to gain access to a greater range of boats including the Topper dinghy, which brought Jack further wins at regional events within weeks.

Despite these initial successes, Jack was told that he had started too late and would not be eligible for RYA junior or youth sailing squads; that the Olympic pathway was not possible for him. Jack, however, was undeterred. If anything it made him more determined to train as hard and as often as he could.

2012 saw Jacks progression to National events picking up awards along the way. His selection to the Topper Racing Squad and rise up national rankings is testament to Jack’s continued desire to succeed at the highest levels. 2013 and a change in boat to the Olympic class Laser (all be it with a smaller sail) saw selection to the RYA Welsh Youth Laser Squad.

Whilst balancing a heavy A level schedule; training and racing is never far away from Jacks mind. Now ranked 8th in the country (in the Laser Radial), the call up to the RYA Great Britain Youth Sailing Squad came in October 2015. Selection to the GB Youth Squad is officially recognised as a key step on the Olympic pathway. Further accolades gained on Jack’s journey include 2014 RYA Welsh Young Coach of the year. Coaching allows Jack to give something back to the sport that has given him so much.

With the 2016 season approaching, and National, European, World championships and A level finals looming, Jack faces a crucial period with funding having a major bearing on his sailing future. Sponsorship both corporate and individual is actively being sought and if you can assist in any way please contact the editor or Email d_shepherd@tiscali.co.uk for more information.

You can follow Jacks progress through Facebook page : Jack Shepherd Sailing.

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New Home for Veterans

Welcomes First Resident A brand new home designed to provide accommodation for veterans in Wrexham has welcomed its first resident. Ty Dewr, meaning ‘Brave House’ on Esytn Road, benefitted from a £2.26m grant last year to help convert and build apartments for military personnel returning to civilian life. Wrexham Council, in partnership with First Choice Housing Association and additional partners purchased Clwyd House on Bryn Estyn Lane in November 2014.

The accommodation with generous living space and outdoor gym will house 12 veterans, with a second development in the pipeline which will see the construction of 16 brand new flats for veterans by First Choice Housing Association off Croesnewydd Road in Wrexham.

Ahead of the arrival of the first resident, Conservative Party Candidate for the Welsh Assembly Elections, Andrew Atkinson said: “It was great to meet with Andy Green again from Alabare and also to meet the rest of the team who will be supporting the veterans.

“The house and living accommodation is absolutely stunning and will serve our veterans proud. Our veterans deserve our support and I was blown away by the building, the plans from the team and the future development down the road of even more homes for veterans.

“There’s lots of ways to help, you could volunteer some time, you could take a collection tin for work, or you could join the Big Sleep Out with myself and others in March.”

Andy Green Senior Community Fundraiser From Alabare – Homes For Veterans North Wales & Cheshire added: “We are really struggling for Volunteers for our Charity Collections and are looking for individuals and businesses alike to help fund our work and be part of the Homes For Veterans journey here in North Wales.

“We have homes in Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction and now Wrexham. 100% of our fundraising goes straight towards funding support for Homeless Veterans here in North Wales”.

For details of how to get involved please contact Andrew Atkinson on andrew4wrexham@gmail.com or contact Andy Green at a.green@alabare.co.uk

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Essentials NOTICEBOARD

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Overton on Dee WI We are holding our annual Coffee Morning on the 5th March at Overton On Dee Parish Hall.

We will have our usual Cake Stall, Tombola and raffle .

The £1.00 entrance fee includes coffee.

Holt Flower Club

Holt Flower Club hold their meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except August & December)

We have a Free Meeting in March which I hope would be of interest to more people.

Bangor o Village n Dee Hall Contr

act nfp org hirings by loc al anisatio ns - £6 private p/h hirings commer - £10 p/h cial hir ings - £ 11 p/h

call: 01 978 780 622

Penley Women's Fellowship QUIZ NIGHT Friday 22 April at 7pm The Madras School, Penley Teams of four Quiz Master Brian Thelwell Tickets £5.00 include refreshments Proceeds to Penley Church

Maelor Music Society WORTHENBURY WI The March meeting will be on Tuesday 8th March when Mr William Witter will talk about the Antique trade, and we invite you to bring an item to be valued and find out what is the next collectable.

March 16th - The Galliard EnsembleWind Quintet To subscribe and to get further details ring 01948 770633 or 770394.

Or just turn up on the night.

Five concerts £37 or £10 each concert on the door

Text Marchwiel Coffee Mornings Text Tuesday March 1st.

Please join us at our regular Textfortnightly coffee mornings at the church 10am – 12pm.

Bring a friend or meet new friends for a catch up, chat and refreshments. No charge.

Also available a cake stall, preserves, cards, crafts, books and bric brac.

All welcome.

Tuesday March 15th, 10am – 12pm. Join us again for a Very Special Easter Coffee Morning with Hot Cross Buns and Easter Cakes.

Also includes an organ recital, a visit from the pupils of Marchwiel school, and a raffle, as well as the usual stalls. Entrance fee £2.

TALLARN GREEN METHODIST CHURCH

We invite you to come to the Mothers Day Service at 10.45a.m. when all ladies will receive a gift.

Easter Services will commence on Good Friday at 7p.m. when Rev. Rob Weir will lead the service followed by tea and hot cross buns.

Easter Sunday at 10.45a.m. Rev. Gary Windon with Holy Communion.

BEGINNER QI GONG CLASS Many health benefits £5 per session Thursday evenings 7.30pm-9pm Penley Rainbow Centre Further details Linda 07599813077 www.hanmerholistichealing.com

Race Night Friday 18 March, 7pm Broughton Wings Sports Club, Airbus Tickets £5

Fashion & Cocktail Evening Thursday 31st March, 7.30pm Restaurant 1539, Chester Racecourse Tickets £27.50 includes 1 cocktail, 2 courses, & goody bag.

Events in aid of the Neuro Therapy Centre which supports people with neurological conditions across North Wales, Cheshire and the Wirral.

Tickets available by calling 01244 678619 or e-mail angela@neurotherapycentre.org

rs Caregive Required

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Wrexham News

Safeguard the Standards

Wrexham Council has launched a Crowdfunding appeal to raise funds to safeguard the standards of the Eighth Army Vets, the Korean Vets, the Burma Star Vets and the Normandy Vets.

The project is part of the Together in Wrexham initiative which looks at alternative ways of providing non statutory services and funding which otherwise would have been provided by the Council.

Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion, said: "The Standards are an important part of Wrexham's heritage and I am very pleased that officers have been able to find an alternative means of funding the project which will see the Standards safeguarded for many years to come."

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "During these unprecedented financially challenging times it is essential we as a Council look to encourage alternative ways to provide non statutory services. Safeguarding these important standards is

something I believe falls into this category and I am certain that people and organisations in Wrexham will rise to the challenge of raising the funding necessary to ensure the Standards are not only safeguarded but will be on permanent display at the Guildhall for all to appreciate."

In order to promote the appeal a series of short interviews will be released throughout February which features veterans and those associated in some way with the Armed Forces talking about why they believe it is important to safeguard the standards for future generations.

You can pledge as much or as little as you wish at these places: www.spacehive.com/wrexhamhonouring-veterans The interviews are available on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WrexhamArmed-Forces-458139447721793/ Twitter: @wxmarmedforces A total of just over ÂŁ12,400 is required to safeguard the standards.

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NEW WREXHAM BEDSTORE NOW OPEN!

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

Wrexham to Make Second Bid

For Iconic Poppy Display Wrexham Council are to put in a second bid to bring an iconic and commemorative Poppy Sculpture to the town centre. In partnership with St Giles Church, Wrexham Council will be submitting two bids to the 14-18 NOW WW1 Centenary Art Commissions by the 29 February.

One bid will be to display the ‘Wave’ on Llwyn Isaf and the second to display the “Weeping Window” at St Giles Church in the town centre.

Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion and Chair of the Poppy Wave Group said:

“I believe residents in Wrexham would love to see one of these displays in the town centre and this time we are putting forward two locations. We are committed to bringing the poppies to Wrexham and I wish the bids every success.”

This will be the second time Wrexham Council have submitted a bid to host the iconic Poppy Wave, with an attempt to bring the display to Llwyn Isaf unsuccessful.

locations across the UK in 2015 and 2016.

The ‘Wave’ and ‘Weeping Window’ have been saved for the nation by the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation, and gifted to 14-18 NOW and Imperial War Museums.

Two parts of the original Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which attracted millions of visitors during its time at the Tower of London, will be displayed at

“The Weeping Window display could be displayed at St Giles to provide a stunning display for residents and visitors to Wrexham. the public interest in the poppies is huge and I have no doubts they will be seen by many thousands of people should the bid be successful.”

The special poppy sculptures, which had been previously installed at the Tower of London as part of the commemorations to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

Reverend Bray from St Giles Church, added:

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