Essentials Mag October 2017 Bangor

www.essentialsmag.co.uk Delivered FREE covering: Bangor on Dee, Overton, Cross Lanes and surrounding areas

October 2017

Your monthly insight into local living

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Welcome... to your latest edition of EssentialsMAG Autumn is definitely here and the days are now getting colder. I love this time of year, especially when the leaves start changing colour and falling. It will soon be Halloween and Guy Fawkes night which means the fireworks will start. As lovely as they are, the fireworks celebrations seem to last a few weeks and my poor little dog can’t bear them! If you have the same problem with your animals read the RSPCA’s top tips on making this time of year less frightening for your pets.

If you are feeling a little sluggish after your summer holiday then our fitness contributor Helen Conway will be able to get you back on track with your fitness routine and find your motivation again.

Or maybe you fancy a day out a little further afield?

We recommend the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port which houses one of the world’s largest floating collection of traditional canal craft.

All the best, Vicky

Cover Photo: Pumpkin on the Autumn leaves

We hand deliver EssentialsMAG to 2,250 homes and businesses in Bangor on Dee, Overton, Cross Lanes and surrounding areas.

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EssentialsMAG is published by Essentials Mag Limited.

The views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this edition of EssentialsMAG do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

The reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written permission consent of the publishers. Whilst every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in the publication, we cannot accept any responsibility for any error or omissions that may have occurred, or any consequence arising from use of this publication.

All facts and figures are correct at time of going to press. © EssentialsMAG Limited 2017.

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essentials at a glance...

Read the Flood Wardens advice Do's and don'ts to remember when river levels are high

EssentialsMAG Autumn recipe Try our tasty smoked haddock chowder

Gardening tips for October Jobs to do in the garden as the days get cooler and the nights longer

Holiday Home An Idyllic Getaway full of Romance & Charm

Rossett Court is a large Victoria detached house situated in the heart of Rossett.

This charming holiday home can accommodate up to 12 people, and is the perfect place to escape and relax.

Step back in time Great day out at The National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port

Frightening fireworks RSPCA’s advice to pet owners on how to keep their animals safe during fireworks season

Ideal for holidays, weekend breaks, family occasions.

Also a venue for small workshops, & training courses For enquiries please contact: Richard on 07580 077 099 Rossett Court, Chester Road, Rossett LL12 0HN Facebook: @rossettcourt

Bryon Huckle Flood Wardens Advice This Winter

The leaves are beginning to turn brown and the days are getting shorter it all points to the fact autumn is here and winter is approaching. The next six or seven months are the time when there is a greater risk of flooding from higher rainfall or snow both in the village or on the catchment area of the River Dee. Now is the time to find your flood packs and check the advice in it along with reminders of the flood warning service and important contact details you might need in the event of a flood.

During the past year there have been changes for some properties regarding the flood warning service Natural Resources Wales have reassessed their predictions for a 1 in 1000 flood event and have removed 54 properties from the service. Although this is positive news it should be remembered that during times of high river levels Bangor on Dee is in a low lying area and there is still a threat of surface water flooding.

A few do’s and don’ts both in the village and surrounding area when we have high river levels Do not drive or walk through flooded roads especially at night (it is an offence to move official barriers placed across a road). Even a seemingly shallow flood could have hidden dangers. There

could be power cuts Do have a torch handy and warm clothing your heating may go off. Avoid going close to the river bank and on the old bridge. Do check on vulnerable people you know give, or get them assistance if the need it.

On Saturday the 21st October we are holding a coffee morning in the Village Hall where you can meet the wardens that cover your area, talk to suppliers of home flood defence products, and see information on the flood defence protecting the village. But most important have a coffee, piece of cake and a chat with others in the village.

During the year two wardens have left the village, so we could do with two more volunteers. It won’t take up much of your time and you would be helping keep the village safe. Contact Bryon on 01978 780060 for further details.

• Plan ahead; • Find and read your flood pack; • Check your insurance is the right cover and up to date; • Be prepared for main services to be cut-off; • Keep warm have emergency food/drink available.

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Every Opportunity. Endless Possibilities.

Viv Lavis Jones Bangor-on-Dee History Closed and Open Villages The term ‘closed village’ has been used by the Poor Law Commissioners to describe a village, such as Worthenbury that was under the control of the lord of the manor or local squire who owned all the land and property. He had direct control of who lived and worked there, welcoming anyone who had a trade such as a blacksmith, teacher, saddler etc, but would bar itinerant strangers who, once a settlement certificated was granted, could then apply to the parish for poor relief if he fell on hard times. The lord could control the church, particularly if he had the gift of the living in his possession. He could dictate the length of a sermon, as often happened in Worthenbury when members of the Puleston family were known to vigorously poke the fire in their box pew as an indication that the sermon had gone on long enough. Unless he himself was a religious dissenter, nonconformist members could be forbidden to hold meetings and no chapels were usually allowed. Such villages were not populous and did not contain many poor families so were not a burden on the poor rates. The public houses would usually be called after the lord’s family or place of residence, e.g. the Emral Arms, unless he was a strict teetotaler when the sale of alcohol in the village would be forbidden and no public houses allowed. The lord could insist that all streets or lanes were kept tidy, that all house frontages in the village were kept brushed and weed free.

An ‘open village’, such as Bangor, on the other hand has been used to describe a village that was not controlled by one person, which allowed for more freedom of movement for individuals, for choice of worship and for the ownership of property. These villages are normally bigger than the closed village and contained more poor people and were consequently more of a burden on the poor rates.

A problem can arise when someone wants to research an ancestor who used to live in a closed village and the local squire has long since sold the family home, or it has been demolished, and has severed all connection with the area. This happened after the First World War when many of the heirs to estates had been killed. In many cases the house was not kept maintained, became a burden on the family finances and was left to become a ruin. Enlightened families lodged the records in the local county record office, but many destroyed them or took them with them when they moved and the records have ended up, in many cases, in a record office far away from the original village. It can take some detective work to discover their whereabouts.

Viv Lavis Jones is launching her new book ‘Bangor and Isycoed Revisited on 28th October at the Village Hall in Bangor on Dee

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Pack Your Bags for a Great Adventure...

By EssentialsMAG travel contributor Adele McKeown at DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Adele’s First Visit to Vietnam My adventure began in Hanoi, Vietnam’s charismatic capital where old meets new.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a sombre attraction visited by many but my personal highlight was a walking tour along a single track railway line where the trains pass within one metre of the houses’ front doors and children play happily on the track. It was fascinating to see how the locals live and we were greeted by smiles along the way. The walk took us through farming areas and across the river where we found a coffee shop. Vietnam is the second largest coffee producing nation - and they love it served with sweet condensed milk it’s very different to Starbucks!

From Hanoi we took the long but really interesting drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay on the northern shore of Vietnam and boarded a beautiful traditional style Junk Boat called ‘Jasmine’. During the sail we stopped at caves, a local beach and also visited the ancient fishing communities at Cau Van. The food on-board was excellent - we were even taught how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls! This is a really relaxing way to see some of this amazing scenic country.

The following day we flew to Hoi An which is a thriving port with busy ancient streets packed with shops selling spices, coffee pots and all manner of clothing – This is a great place to haggle for bargain items including silk lanterns, linens and local art –

or just relax on the beautiful beach. From Hoi An we took a day trip to My Son: this little known attraction is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home of the Cham people. The temples date from between the 4th and 13th Centuries and, sadly, were badly damaged by American bombing in 1968: the crater remains as a painful reminder. For the best experience, visit at sunrise.

Whilst in Hoi An, I took a Vespa tour one of the best excursions I have ever experienced. We met locals weaving mats and making rice crackers visited a local boat yard where traditional large wooden fishing boats were made. The scenery was absolutely incredible, passing through rice paddies and farmlands and watching the farmers drying corn, chillies and tending their peanut plants.

From Hoi An, we took our next flight to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly known as Saigon and still called Saigon by the locals.

The old Saigon was the capital of French Indonesia - known as Paris of the Orient and plenty of the Grandeur survives today, with the Opera House nestling alongside fine restaurants and designer boutiques.

In total contrast, we headed to the famous Cu Chi tunnels where visitors can visit a small section of the staggering 125 miles of tunnels on various levels where the

“WE MET LOCALS WEAVING MATS AND MAKING RICE CRACKERS”

Vietcong guerrillas used numerous tactics to live, eat, cook and avoid capture In Saigon you can also visit the War Remnant Museum: but please be warned it is very harrowing and contains detailed photographic images you may find disturbing.

The 60’s style Reunification Palace - site of the famous storming of the tanks on April 30th 1975 - is also worth a visit; see the meeting rooms, maps and original tanks on display.

On our last day, we drove to My Tho - a bustling town in the agricultural region of the Mekong Delta. We enjoyed travelling along the river and seeing the beautiful birds that populate the area, stopping briefly at a honey farm for honey tea. On the way back, we visited the stunning Vinh Trang Pagoda, which dates back to the 19th Century and is famous for its Giant Buddhas.

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Time Difference: +6 hours Currency: Vietnamese Dong (but U.S dollars is widely accepted) Flying Time: 11 hours 40 minutes Top Tips: Don’t miss Hoi An at night famous for its lanterns.

Visit the EON 51 Heli Bar with vertigo-inducing night time views of Ho Chi Minh City it is located on the 51st floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.

Ladies - carry a lightweight long sleeved shirt for vising temples.

Cards For Good Causes Looking for Volunteers

Christmas is on the way and the staff and volunteers at Cards for Good Causes are busy again.

What is Cards for Good Causes?

Cards for Good Causes is a national organisation who sell Christmas cards on behalf of national and local charities in their seasonal pop-up shops. In this area for 2017 they will be returning to St Giles’ Parish Church, Wrexham, and Chester Cathedral and are also very pleased to be back in the Wesley Centre on St. John Street, Chester. The shops, which run from mid October to mid December, are all run by volunteers many of whom return year after year.

Could you help?

The organisation is currently looking for volunteers to help in the shop at the Wesley Centre in Chester. Volunteers are just asked to spare three hours a week or fortnight over the season and in return will get to meet new people, gain useful work experience and be involved in something worthwhile and rewarding.

Cards for Good Causes are also looking for a shop manager for the Wesley Centre outlet.

The role involves looking after and organising the rota of volunteers, open and closing the shop, banking and maintaining simple stock records. No previous retail experience is necessary, the role is part time and can be flexible hours, and could be shared by two people. Training is provided and a modest remuneration is paid at the end of the season.

The shops are open from 10am until 4pm six days a week.

St Giles, Wrexham Monday 23rd October - Wednesday 13th December.

Chester Cathedral Tuesday 17th October - Wednesday 13th December Wesley Centre, Chester Wednesday 18th October - Wednesday 13th December If you want to know more, or are interested in helping in one of the shops please contact Joanna 01978 851142 or joannacfgc@gmail.com www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

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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.

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.

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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Smoked Haddock Chowder INGREDIENTS 500g smoked haddock 1 finely chopped leek 1 finely chopped celery stalk 2 potatoes, diced 50g butter 3 tablespoons flour 500ml milk 60ml cream chopped parsley Preparation time: 20 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4

METHOD Put the haddock in a large deep frying pan and cover with water, bring to boil or 1 minute then drain. Add 500ml water and bring to boil then reduce head and simmer for 7-8 minutes. Remove fish and drain on paper towels by reserving the poaching liquid. Let haddock cool, then flake, discard skin and bone.

Put leek, celery and potato in a large saucepan. Add the poaching liquid and enough water to make 3 cups. Pour into the pan, bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and gradually add the milk, then cook, stirring for 2 minutes or until it thickens. Cook for 2 minutes then add the cream, fish, veg, poaching liquid and parsley. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper, reheat without boiling and serve hot with a nice crusty roll.

Trying out our recipe?

Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

This delicious recipe was kindly supplied by Mario's Tea Room in Gresford. Make an unexpected discovery at Mario’s Tea Room!

Pop in and sample our lovely vintage tea rooms in the Old Post Office. We are open Monday-Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm serving delicious breakfasts, lunch and afternoon teas. All our dishes are homemade and our cakes are delicious! We also sell a range of beautiful handmade cards, gifts and homewares.

Special Offer: Roast Dinner every Wednesday Lunchtime from 12pm Only £8 for 3 courses / £6 for 2 courses.

The Old Post Office, 23 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NB T: 01978 501 712 / E: mfilipov86@gmail.com / Facebook: @SerendipityAtTheOldPostOffice

Local Police Advice Keeping North Wales Safe Security Tips and Advice Just to make residents aware, especially the very rural and remote areas, there has been a few burglaries in outlying areas, so we would like to warn you to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the appropriate channels.

• General advice to assist would be to securely lock all doors and shut windows before leaving the house. It’s easy to forget when you’re in a hurry, but it’s the simplest way for a burglar to enter your home: • Never leave keys anywhere near the front door, including your letterbox, burglars know where to look.

• A home that looks empty is far more likely to be targeted by a burglar, so it’s worth making sure your home looks occupied.

• Do not close your curtains during the daytime, this can suggest your home is empty. A neighbour may also be able to help you by opening and closing curtains and even parking their care on your driveway.

• If you’re away for longer periods of time, cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries.

• A pile of post on the doormat is a clear sign that you re away. Ask a trusted neighbour to clear you post away, or use royal Mail’s ‘keepsafe’ service, they will keep your mail for up to two months.

• Work with your neighbours to keep an eye on each other’s security.

Neighbourhood Watch groups are good for this.

• Use an automatic time switch on an indoor light, either in a room that cannot be peered into from the road, or upstairs.

Regularly change the timing on the switch. Save energy and money in the long term by fitting low energy light bulbs or LED’s.

• Put a time switch on a radio that has been tuned to a chat station. This will give the impression that the house is occupied. Regularly change the timing on the switch.

Just a few pointers to assist in keeping your property safe especially now the nights have begun to draw in. If you need any further advice please don’t hesitate to contact us on the below mobile numbers. We have a few leaflets, booklets on general security tips here at the station.

CONTACT NUMBERS PCSO 0151 Lynne Maurice Blackberry 07854 352 815 PCSO 3020 Mike Simister Mobile 07880 156956 Overton, Hanmer, Bettisfield, Horeseman’s, Green & Penley CALL 101 which is a 24 hour number for non emergency calls.

For example: threatening & abusive behaviour, drunk & rowdy groups, drug related anti-social behaviour.

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Essentials Mag Mailbox

Vancouver to San Francisco In the summer myself and my 15 year old son Ethan cycled from Vancouver to San Francisco covering over 1000 miles in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. We flew into Vancouver acclimatised for a couple of days then set off on our epic journey. On our first day we only planned to cycle approximately 35 miles but ended up cycling over 60 miles before staying in Cuckonut state park. Then having to cycle over 14 miles for breakfast.

Our adventure took us over huge mountain ranges, past scorched earth and burn trees from the forest fires, the avenue of giant redwood trees and cycling hundreds of miles down the Pacific coast which was shrouded in mist and fog for the most of the journey.

Ethan has now settled back into school and is focused on his racing career aiming for F1.

You can watch our journey on YouTube, search for ‘Ethan Langley Vancouver to Los Angeles’.

If you would like to donate to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital please Google ‘Robin Langley Just Giving.’

Any donations kindly received.

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Getting Back on the Exercise Wagon

By EssentialsMAG fitness contributor HELEN CONWAY So, it would appear that summer is over.

The mornings aren't quite as light, the evenings, not quite as long and the temperatures are a little less warm.

If you've struggled to get back into your fitness routine, don't worry.

Here are some simple tips to get you back into the exercise swing and find your motivation again: Start simple.

Don't feel overwhelmed.

Something as uncomplicated as a brisk walk is enough to get you back into a regular habit. You don't even need any fancy fitness gear. Or dig around under the bed and fish out those old, dusty dumbells and do some light weight training.

Just be consistent and you'll soon start to feel the mental and physical benefits.

Make an appointment with yourself.

Don't allow distractions to deter you.

Write your workout time in your diary and schedule it like any other important appointment. You wouldn't not show for the dentist. Don't no show to yourself.

Chose a time that you know will work well around other, regular appointments - and stick to it. It doesn't have to be a major time commitment either. A quality, focussed 15 minutes can still be very effective. And it's certainly better than nothing.

Get yourself a workout buddy.

You are much less likely to skip a workout if someone else is expecting a workout too!

Working our with a buddy holds both of you accountable to your goals and programme. It's fun and sociable.

Set yourself a target or goal.

Stay focussed by setting a short term, realistic goal.

Perhaps in a month you'd like to move from brisk walk to a 5K run. Or lose a couple of inches from your waist. Whatever your long term goal, break it down to shorter, less overwhelming targets. Once you've achieved that (and congratulated yourself), then set your next goal. Small stepping stones will take you to your final, fitness destination.

And finally, when you hit those targets, when you reach your health and fitness milestones, reward yourself. You've worked hard and committed to it. But you're not a puppy. So don't reward yourself with food!

EssentialsMAG fitness contributor is Helen Conway from Bodywork Pilates www.bodywork-pilates.co.uk

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Finance News with Hadlow Edwards Medwyn Edwards, Chartered Financial Planner, Director Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Think in Ink Many people have written about how much more likely you are to achieve your goals - IF you write them down. Top sports stars, Olympians, entrepreneurs and global high achievers in all walks of life write all their goals down. They 'Think in Ink'. So, why do so few people have written down goals and objectives for their finances and financial futures? It's so important if you want real long term financial security and independence.

Here are a few short simple ideas to maybe set you off in the right direction that hopefully will get you thinking; 1. Consider if you know exactly where you are now? (A good starting point!) Get ALL the details together of every account, pension, investment, life policy, mortgage or loan and let us look at them with you.

Know your numbers AND be honest and ask yourself if you know enough about each area?

2. Think about how competitive your current arrangements are? Are you paying too much for your mortgage? Is your pension in the right funds for you? Do you make best use of your monthly income and expenditure position? Is your life cover held in the right Trust for your children?

How have your investments really performed in the last few years against their peers?

3. Perhaps start with a 'question to self'; In X years time, what do my finances have to look like for me to be really pleased with them? Now, WRITE DOWN YOUR ANSWER. 4. Decide on your priority goals. Is it maybe to retire in ten years with an annual income of £X to enjoy? Or, to be debt free in four years? Or maybe, to be able to financially

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn Edwards

help your grandchildren every year from now on?

5. Consider 'Stepping Stones'. Sometimes it's easier to achieve a big goal if you break it down. If your big plan is over ten years put stepping stones in place say every two years on your plan. Consider where you need to be at year two, four, six and eight to help keep on track.

6. Get advice and support to help you.

Sometimes another pair of eyes spots an option you may miss. Also, technical bits like making sure you are as tax efficient as possible is important. Paying tax you have to pay is one thing but far too many people pay tax they don't have to pay, by just not knowing the rules. Lastly here - it's really important to agree a regular review process to manage any changes or update goals.

7. Don't be afraid - of setting a scary goal or two (the temptation is sometimes to be too meek - or fear failure, rather than go for something stretching and maybe just achievable).

We have many clients with short term goals to get on the right track. We also have many clients with much longer term structured plans to help them get to a specific position over ten, 15 or 20 years. Again, these are written down, reviewed together regularly and adjusted accordingly - and checked for relevance.

If you would like to consider exactly what your options are and start to seriously make a difference to your own planning we would love to hear from you.

It's not painful. It's just thinking in ink.

Contributed by Warren Hadlow & Medwyn Edwards, Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited.

Telephone: 01978 311 611 - e-mail: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products The title `Partner Practice' is the marketing term used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

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News from Wrexham County Council Are you an Unpaid Carer?

Do you look after a relative or friend who due to disability, addiction, illness or age couldn’t manage without you? If the answer is yes then the Carer’s Service will be of help to you.

This free service brings together a load of great information, advice and guidance to help you in your caring role and also gives you access to training and offers. Did you know, for instance, that you can get cool 50% discount at any of the Freedom Leisure Centres if you attend as a carer? Or that you could get some free beauty treatments and discounted rates at Salon Ial at Coleg Cambria?

You can also get access to counselling and telephone befriending services, both of which are very popular for Carers and they get lots of referrals for these services. There’s the social side too with events and outings to make sure you don’t feel isolated at all.

You can attend support groups and on the first Thursday of the month between 10am and 2pm. You can just drop in and see someone for a chat, or to get information, advice and support. There’s no need for an appointment. The service is based at the AVOW building, 21 Egerton Street in the town centre.

Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “The Carer’s Service is an invaluable help to many carers in Wrexham who would really struggle without their help and support. Being a carer can often make people feel isolated and alone and very frustrated so the support network and all the advice and guidance available from the Service is invaluable in helping people feel part of a group and end their isolation.”

So, if you answered yes to are you an unpaid carer – what’s stopping you from registering in order to get the benefits and support straight away?

Ring for further information on 0800 276 1070 or 01978 318812, drop them an email contact carers@avow.org or telephone or take a look at their website here They’re also on Facebook, facebook.com/Wrexham Carers Services and Twitter, @WrexhamCarers

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News from Wrexham County Council Town Centre Footfall Breaks 100,000 Mark in the Summer Wrexham town centre saw its visitor count reach more than 100,000 people during a week in August, reaching the high point during the school summer holidays.

A weekly visitor count of footfall on the high street reached 102,487 during the week starting on Sunday, August 13, with the highest daily count – of 17,462 visitors – on Saturday, August 19.

The count of visitors is recorded by a new pedestrian counter at the corner of Hope Street and Regent Street.

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Performance and Regeneration, said: “I’m very pleased to see that the weekly figure broke the 100,000 mark – that’s fantastic for a single week. We normally expect good footfall during the summer holidays, but this really is excellent, and I hope this will be a further sign of confidence in our town centre and an encouragement to those trading, or looking to trade, in Wrexham.

“We’ll have more detailed figures by the end of the quarter and that will help us to look at the knock-on impact this high level of footfall had on traders and overall takings, so we can expect some interesting findings when it comes back.”

Following an analysis of Wrexham’s High Street performance by the Manchester Metropolitan University back in 2014, a number of recommendations were put forward and last year a new town centre steering group was created to implement a 25-point plan for the town.

One of these goals was to look at ways of increasing footfall, through initiatives such as enhancing the appearance of town along with developing new events. Data from a new electronic pedestrian counter installed on Hope Street has been feeding through weekly counts to the Town Centre Management team The businesses currently taking part in the project are spread across the town centre and their sales figures (expressed as a percentage increase or decrease) are submitted every Wednesday. The data is then processed and a sales report returned to each business showing how their sales have done vs the town centre, plus they receive an overall view of sales and footfall in Wrexham.

The team now hopes to install additional counters in other parts of town as they continue to collate more information to support future initiatives and the development of the town as a competitive destination.

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News from Wrexham County Council Groves Site Update Council, police, health and charity workers are continuing to work together to try and manage substance misuse and homelessness in Wrexham.

A small group of people on the former Groves site has been the focal point in recent weeks, with outreach workers continuing to engage them.

Security patrols are also continuing day and night to help keep the site and building safe, while police continue to respond to calls and patrol the area.

Over the past week, a couple of tents have been spotted on other parts of the site – away from the small managed area close to Chester Road where the majority of tents are situated.

Outreach workers have been out to talk with the people in these tents, who are homeless, and are trying to help them find accommodation.

The majority of people sleeping on the site are continuing to stay in the area close to Chester Road. The numbers overnight have remained around 10 or less, but numbers have varied during the day.

As part of Wrexham Community Safety Partnership, the council, police, health services and charities are working together closely.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “The council and its partners are tolerating the situation while we try to engage the people on site and get them the support they need. Most of them have complex needs, including substance misuse, and we’re trying to persuade them to accept help…rather than just push them – and the problem – straight on to another part of town.

“However, it’s important to reiterate this isn’t a permanent arrangement.

“The site isn’t suitable and it’s not a good situation for anyone – including the people sleeping there, or nearby residents who are understandably worried.

“Sooner or later the situation will have to change, but it’ll have to be done properly… and we’re trying to engage as many people as possible on-site before that happens.”

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Great Day Out - The National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port has one of the world's largest floating collection of traditional canal craft. They include narrowboats, canal barges, river barges, canal and river tugs, icebreakers and a coaster. You can go aboard many of them and see what working and living conditions were like for the crews and often their families.

The Museum is at the northern end of the Shropshire Union Canal, housed in what was once one of the busiest transhipment ports in Britain where goods were moved from canal craft to sea going ships and vice versa. Many old Georgian and Victorian buildings and warehouses still survive and house fascinating exhibitions on the waterways, their industry and their people.

Steam, diesel and gas engines have been lovingly restored and can often be seen in operation, as can blacksmiths and others as they practice their traditional crafts. You can also tour a terrace of dock worker's cottages which have been restored to show working class domestic life at dates from 1840 to 1950.

The Museum has interactive displays, lecture rooms, shop and a comfortable and friendly cafe. There are canal boat trips and you can often see traditional craft being worked through the locks and sea-going ships passing close by on the Manchester Ship Canal.

Opening times: 1 April to 5 November 10.00am to 5.00pm.

From 6 November 10.00am to 4.00pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.

Entrance charges: Adult (16 & over) £9.75 / Concession £8.50 / Child (6-15) £6.00 / Child (5 and under) Free / Family of 4 (2 adult + 2 child) £25.00.

The ticket price is your annual pass. It allows you to return as many times as you like during a 12 month period.

Parking: Free parking for cars, coaches and bikes. Designated disabled parking spaces.

National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4FW Tel: 0151 355 5017 or 0151 373 4373, www.canalrivertrust.org.uk From junction 9 on the M53 follow brown signs for 'The Boat Museum'.

EssentialsMAG Noticeboard Maelor Music Society, Penley 49th season 2017-18 This year our season opens on FRIDAY (please note day) October 13th at 7.30pm in The Maelor School Hall, Penley, as usual.

We have great pleasure in welcoming The Welsh Chamber Orchestra under their artistic director, Anthony Hope with highly accomplished musicians drawn from all over Wales. This is their very first appearance in Penley.

We are privileged and delighted to have the opportunity to welcome musicians of this calibre who are more accustomed to playing in the Principality’s larger venues.

This performance is jointly sponsored by the Maelor Music Society and the Arts Council of Wales for which we are very grateful.

We look forward to welcoming you all to this outstanding concert.

Tickets available on the door are £10 per adult; £2 per student over 16; free for the under 16s.

Save £10 by subscribing - £40 for all five concerts. It is possible to do this on the door on the first night. Further details available from Geoff Mason on 01978 710486 Our new website will be up very soon.

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Tallarn Green Methodist Church will hold their Harvest Services on Friday 6th October at 7pm led by Rev.Chris Denny, followed by refreshments.

On Sunday 8th October at 10.45am Daniel Keene will lead the Family Service, when we will receive gifts of non-perishable goods for the local food bank.

Each Friday there is a Youth Club from 6 - 8pm with many varied activities, led by our Youth Leaders Andy Townsend, and Alan & Karen Evans. We invite you to come and join us.

A concert of popular Songs and Music has been arranged for Friday 17th November in the Maelor School, Penley.

Worthenbury W.I. meet on Tuesday 10th October at 7.15pm when we will hear how they train Guide Dogs for the Blind. We have arranged monthly lunches, and have many varied activities, why not come along and meet new friends.

Pick Your Own Pumpkins Bellis Brothers, Holt Saturday 21st October until Tuesday 31st October 10am - 4pm Wear long trousers as they can be rather prickly! Our Spooky Maize Maze will be open too.

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RSPCA - Fireworks Frighten Animals

Fireworks can be a source of fear for many animals. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Don’t ignore the problem - follow the RSPCA’s top tips to make fireworks celebrations less frightening for your pets.

Advice for Pet Owners During the Firework Season

Planning Ahead Just for Dogs

• Give your dog or cat somewhere to hide that they have access to al all times.

E.g. under furniture, or in a cupboard; • Walk dogs during daylight hours. Keep dogs and cats indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off; • At nightfall, close windows and curtains.

Put on music to mask the sound of fireworks; • It’s fine to comfort your pet if it helps them relax, or leave them alone unless you think they will harm themselves; • Never punish your pets when they’re scared as this will only make things worse in the long run; • If you have small pets that live outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one are is well soundproofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow in.

• Close any windows and black-out a ‘doggy play area’ so that your dog can’t see the flashing lights; • Before fireworks begin move your dog to the doggy play area with all their favourite toys; • Ignore the fireworks yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them; • If your dog has a doggy-friend that isn’t scared of fireworks keep them together, your dog may be comforted by them.

Just for Cats • Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide if they want to. For example this may be under some furniture, or in a quiet corner. Don’t try and tempt your cat out as this will cause them to become more stressed.

For more information visit: www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks

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Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun Crossword Across 1 4 7 8 9 11 15 17 19

Veins (anag) (5) Capable of relieving pain (7) Not taut (5) Expensive fungi (8) Wrong (5) Business organisations (8) Hairstyle (8) High-pitched cries (5) Narrowly avoided accident (4,4) 20 Oily organic compound (5) 21 Precipitously (7) 22 Hurt by an insect like a wasp (5)

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

Almost; nearly (9) Small rounded lumps (7) Be adequate (7) Stick to (6) US currency (6) Giraffes have long ones (5) Surrounding on all sides (9) Evergreen conifer (7) Type of deer (7) Elf or fairy (6) Publicly (6) Decree (5)

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

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