Essentials Magazine January 2016 Rossett

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MAG

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JANUARY 2016 • DELIVERED FREE

YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOC AL LIVING COVERING ROSSETT, MARFORD, GRESFORD, PULFORD AND SURROUNDING AREA S

essentials Text

MAG

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AT A GLANCE HEALTHY SCHOOLS Recognition and achievement

WREXHAM NEWS Monitoring and enforcement approval

CAIA PARK Two new schools to be built

IT’S YOUR MAG TOO! Got any comments?

Let’s have them!

Call us on 01244 571602 or send an email to

jill@essentialsmag.co.uk

essentialsMAG www.essentialsmag.co.uk DISCLAIMER The opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this issue of essentialsMAG are not necessarily the views held by the editors

All facts and figures are correct at time of going to press

BIRDS AND WILDLIFE Story of a Mediterranean Gull

ROSSETT FESTIVAL

Whilst every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in this publication, we cannot accept any responsibility for any error or omissions that may have occurred

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Front cover image of Gresford Flash

by Andrew Newcombe

Oscars Buffet Lunch

An Evening of Romance

Come along any lunchtime to Oscars Brasserie

Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th February 2016 Why not treat your loved one over the Valentines weekend? Enjoy an elegant six course meal along with entertainment provided by male Vocalist/Acoustic Guitarist Johnny Booth during the evening.

Only £32.00 per person.

Monday - Saturday Between 12:00pm - 2:00pm.

Enjoy two courses for only £9.95 per person!

y Back b r a popul d! deman

Make the evening extra special and indulge in our overnight package from only £195.00 per room based on two guests sharing. Please contact our reception for more information.

Fawlty Towers Evening“Basil’s Restaurant”

Upcoming Events

Friday 22nd April Join us for the dinner event of the year which combines a sumptuous three course meal and classic comedy action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel do their very best to look after you in their typical crazy style. Only £34.95 per person.

Murder Mystery Evening Friday 26th February & Friday 20th May Only Fools & Three Courses Evening Friday 17th June Addams Family Evening Friday 29th October

For further information on any of the above events or to book please contact our reception team on 01244 571 000 or via email reservations@rossetthallhotel.co.uk Chester Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0DE www.rossetthallhotel.co.uk

Welcome

editor’s LETTER Happy New Year and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. For some of us it was the first week back to work last week, and for those that think they've had it tough having to work in between Christmas and New Year at least you're probably in a better mood than those struggling to get back to it after such a long break. Just think of the holidays you've saved by being in work and the money you've saved by not being at the shops!

If you didn't get what you wanted for Christmas there's always the January sales.

I found a coat I really liked just before Christmas, but whilst trying on different sizes a lady bought the one I wanted which happened to be the only one in the shop.

I was only temporarily gutted as in the January sales I bought the coat for less than half price! Every cloud has a silver lining, or so they say. Other than that purchase I did wonder what all the fuss was about as there seemed very little in the way of great bargains when I popped round the shops.

I needed some food shopping straight after New Year's day, but was disappointed to walk round the supermarket to see food at full price that only had one valid date left.

Not just the odd item, more the majority.

They'd obviously over stocked for Christmas and New Year and were now not re-stocking until the poor customer had purchased the shoddy items on offer so they still made their profit.

Telephone 01244 571602 email jill@essentialsmag.co.uk Now we just have to get through January.

Friends of mine are going on holiday somewhere warm for the next three weeks, which sounds like a great idea! For those staying put at least we have Burns night, and Valentine's Day to look forward to.

I hope poorly Phil Jones feels better soon, it's not like him not to do an update for Gresford Trust so he must be feeling rough, and I wish him a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile Gwen and Paul are getting through the refurb of the village store in Rossett. It's looking good but I can imagine its hard work and not very pleasant to work through. I'm sure it will be worth it in the end though, and we'll hardly recognise the place. I caught Paul at the wholesalers just before Christmas, stocking up on sweets, and trying to convince me they weren't just his own personal weekly shop. You would be surprised how many sweets Rossett eats!

Thank you to local resident Andrew Newcombe for sending in the front cover photo. I've had some great contributions recently and they are always gratefully received. And just a general thank you from me to everyone that helps with the magazine from the delivery guys and girls to the article information contribution and not forgetting the lovely Victoria Lee for the great design work. She is one patient lady!

Wrap up warm and I'll see you next month

All the best, Jill

MAG

essentials ADVERTISING Essentials Mag is just entering its 12th year. I can't believe where the time has gone, and I'm so pleased that it continues to be popular and useful in the local community. It's great to be able to promote local businesses and help get them work.

I am never ceased to be amazed at the phone calls and comments I get about how much you locals enjoy the magazine and use the local services within.

Essentials has helped many small businesses survive, flourish and establish themselves firmly on their own local doorsteps.

If you would like to enquire about advertising, adverts can be as low as ÂŁ55pm and there are different sizes and frequencies to be flexible for all business needs. Artwork design is also included in the cost and just to remind you the magazine is hand delivered every month direct to every home.

I'm sure Essentials can help you too.

Frequent advertisers receive several calls every month and regular work.

What more could you want to start 2016 off to a great start!

Jill ONE OFF PRICES Feature ÂŁ300.00 Full Page ÂŁ210.00 Half Page ÂŁ125.00 Quarter Page ÂŁ75.00

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Wrexham News

Healthy Schools The annual Healthy Schools Celebration event took place at the Catrin Finch Centre, Glyndwr University, recently. The celebration event recognised achievement and reward the schools for their good work in developing health over the past year.

Over 130 representatives from 30 schools attended to receive their awards which were presented by the Mayor of Wrexham Councillor Barbara Roxburgh.

The event was opened by Donna Dickenson, Head of Education Enrichment & Intervention Services for Wrexham Council.

During the celebration pupils from St Marys Primary, Overton and Borras Park Juniors made presentations on what their schools had been doing.

The pupils from St Marys Primary, Overton informed the audience about the E-Cadets scheme, Heartstart training and how they raised money via a bike ride to purchase a defibrillator for their school and community.

This was followed by pupils from Borras Park Juniors who described the work that their school council had done to make their school a safer place to be. The morning was then closed by Matt Baker, Artistic Director for Theatre in the Quarter who led the room in a festive sing song.

Cllr Michael Williams, Lead Member says: “I am delighted that so many of our schools continue to be part of the Healthy Schools Scheme and are playing their part in giving our children a healthy start in life.”

“Whether it is encouraging children to be active on their way to school, or providing healthy food choices at lunchtime, schools can be a major influence on the way children lead their lives. The Healthy Schools Scheme continues to help support schools to improve children’s health and well-being with the hope that the benefits go well beyond the classroom and into their future lives”.

The Healthy School Scheme is a Public Health Wales programme to support schools to implement actions that improve the health and well-being of the whole schools community. All schools in Wrexham participate in the scheme with 5 schools having achieved the prestigious National Quality Award.

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Fantastic offers on hardwood flooring this January!

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Essentials Magazine

www.facebook.com/EssentialsRossett Essentials Mag is now on Facebook Please ‘Like us on Facebook’ for the latest local news, and information.

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County Councillor for Gresford

Andrew Bailey Community New Year Resolution?

I don’t know if it is possible to have a ‘community new year resolution’, but if so would issue the challenge.

I am often approached by those who encounter fellow motorists who feel one way systems do not apply to them or who have witnessed hazardous manoeuvring or indiscriminate parking by others. The community council had a working party looking to try and help the parking situation at our vibrant shopping and business centre in Gresford but to succeed, any measures need a wider ‘buy in.’

As the saying goes, a long trek starts with small steps, so I would ask that all motorists take all due care and consideration in their driving and parking within our community.

Crossing Patrol at All Saints The vacancy for a school crossing patrol at All Saints is still open but will not remain so forever.

If you feel you can help our pupils to make a safer journey to and from school and can spare a short time morning and afternoon during term time and would like more details (or indeed to apply) do give the personnel department a ring on 01978 292012 or email hrservice@wrexham.gov.uk

CONTACT DETAILS: Woodvale, Pant Lane, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8EU e-mail andrew.bailey@wrexham.gov.uk Tel 01978 855144

those to nursery education) are ‘kicked firmly into the long grass.’ The Community Council element of your council tax is likely to rise by a few pence after our precept (budget setting) meeting in December. This is primarily to cover possible contingency spending on those community-run facilities you have all shown your faith in, such as our community centres, community woodland (MYPAG) and volunteer-run library (GDCL) - there may be more.

Each of these have their own fundraising schemes which I am confident many of you will continue to support and there are details on the respective websites.

Budgets

Graham Peake

Due to a more generous settlement from the current Welsh Government, the strain on the County’s budget has lessened a little.

We still have to find £27m in the next three years but this is a 40% reduction from the previous picture and my own hopes are that some of the self-defeating cuts (such as

It was a great shock over the Christmas period to hear of the passing of my fellow community councillor Graham Peake.

Graham was an invaluable source of village news and views, and always seemed to present a positive vibe - we will miss him.

TREAT YOUR LOVED ONE THIS VALENTINE’S

Valentine’s Day Sunday 14th February 4 course dinner plus sparkling cocktail on arrival

A ROMANTIC BREAK FOR 2

Any night of the week - You’ll think you‘ve had a holiday • A complimentary half bottle of champagne as you relax in your en-suite double bedroom • A small box of handmade chocolates • Three course candlelit dinner for two • Overnight accommodation with full Welsh breakfast

Cross Lanes Hotel & Country Inn Bangor Road, Wrexham

Tel: 01978 780555

Essentials Mailbox

Gresford & Marford Luncheon Club The Luncheon Club in Marford Community Centre will restart on Tuesday 12th January then every other Tuesday. While at Gresford Methodist Hall they run every other Monday restarting on Monday 18 th January. Everybody welcome from surrounding villages and both ladies and gentlemen attend. We plan fun days out joining with members from Llay Lunch Club and we are thinking about arranging a trip to Malta in the early Autumn, so there’s no need to be lonely, we have plenty going on - please get in touch.

Theatre visits - I will be booking some shows BUT I need people to respond ASAP! The following shows are for you to think about: Glenn Miller Story, Annie, Queen ,The Golden Oldies, Grumpy Old Women, Hi Di Hi and Mousetrap. If you know of a show that might be good get in touch. My contact for all the above is 01978 855691 leave a message and contact number I will get back to you.

Beryl Blackmore

A New Year Present for Young Children of Gresford!

In December's edition of Essentials Mag Wrexham Council wrote that they had to carry out a survey of children's opportunities for playing in their local communities. They said they could use the information to try and find ways of protecting and improving childrens time and space for playing. How do they do this?... They remove the equipment from the playground for very small children in Parsonage Close - many of whom have NO outside space to play. They leave it as empty space and then class it is disused and give it away to a social housing group! It is stated that anti-social behaviour was reported there but local police say no reports have ever been received and the Community Council records show no complaints. The area is STILL USED to play, to run and to ride very small bikes. Those saying it is never used do not live near the site or visit it when children are playing. The figures for Gresford already show a LARGE DEFICIT in play area provision. Lesley Griffiths handed over ÂŁ1.5 million to Councils to support and maintain play provision as a necessary part of childrens health and well being. A gift you wanted for the children? I expect not!

Name and address supplied

Print Error Essentials Mag would like to apologise for an error in our December issue stating that the Gresford WI were celebrating their 70th anniversary when in actual fact it should have read their 80th anniversary. Sorry ladies!

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

Tom Edwards DOMESTIC PLUMBING

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Unsightly gap... ill fitting dentures?

Dr Stephen Kelso BDS, MFDS RCPS, is our Implant Specialist Stephen qualified from Queens University, Belfast in 1997 with distinctions. He gained membership to the Royal College of Surgeons in 2000 and achieved the SAAD standard in intra-venous sedation in 2002. Stephen has studied at Dental Implant Master-Classes throughout Britain, Europe and America in advanced implant techniques. He is a mentor for the world renowned ‘Strauman Dental Implant System’ and for the postgraduate students undertaking the MSc in Dental Implantology at Salford University. He is the Clinical Director of Liverpool Implant Centre.

If an implant is what you need... look no further for expertise and professionalism.

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Wrexham News

Enforcement Services to those who allow their dog to foul our communities or who drop litter; Those responsible dog owners and members of the public who care for the environment and do not drop any litter will have nothing to fear from the proposals."

Wrexham Council's Executive Board has agreed to appoint a private partner to carry out the monitoring and enforcement of dog fouling and littering in the county borough.

The proposals will be on a 12 months trial basis which will then be evaluated.

In his report to Members, Lead Member for the Environment, Cllr David A Bithell, noted that the demands of the public, councillors and community councillors were not being met by current enforcement methods and that improvements were necessary.

Following the decision Cllr Bithell, said: "I am very pleased that Members have agreed that this is the way forward to make Wrexham a cleaner, greener and safer place for everyone. I am confident that we will see a higher level of fines issued

An awareness raising campaign using print and social media will be undertaken prior to any company undertaking enforcement on the Council's behalf to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the campaign.

Figures for 2014/15: • 478 complaints were received about dog fouling • 21 tickets issued for dog fouling • 175 tickets were issued for littering • 132 tickets were issued for cigarette butts There will be no job losses due to the changes as the Council's existing enforcement officers will be concentrating on traffic management issues with particular emphasis on the areas around our schools. Many of these suffer from inconsiderate and illegal parking by parents or carers.

The lack of enforcement at our schools has caused complaints from residents and community councils and it is anticipated that increased enforcement will address these complaints.

Parry’s Furniture For Dinning Room, Sofas, Suites, Recliner's, Bed's & Bedroom Furniture

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Tel 01978 352126 www.parrys-furniture.co.uk Mold Road Trading Estate, Gwersyllt, Wrexham LL11 4AQ Opening Times: Monday: 11:00am - 5:30pm Tuesday: 11:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 11:00am - 5:30pm Friday: 11:00am - 5:30pm Saturday: 9:00am - 1:00pm Sunday: Closed

Text Davies Terry

Text Accidents Freak I’m sure all you Formula 1 fans out there are delighted that Lewis Hamilton has won his third World Championship crown. What a driver he is, but judging by his team mate Nico Rosberg’s recent performances, he certainly won’t have it all his own way this season.

Thanks to the efforts of people like Nikki Lauda and particularly Jackie Stewart, the circuits are much safer these days, and so are the cars, enabling some drivers to walk away unscathed from many horrific crashes. But then there are the freak accidents that can’t be prevented, such as when a wheel from a crashed car hurtled into the side of John Surtees’ 18 year old son Henry‘s car, who was racing at Brands Hatch in 2009. The wheel hit him on the head and he died in hospital some days later.

Way back in January 1977 at the South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit, the talented Welsh driver Tom Pryce was also killed in a freak accident. Tom (Maldwyn to his friends) was born in Trevalyn, Rossett in 1949, the son of a policeman. He grew up to be a skilled tractor mechanic, first in Wrexham and then in Ruthin, where he went to live.

At first, Tom tried his hand at Rallying, sometimes with David Richards as his navigator (who is now head of Prodrive), but he soon realised that circuit racing was what he really wanted, and eventually a F1 driver. He developed his talent as a racing driver at the Brands Hatch circuit,

winning the prestigious Race of Champions in the process, and after impressive drives at Monaco, he was tipped to be a future World Champion.

In 1977, he was at the wheel of his Shadow car trying to show what he could do in this first Grand Prix of the season.

Ahead of him, his team mate Renzo Zorzi’s engine burst into flames, and he drove to the side of the track and jumped out. Two young marshals raced across the track with fire extinguishers to put the fire out, but one of them was hit by Tom arriving at full speed. The marshal was knocked high into the air and killed instantly, but the fire extinguisher he was carrying hit Tom on the head, and killed him too. He was buried in St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Otford, Kent, where he and his wife, Nella, had been married just two years earlier. A magnificent bronze memorial plaque was erected in Clwyd Street, Ruthin in 2009 in Tom’s memory. It was made by Neil Dalrymple of Ruthin, who incorporated many aspects of Tom’s life, as well as images of Tom, into its design. These included Tom’s mum, Gwyneth; their family home; Glocaenog Forest which he had driven through so often, and in the background was the inevitable tractor!

It’s certainly well worth a visit.

Alpha ELECTRICAL SERVICES Domestic Electrician from Gresford

Smaller Jobs Welcome NICEIC Member, Part P Registered • Outdoor wiring & Lighting • Security lighting • Fault finding • Rewiring • Cookers • Showers • Fuse boxes • Extra sockets

For a clean, tidy & reliable service please contact Ross: 01978 853437/07779 554433

ARE YOU THINKING OF A DIVORCE OR A SEPARATION? I am Carol McGuire of Thomas Andrews and Partners Solicitors 31 High Street Wrexham. I have over 30 years of experience in this area of the law so why not come and have a chat with me before you make any decisions.

The initial meeting of 30 minutes is free anyway, so you have nothing to lose.

Please telephone 01978 291506 for an appointment.

BRHS-Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Text

Text Gardening News By the time you read this Christmas will be over, and we will be wondering what all the fuss was about! I hope that

you will have received some gardening gifts to take you through into next year.

My family have become used to such requests as ‘some sacks of potting compost for my birthday please’ so I will be pleased to have anything for my garden at any time.

During January the BRHS will be busy preparing for our Christine Walkden event on February 17th. We hope to see a great many of you there, it will be good to celebrate with you all. There is still time to buy tickets from Bob Bates on 01244 571338. Last year’s talk from Chris Beardshaw was very good, and we are hoping for great things from Christine Walkden.

It is important to keep feeding the birds at this time of the year, the birds in my garden are fond of fat balls, I have a feeder on a long metal pole, the theory is that our cat (who is very athletic) cannot climb this. Also keep the birdbath clean, and free from leaves. When the water freezes break the surface and refill it as well.

I haven’t managed to finish my pruning this year as the weather has been so wet, this is important with roses as if left to grow too spindly they suffer from windrock. This can result in them breaking, and sometimes lifting out of the ground. The very next dry day we have is ear-marked for this task.

When I visited my sister in November we visited a large market and she treated me to a large Amaryllis bulb, this will be a lovely pale pink when it flowers. I noticed yesterday that it has started to sprout, these bulbs are very cheering to have on a windowsill during the winter. In fact they are often a lovely gift to give for Christmas as well. Remember to keep them away from any cats in your household though as the pollen can be fatal, so mine is on a very high place!

My raspberry canes have arrived at last during a really wet spell, so I have heeled them into a temporary space in the garden until next spring when they can be planted into their permanent home. I must admit that I am looking forward to the growing season starting again, I have quite a number of seed packets to sow.

A Happy New Year to you all.

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Rossett Village Festival

We Need You...!

PUB DINING & ROOMS

Valentines Day 3 Course meal from our set menu for 2 people - £35 Includes a glass of fizz

6 Nations Opening Game 6th February: France v Italy (14:45pm KO) Game Day Deals - Curry & Chips £4; Bar Burgers £4; Hot Dogs £2; Cask Ales £2.50/pint

Quiz Night We are partaking in PubAid's World Record attempt and will be holding a Quiz Night on Sunday 7th February at 7pm along with over 580 other pubs throughout the country.

All monies raised will be going to our new house charity 'Nightingale House Hospice'

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Thinking of selling your home?

Read on...

“Many thanks for all your hard work and effort in securing a sale on our much loved Willow Cottage, from start to finish we couldn’t have asked for anyone better.”

Glen and Geoff Smith

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For Sale

Rossett Cottage Charming and absolutely packed full of character, 3 receptions and three bedrooms plus a separate 2 bedroom annex cottage.

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Sheldon Oak, Burton Green, Rossett

A stylish family home enjoying far reaching views.

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Windward Cottages, Rossett

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A great location, this 3 bedroom property has open views towards fields and farmland to the frontage.

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Wrexham News

Two New Schools Wrexham Council has announced two new schools are to be built in Caia Park.

need an environment that is fit for purpose and one that will ensure children reach their full potential.”

One will replace the existing Hafod y Wern primary school and the other will replace Gwenfro primary school. The new builds follow successful bids to the Welsh Government under the 21 Century Schools programme.

Both schools will be built to BREEAM standards which will ensure they are fuel efficient and operate to environmentally acceptable standards.

The Council has identified the match funding required of £5 million.

Cllr Michael Williams, Lead Member for Childen’s Services, said: “Officers have worked extremely innovatively to obtain this funding and their hard work is to be commended. Wrexham Council is committed to raising educational standards and children and staff

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: "Our architects have developed plans for two modern schools that will meet the needs of the 21st Century. The plans follow the amalgamation of juniors and infants sections of both schools. The creation of new schools will mean there wil be no transition stage between primary and juniors which can sometimes be a concern for young children.

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Wrexham Town Centre

Indoor Markets

All of Wrexham’s indoor markets are located within the town centre. They incorporate over 100 years of tradition offering excellent value for money. In total there are over 100 stalls offering everything from succulent sausages and steaks to furniture, fashion clothing or mobile phones and childrens` toys. In short everything you are likely to need.

Peoples Market The Peoples Market has several entrances. These can be found off Chester Street, Market Street, Market Street Car Park and Holt Street. There are public toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing facilities located near the entrance to the Market Street Car Park.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm.

Disabled Access: Via all entrances.

General Market The General Market has entrances off Henblas Street, Henblas Square and Chester Street.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm.

The market closes at 1.30pm on a Wednesday afternoon.

Disabled Access: Henblas Street entrance adjacent to numbers 21 - Covent Garden Greengrocers & 23 - Florist Henblas Street.

Butchers Market The Butchers Market has entrances Central Arcade off Hope Street, High Street and Henblas Street.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm.

The market closes at 1.30pm on a Wednesday afternoon.

Disabled Access: Via Central Arcade off Hope Street.

Finance News with Hadlow Edwards

Lift-Off as Scheduled In December the United States Federal Reserve raised US interest rates by 0.25%, the first rise in interest rates for nine years. The question many people are now asking is when will the same thing happen over here, and what should I do about it. In the UK, base interest rates have been at 0.5% since March 2009. It may well be the case that rates will increase sometime in the next 12 months, but in the past interest changes have been in steps of 0.25%. Whilst it may not be the same this time, it is likely that it will take some time for rates to be increased significantly.

Whilst increasing interest rates will affect all savers and investors, it is mortgage borrowers who are most likely to be concerned about increasing rates. Borrowers on a variable or tracker rate may be considering switching to a fixed rate as a means of keeping control of their payments, but this may not always be the best option. Two year fixed rates are generally about 0.3% more expensive than a tracker rate with five year rates at 1%. However, should rate increases follow previous patterns; it will take some time for current fixed rates to be more expensive than trackers.

You also need to consider the overall cost of a deal as the headline rate is not necessarily the full story. Mortgage fees can also be charged at the outset by way of booking fees, product fees and redemption fees, and these

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn Edwards

can offset an initial lower interest rate making a deal that looks particularly good at the outset to be more expensive.

Lastly, some deals offer greater flexibility than others to make overpayments each year, which is a great way to reduce the effect of increase in interest rates and bring your mortgage term down.

Choosing the right mortgage deal is down to individual preferences and the need for flexibility and security, but one thing all borrowers should be doing now is checking their current mortgage deal. Is it competitive in the market? Can I make overpayments if I wish? Is there a penalty for moving to another deal? How much would my payments increase if interest rates increase, and can I afford it?

Discussing your options with a broker who can look at the whole of the market is well worthwhile, and if you would like to look at your own mortgage situation please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss with you.

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

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. Equities do not have the security of capital which is characteristic of a deposit with a bank or building society. 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

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Wrexham News

North Wales Prison The North Wales Prison project is expected to bring a significant economic boost to the local and regional economy, during both construction and operation. These benefits are already beginning to accrue. Wrexham County Borough

Council and the North Wales Economic Ambition Board are working hard with the project owners and key stakeholders to ensure that the economic benefits – jobs, work for local suppliers etc. - stay within the local and regional area.

Construction Lendlease, the main contractor, has committed to delivering the following local economic and community benefits during construction: • £30 million to be spent on local businesses • Half of all labour utilised on the project to be recruited locally • 100 apprenticeships covering all age groups with the opportunity to progress into employment • Around 500 days of work placement schemes in year one, increasing each year during construction • A commitment to the up-skilling of workers employed in the construction of the prison • Workshops to support SMEs and local business to improve their skills in securing tenders

• Working with schools to offer assistance in areas such as career assemblies, CV and interview preparation, work experience and teacher support • One day per year, per Lendlease staff member, to be spent on work to meet community needs/objectives.

Employment, Skills and Engagement Committee Lendlease has set up an Employment, Skills and Engagement Committee to look at ways to deliver and maximise the local commitments during the construction phase. The committee and meet monthly to drive the project forward and the members are made up of: Representatives from the Ministry of Justice, National Offender Management Service, Lendlease, Wrexham County Borough Council, North Wales Economic Ambition Board and Department of Work and Pensions.

Hugh Linn

Local Birds & Wildlife The Mediterranean Gull seen at Gresford Flash on various dates in November and December turns out to have quite a history. I was fortunate

enough to grab a photograph of it taking flight which showed its leg clearly bearing a white ring numbered 32J9. As a result of that one lucky shot and the efforts of bird recorders here and in Europe we now know a great deal about our unusual visitor.

The ring was fitted in April 2007 in Brussels when the bird was three years old. It spent the following breeding season in France before wintering in Spain. In 2009 it was back at the French breeding site and after a short spell in Spain it wintered in Portugal then returned via Spain to France before turning up in Liverpool in September 2010. Most of 2011 and 2012 was spent in France with brief excursions to Portugal and Holland and, somewhat unexpectedly, putting in an appearance at Porthmadog on 2nd July 2012.

2013 saw it back in France once more for the breeding season. The bird was unrecorded in 2014 but on 19 April 2015 it was relocated in Shropshire at the Wood Lane Nature Reserve paired up with an un-ringed male. We have no evidence of successful breeding but it is certainly possible that our bird may have settled somewhere not too far away before pitching up here in Gresford.

Further sightings are awaited with interest.

The spell of mild weather before the storms broke produced some unseasonal activity. In some places daffodils have been

in full flower. In our own garden we have had blooming honeysuckle and Rooks starting to construct a nest. Rooks and Jackdaws assembling near the Grosvenor Garden Centre prior to going to roost have numbered several thousand. A Merlin was observed chasing a Fieldfare over the Holt floods on 6 December.

Blackcaps from Eastern Europe have returned to local garden feeders and Mair Evans recorded a record number of 22 wintering Goosanders on Gresford Flash.

I wish all our readers a happy New Year.

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OFFICES IN CHESTER AND WREXHAM

Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

Mike Edwards Wrexham Council The “Reshaping Services” programme continues. The proposals will be discussed by the January Executive Board whose agenda is on the Council website. I think it is likely that our council tax will rise by around 3%. Proposals for further changes to council services will continue to be discussed over the next twelve months. I hope that we will all be able to give our opinion on these proposals in time for our views to be taken into account.

CONTACT DETAILS: e-mail michael.edwards@wrexham.gov.uk Tel 01978 854992

Gresford Community Council In December, the Council decided to raise £82,900 for 2016/17. That means that Wrexham Council will charge everyone in Marford and Gresford the equivalent of £32.14 at Band D in addition to the amounts raised for the North Wales Police and for Wrexham Council’s own use.

The Community Council believe that raising extra funds this year is justified, because local people have decided to support new major projects i.e. Gresford Library and Marford Community Centre in addition to Maes-y-Pant Woodland, Gresford Trust and IMAGE (our environmental and village development group). The Council meets in Marford at the Methodist Church Hall in January, March and May. At Gresford Memorial Hall in February, April and June.

The public are welcome and minutes are published on www.gresford.org.uk.

www.blood.co.uk where you can register as a blood donor. You can then see the locations of future sessions in the area and book an appointment at a time of your choice.

Maes Y Pant Woodland Please consider joining the “Friends of Maes y Pant”. Leaflets are available at the Pant Lane entrance or you can view the website at www.maes-y-pant.com

Welsh Government Aled Roberts proposes to donate the extra £10,000 that Assembly members have voted for themselves to charities which will benefit North Wales. As your Assembly member for the area, Aled Roberts would welcome your views on the Welsh Government: aled.roberts@wales.gov.uk

NHS Costs On Christmas Eve, the Blood Donor session at Gresford Memorial Hall was oversubscribed and unfortunately some people were turned away. May I thank all who turned up, whether they were able to donate their blood that day or not. To ensure that your attendance is not wasted next time, please log on to

Marford and Gresford Luncheon Club Everyone enjoyed our special Christmas meeting. We will meet again on 12th & 26th January, on 9th & 23rd February and on 8th & 22nd March. Beryl Blackmore will order your meals if you give her a ring on 01978 855691.

Wrexham News

Wrexham Museum

Four Standards, the Burma Star, Eighth Army, Korean and Normandy, were raised together for the first time at Wrexham Museum recently.

Wrexham Council has agreed it will use Crowd Funding to try and raise enough funding to preserve and safeguard the Standards for the public and permanently display them at the Guildhall. The Crownbanding will be launched in January. The project has already gained support and over £1,000 has been pledged towards the restoration.

The campaign will use armed forces personnel and veterans views on video explaining why the standards should be preserved and why they are important. Anyone who wishes to be part of the video should email afcc@wrexham.gov.uk Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion, said: “It's a pleasure to see all four raised together and I know people and businesses in Wrexham will be very supportive of the plans and donate when the project is officially launched in January."

It is anticipated that £13,000 will ultimately be needed to see the Standards restored to their former glory.

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Hedgerow Maintenance

Advice on Hedge Cutting Trimming is the commonest form of hedgerow maintenance. When undertaken correctly, trimming is an efficient form of management.

However excessive trimming has been linked with hedgerow dieback and annual trimming greatly reduces the availability of food resources for wildlife. To ensure the continued health of hedgerows and to enhance their wildlife value it is recommended that trimming is undertaken in accordance with the following guidelines.

1. Where possible, avoid trimming annually. Trimming every two or three years can be cheaper and is better for the long term health of the hedge.

There is often no good reason for annual cutting other than 'tidiness'. Most hedgerow plants fruit and flower more freely on two or three year old wood.

Cutting more frequently than this greatly restricts the availability of food resources for wildlife and has been linked to hedgerow decline.

2. Where a hedge has to be trimmed annually, consider whether the whole hedge needs trimming or whether the top or one or more sides can be cut less frequently. For example, a roadside hedge is likely to require annual trimming, however the field side and possibly the top could be managed every other year.

3. Never cut hedgerows during the nesting season (March to August).

Late winter, avoiding periods of very hard frost, are the best months for hedge trimming. All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law. You are liable to contravene the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) if you cut during the bird nesting season. Farmers participating in agri-environment

schemes or in receipt of Less Favoured Area payments are not permitted to trim hedges between 1st March and 31st July. Delay cutting until late winter (January & February) to leave fruit and nuts for wildlife. If it is not possible to get on the field at this time of year, trimming can be brought forward to early winter.

4. The shape to which a hedge is cut is of less importance to wildlife than the size at which it is maintained, however, there are advantages to cutting hedges with sloping sides. Hedges cut into an A, flat topped A or cut with a chamfered top are able to shed heavy snow falls.

These are less likely to be damaged than parallel sided hedges. They also allow more light to reach the lower sections of the hedge helping to keep the base dense.

5. Plant any gaps in the hedge with native species using shrubs such as blackthorn, and holly with the occasional crab apple and hazel.

This provides alternative food sources for wildlife. Holly is the best option where shading from adjacent plants is likely to be an issue.

To obtain further advice on this issue please contact the Housing and Public Protection Department: Telephone: 01978 298989 Email: contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk

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Police Advice

Driving in extreme weather Motorists need to pay due care and attention on the roads in the winter and be able to adapt to changing conditions. Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves getting into difficulties when the roads are icy. Ask yourself whether your journey is really necessary.

If you get stuck in snow: • Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

• Use a light touch on the accelerator to ease your car out.

• Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

• Pour sand, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels – or even use your foot mats – to help get traction.

• If you must leave your car, arrange to have it recovered as soon as possible. If you think it is in a place that may pose a danger to other road users, call the police to let them know.

If it is foggy, raining, snowing or icy, make sure you slow down and keep well back from the vehicle in front of you. Many collisions are caused through not braking in time when the roads are wet or slippery; allow sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front. Watch out for locations where you may need to drive more

carefully, either because of side winds or a greater risk of ice.

Driving in rain and floods • When the road is wet it can take twice as long to stop. Slow down and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

• If your vehicle loses grip or 'aquaplanes' on surface water take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. Do not brake or steer suddenly because you have less control of the steering and the brakes.

• Try to avoid driving through surface water as you might flood your engine.

• If you have to drive through floods, drive slowly, use a low gear and try to keep the engine revving at a high rate. Move forward continuously to avoid stalling the engine. When driving an automatic vehicle, engage and hold in a low gear.

• Test your brakes after driving through water; they may be ineffective.

Above all, in any poor conditions reduce your speed and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front.

In extreme conditions, only make the journey if it is absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, allow extra time and make sure someone knows your route. Make sure you have your mobile phone fully charged in case of emergencies and that you carry warm, waterproof clothing with you.

PCSO Alison Heron Tel/Ffon 07813 523980 Alison.Heron@nthwales.pnn.police.uk PCSO Lisa Davies Tel/Ffon 07557 847798 Lisa-Marie.Davies@nthwales.pnn.police.uk

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Wrexham News

A New Challenge in 2016 Why not sign up for a year of Reading Daringly with north Wales’ libraries? Each month two of the twenty four specially chosen books, one English language and one Welsh language, will be revealed creating a calendar of captivating reads.

Librarians from across North Wales will choose books that challenge you to read something different. Whatever your reading tastes there is something here to entertain, challenge and enrich your reading experience – a real adventure in your armchair!

Additionally readers are encouraged to share their experiences and opinions of the books online via Facebook and Twitter or via the eye-catching postcards available from libraries.

The reading challenge has been devised

by Estyn Allan a partnership of libraries in North Wales which aims to offer new opportunities for readers to take an active role in their own development and to share reading experiences with others; to develop imaginative projects which increase people's enjoyment of reading and take the pleasure of reading to new audiences and to promote contemporary writing in Welsh and English.

Bethan Hughes, from the Estyn Allan y Gogledd libraries partnership commented:

“The idea is that ‘a Year of Reading Daringly’ would run almost like a reading group without the need to actually attend. People often get stuck in a ‘reading rut’ reading the same authors or genres and we are encouraging people to challenge themselves and try something new in 2016.”

As 2016 has been designated as the Year of Adventure in Wales this is a chance for people to sign up for lots of new adventures. For more information visit the Year of Reading Daringly Facebook and Twitter page or pop in to your local library. www.facebook.com/A-Year-ofReading-Daringly @ReadingDaringly on Twitter.

The first books will be announced on 1st January 2016!

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Councillor for Rossett

Hugh Jones Rossett Village Hall I am grateful to the three people who have expressed an interest in the Village Hall Committee. The next meeting is in the Village Hall at 19:15pm on 28th January, all are welcome.

Network Rail Network Rail have now confirmed that due to a mistake on their part it will be necessary to re-lay a significant section of cable. The work will disrupt train operation and extend their presence on site for a further six months. It now appears that the project will over run by at least 15 months.

Sadly it has been badly managed from day one. I have provided information to Mark Isherwood AM who has asked the Minister for an investigation into the management of the project and to identify who is paying the additional costs in what is a publicly funded project.

New Speed Limit Proposals The proposed new traffic regulations that affect the B5102, Chester Road and Holt Road are now out for consultation and I would encourage residents to submit their views and hopefully support the speed reductions.

Harwoods Lane A number of residents have expressed their concerns over the speed and volume of traffic using Harwoods Lane. Following the last Community Council meeting I undertook to look at what options we had.

Firstly a 20mph speed limit could not be implemented as the recent traffic survey showed that the average speed was 18mph.

We then looked at the possibility of a weight limit and the survey indicated that in the seven day period only three vehicles

CONTACT DETAILS: e-mail hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk Tel 07583 152703 @hugh_wre would have been prevented from access.

In terms of other options, speed humps are controversial and unpopular and the lane is already too narrow to implement a throttling scheme. The vast majority of vehicles using the lane appeared to be either residents or vehicles servicing premises, therefore an access only restriction would not have any effect.

Station Road We will be coming forward with proposals to place double yellow lines on one side of Station Road at the narrowest point, this will ensure a free flow for emergency vehicles and also prevent parking on the pavement. Opposite the double yellow lines we propose a short space of 20 minute parking. This will encourage a greater turnover but also enable blue badge holders to have the chance to park close to the doctors and dentists. The proposals will be subject to public consultation and no final decision will be taken until residents have had the opportunity to consider and reply.

Finally can I wish you all a Happy New Year.

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Essentials Mailbox

Maes-y-Pant Dear Councillor Edwards, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all the hard work you put in to get the old quarry site up and running as an area for the public to use, and also for your dedication towards the communities of Marford and Hoseley. However, I was extremely disappointed to read some of your remarks regarding dog fouling in Maes-y-Pant in the November issue of Essentials Mag. I was honestly expecting to find a retraction of those comments in the December issue so you can imagine my surprise to find that you chose instead to reiterate your thoughts on dog fouling!

As the mother of a five-year-old boy, I have found Maes-y-Pant woodland to be an excellent resource and used to enjoy going there for family walks. I say ‘used to’, because in the past 12 months I have become reluctant to go there due simply to the excessive dog fouling on the paths! My son likes going off the paths to investigate, play hide-and-seek, and generally have some fun.

This brings me back to your comments: “…flick the excrement into the undergrowth…” and in you seeing “…no reason to pick it up.” Firstly, I would have expected a Wrexham Councillor to advocate zero-tolerance toward dog fouling, regardless of the circumstances.

Secondly, and looking at the bigger picture, your comments could well encourage increased incidents of dog fouling! Simply put, dog owners who normally pick-up excrement in Maes-y-Pant might now encourage their dogs to go “off-path” and then, because Councillor Edwards says you don’t have to, just not pick it up? Others will just continue to allow their dogs to foul as normal.

We then have the question of what is the definition of ‘undergrowth’? Where does the path no longer become a path, and where does the undergrowth start/stop? This could be right next to the path or 200 metres into the woods. I am sure that most people will have a different opinion! Whatever the case, dog faeces presents several health risks.

In my view, dog owners should be reminded of their responsibilities regarding their dog’s waste and the fact that they MUST pick it up, period. There can be no excuses or justification for such anti-social behaviour and if dog owners are not prepared to remove their dog’s waste, then they should be informed that they are not welcome in Maes-y-Pant.

Name and address supplied

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

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Gresford & District

Community Library

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Essentials NOTICEBOARD The Welsh Government have published a draft bill on Reforming Local Government in Wales. They ask questions relating to: Your views on the options for two or three counties Flintshire and Wrexham or Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham

rs Caregive Required

g staff stic, carin Enthusia ally. Part time loc rs. required ible hou fl and ex 8 660423 Tel: 0197

Naming New Counties Timetable for changes Community Councils Area Committees Welsh Government control of appointment and pay of Chief Executives Public Service Boards Role of Local Democracy and Boundary Commission and its control

by Cardiff

Volunteers Needed Could you...

Support families under stress with children aged 5-11yrs?

Have 2-3 hours a week to spare?

Attend our training sessions to develop your skills?

If the answer to the above is YES and you would like to find out more and join our team then please contact Mary or Julia on 01978 366115

Public Service Staff Commission Responses should be sent by 26th February by e-mail or by post to Reforming Local Government Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ e-mail: RLGProgramme@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Are You a Bridge Player?

PULFORD BRIDGE CLUB MEETS IN PULFORD VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY NEW MEMBERS WELCOME PLEASE RING MARGARET WALKER FOR FURTHER DETAILS (01244 570435)

Retiring after 32 years at the Texaco Garage Gresford IMAGE members receive a cheque for ÂŁ456.80 from Keep Wales Tidy.

This will be used to plant eight more trees in the villages in February.

APPLY NOW FOR NURSERY ADMISSION 2016

Dave & Gill would like to thank all the people of Gresford and staff past and present who have supported us over our 32 years operating your local service station.

It has been an honour to serve the wonderful and warm people of Gresford and we will take with us very many happy memories of our time here.

Pete & all the staff are staying on and look forward to serving you as usual under the new owner Mr Alister Ketner to who we wish every success.

Apply Now for a Nursery Place in September 2016 Parents and carers are reminded that they can apply online now for a nursery school place in September 2016.

There is an online Parents' Guide and Hint and Tips available online at http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english /education/admissions_nursery.htm to help with the process.

Closing date for applications is 26 February 2016.

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Wrexham News

£24m Boot for Wrexham Vibrant and Viable Places Programme - £24m boost for Wrexham Vibrant and Viable Places is a regeneration framework that was produced by Welsh Government in March 2013. The vision was ‘that everyone in Wales should live in well-connected vibrant, viable and sustainable communities with a strong local economy and good quality of life’.

Wrexham was successful in securing £10.5million investment from the Vibrant and Viable Places Programme. Along with match funding, Wrexham has received a £24million boost.

This funding will be used for various regeneration projects which will help to create jobs, increase housing supply, tackle poverty, help create work and learning opportunities and improve community facilities.

By working in partnership with Welsh Government, Wrexham Council can help to deliver nine projects that make up the Vibrant and Viable Places Programme: • Project 1 – Redefining Wrexham Town Centre.

Creation of a Town Centre Masterplan, providing a clear vision for developments.

• Project 2 – Creative Industries and Arts Centre Development.

Establishing a creative industries hub in the town centre.

• Project 3 – Empty Properties and Vacant land into homes.

Creating opportunities for reviving vacant land and empty properties.

• Project 4 – New Extra Care / Town Centre Homes.

Creating opportunities for older people to live independently.

• Project 5 – Private Rental Sector Improvements.

Help to improve properties in the private rental sector.

• Project 6 – South West Wrexham Housing Renewal Area.

Offering ‘Group Repair’ grants for homeowners.

• Project 7 – Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

Installing up to 200 energy efficiency measures.

• Project 8 – Affordable Childcare.

Provision of flexible and affordable child care through refurbishment of existing facilities.

• Project 9 – Skills and Employability.

Creating training opportunities for people who are long term unemployed.

For more information visit: www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/business/vibrant_viable_places/

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Lower Park Farm

Down on the Farm...

Happy New Year! Having farmed locally for 35 years, 15 of which has been organically, I’ve been invited to give an insight to life on Lower Park Farm. By way of introduction, I’m Richard Tomlinson and along with my wife Sadie and sons George and William we are all actively involved in the running of our dairy farm on the outskirts of Rossett and Holt.

Of the 1100 acres we manage, roughly half is split into fifty-four paddocks and the rest grows arable crops for winter feed for the cattle. We produce approximately 4 million litres of milk annually from a herd of 650 Brown Swiss and Norwegian Red crossbreed dairy cattle (more about why we selected this crossbreed at a later date!). As an organic farm, the cows are pasture fed for at least 75% of the year, being housed only during the bad weather.

weather conditions. So what are we doing different you ask? Well we’ve introduced ancient farming practices to address the effects of the evident change in the climate experienced in recent years. Last Spring we decided to move away from monoculture grassland and seeded a large proportion of the fields with a carefully selected mix of pasture cultivars, including grasses, herbs and wild flowers. This new land management strategy will enable the farm business to counter some of the effects of climate change and the unpredictable drought and flood conditions. Simply put this means the combined root profile of the new species will extend to a depth of roughly 45cms, enabling tap roots to access water during drought as well as providing a stable root structure to counter the risk of soil erosion during times of flood.

I walk and measure the grassland weekly to ensure the cows feed of the freshest pasture. Each time our cows leave the dairy after milking – which is twice a day – they graze a different paddock. This method of rotation prevents the pasture from becoming extensively grazed, supports happy cows and produces tasty milk.

As we are an organic farm, we cannot use chemical fertilisers. So for the last 6 years we have been using digestate fertiliser.

A byproduct from the anaerobic digestion of animal slurry, this is a superb source of quality nutrients and humus, and we have seen a significant improvement in soil fertility on the farmland. So in effect we are growing soil to grow food!

Speaking of the weather, currently much of our land is under water. That’s nothing new for this time of the year, but what is new is how we are managing these extreme

Next time I look forward to updating you on the calving season. Look out for our organic farm lollipop signs around and about.

Email: info@lowerparkfarmcoop. co.uk Phone: 01829 270604 / 07847 104209

Lower Park Farm Co-operative Limited was incorporated and registered on 20/02/2015 under society number 4043. Lower Park Farm Co-operative Limited is a Cooperative Society formed under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Society Act 2014.

“A baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day.”

- Anon

For information about places please contact CLAIRE or LYNSEY

01244 571872 www.activechildcare.co.uk Rossett House Nursery Llay Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HT