Essentials Mag August 2018 Rossett

www.essentialsmag.co.uk Delivered FREE covering: Rossett, Marford, Gresford, Pulford and surrounding areas

August 2018

Your monthly insight into local living

MAG

essentials

Welcome... to your latest edition of EssentialsMAG I hope you are all having a lovely summer. Personally, these warm, sunny days are a great excuse to be outside more. Unsurprisingly, research shows connecting with nature is really good for your mood, memory and stress levels. In this edition, our monthly contributors Sasha Kenney and Helen Conway both explain the benefits a change in environment can have on your health. So, there’s never been a better excuse to take a day out to visit the beautiful mountains, lakes and forests we are so lucky to have close by.

Or, maybe booking a cruise could be the answer!

If you’ve always dreamt of going on a cruise but don’t know where to start, read Delmar World’s advice to find the right cruise out there for you.

We’re excited to announce the introduction of a new feature this month - a local restaurant review.

Learn how our lovely food critic, Sally Anglesea got on at The Cock O’Barton - it’s a great read!

Have a lovely August.

All the best, Vicky Heathfield It’s your mag too!

Got any comments?

Let’s have them!

Call us on: 01978 855 459 or email: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Photo: Watercolour of Christ Church Rossett by Dennis Davies, Rossett Art Club

We hand deliver EssentialsMAG to 4,300 homes and businesses in Rossett, Marford, Gresford and surrounding areas. @EssentialsMagWrexham @EssentialsMAG1

Copies of this magazine are available for collection at the following locations: The Village Stores, Chester Road, Rossett LL12 0HW Co-op, Marford Hill, Marford LL12 8SL SPAR, 58 Chester Road, Gresford LL12 8NE 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 2018.

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essentials at a glance...

Stepping back in time Our Great Day Out this month is to Trefriw Woollen Mills in the Conwy Valley

Another great adventure New to cruise? Delmar World help you choose the right cruise for you

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.

The benefits of being in nature How connecting with nature has huge benefits for our health

Food for thought Try our tasty, healthy roast butternut squash salad perfect on a summer day

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Three Ways to Be Happier This Summer (According to Science)

By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY Summertime means more sun, more holidays, and more great excuses to spend time in nature. But are those environmental changes really going to make a difference in your mood? Well, it turns out, they probably will if you let them. According to a study of identical twins, only about one-third of our happiness level is genetic.

The rest is up to us.

Let this short list of suggestions inspire your happy summer: 1. Hit the Beach, Lake or Pool It might not surprise you that a study from the University of Sussex found that being outdoors made people happier; the participants were found to be substantially happier outdoors in all natural environments than they were in urban environments. However, scientist and author of Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols, argues that specifically the views of the ocean and other blue spaces make us happier than any other landscapes.

Seaside here we come!

2. Plan a Trip (even if you never take it) As opposed to actually taking a holiday, simply planning a break from everyday can improve our happiness. A study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life showed that the highest spike in happiness came during the planning stage of a vacation as people enjoy the sense of anticipation: So what you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure!

3. Smile at Strangers If you’re feeling stressed or negative, you can dig yourself out of that hole by putting a smile on your face. Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, which are the natural ‘feel good’ brain chemicals as well as natural pain relievers. According to the laughter yoga specialist Dr. Kataria, the body doesn’t know the difference between false and real laughter. So simply by putting a smile on your face, the body will benefit from all the real smile side effects: improved mood, lower blood pressure, stress relief etc...

The more you smile, the more positive thought patterns you'll have.

Go on. Try it. One, two, three say: CHEESE!

EssentialsMAG motivation contributor is Sasha Kenney from Fit Philosophy sasha@fitphilosophy.co.uk Tel: 07841 261582

Essentials Mag Mailbox

Illegal Traveller Encampment Hello Vicky, I wish to thank everyone who has been so kind, helpful and supportive whilst John and I were dealing with the illegal encampment in one of our fields.

It was a very distressing experience, not helped by the 17-day delay in getting a court hearing for our possession order. A big thank you also to Stella, Bill, Phil, Mike and Bryan who came at very short notice to help John, my grandson Oliver and I to bag the enormous amount of rubbish these people had left behind in our field. And not least thank-you to the lady who gave me a hug as, exhausted, we were all leaving the field.

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Pulford & Poulton Local History Group

By EssentialsMAG history contributor MICHAEL NETHERCOTT

Pulford Church in 1870 Research to locate a picture of the previous Pulford Church had proved unsuccessful over many years, despite visits to local archives, libraries and enquiries of local residents, all of which had been to no avail. However, one day about six years ago, descendants of a Rector of Pulford, the Reverend James Radcliffe Lyon (Rector from 1818 to 1870) visited the UK from Australia and called in to Pulford churchyard to visit the grave of their ancestor.

During their visit they met a past chairman of our History Group.

It was from this contact, to our great surprise and delight, that the family from Australia had original photographs of Pulford Church and Pulford Rectory dated 1870. On their return to Australia they kindly sent copies of the photographs for our archives.

This church (pictured below) had accommodation for 220 adults on the ground floor (including both North and South Transepts in addition to the Nave). There was further accommodation for 50 children in a gallery. More research is required to establish the date of build, but it is understood the building underwent some restoration in 1833.

By 1881 the church building had deteriorated and the then Rector, Rev. J.R. Williams, was speaking of the roof as ‘providing extempore shower baths for the congregation’.

His Grace, Hugh Lupus, the first Duke of Westminster, generously provided a new church for the people of Pulford, designed by John Douglas, a well-known Chester architect, which was completed by 1884 and which we continue to enjoy to this day.

The parishes of Pulford and Eccleston joined together to become a united benefice in 1972.

Photo courtesy of Leonie Lyon.

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Pack Your Bags for a Great Adventure...

By EssentialsMAG travel contributor Ann Anglesea at DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

New to Cruise?

Contrary to what some people think there is a cruise out there for everyone, it’s not just for “elderly people” and you do not have to get dressed up every evening in fact most cruise lines only require smart-casual attire.

There are resort-scale mega ships for families and active couples, smaller yacht size ships for a more personal experience, exploration itineraries for the adventurous, destination-led cruises that can form a part of a larger bespoke itinerary, themed cruises and river cruises.

With so much choice it can prove difficult to ensure you choose the right one. Like people, each cruise line has its own personality, its own unique approach to providing the best possible experience for those who understand and appreciate what is on offer. What suits one does not, thankfully, suit everyone. So where do you begin? Talk to like-minded friends who have cruised several times. Cruise ship and destination guidebooks, such as Berlitz, will help you appreciate the difference between brands, attend a cruise event* where the major cruise providers exhibit, or seek out an independent cruise specialist who has no tied allegiance to any specific brand.

In 2017 the British cruise market grew to just short of two million passengers. One of the biggest growth areas was multigenerational travel or, put more simply where grandparents take their immediate family and grandchildren on one big family holiday. Chosen carefully the ship should

offer a variety of accommodations and activities that span the age spectrum with the added security of being in a very safe environment.

Value-for-money is difficult to beat with accommodation, meals and entertainment included on most cruises. Get your timing right and you can get yourself a free bar tab as well with some promotional offers including drinks packages! The higher-end cruise lines may also include gratuities and selected excursions and, other benefits such as spacious suite accommodation as standard and a higher staff-to-guest ratio, can actually afford a better deal than some of the bigger and well-known brands.

Cruising as part of a larger holiday can add a different dimension. A holiday to Florida offers some of the best value cruise options to the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

From Dubai there are weekly sailings to countries, bordering the Gulf of Arabia.

New England in the fall continuing south to the sun in Miami. Add an Alaska cruise to a rail trip through the Canadian Rockies or take in the Far East and beyond as you sail between Hong Kong and Singapore in luxury! Transatlantic sailings, or repositioning cruises provide a relaxing, and often good value means of getting to, or from your holiday destination.

“LIKE PEOPLE, EACH CRUISE LINE HAS IT’S OWN PERSONALITY”

River cruising continues to boom. Not just the familiar rivers of Europe with The Danube, The Seine and The Rhine but Vietnam and Cambodia, Russia and paddlewheelers plying the mighty Mississippi. A River cruise is a completely different experience where towns and scenery float on by and you usually stop moor up right in the heart of everything.

Themed cruises include golf, wine, cookery and various genres of music – just like a floating festival. Some ships moor up for the Grand Prix at Monaco or Abu Dhabi.

Expedition cruises will take you to the unspoiled reached of Antarctica and the more isolated treasures of our planet such as the Galapagos Islands. The Northern Lights is another spectacular land and sea spectacular.

The most important advice is to do your research carefully. The right cruise for you is out there somewhere.

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises. For details contact: Tel: 0845 504 0054, www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE

Top Tips: The World’s largest cruise ship “Symphony of the Seas” holds up to 6,680 guests and 2,200 crew!

The most popular destination for UK cruisers is The Mediterranean at 37% One of the best months to make a cruise booking is October when CLIA celebrates “Cruise Month” with its UK network of travel agents.

Celebrity Edge enters service in December 2018 features unique “Infinite Balcony Staterooms”. With the touch of a button the entire living space becomes your balcony!

* Delmar World have a Destination and Cruise Event at the Doubletree Hilton in Chester on 16 September – If you wish to attend call them on 01978 853886 for more details.

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS As I write this article we are in the middle of a heat-wave which is predicted to last several weeks. This makes some things difficult in the garden and the greenhouse, I am finding that in spite of watering my greenhouse first thing in the morning and last thing at night it needs doing again at midday!

The weather has given me a good crop of cucumbers and my tomatoes are nearly ripe, I have sown six pepper plants from seeds taken from a supermarket pepper and they are doing well. However my roses are not lasting very long and seem to drop their petals very quickly. The raspberries are doing well and I should be able to make some jam this year.

We have had a nice rhubarb crumble from the garden too, the last few years have not given good picking and so this year I decided to discard them. The heavy rain in the spring must have helped so they will have a reprieve after all.

It is recommended that we use grey water to help out the water supplies, this is useful but remember not to use any water that has strong detergents or perfumes as this may harm your plants. Remember to water your container plants well as they dry out very quickly when the weather is hot and dry.

Feed your tomato plants weekly now, I find it useful to do this on a set day as it is a good reminder, when your tomato plants get to the top of the canes pinch them out to prevent them getting too big and toppling over. Keep picking your runner beans as this encourages a good crop, and stops them getting tough.

The next item on the agenda is our August show to be held at the Village show on Saturday August 25th at Darland School. We will look forward to seeing many of you there, don’t forget to come and say hallo.

Information provided by: www.brhs.org.uk

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Essentials Mag Mailbox

Family Funday was a Wonderful Tribute to a Wonderful Young Man The Jonathan Ratcliffe Memorial Family Fun Day held in Gresford on 23rd June was an enormous success and a wonderful tribute to a wonderful young man.

Jonnie, as he was known to family and friends, passed away in June 2008 at the age of 28. This tenth anniversary was a painful time for all who were so close to him. However, the event brought the whole of the Gresford community together and many more from far afield. Rob, Jonnie’s Dad reflecting on the day said, “We were fortunate to have a fine sunny day which brought hundreds of people out. The mood was one of celebration of Jonnie’s life. We all still laugh today at his witty comments and reflect on what was a short but happy life.”

Jonnie’s Mum, Gill said, “As a family we are totally overwhelmed by Jonnie’s friends and the commitment they have shown in organising this event. We are extremely grateful to the people of Gresford and the supporting areas who were also there on the day.”

Fundraising by family and friends in aid of Cancer Charities, mainly Beating Bowel Cancer, over the past ten years has reached over £102,000 with £10,485 being raised at the Fun Day.

Clean Sweep Hi Vicky, I would like to give a special Thank You to Derick Clifton, who keeps the roads and parks in Gresford so predestine. We can’t imagine what state the village would be in without him. He is a quiet reserved man, but always willing to pass the time of day. He even gives up a couple of hours on a Sunday morning with his partner to come down and clear away the Saturday night rubbish. WMBC should be very proud to have such a conscientious worker, and us residents are especially grateful.

Keep up the good work.

A Jones

If you have a comment about any local news/information please email: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

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Maes y Pant Latest News

by Chairman Trevor Britton

Over the years, we’ve tried to manage Maes y Pant to provide something for everyone. We want everyone locally to visit and enjoy the fresh air and greenery (although a little yellow in parts at present because of the wonderful weather).

We have a child play area, a woodland gym and we accept biking so long as pedestrians have priority. In that spirit it really is great that we have been awarded the Green Flag Community Award for the third successive year.

My own delight is the natural environment and we’ve tried to provide extra diversity on site by managing a meadow for wild flowers, along with the creation of a pond. This came very much to mind when I visited the pond to check on its condition recently. Well, its level is a little low but the local wildlife still values it. I just stood and took it all in for about ten minutes. There were at least ten dragonflies and damselflies flying around. There was a sky blue broad bodied chaser, a male gently skimming looking for a mate and at least three females, two of which ended up in a serious aerial combat, one latching onto the other amidst plenty of angry buzzing. A robin came for a drink, a woodpecker was calling away annoyed that I was around, and above a buzzard gave out its mewing calls high above.

On a second visit a female sparrowhawk came down to drink, saw me and flew off. Vipers bugloss provide a splash of purple near the pond and in the meadow. Bees love them.

I mention all this as we have reluctantly completed the fence around the pond this month.

I’m hoping it will be temporary, but the vegetation that we put around the edge is being churned up and destroyed. This vegetation is important for such as dragonflies to climb when leaving their aqueous habitat and of course the vegetation will help to prevent the sandy banks eroding and exposing the orange netting protecting the liner. I hope you understand why.

As a further thought, I was reading an article by Chris Packham recently. He put his thoughts in a way only he could. “In green spaces we live more healthily. Being ‘in green’ is therapeutic. The Japanese call it Shinrin-yoku: ‘forest bathing’ – no skinny dipping involved, just walking through trees.” So there you have it, and why we put time and effort to make into Maes y Pant. Hope you enjoy your ‘forest bathing’ over the summer and take time to look around you.

Local Birds & Wildlife

By Rev. Hugh Linn The female Mandarin Duck and her three little ducklings, mentioned in last month's article, were last seen at Gresford Flash on 15th June. As the youngsters were then incapable of flight they must have been hatched within walking distance.

Mandarins, unlike many ducks, are tree nesters.

Although they would normally choose natural holes as nest sites they will readily use man-made boxes intended for other hole-nesting species such as owls.

Artificial nest boxes have not only been readily adopted by Mandarins but have proved a boon to a wide variety of familiar garden birds. In our garden this season we have had three boxes occupied by tits, one by House Sparrows, two by House Martins - and another by Tree Bumblebees.

Tits appear to have had a successful breeding Great Spotted Woodpecker season. I recently counted over 30 young tits (Great, Blue and Coal) all present at one time around our garden feeders as well as an extended family of Long-tailed Tits. Our current most striking feeder guests are Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The black and white youngsters are bright red at both ends with crimson crowns and bottoms. The downside with Great Spotted Woodpeckers is that they are quite likely to hack open wooden boxes occupied by other species and eat the young.

Dragonflies and Damselflies would also appear to have done well this summer. Gresford Flash has hosted Black-tailed Skimmers and Common Blue Damselflies while at other local ponds there has been a good variety including Large Red, Azure, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed Damselflies, Beautiful and Banded Demoiselles, Four-spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers, Ruddy and Common Darters, Emperor and Hairy Dragonflies. These are just the species I have been able to identify but I am sure there may be more!

Some of our readers have commented that this summer they have seen fewer butterflies other than Cabbage Whites. Following the very hot weather I have been aware of more coloured species around the Burton area. From mid-July Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Ringlets, Commas, Red Admirals, Peacocks and Holly Blues have all appeared in and around gardens.

On the bird front it is encouraging to report sightings of Yellowhammers at a couple of sites near Rossett. These once familiar countryside birds have greatly declined in recent years.

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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Roast Butternut Squash Salad INGREDIENTS ½ large butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled and deseeded 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp dried thyme 3 garlic cloves, crushed 150g/5½ oz baby leaf spinach or similar young salad leaves (such as beetroot leaves) 50g/1¾oz pumpkin seeds (see Tip) salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE DRESSING 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp sherry vinegar ½ tsp runny honey ½ tsp wholegrain mustard

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

Cut the pumpkin flesh into a fairly small dice and put into a roasting tin.

Toss with the oil, thyme and garlic, and season generously.

Roast for 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin has softened and is well browned around the edges. Allow to cool slightly.

Whisk together the dressing ingredients in large bowl.

Add the salad leaves to the dressing, season with salt and pepper, then toss lightly. Arrange the leaves over a serving plate. Toss the pumpkin in the same bowl to pick up any residue from the dressing, then arrange over the leaves.

Sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds and serve.

Trying out our recipe?

Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

This delicious recipe was created By The Hairy Bikers, ©BBC Food www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes

Restaurant Review Cock O’Barton

By EssentialsMAG food critic SALLY ANGLESEA Restaurant: The Cock O'Barton Address: Barton Road (A534), Nr Chester, Cheshire SY14 7HU Contact: 01829 782 277 / www.cobcheshire.com Cost for three course meal, with nibbles, for two people, without drinks - £60-£70 The Cock O’Barton is a beautiful restaurant, offering an equally stunning menu, drenched in local produce. Nuzzled within the Cheshire countryside, the restaurant’s picturesque setting and enviable interior ooze a comforting charm that instantly make you feel at home – and once you see the menu, hungry.

It’s the Tuesday following Bank Holiday Monday but it feels like Friday – the sun is shining, spirits are high and of course, the cocktail menu is in my hand. Alongside tantalising descriptions, each concoction is also accompanied by its own satisfying sketch, very much like they used to do in the Great British Bake Off (I’m still not over it). If you’re looking for a fruity and refreshing thirst-quencher, I recommend ‘Barton Breeze’ and for a sharp and sophisticated aperitif, ‘Sidecar’ will definitely rev your engine. My absolute favourite, though, has to be ‘Grey Goose le Fizz’: smooth Grey Goose vodka, sweet elderflower liqueur, zesty fresh lime and a dash of soda water, all served in an exceptionally tall flute.

Which, importantly, is filled to the brim.

Before moving to our table, my partner and I enjoyed our drinks and scanned the main menu in the lively bar area. All of the staff members at COB are a total delight, and our waitress, Becca, was no exception: friendly, funny and not afraid to make her own recommendations. I am a notoriously indecisive diner, so the latter came in particularly useful when I was on the cusp of my usual ‘MEAT OR FISH?!!’ induced mental breakdown.

One thing I am incapable of resisting, however, is Salt and Pepper Squid, so naturally, I ordered a portion of it from the ‘nibbles’ section to accompany me in my dithering torment. When it arrived, the classically naked battered squid I was envisaging had instead been coated in a sticky sauce.

As a loyal salt ‘n’ pepper consumer, I was concerned, bordering on distraught. My partner looked at me. I looked at him. He placed his hand on my own, to reassure me “Don’t!” I cried, as I moved my hand from his.

“Sally, you don’t have to do this,” he whispered.

“But I do. Don’t you see? I have a duty, and I must fulfil it”, I replied, bravely...

To read the full article and ratings for this restaurant, visit: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/restaurantreview

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Gresford Trust Newsdesk

By Jenny Dutton Lord Thomas chaired the Gresford Trust AGM and welcomed Philip Percival, a new Village Representative and John Lloyd representing the Bowls Club. John has taken over from Graham Owen, a Trustee for 10 years, who was thanked for his long service. Lord Thomas was pleased to confirm the appointment of Ian Gibson as Vice President. Emlyn Jones was elected as Chairman.

This year there were 903 visitors to Gresford’s Festival of Crafts which was held at the Trust and All Saints' Church.

The total income of £7,497.92 was topped up from Craft Club funds to enable the following donations: Gresford Memorial Hall, All Saints Church and Nightingale House Hospice each received £1,400.

Macmillan Cancer Care, Marie Curie, Gresford Royal British Legion, and Hope House Children's Hospice each received £800. Proceeds from the Quilt Raffle of £608 plus £175 from Jill Owens' sheep sales also went to Hope House. North Wales Cave Rescue Org. received £312 from the Challenge this year, ‘Underground’. A big thank-you to the ladies of the Craft Group from the Trust for their donation. It is much appreciated.

Gresford Snooker Team had a nail-biting season finish being a mere one point in the lead at the last game of the season.

Gresford won their final game 5-1 but Overton, with their last player needing to get two snookers - which he did - won 6-0!

They tied on points, but Overton won the league on matches won. Professional, Ryan Day attended the League Presentation at Llay Welfare. The A team had good year

finishing 2nd in the league. The B Team won the Hughie Pritchard Cup. On June 23rd the Trust were pleased to host a Family Fun Day in memory of Jonathan Ratcliffe, which was organised by his friends. The weather was amazing and so was the turn-out with hundreds coming to enjoy the football tournament, many entertainments and live music. It was a fantastic and very successful event, raising over £11,000 for Beating Bowel Cancer.

IMAGE, the local environment group held their AGM in June. The group meet at the Trust on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30pm and new members are always welcome. Andrew Bailey was elected as Chairman, Barbara Watson as Secretary, and Sue Cleaver as Treasurer. The IMAGE Scarecrow Trail begins 18th August until 1st September. A Scarecrow Tea is being held 2pm on Saturday 8th September in Gresford Scout Hut for children to meet the scarecrows in person!

Gresford Playgroup waved goodbye to Lisa Weaver after 13 years with the Playgroup.

We wish her all the best for the future.

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The Benefits of Being in Nature

By EssentialsMAG fitness contributor HELEN CONWAY We have been so fortunate recently with some amazing weather, and although it's sometimes easier to get out when the weather is good, being in the outdoors and connecting with nature has huge benefits all year round.

It can improve short term memory A study at the University of Michigan showed that people who walked amongst trees improved their results on a memory test by 20% compared to those that walked down a city street.

It can reduce stress levels Two studies (from Scandinavia and Japan) showed that spending time in a forest can reduce the stress hormone, Cortisol, as well as reducing heart rate. It was also found that even a view of nature through an office window can reduce stress levels.

It can reduce inflammation Inflammation is a natural process in the body to respond to threats like damage or trauma, but excess inflammation can cause a huge issue, having a negative impact on conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders and arthritis.

Spending time in nature may be one way to help keep it in check. In one study, students who spent time in the forest showed lower levels of inflammation than those in cities.

In another study, elderly patients who spent a week in a forest environment showed reduced signs of inflammation as well as some indications that their blood pressure was reduced too.

There are so many benefits from getting outdoors, so even if you aren't local to a forest, find some green space, breathe, connect to nature and benefit from our lovely countryside.

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

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Gresford Community Council Latest News Gresford Community Council works for the communities of Gresford and Marford to ensure they remain attractive, inclusive and safe places to live. Here is an update on some of our most recent priorities.

Gresford Lake An information board has been installed at the lake to inform visitors about the diverse range of birdlife and flora. This was organised by Councillor Jenny Dutton, working with IMAGE. Some of the monies bequeathed by resident Mrs Gwyneth Evans towards the lake was put towards the cost. The lake clear- up will take place as usual in September as organised by Mrs Marion Williams. Any vegetation collected will be dealt with by the Community Council.

Replacement footway lighting.

The Community Council is currently working towards replacement footway lighting. The Carbon Trust have identified that by replacing the street lighting with LED, a 60% reduction in energy costs will be achieved, and also recommended ‘trimming and dimming’ lighting in certain areas to save further costs. These savings will in turn pay back the costs of the lighting replacements. The Community Council is considering a dimming programme for all footway lighting except for main thoroughfares of High Street, Pant Lane and Hillock Lane.

Telephone kiosk Work has now been completed to refurbish the telephone kiosk which we purchased from BT for a £1. It will house a local information board and a defibrillator.

We are pleased to say the recently stolen defibrillator has been found, in working order, and will be reinstalled with additional security measures, as soon as possible.

Training for local residents will also be organised.

Inclusive play at Allington Park The Community Council is working with contractors towards the installation of an inclusive roundabout, suitable for all abilities. Dependent on costs we hope to install one in both play areas. Some of the cost may be offset by a payment received through ‘local planning obligations’, together with a small grant received from Wrexham Council’s Play Insufficiency project.

War memorial The Community Council is working with the local British Legion aiming to install a Commemorative Memorial, to coincide with the 100 years anniversary of the ending of World War One. We will be consulting with residents in due course.

Councillor Blackmore has applied for a grant to provide ‘Silhouette soldiers’ for the village. These would then be made available to any organisation planning a commemorative event.

Gresford Health Centre The Council remains opposed to this proposal -please look at the website and notice board for further details.

Further information is on the website www.gresford.org.uk, and noticeboards .

Or you can contact the Clerk at: clerkgresford@gmail.com / 01978 355 135.

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Ian Lucas MP for Wrexham Preparations are well under way for an event I’ve had the pleasure to organise for three years now – the Wrexham Singing Streets Choir Festival. This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, September 29 and, at the time of writing, I’m pleased to report that 30 choirs are booked in to perform for free.

It really is a day to savour and it gives me great satisfaction to be involved in something that brings the streets of our town centre alive with hundreds of people.

The event unites the wider area too, with plenty of people from Chester and Wirral and the rest of North Wales coming to town to either sing in one of the choirs or enjoy the performances. It's a real community occasion.

We started the festival in 2016, following the success of musical performances at Wrexham’s monthly street festivals, as a way of bringing vibrancy and song to the town centre in a more coordinated and bigger way. It has developed still further in the time since, and this year’s will be the biggest and best yet, with more choirs than we’ve ever had before.

The choirs will perform at various key locations around the town centre and, of course, it’s free to watch them. There will be choirs of all kinds of ages, styles and abilities and the songs they sing will come from a variety of different musical genres – there really will be something for everyone from classical to rock, with community choirs, male voice choirs, school choirs, signing choirs and opera among the mix.

A lot of hard work goes into organising such an event, and there is a strong group of key partners, as the event receives no public funding whatsoever.

I’m grateful to John Jones Quality Acoustics, Wrexham Community Choir volunteers, Gateway Church, Wrexham Business Group CIC and Glyndŵr University, all of whom collaborate with us as partners and put in an awful lot of hard work. I’d also like to thank our event sponsors - Wockhardt, Wrexham Crime Link, Hays Travel and Gateway Church.

It’s a team effort and I’m sure you will agree with me when I say that such events are important for Wrexham and show off our very strong musical tradition and local talent.

For further information about the event please contact me via the email and contact number on this page.

The official event website is: http://singingstreets.org/about/ and you can also get updates via the Singing Streets Facebook page (search ‘Wrexham Singing Streets’). The event runs from 11am to 4pm and there’s a ‘mass sing’ in Queen’s Square at 1pm. I look forward to seeing you there on the day.

Tel: 01978 355743 ian.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

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Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Peace of Mind Planning Property prices, rising investment fund values and changes to pension rules have all helped to see a higher proportion of estates incur Inheritance Tax (IHT) with the total tax levied

by HMRC growing by 20% between 2015 and 2016 (1).

Now that’s odd isn’t it, at a time when the introduction of the Main Residence Relief looked set to hopefully have the opposite effect? So what is actually happening and what can you do about it?

The new Main Residence Relief means very different things to different readers. If you are a couple planning to leave your own home to your children (which includes adopted children, step children etc) then by April 2020/21 tax year it will allow you to leave the children up to £350,000 of value in your home without incurring an inheritance tax charge. You both still have the Nil Rate Band available worth £325,000 each - so it should be possible to leave a total of £1m in your combined estates and not see it taxed.

If you are a couple with no children - the main residence relief does NOT apply (which means in general estates over £650,000 being taxed). A single person with no children has just one allowance of £325,000. You need to know your numbers and the rules and many have commented how unfair the current allowances appear. Lastly, the Main Residence Relief can be reduced if the estate in question is over £2m and can be lost entirely. An area where advice is essential.

Everyone though has some options to address this - and avoid paying what is often

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn Edwards

considered a ‘voluntary tax’. You can gift capital during your lifetime direct to your chosen beneficiaries or to a Trust (which tends to give you more control thereafter).

Many of our clients like to take the opportunity to help their families now - rather than see them wait for the inevitable. You simply MUST understand the rules here and we often help families ‘get around the table’ together to look at this closely and put a plan together.

A popular way of mitigating IHT is using the available gift allowances, and again help your children, grandchildren or wider family now.

This is a less well known and used path to potentially solve some of these issues - but can be very effective.

You can also take out ‘whole of life cover’ which would pay out a lump sum to your beneficiaries on death to pay any unavoidable tax due.

Lastly for now, understanding how the ‘death benefits’ of your pension works is also important. The rule changes allow much more flexibility with how benefits might be taken but make sure you do not make a mistake and bring funds which could be kept outside of your estate, into HMRC’s clutches.

Lots to consider and it does not need to get too complicated. Having a plan and PEACE OF MIND is what this is really about. We welcome you to contact us to arrange a meeting in your home or our new offices if you would like to assess your own position and options.

(1) HMRC data 29/07/2016

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time.

The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

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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at Hadlow edwards we offer a distinctive approach to our clients and their financial affairs.

You get all the benefits of personal attention and years of experience from an approachable, friendly team of professionals. We take care of the details and take away the frustration of financial planning.

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

HADLOW EDWARDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD chartered Financial Planners

Telephone: 01978 311 611 Fax: 01978 311 633 email: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

Legal Advice Questions & Answers

By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE QUESTION: My Husband and I are going through divorce proceedings. He has told me that I do not need a solicitor as he would make sure that I was ‘all right’ financially. He is a Director of numerous businesses buying and selling properties. As of late, I have noticed that he has started to take large sums of monies from our accounts . He has also sold several properties and the monies for such, have not gone into the normal account. What should I do?

ANSWER: You need to seek the advice of a solicitor as a matter of urgency. There is a possibility that your Husband is disposing of monies to prevent you from making a claim against the same.

Your solicitor would ask for an explanation and an undertaking, that all assets remain intact, until there is a final court order in respect of your finances. He/she would also ask that the monies be returned and held in a client deposit account until matters are resolved.

If such is not forthcoming, then an urgent application for an Injunction needs to be filed with the Court, so as to prevent him from disposing of anything else. This really needs to be done as a matter of urgency to protect your situation. So please don’t delay.

Although your Husband has said that he will see you ‘all right’ in respect of your finances, this suggests that he only wants to pay what he thinks you are entitled to and not necessarily what you are entitled to. The fact that he is disposing of monies means that you cannot trust him.

Accordingly, along with the injunction, you will need to make an application to the Court for a Financial Remedy Order. Such application will order your Husband to provide documentary evidence of all his income and assets including potential inheritance claims and pension provision. It’s only when he has complied with such order, that proposals can be made with a view to settling matters between you.

If that is not possible, you will attend a Financial Dispute Resolution (known as an FDR) appointment wherein the Legal Representatives will try and resolve the issues between you with the assistance of the District Judge. If that is not possible, the matter would be set down EssentialsMAG legal advice for a hearing but this is rare nowadays. contributor is Carol McGuire FDRs have a very good rate of success. of Thomas Andrews www.thomasandrews.co.uk

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Local Properties For Sale Please get in touch if you'd like to view any of these properties, or to discuss rentals as investments. Telephone: 01978 312123

Augusta Drive, The Fairways, LL13 9GL Four Bedroom Modern Detached Family House

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Beamed Ceilings Gas Central Heating / Double Glazed Windows Lounge With Multi Fuel Burner Refitted Kitchen/ Ground Floor Shower Room Yard to Front And Rear, Far Reaching View No Chain/ Epc 67 D

Ffordd Ystrad, Coed Y Glyn, Nr Erddig. LL13 7QQ 5 Bedroom Detached Family House

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A Blank Canvas Join us at Rossett Art Club Rossett Art Group was formed in about 2002 by a small group of local painters. The meeting place used to be the Church Hall in Station Road, Rossett, (hence the name of the group). It was, and still is, a group of like-minded painters, or leisure painters as we are euphemistically called today. By about 2008 the waiting list to join the group was so big the decision was made to move to larger premises and we now meet in Gresford Memorial Hall - but we are still Rossett Art Group. We have a small committee to help make the day to day business run smoothly but we continually consult with members on what they want for the best interests of the group.

We have an annual programme of events including demonstrators and DVD sessions. The group is a very sociable group and there is often a lot of talking and painting - perhaps we could call it multi-tasking!

New members wanted We are currently seeking new members to join this well established art group. We meet on most Mondays between 1pm and 4pm at Gresford Memorial Hall. Membership is ÂŁ25 per quarter and payable to our treasured Treasurer Barbara. A small kitchen is available where, for 20 pence, you can have tea or coffee and biscuits provided by the lovely Kate.

We are not a tuition group; however members have considerable expertise and are always available to help if required. So if you are new to painting, in any medium, there will be a member to help you get started. This will include what paints, paper, brushes etc. you will need to buy to get going.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact me on: 01978 852529. Come and visit us (for free), and see if you like us - you will be able to enjoy a free tea or coffee and biscuits too!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Dennis Davies CHAIRMAN, ROSSETT ART GROUP

CHESTER 01244 403900 33 Lower Bridge St, Chester CH1 1RS

WREXHAM 01978 291345 Imperial Buildings, King St, Wrexham LL11 1HE

A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED AND INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED FOUR BEDROOM CONVERTED BARN, SITUATED WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO HOLT. MUST BE VIEWED TO BE FULLY APPRECIATED.

FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED HOME SITUATED ON A GENEROUS SIZED PLOT IN A DESIRABLE AREA, OFFERING SPACIOUS AND ADAPTABLE ACCOMMODATION THROUGHOUT.

HOLT £475,000

MARFORD £465,000

MODERN, WELL-PRESENTED AND EXTENDED FOUR BEDROOM LINK-DETACHED HOUSE CONVENIENTLY SITUATED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF HOLT VILLAGE.

EXTENDED AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED, THREE BEDROOM DETACHED BUNGALOW LOCATED WITHIN THE DESIRABLE VILLAGE OF FARNDON AND SHOULD BE VIEWED TO BE FULLY APPRECIATED.

HOLT £395,000

FARNDON £339,950

BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED AND EXTENDED THREE BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED HOME LOCATED WITHIN THE SOUGHT AFTER, RURAL HAMLET OF BURTON, ENJOYING STUNNING RURAL VIEWS.

RECENTLY UPDATED BAY FRONTED TWO-BEDROOM END OF TERRACE LOCATED IN THE POPULAR VILLAGE OF GRESFORD. VIEWING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

BURTON £325,000

GRESFORD £165,000

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OFFICES IN CHESTER AND WREXHAM

Great Day Out - Step Back in Time at Trefriw Woollen Mills Trefriw Woollen Mills is one of the few remaining woollen mills still in production in Wales. The woollen industry in Wales was once an important part of the Welsh economy.

The complex of mill buildings and machinery at Trefriw upholds a long tradition of wool processing and weaving in northern Snowdonia. In 1859 the mill was acquired by Thomas Williams and has remained in the hands of the Williams family ever since.

Inside the complex, visitors can watch traditional Welsh blankets, tweeds, travelling rugs and bedspreads being woven on power looms using electricity generated on site. The small garden near the entrance contains various plants which were once grown to provide natural fabric dyes. Pure wool products, together with garments, accessories and homewares made from the fabric produced at the mills are sold at the shop in the main building. They also stock pure wool knitwear and sheepskin goods.

Visit the tearoom for a taste of Wales. Welsh cakes and bara brith, scones and locally made cakes served with a choice of teas, cappuccinos, latte or Rombout filter coffee.

Entrance fee: Admission free.

Accessibility: Access limited to ground floor of Mill, stairs to top two floors. Ramp access to shop, cafe, weaving and turbine house.

Opening times: Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the mill museum. The water driven turbine can be viewed all year within shop hours: Monday - Saturday all year.

Summer: 9:30am - 5:30pm / Winter: 10:00am - 5:00pm.

Sundays: May 27th - September 30th 10:00am - 5:00pm.

Weaving can be viewed mid February to mid December (Monday-Friday), and additional machinery such as carding engines and spinning mules can be viewed Easter to October (Monday-Friday).

Trefriw Woollen Mills Ltd., Main Road, Trefriw, Conwy Valley, LL27 0NQ Tel: 01492 640462, www.t-w-m.co.uk

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BALMUIR GARAGE We believe QUALITY, SERVICE and PRICE can go together Servicing and mechanical repairs for all makes and models of cars and light vans • MOT Testing Station for cars and light vans • Exhausts, clutches and brakes • Cam belts • 4-wheel alignment • Courtesy cars available

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07773 956 658 / 01978 852 675 WALES AND CHESHIRE AREAS COVERED

Hugh Jones Councillor for Rossett Bellis Brothers. In a determined effort to pre-empt the outcome of the LDP 2 process, Bellis Brothers from Holt are making a planning application for their two fields adjacent to Harwoods Lane and Holt Road. I am grateful to a number of residents who have made very detailed and substantial objections to their application.

This is a development that is unwanted by the whole community and will be powerfully resisted.

Public Meeting. The Residents Meeting to discuss the proposals for The Green and Harwoods Lane will be held on Thursday 16th August in the Village Hall at 19:30pm.

I have been working with Highways and St Peter’s School to improve the safety of all road users and have arranged for a representative from Highways to present the proposals. In addition to The Green, the plans will include improved disabled access along Chester Road putting in dropped kerbs to enable all the bus stops on the village side to be accessed. Also on Chester Road a public footpath will be situated in front of the shops and improvements to the junction between Chester Road and The Green. Included in the plan are a number of improvements suggested by residents, including extending the 20mph area to include the residential area of Harwood Lane.

above. The plan will be subject to a public examination by a Welsh Government Planning Inspector early in 2019.

Parking on Pavements. I receive an increasing number of complaints about this issue and understand that in many cases the intention is to improve the flow of traffic. However, the obstruction caused creates significant problems for wheelchair and push chair users and partially sighted people, often causing them to have to ‘bounce’ off pavements onto the roadway.

It would be helpful if drivers ensure that they leave sufficient room for all users to stay on the footpath. Obstruction is an offence and North Wales Police will be more proactive in issuing penalty notices to offenders.

Advertising Boards. Following issues raised by the Community Council over commercial advertising boards on the Highway, Wrexham Council Streetscene have adopted a robust policy of removing signs placed on or attached to the Highway.

The estate agents who continually attach for sale signs on Rossett Bridge have had their signs removed and I have asked officers to look into fining repeat offenders as there is a cost to the Local Authority every time they have to remove them.

LDP 2. The consultation has now closed and meetings of the Planning Policy Panel will be held during September to review the consultations. As the plan currently stands I will not be supporting it due to the inclusion of the Bellis fields referred to

Tel: 07769 706999 hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk

ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY

Clinic No 8 is based in the picturesque surroundings of The Plassey Barn and provides a range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments for both men and women. Treatments are performed by Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, Laura Ransome, RGN who is a fully qualified and insured medical professional.

Semi Permanent makeup is carried out by Teresa Greenhalgh trained by Finishing Touches Group.

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Russell Gilmartin Councillor for Marford & Hoseley Hello all. I hope you’re enjoying this glorious weather, after a short break I’m glad to be back with my monthly Essentials update.

Marford Park Thank you to those volunteered to cut the grass in Marford Park and to Cllr Atkinson for dealing with this issue whilst I was away. I am yet to attain a certain answer concerning who is responsible for this upkeep, but I am endeavouring to resolve the issue, as swiftly as possible. It’s a mystery as to why this problem has now arisen, after years of the park being maintained with no previous problems, but I’m confident I will get to the bottom of it.

Roads I’ve recently had an on-site visit from a council officer to highlight some of the remaining potholes that still need repairing, and some of the drainage problems we’ve recently had.

I expressed and pointed out all of our concerns to him, and have been assured they will be addressed soon.

Following on from this site visit, I’ve been lobbying the council to clear the footpath at the top of Marford Hill. I’m told there are plans in place but there will need to be traffic management for when the work is undertaken; once it’s arrange it may cause slight delays for a day or two. I will keep you informed with the progress of this.

Parking Recently, I’ve had a few complaints about cars being illegally parked on footpaths, making it difficult for those with wheelchairs or prams to get passed. We do have enforcement officers that now visit the area, and if they come across any vehicles that are unlawfully parked, the owner will receive a fine.

Hedges If you’ve got hedges running adjacent to public pavements, please keep them trimmed so they don’t obstruct the footpaths.

Politics and a pint Politics and a pint will start again soon – it’s been difficult to arrange due to busy schedules and holidays.

As always, if you have any issues please feel free to contact me.

Here’s to a warm and enjoyable August!

Tel: 07514 676175 russell.gilmartin@wrexham.gov.uk

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Andrew Atkinson Councillor for Gresford Travellers. Travellers arrived in the village recently after setting up an illegal encampment on Pont y Capel Lane. I've been working to support the land owner and to help them with the situation. It's been extremely frustrating how long it's taken to get to court but sadly there is no faster route. If you own land you may wish to secure it.

Crime. In other news, we've had a high spate of crime and anti-social behaviour in the village recently which has kept me busy working closely with the police and making sure everything is reported. Please report absolutely everything that you're concerned about to the police on 101 it really does help when I'm making the case for an increased police presence in the village. I'm grateful to the police for the increased presence of late, we have really needed it.

Local Development Plan. The extended consultation is now closed, thank you to everyone that made your views known on local planning matters. I'll keep you all posted on what comes next.

Site on the Corner of the High Street. I've had to be patient whilst the site owner was given time to prepare a planning application. That time has passed and I'm focussed on planning enforcement and continuing to make the case for a compulsory purchase order.

Alyn Family Doctors. At the time of writing I'm told that no application has yet gone in to the health board to progress the plans. Thank you for all your letters to various people and organisations it's been extremely helpful so far. There's no indication of what will happen but I'm hopeful that a practice can still be run from that site if Betsi give it chance.

Roads and Repairs. I'm still logging all potholes and sections of road that need repair and doing all I can to get them sorted. Please let me know if I can help with logging any others you spot.

Off-Road Parking. I have some off-road parking schemes being made for council tenants in Newtown and Narrow Lane to try and help with on-street parking issues.

Keep in Touch. I'll be resuming Politics and a Pint and surgeries with Cllr Gilmartin very soon.

In the meanwhile, if I can help with anything at all please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Have a great summer!

Tel: 07914 211631 andrew.atkinson@wrexham.gov.uk

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EssentialsMAG Noticeboard Afternoon Tea at Christ Church Rossett 19th August, 3-5pm £5 Adults / £3 for under 10s Cake stall and Raffle In aid of church funds

WHIZZ-KIDZ CLUB, WREXHAM We offer free, supported, and fun sessions for young wheelchair users aged up to 25.

Young people under 12 can attend if accompanied by a parent/carer.

For further information contact Sue on: email: s.shingler@whizz-Kidz.org.uk or call: 07771 652153.

Club held in Gresford/Llay.

COFFEE MORNING

for Macmillan Cancer Support Wednesday September 5th at 11am Llay Community Church Hall Nant y Gaer Road Llay LL12 0SG Coffee/Tea all free

Become a household name... Advertise your event or class here for only £10.

Free of charge to charities and not-for-profit groups and organisations.

Email: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

Keep the Date...Advance notice

DnA, Celtic Harpist Delyth Jenkins and daughter Angharad, a fiddler will be performing traditional and folk music along with their own compositions in All Saints Church Gresford on Friday 7th September at 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 to include wine or soft drink and nibbles in the interval, available online from TicketSource (quote DnA Gresford); from jsusiek@hotmail.com Tel 01978 854469; or from church members.

Proceeds to church funds.

OPEN-AIR GARDEN THEATRE TOUR OF UK AND IRELAND 2018 Chapterhouse Theatre Company is thrilled to announce that we will be appearing at NATIONAL TRUST ERDDIG with our production of LITTLE WOMEN. Saturday 18th August, 6.30pm Tickets and Information from National Trust Box Office 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig Adult £16 / Child £10 Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £46 10% discount for parties of 10 or more Gates open at 5.30pm.

Bring your own rugs or low-backed seating.

Rossett Community Council Public Meeting to review the draft proposals made by Wrexham Council regarding the traffic flow around The Green.

Thursday 16th August 7.30pm Rossett Village Hall, Station Road Please, come and have your say.

Essentials Mag Mailbox

In memory Dear Vicky, My mother, Doris Williams, passed away earlier this year and I wish to thank all Doris’ friends for their kindness and support during her illness. In later years mum particularly valued the Luncheon Club get-togethers organized by Beryl Blackmore.

When she first moved to the village in 1956, Doris became an active supporter of the Scout movement, believing that all young people should be encouraged to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities through a range of fun activities and adventures. With two young sons wanting to join the movement, Doris took on the role of Akela of Gresford Cub Scouts when meetings were held in the Church House.

In memory of Doris, £600.00; the generous donations in lieu of flowers at mum’s funeral, have been gifted equally to 1st Gresford and 1st Marford Guides and 1st Gresford Scout Group.

Jennifer Dutton

Bellis Bros Planning Application, Rossett The continuing saga of this planning application continues with the latest submission to Wrexham Planners. The scale of the application, in my view, will destroy the ‘village’ character of Rossett as we know it. The local infra structure is more than creaking at present, with issues with getting access to healthcare and schooling. Whilst the bus service between Wrexham and Chester is good, with no rail access the existing road network is inadequate for what we have now let alone adding another 200 cars to the problem. The multi millions spent on access onto the A483/A55 at Chester is a joke as you can regularly still spend time admiring the Grosvenor Garden centre whilst sat in the morning rush hour, that’s how long the queues can get. We now have no post office or bank, so people are and will be forced into their cars.

The next idea will probably be to decide we need a new Tesco’s to cater for the increased population! Oh - we could probably build that on the school field! Come on let’s resist this application it’s too big and detrimental to the village. It is worth reading the latest submission, You can object on Wrexham Planning Web site.

Mr Angry of Rossett

If you have a comment about any local news/information please email: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

Gresford and District Community Library

The Gresford and District Community Library (GDCL) entered its fifth year of operation in April 2018, and things continue to go well. Adults and children can borrow books, audio books and DVDs from across the whole of North Wales and can also download eBooks and audio books – all for free! Many people come and use our computers and colour copying, printing, scanning facilities; our children’s KidzKlub – held in our beautiful Children’s Library on the first Saturday of every month – is wellattended and lots of fun!! Find out more at http://gresforddistrictcommunitylibrary.or g.uk/ and on Facebook. The Community Councils of Gresford and Rossett have continued to support us which means that all our fundraising efforts can go towards our saving goals of the last two years renovating the library loo and the kitchen.

Our biggest annual fundraising event, July’s Garden Party, was brilliant. Around one hundred visitors came to enjoy sun, strawberries, prosecco and live music in a beautiful garden setting - massive thanks once more to Baroness Walmsley and Lord Thomas for opening up their garden and home to us. Thanks, also, to everyone who supported us by attending, helping, buying raffle tickets and donating prizes (we were, once again, well-supported by local hostelries – The Plough, the Pant-yr-Ochain and the Golden Lion all gave us meal raffle prizes). We’re really grateful to the SPAR

for their donation of a £60 voucher towards our costs and to All Saints School which supports us each year by lending us tables, chairs, gazebos.

Wrexham Country Market joined us with their beautiful, hand-crafted goods as did Tina Davies of Country Chic who brought along some of her gorgeous scarves, tops and jewellery. Special thanks go to Pete Spesh, who stepped into the musical breach and treated us to some great live acoustic music - and also to the Gresford Handbell Ringers who, once again, delighted with their musical skill and dexterity. We're very grateful to all of you for helping us to keep our community library open; we raised approximately £736 after expenses!

Mischief Makers Our children’s annual Summer Reading Challenge is well underway once more; this year’s theme is Mischief Makers. The challenge to all our school-aged children is to read six library books over the summer holidays. As usual, anyone who makes a start on the challenge will receive a certificate and those who rise to the challenge successfully, and read six books, will also receive a beautiful medal. There are Beano-based games and stickers to be had along the way! Find out more at: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

We’re open Tuesday & Wednesday: 2-5pm / Friday: 10am-5pm / Saturday: 10am-1pm

RSPCA - Giving Up an Unwanted Pet

Owning pets can be extremely rewarding, however it comes with much responsibility.

Some owners find themselves in a position where they feel they need to give up a pet.

This could be for numerous reasons, but giving them up should always be a last resort.

Animals with behavioural problems Pets can develop behavioural problems which can be distressing. You might consider giving them up when they’re displaying signs of aggression, destructiveness, or inappropriate toileting but there are things that can be done to help. Get them checked by a vet to rule out illness or injury as a root cause, then consult an expert clinical animal behaviourist.

Expensive veterinary treatment Before giving up pets because of expensive medical bills do some research. Some of our branches, where funds allow, may be able to help those receiving low-income state benefits. Find out if you could be

eligible for financial assistance. Other charities can also help. Consider pet insurance which covers future unexpected vets’ bills, safeguarding their health. We recommend pet insurance as essential for responsible pet ownership.

Giving up an unwanted pet correctly Sometimes giving up a pet is the right thing to do, but it can be distressing for you and them, so must be done carefully.

Give your unwanted pet the best chance of finding a happy home - contact a charity experienced in matching each pet with the right owner.

Charities for giving up an unwanted dog: www.battersea.org.uk www.dogpages.org.uk www.adch.org.uk www.bluecross.org.uk Charities for giving up an unwanted cat: www.cats.org.uk www.bluecross.org.uk www.adch.org.uk

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

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Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun Crossword Across 1 3 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 22 23

Money that is owed (4) School pupils (8) Mythical being (7) Brilliant successes (5) Boxing class division (12) Encrypt (6) Biochemical catalyst (6) Clearly evident (12) Ape (abbrev) (5) List one by one (7) Cheapest berth on a ship (8) Comedy sketch (4)

Down 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 14 16 18 19

Minute aquatic plant (8) Hackneyed (5) Unseated by a horse (6) Lexicons (12) Mischievous (7) Cloth worn around the waist (4) Person who listens into conversations (12) Showing deep and solemn respect (8) Narrow fissure (7) Requesting (6) Quick and active (5) Point-winning serves (tennis) (4)

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

Here are the answers from July:

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