November 2021
Your monthly local community magazine
MAG
essentials
FR EE
Find the 5 little EssentialsMAG mice hidden in this magazine for a chance to WIN £30!
★ Shop local ★ Eat local ★ Spend local ★ Enjoy local ★
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Welcome... Welcome to our November issue! As we look forward to November and the festive season, my hope is that we can all spend quality time with our nearest and dearest in all the ways we would like, which were unavailable to us a year ago. As I write, it looks like Bonfire Night is back with lots of venues planning COVIDsafe displays and fun family events, and my news feed is filling up with announcements of Christmas Markets in some stunning locations. It looks like we’re all learning to adapt and I sense a collective determination to ‘keep calm and carry on’ and a refusal to be beaten. November is also the time when we commemorate the fallen on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday which this year, is on 14th November. At the moment the Royal British Legion are working towards ‘business as usual’ for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London and to have collections for the Poppy Appeal return to our local communities. Do support them if you are able. Whatever November has in store for you, 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: Autumnal sunset
December Deadlines: Editorial - 3rd November Advertising - 10th November
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: 30th November 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 A Festival of Angels From 31st October St. Giles Church, Wrexham are holding an Angel Festival to commemorate the lives of families and friends who died during the pandemic in our region. Over 6,000 angels of all shapes and sizes and made from every imaginable material will be suspended above the Nave and under the Tower. The Angels will remain in place until the New Year.
The Rainbow Foundation A lot has changed since 1994 when the Rainbow Centre first opened its doors and since then, the service has grown beyond what can be delivered by a single centre. Therefore, the charity has changed its name from the Rainbow Centre to The Rainbow Foundation. Chief Officer Caroline Tudor-James, told us: “It’s important to us that as our services continue to grow, our name grows with us. With our community outreach work continuing to expand across Wrexham, we are now more than a centre. We provide a range of services and support which is tailored to our clients’ needs, both within the community and within our wellbeing hubs, currently at the Rainbow Centre in Penley and at Marchwiel Village Hall.” You can contact The Rainbow Foundation on: 01948 830 730 and visit their website at: www.therainbowfoundation.org.uk
Natural Burial Ground Opens Monument Meadow Natural Burial Ground in Farndon, Cheshire has opened. The five-acre natural burial ground is set amid a wildflower meadow with an oak framed pavilion to provide shelter with charming views across rolling countryside and the Clwydian Range. Landowner, Barnston Estate, created Monument Meadow to replace the burial ground at St. Chad’s in the village. The natural burial ground is also available for residents of surrounding villages. A variety of sustainable funeral options are available, including natural burial and scattering of ashes, and both religious and secular ceremonies can be catered for. Find out more at www.monumentmeadow.co.uk
Wrexham Country Market Wrexham Country Market are taking orders for mince pies, Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes and hampers. They are also selling their usual jams, marmalade, chutneys, baking and craft items. To place your order please telephone 07854 215040 or 07523 385048 or message via Facebook @WrexhamCountryMarket
Share your news with us: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article
01244 794102
2021 Christmas Shoebox Appeal Every year local charity Teams4U send Christmas shoeboxes, packed full of love and hope, to children in deprived communities overseas. Since their first appeal in 2013, T4U have given around 270,000 shoeboxes, spreading a bit of the magic and joy of the Christmas season. In these challenging times, children everywhere are struggling from the effects of the pandemic. For these children, in orphanages and/or living in the most marginalised communities, this global health crisis has made the world an even bleaker place. “COVID has changed our usual world. Everything turned upside down in just one year. But love shared from heart-to-heart remains unchanged. Together, with you, we give hope, and are a source of blessings to so many.” Dima Nachyna, Project Lead, Belarus told us. What is a Shoebox? These gifts are like a Christmas stocking in a box, full of practical items such as stationery, winter woollens, toothpaste and soap, alongside fun gifts like soft toys, bubbles, yo-yos, toy vehicles, craft kits, musical instruments and puzzles. T4U will make a box for you As well as accepting shoebox gifts into their main warehouse in Llay, Teams4U are running their ‘Sponsor-a-Box’ scheme again this year. For £15, Teams4U will fill a shoebox and make a beautiful and practical gift for a child, on your behalf. Visit their website: www.teams4u.com or ring their office to learn more: 01978 310110. This season please consider giving a few practical gifts, all wrapped up in hope, that will bring a little bit of Christmas sparkle and joy into a child’s life.
Want to make your own box? Teams4U are accepting shoeboxes into their main warehouse at: Teams4U Unit 8 Llay Industrial Estate Aerial Road Llay LL12 0TU For gift ideas and print-at-home labels please visit: www.teams4u.com
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Fireworks Frighten Animals By KAREN VOLGER It is the season of bonfires and fireworks which, when my children were smaller, was a delightful time. But as I’ve got older, I’ve begun to appreciate the negative environmental impact of fireworks to our domestic pets. Thousands of animals are affected by unplanned and random fireworks each year. The RSPCA reports that around 62% of dogs show signs of distress as well as 54% of cats. Sadly, it's not just household pets that are affected by fireworks, farm animals and wildlife are affected too. Around 55% of horses and other livestock also show signs of distress and are easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light, which can startle and cause them to injure themselves on fencing and farm equipment. Fireworks are also highly disturbing to some birds and have caused the abandonment of nests or even whole colonies. Wildlife, like hedgehogs, are also at risk of being burnt alive after making their homes in bonfires. It is against the law to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except on certain occasions such as Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight. The law also says that you must not set off or throw fireworks including sparklers in the street or other public places.
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You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90. Help your pet feel safe There are lots of simple things you can do to help your pet deal with fireworks. By preparing in advance, before fireworks start, your pet will be better able to cope with the noises. Try walking your dog in daylight hours, close windows and curtains to muffle the sounds, put on some music or the TV and create a quiet space or hiding place. Try to keep your pets inside and ensure their Microchip details are up-to-date in case they are startled and escape outside. Some dogs and cats benefit from medication or pheromone sprays to keep them calm and your Vet can advise you on these treatments. For small pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden but allow another area for the animals to look out. Remember to always consult your Vet if you have any concerns about your pet! EssentialsMAG pet care contributor is Karen Volger, from DoggyBizzNizz www.facebook.com/doggybizznizz Mobile: 07488 270386 e-mail: karen@doggybizznizz.com
Dates for your Diary SATURDAY 30 OCT
TUE 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 NOV
WED 3, 10, 17, 24 NOV
Chester Vegan Market Town Hall, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HJ
Meditation Class Marford Community Centre, Pant Lane, Marford LL12 8SE
Rossett Art & Craft Group Rossett Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE
Meditation with Sarah. Time for relaxation, connection and inner peace. Bring a mat, pillow and blanket.
Learn a different craft each month at our friendly, relaxed art and craft group. No experience necessary.
Features up to 50 stalls food, clothes and crafts. 10:30am - 4pm
SUNDAY 31 OCT - 1 JAN
A Festival of Angels St. Giles Church, Wrexham LL13 8LS Over 6,000 angels will be suspended above the Nave and under the Tower. 10am - 4pm daily Free 01978 355808
TUE 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 NOV
Move it or Lose it Exercise Class for the Over 60s Rossett Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE Fun, gentle, easy to follow exercises which can be performed seated or standing to music from the 50s, 60s & 70s. Designed to help improve your flexibility, aerobic fitness, balance & strength. 2:45pm - 3:30pm £4.50 07779 830399
7:15pm - 8pm £5 / £25 for 6 sessions 07841 533666
10am - 12pm £4 (inc. refreshments) 01244 570022 / 571089
WED 3, 10, 17, 24 NOV WED 3, 10, 17, 24 NOV
Parents and Babies Xplore! Science, 17 Henblas Street, Wrexham LL13 8AE Free weekly meet-up for parents and babies. A perfect place to bring along your baby and spend time in the company of other adults and their little ones. 9:30am - 11am
WED 3, 10, 17, 24 NOV
Pilates Class Gresford Trust Memorial Hall, Gresford LL12 8PS Bought to you by Bodywork-Pilates. Fun, functional and effective pilates class. Can help improve balance, function, strength, flexibility, mobility and posture. Free taster session. 9am and again at 7:30pm Also Saturdays at 9am 07850 918089
Wrexham Dementia Friendly Art Class St. Margaret’s Church Hall, Garden Village, Wrexham LL11 2SH All sessions are free and materials are provided. Full tuition given. Classes are for anyone elderly who would benefit from painting and socialising. A person with Dementia and their career would be warmly welcomed. 1pm - 3pm Free 01978 351013
FRI 5, 12, 19, 26 NOV
Zumba Gold Chair Gresford Trust Memorial Hall, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8PS A dance fitness programme for older adults. 11:30am - 12:15pm £5 07501 373426
Share your events with us online - www.essentialsmag.co.uk/Events
SATURDAY 5 NOV
FRIDAY 12 NOV - 23 DEC
FRIDAY 26 NOV - 24 DEC
The Lord Mayor’s Fireworks Extravaganza The White Horse, Chester Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY
Lanterns - Call of the Wild Chester Zoo, Chester, Cheshire CH2 1EU
Christmas at Bolesworth Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall CH3 9HQ
Chester Zoo is transformed into a spectacular wonderland, full of sparkle, illumination and cheer!
Enjoy a magical display of colours and sparkling lights as you head into an enchanted wood, travel along our lakeside walk reflecting lights, and watch out for other surprises along the way. As part of this experience, you’ll also get to meet the friendly reindeer! A selection of fabulous festive foods will be served. There is also a Christmas Market where you can pick up glistening Christmas gifts.
Showstopping fireworks display set to a curated playlist of music. A full fairground and a vast range of food/drink outlets. 5pm - 9pm £5 online/£7 on the gate chester-races.com
4pm - 8:15pm daily Tickets start at £11 chesterzoo.org
SATURDAY 13 NOV
Christmas Craft Fayre Rossett Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE Lots of lovely handmade gifts and crafts from local artisans and refreshments. 2pm - 4pm Free
4pm - 8:40pm daily Tickets start at £12.50 bolesworth.com/christmas
SUNDAY 6 NOV
Wrexham Bonfire Penyllan Farm, Marchwiel, Wrexham LL13 0PF Fireworks display and bonfire. Over 18s must show a negative LFT (lateral flow test) or COVID passport. No card machines on site, cash only. 4pm - 8:30pm £5 / under 5s free
THURSDAY 18 NOV - 22 DEC
SATURDAY 11 DEC
Christmas Market Town Hall, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ
Dick Whittington Panto Tallarn Green Village Hall, Tallarn Green
Over 70 stalls selling Christmas gifts, arts and crafts goodies, in the heart of Chester city centre.
Good old fashioned fun, this panto is packed solid with comedy, excitement and adventure!
10:30am - 6:30pm Sun-Wed 10:30am - 8pm Thu-Sat Free
For a comprehensive list of local events, shows, groups and classes please visit: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/WhatsOn
3pm £12 / Kids £6 07970 507426
While every effort has been made to ensure all the details are correct at the time of going to print, it is advisable to check details with the venue concerned.
Share your events with us online - www.essentialsmag.co.uk/Events
Providing a Voice to Local Businesses
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TECHN OLO IN FOC GY US
Two local business owners have come together to launch a new magazine for Chester and Wrexham. With its first issue due out in December 2021, VOX is an A4, quarterly publication aimed at the local business community.
1
REVIEW OF 202 1
VOX
BUSINE SS AND YOUR COMM UNITY
YOUR QUAR TERLY BUSIN ESS MA GAZIN E CO NNEC TING CHEST ER &
Vicky Heathfield, Creative Director at VOX explains: Decem
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Februa
“Only about 10 miles separate the two places and both have a wealth of high-quality, local, independent businesses and very talented people. There has always been strong links - and healthy competition - between the two areas and our magazine aims to give a voice to this community as a whole.” Clara Hughes, Editorial Director at VOX added: “We want to feature interesting articles and thought-provoking editorial. In addition, we want to provide opportunities to highlight and showcase leading businesses, events and initiatives throughout Wrexham and Chester. We also want to use it as a platform to provide useful information across a whole spectrum of topics.”
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A SPO RTI CHANC NG E
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VOX aims to provide local businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products and services across borders. There will be a subscription option and the magazine will be delivered free to businesses based in key locations in the area, including Wrexham Industrial Estate, one of the largest industrial estates in Europe.
Each issue will include original artwork of regional landmarks by a local artist. The first issue will feature The Racecourse stadium in Wrexham, which is very much in the news following the club’s recent purchase by two Hollywood stars. The magazine owners are keen to see VOX evolve and represent its readers and advertisers, so would welcome suggestions on future topics for the publication. If you have any ideas you would like to share, or would be interested in receiving more information about VOX, please visit the website: www.ezpublishing.co.uk or contact Vicky or Clara direct: vicky@ezpublishing.co.uk or clara@ezpublishing.co.uk
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High standards Creative teaching Forest school Nurturing Church school Enriching Village location www.borderbrook-pri.wrexham.sch.uk @borderbrookschool
Delmar's Specialist Abroad By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford Our Delmar Specialists get their incredible knowledge through personal experience. Our Adventure and Tours specialist, Kerry, has recently returned from a 'Climb Mt. Toubkal' trip in Morocco with G-Adventures and had an amazing time! The pics below were taken by Kerry during her seven day trip and she wanted to share some of her experiences with you all from this fantastic trip. "The trip is great value, it included most meals, and we had our local ‘CEO’ guide, Mustapha, and an amazing, lovely, support team who did the trek with us – carrying our luggage and equipment on the mules, as well as creating healthy and delicious food for us en-route. We were treated to incredible views and varied landscapes throughout. A lot of Mt. Toubkal treks are over two days. This was over four days which allowed us to acclimatise and also spend a bit of time in local villages. It was great to meet other travellers from around the globe. We finished off with a hot air balloon ride over Marrakech and the red desert area overlooking the distant mountains. It is a great destination which is so diverse and a complete world away - with just a four hour flight!"
This 7 day trip ‘Climb Mt. Toubkal’ is available from £356pp (based on May 2022 departure, flights not included). For more information, contact our Adventure specialist Kerry at our Gresford office to Talk Travel. Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises. Tel: 01978 853 886, www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE
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Gardening Tips and Advice November - Winter is on its Way Leaves are falling rapidly, and wind and rain are on the increase. Tender plants will need protecting from frost, gales and freezing rains. Move plants into the greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but if you can't, it is worth wrapping plants or pots. Remember winter can be a tough time for birds in terms of water and food, so keep supplies well topped up.
TOP 10 JOBS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH 1.
Clear up fallen leaves - especially from lawns, ponds and beds.
2.
Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging.
3.
Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year.
4.
Prune roses to prevent wind-rock.
5.
Plant out winter bedding.
6.
Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem.
7.
Insulate outdoor containers from frost - bubblewrap works well.
8.
Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees using grease bands around the trunks.
9.
Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden.
10. Use a seasonal bonfire - where this is allowed - to dispose of excess debris unfit for composting.
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Fireworks, Pets & Flower Remedies By MELANIE BURGESS It’s the time of year again that pet owners dread where the fireworks come out and pets are terrified. Unfortunately, fireworks are not going anywhere anytime soon, so what can we do to help our pets to reduce the stress and anxiety they cause? Bach Flower remedies There are a number of remedies for fear and anxiety that you could use to help your pet at times of extreme stress. Rescue Remedy, one of my ‘go to’ remedies, is always a good place to start. It is used for acute or emergency situations and can help your pet, and indeed you, to be calm when faced with the terror of the loud bangs of the fireworks. However, some pet owners have found that Rescue Remedy on its own isn’t always effective in this instance which is why I created my own blend of Bach Flower remedies called ‘Scaredy Pets’. Scaredy Pets is a blend of Bach flower remedies for fear and to give confidence to help support your pets through difficult times. This blend can help your pet to cope with the stress of fireworks, and anything else that causes them to feel fearful such as a trip to the vets, travelling in the car or thunderstorms.
When and how to use Scaredy Pets remedy mix You can start using Scaredy Pets any time before fireworks begin or any event which you know may cause fear. A couple of weeks or a few days before would be beneficial. However, even a couple of days earlier, or on the day, will bring some emotional relief. As with people, give your pet four drops three to four times a day straight into their mouth, or on a treat. If your pet is a bird, or not keen on taking it in their mouth, you can use a spray bottle to mist them with the remedies. In addition to using the remedies, you can create a covered area or den for your pet to feel safe. Cover cages with a blanket to help muffle the sound and play some music or have the television on. Plug-in diffusers that release scentless calming pheromones can also help them to feel less anxious. In the long term, if your pet frequently suffers from anxieties or emotional difficulties then why not book a consultation to discuss their needs.
For more details, contact Melanie Burgess at Daisy Holistics Tel: 07970 758811 E: daisyholistics@gmail.com
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EssentialsMAG Easy Crafts
How to Make... Lollipop Stick Picture Frame Any given day, at any given time, there is a craft happening somewhere in my house. As my kids get older, their crafting skills are definitely improving and they made this adorable DIY Lollipop Stick Picture Frame. This is such a simple kids craft to keep them busy on rainy weekends and they can display their photos on it!
YOU WILL NEED... 1
2
• Lollipop sticks (we used large rainbow ones) • Hot glue gun with glue stick • Cardboard • Buttons, gems or any decorate items you have to decorative • Hinge clip • Magnets (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS... STEP 1:
Lay out your lollipop sticks on a flat surface and get an idea of the size and shape of your frame. We ended up using 9 large lollipop sticks which made for a good size. Then cut a piece of cardboard that is just smaller than your frame and hot glue it to your lollipop sticks. This holds everything together.
STEP 2:
Flip it over and start decorating it by hot gluing on buttons, gems, or anything to make your frame unique. Don’t forget to hot glue the clip on to hold your picture too!
STEP 3:
Last but not least, if you want this to be a fridge magnet glue on some magnets to the back. You have a fun DIY lollipop stick picture frame that can hang on your fridge and display a picture of your favourite people!
3
Once you’ve made your Lollipop Stick Picture Frame please share your photos with us on Facebook: @EssentialsMagWrexham
BY VICTORIA GREEN - mum to three young children. In her spare time, Victoria loves to get creative, whether that be knitting hats for her kids or painting the local scenery.
www.facebook.com/VictoriaGreenArt
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Should I Upgrade? By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES Around this time each year, all of the major phone manufacturers release their newest devices in time for the lucrative Christmas period. So it’s also around this time each year that I’m asked the same couple of questions by family and friends: “What does the new one do better than mine?” and “Should I upgrade?” These are pretty difficult to answer, as there are so many factors to consider, but if you find yourself asking the same questions, let me try and give you some guidance: What does the new one do better than mine? The answer to this will of course depend on what phone you have now versus the ‘new one’. But now that the era of groundbreaking changes in smartphone design is settling (for now, at least), and the era of iterative updates is in full flow, annual updates come down to improvements in: the battery, the screen, the cameras, the processor, and the software. Each one of these things might be important to you, or maybe only a couple, but these are the things that will ultimately decide if the ‘new one’ is better than your current one. For example, if your current phone doesn’t make it through the day on one charge, improved battery life might mean it’s worth upgrading. If you enjoy taking photographs on your phone, upgrades to the camera system might be of interest.
I would recommend researching the newest phones online yourself, rather than talking to your network provider (EE, O2, Vodafone, etc.), as your own research comes without commission! I’m not suggesting you don’t talk to the providers when the time comes to upgrade but try and have an idea of what’s important to you - and which phone might fit the bill before going to do the deal. Should I upgrade? Unless your phone is damaged or starting to malfunction frequently, you probably don’t need to upgrade it. You may want to, and that’s fine (go for it!), but you don’t need to. Arguably, not since the original iPhone was released in 2008 have we seen a significant, groundbreaking new phone. For the last decade, they have improved year-on-year through minor, incremental changes, such as the difference between the original iPhone and the iPhone 13 (released last month) is huge - but the difference between the iPhone 12 (released last year) and the iPhone 13 is minimal. As a rule of thumb, you will only really feel like a new smartphone has had a big upgrade in performance and features if you change it every two or three years.
EssentialsMAG tech contributor is David Hughes a freelance web developer Tel: 07595 303418 www.davidhughes.co
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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe
Cauliflower Soup This creamy cauliflower soup is spiced with cumin for a low-calorie veggie winter warmer - just the ticket on a chilly day - and it's inexpensive too.
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 4-6
1 large cauliflower (1.5kg), cut into florets ½ tbsp ground cumin 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 4 thyme sprigs 1 onion, finely chopped 1 celery stick, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 750-850ml vegetable stock 100ml single cream ½ small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
METHOD Heat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Toss the cauliflower florets in a roasting tin with 1 tbsp olive oil, the cumin and the thyme. Roast for 15 minutes or until golden and tender. Once roasted discard the thyme. Heat the remaining oil in a saucepan with the onion and celery and fry over a medium heat for 10 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir through most of the cauliflower, reserving some to top the soup with later. Add 750ml of the stock to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. Blitz the soup until smooth using a hand blender or food processor. Stir through the cream and season to taste. Add extra stock if you like your soup a little thinner. Ladle into bowls and top with the parsley, reserved cauliflower and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
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Are you Struggling with Sleep Issues? By GAYLE WHITTAKER Do you struggle to get to sleep at night? Maybe you fall asleep easily but wake up in the early hours of the morning and find it difficult to get back to sleep? According to the UK-based organisation The Sleep Charity: • 40% of adults and children in the UK suffer with sleep issues • 20% of road deaths in the UK are related to fatigue • Sleep deprivation costs the UK economy £40 billion a year. So if you are someone who does have issues with your sleep you are clearly not alone. Sleep deprivation can have a serious impact on our everyday lives. Lack of sleep and broken sleep can affect how we think, how we perceive situations (emotional and physical), our memory, and our mood often causing low mood. Even our appetites are affected by a lack of sleep. Many people who are sleep deprived will crave high fat and high sugar food and drinks to compensate for their lack of energy and to help them get through the day. Unfortunately though, that is the worst thing we can do, as those foods and drinks are full of stimulants including sugar and caffeine, and are often a contributing factor as to why we can’t sleep in the first place. So what can you do to help break the habit of poor sleep and improve your well-being? Here are some suggestions to try:
Try sleeping on your back. Sleep expert Guy Meadows, founder of the Sleep School app, says this offers the best support for your whole body and is the position most likely to help you drift off to sleep and remain asleep. Have a mug of warm milk with a quarter of a teaspoon of ground nutmeg mixed in, about two hours before bedtime. It’s understood the properties of warm milk help the body to make melatonin, the hormone we need to prepare us for sleep. And nutmeg is believed to contain compounds which help to calm and balance our central nervous system. Have a regular bedtime routine, including washing your face and brushing your teeth.The practice of a routine will encourage your body to prepare for sleep and help to calm your mind. Write down your ‘to do’ list for the following day on the evening before and not too close to bedtime! This will help to clear your mind. If you have worries that are niggling away at you, try putting pen to paper to express those as well. Invest in a good quality pillow mist or night time oil for bedtime. These usually contain lavender and other essential oils which can help to improve calmness and sleep. This is something I provide to a lot of my clients who come for reflexology. By Gayle Whittaker, Reflexologist at The Universal Therapist Tel: 07766 701479 www.theuniversaltherapist.co.uk
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A Hot Topic By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF Recent big increases in the cost of gas, oil and electricity have focused many people’s attention on domestic energy usage. At the same time, ‘Insulate Britain’ has been calling on the government to help improve the energy efficiency of UK homes. Whilst not everyone agrees with Insulate Britain’s tactics, there’s widespread agreement that this is something that does need to happen rapidly. In 2019, around 15% of UK greenhouse gas emissions came from the residential sector - that’s higher than agriculture (10%) and industrial processes (2%). Residential emissions means those originating in homes - emissions produced through electricity generation elsewhere aren’t included. Most residential emissions come from heating; reducing these entails preventing heat loss and generating heat in different ways. Many experts agree that the UK cannot meet its climate targets without a massive programme of insulation and home improvements. The UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe (possibly the whole world) and we can’t simply replace it all. Around 80% of the houses we’ll be living in by 2050 already exist, so we need to retrofit around 26 million homes. This is a colossal undertaking, with a correspondingly massive price tag. However, it will also create huge numbers of jobs, reduce fuel poverty and improve public health.
Building a new family home to high energy efficiency standards, with a heat pump instead of a boiler, only adds around £5,000 to the cost. Unfortunately, even retrofitting a house built to current building standards can cost over five times as much. This is a lot of money for most of us, which is why campaigners are asking the government to help out. Heat pumps provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional boilers. They extract heat from the air or ground and work in a similar way to a fridge. The UK currently lags way behind the rest of Europe on heat pump installation - we’re joint last with just one per 1,000 households. This isn’t because they work better in warmer climates Norway leads the way with 42 per 1,000, followed by Finland, Estonia and Sweden. What they do require to work effectively are well insulated properties. Reducing and decarbonising the energy used to heat our homes and other buildings is a critical component in tackling climate change. It’s a massive task, but we already have the necessary technology - we just need to start doing it right now.
EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com
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Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham Everyone has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic in one way or another and it’s clear we will be living with the repercussions for many years. Although the Welsh Government provided emergency financial support to businesses, it remained an extremely tumultuous period and I am aware many will need continued support as we set out on the road to recovery. One institution that stepped up to the mark over this past 18 months or so is the Development Bank of Wales and I recently visited its headquarters on the Wrexham Technology Park. Set up by the Welsh Government pre-pandemic, the support offered by the Development Bank helps Welsh businesses create or safeguard jobs, be more innovative and increase their contribution to the regional economy. During my visit, I discovered the team paid out almost £200m in loans in the last financial year, helping protect 16,000 jobs, and they’ve supported over 130 start-up companies. It’s clear we need innovative institutions like the Development Bank to assist businesses, ultimately making it easier for them to start up, strengthen and grow in the current climate, and I will do all I can to ensure local businesses take advantage. The Development Bank is also overseeing the Welsh Government’s Town Centre Entrepreneurship Fund. This £3m pilot scheme is specifically aimed at helping people who are looking to start and grow a business in one of four North Wales town
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.
centres - Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Wrexham. By encouraging new businesses to set up in town centres, it will help breathe life back into Wrexham, as well as the other North Wales towns involved in the pilot. Businesses could be entitled to a discretionary grant of between £2,500 £10,000 to support with the revenue costs associated with starting up or relocating to the town. The Fund has been running for a few months and I was pleased to hear a significant number of applications have come from Wrexham. Funds permitting, the scheme is due to stay open until June 2022 so I hope even more budding entrepreneurs will benefit in the coming months. If anyone is interested or has any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me via the details below. I am proud the Development Bank, that could have been located anywhere in the country, is here in Wrexham and moving from strength to strength. I will do all I can to support it, local businesses and our town centre as we look to rebuild post pandemic.
Tel: 01978 355743 Lesley.Griffiths@senedd.wales www.lesleygriffiths.co.uk Facebook & Twitter: @lesley4wrexham
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Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Future Finances Can we play Jenga please? I’ve lost count of how many times my daughter has asked me to play Jenga over the past few weeks. Carefully pushing out the blocks nearer the bottom without causing the whole tower to collapse is undoubtedly a form of art. When we think of planning our future finances, our minds almost invariably jump to thoughts of ensuring we make the most of what we have, when we might be able to eventually retire or how to keep as much of our hard-earned money in our own pockets instead of HMRC’s. Underpinning all of these plans and aspirations is your most valuable asset. You.
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You generate your income which in turn funds the mortgage/rent and of course all of the inevitable mundane monthly direct debits. Indeed, our ability to work and produce an income is crucial to not only meeting living costs in the immediate future, but also making provision for our long term future by saving some of our disposable income. After all, we would all like to enjoy the retirement that we would like rather than the one that we can afford. Be it a long spell off work due to stress, diagnosis of a critical illness or even worse, there are no shortage of events in our lives that can have a massive bearing on our ability to pay the bills. Maybe you have very generous employer funded sick pay or maybe you’re self-employed
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.
and hope for the best. Whatever your circumstances, it’s important to consider your exposure to such events and what impact they could have on your finances and lifestyle. Luckily, there are avenues to explore to at least attempt to break the fall. It may take the form of an income protection policy or a lump sum from a critical illness plan to pay off the mortgage. As the last 18 months or so demonstrate, all our needs are different when we are confronted with the unexpected.
By David Gaweda of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Tel: 01978 311 611 www.hadlowedwards.co.uk
If you consider you own position in the various scenarios mentioned above and feel that you or your family would not be in as strong a position as you would like to be, please give me a call or drop me an email and I can produce some simple quotes for you. Back to Jenga, our income is very much like those bottom few blocks, who wants to risk removing them?
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Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham In October, it was announced that the much-needed upgrades to the Crown crossroads in Llay would be going ahead. This news followed months of work from my team and I, including a public consultation with residents, working with developers to raise residents’ concerns, and passing concerns onto the Council to make sure they were listening to what residents wanted. It is brilliant to know that this hard work has paid off.
of the recent issues with the Ambulance Service here in Wales, so I am grateful to the UK Government and Armed Forces for providing this support to Welsh communities.
Last month was also Conference season, and I was honoured to be asked to take part in two discussion panels on the main stage of the Conservative Party Conference. In one of those, I shared the stage with the Minister for Defence People and Veterans to discuss my recent and ground-breaking report into women’s experiences in our Armed Forces, among other veterans’ issues.
Along with the global recognition City of Culture status provides, it also has the potential to bring significant economic benefits; following Hull’s tenure in 2017, the city saw £220 million of additional investment and the creation of 800 new jobs. If Wrexham were to get this status, it would be another symbol of the UK Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda in action and I will continue to promote Wrexham and ensure it stays on the map!
In another panel discussion, I was pleased to be able to get the chance to discuss how the Union has made the UK’s collective response to COVID-19 stronger. As an example, our response has been bolstered thanks to our shared assets, such as the military, that have supported communities up and down the UK throughout the pandemic.
On a final note, you may have read that Wrexham Borough has been long-listed for the 2025 City of Culture status, which comes with £40,000 of funding from the UK Government.
As ever, if there is anything I can do to assist, please do not hesitate to contact and sign up to my newsletter on my website: www.sarahatherton.org.uk.
In this respect, it was apt that, following my championing of all that Armed Forces have done to support our communities during the pandemic, it was announced that UK military personnel would step in to support Wales’ Ambulance Service. From emails received, I am all too aware
Tel: 020 7217 4885 / 01978 291742 sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk www.sarahatherton.org.uk
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The True Essence of Christmas By FAYE JONES We are well and truly into the winter months and the festive period is fast approaching. Halloween has seen an obscene amount of sweets consumed and bonfire night really gives us that winter feeling whilst gathered around the fire watching fireworks fill the sky. Yes, I find this time of year truly wonderful. Unfortunately, it can be overshadowed by the looming fear of my bank balance quickly depleting! The build up to Christmas brings with it so much pressure and stress because of the expectations we put on ourselves (and our children) to buy them a huge pile of presents to put under the tree. Or to be able to afford that expensive toy your child has been asking for, for months. It can be crippling! It’s unrealistic for us parents to be able to offer our children all of the things they want when we don’t earn enough money! Another factor is most of the presents you may buy now will have an updated version in six months time - talk about frustrating! As parents, if seems we can never win. It got me thinking; in today’s society we have lost the essence of what Christmas is all about and our children have become expectant of huge amounts of presents under the tree. Well, if like me, you don’t have an endless pit of money and would prefer your children to love this time of year for things other than monetary value, then you’re not alone.
We are all too eager to please one another with gifts but, the best gifts of all are making memories and spending time with one another. So this year my husband and I have decided to ‘draw it back’ and put a budget on all presents. For us, this year will be about family time and the joy relishing in the Christmas festivities. Here are some of my free Christmas activities to bring the family together: • Take the whole family on a crisp walk, with homemade hot chocolate in flasks • Try a Christmas ‘Bake-off’ at home and get everyone involved • Have a ‘Movie Marathon’ of all the family favourite Christmas films • Make your own Christmas tree decorations (turn this into a bit of a competition!). • Visit local parks or woods and gather some twigs, pine cones, leaves and see what you can make with them. This year why not make Christmas about what it’s meant to be about… family!
By Faye Jones, writer and busy mum from Wrexham fturner21@hotmail.com
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Legal Advice Questions & Answers By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE The Concept of Time Since the various lockdowns imposed upon us all , there has been a distinct change in the attitude of people. Furlough has led to a greater use of the Internet which has caused two problems: •
•
People researching their particular problem and misinterpreting what they have read and comparing like with what isn't like, so creating confusion. It's the old adage of a ‘little knowledge is dangerous’. Whilst we encourage the use of the Internet it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in relations, when a solicitor might say the exact opposite of what has been read online. People have more time to themselves. They see that buying on the internet is instant and subconsciously apply that to everyday life. Unfortunately that isn't possible.
What we really have to look at, is that time is very often outside of the solicitors' control. It stands to reason that if you are furloughed, then there are millions more people in the same predicament. This includes large organizations, such as the Probate Registry and the Land Registry, to be short of staff. They were already short of staff before COVID. Government cut backs are responsible for delays in the various processes. The Probate Registry, pre COVID were already fighting the ‘catch up battle’ following the new software from the HMRC, causing their systems to crash.
So there were 16 week delays before COVID. Since then, everything is done online but that doesn't mean it's any quicker. The official line from the Probate Registry is that it takes them four weeks to put our application for probate on their system and another eight weeks to process it. In reality it often takes longer. If we attempt to telephone the Registry for an explanation as to why a matter is taking so long, after an hour of waiting for them to answer, we are simply told that ‘it's in the process’ and ‘it will be with us very shortly’. The words ‘very shortly’ are often an excuse, with papers still awaited after several months. We don't blame the staff at the Registry, but the delay is extremely frustrating and clients tend to think that it's the solicitors' fault, no matter how much we stress that this is not the case. The Land Registry are in a similar position. To apply for voluntary registration of a property can take up to 12 months to process. Once again it 's due to staff being furloughed and being in a backlog of priority cases. They simply can't cope with the demand. So, please be patient because the scenario is frustrating for all concerned, including ourselves.
EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor is Carol McGuire of Cyril Jones Solicitors Tel: 01978 367 830 www.cyril-jones.co.uk
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Change BY JO YOUNG The world has changed Has there been anyone to blame? Like who? We just have to look at history and see what is true But how far do we go back? Let’s change tack And just look at this... our 21st century.
Local Gresford Poet, Jo Young
Globally around the world Crisis has continued to swirl In the last 20 years we have had twin towers, floods, fires, refugees to civil wars, financial crisis So much death and destruction, poverty and pain It is happening to every individual, in every city, town, street or lane. The world is hit with a pandemic – a very deadly virus That is classless, affecting young and old – there is no bias Hands, face, space = protect and stop the spread It is a virus we collectively all dread. So is change good or bad Negative change we realise makes us sad So let’s look at the positives and do what we can Simply doing our best and look after every one from Jane to Stan.
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EssentialsMAG Book Club
The Storyteller by DAVE GROHL
The Apollo Murders by CHRIS HADFIELD
The long-awaited autobiography of the legendary rock star, Dave Grohl. From taking grunge into the mainstream with Nirvana to helming the Foo Fighters and growing into a beloved elder statesman of alternative rock, The Storyteller recounts the wild times and great music of Dave Grohl’s stellar career.
The far side of the Moon, 1973. Three astronauts are trapped in a tiny Apollo module, and one of them has murder on the mind. A quarter of a million miles from home - a quarter of a million miles from help. Strap in and count down for the ride of a lifetime as murder stalks the confines of an Apollo space rocket on the far side of the moon.
See Inside Your Body by KATIE DAYNES and COLIN KING Fabulous flap book that reveals the inner workings of the human body. Bright, original colour illustrations and diagrams display all the major organs of the human body and are accompanied by witty, clear and informative text. Contains over fifty embedded flaps that children can lift to reveal extra detail.
Coming Up for Air: What I Learned from Sport, Fame and Fatherhood by TOM DALEY Tom Daley captured the hearts of the nation with his unforgettable medal-winning performance in the London 2012 Olympics. At this year's Games in Tokyo, he triumphed to win gold and became the most decorated British diver of all time. Coming Up for Air is a deeply personal and inspiring memoir from one of the most celebrated and influential names in British sport.
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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
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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
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01244 365 000 01978 291 100
LEISURE CENTRES Gwyn Evans Northgate Arena Plas Madoc
01978 269 540 01244 380444 01978 821 600
LOCAL FACILITIES 3C Pest Control Adult Social Services Citizens Advice Foodbank - Chester Foodbank - Wrexham Recycling Centre - Chester Recycling Centre - Tattenhall Recycling Centre - Whitchurch Recycling Centre - Wrexham Samaritans
01948 838 111 01978 292 066 0300 330 1178 0151 355 7730 07538 547971 01244 372 764 01829 771 337 0345 678 9007 01978 292 000 116 123
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 Overton 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
TRAVEL National Rail Enquiries Traveline
03457 48 49 50 0871 200 22 33
Personalised & Creative Gifts POLO SHIRTS & T-SHIRTS
To make it a personal present we're the people!
ADD YOUR LOGO/DESIGN, PERFECT FOR WORKWEAR, EVENTS, SPORTS CLUBS ETC.
12 Printed Tee or Polo’s = ONLY £99 Free origination from your design of your logo Full-colour, soft feel, long lasting print Sizes: XS to XXXL / More than 30 colours Any mix of colours & sizes - ask us for details Embroidered garment service also available
Ty Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham LL13 8BB
01978 423117
Proud to be part of the community in Ty Pawb, Wrexham
Puzzle Page... Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 3 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 22 23
Tehran is the capital here (4) Announce publicly (8) Shooting stars (7) Unfasten (5) Act of slowing down (12) Scattered about untidily (6) Extremely energetic person (6) Troublemaker (6-6) Spin quickly (5) Played out (7) International waters (4,4) Cobras (4)
DOWN 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 14 16 18 19
Lacking humility (8) Loft (5) Place that is frequented for holidays (6) Female fellow national (12) Ancient large storage jar (7) A large number of (4) Intense anxiety (12) Destroys gradually (8) Wandering (7) __ Williams: tennis star (6) Badgers' homes (5) US state (4)
If you want to find out the answers they will be published in next month’s edition. Here are the answers from October:
Classic Sudoku
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.