EssentialsMAG August 2023 - North Wrexham/Cheshire Magazine

Welcome...

Cover Image: Summer holiday illustration

September Deadlines:

Editorial - 10th August

Advertising -17th August

With the arrival of warm weather and a break from daily school routines, the summer school holidays offer a much-needed opportunity for relaxation, exploration, and quality time together. It’s also a time to relish in the wonders that our community has to offer.

In these pages, we showcase the local events, festivals, and outdoor activities that bring our community together, encouraging you to embrace the warm weather and make lasting memories.

Our food section explores the abundance of fresh produce that graces our tables during August. From succulent berries and stone fruits, to vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, our local farm shops and markets are teeming with ingredients that inspire mouth-watering summer recipes.

Finally, we extend our gratitude to you, our loyal readers, for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of our local magazine. We hope that this August edition brings joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to our community and the incredible season we find ourselves in.

Wishing you a memorable August!

All the best, Vicky Heathfield

EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

We’ve got the local area covered!

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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

Green Flag Accolade

Nine areas in Wrexham have retained their Green Flag Status – the international mark of a quality park or green space. Flags are awarded for areas that have excellent visitor facilities, high environmental standards and a commitment to deliver quality green space.

Acton Park, Alyn Waters Country Park, Bellevue Park, Ponciau Banks Park, Tŷ Mawr Country Park and Wrexham Cemetery, were awarded, along with volunteer-run Green Flag Community Award winners, Chirk Station, Plas Pentwyn and Maes Y Pant.

Now in its third decade, the Green Flag Award recognises well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries around the world.

For details visit: www.greenflagaward.org

Ploughfest Success!

Lost Letter

Recently, I lost a letter on my way to the post box and couldn't find it when retracing my route. However, I found out that the letter had arrived at its destination. Someone had found my letter and very kindly posted it on! I would like to say a big thank you to whoever that person was.

Michael Webber, from Gresford

Back in June, over 500 people helped make Ploughfest a huge success, raising an amazing £11,331 for the Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Organiser, Phil Jones, told us: “Ploughfest was a fantastic event. We received so much support from local businesses who supplied prizes for the raffle and auction. But the icing on the cake was the massive sponsorship of the event by Steve Griffin, MD of SG Estates. In the evening, the crowds were entertained by local band, Blue Art, plus two talented musicians, Carl Harrison and Luke Gallagher.”

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group has over 60 members and are keen to offer help to men in Wrexham who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or merely have symptoms.

For details, please call Phil Jones on: 07525 824679

Wrexham Launches Tourism Brochure

In a bid to attract international visitors and locals alike, Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) Tourism department has proudly revealed a brand new tourism brochure. The brochure serves as a gateway to the city's best-kept secrets and must-see attractions. Joe Bickerton (of WCBC) told us: “Fuelled by demand, we are delighted to take delivery of our new Wrexham tourism brochure! Ahead of what promises to be a buoyant period in our history, material like this, complementing our socials and wider work, will hopefully increase length of stays and awareness of what the County has to offer. Huge thanks to all of our partners in helping make this happen - in particular Vicky Heathfield and Clara Hughes for copywriting and design.”

Copies are available at the Wrexham Visitor Information Centre and most tourism-related businesses around the County. You can also read the brochure online: English version: https://bit.ly/3Dt5I6U / Welsh version: https://bit.ly/44YIwZL

Professional Musical Director required for Brymbo Male Choir

Brymbo Male Choir are seeking applications for the position of Musical Director, who can take them into the next phase of their development and fulfil current commitments. This is a part-time position with good remuneration, offering flexibility & camaraderie. Apply in the first instance to: miket2540@gmail.com or call: 07775 996088

Scarecrows

The Gresford and Marford Scarecrow Trail will run between 12th - 28th August. All the information you need is on the trail map (£1 each), which you can pick up from Gresford Spar, Marford Hill Co-op, Gresford Newsagents, and the Community Library.

Governor Wanted

Holt CP School has a vacancy for a Community Governor.

To apply, please express an interest to: mailbox@holt-priwrexham.sch.uk by 8th September.

Thank You

A total of £454 was raised at the Coffee Morning in June to raise funds for Christ Church. Thank you to everyone who came along, bought raffle tickets, donated raffle prizes, made cakes and helped on the day.

with us: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article

Dodleston Local History Group

By EssentialsMAG history contributor BERNARD DENNIS, MBE

The history of Dodleston is a long and varied one with the village being mentioned in the Domesday Survey in 1086. Since that time, Dodleston, and its resultant Marcher Parish, being situated some five miles southwest of the city of Chester and within shouting distance of the border with Wales, has experienced many events of historical interest.

It would seem there are no remains of pre-Norman churches in Cheshire and there was no mention in the Domesday entry for Dodleston of any church in 1086. There is, however, a possibility that, as the monks of St Werburgh’s held several manors in the countryside around Chester, Dodleston may have had a small building which was used for religious services taken by itinerant monks from Chester.

Dodleston has, in the very early years of the 12th century, transitioned between Wales and England due to various land disputes. But it wasn’t until the treaty made between Llewellyn and Ranulf de Blundeville III, Earl of Chester in 1218, that the resulting boundary changes once again brought Dodleston and Kinnerton into England. (Although Higher Kinnerton is in Wales, Lower Kinnerton in England).

It was from this first settled period that it’s possible a permanent church could be established and the first known Rector of Dodleston was Hugh, some time before 1220. Prior to that, it appears Dodleston, for ecclesiastical purposes, was part of the

Parish of St Oswald’s, Chester. The date of construction of St Mary’s Church Dodleston is unknown, but the bell tower is thought to be from the early 1500s. The church, as we know it now, was remodelled by the Cheshire architect John Douglas in 1869/70.

Over the centuries, there have been 51 Rectors and 24 Curates connected with St Mary’s Dodleston, and more latterly with All Saint’s Higher Kinnerton. The Parish has been in an interregnum since September 2022 following the retirement, after about 12 years’ service of the previous Rector.

Following an exhaustive process, a new Rector has been appointed, Reverend Hana Amner. She will be Rector of St Mary’s Dodleston, All Saints Higher Kinnerton, and Chaplain of Bishop’s Blue Coat High School in Chester. Together with her husband, Warren, who is a dairy farmer for the Duke of Westminster, and with their dog, Fudge, and cats, Larry and Bear, they will live in the Rectory in Dodleston.

A newly positioned sign on the main gate into the Rectory reads:

“ST. MARY’S RECTORY

The Vicar lives here, turn around before it’s too late”

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

Trauma and PTSD

By EMMA GOUGH, Mindkey Therapy

Fifty percent of people will at some point in their life experience trauma, 20% of those will go on to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A traumatic event is anything that is distressing or upsetting. Events can include (but is not limited to) actual or threatened death, serious injury, accidents, disasters or being hurt by others.

PTSD can develop after exposure to a single traumatic event, or because of exposure to prolonged and repeated traumatic events. It’s normal to have strong emotions in response to trauma and to feel overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. Everyone responds in different ways, and we all have different capacities to cope.

Some of the most common reactions to trauma can include:

Re-experiencing – such as dreams, nightmares, flashbacks or physical reactions that mimic what we felt at the time. Our senses can re-experience trauma too (smell, sight, sound, taste, touch).

Hyper arousal – feelings of being on edge, on guard, jumpy, easily startled, poor sleep, poor concentration, restlessness.

Avoidance – an understandable reaction to coping with pain and distress. You may be avoiding people, places, situations, objects, or certain activities.

Changes in beliefs – about yourself, other people or how you view the world. This is common when traumas have been sustained – you may now think the world is unsafe, or blame yourself. Often, people are left with persistent beliefs of low selfworth, hopelessness and are unable to regulate their emotions. You may be unable to feel close to others and find it difficult to form and maintain relationships.

Strong emotions - if the trauma experienced has been prolonged and repeated, you may be left with strong emotions, such as shame, guilt, anger, or complex grief.

In time, many people recover from their experiences. For others, the impact of trauma can last and develop into PTSD.

CBT, EMDR, and Narrative Exposure Therapy are all treatments that can help. These treatments all involve talking about what happened, making sense of what happened, reducing the avoidance and overwhelming emotions, helping you to reclaim your life.

There is hope. You hold the key to your mind.

By Emma Gough from Mindkey Therapy Tel: 07487 373628 emma@mindkeytherapy.co.uk

Flower Remedies Animals & Change

By MELANIE BURGESS

Change can be difficult for both animals and their people to process and cope with, especially if that change involves moving to a new home, losing a companion or leaving one family to join another family. As always, when we are talking about our emotions, Bach flower remedies are on hand to help.

A puppy or kitten going to their new home, or an animal that is being rehomed, is a huge and unsettling change in their life with lots of new things to get used to.

Recently, we got a new puppy and it has been a big change for all of us. It has been 15 years since we last had a pup!

For our puppy, as soon as she came home on that first night, she had remedies added to her water – Rescue Remedy for the trauma of leaving her old family, Walnut to help her to adapt to a change, Mimulus as she was likely to be feeling scared, Larch for confidence and Elm to help with sensory overload so she didn’t feel overwhelmed.

She settled in no time at all and has become an integral part of the family - she is a gorgeous little tinker!

Another change our pets may have to face is the death of their owner or animal companion, or if their ‘person’ goes away, perhaps to University, resulting in feelings of extreme grief.

They are left feeling lonely and vulnerable, creating an enormous amount of stress and extreme emotions. Star of Bethlehem will help to recover from the shock and trauma of loss, Gorse will help brighten an animal that is very depressed or heartbroken, Sweet Chestnut for the mental anguish, Wild Rose to restore the will to live, and Walnut to help them to adapt to such a major change.

Even just moving into a new house, or a change of furniture or carpets can upset, or unsettle our animals. Walnut is always my ‘go to’ remedy for change, and helps to give them strength and resilience to move forward and be happy and settled again. With the correctly chosen remedies, the help they can provide, especially for animals, is quite astounding. There are 38 to choose from and as they can be used in combination, Bach Flower Remedies are there to support any emotional challenges faced by anybody - animal or person.

For more details, contact Melanie Burgess at Daisy Holistics Tel: 07970 758811

E: daisyholistics@gmail.com Facebook: @daisyholistics

Dates for your Diary

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Darland Badminton Club

Sports Hall, Darland

High School, Chester Rd, Rossett LL12 0DL

We welcome players of all abilities. Just turn up.

7:30pm

£2.50

Tel: 07881 455581 (Jean)

5 - 6 AUGUST

Darganfod/Discover

Chester Street, Wrexham

Xplore! and Tŷ Pawb are working together to put on a fantastic festival of science and art for the city.

9:30am - 4:30pm

£9.50/Free under 4s

www.darganfod-discover.com

5 - 6 AUGUST

Rushbearing Weekend

St Chad's Church, Bridge Street, Holt LL13 9JP

Come and explore the medieval Church, examine old records, and climb the tower. Free refreshments.

10am - 4pm (3;30pm Sunday) Free (donations welcome)

EVERY SUNDAY

Wrexham Car Boot

Penyllan Farm, Wrexham Road, Marchwiel, Wrexham LL13 0PF

Plenty of room, £5 a pitch.

5:30am - 1pm

THUR 10 AUGUST

Kids Summer Dance Workshop

Penley Village Hall, Penley LL13 0NH

Mix of Commercial, Latin & Street with Chloe Hewitt.

5-6pm / Reception - Year 3

6-7pm / Year 4 - Year 6

£5pp

chloehewitt27@hotmail.com

11 - 13 AUGUST

Summer Craft & Gift Fair

Bellis Brothers Garden Centre, Holt LL13 9YU

A selection of quality crafts, art and gift ware.

10am - 4pm Free

11 - 14 AUGUST

Deva Fest 23

Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire SY14 8AH

Family friendly music and food festival.

£44.50 Adult/£19.50 Child www.devafest.co.uk

SAT 12 AUGUST

Llanarmon-Yn-Ial Show

The Park, Gelli Gynan Hall, Llandegla

Great family day out, shows, stalls, food and car boot sale.

9am - 4pm Free (donations welcome) @llanarmonynialshow

SAT 12 AUGUST

Wrexham Street Market

Henblas Street, Wrexham LL13 8AD

Second Saturday of every month - produce and crafts from local traders.

9:30am - 4:30pm Free

SAT 12 AUGUST

Chester Town Hall Tour

Chester Town Hall, 33 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ

Chester Town Hall is a designated Grade II listed building in the heart of the city. Guided tours at 11:00/13:30/15:30.

£9.50 Adults/Free under 16s

12 - 28 AUGUST

Gresford and Marford

Scarecrow Trail

Gresford and Marford

Trail maps are available from Gresford Spar, Marford Co-op, Gresford Newsagents, and the Community Library.

£1 per map

SAT 19 AUGUST

Chester Pride

Castle Street, Chester

A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Parade starts 12pm

www.chesterpride.co.uk

SAT 26 AUGUST

Annual Flower Show

Darland High School, Chester Road, Rossett LL12 0DL

The BRHS Annual Flower Show - the archetypal British summer event! Fun for all the family.

1pm - 4:30pm Free

www.brhs.org.uk

SAT 26 AUGUST

Rossett Dog Show

Darland High School, Chester Road, Rossett LL12 0DL

In conjunction with the BRHS Annual Flower Show! Prizes up for grabs in the different classes and demos from the ‘That Dog’ team.

1pm Free

Tel: 07702 068932 (Jayde)

SUN 27 AUGUST

Bersham Colliery

Open Day

Bersham Colliery, Colliery Road, Rhostyllen LL14 4EG

Bersham Colliery Open Day - bring the family. It is an industrial site, so sensible shoes and clothing are a must. Free parking.

10am - 4pm Free

northwalesminers@gmail.com

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

SUN 27 AUGUST

Eaton Hall Gardens

Charity Open Day

Eaton Hall, Eccleston, Chester CH4 9ET

Explore the beautiful gardens at Eaton Hall.

10:15am - 5pm £11.98 Adult/£3.76 Child

https://bit.ly/3MQO7vA

MON 28 AUGUST

Llay Gardening Society

Annual Show

Llay Miners Welfare Institute, The Ring, Llay, Wrexham LL12 0TH

Vegetable and plant exhibits, floral displays, craft stalls, jams and cakes.

2pm - 4:30pm

cbaugh1954@icloud.com

SAT 2 SEPTEMBER

Overton Village 51st

Open Produce Show

Overton Village Hall, Overton LL13 0EE

Classes for vegetables, fruit, blooms, eggs, plants, cookery, preserves, beverages, photography. Open to the public 2.30pm overtonoracle.weebly.com

SUN 3 SEPTEMBER

Marchwiel Church Open Day & Children’s Games

Marchwiel Church, Station Road, Marchwiel, Wrexham LL13 0RT

Various outdoor stalls and refreshments available.

11:30am - 3pm Free (donations welcome)

SUN 3 SEPTEMBER

Gresford and Marford

Picnic in the Park and Summer Artisan Market

Gresford Trust Memorial, Gresford, LL12 8PS

An afternoon of fun for all the family - artisan market, dog show, yummy food, displays, local groups and charities. Bring a picnic!

12pm - 4pm Free

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.

Who’s Who at Rossett Church

We are delighted to introduce Reverend Ana Davies, following theological training at university and placements in several churches. Ana was ordained deacon at St Asaph Cathedral in June. She was anointed and blessed by the Bishop, and has begun her training as curate alongside our vicar, Father Huw Butler. Ana will serve in our communities and churches putting her learning and training into practice over the next few years. God willing, Ana will be ordained priest next year. You may see her at church services, around our communities and in schools.

Ana is based in Llay and has an 11-year-old daughter and three cats, called Munch, Puss and Saffy.

Vicar Reverend Huw Butler

Our Vicar, Reverend Huw Butler, known to us as Father Huw. Many of you will have seen Huw at regular services, weddings, funerals or Baptisms. Father Huw is Vicar of Llay, Is-y-Coed, and now, recently, Gwersyllt, as well as Rossett.

In 2016 Huw came to us from Llantwit Major where he had been Rector since

2010. Huw is married to Pat, they have two children and four grandchildren. Huw, Pat and their pet cats and dogs all live at the Vicarage in Llay. Huw is usually a frequent visitor to St Peter’s Primary School where he is vice chair of Governors.

In the centre of the photo is Father Hugh Linn, a retired priest living in Rossett, whom readers of EssentialsMAG will be very familiar with as he writes the Local Birds and Wildlife page.

On the right is Father Hugh Jones, Hugh takes services at St Thomas of Canterbury Church Chester and more recently at Rossett and Llay. Hugh’s partner, Gordon, often also plays the Church organ at these services. Hugh was a Lay Reader for 12 years but now serves in a team of three priests within Bro Tysilio Ministry area on Ynys Mon. When serving there, home is a caravan in the rain shadow of Snowdon, where services are conducted in English, Welsh or bilingually. Hugh’s late nain was a Sunday School teacher at nearby Llanfair PG. With a permanent base in Rossett, Hugh was elected County Councillor in 2009.

By JOE BICKERTON, Tourism Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council

As we head into the peak summer period, there are a number of exciting activities going on around the County in the coming weeks. To help raise awareness of things to do in the area, we now have a brand new tourism brochure which is full of ideas and inspiration! We know that there’s more and more national and international tourism coming into Wrexham at the moment, and this will no doubt continue in the coming months, especially as season two of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ docu-series is due back on our TVs from 12th September. Therefore, we need to continually keep aiming to increase the awareness of what's on offer across the whole area to complement the football offering.

‘This is Wrexham’ tourism brochure is available in print from the Wrexham Visitor Information Centre, and will soon be at most tourism-related businesses around the County. You can also find it online at:

English version: https://bit.ly/3Dt5I6U

Welsh version: https://bit.ly/44YIwZL

Chirk Castle

Always a family favourite during the summer holidays, there’s even more excitement and adventure to be had a Chirk Castle this August, in the form of a huge straw bale castle!

Costing just £1 to play on all day – the National Trust have designed this with family days out in mind… and, having had a preview, I wish I was 10 again as it looks great fun! Within the straw fortress lie four unique play zones where you can discover different ways to play, be active, engage your senses and have fun. The straw castle (next to the car park) is open throughout the school holidays each day.

Tŷ Pawb

Tŷ Pawb’s gallery has been transformed into an evolving film set where children can work alongside artists, filmmakers and play workers to explore play in Wrexham, and create an epic feature length film. Anyone is welcome to get involved, either starring in front of the camera, or staying behind the scenes. The film will premiere at a red carpet event at Wrexham Odeon later in the year.

Finally, we’re gearing up for the Tour of Britain cycle race finish in Wrexham city centre on Monday 4th September. Throughout the day, there’ll be free activities and entertainment – with a sprint finish along Chester Street with the world’s best cyclists later that afternoon.

Have a great summer everyone, and for ideas and inspiration for things to do, check out: www.thisiswrexham.co.uk

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

Why Can’t You Lose Weight?

By CAT WILLIAMS

“If I lose weight I put it all straight back on again.”

“I can’t stop eating the wrong things when I’m emotional or tired.”

Does this sound familiar?

Our brains are complex. We actually have around 70,000 thoughts a day but 95% of these come from our subconscious mind which is using information that was programmed into us as youngsters. This is what often lies at the root cause of our emotions or poor eating habits.

The good news is help is at hand. I’m a Clinical Hypnotherapist specialising in Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). Read on to learn three simple ways that RTT can change your thought patterns and help you to live a long-term healthier lifestyle.

Learn to “switch off” your interest in certain foods

A few weeks ago I had a client who said she was “addicted” to junk food. During the session we uncovered the root-cause of her habit and “updated” her neural programming so that she could re-install the healthy habits she’d had as a teenager. The client now can’t stand the thought of certain junk foods and happily hasn’t eaten them since!

Become motivated to exercise

As young children we are hard-wired to move and play and run around.

This instinct can dim over time, but it doesn’t need to! A recent client has returned to swimming, dancing and hoola hooping and she feels so much healthier, lighter and happier because she’s using her body to have fun again!

Uncover the root cause

Our subconscious mind only has one job, which is to keep us safe and alive, so it is always “acting in our best interests” even when we don’t feel like it is!

As children, food can be one of very few things we can “control” and so the rootcause of over-eating, sugar addiction, under-eating, bingeing, being secretive about food, craving or disliking certain foods etc is rooted in our childhood experiences. Especially if we experience a chaotic, sad or traumatic childhood in some way.

Once my clients have understood the relationship they formed with food and eating as a young child, they can set themselves free from old “out of date” habits that are just not relevant any more.

Cat Williams is our mental health contributor Speaker - Psychotherapist and Confidence Expert

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS

August is a lovely month as it has some lovely colours with flowers in yellow, orange, copper, red, burgundy and purple. In short, all the vibrant colours of the season. It is the last official month of the summer so do enjoy your gardens, won’t you!

There are quite a number of fruits and vegetables to be harvested in August. We have had a really good crop of raspberries and loganberries this year, which are now in the freezer. Our tomatoes and runnerbeans have done well too - so we are looking forward to eating them.

Hanging baskets will need watering too, and remember to top up ponds and birdbaths as well.

Remember to water containers and new plants. Of course, do use your water buttthe one thing about all the heavy showers, it does top up my water butt very well.

If you collect any seeds, it is a good idea to save them in envelopes, but lay them on your greenhouse or window shelves to dry out first. I was lucky, this year, to find a lovely grass plant with plenty of seeds on, so I will save them for next season.

Roses will benefit from a feed at this time of the year, and also a prune. Your perennials need deadheading too.

If you have grown any Dahlias, it is a good idea to stake them, as with all the rain and wind they soon get top heavy and broken.

We have had a very good crop of herbs, so I shall give them a good trim in the next few days. They can be frozen in ice-cube trays, which is very handy for soups and stews.

Lavender plants do need a trim when they have finished flowering.

If you have grown sweetcorn, water them frequently and feed with tomato feedkeep feeding the tomato plants too.

Carrots and beetroots that were sown in the Spring can be harvested now. Also your early potatoes, which are ideal for salads.

The Cabbage White butterfly will be busy at the moment laying eggs which will soon hatch out and make a meal of the cabbage. The best thing to do is to check under the leaves for them - they are quite easy to spot as they are bright yellow.

Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN

Last month, there were several mentions on Facebook of a large, impressive looking Owl, having been seen and heard around Rossett and Burton. The bird was photographed by Stephen Sykes, who identified it as a European Eagle Owl. Eagle Owls spotted in the British Isles are usually escapees from captivity. If any of our readers are able to provide more information about sightings of this bird, I can be contacted via EssentialsMAG and I'll pass details of possible sightings to the British Trust for Ornithology. The attached photo (taken in Bulgaria many years ago), where these birds are resident, may be useful to aid identification.

During my time as Rector of Eccleston and Pulford, I had the privilege of witnessing the last record of breeding Hawfinches in Cheshire. The birds used to bring their newly fledged young to feast on wild cherries in the adjacent wood. One day, I was accosted by a lady in Chester with the greeting “Aren't you that vicar with the funny birds in your garden?” (my only claim to fame!).

Another species that is fast decreasing in numbers is the Spotted Flycatcher. In recent years, the UK breeding population has decreased by 89% and is now red listed as an endangered species. Twenty years ago, we had two pairs nesting in the Rectory garden and there were several more dotted around the village. One of our regular pairs occupied a space created by a missing brick in an outbuilding. Locally, Spotted Flycatchers have become scarcer.

One pair nested successfully in an outbuilding on Burton's Rosemary Lane in 2014. This year, a pair of these Sparrowsized summer migrants are settled in Rossett churchyard. In previous years, they have also bred successfully in Bruera Church porch. Adult Spotted Flycatchers, not quite as their name suggests, are streaked rather than spotted. Their favourite food is flies which they catch in flight having taken off from a convenient observation perch.

The latter part of July has seen a definite increase in butterflies and dragonflies spotted in local gardens. Along with ubiquitous white butterflies, our garden has hosted Commas, Speckled Woods, Peacocks, Red Admirals, Small Coppers and Gatekeepers.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER

EAGLE OWL

Gresford Trust Newsdesk Latest News

What a transformation!

A huge thank you to our eight amazing volunteers for planting 190 plants on one of the hottest days in June - Janet, Jayne, Rob, Carole, Richard E, Richard W, Steve and Jo. Just to make the job harder, we don't think there was a single hole dug without hitting large stones or tree roots!

Enormous thanks also to Gino Paletta and his fantastic team for clearing the area for us in April, and to 1st Affinity Fostering for their very generous donation towards the cost of the plants. A special mention also goes to Jerry O’Keefe for responding to a shout for help and coming out with his chainsaw at short notice on one of our volunteer days.

We hope the area will mature and bloom over the years to come and will be enjoyed by all those who use the facilities.

We are disappointed to report, once again, that a small number of dog walkers choose to ignore our request to keep their dogs under control and off the sports pitches.

Recently, several quantities of dog mess have been removed off both the cricket and football pitches. This is a real health and safety risk for all those who use the area and as this situation is not improving, we will be asking the WCBC Enforcement Department to assist us with this on-going problem.

The Fascinating World of Marketing

By JULIE GREGORY

I have always found the world of marketing to be fascinating. Hence I have made a career out of it!

Marketing has existed for centuries, but the first planned marketing dates back to the 1920s. In those days, "marketing" was synonymous with advertising, and companies spent the majority of their budgets on newspaper ads, radio spots and billboards.

In the decades since we, as marketers, have learned that advertising isn't enough to build a successful business. Today's marketers must also learn how to use social media, create compelling content and develop products that customers want to buy.

Marketing is a field that spans many disciplines: psychology, sociology and economics are just some of the areas that overlap with marketing. Some people even consider it an art form — after all, it's not enough to know what will sell; we have to make it resonate with our audience in a way that makes them take action.

To do this, we need to know who our audience is, ie. how do they behave? Where do they live? What does their lifestyle look like? What makes them tick?

We then need to work out the most effective method of grabbing them with the right message at the right time via the right media. If we get it right, we see an increase in the number of enquiries received; how many more people physically visit a store; how many more hits a website receives and of course, an increase in sales – of products and/or services.

As we all know, the world of marketing never stands still. There is always something new on the horizon which makes our industry, and the opportunities and platforms available to us, very exciting.

The new addition of Threads by Instagram is the latest app to be aware of. It is still being rolled out but basically, it can be used to post ‘threads’ of conversations, reply to other threads and follow profiles that you may be interested in. In turn, others can follow you, reply to your threads and encourage discussion.

As always, watch this space for more updates in the ever-changing world of marketing!

Prolong the Life of Your Carpet

Having your carpets professionally cleaned is not only a matter of aesthetics but also an essential aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment. Here are some reasons why it is important to have your carpets professionally cleaned every once in a while:

Improved indoor air quality

Carpets act as filters, trapping airborne particles and pollutants that can settle deep within the carpet fibres. Regular vacuuming helps, but it may not remove all the allergens, bacteria, or dust mites embedded in the carpet. Professional carpet cleaning uses specialist equipment and techniques to extract deep-seated contaminants, resulting in improved indoor air quality and a healthier environment.

Elimination of allergens and dust mites

Professional carpet cleaning methods remove allergens, dust mites, and other microscopic organisms from your carpets. This can greatly reduce the risk of allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues.

Stain and spot removal

Carpets are prone to spills and stains which can be challenging to remove with regular cleaning methods. Professional carpet cleaners have the expertise to tackle even the most stubborn stains. They can help restore the appearance of your carpets by effectively removing deep-set stains and spots, giving your carpets a fresh and revitalized look.

Prevention of mould and mildew

Moisture can get trapped in carpets, creating an ideal environment for mould and mildew to thrive. This can lead to health issues and unpleasant odours. Professional carpet cleaning methods effectively extract excess moisture and prevent mould and mildew growth, helping to keep your carpets clean, fresh, and odour-free.

Prolonged carpet lifespan

Regular professional carpet cleaning helps extend the lifespan of your carpets. Over time, dirt, debris, and abrasive particles can accumulate within the carpet fibres and cause them to wear down more quickly. By removing these particles and maintaining the cleanliness of your carpets, you can preserve their quality, texture, and appearance, ultimately saving you money by avoiding premature carpet replacement.

By investing in regular professional carpet cleaning, you can ensure a clean, fresh, and inviting space for yourself, your family.

ESSENTIALSMAG READERS:

3 areas of carpet cleaned for the price of 2 with Zero Dry Time Wrexham

- only when quoting code: ZDT342 at time of booking

BOOK BY 30th SEPTEMBER 2023

Terms & Conditions apply

By Steven Thompson Zero Dry Time Wrexham

Tel: 0800 170 1420

steven.thompson@zerodrytime.com www.zerodrytimewrexham.co.uk

Gresford and District Community Library

By JAN JONES, Gresford and District Community Library

There’s no denying that we are quite a small library – but, as my Mum used to say, ‘Good stuff comes in little parcels!’ The great thing when it comes to North Wales libraries, is that size really doesn’t matter, because the system for sharing books and other media is so simple and effective.

All the libraries in North Wales – including us – are linked. You can borrow a book from any library in our region and take it to any other library in our region and they will send it back to its home library for you. If there’s a book you want which we haven’t got on our shelves in Gresford, there’s a very good chance that other libraries in North Wales have it on theirs. We can request it for you (or you can go online and request it yourself) and it will be delivered to Gresford for you to collect. Magic!

How does this magic work?

Every Wednesday, the Wrexham Library

Van calls at Gresford and the lovely ‘VanMan’ bring us two boxes of books and

takes away the two boxes we’ve got ready for him - full of books people from all over North Wales have requested from us, and books local people have returned that belong to another library; we are sending them home again.

The Library VanMan drives all over Wrexham, visiting libraries to collect and deliver books. The collected boxes go back to Wrexham Library where they are sorted out, ready for the next delivery. It’s not hi-tech, but it’s simple and effective. The majority of requested books are there waiting for the customer two weeks later (sometimes sooner!).

So, Gresford Community Library is actually VERY, VERY BIG – all the millions and millions of books etc in North Wales are waiting there for you…

Spinach & Courgette Lasagne

Enjoy a vegetarian lasagne bursting with spinach and courgette, held together with a creamy mascarpone sauce. It's a delicious filling midweek meal for all the family.

INGREDIENTS

400g spinach

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

250g mascarpone

1 tsp ground nutmeg

100g parmesan, grated

9 lasagne sheets

100ml double cream

3 large courgettes, sliced lengthways

METHOD

SERVES 6

Pour boiling water over the spinach in a sieve or colander to wilt it. Leave until cool enough to handle, then squeeze out any excess liquid.

Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, add the garlic and soften for 1 minute. Tip in the nutmeg and cook for 1 minute more, then add the mascarpone, spinach, half the cream and half the parmesan. Season generously, stir well and set aside.

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

Spread a third of the filling over the base of a 20 x 30cm baking dish, cover with 3 lasagne sheets, then add a layer of courgettes. Repeat twice more. Pour the remaining cream over the final layer and sprinkle over the remaining parmesan.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the pasta has no resistance when you push a skewer through. Rest for 5 minutes, then serve.

Seasonal Treats in August

August is a delightful month when the bounties of nature flourish, offering an array of fresh and vibrant produce. As summer reaches its peak, here's a glimpse of the abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are in season.

Berries

Fruits take centre stage during August. Berries are in their prime, with juicy strawberries adorning desserts and indulging taste buds. Raspberries and blackberries are also abundant, providing a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to summer salads, or transformed into jams and preserves.

Stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, and plums come into their own. These juicy fruits are perfect for enjoying on their own or incorporating into desserts, fruit salads, or savoury dishes like grilled peach salads. Apples and pears start to make their appearance, showcasing a range of varieties that vary in taste and texture.

Vegetables

Fresh peas, both garden peas and sugar snap peas, are at their peak, providing a delightful burst of sweetness. They can be enjoyed raw, steamed, or incorporated into salads, pasta dishes, or risottos. Courgettes are abundant too, offering versatility in the kitchen. They can be spiralized, grilled, roasted, or added to stir-fries, soups, and stews.

Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and rocket provide the perfect base for summer salads. Sweetcorn is at its best

during August, with its plump kernels offering a burst of sweetness. It can be enjoyed grilled, boiled, or added to salads or salsas.

Herbs

Herbs also play a prominent role in August's culinary offerings. Fragrant basil is an essential ingredient in Caprese salads, pesto, and pasta dishes. Mint lends its’ refreshing flavour to beverages, desserts, and savoury dishes like lamb or couscous.

As summer progresses, August offers an assortment of delicious and refreshing foods in the UK. Whether you're enjoying the juicy sweetness of berries, the vibrant flavours of seasonal vegetables, or the aromatic herbs, this month provides a culinary experience that celebrates the best of the British summer. So, embrace nature's offerings and indulge in the vibrant and fresh produce available.

August Shopping List

Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Redcurrants, Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Apples, Pears, Damsons, Apricots, Melons, Figs.

Courgettes, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Peas, Sugar Snaps, Beetroot, Carrots, Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach, Lettuce, Radishes, Rocket, Watercress, Spring Onions, New Potatoes.

All Saints’ School

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

We are a forward thinking and innovative school, combining curriculum and teaching excellence with traditional values. Our school leads a number of national and local priorities, ensuring our pupils have every opportunity to succeed.

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

Clubs

Offering high-quality childcare all year, including school holidays (except Christmas) for children aged 2-11 years

01978 852342

playgroup@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk www.gresfordallsaints.co.uk/wrap-around-care-1

‘a community for learning, caring and sharing’

Holt Community Primary School is a small friendly school for children aged 3 to 11. To make an appointment to our Open Day call: 01829 270021, or e-mail: mailbox@holt-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

Visit our website: www.holtcpschool.com

The

Soapbox Derby

Join us once again for the fun fundraising event of the year - the Farndon Soapbox Derby, on Sunday 17th September 2023.

Everyone is invited to enjoy Farndon’s very own Whacky Races! Another spectacular day of fun and laughter is nearly upon us. Please come along as we attempt to raise as much money as we can for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd (HOGS) and needy local village causes!

Last year, the Farndon Soapbox Derby proved to be a phenomenal success and was enjoyed by thousands of people who lined the streets to show their support for our now legendary fundraising event. We are so proud that the event raised over £26,000 for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and also supported local community initiatives with generous donations being presented to the Farndon Memorial Hall, Farndon Primary School, Holt CP Primary School and the Chester Food Bank. This year, with your help, we aim to double our fundraising efforts.

As we go to press, we have over 35 confirmed racing karts and are once again being supported by our generous platinum sponsor, Gittins and Co Wealth Management, along with Aaron and Partners Solicitors, Daulby Read Insurance, Kenny Moore and Rickitt Partnership Estate Agents.

The event will be even bigger and better this year with live music, entertainment and a wide variety of food and refreshments to suit every taste available on the Farndon Primary school field.

Once again, the Soapbox event will bring a real party atmosphere to the village to be enjoyed by all the family. So please do come along to support us - and don’t forget to bring along lots of spare change!

This incredible event has been pulled together by a group of Farndon and Holt residents and businesses supported by the HOGS Fundraising Team who really want the villages to have something special to celebrate that shows true community spirit. HOGS told us: “To raise over £26,000 for the hospice of the good shepherd was absolutely incredible but to see so many people having so much fun and coming together as a community was just phenomenal.”

We are still looking for volunteers who would like to give a couple of hours of their spare time either on the day to help set up the track and then to take it down again at the end of the day, or help steward our car parks. Please do get in touch if you can help! It’s also not too late to join in the fun if you are a local business or entrepreneur able to sponsor or help our kart teams raise money. Please get in touch!

For more information and to find out how this event may affect you if you are a local resident living in Farndon and Holt, please visit the website: www.farndonsoapboxderby.co.uk check out our Facebook Page @farndonsoapboxderby or get in touch with the team directly getinvolved@farndonsoapboxderby.co.uk

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

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

Hwb Yr Orsedd Project

‘Hwb-Date’

Well, it’s been a busy few months in the life of Hwb Yr Orsedd which aspires to build the new community hub in Rossett Park.

We were delighted to be shortlisted to Stage Two of Wrexham Council’s ‘Shared Prosperity Fund’, which was an enormous achievement, as only 16 projects of the original 109 were invited to submit a full application. There was a huge amount of work by the Board to submit all of the required information in a four-week schedule, and a result is expected towards the end of July. Whilst we await this, further grant applications are being considered.

There is also work on-going in relation to Building Control and the internal design of the building to ensure optimum use of the space available.

We were very grateful to Rossett Community Council to allow us to be involved in the Picnic in the Park event in June.

Board members and other volunteers provided refreshments, a BBQ and a tombola as a means of fund raising. It was great to see so many members of our community at the event and created a lovely atmosphere. It was a busy, long day, but the event raised in excess of £600.

We continue to develop the Hwb Yr Orsedd website, which we hope will be fully functional in the forthcoming months.

If you have any questions, or would like to get involved, you can contact the team via our Facebook page: @hwbyrorsedd or email us at: hwbyrorsedd@gmail.com

Atherton MP

Member of Parliament for Wrexham

Earlier this month, we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the National Health Service. As a former nurse, who returned to support the wards during the COVID-19 pandemic, I know how hard our NHS staff work and how often they go above and beyond for patients every day under ever-increasing pressures. Thank you to our amazing health and social care workers, and especially those at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, for all that you do.

During the week our NHS turned 75, I was honoured to attend an NHS Champions’ Reception at 10 Downing Street with Zoe Roberts. Zoe is the Armed Forces Lead at BCUHB, who does vital work raising awareness of our Armed Forces community and meeting their specific healthcare needs. Following the creation of Zoe’s role, in which I assisted with securing charitable funding, the Maelor Hospital has become ‘Veteran Aware.’ As a veteran myself, I am especially pleased to see this role making a real difference in lives in Wrexham. Nominating Zoe for this award was an easy choice!

I was pleased to open the Wrexham Salvation Army Employability Day. The Salvation Army Employment Plus, and the Salvation Army have teamed up to support people into employment. During the visit, I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak to some of the Employment Plus team and to learn more about their work. As a former Social Worker, I know that employability is absolutely vitalespecially now, as many of us are experiencing serious challenges with the cost of living. So the work they do is more important than ever. Thank you for all the incredible work being done to support the people of Wrexham.

In other local news, it was great to chat with locals at the Gwersyllt Congregational Church Luncheon Club. The lunches are a great opportunity for people who may otherwise not come to the Church regularly, to come together to learn about what support exists in the local community. In addition to the Lunch Club, the Church runs a coffee morning every Wednesday 10am – 12pm and a food bank, showing the strong community spirit in Gwersyllt. A great example of Wrexham looking after Wrexham.

Lastly, it was a pleasure to pop down to the Erlas Victorian Walled Garden (The Lungs of Wrexham) to see the beautiful display of flowers and chat with the team. I have a family wedding coming up very soon and what better place to get your eco-friendly confetti from! A great opportunity to shop local and recharge your batteries with a cuppa in these beautiful gardens.

If you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency and need my help, please email sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.

Sarah Atherton MP for Wrexham/ Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.

Sarah

The Last Chance Saloon?

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

We’re rapidly approaching the mid-point of this decade which will be critical in determining the severity of the impacts of the climate and ecological emergency. The UK Climate Change Committee’s latest annual assessment published at the end of June says, “our confidence in the UK meeting its medium-term targets has decreased in the past year”. Once again, their clear message is that our politicians are still not doing enough, meaning we’re increasingly unlikely to be where we need to be by 2030.

So what can we actually do about this?

In Wales, we’ll have Senedd elections in 2026, but the scope of devolved powers is limited. We no longer have the opportunity to vote in European elections and affect what happens there. The upcoming UK general election, therefore, represents our only real opportunity to influence much of what will happen in the remainder of this crucial decade.

Beyond the election, our voices are less likely to be heard and our ability to protest has been severely restricted by recent legislation.

How we vote in the election will clearly be critical, but we don’t have to wait until then.

One option is to get involved in an election campaign; another is to try to influence the parties’ manifestos.

You may have noticed ideas being floated by political parties and in some cases hastily rowed back - in the coming months they’ll decide which policies will form their offer to the electorate.

I’ve been working with colleagues in Climate Cymru on a list of things we’ll be asking all political parties to include in their manifestos. No doubt, those opposed to climate action will also be lobbying. If you have a view on what our politicians should do, now is the time to tell them.

Polling indicates that most of us are concerned about the climate and ecological emergency and want the government to do more. However, research also suggests that our support for action can prove fragile once we’re presented with lifestyle and cost implications. It’s therefore perhaps understandable that our politicians may be nervous about proposing bolder action.

They may believe we’re enthusiastic about environmental action in theory, but not in reality. The messages we give politicians in the next few months will be critical - if we genuinely want them to do more to tackle the climate and ecological emergency, we need to make this clear to them right now.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf

robsrenouf@gmail.com

Alyn Family Doctors Latest News

The summer is here and as most of us welcome the sunshine and warmer weather, it is also important to remember the various health problems summer can bring that might affect you or your family.

Heatwaves and hot weather

There are some easy ways to stay safe when the heat arrives:

• Look out for older people, young children, and babies, those with underlying health conditions.

• Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cool

• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, children, or animals.

• Apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you must go out in the heat.

• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.

• Wear light, loose cotton clothes.

Bugs and bites

• Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days.

• Creams and antihistamines to help with itching can be bought from a pharmacy.

• If you are worried about a bite or sting, seek advice from your community pharmacist or call NHS 111

Keep Hydrated

• Everyone is at risk of dehydration in hot temperatures. It is important to keep hydrated. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids like water.

• For those reluctant to drink water, why not try homemade ice lollies or adding fruit to water.

• Fruits and salad are full of water and can help hydrate you.

• Sugary, alcoholic, and caffeinated drinks can make you dehydrated.

Sun safety

• The NHS advises a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least four-star UVA protection.

• Keep out of the sun from 11am to 3pm.

• As a general guide, adults should aim to apply around two teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re just covering your head, arms, and neck or two tablespoons if you’re covering your entire body.

• If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced.

• Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow it to dry.

• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating.

Tel: 0333 332 3260

www.alynfamilydoctors.co.uk

www.facebook.com/alynfamilydoctors

Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

Regular visitors to Wrexham city centre will be aware parking problems have persisted at the privately-operated Island Green Shopping Centre for several years.

Euro Car Parks (ECP), are the operators responsible for the daily running of the car park and my communication with them is ongoing.

While my lengthy correspondence has had some success, with a number of constituents receiving refunds and having their parking tickets cancelled, I, unfortunately, continue to be contacted by shoppers from Wrexham, as well as people who live outside my constituency, who have been unfairly fined.

In recent months, I have made representations to the Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, The British Parking Association (BPA) and of course, ECP themselves. ‘Minor’ and ‘major’ keying errors still appear to be a problem and I have called on ECP to service their machines as a matter of urgency. I have also approached all the businesses on Island Green as I would be interested to hear their feedback.

More recently, Euro Car Parks accepted to meet with Clwyd South MS, Ken Skates and I, but they cancelled at the last minute with no explanation. Regrettably, it appears ECP representatives do not wish to reschedule, so Mr Skates and I have written to Nuveen Real Estate, which ultimately owns Island Green, requesting it ends its relationship with ECP.

Wrexham’s profile is growing but the conduct of Euro Car Parks is driving people away from Island Green and the city centre.

Despite the difficulties, we are not deterred and as long as parking issues remain at Island Green, both Ken Skates and I will continue to fight and stand up for local residents.

I’m a long-time supporter of the Wrexham Walking Festival and was pleased to join the team for a walk around a sunny Erddig Country Park.

During the nine-day event, people of all ages and abilities were invited to enjoy a series of free walks exploring the picturesque surroundings of North East Wales.

I’m so pleased this year’s event was the most successful yet with over 550 people taking part.

Although the 2023 festival has reached its conclusion, organisers, Walkabout Wrexham & District, arrange walks throughout the year so if anyone is interested, please email walkaboutwrexham@outlook.com

As always, 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.

Recognising Financial Anxiety and Four Ways to Cope

By WARREN HADLOW, Director of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd

We’re still in a time where everyday costs are continuing to rise around us and it’s increasingly difficult to keep on top of.

These continued additional costs could lead to financial stress and it’s essential to notice how it may impact your mental health. A great way to start is being able to recognise the symptoms of financial anxiety.

Here are some of the most common indicators that you may be experiencing financial anxiety…

• Overspending: Shopping provides a temporary relief from money anxieties, which then becomes a vicious cycle.

• Hoarding: Comfort in material items to relieve the anxiety from money challenges.

• Fear of spending: Obsessive saving could prevent you from doing things that you enjoy.

• Out of control finances: Difficulty in budgeting or prioritising household spending.

• Depression: Feeling depressed can stem from financial anxiety.

Whatever your circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, ease stress and anxiety, and regain control of your finances.

So here are four ways that could help you cope with your financial stress:

1. Talk to someone: sharing your thoughts with another person could help ease your anxiety. They may be able to give some advice or share their own experiences.

2. Keep track of your finances: being aware of what is going in and out of your accounts is a start to understanding where you could make savings and how much you can afford for leisure activities after your essential payments are made.

3. Keep a regular routine: knowing that specific payments are going to be taken regularly and that you have enough to cover them can help you gain control – a great antidote to anxiety.

4. Make a plan: Set yourself small, achievable goals for those bigger payments or future life events that you would like to reach. Checking in regularly can help you keep on track and amend your path as you go. Speaking to a financial adviser or wealth management consultant could help you with where to start and putting that plan into place.

If you would like to discuss how we could help to make a financial plan for your future, please feel free to get in contact on: 01978 311611 or via email: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk for a no obligation chat.

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

Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett

Public footpaths

Within the ward, there are a number of public footpaths which are currently either hard to pass or completely impassable due to crops being planted along the designated routes. It is the landowners responsibility to ensure that these paths are clear for use at all times so they can be enjoyed by the whole community and beyond. We have asked Rights of Way to write to landowners reminding them of their responsibilities.

Allotments

Rossett Community Council are currently exploring the possibility of creating an area for allotment space locally. For further information, and to register interest, please contact the clerk. Please email: clerk@rossettcommunitycouncil.cymru

Flash floods

We have experienced flash floods due to recent storms and a number of areas where water has been left standing. The Environment Department have an annual programming of clearing all gullies in the County. However, the grids become blocked due to debris and surface run-off, whilst the gullies are clear. If you see a blocked gully, please send us an email and we will get it checked. The good news is the new system in Darland Lane withstood the storm.

Pot holes

The team at street scene are continuing to repair pot holes around the ward as fast as possible. Roads will be prioritised according to usage due to a lack of resources.

Japanese Knotweed

If Japanese knotweed is identified, it is important it is attended to as quickly as possible to stop it spreading as it can grow rapidly. It is an offence to allow it to grow from your own land to another.

Station Road level crossing

After making contact with Network Rail an assessment has been carried out on the crossing. We have had confirmation that the paving stones will be re-laid in places to ensure the path remains even and level.

Post box, Station Road

We are still waiting for a date from Royal Mail for the installation of a replacement post box which has been promised for this year.

River bank footpath, Gun Street

We have arranged for Streetscene to clear the footpath and also to see if they can locate a replacement rubbish bin which has disappeared. The Council’s responsibility is limited to ensuring that the footpath is usable but not for the general river embankment.

Hugh: Tel: 07769 706999

hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk

Ross: Tel: 07715 473776

ross.shepherd@wrexham.gov.uk

Beryl Blackmore - Deputy Mayor & Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

Welcome to Marford and Hoseley news. As we enter August, it should be a peaceful time around Wynnstay Lane and Claypit Lane as the school is closed. I find I can do very little to help residents with the illegal parking on double yellow lines, and lack of respect from parents to general safety.

Gresford Community Council finds its hands are tied and it all rests on getting the Enforcement Officers to visit and issue some fines. The safety of all the children and residents is in the parent’s hands. The school has not responded to me as the Local Member, so I have to assume they feel they are on task and don't need me to pursue this matter. So for the last time, I ask everyone to show some care and respect. I will, however,continue to ask the Enforcement officers to visit.

During August, the Local Exercise and Caffi will be closed on 1st and 8th due to another booking in the hall. Hopefully we can arrange a visit to the Garden Centre instead. It will be open, as usual, on 15th, 22nd and 29th August.

We also have a couple of theatre trips booked in August - The Sound of Music and Blood Brothers. Please remember: the club is open to anyone, and you will receive a warm welcome.

Gresford Community Council will still meet in August, details on the website. www.gresfordcommunitycouncil.gov.uk

I am not on holiday, you are always welcome to call at the Caffi on a Tuesday if you need help, from 10am till midday, or contact me via email.

Wrexham Council is under pressure to stretch the budget. It's a nightmare job causing great stress to residents, especially when jobs are taking so long to do in our villages, where will it end ?

What can I say to brighten up this article? Enjoy the sun while it's out, support the local shows that our villages are organising, visit the Fun Day in Wrexham on August 2nd - I believe there will be a very large sand pit - Tŷ Pawb will be having lots of Fun days, and hopefully Marford Park grass will be cut and a picnic at the swings would be fun.

As Deputy Mayor, I attended a celebration of 12 months of 'Flying Start'. This was held at Tŷ Pawb, and around 100 Flying Start Practioners were congratulated for their work, helping our youngest children take their first steps on the journey of life. Flying Start will continue to expand and give more families and children access to support in their early years.

One small error: when I mentioned my Consort’s husband, David Lloyd, I said he was Clerk!! He was a Community Councillor (not Clerk), apologies to Dot.

Stay safe, and contact me if I can help.

Welcome to my August update for EssentialsMAG. I am not too sure what has happened to the sunny weather, but I hope residents have a fantastic summer whatever the forecast each day. On that, I wanted to update residents on the recent flash flooding incidents.

Dealing with flash flooding requires a swift and coordinated response to minimize damage and ensure the safety of individuals. As a local councillor, I have raised the issues we have faced with relevant council officers to implement effective measures.

The recent flash floods saw over 130 incidents across Wrexham, and it is clear that there needs to be work to further understand the issues that the drainage network faces. Thankfully, in most cases in Gresford, the floodwaters subside quite quickly. But, nevertheless, cause concern when it does happen. By investing in a flood mitigation infrastructure, we can better respond to, and mitigate, the impact of flash flooding incidents.

In addition to the usual ward work that I undertake each month, I have also been engaged with North Wales Police and have recently met with the Wrexham Rural Inspector.

As a local councillor, my primary goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of the community I represent. In order to address incidents of anti-social behaviour effectively, I have established a strong partnership with North Wales Police. By working collaboratively, we have discussed several ways to tackle this issue.

We have focused on enhancing communication channels between the police and local councillors. When residents raise issues through the 101 system, this has allowed the police to gain valuable insights into the specific anti-social behaviours prevalent in the area, enabling them to tailor their responses accordingly. It is important that we provide everyone with the tools to prevent and report such incidents.

Furthermore, we have emphasized the importance of early intervention and prevention. By working closely with schools and youth organisations, they aim to identify and address the root causes of anti-social behaviour among young people.

Overall, my partnership with the North Wales Police has allowed us to develop a comprehensive and proactive approach to combatting anti-social behaviour. By focusing on community engagement, prevention, and collaboration, we strive to create a safe and harmonious environment for all residents. If you see anti-social behaviour you can report it by calling 101 (999 in emergencies) or online www.northwales.police.uk and click ‘report’.

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

Legal Advice

By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE

Child Arrangements Orders

When a couple separates or divorces, there can be issues in relation to their childreneg. to whom the children should live with and how much contact will be given to the party leaving the family home.

Sometimes, these issues can be resolved in correspondence but there are those cases where the parties have entrenched views. In those cases we are obliged to forward the same to Mediation, as the Court will not accept any applications to deal with your problems, without a MIAMS form.This is a form that requires signing by the Mediator to say that Mediation is inappropriate.

Mediation is a good way of making your feelings known.You will be offered a joint session with your former partner/husband /wife to try and resolve the same in discussion and if successful, the Mediator will give you a copy of the purported agreement to give to your solicitor who can then draft an order to go into Court.

If you cannot agree, then we need the MIAMS form from the Mediator to allow an application to the Court. Mediation isn’t free, unless your means meet the Legal Aid Agency’s criteria, for which legal aid can be granted, but for Mediation only, and not legal fees.

If you do not meet that criteria, then you will have to pay per session you attend and also for the MIAMS form.

If unsuccessful in Mediation, then an application can be made to the Court, wherein a District Judge will speak with a CAFCASS Officer assigned to your case. They will decide how the matter progresses. A first hearing is likely to order an Impact Report from CAFCASS, which is an assessment of the situation. The Judge will make his decision based on this report and the oral evidence of the parties. If you do not agree with the CAFCASS report, then you can call the CAFCASS Officer into Court for cross examination.

Please be aware that the procedure can be slow, unless it is of a really urgent nature.

Useful Numbers

Puzzle Page... Just For Fun

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Touches gently (4)

3 Believable (8)

9 Secures; ties in place (7)

10 Leader or ruler (5)

11 Drowned river valley (3)

12 Lowest level (5)

13 Loud metallic sound (5)

15 Informs (5)

17 Visual representation (5)

18 Dry (of wine) (3)

19 Dens (5)

20 Involving active participation (5-2)

21 Longing (8)

22 ___ Hathaway: actress (4)

DOWN

1 In a servile manner (13)

2 ___ Rhymes: rapper (5)

4 World's largest country (6)

5 Medicine taken when blocked-up (12)

6 Constructor (7)

7 Fizz (13)

8 Type of food shop (12)

14 Endurance (7)

16 Composite fungus and alga (6)

18 ___ Sarandon: US actress (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 July:

“ Children see magic because they look for it.. ”CHRISTOPHER MOORE