EssentialsMAG April 2023 - North Wrexham/Cheshire Magazine

Welcome...

Welcome to our April issue!

Welcome to our April issue, and fingers crossed for some good weather over the Easter weekend, which is relatively early – Friday 7th to Monday 9th – this year. But why does Easter, like the proverbial bunny, hop around so much? In a nutshell, it’s because Easter falls on the first Sunday following the full moon on or after the spring equinox, which is assumed to be 21st March.

Aside from Easter, there’s plenty going on this month – including Ramadan, which finishes on the 21st and St. George’s Day is on the 23rd

On a final note, don’t forget April Fool’s Day –and hands up who remembers the infamous Swiss spaghetti harvest, the remote islands of San Serriffe, and Big Ben being rebranded Digital Dave?

Whatever you’re up to this month, have fun!

All the best, Vicky Heathfield

Fun fact: the rarest date for Easter is 24th March, which last occurred in 1940 and won’t happen again until 2391 – and no, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke!

EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Image: Cute Easter Bunny!

May Deadlines:

Editorial - 7th April

Advertising - 14th April

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Rossett, Marford, Gresford, Holt, Farndon, Churton, Aldford, Eccleston, Lavister, Poulton, Pulford, Dodleston, Burton and Golly.

Also available at 25+ pick-up points across the region.

You can also read our magazines online at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Corporate 5-a-Side Tournament

Wrexham AFC are inviting local businesses to enter their Corporate 5-a-Side Tournament, offering the chance to play on the hallowed Racecourse Ground turf this summer. The tournament, sponsored by Net World Sports, will take place on Friday 12th May, and will also feature an evening two-course hot buffet with a guest speaker. There is a maximum of 10 per team – eight players, a manager and assistant manager – with a cost of £850 (+VAT) per team. For more information please contact: 5aside@wrexhamafc.co.uk.

A Royal Scarecrow Festival

Rossett Community Council have launched their 3rd annual Scarecrow Festival. Scarecrows will be displayed around the village between 1st - 14th May. As the competition falls across the King’s Coronation weekend, the festival is to have a regal theme, entitled ‘The Coronation Trail’. Choose your iconic figure - this can be anyone from our present or historic past, or perhaps linked to literature or animation royalty. To enter your scarecrow, please register your interest no later than 20th April via https://tinyurl.com/5yp5swh7, or you can collect a form from The Golden Lion in Rossett.

Successful Celebrity Gardening Event

Back on 22nd February, there was a full house of some 180 people at Darland School, Rossett, for the talk by the celebrated broadcaster and Garden Designer, Chris Beardshaw. This was the latest in a number of ‘An Evening with …’ events, organised by the Burton and Rossett Horticultural Society (BRHS). Although the theme of Chris’s talk was ‘Painting with Plants’, he took the audience back over 4,000 years to a garden created in Thebes, in Egypt. He showed how the basic design principles used then had been adopted in very many countries and had endured in ecclesiastical and Islamic gardens, the great Renaissance gardens and the gardens of the Taj Mahal.

Previous events have included fascinating talks by a number of TV and radio gardening celebrities, including Christine Walkden, Bob Flowerdew, Anne Swithinbank and Joe Swift. For details of future events, visit BRHS website: www.brhs.org.uk

Wrexham Business and Community Awards

10th November 2023 marks the inaugural Wrexham Business and Community Awards (WBCA), established to recognise the wonderful work taking place every day within our businesses and local community. The awards will be for everyone. They represent an opportunity to shine and celebrate, have fun and be proud of achievements. Through 12 awards categories, the WBCA will recognise businesses, groups and individuals that have made a real difference.

WBCA founding members are a small group of local like-minded professionals with a common goal to celebrate all that Wrexham has to offer. They felt it was high time to acknowledge the amazing work that goes on within businesses and the community, all of which contributes to making Wrexham a great place to live and work.

Alex Lovén from Net World Sports explains his reasons for being keen on the formation of the WBCA: “I want people growing up in Wrexham to be able to dream big about what can be achieved here – and for those dreams to be able to come true. I moved the business to Wrexham eight years ago and it was the best decision I could have taken. It’s not so long ago that you might not have put ‘Wrexham’ and ‘dreams’ in the same sentence, but that is no longer the case. It has always been a proud place and now it has even more to shout about and celebrate. Much like Wrexham, the Net World story is one where everything is hard-earned and so much the sweeter for it.”

Alex continues, “Forget the Met Gala, think Net Gala. We are super excited to showcase our newly-opened, cutting-edge facility for the awards night. Plans for the event are already underway. We promise a spectacle of an evening for an audience of up to 600, some special guests and a few surprises, where 12 worthy winners will be announced on the night.”

There is so much to celebrate locally – whether it’s the largest multinational organisation that has chosen Wrexham as its base, or the start-up sole trader, breathing new life into our borough. It could be a community leader or charity worker, who are making a real difference to peoples’ everyday lives, or the schools and colleges that inspire and empower our workforce of the future to reach for the stars, dream and achieve.

For details please email: info@wrexhambca.co.uk. Website is coming soon.

Ear Care Solutions Celebrates Milestone

Located within the rural countryside at The Plassey on the outskirts of Eyton, near Wrexham, Ear Care Solutions has been serving the people of North Wales, Cheshire, Mold, Flintshire and Shropshire for the past eight years.

Pam Hughes, Director of Ear Care Solutions, is thrilled to celebrate the milestone and has this to say, “I am delighted to have weathered the Covid storm in order to continue to provide a highly professional ear wax removal and comprehensive, fully insured Primary Ear Care service, no matter the age or general wellness of the client,” says Pam.

“We offer a FREE, no obligation consultation and assessment to ensure our clients are suitable for, and fully comfortable with, the treatment plan before we commence,” Pam continues.

Through a wealth of experience and qualifications, and 20 years’ experience within the community, schools and hospital ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) departments, Pam’s knowledge and professionalism has led to the majority of her new appointments originating from word of mouth recommendations from previous clients, who were delighted with their experience.

What is ear wax?

Within the ear lies a number of hair follicles and glands which produce the natural oil, ‘Cerumen’. Cerumen protects the skin within the ear from germs and water, and usually

passes through the ears harmlessly. However, too much Cerumen can build up and then block the ears. This waxy material within the ear can feel uncomfortable, itchy and painful – and cause loss of hearing, earache, pain, tinnitus and even dizziness or vertigo. It is, therefore, beneficial to seek help quickly.

The solution

Since GP surgeries rarely offer an ear wax removal service nowadays, Ear Care Solutions provides the answer for anyone suffering from a build up of ear wax –in either, or both, ears.

“We adopt best practice with our clients and advise them on preparation before they attend for treatment. This includes avoiding poking or prodding their ears which pushes the wax further into the ear canal, nor letting water into the ears, as this increases the chance of infection,” says Pam.

Using the latest irrigation system by Albert Waeschle, a leading quality manufacturer of medical equipment since the 1950s, Ear Care Solutions adopts a water jet ear wax removal system rather than micro-suction, or the old fashioned syringe system.

Please get in touch if you need help with your ear care, or wish to book your free, no obligation consultation.

By Pam Hughes from Ear Care Solutions pam@earcaresolutions.co.uk www.earcaresolutions.co.uk Tel: 07946

231051

Introducing Bowen Therapy

By GAYLE WHITTAKER

In Pain? Try ‘rolling’ it away with Bowen Therapy. Do you suffer from aches and pains? Back ache; frozen shoulder, neck restriction, tennis elbow; sore knees, Plantar Fasciitis; trigger finger or headaches?

Have you considered trying Bowen Therapy?

The answer is probably ‘no’ because most people have never heard of it.

What is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy - also known as The Bowen Technique - is a gentle remedial therapy that’s applied to particular areas of the body using rolling type moves in a specific order.

The moves work on the fascia, the layer of connective tissue under our skin which connects to our muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and organs. The result is that aches, pains and the symptoms of many conditions we live with can melt away.

However, the effect of the Bowen move goes beyond the physical structure of our bodies. Bowen can also help to calm and balance our nervous systems, our breathing and our hormones amongst other things.

That’s why, in the days after a Bowen Therapy treatment, you might not only see a reduction in aches and pains, but you might also find that you’re

calmer, feel less stressed, are sleeping better and generally feel back on top of things.

Bowen moves are tiny, very gentle rolls made with my fingers and thumbs. But don’t be fooled! The moves may be tiny but they can have a huge impact.

Time after time my clients are blown away by the effects of Bowen Therapy and ask how such a gentle therapy can have such amazing results. The answer is simpleBowen works on the basis that our bodies know how they should be functioning and how they should be aligned. The Bowen treatment enables the brain to review each area of the body as I work on it, and begin realignment so it can return to its natural state and function more effectively.

Bowen is ideal for anyone with aches and pains but it is also great for sports players, gym goers, runners etc, helping to keep the body aligned so you can perform your sport at your best.

Please feel free to contact me for a free and confidential chat if you’d like to understand more.

By Gayle Whittaker, Bowen Therapist and Reflexologist, The Universal Therapist Tel: 07766

701479 www.theuniversaltherapist.co.uk

Dates for your Diary

SAT 1 APRIL

Krafty Kidz

Gresford Community Library, Vicarage Lane, Gresford LL12 8EU

Drop in with the children on the first Saturday of every month for a fun craft activity and storytime.

10:30am - 12pm Free

MON 3 APRIL

Charity Coffee Morning

The Alyn Pub, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE

Easter coffee morning in aid of Nightingale House Hospice. Cake stall, raffle and pop-up shop.

10am - 12pm

£5.00 (includes drink & cake)

MON 3 APRIL

Wellies in the Woods

Alyn Waters Country Park, Mold Rd, Gwersyllt, Wrexham LL11 4AG

Groundwork North Wales brings you wildlife exploration, creativity with nature and getting active. Activities include natural art and craft, games, species identification and much more. No booking required. Suitable for children ages 3 - 8.

10am - 1pm Free

Tel: 01978 757524

TUE 4 APRIL

Easter Scavenger Hunt

Minera Lead Mines, Minera, Wrexham LL11 3DU

Explore the Country Park and create an Easter wreath. Booking essential. Refreshments available.

1pm - 3pm Free

Tel: 01978 757524

TUE 4, 11, 18, 25 APRIL

Exercise Class for the over 60s

Burton & Rossett Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE

Designed to help improve your flexibility, fitness, balance & strength. Fun, gentle exercises which can be performed seated or standing.

2:45pm - 3:30pm

£4.50

Tel: 07779 830399 (Lucy)

8 - 10 APRIL

Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival

Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester CH1 4JD

Over 100 exhibitors of food, drink, and lifestyle, plus free cooking classes.

10am - 5pm

From £8.00

http://bit.ly/40kRGxp

SUN 9 APRIL

Easter Family Fun Day

Ramada Plaza, Ellice Way, Wrexham LL13 7YH

Easter Family Fun DayEaster egg hunt, face painting, disco, arts and crafts, bouncy castle. Buffet and drinks included.

12pm - 4pm

£10.00 child 2-6

£15.00 adult/child over 6

Tel: 01978 291400

WED 12 APRIL

Active Wrexham

Wrexham Museum, County Buildings, Regent Street, Wrexham LL11 1RB

Speed bounce and long jump challenges on our forecourt. Pop by and see who will win! No need to book, just turn up!

11am - 2pm Free

12 - 14 APRIL

Play 'A Convenient Murder'

Darland High School, Chester Road, Rossett LL12 0DL

Darland Community Theatre present a thriller, ‘A Convenient Murder'.

Booking is essential.

7:30pm

£6.00 (incl. glass of wine)

Tel: 01978 720272

FRI 14 APRIL

Ancient Woodland

Flora and Fauna

Blackwood Business Park car park, Ash Road South, Wrexham Ind. Estate LL13 9UG

Join North Wales Wildlife Trust to learn about the wonderful flowers and animals which live in ancient woodlands of Erlas Black Wood.

10am - 12pm

Free (donations welcome)

Tel: 07940 008799

FRI 14 APRIL

Tŷ Pawb Comedy Night

Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham LL13 8BB

An evening of stand-up comedy from some of the UK’s best touring comedians!

7:30pm

£10.00

http://bit.ly/3ncdn4k

SAT 15 APRIL

Together in Wrecsam

Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham LL13 8BB

A day of celebrationbringing together the diverse local community of cultures, dance, music, food, arts and crafts.

10am - 5pm Free

www.typawb.wales

TUE 18 APRIL

The Friends of Wrexham Museum monthly talk

Wrexham Museum, Regent Street LL11 1RB

'The Cook at Erddig... friend or foe?' by Jill Burton

7pm

£3.00

asandra66@hotmail.co.uk

WED 19 APRIL

Pulford & Poulton Local History Group talk

Pulford Village Hall, off Burganey Court, Pulford, Chester CH4 9ES

‘The Huxley Hoard’ by Rob Philpott

7:30pm

£3.00 members/£5.00 non www.pplhg.org.uk

THUR 20 APRIL

Dodleston Local History Group talk

Dodleston Village Hall, Pulford Lane, Dodleston, Chester CH4 9NN

‘The Sinking of HMS Thetis’ by Derek Arnold

7:30pm

£3.00

Tel: 07966 436073

22 - 29 APRIL

Wrexham Carnival of Words

Wrexham

Wrexham's Carnival of Words offers a delightful array of literature, poetry and entertainment events at a number of different venues around the city.

For full itinerary visit: wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com

SUN 30 APRIL

Gresford Spring Fair and Artisan Market

Gresford Trust Memorial, High Street, Gresford, LL12 8PS

Spring Fair featuring great food and craft producers from the region - plus some extra fun for everyone!

12pm - 4pm Free

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

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.

Luxury Cruising Above and beyond

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Whilst most cruise lines purport to offer luxury, true luxury cruising is a step up from what I would call mainstream cruising because of a few subtle differences:

• Smaller ships with greater crew- and space-to-passenger ratios

• Much greater emphasis on dining experiences with several types of speciality restaurant often included in the price

• Larger cabins, usually with a balcony and extra amenities. Many also include:

• Alcoholic drinks including fine wines, champagne, cocktails, branded spirits, teas and coffees and soft drinks.

• Gratuities

• Shore excursions.

The atmosphere on board is very relaxed and the evening dress code is smart/casual. Because of the smaller size of the ships, the itineraries are often more unusual as they can dock in ports the larger ships cannot.

As I write, my colleague, Howard, is onboard Oceania’s Riviera sailing towards Charleston, South Carolina. Howard has a wide range of cruising experiences, so I asked him for a candid opinion of Oceania. He told me: “Oceania proudly claims to offer the best cuisine at sea and, after six days of testing out most of the dining venues on the newly refurbished Riviera, I find it hard to disagree.

With seven dining venues, the quality is equally matched by the choice. Riviera provides all the finer virtues of a traditional cruise ship but without the imposition of strict formality. So there is no requirement for dinner suits, and first, or second-sitting. Instead, they reflect a more modern approach with a smart/casual dinner dress code and open seating - enabling you to dine when you want, and with who you want. The only exceptions are the speciality restaurants require pre-booking.”

Howard continues, “And for those of us who relish a more sophisticated environment, there are no rock climbing walls, no pool parties, no water slides and no children’s clubs! Oceania is for people who enjoy being pampered and appreciate a high standard of personal service in comfortable and uncrowded surroundings. Oceania also offers some of the most imaginative itineraries with a number of sailings that include overnight stops in key ports. The perfect combination of exploration and pampering!”

See our advert featuring extraordinary Oceania Cruise offers newly released for an opportunity to experience Luxury Cruising at an incredible price.

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

The arrival of Spring was heralded with the traditional St David’s Day parade in the City Centre and here in Wrexham, we’re looking forward to another busy visitor season. March, sadly reminds me of the position we were in three years ago, when we effectively had to ask people to stay away and hospitality businesses – along with many others – endured such a difficult period. However, this area of Wales in particular has bounced back strongly, with interest in Wrexham coming from a number of angles thanks, in part, to the international exposure which the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ docu-series has presentedalong with our rich heritage-led attractions, events, great hospitality and the great exposure from being runners-up in the 2025 UK City of Culture race.

More and more so, within the new Visitor Information Centre on Chester Street (open Mon-Sat, 9-5pm), we are greeting more overseas visitors here on vacation. And as a result, our local accommodation providers are hopefully feeling the benefit.

The Centre had its official opening on 1st March and is home to a large selection of locally based food and drink produce, Welsh souvenirs, crafts and of course, plenty of local guides, information and monthly pop-up events celebrating local food!

by Penderyn Whiskey and Gemma from the Little Cheesemonger (Prestatyn).

This month, we have the return of the popular Wrexham Carnival of Words –a nationally acclaimed literary festival featuring celebrated local and national authors. One book entitled ‘Wrexham Revealed’ by Wrexham-based David Ebsworth is a guidebook written specifically for visitors wanting to take self-guided tours of our areas rich, fascinating history.

Finally, as regards local tourism activity –we are really excited to be working with VOX Magazine and EssentialsMAG to bring you a brand-new comprehensive tourism brochure for Wrexham County this summer. For the first time, we’ll be writing this with the aim of not only attracting day visitors to our local attractions and events, but also showcasing the best of our County for overseas holidaymakers heading to North Wales.

For locals and businesses with an interest in learning more about Wrexham – our new free, online Tourism Ambassador Scheme will be launching in May, with the opportunity to become an accredited ‘ambassador’ business with awards and recognition for those who take part.

More details next month!

The next event (tickets released soon) will take place in early May hosted

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

King Charles III Coronation Plans

As Prince of Wales, Charles has been preparing for this moment for most of his life, under the tutelage and guidance of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He will be recorded in history as the longest ever heir apparent, and the oldest to ever accede to the British throne at the age of 73.

On 8th September 2022, Queen Elizabeth passed away and King Charles III became the new monarch. Coronation plans have been laid out for many years, under the codename ‘Operation Golden Orb’.

Saturday 6th May 2023

The Coronation Service

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place on the morning of Saturday, 6th May at Westminster Abbey. Their Majesties will arrive at the Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’.

The Coronation is a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration. The Service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

Sunday 7th May 2023

The Coronation Concert

On Sunday, 7th May, a special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle. Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC, the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons, contemporary stars, choirs and orchestras together in celebration of the historic occasion.

The concert will be attended by a public audience including volunteers from The King and The Queen Consort’s charity affiliations. Through a national ballot, several thousand members of the public will be selected to receive free tickets.

The centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.

Sunday 7th May 2023

The Coronation Big Lunch

Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May, in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. Free downloadable resources will be available online at: CoronationBigLunch.com, to help people and communities start their Coronation Big Lunch planning.

Monday 8th May 2023 - Bank Holiday

The Big Help Out

Monday 8th May is a special Bank Holiday that gives everyone the opportunity to join in with their communities and good causes through Big Help Out activities. The Big Help Out will encourage people to try volunteering and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas, and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation Weekend.

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS

As I write this, the weather has been pretty bad with heavy snow, rain and today very strong winds. All this makes it difficult to think of gardening, although after a very enjoyable visit to the garden centre, I did manage to plant some polyanthus just before it all began! Luckily they have survived the conditions and are doing well. I also went to the talk by Chris Beardshaw which was very enjoyable, many thanks for all the hard work done by the members of the BRHS.

Now is the time to keep the weeds down and plant summer flowering bulbs, such as anemones, calla lilies and crocosmia. If you have any citrus plants, such as lemons and oranges, it is time to give them a feed - use a suitable one and read the instructions before using. Shrubs and roses will benefit from a feed too.

Lawns can be fed with a special lawn feed, and if you had planned to re-sow any bare patches, or even a new lawn, now is the time to do it. You can also spike the lawn with your garden fork to help with drainage. It is a good idea to re-cut the edges, as they will have become shaggy during the bad weather, as mine have.

Daffodils can be deadheaded now. Next year they will thank-you for it, with new flowers. But leave the foliage to die back naturally. If you have decided to move any evergreen trees or shrubs, you can do this now, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

Forsythia can be pruned as soon as flowering is finished, cutting back to young strong shoots. If you have any penstemons, now is the time to prune them. Cut back all the old shoots to the base. If there are no new ones then cut just above the lowest set of leaves. I find that they are very useful plants, as slugs do not seem to eat them.

Apply a layer of mulch around your perennials and shrubs. Use organic matter such as well rotted manure as this will benefit them when the hot weather starts. I know this is hard to do when the weather is so bad, but well worth it.

Raspberry canes and fruit bushes need feeding now with a slow release fertiliser around the base. And lastly, top-dress your containers, and start off your gladioli corms in pots in a frost-free place.

Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN

The word ‘twitcher’ was originally coined to describe those fanatical birdwatchers who literally twitched with paroxysms of delight at the prospect of seeing a very rare bird, or one never recorded in the UK. Over the years, the word has lost much of its force and simply applies to less fanatical folk who are quite happy to observe birds encountered in their everyday lives.

Looking back on my sightings for this time of year, I am surprised at how many rarities I have spotted in and around home. My rarest sighting took place while travelling along Poulton's Straight Mile in April 2016. Alerted by loud bugling calls in the sky above, I grabbed my binoculars and discovered, to my amazement, that the birds concerned were Common Cranes. For 400 years these birds were extinct in the British Isles until a few arrived from the Continent earlier this century. Since then, some have been introduced for captive breeding in nature reserves and numbers are now gradually increasing. Cranes are our tallest British birds and their extinction was largely due to their being very good to eat! Another high flier I have spotted over the years is the Osprey. Several of these sightings have been birds migrating over the Dee, but the best, amazingly, was viewed from my study window.

Gresford Flash has a good record for rare and unusual water birds. Some of the more unlikely sightings have been escapees from wildfowl collections such as Abyssinian Blue-winged Goose, Ruddy Shelduck and Ross's Goose. But most of the natural rarities have just been migrants dropping

in for a rest and something to eat such as Black and Little Terns, Black-necked Grebes and Little Gulls. Martins and Swallows are common passage migrants at the Flash. Locally, Red Kite sightings are increasing, but many of our common small birds, like Finches and Sparrows, are now on the ‘Red List’ of seriously endangered species. Ten years ago Yellowhammers could be heard singing their distinctive "Little-bit-ofbread-and-no-cheese" song all round the area but now they are few and far between.

Wrexham Birdwatchers

April meeting: Friday 14th April at 7.30pm at Gresford Memorial Hall. Talk on "Birds of the Galápagos" by speaker, Mike Potts

Saturday 22nd April field trip to Angleseyleader Trevor Taylor - meet 9.30am For details, call Trevor Britton on:

01978 855266

OSPREY

COMMON CRANE

The River Alyn

By ROSSETT AND GRESFORD FLY FISHERS’ CLUB

At the risk of sounding like a ‘moaning minnie,’ the start of the 2023 trout fishing season, which began in March, arrived in an atmosphere of concern about the weather and the lack of rain.

Anglers, farmers, hill walkers, cricketers, builders and almost anybody else who makes a living or takes up an outside hobby, become obsessed with the weather. In fact, when you realise how much television time is spent devouring information made available about weather, it is not surprising that when two or three of us are gathered together, the weather is always a good subject to get things going.

Last winter has been one of the driest for many years, whereas the Alyn would have benefitted from a few weeks of torrential rain. It never happened. Winter is the time when the aquifers would normally be topped up, high water flows clean the riverbed, remove chemicals deposited from the sewage works and sometimes other unmentionable foreign bodies.

Trees and branches blown into the river, whilst they can be a nuisance to fishermen, do an immense amount of good as they scour their way downstream, moving gravel and generally giving the whole riverbed a spring clean.

But not this winter. Although the odd crack willow has done what crack willows do and the club members who look after the river corridor will find work to keep them busy.

The usual other floating litter found through the season will arrive - footballs, golf balls by the score, road signs and the ubiquitous traffic cones are all cleaned out during the year.

Humans seem to have built a habit of throwing things into the rivers. A few years ago, a washing machine was found in the river just below the B5102 bridge in Rossett.

Of late, it is noticeable that, where the public stop to have a cup of coffee and a sandwich, there is a profusion of discarded cups and wrappers in the bushes and along the footpaths. It makes the place look unsightly.

For those of us who take pride and pleasure in our river environment, it may be beneficial to fix litter bins, although if not emptied, could make the place look even worse.

In the next report, it is hoped that Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Water will have completed their modelling project that can inform us of the overall chemical condition of the river.

Rossett and Gresford Fly Fishers’ Club was founded in 1906, making it one of the oldest (continuously functioning) fishing clubs in Wales. For membership details, or to try a ‘taster session’, visit their website: rossettandgresfordflyfishing.co.uk

Maes y Pant Latest News

by Chair Ian Happs

I’ve just come home from Maes y Pant, where I watched the last of the giant forestry machines leave the woodland. All the felling has been done now and the logs have been collected on the hard standing near the car park. Much of the timber has already left the site but, as I write this, about eight lorry loads remain and will be dispatched in the next couple of weeks. The car park has had to be closed for safety while the enormous wagons have been coming in and out, and we are grateful to everyone, especially our neighbours and visitors, for their support and patience.

The felling operation has been sophisticated, and very neat and efficient. The harvester has an on-board computer, and it strips and cuts the trunks into logs according to the intended market. The best of our current crop of timber is going to be made into children’s outdoor play equipment, fence panels and fence posts, and the remainder will be processed into chipboard. The logs were sorted as they were gathered in and they are being dispatched by lorry to several different wood yards across North Wales.

The woodland looks much brighter following the thinning, and we’ve been delighted to see the number and variety of saplings which are already growing

amongst the conifers and in the clear fell area. We have oak, holly, blackthorn and hawthorn, as well as ash and silver birch.

The contractors have kept the main paths clear, and our amazing volunteers cleared the ‘brash’ (branches) from the informal paths during a freezing Saturday morning session last week. We plan to leave the brash under the trees to help to protect and fertilise the emerging saplings and to suppress the bramble.

As well as the natural regeneration, we have had a donation of over 100 saplings which we will be planting in the next few weeks. We’re really looking forward to spring and seeing the woodland burst into life again.

April Volunteer Saturday

This month, the volunteer session will be on the third Saturday, 15th April, as the usual second Saturday is Easter weekend. The times will stay the same, 10:00am until 12:30pm. There will be the usual variety of tasks and good company, with a wellearned hot drink and cake afterwards.

For information and to join Friends of Maes-y-Pant visit: www.maes-y-pant.com

A Shop Window to the World

By JULIE GREGORY

It does not matter how large or small a business is, it needs a website. A website is the business’s opportunity to promote its products or services in the way it wants to present itself; to share information and even sell its products online. A website is the perfect tool to establish the credibility of, and gain trust for, the business.

As with social media, some businesses are filled with trepidation knowing that they need to have a website but not knowing where to start – or how much it will cost. Free platforms such as Go Daddy, Wix, SquareSpace etc, can be a simple solution to get a small, or start up business online quickly and cheaply using pre-prepared templates for pages and layouts. But they are limited in terms of functionality, ie. how many pages a site can have.

Creating a website can be fun as it allows the business to create its own worldwide shopfront! It is the chance for a business to tell everybody about the people involved in the business – where their experience lies, what they do and how they do it (hence, establishing credibility and building trust).

Visiting a website is the first step most people take when looking for a specific product or service, whether that be within their local area if applicable, or further afield if shopping online and geography is not as critical.

That all important first impression becomes even more relevant if the business is competing in the larger arena such as nationally or internationally where a brand really does have to work hard to stand out from its competition.

More people than ever are used to visiting websites to research their subject. That could be anything from keeping up with the latest breaking news to choosing a new bathroom. In fact, more than 80% of the UK population buy at least some purchases online. However, we haven’t stopped visiting shops yet, with 88% of us researching a product online before heading to the shop to actually make the purchase.

Ultimately, every business should promote itself online and the first step is to make sure its website promotes the brand in the right way, in an ever increasing competitive world.

What is ChatGPT?

By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES

David types: “Explain ChatGPT to someone who isn’t technical”

ChatGPT responds: “Sure! I'd be happy to explain what ChatGPT is in a way that is easy to understand for someone who isn't technical. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) program that is designed to chat with people like you and me, just like a human would. It's called "GPT" because it's built on a type of AI algorithm called a "Generative Pre-trained Transformer," which basically means that it's really good at understanding and generating human-like language. The more people talk to ChatGPT, the more it learns and the better it gets at understanding and generating language. So, it's kind of like having a conversation with a friend who is always learning and improving!”

David types: Why is it important?

ChatGPT responds: “Firstly, it allows for more efficient communication between humans and machines. With ChatGPT, people can communicate with computers and other digital devices using natural language, which makes it easier for them to get the information and assistance they need. Secondly, ChatGPT has the potential to help people in many different areas, from customer service to healthcare. For example, businesses can use ChatGPT to provide 24/7 customer support, and healthcare providers can use it to answer patient questions and provide information about medical conditions and treatments.”

David types: Could it be dangerous?

ChatGPT responds: “Like any technology, ChatGPT could potentially be dangerous if used inappropriately or if it falls into the wrong hands. However, it's important to note that ChatGPT is designed to be used in a safe and ethical manner, and there are measures in place to prevent it from being used for malicious purposes.”

David actually writes a paragraph in his own article: The above is snippets from an exchange I had with ChatGPT. You can try it for yourself at chat.openai.com. Some are seeing ChatGPT, and other products like it, as the start of the next generation of the internet; a step towards a more intelligent web, focused on human communication and interaction. It has Google a little shaken, as it also has the potential to take the place of standard search engines and disrupt the highly-lucrative online advertising market.

There can be no doubt that AI is making waves at the moment. There are still many questions to answer with this technology becoming mainstream. ChatGPT passed 100 million users in just two months; a feat that took Facebook over four years. The thing is, it seems very capable of answering them.

EssentialsMAG tech contributor is David Hughes a freelance web developer Tel: 07595 303418

www.davidhughes.co

The Benefits of Eating Fish

BY SAMANTHA GRIFFITHS

Most of us need more fish in our diet, especially oily fish. Fish is packed full of ‘good’ fats, such as omega-3s, and provides protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Eating fish regularly has been linked to good brain health, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Why are Omega-3s so good?

Omega-3s are a family of fats that are great for your health. It has been suggested that omega-3s may protect the heart and blood vessels, help maintain good memory, and even prevent and treat depression. Omega3s are considered ‘essential’ fatty acids as our body cannot make them, meaning we need to get them from our diet.

What is considered an ‘oily’ fish?

Oily fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals. Oily fish includes herring (kippers), pilchards, salmon, sardines, trout, and mackerel. These can be fresh, frozen, or tinned. Some fish have edible bones, for example, tinned salmon, and these are a rich source of calcium.

How much fish should I be eating?

In the UK, it is recommended that adults eat at least two portions of fish each week, one of which should be oily. A portion is around 140g of fresh fish, or one small tin of tinned fish (there is different advice for children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding). As well as oily fish, you could include white fish, such as cod, haddock, and plaice.

They provide protein, are low in fat, and some can be a source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as seabass. Shellfish, such as prawns, mussels, and crab, are low in fat and are a good source of selenium, zinc, iodine, and copper.

Isn’t fish expensive?

With the price of everything going up in the supermarket, frozen fish and tinned fish are a cheaper option. Smoked fish is always cheaper too, but be aware that it’s often high in salt.

What if I choose not to eat fish?

If you’re allergic to fish, or choose not to eat it, you can still get some omega-3s from other sources, such as nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, soya, and soya products.

What about sustainability?

When choosing fish, it’s a good idea to eat a range of different kinds, from sustainable sources - so there is enough fish for everyone, both now, and in the future.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have a long-term illness and want to make any dietary changes always discuss these with your GP or a Registered Dietitian first.

EssentialsMAG nutrition contributor is Samantha Griffiths

St. Peter’s School

St. Peter’s Church in Wales Primary School in Rossett, for children aged 3 - 11

At St. Peter’s School we combine the traditions and expectations of a good standard of education, behaviour and self-discipline, with the latest curricular developments together with the development of skills and characteristics which will be needed in the future.

Come and explore our school!

Applications for Nursery places for September 2023 are now open and available on the Wrexham Council website. Please ring the school on: 01244 570594 to make an appointment and see our wonderful setting.

stpeters-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

St-Peters-Primary-School-Rossett @stpetersrossett

St. Peter's Playscheme

Wrap around childcare at St. Peter’s Primary School, Rossett

We offer wrap around childcare for all our pupils, including those of nursery age. We are open from 7:45am to 5:30pm during term time. We also offer childcare during the school holidays.

St Peter's Playscheme

For details contact Mrs Sophie Cannon 07958 915685

playscheme381@gmail.com

We are proud to supply our customers with these truly

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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Smoked Mackerel Kedgeree

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp sunflower oil

1 onion, chopped

1½ tbsp curry powder

200g long grain rice

1 cinnamon stick

2 eggs

2 tomatoes, chopped

300g smoked mackerel fillets, skin removed and flaked

3 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

Lemon wedges, to serve

METHOD

SERVES 4

Heat the oil in a wide shallow pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, then add the curry powder, rice and cinnamon stick. Stir for 1 minute.

Pour in enough water to come 2.5cm above the surface of the rice. Season and bring to the boil, then cover and reduce to a slow simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, until the rice is tender.

Meanwhile, bring a small pan of water to the boil, then add the eggs. Cook for 7 minutes, remove and put the eggs in a bowl of cold water. When cool enough to handle, peel and quarter.

Discard the cinnamon stick. Stir in the eggs, tomatoes, mackerel and parsley. Serve with lemon to squeeze over.

This easy Smoked Mackerel Kedgeree is a mildly spiced rice dish with flakes of soft smoked mackerel, and topped with quartered hard-boiled eggs. It is traditionally served for breakfast but makes the perfect lunch or speedy supper.

Seasonal Treats in April

There’s no denying spring is here, and although there’s not an overabundance of local produce, what we’ve got is pretty special. Here are four of the best…

English asparagus

There’s asparagus, and then there’s English asparagus. With a short but sweet season that starts officially on April 23 (St George’s Day) and runs through to the end of June, nothing else compares. Asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, as its sugars swiftly convert into tough starch once it’s picked, so English has the advantage over imports not only in food miles but also in flavour and tenderness. Before cooking, thoroughly wash to flush out any grit, chop off the woody ends, then either boil or steam, or roast drizzled in olive oil at 220°C for 10-20 minutes.

Jersey Royals

Always a harbinger of spring, Jersey Royals will be available towards the end of the month. Grown only in Jersey, they are fertilized with seaweed which adds tons of flavour, before being carefully hand-lifted. To eat, keep it simple – those thin, tasty skins can be left on after a gentle wash, and their waxy texture makes them perfect for boiling, steaming or frying (although if you’re feeling adventurous, they also make magnificent dauphinoise)

Mackerel

A real treat - mackerel are one of the cheapest fish you can buy, and one of the healthiest and most sustainable, too – rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which have been shown to help prevent heart disease and lower high blood pressure.

The classic way to cook them is pan-frying – add a splash of oil to the pan, and when it’s smoking hot, place the fillets skin-side down and cook until the skin is crisp and golden. Take the pan off the heat, flip the fillets over and leave to cook through for a couple more minutes.

Wild things: dandelions

Yes, they’re weeds, and yes, they’re everywhere – including your garden. But did you know dandelions are actually rather good to eat? Part of the same family as endives, they pack a similarly punchy, earthy flavour and are a great source of vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Enjoy their slightly bitter, peppery raw taste in a salad, or sauteed or steamed for a nutritious and milder serving of greens. You can also eat the flowers raw – they look beautiful in a salad – or fried in a thin batter to make fritters. It’s worth noting, however, that the French call them “pissenlit”, as they have a mild diuretic effect, so it’s best not to eat them too close to bedtime!

April’s Shopping List

Asparagus, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brown crab, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Cucumber, Jersey new potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mackerel, Radishes, Rhubarb, Wild salmon, Spring greens, Spring onions, Turnips, Watercress

Changing Your Utility Provider?

By JESS HART, Utility Warehouse

We all have experience of how complicated and time consuming changing our utility provider can be – whether that be for broadband, electricity, water or mobile phone. Do you feel you understand enough to recognise when you are getting a good deal, or would you rather remain with the same provider to keep life simple?

If you find the prospect of changing your provider daunting, that’s where I come in. I’m Jess from Utility Warehouse and I’m here to help you in any way I can.

The economy

Over the past 12 months or so, we have all watched the news with dread as energy bills have rocketed and we have seen multiple increases in costs across the board. There is now a very real potential for residents to fall into debt or even, overpay, their bills. The latter scenario means that energy suppliers are seeing some accounts in credit, sometimes to the tune of hundreds of pounds, as residents increase their credit card bills to overpay their utilities, in order to save themselves from potential debt.

What is the solution?

In this fast-paced world, here at Utility Warehouse, we believe it is vital to provide a reassuring person for our customers to be able to speak to – whenever they want to.

As a Utility Warehouse advisor, I can take the time to explain your bills to you, provide help and advice and get to know you, in order to provide the best possible service for you and your individual needs.

I am also able to help you switch mobiles, set up broadband routers, pop around for a coffee or have a chat over the phone if you prefer.

I take pride in supporting my customers when they need me – before, during and after the switch process.

Here are just a couple of reviews from some of my happy clients and there are plenty more on my web page too!

“The wonderful Jess made setting up my DD so easy and had a laugh in the process. Can’t fault the service.”

“I spoke with Jess and she was wonderful – so good to speak to a real person and one who has time to explain things. Thanks again.”

So if you need a helping hand with your utility bills and simply want to find out if I can help, give me a call.

There is no obligation to switch providers.

By Jess Hart from Utility Warehouse jess@utilitywarehousepartner.co.uk Tel: 0208 1238614

All Saints’ School

Our school vision, 'With respect, friendship and care, we learn here and succeed anywhere', epitomises everything we do and everything we want our pupils to become. Our school is at the fore of work to develop a curriculum centred on excellence for all pupils.

To find out more about our school, or to arrange a visit, please contact us on: 01978 852342 or email: mailbox@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

Ysgol yr Holl Saint - All Saints' School in Gresford is a Church in Wales Primary School for children aged 3 - 11.

Gresford Trust Newsdesk Latest News

It is never nice to report negative news, but we were saddened to learn that Gresford Athletic first team will no longer play their home games at the Trust playing fields. This decision was relayed to the Trust in late February and will be effective immediately.

Having reached the second tier of the Welsh League pyramid system, Gresford Athletic have to comply with stricter criteria regarding both on and off field facilities. The criteria are subject to periodic updates and facilities are inspected to ensure compliance. The Trust has previously offered support to the club’s efforts to develop the ground including the new spectator accommodation.

Understandably the FAW want clubs playing at the highest level within their pyramid system to have dedicated football stadia available for use whenever the FAW wish to stage fixtures. The FAW have indicated that Trust land is not suitable for that level of development.

The football club’s committee have therefore taken the difficult decision to safeguard their league status by moving to a new ground. They will now be based at The Rock, the home ground of Cefn Druids. Although obviously disappointed by this decision, we wish the club all the very best for the future.

We are however, delighted that the reserves and juniors will continue to be based in the village. Hopefully we can take advantage of the spare dates and work

with the club to ensure that this partnership continues. Pitches particularly at youth level are at a premium and anything we can do provide additional facilities will be actively pursued.

Thank you to all the volunteers who ran the Thursday morning ‘Warm Welcome’ over the last 10 weeks. We are very grateful for your help and we sincerely hope that opening up the Blue Room was beneficial to those that attended.

Big Help Out

We are delighted that we will be taking part in the ‘Big Help Out’ on Monday 8th May Bank Holiday. Thousands of organisations –big and small – are getting together to mark The King’s Coronation by giving everybody the chance to try volunteering for themselves and make a difference in their community.

If you would like to take part in the ‘Big Help Out’ at Gresford Trust, please save the date and look out for more information on our Facebook page, notice boards and website nearer the time.

We look forward to seeing you!

Dodleston Local History Group

By EssentialsMAG history contributor BERNARD DENNIS, MBE

John Donne in Dodleston –“For whom the bell tolls”

The Parish Church of Dodleston, St Mary’s, has an interesting past and like many churches in the realm, it struggles to draw in the congregations in modern times.

It is believed there has been a place of worship on the site of St Mary’s for more than 1,000 years, although the present church in its earliest form dates from about the beginning of the 16th century. Between the years 1869 – 1870 it was remodelled by the Cheshire architect, John Douglas.

During the subsequent centuries, its walls have witnessed many notable, although not well-known events and personalities. In 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada, Lady Elizabeth Egerton, first wife of Sir Thomas Egerton was laid to rest in the floor of the bell tower. There is a marble monument honouring her life. Their firstborn son, also Sir Thomas, rests close by to his mother. He died in 1599 at the age of 25. He was mortally wounded in a skirmish at Dublin Castle where he’d gone with the infamous Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux. His body was shipped back to Dodleston for burial in St Marys Church. During his young life he had forged a strong friendship with John Donne (1572-1631) the famous poet, and together they had earlier travelled to Cadiz and the Azores on raiding missions with the Earl of Essex. It was there that young Thomas was knighted.

The funeral took place on 8th September

1599 and is recorded in the Parish Register of Burials. It was this funeral that John Donne attended, and a single bell tolled in honour of his departed friend. With “drums and fife, soldiers trailing pikes” and “the trumpet sounding dolefully” the mourners walked the distance to Chester Cathedral to a requiem ceremony. Afterwards, the assembly celebrated Egerton’s short life in a grand dinner at the bishop’s palace. Sadly, his father, Sir Thomas Egerton, was simply too busy to be there! After all, he was Lord Keeper of the Great Seal!

Sir Thomas Egerton, Baron Ellesmere, Viscount Brackley also chose St Mary’s Church as his final resting place, to be buried next to his first wife and son. A simple marble slab in the bell tower floor marks the spot.

During the English Civil War (1642-1651)

Dodleston also played its part for the siege of Chester (1644-1646) as Sir William Brereton garrisoned a large parliamentary force on the outskirts of Dodleston. The north face of St Mary’s bell tower shows evidence of musket shot scars and a multitude of lead musket balls, of varying calibre, have been found in the vicinity by metal detectorists over recent years.

John Donne had a difficult start in life but in 1621, King James 1 appointed him Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral. He remained in that post until his death in 1631.

For further information please contact: Bernard Dennis on 07966 436073.

Sarah Atherton MP

Member of Parliament for Wrexham

Last month, the Chancellor announced the Spring Budget. Having written to the Chancellor, alongside other Conservative MPs a couple of weeks before the Spring Budget, calling on him to freeze the fuel duty and ease the tax burden, I was delighted that he took decisive action to support hard-working constituents by freezing fuel duty and maintaining a 5p reduction for a further year. Alongside this, he froze the energy price guarantee at £2,500 for households until the end of June, pledged an additional £180 million for the Welsh Government, froze pint duty, added £11million to the defence budget over the next five years and over £30 million for the Office of Veterans Affairs.

All of this shows the UK Government’s commitment to supporting hardworking individuals and families in Wrexham, alongside measures that ensure the longterm, sustainable, healthy growth of the UK economy.

In A483 news, last month I met with representatives from the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) after requesting an urgent meeting for an update on the A483 roadworks. Since the roadworks started, I have been contacted by many constituents regarding delays, with daily commutes taking twice as long. I am pleased to report that NMWTRA are on schedule and the works’ estimated completion date is 2nd April.

Last month, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board re-entered special measures. During Prime Minister’s Questions and health oral parliamentary questions, I raised

my concerns with Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary, Steve Barclay that the Welsh Labour-run NHS is failing Wrexham. To watch, head over to the health section on my website.

There needs to be some vast changes and a focus on delivering excellent healthcare and outcomes to the people of North Wales. Regardless of political opinions and contrasting personalities, what the Welsh Government seems to be continually forgetting here is people’s lives and wellbeing are at stake.

This month, I am meeting with the Executive Director of BCUHB, Gill Harris, to understand what steps they are taking to resolve the situation. After this, I will update residents via my website and social media. There has never been more of a prominent time to highlight that my health campaign continues. If you have not done so already, you can give your views under the ‘surveys’ section on my website.

As always, if you are a resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me.

Alyn Family Doctors Latest News

Greener inhalers

This year, the Welsh Government has asked all GPs to look at improving the carbon footprint of their inhaler prescribing. Inhalers account for 3-4% of the whole NHS carbon footprint.

Many patients with asthma use metered dose inhalers (MDIs), which contain hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA) propellants that are potent greenhouse gases, 1,000 – 3,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In the UK, approximately 70% of inhalers used are MDIs, which is much higher than many other European countries.

Over the next year, as you attend for your regular asthma or COPD review, our nurses will be talking to you about trialling greener alternatives, called DPIs or dry powder inhalers, as part of your asthma care. You will be supported through this by our nursing staff to make sure that you are prescribed the inhaler that’s right for you. Inhaler technique is key to getting the best out of your medication, and many local pharmacies now also offer the opportunity to assist you with this.

The best thing you can do for the environment is to keep your asthma under control by making sure you’re taking your inhalers correctly and making sure you take your preventer medicine regularly as prescribed.

If you find you’re needing your reliever inhalers often, or you’re not taking your preventer regularly, please request an asthma review appointment with our nurses by filling in a Klinik request online or telephoning the surgery.

More advice on inhaler technique can be found at www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/livingwith/inhaler-videos

Self-book

We are trialling a new self-booking system at the surgery. After your appointment request has been triaged by a GP and given an urgency rating, you may now receive a text message from us with the option to choose an appropriate appointment at a day, time and location which suits you best.

Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

Regular readers of my column will be aware I meet frequently with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) representatives, enabling me to raise any local issues and ensure the authorities are aware of patients’ day-to-day experiences.

Having met the North Wales Health Board’s new Associate Director of Primary Care back in November, I arranged a follow-up meeting to further discuss local GP services.

The improvement programme at the three managed practices in Wrexham (Hillcrest Medical Centre, Borras Park Surgery and Beechley Road Surgery) which began at the beginning of October is continuing.

Health Inspectorate Wales recently visited Hillcrest and the result of the inspection was good. At the present time, Hillcrest has no agency workers and a new salaried, full-time GP started there at the beginning of February. The new GP is a Dermatology specialist and will also take on Dermatology cases from the other two managed practices.

An internal audit was recently carried out at Strathmore Medical Practice and I will be advised of the outcome of this in due course. Unfortunately, constituents have recently highlighted issues at St George’s Surgery. I raised these concerns with the Associate Director and she will visit the practice herself to look at these in more detail. In the meantime, the Health Board is liaising with the GPs at the practice to try to resolve the issues raised.

The Health Board Panel will also be looking at Alyn Family Doctors’ request to close

Gresford Surgery. I will continue to monitor the situation and keep constituents updated.

British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru is Wales’ leading heart charity. Around 340,000 people in Wales are living with the daily burden of heart and circulatory disease and the charity helps fund life-saving research to improve diagnosis, treatment and to ultimately help save lives.

I recently visited Wrexham’s BHF store on Egerton Street to meet the management team and volunteers who donate their time to help the daily running of the shop. There is a real community spirit at the busy shop and it was good to find out more about their work and general fundraising challenges. All the purchases in Wrexham are helping support world-leading medical research, which is happening right here in Wales’ universities.

Volunteering at your local British Heart Foundation offers an opportunity to learn new life skills and gain valuable experiences. To find out more, visit www.bhf.org.uk

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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.

with Hadlow Edwards

What does your mortgage future look like?

The last year has seen cost of living at the centre of many discussions. Mortgage costs are no exception here and we have seen both rate increases and reductions over this time.

Homeowners who might have been on a “tracker deal” (following the Bank of England Base Rate or their current lenders Standard Variable Rate) will have seen their monthly repayments steadily increase, almost every month.

However, our clients are still thinking and talking about moving home, extending, or modernising the interior. We are also still helping many young people buy their first home.

What are the next steps?

Understanding your options when considering a new mortgage is key to getting the right deal for you and your future. We continually meet mortgage borrowers who are looking at the next step. We sit down and work out what you can do now and in the future. This will allow you to then either view properties in confidence of what you can afford or to meet builders and architects safe with the knowledge of what your affordable budget is.

Reviewing your current mortgage rate, the same way you review other household finances, could also be beneficial. If you have not reviewed your mortgage deal in the last 18-24 months, we could help reassess your affordability and the feasibility of reducing your

mortgage term with the aim to be mortgage-free earlier than planned.

Those who are wanting to help their loved ones onto the property ladder can benefit from joint meetings and are a great way of finding out and understanding what options are available for all parties, especially with the term “bank of Mum and Dad” being referred to more now than ever!

Looking forward to your new home? Looking for your first home is an exciting step in the adulthood journey. My advice to first time buyers is to discuss your mortgage options before you begin viewing properties with a mortgage consultant who is able to look at a wide

By Jon Peatfield of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Tel: 01978 311 611 www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

range of mortgage lenders to get the very best deal that’s out there for you. Don’t restrict yourself to just looking at banks or a single lender’s options - each lender is different in their approach as to how much they will let you borrow. We can help match you to the right lender and review your budget planning moving forward to ensure you are comfortable with your future costs.

If you would like to know more about your options, then please do not hesitate to call 01978 311611 or email jonathan.peatfield@sjpp.co.uk

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Focusing on the Big Picture

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

The climate emergency has the potential to bring us together - we share the same home and all have a vested interest in its ongoing ability to support life. Unfortunately, we currently seem to be experiencing increased division and polarisation in our society.

The Welsh Government recently published the findings of its Roads Review. Its recommendations were welcomed by many and praised as “world-leading”. However, it has also generated significant opposition.

Whilst our views on the review may differ, most of us can hopefully agree that:

• We need to reduce carbon emissions/ air pollution

• This is unlikely to be achievable without significant “modal shift” from cars towards public transport and active travel

Whether we like it or not, scientific evidence indicates this is one of the things we need to do. The review’s recommendation that future road investment should support modal shift and reduce carbon emissions therefore seems reasonable. Deputy Climate Change Minister, Lee Waters’ assertion that we can’t tackle the climate crisis by continuing to do the same things is correct.

Characterisation of the review as an attack on motorists is neither accurate nor helpful; many of us who drive also

use public transport, walk and cycle and will potentially benefit from reallocation of resources. We’re not being told to never use cars; we’re being asked to try to reduce journeys or use other forms of transport where possible. If we’re successful, then when we do have to drive we should enjoy decreased congestion.

It’s been highlighted that many planned improvements to public transport have yet to happen. This is true, but funding these whilst continuing to spend just as much on roads is unlikely to be affordable. The roads review isn’t proposing stopping all spending on roads - some road schemes are still going ahead, whilst others may do so in amended form. It’s simply saying that road schemes should only proceed if this can be shown to be consistent with tackling the climate crisis and achieving net zero.

Polling suggests most of us agree that we need to do more to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. An element of division seems to creep in when it comes to our willingness to accept what meeting this aspiration actually involves. The solutions won’t necessarily be easy or comfortable, but we need to try to avoid creating division and focus on why taking real action is in everyone’s interest.

Gresford Community Council Latest News

Quite a lot has happened over the last few months! Here are some highlights:

• The hedges in Marford play area have finally been cut! When we take over the park’s lease we’ll keep everything in good order.

• Both play areas now have new signs. They needed information which will be important if ever there’s an accident in or near the parks.

• Finally - two poles of the same height on Marford’s zebra crossing! We think downlighters on top of the poles might help. Councillors met with WCBC to discuss as GCC does not have the power to install these lights itself.

• We do have powers re. footway lightingnine of our footway lighting poles need replacement; the work will take place this year.

• Our vandalised Tommy has been replaced with a new one.

• We successfully applied for a grant of £48k to restore the biodiversity of Gresford Lake.

• GCC introduced its ‘Cynefin Award’ as part of our primary schools’ Eisteddfodau. We greatly enjoyed judging the fantastic art and craft produced by children in The Rofft and All Saints – bendigedig!

• The budget for 2023-24 has been setsee it on our website.

• We are at the Artisan Market on 30th April if there’s anything you’d like to find out or ask us. We also have our ‘Monthly Meet’ on the last Saturday of every month in the library, 1:15pm - 2:30pm.

Please REPORT anything in relation to speeding, parking or anti-social behaviour

www.wrexham.gov.uk/service/contact/ report-it

Come to a meeting!

The Council meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. Contact the Clerk if you would like to attend – all welcome.

Get in touch

07470 631184

clerk@gresfordcommunitycouncil.gov.uk www.gresfordcommunitycouncil.gov.uk Facebook @GresfordCC

Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett

A483 roadworks

We both met with NEWTRA regarding the roadworks on the A483. The contractors agreed there were lessons to be learnt about the organisation of the works. The resurfacing is due to be completed shortly allowing both carriageways to be fully operational again.

Doorstep crime

Trading Standards officers and officers from North Wales Police have been out and about in the community recently raising awareness of the issue of doorstep crime. They have been delivering leaflets and engaging with householders and any traders working on property. The objective was to provide advice and guidance on dealing with doorstep callers, how to avoid the rogues and offering reassurance.

Road markings

Highways have been repainting double yellow lines in Station Road and adding parking bays to ensure motorists in this area of the village park responsibly. We are hoping this makes a difference to traffic flow down this road.

Replacement bollards

Highways have now started to replace some of the unlit bollards around the village with reflected bollards which are more durable and more effective.

20mph speed limit

The Welsh Government have now confirmed that all current 30mph limits, where conditioned by street lighting, will become 20mph on August 24th this year. There will not be a requirement to place the white 20mph roundels on the surface. The legislation is likely to include a mandatory fixed penalty fine for any pavement parking.

Darland woods

Concerns have been raised by a number of residents about drug usage in the vicinity of Darland Woods. North Wales Police have been contacted and regular patrols and checks will take place.

Temporary traffic light crossing

The temporary traffic lights located near Darland School and the chip shop will be adjusted by Highways to allow residents using mobility scooters easy access to pass by. We are discussing the possibility of installing permanent lights in this location and officers are exploring funding options.

St Peters School

We have received many complaints regarding inconsiderate parking by parents collecting pupils from school. A number of photographs have been taken by residents who are greatly inconvenienced by the actions of a few. We would ask parents to park responsibly.

Flooding Rosemary Lane

We have now found the cause of the problem - it is a collapsed water pipe in an adjacent field. Officers have carried out a temporary repair whilst seeking to find a permanent solution.

Beryl Blackmore Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

It's been a busy month for meetings. I am a member of Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee and Safeguarding Communities and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee/Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee.

It will be 12 months in May since I stood as a Welsh Liberal Democrat and gained the seat for Marford and Hoseley Ward. I hope you will agree that I am doing my best to respond to your emails and phone calls, and jobs are being sorted.

As I am the only Liberal Democrat I was noted as being non-aligned along with two other Councillors. By Christmas, I felt I needed to be more involved in meetings and gain more knowledge, generally, of the Council, so I asked to join The Independent Group which I am pleased to say I did. Since then, I feel much more involved and valued for my opinions, but I still wish to be known as a Welsh Liberal Democrat.

Work in the Marford and Hoseley Ward is still very much about getting trees and bushes cut, forgotten bins emptied, footpaths of many years being shut off and cold callers.

I am on task with all these problems, but you do need to let me know if something hasn't been done.

At the time of writing, I am visiting Llay Police station this week, The Cunliffe Centre and Erlas Gardens to see the work being done.

Erlas Gardens is a lovely place to visit, it's just past Wrexham Rugby Club. Lovely gardens to walk round, produce for sale, and a coffee shop - a great place that supports Mental Health and Wellbeing, please try and fit in a visit.

It was lovely to visit All Saints School and The Rofft School to judge their Eisteddfod school craft and art - this was something Gresford Community Council were involved in.

The Caffi/Exercise/Theatre and Visits club continues to thrive at Gresford Methodist Church Hall every Tuesday from 10:20am and Whist Club at 1pm - 3:30pm, with table games such as Dominoes from 2pm for an hour. This is on a Monday at the hall.

We are a very busy community covering Gresford and Marford with an excellent Community Agent, Ruth, who I work closely with. Everyone is welcome, so as said before, please get in touch if I can help and support you, and direct you to the right signpost.

Happy Easter to everyone in Gresford East and West.

As the evenings get longer it is great to be heading out of winter into spring, seeing the daffodils pop up, including those that I planted with children from All Saints School last year.

As always, if there are any issues that I can assist with, please do get in touch on the contact details below.

Street lighting, potholes and more

I have been busy reporting some issues with streetlights that are not currently operational. If you know of a street light that needs attention, pothole that needs filling or any other issue with pavements and roads etc, please do get in touch so that I can get them sorted.

Cold weather

The recent cold weather spell, whilst causing some disruption, was quickly dealt with by council officers and roads kept as clear as possible, with minimal impact on the recycling and refuse collections. Thank you to those residents that did raise some concerns with me and I’m glad that we could get them dealt with swiftly.

Local Development Plan

Councillors will soon be asked to vote to accept the Local Development Plan which has now been approved by Welsh Government Inspectors. This plan outlines the areas for residential, retail and industrial development. I have mixed views on many aspects of the plan and I have been clear that, whilst I understand

the need for new homes in Wrexham, they need to be sustainable and meet the needs of the area.

With the cancellation of major road improvements into Wrexham by the Welsh Government, much of the plan brings additional pressures to the local area that are not currently addressed. Alongside the planned building on areas known for flooding in Rossett, there is still much for me to consider. I would appreciate if you have any comments on the Local Development Plan, please do email me on jeremy.kent@wrexham.gov.uk

A483 resurfacing

At the time of writing, I have just received the notification that the works are on track and that they will be completed early April, in fact as this gets delivered it could already have been finished. I appreciate that the works by the Welsh Trunk Road Agency have been disruptive, but hopefully there should be no need for such large scale works for some time. As long as of course, the road isn’t bumpy.

As always, if you have anything you wish to raise with me, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jeremy Kent Councillor for Gresford

Useful Numbers

Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Bend over on itself (4)

3 Pamphlet (8)

9 Cosmetic liquids (7)

10 Short treatise (5)

11 Roe (anag) (3)

12 Detection technology (5)

13 Walk heavily and firmly (5)

15 Mountain cry (5)

17 Rejuvenate (5)

18 Violate a law of God (3)

19 Deprive of weapons (5)

20 Tell a story (7)

21 Sanctity (8)

22 Small particles of stone (4)

DOWN

1 Continue a stroke in tennis (6,7)

2 Machine for shaping wood or metal (5)

4 World's largest country (6)

5 Butterfly larvae (12)

6 Without help (7)

7 Amusement (13)

8 Female fellow national (12)

14 Game played on a sloping board (7)

16 Activities a person engages in (6)

18 Ringo ___ : one of the Beatles (5)

Classic Sudoku

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

Here are the answers from March:

“ Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures ”