EssentialsMAG March 2021 Bangor on Dee/Overton/Garden Village/Borras

March 2021

Your monthly local community magazine

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essentials

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Find the 5 little EssentialsMAG mice hidden in this magazine for a chance to WIN £30!

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Welcome...

Welcome to our March issue!

After almost a year of curbs, separations and uncertainty, it looks like there could finally be light at the end of the long lockdown tunnel.

The country is about to take its first steps on the road to lockdown freedom and, in Wales, all adults will have been offered a first COVID vaccine by 31 July.

On top of this optimistic news, the Spring Equinox on 20th March is fast approaching, which will mean the days are getting longer and a bit warmer too!

Spring is the perfect time to update and refresh your home, which is why a spring clean has become such a well-known chore at this time of year. It’s time to open the windows, let in some fresh air, and perhaps treat a room or two to a makeover, especially if you haven’t tried something new for a while. Check out our ‘Favourite Finds’ section where we have sourced gorgeous floral homewares, to freshen up any room.

Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve also included all your favourite sections, including gardening, pets, tech, books, finance, puzzles and wellbeing. Enjoy!

Stay safe and look after one another.

All the best, Vicky Heathfield EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Image: Spring is in the air!

April Deadlines: Editorial - 12th March Advertising - 19th March

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 25+ pick-up points across the region.

You can also read our magazines online at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk EssentialsMAG is published by Essentials MAG Limited, a local independent publishing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Essentials MAG Limited.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URLs and phone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. © EssentialsMAG Limited 2021.

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Can You Find the EssentialsMAG Mice?

Hidden throughout this magazine are five other mice, (just like the one here, but smaller) for you to find.

Find the five other mice for a chance of winning £30!

WIN £30

HOW TO ENTER THE COMPETITION: 1. Simply read this magazine from cover-to-cover and find the other five little mice hiding amongst the adverts.

2. Go to: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/mice and complete the competition form with your answers.

3. Closing date: 31st March 2021.

The first correct answer drawn at random wins.

The usual EssentialsMAG competition terms and conditions apply.

This publication is printed on FSC® certified paper.

When you have finished reading it please put it in your paper recycling bin.

Local News The Rainbow Centre Opens in Marchwiel The Rainbow Centre is pleased to announce the opening of a second Day Opportunities service to meet the needs of clients and support their families. The new service is based out of Marchwiel Village Hall and offers a range of services to clients on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Whether people are looking for a social hub to make new friends or looking for some structure and assistance, a Day Opportunities service can provide meaningful social contact in a safe and secure environment.

Operational Manager Geraldine Vaughan says, “We are thrilled to be able to offer the same great service in a second location based in Marchwiel. The Rainbow Centre – whether it is in Penley or Marchwiel – is a wonderful place to make new friends, learn new skills and enjoy a freshly cooked meal.”

Day Opportunities is open Monday to Friday in Penley and Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Marchwiel. For more information please contact Lisa White on 01948 830730.

Pocket Hugs

Smoke-Free Laws Change

As lockdown continues, Garden Village WI showed their support for ‘Blue Monday’ (18th January) by making pocket hugs for people to collect from their display at the village shops and green.

On 1st March, the law around where people can smoke in Wales is changing. This means that hospital grounds, school grounds, public playgrounds and outdoor care settings for children will be required to be smoke-free.

It will be an offence to smoke in a smoke-free area and anyone caught breaking the law could face a £100 fine.

Free Live Music Concerts Live Music Now Wales is pleased to be able to offer virtual live music performances through Zoom to people across Wales who have felt isolated or are limited in their ability to leave their home due to COVID-19.

To book your FREE four concerts complete the form at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMNWalesShielded Places are limited. Once all places are filled (first come, first served basis), you will be placed on a waiting list until further places become available.

Local Business Networking Groups Unite Two well established business networking groups are joining forces to provide the best networking opportunities for North West business. JK Business Club is joining Networx4Business and will be re-branded Networx CH1, indicating that when face-to-face events come back, the meeting will take place in Chester City Centre. Networx4Business currently runs 10 meetings every fortnight at Wrexham, Heswall, Chester, Little Sutton, Eastham, Deeside, Birkenhead and Manchester.

Daryl said: “Jude and I had spoken a couple of times about our respective events, and it was obvious to me that Jude would be the ideal person to collaborate with. I’m really looking forward to seeing what 2021 holds for this exciting new venture.”

To find a meeting in your area, full details can be found at: www.networx4business.co.uk or contact Daryl Vickers, daryl@networx4business.co.uk, 07803 297607.

Caffi Cwtch Delivers Meals to Your Door A new frozen and fresh meal delivery service, ‘Meals by Caffi Cwtch’, has been launched

by Nightingale House Hospice. Unable to open during lockdown due to COVID restrictions, the hospice’s Caffi Cwtch, with the help of volunteers, started delivering freshly made delicious meals locally.

Meals can be collected, or delivered, and the venture will provide much needed funds for hospice patient care.

A wide range of fresh and frozen meals are available including nine new main dishes by Caffi Cwtchs award winning Head Chef, Peter Jackson. Specials include fresh fish and chips and a tapas selection. Much of the meal packing will be biodegradable and has been designed by the in-house team.

For orders, collections and deliveries call 01978 447550 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

Share your news with us!

Submit an article at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article

More Local News at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/local-news

Local News Creating a World Class Destination Trevor Basin and its surrounding area is a part of Wrexham county that, quite rightly, everyone is extremely proud of. As one of Wales’s three World Heritage sites, it attracts over 300,000 visitors per year and there are now plans afoot to improve the visitor experience once there. Whilst Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is hugely impressive and a must-see during a visit to the region, it would be great if visitors could stay longer to enjoy more of what the site has to offer.

A Masterplan has been published by Wrexham County Borough Council, land-owners Solutia UK and Glandwr Cymru, which sets out to do just that. The plan, which would be implemented in stages, and includes a visitor hub, increased parking facilities and exciting activities including a tree-top walk. The plan also proposes the provision of overnight accommodation in the form of glamping facilities.

Developed over three years, with significant engagement with local residents, businesses and community groups, the next stage is to secure funding from the Welsh and UK governments in order to take this exciting plan forward.

Virtual Art Installation at St. Mary's School At St Mary’s School in Overton we have been looking at the work of Jackson Pollock.

We have looked at his creative style and learnt about how he worked, and have used this inspiration to create our own works of art. Children across the whole school followed ideas shared by our nursery teacher, Mrs Burton, and followed links to The Tate Gallery Kids section and joined webinars to explore his unique techniques. We had outdoor paintings, chocolate paintings and so many incredible ideas that were viewed at our live premiere with everyone at home with optional drinks and nibbles!

As the world is a tricky place at the moment and we can’t go out and enjoy art in all its forms we would like to bring our art to you, so please join us in our St Mary’s gallery and please let us know what you think! Visit: https://youtu.be/NJxw0efVHNE

More details, visit our website: https://stmarys-overton-pri.wrexham.sch.uk or via email: mailbox@stmarys-overtonpri.wrexham.sch.uk

Share your news with us!

Submit an article at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article

More Local News at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/local-news

Why Do We Think Self-Care is Selfish?

By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY Would you ever think about going for a weekend health retreat if you knew you were needed elsewhere? Or even for a ‘lift me up’ walk and talk with your friend, if other urgent things need to be done?

A lot of us wouldn’t, simply because it feels too selfish.

This brings about an important general question: Why do we think self-care is selfish? After all, a friendly chat or a weekend retreat is too often a muchneeded self-care.

Firstly, we are pumped with the idea that self-care is pampering, something we don’t really need, rather than something you simply deserve!

Secondly, a lot of us are natural carers; we feel obligated to be the caretakers children, spouse, parents, dogs, etc.

But here is the thing… you can’t pour from an empty cup!

We need to realise that in many ways selfcare is the exact opposite of selfishness: • Self-care has benefits for you and everyone else in your life • Self-care helps bring out the best in you/selfishness the worst • Selfishness prevents you from giving of yourself/self-care enables it.

Here are a few ways to put yourself first: Stop thinking that you’re being selfish If you feel guilty for taking care of yourself and finding ways to relax, you are not alone.

But, remember, you are not being selfish; you are being smart! How can we care for others, how can we be the best version of ourselves if we don’t practice self-care?

Realise there is enough time to do anything if you prioritise it. Most of us do understand the need to take care of ourselves but, often run out of time to put it into practice. So, put yourself at the very top of your to-do lists and schedule ‘metime’ in your calendar to prevent other things from getting in the way.

Don't take your mental and physical health for granted. What happens if you don’t take good care of yourself? If you don’t take action to look after your mental and physical health every single day? Let’s not take our health for granted (it’s probably our biggest asset after all!) and remember: prevention is way better than cure.

So let’s do this! What will you do today to practice some self-care?

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

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A Story About a Smile

By RUABON ROAD DENTAL PRACTICE Our smile is a huge part of our lives. Any time we experience happiness, greet someone or land an exciting opportunity, we smile. But if you’re not entirely happy with your smile, the biggest moments of your life can fill you with fear.

Jeanette was extremely self-conscious of her smile and always kept her mouth closed to hide her teeth. When her son announced he was getting married, Jeanette was over the moon. Then, the reality of having to keep her guard up all day long wearing a tight-lipped smile whilst the photographer clicked away, hit her. A colleague suggested Jeanette visited Dr Dan Naylor at Ruabon Road Dental Practice for a smile makeover consultation. Jeanette had the added issue of dentophobia, a common fear particularly with patients that have experienced dental trauma. Dan instantly made Jeanette feel at ease. He created a mock-up of the smile they could achieve together. Jeanette burst in to tears when she saw her future self, “I’d always thought that nothing could be done with my teeth, that they were a lost cause. I couldn’t believe that this could soon be my smile.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeanette on her last day of dental treatment. As she bounded into Dr. Naylor’s surgery I would never have guessed that 18 months earlier she had been petrified of setting foot in a dental practice, had low selfesteem and constantly covered her mouth. Jeanette was totally relaxed in the dental chair, full

of confidence and beaming inside and out.

She told me how her smile transformation had impacted all aspects of her life and her health. She felt physically fitter, her mental well-being had improved and she was no longer anxious. This is no coincidence because each time we smile, our body releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin and our cortisol levels fall dramatically, reducing anxiety.

So, with more feel-good chemicals and less stress, the more she smiled, the happier Jeanette felt. My heart melted when Jeanette told me with tears in her eyes how her husband ‘fell in love with her again’.

Despite COVID restrictions limiting the number of guests, the wedding day was a truly wonderful occasion and the groom's beautiful, relaxed mother beamed with pride all day long.

Book a consultation at Ruabon Road Dental Practice and see how a new smile can change your life. www.wrexhamdentist.co.uk Facebook: @ruabonroaddentist 96 Ruabon Road, Wrexham, LL13 7PH Tel: 01978 364390

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EssentialsMAG Favourite Finds...

Spring vibes...

Pastels, florals, and bright accents will freshen up any room.

Velvet Crane Cushion £12.50 www.marksandspencer.com

Set of 6 Water Garden Pastry Forks £11 www.portmeirion.co.uk

Honey Spiced Lavender Botanical Candle £28 www.sophieallport.com

Bluebellgray Tetbury Duvet Cover Set from £90 www.johnlewis.com

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Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham Since the turn of the year, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been the key issue for people in Wrexham. Throughout this period, I have been in regular contact with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and have kept constituents up-to-date with the latest developments. At the beginning of February, I also visited North Wales’ first Local Vaccination Centre, located at Glyndŵr University, where I saw first-hand just how hard the staff were working to administer the vaccine to local residents.

In mid-February, Wales hit its first key milestone, becoming the first UK nation to offer the vaccine to everyone in the top four priority groups. This was an outstanding achievement and all the local health services staff, primary care colleagues and volunteers involved deserve great credit.

Throughout this rollout, there will be a small number of people who are unable to make their appointment for whatever reason, but Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is committed to ensuring no one is left behind. Records will be checked thoroughly and those who missed their appointments will be re-invited. If any constituent is concerned they missed out or is having difficulty contacting the Health Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the details below.

Attention inevitably turns to the second key milestone, which is to offer the vaccine to everyone in priority groups 5 to 9 by the spring - that’s everyone aged 50 and over, plus everyone who is at-risk because they have an underlying health condition. Subject to supply, the Welsh Government believes it is on track to reach this target by the end of April. As well as offering the vaccine to the next priority groups, since mid-February Health Boards also started administering second doses to people in groups 1 - 4.

Clearly, there is still a great deal of work to be done but, everyone in Wales can be proud of what has been achieved to date. We have led the way and were the first county to vaccinate more than a quarter of our adult population. Wales’ vaccination teams have done an incredible job and I pay tribute to each and every person involved in the rollout.

While it’s undoubtedly positive and a relief more people are receiving their vaccine, everyone must continue to follow the latest guidance and adhere to the COVID measures we have become so used to, in order to help keep Wrexham and Wales safe.

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

Tel: 01978 355743 Lesley.Griffiths@senedd.wales www.lesleygriffiths.co.uk Facebook & Twitter: @lesley4wrexham

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Pack Your Bags for a Great Adventure...

By EssentialsMAG travel contributor Ann Anglesea at DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Something a Bit Different...

Part of my job is having regular meetings with our key tour operators and new suppliers to make sure our clients continue to benefit from all available product and campaign offers.

In the current climate, this has become even more important because COVID has caused so many holiday cancellations and changes that our travel partners have had to be flexible and nimble, not only to survive the crippling effects on their businesses, but also to deliver the best solutions for our customers.

As a result, I have enjoyed some positive and uplifting discussions about the future and I am delighted that there are many innovative plans to inspire and encourage our clients to travel again, as soon as the time is right.

I was rather puzzled by the gloomy warnings from some politicians that people should not book a summer holiday yet because all of our suppliers are offering flexible booking conditions, ‘COVID cancellation’ guarantees and price parity promises. This ensures that those of you who want to get a holiday date in your diary can do so with absolutely no risk of financial loss - and can secure a good price now before the inevitable surge in demand once restrictions ease and prices are pushed higher.

Many people are considering holidays nearer to home this year and, with this in mind, I was really excited to have met up with Tradewind Voyages: a new company that is sailing a five-masted tall ship from Portsmouth in June, on a series of nine voyages around the UK, including the Jurassic Coast and Scotland’s Western Isles.

Golden Horizon is the largest square-rigged sailing ship in the world with 140 cabins accommodating 272 guests and 157 crew. This luxury sailing vessel provides spectacular dining, including selected complimentary wines and beers during lunch and dinner. All accommodation has a sea view and range from cabins with portholes to Deluxe Balcony Staterooms and an Owner’s Suite. Single cabins are also available with a wide single bed.

This beautiful vessel boasts three swimming pools (including a deep dive pool), water sports, spa and salon, library and a gym. The marina platform at the stern offers the opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, swimming and snorkelling. Destination speakers are on board to enhance your knowledge of the locations you will visit and live music and local shows will give variety and entertainment to your evenings.

“THIS BEAUTIFUL VESSEL BOASTS THREE SWIMMING POOLS”

Golden Horizon will make its debut in the UK, before heading east, following the winds and tracking a course around the world. It also offers the most sustainable cruises available and Tradewind’s philosophy is to be powered by nature whenever possible with the intention of sailing without using propulsion for around 70% of each season. Just imagine standing on the expansive deck, the breeze in your hair as you gaze out to the horizon. The wind fills the sails and the rigging strains as you make your way to a new remote port where a new adventure awaits.

If lockdown has taught us anything, it is that, when the world opens up again, we have to make the most of every opportunity and treasure every minute.

If you would like to learn more about the luxurious Golden Horizon sailing experience, Tradewind will be joining me for a live Zoom, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about their product and have any questions of your own answered. You can register to join us on 17th March at 12pm by emailing: sally@delmarworld.co.uk.

Or you can request a full colour brochure by calling us on 01978 853886.

Happy sailing!

Ann Anglesea, Managing Director

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises. For details contact: Tel: 01978 853 886, www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE Now also in Heswall, Tel: 0151 363 6115

Gardening Tips and Advice 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.

1.

Protect new spring shoots from slugs.

2.

Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes.

3.

Plant summer-flowering bulbs.

4.

Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.

5.

Top dress containers with fresh compost.

6.

Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed).

7.

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

8.

Hoe and mulch weeds to keep them under control early.

9.

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

10. Prune bush and climbing roses.

Information provided by: www.rhs.org.uk

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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Spanish Eggs with Chorizo & Peppers SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 500g baby new potatoes 2 onions, sliced 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into strips 200g cooking chorizo, sliced 4 eggs

METHOD Steam the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until cooked.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan. Add the onions and peppers, then cook for about 10 minutes until soft.

Push the peppers to the side of the pan and add the chorizo, sizzling until cooked though and releasing its oils. Transfer to a plate.

Once cool enough, halve the potatoes. Heat 1 tbsp oil in another non-stick pan and tip in the spuds. Fry for about 10 minutes until golden and beginning to crisp.

Stir in the onion mix, heat through and season.

Meanwhile, in the onion pan, fry the eggs to your liking. Place them on top of everything, allowing 1 egg per person.

Simply Delicious!

Browse our collection of tasty lunch, dinner, dessert and cake recipes on our website:

www.essentialsmag.co.uk/recipes

Trying out our recipe?

Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

The Weather Forecast Doesn't Look Good

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF “Climate change is sometimes misunderstood as being about changes in the weather.

In reality it is about changes in our very way of life.” - PAUL POLMAN

At the start of 2021, many parts of Wrexham and the surrounding area were once again affected by flooding. It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that climate change must be to blame, but is this correct?

It’s very difficult to attribute individual weather events to climate change. What the evidence does indicate is that global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather. So, the kind of flooding we’ve recently experienced is likely to happen more often and also be worse as a result of climate change.

Warmer air and seas result in more water vapour in the atmosphere, which creates the potential for more rain. However, climate change doesn’t just mean more rain in other parts of the world, it’s having the opposite effect. The frequency and severity of droughts is increasing in many places including Africa, Australia and the western United States. As mountain glaciers melt, the 1.9 billion people downstream face reduced access to water.

It’s estimated that by 2030 global demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40%.

What can we do about this?

Unfortunately it’s not like turning off a tap - even if we reduce our emissions to zero today, those already in the atmosphere will continue to

produce further warming. There's a time lag of roughly a decade between greenhouse gas emissions and the bulk of the warming they generate. Carbon dioxide can remain in the Earth’s atmosphere for thousands of years, so our historic emissions have an ongoing impact.

The most important thing we can do is reduce emissions as rapidly as possible, to prevent further warming beyond the amount that's already unavoidable. We also need to focus on adapting to the warming we’re no longer able to prevent. An obvious example is avoiding building on flood plains, due to the increased risks. Another would be upgrading infrastructure, such as drainage systems, to cope with higher volumes of rain.

If we fail to reduce emissions, the amount of money we’ll need to spend on repairing flood damage, replacing infrastructure and upgrading flood defences is likely to be astronomical. I’d suggest this money would be better invested in reducing emissions, to tackle the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

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EssentialsMAG Easy Crafts

How to Make...

A Crazy Pom Pom Caterpillar YOU WILL NEED...

A few different balls of wool A fork A pair of scissors Some eyes for the caterpillar

INSTRUCTIONS...

2

4

6

8

Once you’ve made your Caterpillar share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

3

5

STEP 1:

Cut two lengths of wool approximately 30cm long.

STEP 2:

Place one of the lengths of wool down the centre of the fork and hold it down the handle.

STEP 3:

Wrap the wool from the ball around the fork.

STEP 4:

Tie the first length of wool in a knot around the wound wool with the knot on the upper side of the fork.

STEP 5:

Place the second length of wool through the fork and tie in a knot on the other side so you have knots on both sides of the fork.

STEP 6:

Slide the wool off the fork and using the scissors cut the loops that you’ve made by wrapping the wool around the fork.

STEP 7:

Repeat steps 1-5 with different coloured wools.

STEP 8:

When you’ve made your desired amount of pom poms tie them together using the lengths of wool that you used to tie the pom pom.

Once you’ve tied the pom poms together you can trim the lengths.

STEP 9:

Attach the eyes with glue and you have your caterpillar!

7

9

BY VICTORIA GREEN - mum to three young childre. In her spare time, Victoria loves to get creative whether that be knitting hats for her kids or painting the local scenery. https://greenimagery.wordpress.com/ www.facebook.com/VictoriaGreenArt/

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

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Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”

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• • • •

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Privacy

By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES This month, I’m straying slightly from my usual style. This is more of an opinion piece, but, one that I hope might encourage you to think about this subject for yourself, and consider more carefully what information you share online.

Speaking at a conference recently, CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, said that privacy was “one of the top issues of this century”. This came days after his company reported over $100 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, mostly gained through the sale of products that live in our pockets and on our wrists, and are almost always listening.

Apple are becoming notorious in the tech industry for their approach to privacy, blocking other big players like Google, Facebook and Amazon from tracking their users’ information. The company’s moves to do so are not universally popular; especially not with those big players, whose own revenue often rely on knowing as much about a user as humanly digitally possible.

Apple’s previous, more famous CEO, Steve Jobs, said this in 2010: “I believe people are smart and some people want to share more data than other people do. Ask them. Ask them every time. Make them tell you to stop asking them if they get tired of your asking them. Let them know precisely what you’re going to do with their data.”

It is not for me (or anyone else) to dictate how much information you share online.

If you want to tell your Facebook friends that you are on holiday for two weeks, sharing details of the experience with them, then that’s your prerogative.

But, by now we all should know that your location, interests, contacts, spending patterns, as well as gender, age and name, are being logged with each post you share.

Terms and conditions can be read in detail though I haven’t met anyone who has even tried. Settings can be changed to limit how widely information is broadcast, but when all is said and done, it is now said, done and recorded long into the digital future.

Embarrassing moments of my teenage years remain a little raw on my memory.

Embarrassing moments of my children’s teenage years may never fade, instead they are archived, catalogued, indexed and retrieved at the whim of a disgruntled ex.

Humanity has so much to gain from digital connectivity. It has already fundamentally changed our world for the better - a fact exemplified and amplified by the current pandemic - but, individually we should not let our naivety and desire for an easier life lead to us living in a world governed by big tech and what they think we should think.

Normal service will be resumed in future articles, and I will try my best to cover the complex world of social media privacy settings but, for now, I hope you take away from this article one overriding message: it is important to think about what you share online.

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

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Responsible Dog Owners Spring is on the way, with hopes of better weather and strolling in the countryside.

However, this idyllic vision is shattered by something less pleasant - litter and dog poo!

Litter really is a blight on our landscape. Choking our hedgerows and endangering our wildlife, unsightly and infuriating. I have lost count of the number of times that I have wrestled a crisp packet or plastic bottle from the jaws of my canine companion or nearly trodden in dog mess!

Fly tipping and littering can be reported to the Council and individuals can receive fixed penalty notices of up to £80 for littering for even a small item such as a cigarette butt!

Dog waste is not only an extremely unpleasant and unwelcome commodity, it is also the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (Campylobacter and Salmonella) and other forms of infection such as Tococariasis, caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis. The eggs of this parasite are present in much dog waste and although initially not infectious, once the eggs hatch, they pose serious health risks.

Every dog owner should be aware that it is their legal requirement to clean up the waste left behind by their dog and can face a fine if they do not comply. A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) ensuring owners pick up their pet’s faeces in all public places in the Wrexham county borough is set to be renewed. As part of the renewal, it is proposed that a condition requiring the person “who is in control of the dog(s) be carrying an appropriate bag or receptacle for the removal of any faeces that their dog may deposit.”

Since Coronavirus restrictions began in March of last year, all dogs are required to be on leads in public spaces, so there really is no excuse not to pick up your dog’s waste!

Of course, once it is picked up, preferably in a biodegradable or compostable poo bag then it needs to be put in a red dog poo bin, general bin or taken home and NOT thrown in a bush or hung on a tree!

Have a safe, healthy, and happy March and remember to pick up your litter, dispose of your dog waste responsibly and keep Britain beautiful for everyone!

Always consult your Vet if you have any concerns about your pet!

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Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Too Good to be True...?

Who would like to have £720 paid over to them off the Tax man this year – even if you have paid NO TAX? Most people I think, so please read on.

Today I am writing about pensions - the basics of how they work and what tax breaks you can receive. You may have a personal pension you pay into just yourself or perhaps a group scheme where you and your employer contribute. You may have no pension at all – but stick with me please - it will be worthwhile!

Let’s take Sam as our first example, who works for a company with 25 employees that has a ‘group pension scheme’ where both Sam and the employer pay something in each month. Sam earns £25,000 per annum and as a basic rate taxpayer gets 20% tax relief. So Sam pays £80 in and the tax man gives Sam £20 to go with it. An extra 25% on top of the contribution and a good deal.

Alex is a higher rate tax payer earning £60,000 per annum and can get £40 extra off the tax man for every £60 contributed (there are limits of course as to how much Alex can pay in). That is a very good deal indeed.

Both Sam and Alex are lowering their tax bills - by using the pension rules that exist to their advantage and try to make the most of what’s available every month.

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.

So, what’s ‘too good to be true’?

Charlie is a full time parent with no earnings this year – and has paid no income tax of course. What’s ‘too good to be true’ is that Charlie can still pay into a pension AND get tax relief added to the pot.

A payment can be made of up to £240/month - and HMRC adds £60 to it, topping the contribution up to £300.

Charlie can pay annually if preferred £2,880 and the tax man adds £720 of tax relief.

That’s ‘tax back’ that Charlie hasn’t paid in the first place. Now that is an astonishing deal (and it’s true!).

Charlie’s father is making a gift this year of £2,880 to get the £720 added. Charlie’s partner is doing well and can afford to pay £240 a month next year for the same deal and sees 12 monthly contributions of £60 added in to the pot of course. That is the ultimate tax break perhaps!

We have lots of children having this pension payment made for them by grandparents or parents and lots of ‘other halves’ having their spouse/partner taking the same opportunity. It’s available from birth right up to age 75.

If you would like to consider your own opportunities or perhaps how you can help your family enhance their pension provision - please do drop me a line or call the office to make a telephone appointment as you wish.

Contributed by Warren Hadlow Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited.

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

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Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham It was a privilege last month to be invited to the Local Vaccination Centre (LVC) which opened at Glyndŵr University and understand some of the fantastic work being done there. The sheer volume of people getting vaccinated - around one person per minute during the day, six days per week - is a testament to the dedicated staff that work there.

Having liaised with Wrexham Council, I know that officers there, too, are keen to ensure that things keep flowing smoothly, even going so far as to make the centre a priority for gritting during the inclement weather last month.

Further, having held meetings with GP surgeries in the area, I know that they have also been especially useful in the rollout and I thank them for all they have done as well.

At the time of writing, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board is focusing on administering the vaccine to Groups 3 and 4, meaning that all over 70s should have been vaccinated by mid-February. However, invariably when you see an operation of this scale being undertaken, things may get missed.

So, if you are in a priority group and have not received a letter confirming your appointment, you should contact the Betsi Cadwaladr vaccination booking centre on: 03000 840004. This is only for people in the priority groups aged 70 and over and should not be used by others.

Betsi Cadwaladr has also advised that, should you receive an invitation to a vaccine appointment at a vaccination centre and a local GP surgery, you SHOULD NOT call the 03000 number above to cancel either appointment. Any duplicate appointments will be captured by the booking system, and the vaccines team will make sure that no vaccines go to waste by utilising a standby list.

As this vaccine rollout progresses, we can all look towards a brighter spring and, we can hope, a more normal summer. I know that the hundreds of business owners, parents and people struggling to cope with lockdown, who have been in touch with my office, will look upon this moment as the one glimmer of light in a difficult twelve months. The last year has not been easy, but now we have the road map to the finish line. Let’s keep supporting each other, keep each other safe and we will come out the other side.

As always, if you need my help or assistance please email: sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk

Tel: 020 7217 4885 / 01978 291742 sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk www.sarahatherton.org.uk

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Mother’s Day

BY JO YOUNG

Mother’s day is a time for celebration, displaying love, whilst often reflecting It is also a time of buying flowers, chocolates and even some bling It is a time that all sons, daughters come together – whatever their age To say thanks to their Mum, for all the love and care that was made.

But we should celebrate every woman Who couldn’t have children – they shouldn’t be forgotten Their love and emotions they equally share And with their care They only add to the feelings each and everyone of us have To help us share compassion, fairness and even having a laugh!

So, on Mother’s Day let’s support all women Celebrating their strength and tenacity that is clearly driven By positive care and thought And a Love – that simply can’t be bought!

Local Gresford Poet, Jo Young

Artistig Gifts and artwork created to inspire and encourage. Greeting cards, posters etc.

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Part-time position as an Optical Receptionist for busy independent Opticians. No experience necessary as training will be given. We are looking for someone motivated, trustworthy and reliable to join our practice as part of a successful team, working 3 days a week to include a Saturday.

Please send hand-written CV to: The Partners, Gresford Eyecare 17 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NB

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Legal Advice Questions & Answers

By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE Financial Provision Within Divorce QUESTION: My Husband is a wealthy man but he has never been willing to discuss his finances with me in the 35 years of our marriage and I have no access to any paperwork.

I am thinking of divorcing him but I don’t know what to do in relation to our finances?

ANSWER: Before commencing proceedings, you need to secure some legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in divorce and issues of finance. You need to do this sooner, rather than later, due to the fact that you do not want your Husband disposing of assets to avoid claims brought by your good self.

A solicitor would first of all write a letter to him or his solicitors, requesting disclosure.

By disclosure, we mean that he has to produce paperwork to show his financial position.

So, if he was employed, we would need his last P60 and copies of his last three payslips.

If he is self-employed then we would need to see his last two years’ sets of account.

We would then ask for 12 months of Bank Statements for every Bank account he has opened, albeit in his sole name; jointly with another, or in the name of his business, or his Company/ies. He would be expected to produce a list of his savings, eg. produce copies of all passbooks; certificates; correspondence in relation to the same. If your husband has pensions then we would need the up-to-date current transfer value of all of them, as this is of special importance. We would also ask if he has any prospect of inheritances, because this is relevant, in as much as were you still together at the time such is received, then you would have benefitted from such. He also needs to produce a list of any other assets, eg. the surrender and maturity values of policies; ISAs; Peps; Shares: securities/gilts etc.

As for the matrimonial home, we would need to find out in whose name(s) it is and if in his sole name, then we would register a restriction at the Land Registry to prevent your husband from trying to sell the same before we reach financial agreement. The same information would be sought of any other properties he/jointly with another/in his business name or if the property is owned by a Company.

Only when all of this is available can you be properly be advised as to what your entitlement is.

EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor is Carol McGuire of Thomas Andrews, First Floor Suite, 5-7 Church Street Wrexham LL13 8LS

JEREMY KENT: 1

Back My Plan for Wrexham...

2

3

Campaigning for a Working for investment first-class health service in our education for Wrexham and North system to ensure Welsh Wales. students thrive.

Take my survey and tell me what matters most to you:

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Promoting Wrexham as a place to start a business and create jobs.

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Promoted by Joseph Wojcik-Jones on behalf of Jeremy Kent, both of Wrexham Conservatives, Llwyn Onn Hall, Wrexham LL13 0NY. Printed by Stephens and George Print Group, Goat Mill Road, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 3TD.

The Welsh Labour Party, Plaid Cymru and Wales Green Party were given the opportunity to advertise their candidates here.

Counselling Advice FAQ: Groundhog Day

By EssentialsMAG mental health & well-being contributor KIM PATEL QUESTION: Due to COVID-19, I have been made redundant and I’m struggling with the long hours and sameness of each day.

ANSWER: Having a job necessarily brings some kind of structure to each day from dictating clothing we wear, to what time we go to bed and wake up and when we need to leave the house and our expected return home. Overnight for many of us (working and not working) those structures were withdrawn bringing for some, a feeling of freedom and liberation and for others an anxiety and sense of loss.

For those of us working, we not only have a daily routine, the activity of work brings meaning and purpose to each day; without which we might feel as if we are living in perpetual Groundhog Day where there is no differentiation between weekday and weekend. This may also bring with it disruptions to sleep/wake cycles and eating patterns which can also have an effect on mood and well-being.

It is very easy to feel unmotivated, helpless and hopeless at this time. However, there are ways in which we might bring more variety to our days and with a few tweaks to feel better about ourselves. Key will be to re-establish a routine which includes regular mealtimes, waking and going to bed times, having some kind of differentiation between weekdays and weekends and finding meaningful and purposeful activity. It can be helpful to create a daily timetable where the pillars of the daily structure will be waking, eating and going to bed. Around these will be fitting in outside activity (as exposure to natural sunlight helps to regulate circadian rhythms) and exercise, as this helps to make you feel sleepy.

Meaningful and purposeful activity might include embarking upon a craft project, a specific time for job searching and applications, taking on a volunteer position, checking in on vulnerable neighbours, doing a course, DIY, reading a book, creating a community garden, housework and food preparation et cetera.

Limiting screen and TV time may also contribute to improving mood and well-being, so maybe scheduling a TV break for lunch and then in the evening? Part of this may also include reviewing current eating habits and perhaps selecting healthier options. When it looks and feels as though every day is an unending stretch of time this is demotivating and overwhelming. Creating a daily timetable instils choice, control and autonomy.

EssentialsMAG mental health & well-being contributor is Kim Patel from Ebb & Flow Counselling www.counsellinginwrexham.co.uk Tel: 07530 553 983

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EssentialsMAG Book Club

Open Water

by CALEB AZUMAH NELSON Two young people meet at a pub in South East London. Both are Black British, both won scholarships to private schools where they struggled to belong, both are now artists.

Tenderly, they fall in love.

But two people who seem destined to be together can still be torn apart by fear.

The Rules of Contagion

by ADAM KUCHARSKI

Dinosaurs in Love

by FENN ROSENTHAL

Why do some ideas take off - and others fail to spread?

Why are some diseases predictable, and others swamped in uncertainty?

Topical and fascinating, The Rules of Contagion peels off some of the mystery and apparent randomness of how things – ideas, trends, fake news and viruses alike – spread and proliferate, or die out.

When singer-songwriter Tom Rosenthal and his daughter Fenn posted their original song, 'Dinosaurs in Love', it became an instant classic. Now readers of all ages can enjoy Fenn's heartfelt, poignant lyrics again and again in this irresistible, sing-aloud picture book, featuring charming illustrations from Hannah Jacobs.

The Greatest Secret

by RHONDA BYRNE Rhonda Bryne, author of the bestselling phenomenon The Secret, takes readers on a revelatory journey deeper into the spiritual realm, offering practical advice on combating pain and overcoming fear. The Greatest Secret reflects Rhonda’s own journey, and shares the most direct way out for those experiencing hardship. Filled with accessible practices that can be immediately put to use and profound revelations that take the reader on an incomparable journey.

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Custom-Made Kitchens

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At Maple & Stone, we handcraft bespoke kitchens to suit you, your lifestyle and property, creating the perfect space for dining and entertaining. Choose from a range of styles, colours and finishes, from traditional hand-painted shaker style to contemporary high gloss finishes - all perfectly designed for your unique living space.

Contact us to arrange a design consultation in our new factory showroom.

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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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WILLIAM M. CHADWICK

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

Please keep my number, you might need it one day!

T. 01978 851078 M. 07776 477396

www.lukejarrett.co.uk

MINI-DIGGER WITH DRIVER FOR HIRE Small and compact digger for use on smaller projects, or in areas where space is limited

COMPETITIVE RATES USES INCLUDE:

• Garden landscaping • Brick work • Trench digging • Demolishing • Removing tree stumps • Garden walls • Removing undergrowth • Digging holes • Inserting fence posts

T. 07824 317376 E. m.chad1982@googlemail.com

Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 4 7 8 9 11 15 17 19 20 21 22

A leaf of paper (5) A long wandering journey (7) Worked steadily at a trade (5) Surround (8) Raises up (5) Take legal action (8) State of Australia (8) Acquires through merit (5) Engraved inscription (8) Expels air through the lips (5) Assign (7) __ Izzard: English comedian (5)

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 12 13 14 16 18

Fierce pal (anag) (9) Surgical knives (7) Strong reaction of anger (7) Medium-sized feline (6) __ Plath: author of The Bell Jar (6) Chris __ : tennis champion (5) Signalling system that uses flags (9) Form a mental picture (7) Wild (of an animal) (7) Reply (6) Of high mountains (6) Collection of maps (5)

If you want to find out the answers they will be published in next month’s edition.

Here are the answers from February:

Classic Sudoku

BEAT THE 2021 PRICE INCREASE Extended for all orders placed before March 26th 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.

Showroom closed due to COVID restrictions - please call 01691 773993 for an appointment

Visit your local showroom or call us to arrange your no-obligation quote

showroom address

opening hours

Unit 5 Moreton Business Park, Gledrid, Nr Oswestry, Shropshire, LL14 5DG

Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 1pm

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.