EssentialsMAG October 2023 – South Wrexham Magazine

Extraordinary paint for everyday life

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Cobra 26cc

Petrol Leaf Blower and Vacuum

Miracle-Gro

EverGreen Autumn Lawn Care

Autumn gardening – We have all the tools to prepare your garden this Autumn from lawn care to garden tools and machinery.

Welcome...

Cover Image: Falling Autumn leaves

November Deadlines:

Editorial - 6th October

Advertising - 13th October

As the crisp October breeze sweeps through our region, I welcome you to another edition of EssentialsMAG. Autumn has arrived, which is a great time to get outside and enjoy the breathtaking palette of reds, yellows, and oranges - whether you like hiking, taking a walk in the park, or just sitting and admiring the view.

October is more than just cosy jumpers, pumpkin spice lattes and falling leaves; it's a time when the ordinary becomes delightfully spooky on Halloween - a night filled with eerie laughter and trick or treat buckets brimming with sweets!

Personally, at the end of the month, I am looking forward to gaining an extra hour of precious time (asleep!) when the clocks go back.

So, grab a warm drink, curl up with our magazine, and join me in celebrating the vibrant colours of October in our wonderful community.

As always, I welcome your feedback, ideas, and contributions.

Enjoy the read!

All the best, Vicky Heathfield

EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

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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 2023. @EssentialsMagWrexham

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group

One in eight men will get prostate cancer. If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or your dad or brother had it, you’re at even higher risk. The Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group takes pride in the raising of public awareness of prostate cancer and provides support to those who have the disease, or merely suspect that they may have symptoms. The friendly group meets on the first Wednesday of each month, at 7pm in The Trevor Arms, Marford. Guests and new members are most welcome, together with their partners.

If you would like further details, please call Phil on: 07525 824679, or Mal: 07704 407633.

Tallarn Green Village Hall

Tallarn Green Village Hall is the only community hub the village has for its residents to come together. Recently, the village hall had to close due to the floor being unsafe.

Tallarn Green village hall committee member, Josie Schulte-Krumpen, told us: “It is with great sadness that we have had to close our village hall with immediate effect due to the floor being deemed unsafe to use. Our priority had to be the safety of our community who uses the hall. The floor is wooden with joists underneath that are rotten and it all needs taking up - which will be carried out by volunteers in the village. We would then like to replace the old floor with a concrete base topped with wooden flooring to future-proof the hall for generations to come. However, the quotes we have received so far are outside any possible fundraising target we could meet.”

Tallarn Green village hall committee are researching to source a potential grant to help support the costs. They are also looking for contributions from the community and local businesses to help pay for the concrete base, so they can at least open their doors again.

If you are able to dontate, please visit the JustGiving page: https://bit.ly/45PSJZx

@auraartgirl

Pam Griffiths was introduced to painting a few years ago, when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This year, she will be turning her Chrismasthemed paintings into professionally printed Christmas cards, with all profits donated to Alder Hay Children’s Hospital. The cards are just £1 each and can be ordered by calling: 07984 248350 or email: auraartist@outlook.com

@auraartgirl

Hints and Tips for Strong Passwords

By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES

Robust passwords are essential to safeguard our online identities and sensitive data from cyber threats. Whether it’s your email account, social media profiles or online banking, a strong password serves as the first defence against potential hackers. Here are some tips for creating sturdy passwords:

Complexity: A strong password should be intricate and hard to guess. It should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Go for random combinations that are unrelated to your personal information.

Length: Longer passwords are generally more secure. Aim for at least 12 characters or more. The longer your password, the more challenging it becomes for automated tools to crack through using brute-force attacks (using code to try thousands of passwords per second)

Uniqueness: This is difficult, but try to use unique passwords for each account. If one account is compromised, using the same password elsewhere would grant hackers access to all your accounts. Consider using a password manager. A password manager generates strong, unique passwords for each site you use and stores them encrypted in a vault. You only need to remember one master password to access all your passwords. This simplifies the process and reduces the risk of using weak passwords or repeating them across different accounts.

Phrases: Consider using pass phrases instead of passwords. Pass phrases are easier to make longer, should remain easy for you to remember, but are more difficult for others to guess. For example, “ReadingEssentials@Wrexham23” is much stronger than a single word password.

Impersonal: Do not use easily obtainable personal information, such as your name, birth date, or the names of family members or pets, in your password. This information is often publicly available on social media, making it easier for hackers to guess.

Change: It’s advisable to change your passwords periodically. Doing so reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if a breach occurs and your password becomes compromised.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): I have written about MFA in a previous article. Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

By following these hints and tips, you can significantly enhance your online security and minimise the risk of falling victim to cyber crime.

An Attitude of Gratitude

By HELEN CONWAY

A little gratitude can do wonders for your mood. When you practice gratitude, you shift from negative emotions to positive. Instead of being consumed by the lack in your life, you focus on the good things, often small and seemingly mundane, that you may have previously overlooked.

Rather than feeling flat on a Monday morning at having to go to work, appreciate that your job allows you to buy food, put fuel in your car, has brought friendships with people that you otherwise wouldn’t have met.

If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed or depressed, it can be difficult to find any positivity. But every day is full of things to be grateful for. Big things, like a lottery win, are easy to notice, but it’s the small, every day things that really fill the gratitude cup, such as the uplifting feeling of your favourite song on the radio, the way you feel when playing with your dog, the fresh smell after rain, the smell of freshly laundered sheets on the bed. Noticing the small things makes a big difference.

The benefits of practising gratitude are well documented. An increase of serotonin and dopamine - chemicals in the brain associated with happiness and pleasurelead to decreased stress hormones, a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood, quality sleep with fewer sleep disturbances, improved focus and a higher self esteem.

There are some simple ways to cultivate a gratitude practice;

• Start a gratitude journal. Spend a few minutes every day listing 10 things that you’re grateful for.

• Write little thank you or appreciation notes to people who are important to you, or have shown you a kindness.

• Start a gratitude jar. Write every great thing on a card, pop it in the jar, and at the end of the year, reread to remind yourself what a great life you have.

• Create a mindfulness practice. Sit quietly for a few minutes, and allow yourself to savour pleasant, simple, everyday moments.

Gratitude is like a muscle that you can build and strengthen. And whilst it might sound a bit ‘woo woo’, research shows it has very real benefits. And the more time you spend being grateful, the more you have to be grateful for.

Bodywork-Pilates was established in 2002. They offer the very best in pilates, yoga and holistic fitness, with over 20 classes a week to choose from in and around Wrexham and Chester.

EssentialsMAG fitness contributor is Helen Conway from Bodywork-Pilates Ltd www.bodywork-pilates.co.uk Tel: 01978 512401

Ear Wax Removal & Hearing Aids

Dates for your Diary

EVERY MONDAY

Weekly Outdoor Market

Queen’s Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT

Weekly outdoor market selling fruit and vegetables, food, crafts, clothes, bags, plants and more.

9am - 4pm Free

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Gresford Luncheon Club

Various locations

The group is aimed at the over 50s but we welcome anybody who needs company and friendship.

12:30pm

Tel: 07933 201731 (Beryl)

WED 4 OCTOBER

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group

Trevor Arms, Marford Hill, Marford, Wrexham LL12 8TA

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group takes pride in the raising of public awareness of prostate cancer and provides support to those who have prostate cancer or merely suspect that they may have symptoms.The group meet on the first Wednesday of the month. All welcome.

7pm Free

Tel: 07525 824679 (Phil)

FRI 6 OCTOBER

Wrexham Birdwatchers

Gresford Trust Memorial Hall, Gresford Trust, off High Street, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8PS

Wrexham Birdwatchers’ October meeting, an illustrated talk on “Two Decades at Venus Pool” by Jim Almond. All welcome.

7:30pm

Tel: 01978 855266 (Trevor)

SAT 7 OCTOBER

RWF Fest

Hightown Barracks, Kingsmills Road, Wrexham LL13 8RD

An immersive in-person event filled with engaging presentations and behind the scenes exhibitions on WWI. A full day dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the unique history of The Royal Welch Fusiliers.

9:30am - 4pm

From £22.38

https://bit.ly/467SeJK

SAT 7 OCTOBER

Wrexham Street Market

Henblas Street, Wrexham LL13 8AE

Come and find lots of produce, crafts and goods from local traders.

10am - 4pm

SAT 7 OCTOBER

Quiz night and Nibbles

Penley Village Hall, Hollybush Lane, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0NH

Penley Village Hall quiz night and nibbles. Bring your friends for a fun night. 5pm

£2.00 @PenleyVillageHall

SUN 8 OCTOBER

Holt Fruit Festival

Holt Cross, Castle Street, Holt, Wrexham LL13 9YG

Holt Community

Gardeners’ 3rd Autumn Fruit Festival. There will be jams, crumbles, chutney, flans, locally grown fruit, seeds and plants for sale. Pressing fruit juice.

10am - 1pm Free

SUN 8 OCTOBER

Celebrate the Sweet Chestnut!

Acton Park, Herbert Jennings Avenue, Wrexham LL12 7YA

Come to Acton Park and celebrate the 484 year old Sweet Chestnut tree being nominated for Tree of the Year 2023 by the Woodland Trust. Activities, trails, crafts and more!

12pm - 4pm Free

THUR 12 OCTOBER

B.I.R.D. Shopping & Lifestyle Evening

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Wrexham Road, Pulford CH4 9DG

Join us for an evening of fabulous shopping and lifestyle choices just for you. Gift stalls, beauty treatments and more.

6pm - 9:30pm

£5.00 (cash only)

Tel: 07703 203684 (Lucy)

SAT 14 OCTOBER

Rhos Male Voice Choir

St Dunawd's Church, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham LL13 0BU

Formed at 1891 the choir has been in the forefront of male voice singing. It is widely recognised as being one of Wales' foremost male choirs.

7:30pm

£10.00

Tel: 01978 780735 (Brian)

16 - 19 OCTOBER

Adoption Week

Online (via Teams)

If you are thinking of adopting, or interested in knowing more about the services we offer, book your free place.

7pm

Free

Tel: 0800 850774

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.

For a comprehensive list of local events, shows, groups and classes please visit: essentialsmag.co.uk/whats-on

TUE 17 OCTOBER

Coffee Morning

The Golden Lion, Chester Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HN

Coffee morning to raise funds for Christ Church Rossett. All welcome. Includes cake and a coffee.

10am - 12pm

£5.00

20 - 22 OCTOBER

Antiques and Art Fair

Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester CH1 4JD

High quality art and antiques from specialist dealers from across the UK.

11am - 5pm

Free with download cooperevents.com/chester

24 - 28 OCTOBER

Sheila’s Island

Grove Park Theatre, Hill St, Wrexham LL11 1SN

Latest performance from Wrexham’s oldest amateur theatre based in town.

7:30pm

£8.00 adult/£5.00 child groveparktheatre.co.uk

FRI 27 OCTOBER

Halloween Party

Penley Village Hall, Hollybush Lane, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0NH

Penley Village Hall family Halloween party and fancy dress. Bring your friends for a fun night of food and games.

5:30pm - 8pm

£2.00 per child

@PenleyVillageHall

SAT 28 OCTOBER

Wrexham Artisan Market

Queen's Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT

A range of independent businesses and producers. 10am - 4pm Free info@fairevent.co.uk

Share your events with us - it’s FREE! Let us know your events taking place next month so we can feature them.

essentialsmag.co.uk /whats-on

New York! New York!

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Howard Davies, the USA Specialist at Delmar World, recently made his landmark 200th visit to America. Here, he takes a slightly different approach on visiting New York as part of a bigger travel venture.

There are so many reasons that New York is America’s most popular city stay for UK travellers. Whether your preference is endless shopping, cultural highlights, sightseeing, gourmet dining, historical tours, world-famous sports - the list is endless!

Whilst many just fly to and from New York for a three - five night city break, if you are travelling to other parts of America, some airline fares will allow you to break your journey with a stopover.

This means that you can incorporate a few amazing days in The ‘Big Apple’ before continuing on to whichever exciting ultimate destination you have chosen –perhaps Florida, California, Las Vegas or even Canada.

Another option might be to cruise to New York from the UK. This luxurious alternative to flying means you won’t have to worry about jet-lag because, on a typical six-night Atlantic crossing, the time onboard is adjusted gradually so that, when you disembark, you are ready for whatever the “City That Never Sleeps” can throw at you!

Or you could do the reverse and follow your ‘Big Apple’ stay with a cruise back to the UK: the extra five hours added during your sailing means that you won’t need the usual day or two to reset your body clock.

There are also several cruise itineraries that incorporate an overnight stay in New York, giving you 24 hours to explore this vibrant metropolis without having to worry about finding accommodation.

But, however long you stay, you will want to get the best out of your time in New York and, at Delmar World, our specialists will be delighted to help you achieve the holiday of your dreams.

Free New York guide download

For a copy of Howard’s ‘Introduction to New York City’ (including his top tips on how to save up to 15% on many sights and tours) just email: howard@delmarworld.co.uk putting “ESSENTIALS NYC” in the header.

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

Wrexham Tourism News

By JOE BICKERTON, Tourism Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council

After a busy summer, we’re building up for another strong ending to the year here in Wrexham. We recently received new tourism data collated from local hospitality businesses and related surveys, showing how Wrexham County experienced its strongest year for tourism in 2022 to date!

The annual STEAM data from Global Tourism Solutions – a national agency which records data for most Local Authority areas across the UK – showed that last year, Wrexham benefitted from just over £150m of visitor spend, up by 50% from 2021 data. Naturally, Wrexham’s profile is international now, thanks to the huge boost that the success of the football club and overseas marketing has provided – but for the last decade, our tourism sector has been on an upward curve thanks to the welcome our hospitality businesses provide and added attractions such as the UNESCO Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site.

You may also have noticed season two of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is back on our screens, and indeed screens across the world! Given this international attention, the This is Wrexham brochure has been flying out far and wide. Pick up a copy from the Visitor Information Centre, or from one of our many tourism businesses. It is filled with everything you need to plan, explore and enjoy a day or a stay in Wrexham county.

Wrexham Ambassador Scheme

As we’ve mentioned before, the Wrexham Ambassador Scheme is really worth taking a look at, as the modules are available to all.

It’s a free scheme, aimed not just at providing tourism businesses with the knowledge they need to provide a great service to visitors and tourists, but is also really useful and interesting to Wrexham residents.

Each module takes around 20-30 minutes, followed by a short quiz. Pass the modules and become a Bronze Ambassador – and top-up your local knowledge along the way. There are more modules coming soon too, so Silver and Gold will also be within your reach!

A date for the diary is the brand new Wrexham Comedy Festival – arriving across a number of venues between 3rd-5th November! Backed by Wrexham AFC and the Wrexham 2029 City of Culture bid board, the new festival brings some of Wales’ best comedy talent to the city including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Tudur Owen, Anna Thomas, Leroy Brito, Mel Owen, Esyllt Sears and Ignacio Lopez.

For more details and tickets, see; williamastonwrexham.com/comedyfest

By Joe Bickerton, Tourism Manager at Wrexham County Borough Council T. 01978 292015 www.thisiswrexham.co.uk

Hanging Up My Tools

By NICK DAVIES

From next January, after many years of serving this wonderful community as your friendly handyman, I have decided to hang up my tools and embark on a new journey in life: retirement. It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter, as I reflect on the countless memories and relationships that have been built over the years.

I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has entrusted me with your home and garden improvement projects, big and small. Your support, trust, and loyalty have been the cornerstone of my career. I also want to thank Vicky at EssentialsMAG for the ongoing successful advertising campaign over the years, I couldn't be happier with the results and outcome.

While I may be retiring from the handyman business, I look forward to staying in touch

and perhaps even assisting with small projects in the future, just for the joy of it!

Warm regards, Nick Davies, Handyman T: 07960 608084

Gardening Tips and Advice October - The Autumn Chill

Sets In

Although we had some warmer days over September, the autumn is now definitely here for real, and it feels colder. It's a beautiful time of year with the trees changing colour. Sometimes it may seem pointless raking, when the wind blows even more leaves onto the lawn, but just think of all the lovely leaf-mould you can make! It's also time to start preparing for early frosts.

TOP 10 JOBS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

1. Divide established rhubarb crowns to create new plants

2. Cut back perennials that have died down

3. Divide herbaceous perennials

4. Move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory

5. Plant out spring cabbages

6. Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts

7. Prune climbing roses

8. Finish collecting seeds from the garden to sow next year

9. Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas

10. Renovate old lawns or create new grass areas by laying turf.

What Your Brand Say About You!

By JULIE GREGORY

Your brand is the face of your business. It's what people see when they think of you and what they remember about you.

Your brand is the overall impression that people have of the company, product or service they associate with you. The way you look, sound and act reflects on your brand. If your brand is inconsistent, it gives the impression that you and your business are not professional or trustworthy. A strong brand has a consistent message and personality that connects with people on a personal level.

And it's not something that's just chosen at random. Your brand is carefully crafted to reflect the values and mission of your company, so that when people see your logo or hear your name, they know exactly what they're getting.

But how do you know if your brand is doing its job? How do you know if it's attracting the right kind of customers?

Think about whether your logo and brand identity reflects who you are as a company. A lot of companies make the mistake of using stock images for their logos, but having an image that represents you correctly makes all the difference in conveying who you really are to your target audience.

Here are some tips to help you build a strong brand:

Describe who you are and what you do in an authentic way. For example, if your business is about helping people find love online then say so! If it's not, then don't try to be something else just or the sake of it.

Have a consistent voice across all platforms of social media - from Facebook posts to email newsletters. People will easily recognise you because it sounds like one person talking, rather than multiple voices coming together at once, which can be confusing.

Develop an aesthetic that aligns with who you are as a company and stick with it, so when people see something new from you it doesn't feel like someone else entirely, just because you’re using different colourways or fonts than they are used to.

Always remember that you and your business need to build trust and an easily recognisable, cohesive brand identity is the first step.

EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Lewis’s Farm Shop Tasty Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

1 lb beef stewing meat, trimmed and cut into inch cubes

5 tsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 cup red wine

3½ cups beef broth

METHOD

SERVES 4

2 bay leaves

1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ inch rounds

2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾ inch cubes

2 teaspoons salt

Combine the flour and pepper in a bowl, add the beef and toss to coat well. Heat 3 teaspoons of the oil in a large pot. Add the beef a few pieces at a time; do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the pieces until beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; add more oil as needed between batches.

Remove the beef from the pot and add the vinegar and wine. Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer.

Cover and cook, skimming broth from time-to-time, until the beef is tender, about 1½ hours. Add the onions and carrots and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Add the potatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender - about 30 minutes more. Add broth or water if the stew is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle among four bowls and serve.

Seasonal Treats in October

October marks a transition in seasonal produce as autumn sets in, bringing a rich variety of fruits, vegetables, and other culinary delights to the table. As the days grow shorter and cooler, the local harvest begins to shift towards heartier and more robust offerings.

Apples and pears

Orchards across the country burst with an array of apple varieties, including Bramley, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Russet. These apples are perfect for pies, crisps, and cider-making, making October a prime time for indulging in autumnal appleflavoured treats.

Pears also make their appearance during this month. Varieties like Conference and Comice are at their peak, offering a sweet and juicy alternative to apples. These can be enjoyed fresh, poached, or incorporated into salads and desserts.

Vegetables

Brussels sprouts, a quintessential Christmas vegetable, start making their appearance in October. They are a versatile ingredient for roasts and side dishes with their unique, nutty taste.

Microwaving Brussels Sprouts gives you the most deliciously tender sprouts in just six minutes. No need to boil water first, they don't stink out your kitchen and it saves room on the hob too!

Cabbages and kale also become staple vegetables this month. Their hardy nature and robust flavours make them ideal for warming soups and stews.

Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and parsnips are abundant, ready to be roasted, mashed, or transformed into hearty, comforting dishes. Swedes are also in season. Pumpkins go hand-in-hand with Halloween. Harvested in October, this nutritious and versatile orange fruit features flowers, seeds and flesh that are edible and rich in vitamins.

From the sea

For seafood lovers, October brings an abundance of mussels, oysters, and scallops. These fresh catches from coastal waters are perfect for creating seafood feasts and adding a touch of elegance to autumn dining.

From the wild

Wild mushrooms are a coveted find for foragers and food enthusiasts. Varieties like Chanterelles, Porcini, and Wild Oyster mushrooms add depth and an earthy richness to risottos, soups, and pasta.

October Shopping List

Apples, Pears, Plums, Blackberries, Raspberries, Sloes, Quinces, Elderberries.

Pumpkins, Butternut Squash, Beetroot, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Kale, Leeks, Parsnips, Swede, Turnips.

Maelor Voluntary Service (MVS)

By JENNY GRIFFITHS, from MVS

“Two Toasts” ”Teacake” “Jacket Potato” These are calls you will often hear as you enter the main door at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital. These calls are from members of Maelor Voluntary Service (MVS) as they alert customers in Café 1 that their order is ready!

From delicious breakfasts to afternoon tea, volunteers serve hundreds of hospital staff, visitors and patients five days a week between 9am - 4pm.

The volunteers are supported by a small nucleus of paid staff as they provide food and drink to people who have travelled from all over North Wales to visit friends or relatives at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

For patients, being allowed to visit the Café from a ward proves you are getting better; for staff, it is a haven for a few minutes out of a busy day. Some customers are celebrating a new baby, while others may need to gather their thoughts before facing the future.

MVS has been working within the hospital for over 30 years. It was then that members of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) decided to “go it alone”. They started their own charity to ensure that every penny raised by the proceeds of the cafés would ensure that vital medical equipment could be bought for use in the Maelor and nowhere else within the NHS.

Little could those first volunteers have realised that their charity would raise over

£2,500,000 for the hospital. This was before COVID reared its ugly head - when the cafés were closed until the pandemic was no longer considered a risk to those coming through the doors of the hospital.

The trustees and volunteers fought to keep the charity afloat during this time, through raising money in raffles and thanks to donations from many organisations and individuals in Wrexham, who realised how vital the cafés are to those who come through our doors.

MVS survived thanks to the people of Wrexham and the surrounding area.

Today, MVS is looking to the future with hope. Volunteers devote at least three hours per month to working in one of our three cafés. They can choose the bustle of Café 1, or the less intense surroundings of Café 2 or Orthopaedic.

With an age range of 16 - 80 years, everyone is vital to our efforts. Volunteers come from all walks of life, but have one thing in common - the generosity of spirit of all who give their time to help others.

And now the request! Should any reader of EssentialsMAG wish to join us as a volunteer, application forms are available from Café 1, or online on our website: www.mvswrexham.co.uk

Business Advice Learning Hub

By VICKY HEATHFIELD

Building your knowledge and skills is more important than making money! In today's competitive business world, it's more important than ever to have the knowledge and skills to succeed. While money is certainly important, it's not the only thing that matters. In fact, building your knowledge and skills can actually help you make more money in the long run.

Here are a few reasons why:

A competitive edge

In any industry, there are always people who are willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to succeed. But the ones who stand out are the ones who have the knowledge and skills to do their jobs better than everyone else.

Growing your business

As your business grows, you'll need to hire people and take on more responsibility. The better your knowledge and skills, the better equipped you'll be to manage your business and grow it to new heights.

Staying relevant

The business world is constantly changing. The technologies, the markets, and the customer demands are all evolving. The people who stay ahead of the curve are the ones who have the knowledge and skills to adapt to change.

Problem solving

No matter what business you're in, you're going to face challenges. The better your

knowledge and skills, the better equipped you'll be to solve those challenges.

Here are some tips for building your knowledge and skills:

• Read books and articles about your industry. There's a wealth of information available out there.

• Take courses and workshops. There are many opportunities to keep learning - online courses, in-person workshops, and even boot camps.

• Network with other professionals. Meet with people who are working in your industry and learn from them.

• Get involved in your industry’s professional organisations. There are many organisations that offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and other benefits.

So, if you're looking to succeed in business, don't focus on making money first. Focus on building your knowledge and skills. Because the more you learn, the more you'll earn!

Whether you’re starting a new business, working for yourself or managing a team, EssentialsMAG Learning Hub is home to a growing collection of jargon-free marketing and business resources. Visit: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/learning-hub

By Vicky Heathfield, Editor of EssentialsMAG vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk www.essentialsmag.co.uk Tel: 01978 855459

Ysgol Sant Dunawd, Bangor-on-Dee

There's a palpable sense of excitement in the air at Ysgol Sant Dunawd. Our pupils have settled back into school life with ease, including the bright-eyed new Nursery children who are embarking on their educational journey with us. The smiles radiating from our young learners are a testament to the warm and nurturing environment we provide at Ysgol Sant Dunawd.

One of the highlights of our return to school was the resounding success of our 'Welcome back BBQ,' a delightful event that brought our school community together in celebration.

In the spirit of exploration and learning, Dosbarth Clywedog recently embarked on exciting adventures to the local swimming pool and Wrexham library. Our pupils not only honed their swimming skills but also delved into the world of literature during their library visit.

We're excited to invite prospective families to our upcoming Open Days on Tuesday, 10th October and 14th November.

These events offer a sneak peek into the vibrant life of Ysgol Sant Dunawd, showcasing our commitment to academic excellence and a nurturing environment. It's an opportunity for families to experience firsthand the magic that happens within our school's walls.

Furthermore, we're excited to introduce our all-new Parent and Toddler sessions, commencing on 26th September and continuing every Tuesday from 9am to 10:30am. These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for parents and young children to engage in fun activities, make new friends, and discover the warm and supportive community at Ysgol Sant Dunawd.

As we embark on this new academic year, we are filled with hope and optimism. Ysgol Sant Dunawd remains a place where every child finds their place to grow, learn, and flourish. Join us in making this year one of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities. Your journey begins here at Ysgol Sant Dunawd, where we nurture minds and hearts, creating a brighter future for all.

We Cannot Afford Further Delay

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

The cost of living crisis has prompted some to suggest that reaching net zero is unaffordable and should be delayed. This might be a seductive narrative, particularly if we’re facing financial pressures that seem more immediate. There are two major problems with this:

• There’s no time for delay - global emissions must peak before 2025 and then rapidly decrease to provide any chance of limiting warming to 1.5oC. Every day we see further evidence of how bad the situation already is.

• Delaying action will cost more - research shows it’s a false economy, as the costs of delaying action will ultimately far exceed those of acting now.

We’re already paying indirectly

Rather than saving money by delaying action, we end up paying in different ways. An increasingly volatile climate is making food production more challenging. We saw an example of this earlier in 2023, when the availability of tomatoes was affected by weather and energy costs. The worsening climate crisis will continue creating upward pressure on global food prices. As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events increases, the costs of repairing infrastructure will fall on us as taxpayers.

We’re also likely to face rising insurance premiums and may even find we’re unable to insure against risks like flooding.

Short-termism

In the UK we’re still building new houses that don’t meet the standards required to achieve net zero. This is despite knowing that retro-fitting them at a future date will cost up to five times as much as the additional cost of building them to net zero standards in the first place. There’s growing recognition that our current political system is contributing to the problem by encouraging short-termism.

Facing up to reality

The harsh truth is that we’re way past the point where the costs of the climate and ecological emergency can somehow be avoided. The climate I experienced as a child, no longer exists, and the climate my children are growing up in will soon also be just a memory. Refusal to accept the reality of our situation and take action will leave us struggling to cope with, and pay for, increasingly severe consequences.

We need to respond in a more proactive, managed way in order to limit the damage.

One way or another, we are going to have to pay - the real issues are when this will be and how to spread the costs most fairly between us.

contributor is Rob Renouf

robsrenouf@gmail.com

Carol McGuire has specialised in all areas of Family Law, including: Divorce; Separation; Issues Relating to Children and Financial Remedy for over 30 years. Carol can provide sound, impartial advice and guidance that comes from years of family law experience

So, whether you are having child custody issues or problems with negotiating financial settlements, we are here to help.

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham

Last month, I wrote to the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service outlining my serious concerns regarding their consultation on the future provision of emergency cover for Wrexham. Two of their proposals would see Wrexham lose one out of its two full-time appliances (fire engines) and a reduction in firefighters. I have grave concerns over these proposals. The consultation closed on 22nd September, and I want to thank all residents who filled in the consultation and made their voices heard. In addition, there was an overwhelming response from residents to my Fire Service petition. I will be closely monitoring the outcome of the consultation and any information that is shared by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit and meet a range of individuals, businesses, and charities in Wrexham and learn about some of the great things happening locally – one of my favourite parts of being an MP. I had a lovely visit with the Holt Community Gardeners where they told me about their amazing work to enhance the village of Holt. They must have one of the few, if not the only, eco-hub allotment in the UK. On top of this, congratulations to Holt winning the Gold Award in the Large Village category in the 2023 Wales in Bloom competition. Well done to all involved, in particular, the Holt Gardeners!

On the same day, I had an engaging meeting with The Job Centre Plus team on Hope Street. I was really struck by the motivation of the team in helping people get back to work and progress with their careers -

with additional support available for people with extra needs to become ‘work ready.’ As is often the case, the team identified some challenging areas where improvement is needed, and I will be raising this with the relevant DWP Minister.

Lastly, I visited the Gatewen Training Services team to hear about the extensive training opportunities they provide for individuals and businesses across North Wales. A particular highlight was hearing from two female truck drivers who trained at Gatewen and then moved onto Dromgoole and Sons. They are both excelling and showing newcomers how it’s done! I fully support these efforts to encourage women to enter the industry. A shining example of Wrexham supporting Wrexham.

If you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency, and need my help with any issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham/ Parliamentary Candidate for the new Wrexham Constituency

Six Benefits of Having a Will

By WARREN HADLOW

To start, when is the right time to write your Will? Realistically, it should be done as soon as possible but practically, people tend to write their Will around the time of big life moments such as marriage, civil partnership, buying their first home, or having children. Other trigger events might include the death of a loved one or divorce. So, what are the benefits of writing a Will at these times in your life?

We’ve summarised six below:

1. Keeping control

You can decide who will benefit from your estate and how your possessions are passed on. This includes whether you would like some to go to charities and organisations that are close to your heart.

2. Decreasing stress

There can be an overwhelming number of arrangements to be made alongside your loved one’s grieving process. Having a Will can help reduce additional stress for those involved with dealing with the estate and is likely to help minimise arguments between family members and/or beneficiaries.

3. Planning continuation of care

Nominating a guardian for your children will ensure that they are looked after by someone that you trust rather than someone who has been decided upon by the courts. You can also specify who you would like to look after any pets.

4. Choosing how to say goodbye

If you know what kind of funeral you would like, noting this in your Will can help those involved make the decisions with your preferences in mind.

5. Tax planning

You can make plans in your Will to reduce the amount of potential

inheritance tax that your beneficiaries may be liable to pay on your estate value. The amount of the estate that would be liable for inheritance tax after allowances (currently 40% in the 2023/2024 tax year) depends upon your circumstances and so you would need to seek advice on this matter.

6.

Dictating your digital legacy

In an ever-increasing digital world, there are so many more things we value online including photographs and passwordprotected documents.

In the scenario that you pass away without a Will, the beneficiaries and the distribution of your estate is decided upon by the laws of intestacy rather than your wishes. If you were married or had a civil partner, your children and grandchildren are not guaranteed to receive anything without a Will. Similarly, if you are unmarried or not in a civil partnership, your partner is not automatically eligible to benefit from your estate.

If you would like to know more about planning for yours and your family’s financial future, please feel free to contact me on 01978 311611, or email hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

The writing of a Will involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct from those offered by St. James's Place. Wills and Powers of Attorney are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

By Warren Hadlow, Director of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk

Tel: 01978 311 611

www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

Lesley Griffiths MS

Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

The Wrexham Gateway Project has the potential to deliver something truly transformative for our city. A partnership consisting of the Welsh Government, Wrexham County Borough Council, Transport for Wales, Wrexham Glyndwr University, the FAW and Wrexham AFC are working together to regenerate the area centred around the Mold Road and Wrexham General Station – a key corridor into the city.

The Gateway Project is something I’ve championed and supported for many years. In addition to purchasing key areas of land to enable the project to develop, I was pleased the Welsh Government pledged £25m in 2021, with the focus at the time centring around the ‘eastern’ side of the scheme. Plans to develop a public transport interchange at Wrexham General Station are advancing.

The other part of the project is the ‘western’ side, effectively the Racecourse site, and the Kop Stand redevelopment is by far the most advanced aspect of the overall project, with planning consent in place and the new replacement floodlights erected.

Readers will remember the project experienced a significant setback in January 2023 when the UK Government rejected Wrexham’s bid for “Levelling-Up” Funding for a second time.

Thankfully, the key partners were undeterred and in April 2023, Wrexham Council announced a substantial proportion of the £25m funding would be reallocated from the eastern side of the scheme to allow the western side to advance.

The aim of the project has always been to benefit Wrexham as a whole and at the time

of the announcement, some constituents contacted me concerned about the ramifications for the original eastern side of the project given such a significant amount of funding was being reallocated.

I wrote to the Welsh Government and received assurances the partnership remains committed to delivering the whole Wrexham Gateway. The allocation of a considerable share of the £25m was only agreed on condition that Wrexham Council pledged £8m of its own funds to the eastern side of the project area.

I’m informed the partnership firmly believes the development of a landmark structure at the newly renamed SToK Cae Ras delivers benefits which extend far beyond increasing the capacity for the football club. The strategic aim of the partnership is to facilitate the return of competitive international football, rugby union and rugby league to North Wales. Constructing a new Kop is seen as a statement of intent which will help unlock other aspects.

I will, of course, continue to support the project. I am proud the Welsh Government is investing in our city and pleased partners remain committed to delivering this game changing development for the people of Wrexham.

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.

Legal Advice

By CLARE LEWIS, Licensed Conveyancer

Buying a house together?

Protect your interests!

In the current financial crisis, fewer people are splashing out on grand weddings and more couples are deciding to co-habit instead. Add this to the fact that landlords are passing on rising finance and compliance costs to their tenants, and it is hardly surprising that despite rising mortgage rates, couples are purchasing property, rather than pay ‘dead’ rent money.

So, what are the implications of people buying property together when they are not married? And what happens if they split up, become ill or die?

The first thing to know is that legal steps can be taken to outline exactly what you want to happen in such circumstances, that will protect your interest in the property. This is important, because joint property owners in England and Wales, who are not married to each other, do not have the same legal rights as those who are married.

All property owners, married or not, must decide whether they wish to own the property as ‘Joint Tenants’ or as ‘Tenants in Common’. Joint tenants own property jointly and if one dies, their share of the property automatically

passes to the other. With Tenants in Common, each owner’s interests remain completely separate, and each party can leave their share to whomsoever they wish in their Will. If there is no Will, then the share will pass to the next of kin. So, it is a good idea to make a Will at the same time as purchasing the property.

Holding a property as Tenants in Common is a particularly good idea for those who are not married and where one party has made a larger financial contribution. This applies not just to ‘couples’ but also to single friends who choose to buy property together as an easier way of getting onto the property ladder.

The two most important legal documents for cohabitees to have drawn up are a Declaration of Trust and a Cohabitation Agreement. Your solicitor can do this for you.

A Declaration of Trust lays out the legal arrangements under which the parties will own shares in, fund and sell the property, and how sale proceeds will be divided. A Cohabitation Agreement drawn up by a solicitor is a legally binding document that sets out arrangements for finances, property and children, for unmarried couples whilst they are living together and if they split up, become ill or die. Without this, cohabiting couples who are not married do not have many rights!

By Clare Lewis,

a Licensed Conveyancer with GHP Legal. Tel: 01978 291456

To get in touch please use the ‘Contact us’ form on the website: ghplegal.com

Useful Numbers

Just For Fun

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Occurred (8)

5 Pack down tightly (4)

8 Eg petrol and coal (5)

9 Located in the fresh air (7)

10 Fame (7)

12 Silvery-white metal (7)

14 Books of maps (7)

16 Aids (7)

18 ___ seat: aircraft safety device (7)

19 Rise to one's feet (5)

20 Throw a coin in the air (4)

21 Whirling motion (8)

DOWN

1 Sound system (2-2)

2 Removed the skin from a fruit (6)

3 Cherishes as sacred (9)

4 Selfishness (6)

6 Keeps away from (6)

7 Monumental Egyptian structures (8)

11 Inability to feel pain (9)

12 Least dear (8)

13 Plus points (6)

14 Far from the target (6)

15 Highly seasoned sausage (6)

17 Paradise garden (4)

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

Here are the answers from September:

Classic Sudoku