EssentialsMAG January 2024 - North Wrexham/Cheshire Magazine by Essentials MAG

January 2024

Your monthly local community magazine

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★ Shop local ★ Eat local ★ Spend local ★ Enjoy local ★

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Welcome... Welcome to our January issue!

February Deadlines: Editorial - 5th January Advertising - 12th January

As we bid farewell to the festive season, January is a time to embrace the promise of new beginnings. A new year brings a sense of optimism, and a chance to set new goals, and chart new paths.

We’ve got the local area covered! Delivered by hand to 6,400 homes and businesses more than any other magazine in our area.

In our local community, this spirit of renewal is evident. We've seen it in the numerous community initiatives that have sprung up, the new restaurants, businesses and shops that have opened their doors, and the individuals who are taking steps to make a positive impact. This month, EssentialsMAG is dedicated to celebrating these stories of transformation and change. We feature local entrepreneurs who are pursuing their passion, community groups and events that are making a difference, and individuals who are overcoming challenges to achieve dreams. We hope that these stories will inspire you to embark on your own journey in the year to come. As we step into this new year, let's embrace the spirit of community, support one another, and work together to create a brighter future for our town and region. Happy New Year!

All the best, Vicky Heathfield

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 EssentialsMAG is published by Essentials MAG Limited, a local independent publishing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Essentials MAG Limited. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URLs and phone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. © EssentialsMAG Limited 2023.

EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Image: Knitted winter sweater

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When you have ﬁnished reading it please pass it on, or put it in your paper recycling bin.

Local News A Local Success Scott Desert is a local Chartered Architect, setting up the Chartered Practice ‘Scott Architecture’ in 2012. Over the years, Scott Architecture has been involved with a number of interesting local projects, ranging from home extensions, renovations and new builds to commercial projects and was the regional winner of the Building Excellence Award in 2021. Over the past two years, Scott has been the architect for the Sixth Form extension at The King’s School, Chester. This was officially opened on Thursday 9th November by His Grace, The Duke of Westminster, DL. The extension ties seamlessly into the existing school fabric and includes a state-of-the art drama studio, a common room, a new kitchen and dining area, and five additional large classrooms with interactive learning walls and office space. Scott told us, “Scott Architecture was involved throughout the project, from initial appraisal stages, through the design, planning permission, building control approval, construction information and assisting on site with regular visits to ensure quality of construction. The project has been a great success.” The extension at The King’s School is a crucial step in the school’s ambition to increase the number of bursaries to 100 by 2041, providing an asset to the community.

Wrexham 10K - Plans Underway Excitement is mounting in Wrexham as preparations are underway for the highly anticipated, brand-new Wrexham 10K being planned for 21st April 2024. Organiser, Alan Lewis from Adrenaline Sporting Events told us, “The race offers a lovely route for all runners. The run starts and ﬁnishes in the heart of Wrexham on Queen’s Square, with a nice countryside section in the middle. The course takes in some beautiful views and has been ofﬁcially measured and holds a Welsh Athletics Race Licence.” Early registrations are being encouraged as places are selling fast. To book your place head to: www.adrenalinesportingevents.co.uk

Local Doctor Publishes Children’s Book Dr Saloni Surah grew up in Chester and is a member of Hope Community Library Writing Group, based at Castell Alun High School. She is passionate about reading to children and regularly shares read-a-louds, and inspiring poems, on her social media. She became inspired to write to help children dream after having seen lots of poverty and illiteracy during her career as a doctor. Dr Surah’s ﬁrst book, Flora Investigates: The Case of the Missing Gold Eggs, published last year, is aimed at 5-10 year olds, about a girl reaching for her dreams who doesn’t give up. Her second book, The Last Fairy Guardian, is due out later in 2024. Dr Surah’s books are available on Amazon. For more details visit: www.salonisurah.com, www.youtube.com/@bedtimestoriesbysaloni

Women’s and Girls’ Cricket In line with the ambitions of the England and Wales Cricket Board to increase the participation of women and girls in cricket, Gresford Cricket Club are starting women’s and girls’ coaching sessions at Darland High School from Sunday 28th January 2024. The sessions are for women and girls of High School age, or above, at a cost of £2 per session. No experience of cricket is necessary - just the energy to have a go! Interested? Contact: justineparry8@gmail.com or visit: www.gresfordcricketclub.com

A big thank you to everyone who came to the Coffee Morning at The Golden Lion on 5th December to raise funds for Christ Church, Rossett. A special thanks to people who donated prizes, made cakes and helped. A total of £586 was raised. Thank you, Lesley Bennett

A very big thank you to all those who helped with the Festival of Light at All Saint’s Church, Gresford. In total, the event raised £1550 to be donated equally between Hope House / TyGobaith and Nightingale House Hospices. Thank you, Janet & Jane

Share your news with us: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article

Going Electric By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES Electric cars have been making headlines in recent years, promising a greener and more sustainable future for transportation. Last month, I took delivery of one - a Volkswagen ID.3, so, four weeks in, here are my initial positives and negatives: The positives: Eco-friendly travel. Stating the obvious really, but it does feel nice to know that you are driving around without the exhaust emissions. Of course, there are plenty of issues when it comes to the manufacture of these vehicles and the batteries that power them, but the end result undoubtedly feels “cleaner” somehow. Lower running costs and maintenance. With the price of petrol still high, and even with higher-than-average electricity costs, it still costs considerably less to charge the car than it would do to ﬁll it with petrol for the same range. Maintenance costs are also lower; less mechanical parts to go wrong means more miles without servicing, and lower servicing costs when you get there. It’s brilliant to drive! Obviously, the car is effectively silent, but for a small whine from the electric motor when you accelerate. The lower centre of gravity from the heavy batteries being at the bottom of the car, and the “instant on” acceleration make it really fun. It’s not going to win any 0-60mph battles, but 0-20mph is very impressive indeed.

The negatives: Range anxiety is real. Despite impressive advancements recently, electric cars generally still have a limited range. I find looking at the miles ticking down quite anxiety inducing, but if I look at the battery percentage it feels a lot more manageable - it starts to feel like a big smartphone! Charging anxiety is also real. It took me a few days to get a charging cable that would work at home, so I had to charge at public charge points. It can be tricky to find a charger that is compatible with the car, and they can randomly be unavailable. They can be quite slow to charge too. Upfront costs. Whilst there is undeniably savings to be had in the running and maintenance of an electric car, they are still quite a bit more expensive to buy over an equivalent petrol car. There are less government initiatives now than there were even a couple of years ago. Prices are starting to fall as competition rises, and in the next few years I imagine electric cars will be on a level with petrol equivalents. So far, my first experience of owning an electric car has been enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey.

EssentialsMAG tech contributor is David Hughes a freelance web developer Tel: 07595 303418 www.davidhughes.co

The River Alyn By ROSSETT AND GRESFORD FLY FISHERS’ CLUB Gossipy anglers should learn to refrain from forecasting the weather. In my last EssentialsMAG report, I said: “There is little doubt that something may happen to the river between now and the end of November, usually caused by our weather. Not that we anticipate major flooding, an avalanche or a tsunami in NE Wales, but it would be most unusual if the odd weather this year hasn’t got another quirky condition to try us with.” The river Alyn, along with many other rivers and streams on North West Wales, delivered a considerable volume of water to its lower catchment on 21st October. Roads were blocked, mostly due to poor drainage maintenance; water poured off the fields, making driving hazardous and the river level rose to only 7” below that recorded in November 2000 - a flood at the time described as an 800-year storm. The river poured over its banks between Gresford and Rossett and removed many trees, a few of which can still be seen on Rossett weir. In general, rivers expect to break their banks once a year in the normal course of events, but we have a problem on the Alyn which can only be described as ‘human intervention’. Because many industries have thrived in the valley, the river and its water has been used in many different ways at different times. Initially, as a source of power for over thirty mills, all of which needed a weir and mill race which constrained the river. Gravel pits needed water. Coal mines washed and

cleaned their products, and in Gresford, waste from coal mines was tipped on the old river bed whilst the river was diverted to replicate a canal. Railways and roads proliferated throughout the 19th and 20th century, creating a huge amount of river realignment and hard revetting. All these works changed the normal characteristics of the river. The removal of natural meanders and the use of concrete and stone revetments all accelerate the flow of water downstream. As the velocity increases, so pebbles, sand, and silt are picked up from the river bed and carried downstream. Whenever the slope of the river reduces, so does its speed and energy. Over the flat terrain of the lower reaches, the river hardly seems to flow and this is where materials carried down from successive ‘straightenings’, settles. These suspended solids fill up the channel and the water then overflows on to the surrounding land, which is known as the flood plain. The world’s great rivers have vast flood plains which, for centuries, have provided naturally fertilised soils which fed their nations. The Alyn’s flood plain is similarly formed, just a bit smaller! Rossett and Gresford Fly Fishers’ Club was founded in 1906, making it one of the oldest (continuously functioning) fishing clubs in Wales. For membership details, or to try a ‘taster session’, visit their website: rossettandgresfordflyfishing.co.uk

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A New Year New Motivation By HELEN CONWAY Returning to regular activity after the Christmas break can be both invigorating and challenging. As the holiday season often involves a break from typical routines, re-establishing a sense of structure can require a gradual and mindful approach. Begin by setting realistic goals, acknowledging that it might take some time to regain momentum. Start with small, manageable steps to ease back into your routine. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed and make the transition smoother. Reignite your motivation by reﬂecting on the positive aspects of your practice. Consider the beneﬁts, and how they contribute to your wellbeing. This positive, forward thinking mindset can serve as a powerful motivator during the initial phase of readjustment. Prioritise sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and remember to schedule time for relaxation. These practices can enhance your overall wellbeing, providing the energy and focus needed to re-engage with your activities effectively. Diary your workout, and treat it like a precious appointment. You wouldn’t cancel coffee with a friend for a long overdue catch up, so don’t cancel your workout when you know you will feel better for it.

Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start. Use the post-holiday period to reassess your goals and priorities. Adjustments may be necessary based on evolving circumstances or personal aspirations. This reflective process can renew your sense of purpose and commitment to your routine. Also seek support from friends, family, or colleagues who may also be readjusting after the break. If you’re new to a class, grab a buddy to come with you for the first time. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of shoulder to shoulder moral support. Remember, that progress may not be linear, and setbacks are natural. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. By approaching the return to routine with patience and a positive mindset, you can effectively transition to a renewed sense of health and fulfilment. Happy New Healthy Year!

Bodywork-Pilates was established in 2002. They offer the very best in pilates, yoga and holistic ﬁtness, with over 20 classes a week to choose from in and around Wrexham and Chester.

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

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Sparkling Magic and Community Spirit By SOO MOULTON-WILDE, Wrexham & District Pantomime Company The yearly panto by the Wrexham and District Pantomime Company, lights up the William Aston Hall in Wrexham every February half-term. Not only does it enchant audiences, but it also raises substantial funds for local charities! Since 1906, every penny of profit generated from our annual pantomime has been dedicated to supporting local charities, continuing our long-standing commitment to community welfare. This achievement fills us with immense pride. Its success is thanks to our dedicated audience and the numerous local businesses that generously donate and advertise with us. Without their support, this simply wouldn't be possible. Each person involved, whether on stage or behind the curtains, generously volunteers their time and skills, to bring our production to life. We pour our hearts into every detail to ensure a memorable experience for all who attend. Last year, we supported seven local charities: The Butterfly Suite at the Maelor Hospital, The Venture in Caia Park, The Starbox Appeal, Wrexham Foodbank, OneLove Choir, Refugee Kindness and Nightingale House Hospice.

Come along, you will not be disappointed! Robin Hood Panto, will run between 9th - 13th February at William Aston Hall, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW. Tickets are £12 each. To book your seats, visit: www.williamastonwrexham.com Calling all local businesses If you are a local business and would like to advertise with us, or make a donation, please email: wrexhampanto@outlook.com Find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Dates for your Diary MON 1 JANUARY 2024

EVERY THURSDAY

11 - 12 JANUARY

Charity Heritage Bus Running Day Wrexham - Chester

Walking Netball Rhosnesni High School, Wrexham LL13 9ET

A large selection of vintage vehicles will be running a free service following the Arriva number 1 route.

Encouraging ladies to stay active in a team sport.

Penley Polish Heritage Project Penley Rainbow Centre, A539, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0GB

6pm - 7pm £4.00 per session sheilageorge2@hotmail.com

1 - 6 JANUARY

Panto Performance: Jack and the Beanstalk Grove Park Theatre, Hill St, Wrexham LL11 1SN Latest performance from Wrexham’s oldest amateur theatre based in town. groveparktheatre.co.uk

THUR 4 JANUARY

Vinyasa Yoga Pulford Village Hall, St Mary's Church, Chester CH4 9EU New weekly Vinyasa yoga class. Beginners welcome. 7pm - 8pm Tel: 07530 026792 (Sarah)

THROUGHOUT JANUARY

Blood Donation Sessions Various local locations Give the gift of life - your donation matters!

FRI 5 JANUARY

Wrexham Birdwatchers Gresford Trust Memorial Hall, Gresford LL12 8PS

https://wbs.wales/ EssentialsMAGWrexham

Wrexham Birdwatchers’ January meeting, a talk on “Monitoring Birds of Prey in the Field” by Jimmi Hill.

WED 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 JAN SUN 7, 14, 21, 28 JAN

7:30pm Tel: 01978 855266 (Trevor)

Marford Karate Club Marford Community Centre, Pant Lane, Marford LL12 8SH Come and learn traditional Shotokan-style Karate. Adults & children welcome. 10.30am - 12pm (Sun) 6.30pm - 8pm (Wed) £4.00 child/£5.00 adult Tel: 07708 404043 (Jerry)

SAT 6 JANUARY

Bingo Night Penley Village Hall, Penley LL13 0NH Eyes down for a full house. A fabulous night of bingo! 6pm Eyes down 6:30pm @PenleyVillageHall

The Heritage Project will focus on the unique history of Penley from WWII. You are invited to ﬁnd out more about the project by attending one of the information sessions. 7pm (Thur) 10am (Fri) Free

NEW DATES! 12 - 13 JANUARY

A Green Fairy Tale Overton Village Hall, Pen-Y-Llan St, Overton, Wrexham LL13 0EE A play by The Overton Amateur Dramatics Society, written by local Overton author Amanda Padley, and the cast are all local. There is a rafﬂe, bar. Refreshments and ice cream during the interval. 6:30pm / 2pm Saturday £8.00 (adults) / £5.00 (child)

Share your events with us - it’s FREE! Let us know your events taking place next month so we can feature them. essentialsmag.co.uk /whats-on

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.

SAT 13 JANUARY

Nightingale House Hospice Christmas Tree Collection Collection only A team of volunteers will collect and recycle your real Christmas tree in return for a donation towards patient care at Nightingale House Hospice. Register online or call to book in your collection. Bookings will close on Monday 8th January at 11:59pm. Remove all decorations from your tree. Leave your tree outside your house in a visible location before 7am on Saturday 13th January. Donations Tel: 01978 314292 just-helping.org.uk/ register-tree

SUN 14 JANUARY

Chester Vegan Market Chester Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ Perfect for those doing ‘Veganuary’ - bringing together a variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, smallbatch soapers, local artists, zero-waste champions and loads more! 10:30am - 4pm

For a comprehensive list of local events, shows, groups and classes please visit:

essentialsmag.co.uk/whats-on TUE 16 JANUARY

FRI 26 JANUARY

Holt Flower Club Wrexham Golf Club, Wrexham LL13 9SB

New Year Magic! Overton Village Hall, Overton LL13 0EE

Cynthia Preston-Jones will be demonstrating her theme “Dedicated Follower of Fashion". All welcome.

An evening of magic, mindreading and comedy, family entertainment and lots of audience participation.

7:30pm £7.00 (visitors) Tel: 07857 896496 (Christine)

7pm £10.00 (adults) / £7.00 (child) Tel: 01978 710631 (Jill)

WED 17 JANUARY

SAT 27 JANUARY

Maelor Music Society Concert Maelor School, Overton Road, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0LU

Table Top Sale Rossett Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett, LL12 0HE

Enjoy an evening recital by the outstanding musicians from Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester. 7:30pm £10 on the door/kids free Tel: 01978 710486 (Geoff)

Tables £6. To book a table telephone the number below. Refreshments. 10am - 3pm Free Tel: 01244 571089

SUN 28 JANUARY 26 - 28 JANUARY

The Big Garden Birdwatch Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. Register online. www.rspb.org.uk

Women’s & Girls’ Cricket Darland High School, Rosset LL12 0DL Gresford Cricket Club are starting women’s and girls’ coaching sessions. 2pm - 3pm £2.00 justineparry8@gmail.com

Wrexham Tourism News By JOE BICKERTON, Tourism Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council As we start a new year, excitement is high thanks to the continuing popularity of Wrexham as a tourist destination, highlighted by ‘Time Out Magazine’ including Wrexham as one of their ‘must see’ UK destinations to visit in 2024! Publicity on this scale, not to forget Wrexham’s name being a frequent sighting on Times Square, Sunset Boulevard and around the globe thanks to the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ docu-series, is simply fantastic for us. Looking back on the last 12 months, we have welcomed journalists from the Lonely Planet, United Airlines, the Western Australian, the Telegraph, the New York Times and National Geographic to name just a few. Based on feedback from travel outlets, Wrexham is one of the most searched for places to visit outside of London, Windsor and Edinburgh, for 2024, and we fully expect international tourism and overnight stays in the region to increase. Not only does this beneﬁt Wrexham’s hospitality businesses, but has knock-on beneﬁts for the wider North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire economies. Many of our new visitors will undoubtedly have a visit to the STōK Cae Ras and the ever-welcoming Turf Hotel, on their itinerary, but our challenge now is ensuring that we are able to maximise the awareness of our other world class attractions in

the Wrexham area, such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site – all 11 miles from Gledrid by the Lion Quays through to the Horseshoe Falls outside Llangollen, where the canal originates. Both National Trust properties in Wrexham, Erddig and Chirk Castle, have just finished spectacular festive programmes and are gearing up for some fantastic new events this year, and we are also seeing new investment from the private sector with a number of exciting projects due to be announced in the coming months. January also gives us time to think about our goals for the new year, and in April, a new Wrexham 10k running race has just been announced, starting in Queen’s Square and taking in a circular route around Erddig before finishing back in the City Centre. If this gives you a training target for the new year, you can sign up today at; Wrexham 10K - Adrenaline Sporting Events. Don’t forget – if you’re looking for winter walks or things to enjoy in the Wrexham area, you can download our new tourism brochure and find plenty of ideas and inspiration at www.thisiswrexham.co.uk Happy New Year everyone!

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

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Delmar World, Gresford Around the World in 60 Years

Managing Director, ANN ANGLESEA, reflects on Delmar World’s 60th anniversary When in 1964 Ces and Betty Davies – my parents – opened a small travel agency in a room above Gresford’s newsagents, a return trip to London was considered adventurous. British Rail and National Coach tickets were their main line of business – all hand-written, of course! An overseas adventure By the 1970s, people were starting to venture further afield and having moved into rather more spacious modern offices with a growing team, Delmar developed its Mini-Cruise programme. These were fullyescorted short breaks to Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands by coach and ferry. For many clients, these affordable trips were the beginning of their overseas travel experience. Package holidays to Europe – primarily Spain, Greece and Italy – followed, allowing clients to further expand their holiday horizons: some of you may remember the glossy brochures from Clarksons, Intersun, Wings and many other long-gone

operators. In those pre-internet days, as soon as a brochure was launched, there would be a mad scramble for the limited number of free child places and our sales team – including me – could spend hours on the phone trying to get through to secure some. There were no online booking systems then. Generations of travel In 1979, Freddie Laker started his Skytrain service to Miami, opening up Florida as a family holiday destination. Throughout the 80s and 90s, we escorted groups to Orlando with its myriad of attractions, including the most famous of them all: Disney World. In fact, many of the clients who took their children to this wonderland are now booking with us to take their grandchildren. Of course, the USA has a lot more to offer than Florida – the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks, Las Vegas, New York City, San Francisco, Nashville and New Orleans to

name a few. In fact, the demand for USA holidays became so overwhelming that we opened a dedicated offshoot of Delmar called the USA TRAVEL CENTRE. This specialised in tailormade, self-drive itineraries and Howard Davies – my brother – became known as one of the UK’s leading USA Specialists. His expertise and knowledge of the USA – which, he has visited more than 200 times – is still invaluable in creating amazing experiences across the States for our clients. Then in 2001, the world was shaken to its core by 9/11. Travel to the USA stopped and for a while people were understandably reluctant to travel anywhere. True travel experts That was when we decided to train our team to be true travel experts in worldwide destinations. Within a couple of years, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East were becoming popular and very soon South Africa, South America, India and other exotic locations were added to the list of desirable holiday destinations.

Sail away Over the last decade or so, cruising has changed from being the preserve of the wealthy into a universally accessible holiday choice which has become so popular that in just the last few years, cruise ship capacity has increased tenfold. This has created a plethora of cruise types: from small, sumptuous, all-inclusive, ultra-luxury ships to ﬂoating skyscrapers with 19 swimming pools, capable of taking 7,000 passengers on family-friendly, affordable sailings. Deciding which ship, which type of cabin (or suite, as they are now known) and which itinerary to choose is crucial to the overall enjoyment of a holiday and so a few years ago we launched a subsidiary company – Perfect Cruises. Our team of cruise specialists take great care in ensuring that their recommendations will meet – and even exceed – each client’s expectations. So, at Delmar we have gone from selling London return coach and rail tickets to advising clients on destinations as diverse as African safaris and round-the-world luxury cruises. I can’t help but wonder where our clients will be holidaying 60 years from now!

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises. Tel: 01978 853 886, www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE

A Path to Strength & Inner Harmony By JERRY O’KEEFFE, Marford Karate Club We all have our personal health concerns and hang-ups, as we live in an increasingly challenging world in which work and life, in general, seems to increase our levels of anxiety and stress. Our involvement with the many manifestations of social media is now understood to challenge our sense of self-worth and personal resilience, and the outcome of this can lead to a poor sense of self-esteem or other negative mental and physical health indicators. What is karate? Karate, originating from Japan, is a traditional martial art that places a strong emphasis on discipline, precise technique, and mental fortitude. The aim is to cultivate self-defence capabilities through rigorous training and the mastery of striking, blocking, and kicking techniques. Karate training The first and obvious benefit of karate is learning very effective self-defence techniques which will enable you to defend yourself better in a dangerous situation. Karate can also significantly increase self confidence, resilience and mental focus. A typical 90-minute training session incorporates a sequence of warm-up exercises, followed by a comprehensive head-to-toe stretch. This is followed by practising blocking, various strikes and other martial art techniques. A 75-year-old won't have the same capabilities as an 18-year-old, so when you train with us, you'll embark on a distinctive and personal journey recognising these constraints.

Karate can enhance self-confidence, resilience, and mental focus through various aspects of its training: • Achievement: Progressing through belt levels and mastering Karate techniques boosts confidence. • Discipline: The discipline and routine in training instil a sense of structure and self-control, fostering resilience in facing challenges in everyday life. • Focus and concentration: Practising Karate demands focus, strengthening concentration and sharpens the mind. • Physical fitness: Improved physical fitness can positively impact mental wellbeing, and increase confidence. • Facing challenges: Karate involves facing and overcoming physical and mental challenges during training, which builds resilience and self-assurance. • Mind-body connection: Learning to synchronise body movements with breathing and mental focus enhances overall awareness and mindfulness.

Marford Karate Club is a not for proﬁt organisation that has trained kids and adults at Marford Community Centre for almost 40 years. We have highlyexperienced instructors committed to giving every assistance to our students. If you are interested and would like further information or advice, please call: Jerry O’Keeffe on: 07708 404043.

Tree Surgery Hedge Work Grass Cuts Garden Tidy Local Log Deliveries

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07802 609296 or 01978 761792 deanolsen06@aol.com

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BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS This is a new start for the year, and an opportunity to re-think your plans for the garden. It is a chance to keep things tidy, although please remember to leave a small part untidy to help the wildlife survive the winter. In the greenhouse, you can begin to chit the ﬁrst early potatoes. All this means is starting them into growth by placing into an egg box in an upright position. There are some seeds you can also plant under glass too. These are Snap Dragons and Begonias, and Lobelia pendula for hanging baskets in the summer. These need a long growth time before ﬂowering for best results. With potatoes, you can plant in a potato sack or container for an early crop as well. Charlotte is a good variety to use for this. If you have a heated propagator you can sow celeriac and celery. On your windowsill, you can grow your favourite herbs - this will bring some colour and fragrance into the kitchen, and also provide herbs early in the year. If you plan to exhibit vegetables in the summer it is a good idea to sow onion

seeds such as Alisa Craig and Globe now to give the bulbs time to grow as big as possible. Sow the seeds in modular trays in a warm place; after germination grow them on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed, then transfer them to outdoors. Try growing Rhubarb Gaskins Perpetual from seed. Thinly sow the seed in a heated propagator or on a warm windowsill. Germination should happen between 21 and 40 days after sowing. If you have any strawberry runners, they can be planted under cloches to get an earlier crop this summer. Start thinking about your summer border now and place your order for the summer in the next few months for Gadiolli and Dahlias. Make a note of any winter-ﬂowering annuals that are currently in bloom in your garden for re-ordering next autumn, and of course I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas and my good wishes for a lovely New Year in the garden.

Information provided by: www.brhs.org.uk

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Local Birds and Wildlife News By REVEREND HUGH LINN The Big Garden Birdwatch, a survey of garden birds throughout the UK, is now an established annual event involving thousands of people and is a major contributor to our knowledge of our feathered neighbours. Last year, as expected, the House Sparrow topped the list and the Robin, often described as “Britain's Favourite Bird” came 6th. This was followed by Blue Tit (2nd), Starling (3rd), Woodpigeon (4th) and Blackbird (5th). In 7th place, described as doing well, was the Goldfinch. Unfortunately these colourful little birds have failed to find a place in our garden for inclusion in the count since 2014, and since then, only very rarely at other times of the year, as has also been the case for Chaffinches and Greenfinches. Finches are very susceptible to the infection, trichomoniasis, which is also a contributing factor to their decline. More recently, Avian 'Flu has also been decimating bird populations. This year's Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from the 26th-28th of January. Details can be obtained at: www.rspb.org.uk. In our area, members of the Crow family have been much in evidence. Now the leaves of deciduous trees have mostly fallen, the Jackdaws roost in the wood at the bottom of our garden, as mentioned in a previous article, has pretty much been abandoned. One of the largest Jackdaw roosts in our area is at Summerhill, near Wrexham. I was in the area recently, and as the birds came flying in from all directions I lost count at around 800 birds... but still they continued to pour in!

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Over recent years, Gresford Flash has hosted some unusual birds in January, including Shelducks and Mandarin Ducks, sizeable ﬂocks of Shovelers and Goosanders and a variety of Gulls, including Caspian, Iceland, Yellow-legged and Mediterranean.

Wrexham Birdwatchers Friday 5th January 7:30pm, Talk by Jimmi Hill “Monitoring Birds of Prey in the ﬁeld” (Gresford Memorial Hall). Saturday 6th January Annual Dinner at The Golden Lion, Rossett (book with Marion Williams). Contact Trevor Britton on 01978 855266.

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The Balfour Trust If you run a local group that promotes healthy lifestyles or social welfare, The Balfour Trust, an historic local funding source, may be able to help you. It is open to groups or clubs for any age group based in Rossett. This year The Trust is hoping to hear from more organisations that support the older members of our community. Let them know what projects you have organised for 2024 and how a grant from The Balfour Trust could help you realise your plans. Get in touch by email: m-t-r.rossett@pm.me or by letter to: The Trustees of The Balfour Trust for Rossett, c/o Mr. Mike Thompson, 13 Park View, Rossett, LL12 0DH Closing date for applications: 31st January 2024

Your Haven in Farndon for Parents & Little Ones By HANNAH and MICHAELLA, Lucky Bees Baby & Toddlers Hey there! We're Hannah and Michaella, the founders of ‘Lucky Bees’. After becoming mums in the summer of 2022, we found that options for baby activities in Farndon were rather limited. That's why we decided to create a haven where parents could bring their little ones, nurture their development, and bond, all while connecting with other mums in the same stage of life. Our own children, Lucas and Beatrix, inspired us, right down to our name! Lucas goes by Lukey, and Beatrix often becomes Bea. So, Lucky Bees was born, a playful nod to our little ones. Sensory, music, activities and bubbles! You'll often find us buzzing around Farndon Memorial Hall on Friday mornings, hosting our music and sensory class, where our Lucky Bees keep us on our toes. This class, tailored for newborns to 3-year-olds, is great fun - filled with sensory toys, music, themed activities (even some messy play!), and plenty of bubbles! Each week, we dive into a new theme, from undersea adventures to zoo explorations, complete with themed songs and play setups. Not just for the babies We understand that parenting is an everevolving journey, filled with moments of wonder and occasional challenges. That's why our space isn't just about activities; it's a haven where we encourage discussions on parenting tips, health, and wellbeing, fostering a supportive environment where

mums can exchange stories, offer insights, and build lasting friendships. Beyond our classes, we also offer sensory tuff tray rentals, and kits for older kids, stocked with eco-friendly party essentials. So, if you're a new parent in Farndon or nearby, seeking a supportive community while your baby explores their senses, join us at Lucky Bees. We offer ﬂexible booking options during term time. We can't wait to meet you! Hannah & Michaella

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Are You Managing Your Menopause? By GAYLE WHITTAKER Despite a recent surge in media attention to make the menopause mainstream, there’s still a lot of ignorance and misunderstanding around the subject. In my therapy clinic I see ladies from all walks of life who come to me with a whole host of menopause symptoms, often without even realising the symptoms they have are hormone induced. They may be waking up every night, unable to get back to sleep, or feeling more anxious than normal. Some are forgetting words or people’s names. These symptoms are common place among menopausal women and part of a natural transition. During the peri-menopause (the years leading up to the menopause), a woman’s oestrogen and progesterone hormones fluctuate up and down. Low oestrogen can leave you feeling confused and depressed and interferes with critical thinking and short term memory among other symptoms. High oestrogen can lead to mood swings and irritability, weight gain etc. There’s a lot of over-lap in symptoms as these hormones fluctuate too. Some things will almost certainly make hormonal fluctuations worse: stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet being the main three. As difficult as it is when you’re feeling like this, prioritising yourself is THE most important thing you can do.

Here are some ideas to help: • Challenge yourself to do a 20 minute walk outside everyday, regardless of the weather. • Buy yourself a new water bottle with markings on to monitor how much you’re drinking. Aim for at least 1 to 1.5 litres a day and in the cold weather consider drinking warm (pre-boiled) water. • Reduce your sugar intake for a fortnight. Consider doing the same with alcohol and monitor if your sleep and your general wellbeing improves. • Stop and think about YOU before you say yes to things. Give yourself permission to say no and take some much-needed time to just be you. All in all, making yourself a priority is the key to managing your own menopause. There are many things you can do and natural and conventional medicines that can help you too. Don’t struggle on in silence. Do seek support. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss further.

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Free Eye Care Services By GRESFORD EYECARE In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring citizens have access to essential healthcare services, including sight tests conducted at opticians. This provision is a vital component of preventive healthcare, promoting early detection of eye-related issues and facilitating prompt intervention when necessary. NHS-funded sight tests at opticians offer a comprehensive examination of an individual's vision and eye health, catering to individuals of all ages. These tests are not only crucial for determining the need for glasses or contact lenses, but also for identifying potential eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Detecting these conditions early significantly enhances the chances of successful treatment and management. Under NHS coverage, certain groups are entitled to free eye examinations, including children, individuals over 60, individuals diagnosed with specific medical conditions, and those on low incomes or receiving certain state benefits. If you live in Wales The Welsh General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS), in Wales doesn't just stop at free eye examinations. For those who require glasses following an eye test, the scheme contributes towards the cost, making them more affordable without facing financial barriers, promoting overall eye health and wellbeing.

Who is eligible? If you reside in Wales you are entitled to a WGOS optical voucher towards the cost of your spectacles, if you are: • Aged under 16. • Aged, 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education. • On a low income and named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate. • Under 18 who are a care leaver, or are in the care of a local authority. • Eligible on NHS Complex Lens Voucher (your optician will advise you on your entitlement). • Claiming benefit: Income Support; Income Based Jobseekers Allowance; Income related Employment and Support Allowance; Pension Guarantee Credit; Universal Credit and meet the criteria, or receiving Tax Credit and meet qualifying conditions. Visiting an optician is essential to safeguard your eye health, ensuring early detection of potential issues, and providing necessary corrective measures. Gresford Eyecare proudly participates in the NHS and WGOS schemes, offering free eye tests and spectacles, to those eligible, contributing towards maintaining optimal vision without financial constraints. Please contact us for more details.

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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Broccoli & Stilton Soup This easy and delicious broccoli and Stilton soup recipe is a fantastic dish for the colder months. Serve for lunch, or as a starter to the main meal.

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 4

2 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 onion, ﬁnely chopped 1 stick celery, sliced 1 leek, sliced 1 medium potato, diced 1 knob butter 1l low salt or homemade chicken or vegetable stock 1 head broccoli, roughly chopped 140g stilton, or other blue cheese, crumbled

METHOD Heat 2 tbsp rapeseed oil in a large saucepan and then add 1 ﬁnely chopped onion. Cook on a medium heat until soft. Add a splash of water if the onion starts to catch. Add 1 sliced celery stick, 1 sliced leek, 1 diced medium potato and a knob of butter. Stir until melted, then cover with a lid. Allow to sweat for 5 minutes then remove the lid. Pour in 1l of chicken or vegetable stock and add any chunky bits of stalk from 1 head of broccoli. Cook for 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are soft. Add the rest of the roughly chopped broccoli and cook for a further 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a blender and blitz until smooth. Stir in 140g crumbled stilton, allowing a few lumps to remain. Season with black pepper and serve with crusty bread.

Trying out our recipe? Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

Seasonal Treats in January Keep the cold and dark at bay with ﬂavourrich ingredients that are in season now… Mussels Rope-grown and in peak, plump condition, British and Irish mussels are a real treat on dark January evenings. They’re very easy to cook but need to be eaten the day you buy them and they do require a wee bit of prep. First, wash in a bowl of cold water and pull off the “beards” – the brown hairy stuff dangling from the shell’s hinge. Give any that are open a good tap and if they don’t shut, discard – they are dead and not safe to eat. Next, heat a large pan, add the mussels and a little water or white wine, then put the lid on and steam for a couple of minutes until all the shells have opened. Serve as they are or with a sauce – tomatoes with chilli are just the job on a cold night. Swede Believe it or not, the swede is actually a brassica – a lumpen cross between the cabbage and the turnip, but with a sweet, earthy ﬂavour that works beautifully with dairy. Also known in Scotland as ‘neeps’, it’s a stalwart of Burns Night, served as a coarsely mashed supporting act for the haggis. Alternatively, cut into chunks or chips, toss in olive oil and minced garlic then roast, topped with parmesan, until golden and simply irresistible. Seville Oranges Home-made marmalade is a cut above the supermarket versions. The key is to use Seville oranges, whose season runs from

the end of December to mid-February and whose aromatic rind is vital for the tangy, bitter-sweet flavour. To ensure your marmalade is up to Paddington Bear sandwich standards, soak the sliced peel overnight, cook with golden granulated sugar for a rich, caramel taste, and use a sugar thermometer so you know when it’s reached the setting point of 104.5°C. Venison High in protein and taste, ultra-lean and chiming perfectly with the growing desire for more natural, sustainable meat, venison is a great choice for January roasts or casseroles. To keep it tender, slow cooking is a must. Try diced venison in beef stock in a crockpot on low with mushrooms, chopped smoked streaky bacon, baby carrots and finely diced onion or leek, then either use as a pie filling or serve with seasonal veg like Jerusalem artichoke, celeriac and parsnip – home-made dumplings or swede chips are a great accompaniment, too.

January’s Shopping List Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliﬂower, Celeriac, Chard, Endive, Forced Rhubarb, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Mussels, Parsnips, Pheasant, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Seville Oranges, Spinach, Swede, Turnips and Venison.

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The Diary of a Chainsaw Sculptor By Award-Winning Sculptor SIMON O’ROURKE The last few months have been very busy indeed. We've been working on a huge (secret) project which is going to be going live, very VERY soon! It's big, fierce, and with a heart-touching back story, and is being made into a film! Keep an eye on our social media channels for more information about that in the next few days and weeks! We can't wait to share it with you all! We've also been busy with lots of wonderful wildlife sculptures and pet portraits, as well as some other slightly more unusual pieces, including a lifesize horse bust, a pheasant, a wildlife totem pole, an eagle in flight, a green man face and a star sign totem pole, to name a few! We took a well earned two week rest over the Christmas and new year period, but we're back with a bang!

of Blackie the Warhorse, as their recent development in Merseyside involved moving a pet cemetery which included the grave of this famous horse. The memorial will be installed in a garden area and will be available for the public to see. We love having a rich variation in clientele. From private commissions to public artworks, we enjoy seeing the reactions of people when they see their sculpture for the ﬁrst time! As springtime approaches and you are looking at your garden, consider the addition of a unique sculpture that will bring a smile to your face and enhance your outdoor space. No matter the subject, a sculpture is a wonderful way to tell a story or capture a moment in time.

One of our repeat customers, down south, will be receiving her two benches in the next few days, which she commissioned just before Christmas. One is a plethora of cats playing, the other includes two portraits of her horses. It's always good to see pieces you have been working on for a while safely installed into their new home to be enjoyed by the client. And repeat customers are always a great beneﬁt to the business, which this one is. We have a lovely new client too this month; a construction group who have commissioned a memorial sculpture

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Business Advice Learning Hub By VICKY HEATHFIELD Thinking of starting a business in 2024? Setting up a business is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you can do – but there’s a lot to think about before you get started. Here are my 10 top tips if you are thinking of starting a business in 2024: 1. Begin slowly. Consider starting your business as a side-hustle to test the waters and build a customer base before you make the jump full-time. Be patient and don't expect overnight success. 2. Find a need to fill. There are many businesses that fail because they don't meet a need that customers have. Make sure you're solving a problem or providing a solution that people are willing to pay for. 3. Market research and validation. Before you start spending money on advertising and marketing, do your research to make sure there is a market for your product or service. Talk to potential customers and check out your competition. 4. Create a business plan. A business plan is a roadmap for your business. It will help you stay on track and make sure you're making the right decisions. 5. Secure funding. Starting a business can be expensive, so you'll need to find a way to finance it. There are many different ways to get funding, including personal savings, loans, grants, investors and crowdfunding.

6. Build a website. A website will help you reach potential customers, showcase your products or services, and build your brand. 7. Network. Networking is essential for any business. Get out there and meet people in your industry. Attend events, join clubs, and connect with people face-to-face and online. The more people you know, the more opportunities you'll have. 8. Adapt to change. The business landscape is constantly changing, so it's important to be adaptable and willing to learn. 9. Seek support. Don't be afraid to seek guidance and support from others. This could include experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, business advisors, or even business support organisations. 10. Enjoy the journey! Starting a business can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. It takes time to build a successful business. Enjoy the process and don't take yourself too seriously!

Whether you’re starting a new business, working for yourself or managing a team, EssentialsMAG Learning Hub is home to a growing collection of jargon-free marketing and business resources. Visit: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/learning-hub By Vicky Heathﬁeld, Editor of EssentialsMAG vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk www.essentialsmag.co.uk Tel: 01978 855459

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Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham I hope everybody in Wrexham had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! A couple of months ago, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP, delivered a very positive Autumn Statement for Wrexham. The main announcement was that Wrexham is now an Investment Zone. Now, conditional on Welsh Government support, Wrexham will gain up to £160 million worth of investment, fuelled by tax incentives and grant funding. As a result of this, our city will also beneﬁt from more better-paid and highly-skilled jobs for local people. The day after the Autumn Statement, I was delighted to welcome the Chancellor to Airbus in North-East Wales. Airbus, which is commonly known for its commercial aircraft wings and supports hundreds of jobs in Wrexham, was one of the key advocates for Wrexham and Flintshire’s joint Investment Zone bid. For months, I have worked tirelessly to convince the UK Government of the merits of our bid. Wrexham has huge potential – we have one of the largest industrial estates in Europe, employing over 10,000 people, and a rich tapestry of businesses across numerous sectors. While the Welsh Government dragged its feet and was initially noncommittal in offering its support for Wrexham and Flintshire’s bid, we can now look forward, with great optimism, to seizing the beneﬁts that this announcement will inevitably bring. Meanwhile, in the run-up to Small Business Saturday (2 December 2023), on my website I ran a ‘Small Business Saturday Survey’ asking residents to nominate their favourite Wrexham small businesses. I want to thank the many residents who took the time to shine a light on the wonderful small businesses in Wrexham. It was great to see everyone showing their appreciation and support for our local small business heroes.

Whilst every entry deserved to win, I was proud to give all of the nominated businesses a social media spotlight to share their contributions to our local community. The business that received the most votes was the mother-daughter family-owned business, ‘Making Memories and Scents’. The day before Small Business Saturday, I was delighted to pop down to visit the owners, Michelle and Stephanie, and present them with a bottle of House of Commons champagne to enjoy during the festive period. It is positive to hear that so many residents were shopping locally this Christmas. Whilst the city centre remains a disappointment for some, Wrexham recently received £20million from the UK Government ‘Towns Fund’, but it is up to Wrexham Council to spend this money. If you have any suggestions as to how this money should be spent, I encourage you to contact your local councillor. As always, if you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency boundary and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me by emailing: sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk. Sarah Atherton MP for Wrexham/ Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.

Tel: 020 7217 4885 / 01978 291742 sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk www.sarahatherton.org.uk

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Plant-Powered January By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF Increasing numbers of us are reducing our meat consumption and adopting a more plant-based diet. Not only can this provide health benefits, it’s also one of the best things we can do for the planet. The ‘Veganuary’ campaign invites people to switch to vegan food (containing nothing derived from animals) during January. Whilst we’re encouraged to do this for the whole month, participating in a smaller way is fine and offers a great way of discovering plant-based foods. Environmental impacts of food The amount of animals humans consume globally is barely comprehensible - around 140,000 chickens every minute. Over 80 billion land animals are killed for meat each year, and an estimate for fish and shellfish is trillions. Demand for land and water needed to keep and feed livestock has led to the destruction of massive areas of natural habitat, including Brazilian rainforest. Of the total biomass of mammals on Earth, humans account for 34%, livestock are 62% and the remaining wild animals are now just 4%. So, can changing our diet make a significant difference? The United Nations estimates that the greenhouse gas emissions from producing one kilogram of beef are 70.6kg (way above any other food) - lamb is second (39.7) and shellfish third (26.9).

Cheese comes fourth (23.9) and is significantly higher than fish (13.6), pork (12.3) and poultry (9.9). The figures for plant-based foods are much lower - rice and grains (3.6), breads and pastas (1.6), fruit (0.9), vegetables (0.7) and nuts are the lowest at just 0.4kg of greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram. The figure for beef is roughly 100 times that for vegetables, so what we choose to eat can make a really big difference. Where we source our food from and how it’s packaged also matter. Fruit flown in from another country in plastic packaging is vegan, but isn’t good for the environment. Choosing locally sourced, seasonal food can further reduce our impact. In 2022, around 4% of the UK population said they were vegan; this proportion is continuing to grow, particularly amongst young people. Whilst a vegan diet is likely to produce the biggest benefits for the environment, moving to a vegetarian (no meat), or flexitarian (mostly vegetarian) diet or simply reducing our consumption of the foods with the highest environmental impacts are all positive steps we can take.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

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Alyn Family Doctors Latest News The New Year is a perfect time to focus on your health and wellbeing. Being more active, stopping smoking or drinking less can help to reduce your risk of developing serious long-term health problems such as diabetes and lung disease. It is important to make sure your goals are achievable. Setting realistic goals and being kind to yourself can help you to stay motivated. Help and support can make all the difference when working towards your goals and there are many excellent resources available to help you build better habits and change your lifestyles. Help With My Weight North Wales - Betsi Cadwaladr offer a range of services for adults in North Wales who need to lose weight for health reasons. They will provide the tools and support you need for successful, sustainable weight loss with a focus on promoting health and wellbeing. https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/healthadvice/help-with-my-weight/ The BCUH Health Improvement Team aim to empower the residents of Wrexham to embrace the value of health and wellbeing. They run a number of classes to help people improve their health and wellbeing. Such as cooking classes and yoga. https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospitalservices/health-improvement-team/ Tel: 03000 859 625

Nutrition Skills for Life provide food and nutrition skills courses for community members. They provide courses such as ‘Come and cook with your child’. www.nutritionskillsforlife.com Alcohol Change UK is a charity working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, ensuring access for all to alcohol support. www.alcoholchange.org.uk Help Me Quit - local stop smoking services are free, friendly and can massively boost your chances of quitting for good. www.helpmequit.wales Tel: 0800 085 2219 Social Prescribers provide online or telephone appointments to discuss matters impacting on health and wellbeing such as bereavement, debt advice, depression, anxiety and isolation. Self-refer by emailing: spt@rainbowcentrepenley.org.uk Parable Talking Therapies offer therapeutic interventions for those >18yrs facing common mental health difﬁculties. Referrals can only be accepted by phone – Tel: 0300 777 2257. 111 option 2 - Urgent mental health support for all. 7 days a week, 8.30am -11.00pm. Call - 111 and select option 2.

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Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham Happy New Year to all EssentialsMAG readers. I wish you a healthy and joyful 2024. During the run up to Christmas, I visited Tesco Extra in Wrexham to support the supermarket’s annual Winter Food Collection. For more than a decade, Tesco has been working closely with charities, The Trussell Trust and FareShare, helping provide food to local communities. The campaign is more important than ever during this unprecedented cost of living crisis. Thank you to all the Tesco customers who donated. Everything raised was offered to Wrexham Foodbank to help those facing hardship over the festive period. Teams4U is a charity that is close to my heart and each year it organises its Christmas Shoebox Appeal. The initiative, which was started in Wrexham by Teams4U founder, Dave Cooke, over 30 years ago, provides gifts to vulnerable children and families who are unlikely to receive any presents at Christmas. People are asked to find an old shoebox, fill it with useful gifts and Teams4U deliver the packages to some of the most disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe, many of whom have fled the war in Ukraine and are surviving in neighbouring countries. Any gifts donated that cannot travel abroad for whatever reason are given to local schools.

I am so pleased this worthy cause is still going strong and the positive impact it has on the lives of vulnerable children cannot be overstated. Many congratulations to Magic Dragon Brewery Tap in Wrexham for recently winning the coveted Pub of the Year award. Located on Charles Street, the 2023 accolade was awarded to the pub by the Chester & South Clwyd branch of CAMRA, the campaign for Real Ale. It was a pleasure to be invited along to the celebratory event and to present the award to Richard, Dave and the team. Throughout December, the pub also hosted a number of free live gigs to help raise funds to tackle homelessness. Punters were asked to donate whatever they could afford and all the money collected was offered to Shelter Cymru. It is great to see a Wrexham business and brewery thriving and establishing itself as a cornerstone of the community. 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.

I visited the warehouse in Llay in early December to offer my donation and that morning the third truck full of shoeboxes left for Bosnia. At the time of my visit, Wrexham residents had already donated over 20,000 shoeboxes – an incredible achievement!

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.

Tel: 01978 355743 Lesley.Griffiths@senedd.wales www.lesleygriffiths.co.uk Facebook & Twitter: @lesley4wrexham

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Financial News with Hadlow Edwards By WARREN HADLOW Four New Year’s Resolutions to improve your financial wellbeing for 2024. The new year is the perfect time for a fresh start and setting goals for the year ahead, including for your finances. Begin with the most important or the easiest task to tick off straight away - this can make it easier to complete the rest. Here are our four financial resolution suggestions to help set you on the right path: Check your financial health Knowing what assets you have, and where, can be reassuring. Once you know this, you can start asking questions about how to improve your financial health. This might be evaluating your available cash by checking you have enough emergency funds and if any further reserves could

be invested in the stock market to keep in line with inﬂation. It is worth noting that having at least six months’ salary, or two years’ essential expenditure for older people, is a sensible emergency fund. Make the best of your tax allowances Tax rules are ever-changing and often complex, so it can be helpful to gain advice to learn which allowances apply to you, and which might be the most useful to take advantage of. It’s important to remember that if you don’t use tax reliefs and allowances, you will usually lose them. Check in on your retirement plans If you aren’t part of your company pension scheme and have the ability – join it! An employer is required to contribute 3% of your relevant earnings to a pension plan, so it makes sense to take advantage of this option.

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

You can also take advice to see whether there is capacity to top up your pension or change where your funds are invested to suit your values and risk appetite. Make a Will and Power of Attorney* While it’s not the nicest thing to think about, the rules of intestacy mean that your assets may not go to your loved ones if you haven’t made a Will, and having a Power of Attorney means that your friends or family can look after you and your ﬁnances if you can no longer do this yourself. If you would like help to improve your ﬁnancial health, please feel free to get in touch.

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. An investment in equities does not provide the security of capital associated with a deposit account with a bank or building society. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances. *Advice relating to Wills and LPAs necessitate the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place. Wills and LPAs are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Housing Justice - Citadel Help us Beat Local Homelessness by JOANNE JONES, Citadel Coordinator Housing Justice is a small, highly influential national charity. Our work makes a huge difference to thousands of people who stay at night shelters across the country, and those who are helped in some other way by our Churches, faith and community groups, and their volunteers. In Wrexham, the focus of our work is the ‘Citadel Project’ a homelessness prevention project which supports people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, to find and sustain their tenancies and establish a home. We work alongside volunteers to achieve this. Local people might experience housing difficulties for various reasons, such as a relationship breakdown, unemployment, debt, health problems, or simply because their landlord is selling up. We take a personalised approach with each person referred to us, and work with other agencies to help support them. A key aspect of our work is helping people to establish a new home. When a person first moves into a property, they usually need carpets, curtains, appliances, and furniture. The initial cost is daunting for someone on a low income.

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We help people apply for a grant for the white goods and a bed, and we provide good quality donated items. We fundraise through the year to help fund carpets and curtain poles. We aim to connect people with the local community and help them to use their time meaningfully. This year, we worked in collaboration with community artist, Sophia Leadill, and The 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Project on a local project. The artwork will form part of a new display at Wrexham General Train Station. We are fortunate to have been selected by the Co-op Community Fund as a ‘local cause’ so please select ‘Housing Justice Citadel’ as your chosen cause on the Co-op app if you are a member. In 2024, we need more volunteers to be a listening, empathetic ear for someone experiencing housing difﬁculties and to fundraise for our additional costs. I would love to hear from you if you would like to join us. Please email Joanne Jones at: j.jones@housingjustice.org.uk Find us on Facebook @HJCymru

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Gresford Community Council Latest News

I’m writing this before Christmas and it’s strange to think that, when you read it, Christmas will be over and gone, and everything will be pretty much back to normal. I hope you had a peaceful and happy time. I thought I’d use this page this month to encourage you to have a look at our website. It’s a very easy to use site and we chose it because it’s designed deliberately to enable people who experience difﬁculties accessing information online to use it. If you use a screen reader, for example, it should be able to tell you exactly what’s going on on every page.

Council’ and if you’re interested in the budget, or anything to do with ﬁnances, it’s there for you under the heading ‘Finances’. Please do go and have a look at the website – let us know what you think of it, and if you have ideas on ways we could improve it. We still have one vacancy for a Councillor to join the team. It’s an important and rewarding role, and needn’t take up a huge amount of time. Go to our website and have a look at the information there if you’d like to play a part in making our community a better place. We look forward to hearing from you. (‘Vacancies’ on the website.)

www.gresfordcommunitycouncil.gov.uk Along the top of the screen are various categories – click on each one and a list drops down. Everything about the Council and its work can be found under the ‘Council’ heading along the top; hopefully, the items listed under each heading ‘do what it says on the tin’ so, the dates of all our meetings are found when you click on ‘Calendar of Council Meetings’, all the documents from Council meetings are under the heading ‘Meetings of the Full

Come and talk to us! Come and talk to us – the monthly meet is held on the last Saturday of every month in Gresford Library, 1pm - 2:15pm.

Get in touch 07470 631184 clerk@gresfordcommunitycouncil.gov.uk www.gresfordcommunitycouncil.gov.uk Facebook @GresfordCC

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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

St. Peter’s School

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

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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.

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Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett The River Alyn Natural Resources Wales has finally carried out essential work. This has taken place at the weir in Burton and underneath the bridge on Station Road, clearing away debris which could easily cause a blockage during heavy rainfall. Hopefully this will improve the flow of the river and help to reduce flooding. Recent flooding Following on from the recent flooding, environment officers are contacting land owners to ensure that ditches are maintained and able to allow water to flow to flood plains and away from residential areas. This should make a significant difference to the volumes of water that have affected parts of our community. Village Hall The newly formed Village Hall Committee is looking for volunteers to join the committee and/or to be trustees. Over the years a dedicated and small team have worked hard and raised many thousands of pounds to transform the interior and facilities.

Dog fouling Unfortunately, a minority of dog owners in the area show a complete disregard for clearing away their pet’s mess. If caught, an on-the-spot summons will be issued by enforcement ofﬁcers. Public rights of way The Community Council have been active in ensuring that our public footpaths are kept open and free from obstruction. A big thanks to the intrepid team who have braved adverse weather conditions to complete the task. Full details of the public footpaths in our community can be found on the Wrexham Council website, simply put in your postcode to see them. We encourage residents who are able, to use them. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any concerns, feedback, or issues you may have. We’re here to listen and assist in any way we can.

Burton Road underpass CCTV cameras in this area have been updated and adjusted to monitor any signs of antisocial behaviour in this part of the village. Adverse Winter weather Council operatives will be gritting the County roads according to the given forecasts and the published gritting plan. Main routes and key locations such as hospitals are given priority.

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 Well, as I write, it’s 1st December and Vicky would like my January article ASAP so that she can have a week off at Christmas! What can I say, except ‘that’s ﬁne‘, you give us such a super magazine - so here goes! I hope you will have read my December article about parking problem, etc? Since then, I have had a really good walk round Marford with Jason from Streetscene. He could appreciate the footpaths need a sweep; the steep exits to Hillock Lane, in particular are very slippy. I also asked about a short handrail on the steeper path. He agreed that the trees on Marford Hill, which have grown so much forming a canopy making it dark, need looking at. To this end, he promised to ask his Manager to accompany him on a walk to view all these problems. The Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) budget will have been looked at during December, and sadly cutbacks are likely again with many ideas thrown round to try and make savings. We are not alone. Many Councils are suffering, and there are less grants around to help alleviate the problems we have. The Marford/Gresford Whist club will continue on a Monday from 1pm onwards new members welcome, and Cafﬁ with Exercise will be every Tuesday from 10am till midday. Residents are welcome to call and share any village concerns - all the above meet in Gresford Methodist Church, Claypit Lane junction.

refurbishment project and has been beautifully done. Numbers are still building up, and it is well worth going for a visit if a Welsh education is something you are thinking about for your children. A budget workshop was held for all Councillors to share their own ideas. Engagements as Deputy Mayor have seen Dorothy and I attend Wrexham and Erddig Rotary Club Charter Night, Light Up a Life Service, at Nightingale House Hospice. It was a very wet evening, but well attended. Wrexham is so lucky to have this facility their work is amazing. The very ﬁrst Armed Forces Carol Service in St. Giles Church was again well attended, with a lovely service with a super brass band from the Forces. Hopefully this will become an annual event. Please take care over the winter, keep safe and contact me if help is needed, I will do my best. I wish everyone a healthy New Year, I hope your dreams come true, however simple they be. See you in February. (Vicky, I hope you had a lovely week off!)

I visited the Welsh School in Borras, Ysgol LLan-Y- Pwll, as part of scrutiny. This is a Tel: 07933 201731 beryl.blackmore@wrexham.gov.uk

Jeremy Kent Councillor for Gresford A very happy New Year to you and I hope 2024 will be a successful year for you and your family. 2023 certainly ended with a busy few months, and I am sure we were all grateful for some time to relax with family and friends. I have been pleased to be able to see so many great events taking place in the village, as well as spending some time getting out to deliver my Christmas card to residents. I have received a wide range of emails and requests to deal with, covering a broad number of topics, and I continue to raise these with the council to make sure that your concerns are dealt with. Many of these are personal issues where residents just need someone to advocate on their behalf. From housing to social care, there are a wide range of issues that residents need support with. If you have any issues that you wish to raise, then please do not hesitate to get in touch using the contact details below. By far the best part of the role is getting to meet residents and help with their issues.

There was also lots to see in the city centre itself, including the inaugural Armed Forces Community Carol Service, which took place in a packed St Giles’ Parish Church. It really was a magical time for the village! And I was pleased to play a part in it! Streetscene As I wrote last month, I had been out with the area supervisor to highlight some of the issues that needed to be addressed. Since then, I am pleased to see that work has been done to resurface part of Maxwell Close and work to deal with ﬂooding issues has been completed on Old Wrexham Road and Pikey Lane. The list of tasks continues to have items added to it, but the team will work as best as they can to resolve situations. Now that 2024 is underway, I am sure that there will be lots to keep me busy and I look forward to another exciting and full year as your councillor. Thank you for your continued support. As always, if you have anything you wish to raise with me, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Christmas celebrations and events Thank you to all those that supported the many festive events across the village, from carols around the tree, to the Christmas Lantern Festival at All Saints Church. To those that came to see Santa at the Artisan Market Grotto, or on his Sleigh tour of the villages, which raised vital funds for each of the children’s playgroups in Gresford and Marford. Tel: 07832 211085 Jeremy.Kent@wrexham.gov.uk

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Legal Advice

We all know that NHS Trusts right across the UK have been under immense pressure since the Covid pandemic, and as a result there have been mistakes made with patient care.

It goes without saying that when someone is ill and receiving medical attention, their safety and welfare at that time are of greater importance to them and their loved ones than taking the NHS to task and dealing with a claim. But whilst keeping a detailed account of what is happening from the ﬁrst day a problem becomes apparent is essential, making a claim later on is preferable as only then will the full impact of any error become known.

But is this unprecedented pressure, and our love and respect for the staff who work in the NHS, a good enough reason to just put up with what happens to us when NHS treatment goes wrong? For sure we know that some people are reticent to make a claim for fear that they will make the NHS crisis worse.

Successful claims are difﬁcult to bring as the standard of care is that of a reasonable practitioner doing that job. But there are many guidelines and regulations that can be referred to as evidence of the standards that should be adhered to – or the approach that should be taken to treating a condition.

In the period 2020/21, a reported 12,629 clinical claims were made against the NHS, with payouts and legal costs totalling in the region of £2 billion. Whilst the largest claim sector was obstetrics, relating to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum treatments, there was also a growing number of claims against the ambulance and other services.

Ultimately most cases have involved some misunderstanding of communication – either way. Often people only need a better explanation of what happened, which can be established through obtaining the medical records or in a response to a formal complaint.

By ROBERT WILLIAMS, a Partner at GHP Legal Will bringing a medical negligence claim be seen as kicking the NHS when it is down? ... No!

So, what should you do if the NHS fails you or a loved one? Add to its ﬁnancial burden by making a claim? Take it to task and hope to bring about change?

If you have experienced an issue with the NHS, you should contact a local solicitor who has experience of handling medical negligence claims, to guide you to the outcome that you are seeking to achieve.

This article has been written by Robert Williams, a Partner at GHP Legal

Tel: 01978 291456 www.ghplegal.com

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Useful Numbers ANIMAL CARE Daleside Veterinary Farndon Kennels & Cattery Gatehouse Veterinary Green Lane Veterinary Park Lane Kennels Rhyd Broughton Veterinary RSPCA Vets4Pets

01978 311 881 01829 270 198 01244 570 364 01244 683 858 01978 852 914 01978 720 362 0300 1234 999 01978 352 499

COUNCILS Cheshire West & Chester Wrexham

0300 123 8 123 01978 292 000

DOCTORS Alyn Family Doctors Farndon Village Surgery Marches Medical Practice Strathmore Medical Practice NHS Direct

03333 323 260 01829 771 588 01244 520 615 01978 352 055 111

DENTISTS Bridge End Dental Practice Chapel Cottage Dental Practice Rossett Dental Care Springﬁeld Dental Care

01978 762 030 01978 854 745 01244 571 544 01978 851 300

OPTICIANS Gresford Eyecare

01978 855 828

HOSPITALS Countess of Chester Wrexham Maelor

01244 365 000 01978 291 100

LEISURE CENTRES Gwyn Evans Northgate Arena Plas Madoc

01978 269 540 01244 380444 01978 821 600

LOCAL FACILITIES 3C Pest Control Adult Social Services Citizens Advice Foodbank - Chester Foodbank - Wrexham Recycling Centre - Chester Recycling Centre - Tattenhall Recycling Centre - Whitchurch Recycling Centre - Wrexham Samaritans

01948 838 111 01978 292 066 0300 330 1178 0151 355 7730 07538 547971 01244 372 764 01829 771 337 0345 678 9007 01978 292 000 116 123

In an EMERGENCY always dial 999 For your local POLICE STATION in a NON EMERGENCY dial 101

LOCAL SERVICES Air Ambulance - Wales Fire & Rescue - Cheshire Fire & Rescue - North Wales Environment Agency Natural Resources Wales Severn Trent Water Welsh Water

0300 0152 999 01606 868 700 01745 535 250 03708 506 506 0300 065 3000 0800 783 4444 0800 052 0130

LIBRARIES Chester Library at Storyhouse Gresford Library Llay Library Overton Library Wrexham Library

01244 409 113 01978 852 627 01978 855 100 01978 710 557 01978 292 090

SCHOOLS & NURSERIES Abbey Gate College All Saints’ Primary School Benison Nursery School Bishop Heber High School Dandelions Day Nursery Darland High School Dodleston Pre-School Dodleston C E Primary School Eccleston Primary School Farndon Primary School Gresford Playgroup Holt Primary School Holt Under 5’s Playgroup Leaps and Bounds Pre-school Little Scholars Nursery Marford Playgroup Rhosnesni High School Rossett House Nursery St. Paul's VA Primary School St. Peters Primary School Shocklach Primary School The Catholic High School The Homestead Day Nursery The King’s School The Maelor School The Queen’s School The Rofft Primary School The Spinney Day Nursery Ysgol Bryn Alyn

01244 332 077 01978 852 342 01244 676 199 01948 860 571 01829 272 277 01244 570 588 01244 661 611 01244 662 990 01244 981 000 01244 981 280 07523 398 880 01829 270 021 07496 231 275 01244 678 997 01978 314 912 07947 473857 01978 340 840 01244 571 872 01978 661 556 01244 570 594 01829 250 285 01244 981 600 01978 853 946 01244 689 500 01948 830 291 01244 312 078 01978 853 116 01244 577 948 01978 720 700

TRAVEL National Rail Enquiries Traveline

03457 48 49 50 0871 200 22 33

Bathrooms Plumbing Heating

Sewage and Environmental Services • Emptying • Installation/sale of septic tanks and sewage treatment plants • CCTV surveys

• Service and maintenance • Jetting • Patch lining (no digging required)

Richard Edwards Plumbing, Heating & Gas Services Complete Bathroom Installations Boiler Service & Breakdown Boiler Installations Central Heating Installation General Plumbing Services FOR A QUOTATION CONTACT

FOR ANY ENQUIRIES:

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wilsonbros@live.co.uk BASED IN GRESFORD

Transform your home with bespoke fitted furniture Family-run Professional Tree Surgery Company Based in Wrexham At Reflections we specialise in the bespoke design, manufacture and fitting of high quality bedroom, kitchen, offices and bathroom furniture.

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OUR TREE SERVICES INCLUDE: • TREE FELLING/TREE REMOVAL • TREE PRUNING & MAINTENANCE • EMERGENCY TREE REMOVAL • INSPECTIONS & SURVEYS • STUMP GRINDING/REMOVAL • TREE PLANTING • SITE CLEARANCES • LOG FOR SALE

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Puzzle Page... Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 Theatrical behaviour (11) 9 Alphabetical list (5) 10 Small green vegetable (3) 11 Derives the beneﬁts (5) 12 Country in the Middle East (5) 13 Cowboy ﬁlms (8) 16 Admired and respected (8) 18 Laborious task (5) 21 Armature of an electric motor (5) 22 Consume food (3) 23 Ticked over (of an engine) (5) 24 Constant (11)

DOWN 2 Dead end (7) 3 Cyclone (7) 4 Eg from New Delhi (6) 5 Bond or connection (5) 6 Escapade (5) 7 Ornithologist (11) 8 Comradeship (11) 14 A long time ago (4,3) 15 Eg anger or joy (7) 17 Slender (6) 19 Many times (5) 20 Expulsion (5)

If you want to ﬁnd out the answers they will be published in next month’s edition. Here are the answers from December:

Classic Sudoku

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS TRADING IN OSWESTRY FOR OVER 33 YEARS

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F I N D O U T H OW OUR PRODUCTS CAN

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ROSSETT HOUSE NURSERY Contact us today to arrange a visit ‐ 01244 571872 info@rossetthousenursery.co.uk Rossett House Nursery, Llay Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HT

- OSCAR WILDE

“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.”