EssentialsMAG June 2022 Rossett/Marford/Gresford/Holt/Farndon

Your monthly local community magazine

June 2022

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

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Welcome...

Welcome to our June issue!

June 2022 is a big month for the UK, as we finally get to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, over an extended Bank Holiday weekend. There are plenty of official events planned for our region as well as countless street and garden parties to attend.

Let’s hope the weather holds up, although I have vivid memories of getting rained on heavily during the last Jubilee celebrations!

And if you’re looking for something a bit different, how about Open Farm Sunday on 12th June? This is a wonderful chance to showcase British farming, and if you can’t find a participating farm near you then you can always make a virtual visit! You can find more information at their website farmsunday.org.

Not forgetting of course, Father’s Day on 19th June, a time to let that very important person in your life know how much he means to you. Many of our local businesses, attractions and restaurants have special Father’s Day offers, so please try to support local businesses wherever possible.

Until next time.

Have a great month!

All the best, Vicky Heathfield EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Image: The Queen's Platinum Jubilee cakes

July Deadlines: Editorial - 10th June Advertising - 17th June

We’ve got the local area covered!

Delivered by hand to 6,400 homes and businesses more than any other magazine in our area.

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 2022.

Follow us today and stay updated locally @EssentialsMagWrexham @EssentialsMAG1

Local News Wrexham Becomes Wales' Seventh City Great news for Wrexham, as it has been awarded city status – making it the seventh city in Wales. As part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the honour has been bestowed on eight different locations, including the capital of the Falkland Islands.

Wrexham has tried four times to become a city, but until now has been unsuccessful.

Having demonstrated the strong cultural and historical heritage of the area, Wrexham hopes that being a city will boost communities and encourage growth and investment.

Wrexham’s bid package was a strong one. The town and its vicinity have a host of popular attractions, including the UNESCO Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site, the Racecourse Football Stadium, Erddig Stately Home and Gardens, and the Tŷ Pawb creative arts and market hub. It’s jump to city status will further enhance the area and ensure that the city attracts attention on the world stage.

A Message from Rossett Pharmacy After 21 years of ownership, the time has come to move on. I shall be selling Rossett Pharmacy within the next fortnight. The new owners have many exciting ideas for future developments and services. They will ensure that Rossett and surrounding villages have a strong independent pharmacy for many years to come.

I would like to thank you all for your support and custom over the period of my ownership. It has always been an enjoyable and rewarding job despite the pandemic in recent times. I am proud to say that Rossett Pharmacy did not close for a single minute during the entire period, we always kept the door open despite the massive workload.

My staff have been amazing during that period and I owe them a massive thank you for their huge efforts.

I hope that you will all continue to use and support Rossett Pharmacy. It is an essential part of the village’s health provision, now and in the future.

Glen Thompson MRPharmS

Rossett Swimming Club Celebrates 40 Years Rossett Swimming Club was founded in 1982 by a group of parents and teachers from St. Peter’s School, Rossett. It’s aim was to provide affordable swimming lessons for children who perhaps could not afford the mainstream lessons. The founders started the club with only a few children and over the years this has grown to 92 children who attend the club on a Monday night. One of the founders, Dave Brimble, is still an active part of the club and attends every week without fail to assist in the water.

To celebrate the club’s 40th year the club organised a swim challenge. There is also a fun night planned for all to attend to reward them for their amazing efforts, not only for this challenge but the effort that they put in each and every week.

For details please email: rossettswimmingclub@gmail.com

Knife Angel to Come to Wrexham!

In partnership with North Wales Police, Coleg Cambria and the British Ironworks, the famous Knife Angel created from knives collected across the United Kingdom, will be coming to Wrexham to Queens Square in October. The Knife Angel is a nationally significant piece of art made from 100,000 seized knives and created by artist Alfie Bradley. It stands an impressive 27 feet tall and was designed to be effective in changing attitudes to violent behaviour and to act as a memorial, designed to celebrate those whose lives have been lost through knife crime. For the 30 days it will be in the city there will be a programme of workshops and visits aimed at young people in Wrexham.

Bell Ringers Wanted The team of bell ringers at All Saints' Church, Gresford are currently collaborating with St. Cynfarch’s Church in Hope due the shortage of ringers in both towers. To continue with the tradition of bell ringing in Gresford they are encouraging anyone interested in learning a new skill, or any lapsed bell ringers, to come and join them. Contact Ruth Smith on: 01978 856884 or visit www.allsaintschurchgresford.org.uk for more details.

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

The Farndon Soapbox Derby So much has happened since our previous article that we just had to share more developments and achievements with you!

It was always the intention to have a maximum of 35 racing Kart teams for the Farndon Soapbox Derby and we are delighted to announce that ALL the places have now been booked and secured!

The racing teams are all now incredibly busy designing, constructing and thinking of a whacky theme and name for their hand-built Karts, all of which will be competing for the ‘Best Kart Trophy’.

We can’t wait to see all of these Soapbox creations whizzing through the village on Sunday the 18th of September – Yes! Only three months away!

Thank you all for your unwavering support and enthusiasm; it’s going to be so much fun!

We have also been working hard behind the scenes dealing with offers of support from local businesses who want to get involved, finalising all the health and safety requirements as well as enjoying some exciting media opportunities.

We have also been on Calon FM radio singing the praises of The Farndon Soapbox Derby that will raise as much money as possible for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

This is the very first event of its kind and we are expecting a huge number of spectators on the day as well as lots of PR and press coverage. The whole event has been pulled together by a handful of local residents who want to organise a fun-filled, family focused event, raise lots of money and also, give something back to our village and the surrounding communities.

If you are a local business who would like to get involved, PLEASE do get in touch.

There are still lots of opportunities for small, medium and large businesses to get stuck in, raise your profile and have a lot of fun! Let’s do this! getinvolved@farndonsoapboxderby.co.uk www.farndonsoapboxderby.co.uk

01248 295 015

Age is Just a Number

By PHIL CABRAL from Natural Balance Reach a certain age and things become far more of an effort than they used to be, don’t they? Walk upstairs and your knees make their presence felt; stand up from a seated position and you have to take a minute for your body to realign itself. It can be very easy to simply decide you’re ‘too old’ to do anything about it and plan instead for a sedentary life.

But that is where we can help. Here at Natural Balance, we work with people of all ages and abilities in and around the local area to reduce pain, optimise health, increase fitness and maximise function so you can be out there living healthy, active lives for as long as possible.

The well-known saying, ‘Age is just a number’ has never been so relevant. Your age is not a marker for how fit or how well you are, nor should it make you feel you have reached your limit. The only limitation you have is the voice in your head.

So, what can we do about this? Well, since we all came out of the global pandemic feeling, on the one hand, battered and bruised and on the other, raring to get back out there and get on with life, I have read, and seen on social media, a few stories about marathon runners and how age has not stopped them from achieving their goals.

One such lady who, at the time of the article had reached the grand old age of 107, had attempted and accomplished eight world records as a centenarian!

You can read more about Fauja Singh and 102 year old Mann Kaur at https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archiv e/jalandhar/age-is-just-a-number-forfauja-singh-and-mann-kaur-556647 The latest World Health Organisation guidelines for Physical Activity for Adults 2020 recommend that adults do 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity per week and strengthening activities on two or more days per week.

Running is just one form of aerobic exercise but if you are not sure about how best to start aerobic exercise, why not take up cycling or swimming? We are lucky enough to have a few great gyms in our area that can help with improving your strength but you can also workout at home or in a local park. If you are not sure where to start, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Age is not a barrier. So, whatever your age, we would be delighted to help you improve your fitness capacity so you can live a healthy, happy, productive life.

by Phil Cabral at Natural Balance Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Tel: 01244 639898 E: lorna@natbalance.co.uk www.natbalance.co.uk Facebook: @philthephysio

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Staying Hydrated This Summer

BY SAMANTHA GRIFFITHS As the weather heats up in these summer months, it’s important to make sure we’re drinking enough water. Water is essential for good health and is needed for every process within the body, including organ function, temperature regulation, kidney function, and circulation. Staying hydrated helps our digestive system function properly, keeps our skin healthy, improves cognition and mood, and leads to better quality sleep.

How much do we need?

Recommendations on how much water we should drink tend to vary, and different people need different amounts, though the general advice is 1.5 to 2 litres per day. A typical cup or mug can hold about 200ml, so that’s 8-10 glasses per day, with children needing slightly less at 6-8 glasses.

Sources of water The best source of water is straight from the tap – it’s free! We can also get water from milk (cow’s and plant based), squash, fruit juice, tea, and coffee. Although caffeinated drinks act as a mild diuretic, they still count (just watch out for added sugar or syrups). Fruit juice contributes towards your daily water intake, and often to one of your five-a-day, but remember that a portion is only 150ml.

Food is also a source of water, accounting for 20-30% of our daily intake. Tomatoes, cucumber, courgette, lettuce, melon, soups, stews, and broths all contain a high percentage of water.

Dehydration When your body doesn’t have enough fluid to operate properly you become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, fatigue, headache, confusion, and dizziness. If your urine is dark in colour this is also a sign of dehydration.

Some people are more at risk of dehydration than others. Children (who may forget to drink), those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, athletes, and older people (who may not feel as thirsty).

We are all at risk during hot weather, as we lose water through our sweat, and therefore need to drink more during these periods.

To stay hydrated, it's better to drink regularly throughout the day rather than lots at once. If you find it difficult to stay hydrated, or simply forget to drink enough, it’s helpful to drink with meals or to keep a water bottle with you throughout the day.

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

EssentialsMAG nutrition contributor is Samantha Griffiths of Samantha Kate Nutrition Tel: 07958 207711 samanthakatenutrition@outlook.com www.samanthakatenutrition.com

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Dates for your Diary 1 - 26 JUNE

SUNDAY 5 JUNE

SATURDAY 11 JUNE

Sunshine Meadow National Trust Erddig, Erddig, Marchwiel, Wrexham LL13 0YT

Gresford Artisan Market Gresford Trust Memorial Hall, High Street, Gresford, LL12 8PS

Maes Y Pant Volunteer Saturday Maes Y Pant, Pant Lane, Gresford LL12 8HB

A meadow at the National Trust’s Erddig will become a sea of blue this summer in aid of Nightingale House Hospice. 1000 Forget-menots will be on display in the Walled Garden.

Featuring great food and craft producers from around the region.

Come and work in the fresh air! There are outdoor tasks suitable for all abilities.

10am - 5pm From £4.50 nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

4 - 12 JUNE

Wrexham Walking Festival NE Wales Nine days of free walks exploring the beauty and history of North East Wales. See website for the full itinerary.

10:30am - 2pm Free

MON 6, 13, 20, 27 JUNE

Weekly Outdoor Market Queen’s Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT Weekly outdoor market selling fruit and veg, food, crafts, clothes, bags, plants and more.

9am - 4pm Free

Free walksinwrexham.com

THURS 9, 16, 23, 30 JUNE

Chester Artisan Makers Market The Carriage Shed, City Place, City Road, Chester CH1 3DR

Walking Netball Rhosnesni Leisure Centre, Wrexham

10am - 4pm Free

SATURDAY 11 JUNE

Homegrown Highstreet Penyffordd & Penymynydd War Memorial Institute, Penyffordd, Chester CH4 0JZ Bringing together an eclectic collection of makers, bakers, creatives and artisans under one roof for local people to shop for local products.

12pm - 4pm Free homegrownevents.co.uk

SATURDAY 4 JUNE

An abundance of the North Wests finest makers, bakers and creators showcasing every 1st Saturday of the month.

10am - 12:30pm Free maes-y-pant.com

Walking Netball is a slower version of the game at a walking pace. Have some fun and make new friends!

New members always welcome!

6pm £3.50 sheilageorge2@hotmail.com

SATURDAY 11 JUNE

Summer Fayre Marchwiel Church, Bangor Road, Marchwiel, Wrexham LL13 0SD A fun family day - all welcome. Refreshments available, raffle and stalls, plus activities throughout the day for the children.

2pm Free

While every effort has been made to ensure all the details are correct at the time of going to print, it is advisable to check details with the venue concerned.

SATURDAY 11 JUNE

BRHS Spring Show & Plant Sale St. Peter’s School, Chapel Lane, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0EE The Burton & Rossett Horticultural Society (BRHS) annual Spring Show and Plant Sale.

2pm - 4pm Free brhs.org.uk

TUESDAY 14 JUNE

Well-Being Football Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, Llangollen Road, Acrefair, Wrexham LL14 3H 45 minutes of inclusive fun and friendly football, followed by 45 minutes of social time - chat and meet new people.

5:15pm - 6:45pm Free (donations welcome) wrexhaminclusionfc.co.uk

17 - 27 JUNE

Chester Heritage Festival Chester Celebrate Chester’s Roman origins, historic buildings, green spaces and waterways through a series of unique events and experiences for all ages.

See website for the full itinerary. chesterheritagefestival.co.uk

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

essentialsmag.co.uk/whatson SATURDAY 18 JUNE

WEDNESDAY 22 JUNE

North Wales Armed Forces Day Wrexham City Center

Pulford & Poulton Local History Group Pulford Village Hall, St. Mary's Church, Pulford Court, Chester CH4 9EU

A major outdoor event.

Representatives of all three forces will be marching.

Also live displays and exhibitions. Live music will be provided by The Royal Welsh Band, Ifton Colliery Band and other local music groups. Veterans who want to take part in the parade should form up on Bodhyfryd at 10am 10am Free

SAT 18 - SUN 19 JUNE

Midsummer Watch Parade Chester City Center The oldest and most colourful parade in the UK. Over 400 local people are involved in this moving portrait of historical events, local legends, biblical and other mythical characters.

Musicians, giants, dragons and pirates deliver colour, spectacle and excitement.

2pm Free midsummerwatch.co.uk

“Magna Carta of Cheshire”

by Emeritus Professor of History, Graeme White.

7:30pm £2 members / £3 non pplhg.org.uk

SUNDAY 26 JUNE

Eaton Hall Gardens Charity Open Day Eaton Hall, Eccleston, Chester CH4 9ET Explore the beautiful gardens at Eaton Hall.

Tickets are pre-book only on the link below.

10:30am - 5pm £11.98 adult / £3.76 child https://bit.ly/3Jbvj4A

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 /whatson

Share your events with us online - www.essentialsmag.co.uk/Events

The Experience is Everything

By JULIE GREGORY For a while now, the marketing industry has recognised how important the customer experience has become.

A business could be offering excellent quality products and services but if they lost sight of the importance of how a customer was made to feel during their purchase and after-sales service, they could well find their sales languishing behind their competitors.

As an example, John Lewis were streets ahead in terms of big name, high street retailers. Their ‘never knowingly undersold’ slogan and their excellent delivery service, pushed them to the top of the tree and their customer service was second to none.

In time, other businesses, large and small, began to recognise that actually, as they offered a similar product or service to their competition, the only point of difference was their customer journey. Suddenly, analysis of this coupled with additional training for employees, became the norm.

Now, we have come to expect a much higher level of customer service.

Putting the customer first looks to be a trend that will continue to rise, as businesses listen to their customer feedback more avidly than ever. An increase in customer surveys and reviews, if showing that the business is listening to its audience and responding to negative criticism, adds weight to the business’ credence.

Following two years in a global pandemic and a more than gloomy economy, our spending habits have become more cautious. Who we choose to spend our money with – and what on - is more important to us all.

In terms of marketing, businesses are using more tools to engage with their target audience and focusing on the relationship in order to retain their valued customers.

Loyalty and reward schemes are commonplace and regular, personalised communications with customers continue to drive footfall and sales.

Everyone is a critic and social media is an extremely powerful tool to encourage, or discourage, another shopper from spending with a certain store. Word of mouth referrals have moved online. Who hasn’t checked out product reviews from buyers or looked up a restaurant or hotel on TripAdvisor?

Buyers have become salespeople – so businesses need to keep paying attention and ensure each customer’s journey has been as exceptional as possible.

EssentialsMAG marketing contributor is Julie Gregory of Time For Marketing julie@timeformarketing.org Tel: 07474 333004

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Delmar World Latest News

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford I recently visited the wonderful City of Seville. We arrived after cruising down the Guadalquivir river, the only navigable river in Spain, and docked right in the city centre.

And trees laden with the famous Seville oranges were everywhere. A word of warning, however: whilst they make great marmalade, they are very bitter to eat!

On leaving the ship, we simply crossed the road and found ourselves in the Maria Luisa Park where the magnificent Plaza de Espana unfolded before our eyes. What an incredible sight! A true jewel in the crown of this majestic Andalusian City.

Continuing our exploration, the impressive and historic architecture of the Alcazar Palace and Seville Cathedral is breathtaking and visits to these should not be hurried.

Beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriages carried visitors around the park; there were also bikes for hire and you could even circle the Plaza’s substantial moat in a rowing boat.

That evening, we attended a spectacular flamenco and dancing horse display in an outdoor arena and ended the evening with a stroll along the river, hearing the sound of Spanish families enjoying their time together in the many Tapas restaurants that line the waterfront.

A spontaneous, and excellent display of flamenco dancing at the base of the grand staircase attracted an appreciative crowd.

Musicians and magicians were to be found around every corner - all adding to the joyful, festive atmosphere. A wedding party even appeared on one of the balconies!

If you have a long weekend to spare, Seville is a truly charming Spanish experience and I highly recommend it as one of the top places to visit in Europe.

A glance at our map showed that there were many more sights to discover so we continued on to explore the city with its many plazas, the winding streets with bakeries, bars, hand painted ceramics and leather goods.

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

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To make sure you can look forward to your holiday without stress, we offer a FREE Pre-Departure Service to all our clients to make sure you comply with the COVID travel requirements and that you are fully informed and prepared before your holiday.

WHY USE DELMAR WORLD? We are an Independent Travel Agency - Established 1964 Cruise and Destination Specialists Winner of the Best Small Travel Agency in the North West & North Wales 2021 Talk Travel Appointment Service to make sure you get the best possible advise and guidance with a travel specialist best suited to your destination choice Zoom, telephone or face-to-face appointments available Pre-Departure Service to check your documents and give you peace of mind

Tel: 01978 853 886 • email: sales@delmarworld.co.uk • www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford LL12 8NE

“We have had not just a wonderful time but an absolutely fantastic trip, very emotional and beautiful. Thank you so much for all your help in planning it Samantha, just amazing!” - MRS G, HOLT, WREXHAM

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS It’s amazing how fast this year is going isn’t it? And everything is growing so fast too.

At the moment of writing the sunshine is lovely and the seeds I planted several weeks ago are doing really well. I didn’t manage to do much in the garden last year and I am enjoying catching up at the moment.

of veg to keep the vegetable garden more productive for longer.

Remember to keep up with the weeding and try to remember to do it on a dry day as it makes it much more effective. There are late tulips still out in gardens, however the earlier ones that have finished can be lifted and stored for next year.

If you are growing tomatoes, remove the side shoots and start feeding as soon as the first truss appears. Potatoes will need the earth covering the new growth as they get bigger. This is important to keep the light from the tubers as they will become green and this is poisonous. If you have planted any early potatoes they should be ready to harvest now.

Watering needs to be done regularly and remember to give your plants a good soak in the morning or evening to give your plants a good chance. Roses need to be deadheaded now when the blooms are finished, this will keep the bush flowering throughout the year.

Now is the time to plant out your vegetable plants as the last frost should be over, it pays to keep an eye on the weather though and cover the young plants with fleece or a cloche if it is forecast.

If you can, it is a good idea to sow more veg seeds such as carrots to have a succession

If you are wanting to mow the lawn and don’t have time, it is a good idea to trim the edges. This will neaten it up and it will look much better.

Now is the time to prune your fruit trees as well. Apples need to be thinned out so the fruit grows properly.

My geraniums, which I planted recently, are doing well and are very bright and cheerful at the moment and the hanging basket is too. It is good to see the garden progressing well instead of standing still.

Don’t forget to enjoy your gardens, will you?

Information provided by: www.brhs.org.uk

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Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN The results of the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, held throughout the British Isles over the last weekend of January, have now been published. Nearly 7,000 people took part, between them logging around 11 million individual birds. Overall, the House Sparrow was top of the flock but, even so, was still down by 59.7% since 1979.

Throughout the British Isles as a whole, Woodpigeons were rated the fourth most numerous species (an increase of 1132.8%) however, in Wales, they were relegated to 10th place. Although Robins have been voted Britain's most popular birds they appeared in the count as number six (seven in Wales).

This survey, nowadays popularly classified as ‘Citizen Science’, is limited in its scope as covering only gardens in the winter. Had it been conducted at this time of year Starlings, Wales's number two on the list, though down 81.7% on the 1979 count, would have been given a much lower rating as our wintering Starling population is vastly augmented by huge numbers of continental migrants which gather together in enormous ‘murmurations’ before settling in at their winter roosts.

Some of these birds have been found to come from as far away as Russia.

By now, most of our wintering birds will have returned to their breeding grounds and replaced by summer migrants. This year many of our Swallows and Martins arrived later than expected and appear to be well down in numbers.

PAINTED LADY

HOUSE SPARROW

Our neighbouring colony of House Martins, which numbered a dozen pairs a few years ago, so far appears to contain only one occupied nest. Chiffchaffs, however, have been locally widespread and numerous and singing merrily since mid-March.

Other warblers that have been heard singing around our area include Willow and Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Common and Lesser Whitethroats with Reed and Sedge Warblers are back in waterside vegetation.

Waterside habitats and gardens also attract a variety of Dragonflies and Damselflies.

Migrant Butterflies worth looking out for are the beautiful Painted Ladies, some of which may have recently arrived after spending the winter in North Africa.

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How to Attract Bees to Your Garden Bees play a vital role in the garden and they’re an essential part in the pollination of a plant during its life cycle. Bees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen, which they then use as food for themselves and to help feed the larvae in their hives or nests.

Insect pollination can also be carried out by many other pollinating insects including butterflies and moths and are essential for the cropping of most fruits and some vegetables. Therefore, as bees are so vital, it’s important that we all encourage bees into our gardens throughout the year.

One of the simplest ways to attract bees to visit your garden is by growing flowers rich in pollen and nectar. Bees are more drawn to blue, purple and yellow flowers and therefore, find them the most appealing.

Bees can see the colour purple more vividly than the majority of other colours.

Fun facts about bees: • Bees can fly as far as five miles for food, however an average distance would be less than a mile from the hive.

• There are over 20,000 different species of bee, found on every continent in the World, except Antarctica.

• Bees use the position of the sun to help them navigate.

• Queen: One Queen runs the whole hive, she can produce up to 2,000 eggs a day.

• Workers: All worker bees are female, their flying top speed is 20mph.

• Drones: These are the male bees, and their purpose is to mate with the Queen.

Drones have bigger eyes.

• A bee produces a teaspoon of honey (about 5 grams) in her lifetime.

• Bees have five eyes and six legs.

As bees are most active between March and September, it’s great to choose a selection of plants that will flower across the different months of most of the season so you can attract bees all year round.

What plants attract pollinators?

Spring flowers Bluebell, Daffodil, Forget-Me-Not, Hawthorn, Rhododendron.

Early-summer flowers Aquilegia, Delphinium, Foxglove, Snapdragon, Geranium.

Late-summer flowers Aster, Buddleia, Fuchsia, Heather, Lavender, Hollyhock.

Mini wildflower meadow If you have the room in your garden, why not create a mini wildflower meadow using a variety of flowers? Bees will certainly love this!

Provide Water Just like us humans, bees and other pollinators need water to survive. A pond is a natural and safe source of water that allows bees to easily drink from.

Become a Beekeeper And if you want to do more... why not join the British Beekeepers Association and become a beekeeper? To find out more visit their website: www.bbka.org.uk

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Well read and well respected working for your business It’s virtually impossible to build a successful businesses without advertising. From launching a new product or service to simply trying to get your brand out into the world, advertising campaigns can help you reach more of the right people.

That’s why we offer value for money advertising opportunities, and we are keen for you to see a return on your investment. We have advertising packages to suit everyone and will work with you to identify the best option for your business and budget.

To advertise in the next issue of EssentialsMAG, please get in touch with Vicky Heathfield on the contact details below:

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A Celebration of Life

By JAN PARKER from John Knowles Funeral Services For those of you that may not already know me, my name is Jan Parker, and I am a Funeral Arranger based on Station Road, Rossett. This office has been open for 18 months now. Having had a spell at our Saltney branch, it is lovely to be back permanently in Rossett.

I grew up in Pulford and later moved to Rossett where I lived for 10 years and currently live locally in Cefn y Bedd, so I have a wealth of personal knowledge of the village and surrounding areas.

In my role, not only will I be by your side to help and guide you through all the legalities, but also to support you with all the personal details you may wish to add, however small they are. From answering the smallest of questions to organising the most extravagant of funerals, I am here to take some of the pressure off. Each funeral, whether it be a direct Cremation, or a Cathedral service, will receive as much care and attention to detail.

We are also an established Carriage Masters providing beautiful Rolls Royce, Mercedes and Australian Ford Hearses and Limousines to Funeral Directors in North Wales, Chester and the Wirral.

As an alternative to the usual black cars associated with funerals, we can also offer you an alternative from our wedding fleet which comprises of cream or white Rolls Royces and Daimlers. For any wedding related enquiries please email: enquiries@chesterweddingcars.co.uk Please feel free to pop in for a chat (we even have a water bowl outside for any dogs in need of a drink if you bring them with you!) or ask any questions, even if we haven’t organised your loved one’s funeral.

You may need advice about headstones or having your loved one’s ashes interred or being made into jewellery... or even taking out a Funeral Plan.

We are passionate about supporting local charities and we are currently supporting Share Shop and Kids Bank in Chester and Mold, by collecting donated clothing and non-perishable foods. We received over 600 Easter eggs for our appeal at Easter which made a huge difference to vulnerable families.

If you have a charity that may benefit from our support eg. using our offices as drop off points or to aid in generating donations, please contact me.

by Jan Parker at John Knowles Funeral Services Tel: 01244 530220 E: info@johnknowlesfunerals.co.uk www.johnknowlesfunerals.co.uk

JOHN KNOWLES FUNERAL SERVICES Personal, Professional and Compassionate Funeral Directors in Rossett

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Gresford and District Community Library

Hello again. I’m writing this on a really beautiful day; the sun is shining brightly.

This means the library’s new solar panels will be gathering energy which we will use next week. We have a battery so we can store unused energy.

The situation with the gas provider trundles on, though they have stopped billing us, which is a relief – just need a closing statement now (I have asked!).

Calling all not-for-profit groups Anyway, my main focus for this month is to ask you to get in touch if you know of a not-for-profit group that might like to meet in the library. The grant we received from Welsh Government was the ‘Community Facilities Fund’ and we’d like to see more of the community using our (lovely) facilities.

Our back room has space for 10-12 people to meet comfortably and we have kitchen facilities you are welcome to use.

All we ask is that attendees contribute £1 each towards our costs.

If you know of any groups that might be interested, please encourage them to get in touch.

Don’t forget there are books, eBooks and audiobooks waiting for you in your library – all for free! Gresford also has a Jigsaw Library too.

Please bring us all your unwanted books Donated books are our main source of fundraising; we are always very grateful for them – any kind of book in any condition.

Our postcode is LL12 8UW. We use the same library system as every other library in North Wales, and we provide the same services.

We can order books from other libraries, and also return books borrowed elsewhere.

If we’re closed, please just pop your books in the dropbox by the front door – we’ll do the rest.

Our contact details are below:

Get in touch – if you have any questions there are many ways to contact us: Phone: 01978 852627 Email: gresfordlibrary@hotmail.com Website: gresforddistrictcommunitylibrary.org.uk Facebook: @GresfordandDistrictCommunityLibrary Wrexham online catalogue: wales.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/wrexham_en

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Legacy Planning

By Property Consultant CHARLES LAWSON Planning for the future, even in uncertain times, is the key to all kinds of successful enterprises. Whether it’s looking at pension schemes or securing long-term investments, we should all have some form of forward planning in place. This type of planning is just as important if you are a property owner, with a portfolio of buildings, or land that at some point will need to be valued. If they are part of your investments, they will need to be sold and turned into funds.

We can’t stress enough how much forward planning can save you in the long-term, especially if your planning involves an exit strategy dependent on a sale of assets.

It’s advantageous to start thinking about your exit strategy three to five years before retiring, so you can allow time to gather information and attribute values to property where appropriate.

The key is to take advice, plan well in advance and see how you can make sure you are in the best possible position to sell to maximise your profits – and, of course, ensure a secure future for you and your family.

are worth will give you plenty of time to plan. You can see their value now and you can also look at ways of safeguarding and improving their worth in the future.

In this way, owners can decide on when is the best time to sell to optimise the resulting funds.

Using this method of planning and doing everything in advance will provide peace of mind over the last few years in business, as well as hopefully a tidy retirement fund.

It can also ensure that the workforce, in the case of a business sale, is looked after and protected as far as possible.

If you’d like to talk to one of our experts about how you can evaluate your options – as well as value your assets – then get in touch with us today.

If you have assets, such as a business or premises, then finding out now what they

EssentialsMAG property Consultant is Charles Lawson, from Forge Property Consultants www.forgeproperty.co.uk charles.lawson@forgeproperty.co.uk Tel: 01691 610317 / 07873 388119

EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Homemade Soft Set Strawberry Jam Gone a bit overboard at the pick your own? Then make the most of your seasonal summer fruits with this easy peasy homemade strawberry jam recipe. A jar of strawberry jam makes a lovely gift too!

INGREDIENTS 500g high pectin sugar (jam sugar) 1 vanilla pod 1kg ripe strawberries, washed and leafy tops removed You will also need some jam jars with lids for storage

METHOD Before you start, sterilize the jars and their lids to get rid of any bacteria. Either put them in the sink (lids unscrewed from jars) and cover them with boiling water from the kettle, filling the jars with the water; or simmer them, completely immersed, in a very large pan of boiling water for 10 minutes; or lay the jars and lids on a baking tray in the oven and heat them at around 100°C/225°F/gas for 15 minutes.

And if you have a good dishwasher with a very hot cycle you can sterilize them in there as well.

Halve the vanilla pod lengthways and scrape out the seeds. Put the seeds in a saucepan with the strawberries and the sugar. Mush it up with a potato masher to make a lovely slurry, leaving a few chunky bits of strawberry in there to add a bit of texture.

Place the pan on a medium heat, bring it to the boil then simmer for about five minutes. Turn the heat off, carefully skim any foam off the top of the jam then leave it to cool a little. After about 15 minutes, divide the jam between your sterilized jam jars. Leave to cool completely then cover the jars and pop them in the fridge.

Trying out our recipe?

Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

Simply Delicious!

Browse our collection of tasty lunch, dinner, dessert and cake recipes on our website:

www.essentialsmag.co.uk/recipes

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham Since I raised my question with the Prime Minister at PMQs about Wrexham Council’s Levelling Up Bid which includes the redevelopment of the historic Kop Stand at the Racecourse Ground, we have been working very hard to ensure its success.

I would like to take this moment to bring your attention to the petition that is successfully raising the profile of the bid and has gained over 6,000 signatures in just three days. I was thrilled to sign the petition and I will continue to promote it by working in every way possible to take this forward with №10.

To sign up, search ‘Redevelop the Racecourse’ on change.org.

I am so pleased that our community has such a great venue, especially as Wrexham has been shortlisted in the Culture Bid 2025.

Following the Local Council elections last month, I wrote to all the candidates who were elected to Wrexham Council to represent wards in my constituency. I look forward to working with them, regardless of their political persuasion, on our shared agenda to raise Wrexham and to ensure we all, within our own remits, work for the betterment of our town.

Finally, alongside inspirational businesswomen from Wrexham, including Louise Wilson the owner of K9 Conservation Consultancy, I was thrilled to attend ‘Welsh Women in Business’ Event organised by Secretary of State for Wales. It was an opportunity to congratulate women, who many had started their successful businesses during lockdown, and reflect upon how small business entrepreneurs in Wales are thriving.

In addition, I am pleased the Wales Office now serves Wrexham Lager.

After years of severe flooding in Darland Lane, Rossett, and countless visits and conversations with worried residents and Wrexham Council, I am pleased that Wrexham Council has finally administered the flood risk alleviation scheme to address this issue. I was pleased to be able to pop down to Darland Lane this month to chat to the workmen and relieved residents but with further development proposals for the area, the situation needs to be monitored going forward.

During a busy day in Wrexham, I popped down to the Wrexham Museum with some guests. It gave an atmospheric and interactive sense of Wrexham’s history and heritage.

It was great to join Sergeant Nathan Harvey, from the rural policing team, out on shift in Gwersyllt and Gresford where we visited a few hot spots for low-level crime. Low-level crime is a blight across Wrexham that impacts us all and I am very pleased that the Queen’s Speech announced increased Government spending and strengthening the powers of the police to make the streets safer. I will continue to speak up for Wrexham residents and support the police’s work to tackle this.

If there is anything I can do to assist, please do not hesitate to make contact.

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

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Alyn Family Doctors Latest News Earwax is produced naturally in your ear canal. It has a function to keep the ear clean and free from any germs of infection.

As the ear is self-cleaning it usually does not cause any problems unless it builds up to such an extent that it starts to block the ear canal.

When does it become a problem?

The signs of earwax build up can be as simple as the feeling that your ear is blocked and you cannot hear as well.

Sometimes you may experience ear pain and itching, or you may start to notice tinnitus (noises in your ear). If you have a hearing aid, you may notice that your hearing aid starts to whistle, or that the mould or tubing is blocked by earwax. This can affect the level of sound that you hear.

What can you do about earwax build up?

If you have NO recent ear infections (within the last 6 weeks), perforations (a hole in your eardrum), past ear surgery or cleft palate history, you can use olive oil in your ears to help soften the earwax.

It is important that you DO NOT use cotton wool buds or any other device in your ear as there is a risk of damage or pushing the wax down further down, which then becomes more difficult to treat.

You will need to purchase olive oil (for your ears) from your local chemist. It is usually available as drops or a spray. The spray may be easier to use. Warming the olive oil is

not advised and it should be used at room temperature.

How to use olive oil in your ears Lie on your side with the affected ear facing upwards. Pull the ear gently backwards and upwards to open and straighten the ear canal. This will allow the drops to enter deeper into the ear.

Carefully let three droplets of olive oil fall into your ear (or three sprays if you are using a spray olive oil product). You may find it helpful to have somebody help you.

Gently massage the area directly in front of the ear. Lie still for at least five minutes to ensure the olive oil drops have penetrated properly. If you need to treat both ears, turn over onto your other side and repeat the process. DO NOT insert cotton wool or tissue paper into your ears as this can absorb the oil, leaving the wax dry and hard.

When to seek further advice – New NHS GP Ear Wax Removal Service If you have been using olive oil as outlined above for seven days and your symptoms have not improved, you should contact reception and we can now book appointments with an NHS ear wax removal service with an audiology practitioner. This is a new service, but please note that all appointments for our area are based in Pen y Maes Health Centre in Summerhill.

Tel: 0333 332 3260 www.alynfamilydoctors.co.uk www.facebook.com/alynfamilydoctors

Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham The Hightown Barracks has a proud association with the town dating back to the 19th century. After a challenging few years where its future was under some threat, I am pleased 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh has been re-established and the future is looking brighter. I recently toured the military base to discover more about the initiatives and projects that will reinvigorate the Barracks in the coming months. A new mental health clinic is under construction which will serve military personnel across the wider region.

The Defence Mental Health Team will be based permanently at the Barracks, employing four fulltime clinicians. There is a training college engaging with the younger generations and work ongoing supporting military veterans.

I also wish to praise the members of the local community who have raised thousands of pounds to construct a permanent memorial outside the Barracks. The restoration of the Hightown Barracks is helping preserve Wrexham’s proud military tradition and I will continue to do everything in my power to support the facility.

The charity has transformed people’s lives for the better and, it is clear,that continuing to create opportunities for young people will be crucial as we emerge from the pandemic.

Community projects in Wrexham have received thousands of pounds from the National Lottery this year alone and I hope even more will benefit in future.

I recently conducted my latest meeting with the Chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. These meetings take place regularly, enabling me to raise any local issues and ensure the authorities are aware of patients’ day-to-day experiences. I was pleased to learn an extra £1m is being used by the Health Board to assist with recruiting staff in the Emergency Departments at the three main hospitals across North Wales.

Having successfully employed a new Nurse Consultant, the Health Board is now focused on recruiting consultants for the Emergency Department at the Wrexham Maelor. I’m sure this update will be welcomed and I will continue to work with the relevant bodies to ensure local residents receive the best possible health services.

Created by Moneypenny co-founder, Rachel Clacher, WeMindTheGap helps disadvantaged young people by delivering programmes that help them gain new skills and experiences.

National Lottery funding has played a key role in helping the charity finance the courses and I visited WeMindTheGap to hear from the latest participants. The grant offers six month paid internships to young women, helping them develop confidence, independence and skills. WeMindTheGap is such a worthy recipient of National Lottery support.

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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St. Peter’s School

The easy, secure way to sell your motorhome!

St. Peter’s Church in Wales Primary School in Rossett, for children aged 3 - 11 At St. Peter’s School we combine the traditions and expectations of a good standard of education, behaviour and self-discipline, with the latest curricular developments together with the development of skills and characteristics which will be needed in the future.

Come and explore our school!

Applications for Nursery places for September 2022 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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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Taking the Steering Wheel When New Year’s Eve 2021 came around, I was looking at 2022 with hopes of a more tranquil and predictable year than the last two years as we were coming to a more manageable time of living with Covid-19.

I was looking forward to being able to have plans for something in the near distant future without worrying that it might not happen after all. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case so far.

The Covid pandemic hangover is still hanging around in the background and, of course, there is the conflict between Ukraine and Russia looming across the headlines.

Although it’s not comparable to war or a pandemic, it’s likely that we are all experiencing some turbulence in our finances to varying degrees.

PrinciPal Partner Practice of St. JameS'S Place Wealth management

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

Costs seem to be rising all around us, with noticeable jumps in the prices at the petrol pumps, the weekly shop still shocks me every time I reach the checkouts, and household gas and electricity bills are causing constant headaches each month.

We’ve also seen increases in the Bank of England base rate in recent months which means that the cost of borrowing will increase, and it will be interesting to see to what degree the interest rate rises will be passed on to savers.

Of course, all of these things are outside of our control. We are all passengers on this economic rollercoaster with no option to get off and we have to take it all in our stride as best as we can to keep moving forwards.

And this brings me to my point!

It may feel like there’s so much about our

Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

finances that we can’t control, so it’s more important than ever to dedicate some time to the things that we can control - making the best of what we have.

This can be an exercise as simple as looking through your regular Direct Debits and checking if you are paying for anything you don’t need or use any more. Taking a look at items like your broadband or mobile phone contract that perhaps you haven’t renegotiated for a while.

Or maybe your mortgage and protection could do with a review to check you are on the best deal for you. You could find that there are immediate savings to be made in this exercise alone.

Then, when you look at your longer-term future.

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

Are you happy that your savings are working hard to meet your realistic goals?

Are you confident that your pension(s) are on track to provide the retirement that you want?

This is where we would come in. We can help review your finances and work towards your financial goals by putting a plan in place and revising this plan as the world around you continues to change.

If you feel that you would benefit from reviewing your finances, please feel free to get in touch for an initial chat.

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

HADLOW EDWARDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD at hadlow edwards we offer a distinctive approach to our clients and their financial affairs.

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

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

• retirement Planning • mortgageS • tax Planning • inveStment Planning • SPecialiSt inSurance

Don’t Miss the Bus

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF Knowing what we should do is one thing, but actually getting on and doing it is another. This is very much the case with the climate emergency - there’s now far greater awareness of things we need to reduce, such as meat consumption, flying and driving. However, putting this knowledge into practice can be challenging when it involves something we may have otherwise wanted to do.

One important thing to ask ourselves is whether these are genuine needs or wants, or primarily creations of advertising and marketing departments. Another key issue is avoiding framing such decisions as being purely about ‘giving up’ something. During lockdown, many of us appreciated improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, seeing more wildlife and enjoyed cycling and walking with less traffic. Making changes often involves a trade off, where foregoing certain things provides others in return. I’d argue that ensuring our one and only planet is capable of sustaining life on an ongoing basis should weigh above most other considerations.

So we need to move from knowing what we should do to actually doing it (and do this quickly). One example of making the necessary shift from words towards action are new proposals from the Welsh Government to improve bus services. As highlighted in my recent article on active travel, transport is now the biggest source of UK greenhouse gas emissions.

The current consultation on the bus proposals makes our situation absolutely clear - “We need to change the way we travel. Even if we electrify vehicles at the fastest feasible rate, we will break our carbon budget unless we reduce the number of cars on our roads and instead use public transport more and make more local trips by walking or cycling.”

Whilst the UK will phase out petrol and diesel cars from 2030, replacing them with electric ones won’t be sufficient. Electric cars aren’t currently affordable for many people and not everyone is able to drive; good quality, affordable public transport is an essential part of the solution.

The consultation sets out the Welsh Government’s plans for achieving this and they are very keen to hear people’s views.

It’s a fairly substantial document, but in order to tackle the climate crisis we have to get this right; I’d therefore suggest that participating would be a worthwhile investment of your time. The consultation runs until 24 June and can be found here: https://gov.wales/one-network-onetimetable-one-ticket-planning-busespublic-service-wales

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

Gresford & Marford Scarecrow Trail The IMAGE Gresford and Marford Scarecrow Trail this year will be held between 13th-30th August, with the theme being ‘The Queen’s Reign.’

Scarecrows can represent anything at all that has happened during the Queen’s reign (1953 - present day), covering all achievements, from football wins; climbing Everest; to iconic TV programmes and films; songs; famous people; achievements in medicine; travel; communication etc.

Please use your imagination!

Scarecrows must be displayed for the full duration (13th-30th August) and be located within the boundaries of Gresford and Marford area. If you are outside the area and want to be involved, please contact us anyway and we will see if we can find a ‘host’ for your scarecrow within the area.

If you are willing to host a scarecrow in your front garden, again, please get in touch.

Closing date for entering is 30th July.

For further information and to get involved, please email: secretary.imagegm2021@gmail.com or text 07740 941263.

Please also follow us on Facebook: @imagegresfordandmarford @Gresford&MarfordVillage

Photograph: ©SMC Photo / Shutterstock.com

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Making Tax Digital Initiative

By RACHEL COLES In 2021, the UK government launched the Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative to simplify tax accounting for personal and business use.

Making Tax Digital aims to digitalise the tax system, making it more streamlined, modern and efficient.

If you are a business owner, or individual who needs to keep records for tax purposes, you will be required to use accounting software in order to keep your accounting records digitalised.

If you are not already using the digitalised system, now is the perfect time to embrace Cloud Accounting and we can help you every step of the way. We work with the best platforms including Xero, QuickBooks, KashFlow and Sage.

The benefits of switching to Cloud Accounting are many, including: • Data is saved and updated in real time so you only see the latest data • Your work is automatically saved as you update it – and backed up • You can run your business from anywhere and at any time of the day or night – you simply need to be connected to the internet • There is no upfront cost • The software is scalable and will grow with your business

• Online payments and apps can be integrated, which means faster payments for you and your suppliers • Cloud Accounting gives you excellent analysis of your business which, in turn, could improve profitability • With Cloud Accounting, your bookkeeping becomes an informative and highly beneficial means to improve your business • Credit control is easier as Cloud Accounting can track aged debtors and automate invoice reminders for improved cash flow • Data is encrypted and only someone who has login details will be able to access the information.

All in all, Cloud Accounting is revolutionary and makes life much easier for business owners and personal tax payers alike.

If you need a hand switching to Cloud Accounting, or simply feel you need a demonstration of how it can help you, why not give us a call?

We are available for all your accounting needs, whether you are an individual, sole trader, partnership, LLP or limited company.

EssentialsMAG accountancy contributor is Rachel Coles of Haswells Chartered Accountants Tel: 01978 351 501 r.coles@haswellsllp.com

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Gresford Trust Newsdesk Latest News Gresford Trust would like your feedback!

What do we do well?

Please let us know what you would like to see at Gresford Trust Memorial Hall.

We can’t promise anything, but the committee will use your comments and feedback to help shape our future.

Our AGM will take place soon.

If you are interested in volunteering or joining the committee, please get in touch.

This feedback form can be dropped off at: Gresford Trust, off High Street, Gresford LL12 8PS or your comments emailed to: contact@gresfordtrust.org

What other facilities or activities would you like to see?

What can we do better?

Solicitors & Solicitor-Advocates The only law firm you will need Working towards a kinder future

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Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett Thank you. We would like to thank the residents of Rossett for electing us to serve you for the next five years. It is a privilege and a responsibility and we are committed to serving all our residents to the best of our ability.

Pedestrian Crossing Holt Road In response to the petition received from residents concerning the level of vibration caused by this crossing we arranged for Highways and Streetscene to inspect the site. As a result, there will be a reduction in height and in addition, the road surface on both sides had begun to sink thus exacerbating the problem. Hopefully the work will start soon.

Pavements Lavister Streetscene have confirmed that the work was promised for the last financial year and they are working on getting it into the programme. We will keep up the pressure to ensure that it is done as soon as is possible.

Riverside footpath from Gun Street A number of residents have raised the overgrown state of this footpath and the Rights of Way Officer having inspected it, has written to the owners instructing them to cut back on the overgrowth.

We will continue to monitor this and will respond to any concerns raised by residents.

Former Spa shop, Station Road The application is still on hold and I have been advised that nothing is likely to occur before October.

The Green We have met with Highways to discuss the ongoing traffic situation at the junctions around The Green. A traffic order will be raised for consultation that will include extending the double yellow lines to protect the junctions with Chester Road, Harwoods Lane and Holt Road. Further investigations with regard to the Co-op junction will be ongoing.

Social Media We are not able to deal with residents’ concerns by way of Messenger and other social media platforms and we ask that residents make contact through our council emails and the phone numbers below. This enables us to monitor and progress issues that arise and ensure that we comply with GDPR.

Autotrack racing Following complaints, we arranged for noise monitoring equipment to be placed in a resident’s home. In addition, the organisers have been spoken to and the latest event was shorter and the noise levels were lower.

Hugh: Tel: 07769 706999 hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk Ross: Tel: 07715 473776 ross.shepherd@wrexham.gov.uk

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Beryl Blackmore Councillor for Marford & Hoseley Thank you to the residents who voted for me to represent you on Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC ) for Marford and Hoseley.

to be placed near the Trevor Arms clearly showing the speed, along with a flashing sign, which at the moment is hidden by trees and is too near the Co-op.

I am very pleased to be taking on the role that Councillor Mike Edwards held for many years in the ward. I will do my best to follow up your requests to improve our community.

Also, the sign on Pant Olwen is obstructing the view onto the Chester Road, for traffic pulling out.

To help do this, I will be holding a surgery on the third Tuesday of each month starting in June. I look forward to meeting with you.

Here are the dates: 21st June 19th July (no surgery in August) 20th September Time: 10:30am to 11:30am Venue: Gresford Methodist Church (the Caffi is running at the same time, so lots going on!).

Marford Park still continues to be neglected, the grass is left too long and bushes are left to grow out onto the pavement, so I have plenty to address along with cars obstructing people's homes and parking on the double yellow lines around The Rofft School.

My council email is beryl.blackmore@wrexham.gov.uk On a lighter note, I have a small part in Calendar Girls! Taking place from 21st to 23rd July at The Storyhouse in Chester.

Well worth coming to see, the very talented cast are part of Tiptop Productions.

I do have another life!

I hope the young people who voted for the first time may pop in and share their views.

Main issues continue to be speeding, nuisance parking and dog fouling.

As I write this article Marford Hill is being resurfaced, and a decision is still to be made on the speed limit. It has been suggested by residents that a sign needs Tel: 07933 201731 beryl.blackmore@wrexham.gov.uk

Jeremy Kent Councillor for Gresford I am thrilled to be able to write for the June edition of EssentialsMAG and offer my thanks to all those who voted from me to be able to continue as your County Councillor. It has been my pleasure to talk to so many residents over recent weeks and months, and I look forward to meeting many more in the months and years to come.

If I have not had the opportunity to speak to you and you want to catch up, please do make contact with me using the details listed below. Talking to residents is by far the best part of the job!

During the last month, I have been undertaking the induction process and we also held the first council meeting. Now that the election is over, we can press on with the issues that matter most to you and your family. There’s lots to do and the hard work has already restarted.

Gresford Roundabout I have continued my contact with Council Officers on the matter of the Gresford Roundabout and I am pleased that work on this will now move forward.

Alyn Family Doctors Many residents’ raised the issues that they continue to face with getting appointments. I will continue to make sure residents views are heard by the health board and raise the concerns over not being able to get appointments.

Corner Plot I am grateful to the Leader of the Council for joining me in Gresford recently to discuss the plot of land on the corner of High Street. This is a complicated situation, but one we are hoping that can be moved forward to ensure that this area is improved. I appreciate the offer of support from members of the Community Council to get this resolved.

I finish by saying enjoy the Bank Holiday Weekend and I hope to see you at some of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations that are taking place across the village.

As always, if you have anything you wish to raise with me, then please do not hesitate to contact me on Jeremy.Kent@wrexham.gov.uk or 07832 211085.

Plans are being drawn regarding the traffic management required and Council Officers are working with the Welsh Government and their agents, the Trunk Road Agency.

I do not have a timeframe or full scope of the work at the time of writing, but will endeavour to update residents as things progress.

Tel: 07832 211085 Jeremy.Kent@wrexham.gov.uk

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Legal Advice

By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE Pensions in Divorce It’s amazing, how so many people think that they will receive one half of their Spouse’s Pension Fund in a Cash Lump sum.

This article is addressing that situation.

In the course of divorce, an application can be made to the Court for a Pension Sharing Order. Lots of people think that this is a relatively new issue but prior to the changes, it was still looked at, but more people preferred either a Lump sum or a property transfer, as a set off, depending on the circumstances of the case. So realistically, that is what happened.

Now, circumstances have changed, with the Government ordering Employers to make a contribution to pensions, so increasing the Fund’s value. The prospect of claiming now, therefore, seems to be more attractive, especially given the Government’s cut backs in all areas. So to make this happen, we have to do the following: First we have to acquire an up to date figure, as to the current equivalent transfer value of each pension. This does take a long time to process. Sometimes it can take up to three months for Pension Providers to produce these figures. A Spouse, in theory, is entitled to 50% of the same but there are exceptions. For example, if your Spouse has been paying into a Pension since 1980 but you married in 2000, then in that situation you could only claim the value of the Fund, less the previous 20 years’ contributions.

Secondly, you have to factor in that sometimes Pensions change. For example what was one pension at the outset, may have been transferred into two funds or another, but differently named, fund. There is also the case of deferred benefits which you can’t readily see. It’s always advisable to use an Actuary in these type of cases, because the Value of the Fund might be accurate now but what is the deferred worth to the Spouse with that pension?

There is also the case of frozen pensions which people forget about. Moreover, if the Recipient already has a pension then such needs to be factored in. It isn’t as easy as you might think.

The reason people jump to the conclusion that they are entitled to half of a pension in cash, is because of the size of the fund, eg £300,000. They don’t realise that the fund is used to pay a pension income on retirement and sometimes a lump sum.

They just see a huge figure and decide that they want it now, wherein all they can do is to transfer it to the recipient’s Pension fund and if one doesn’t exist then to open such.

It will then provide for the Recipient on retirement.

EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor is Carol McGuire of Cyril Jones Solicitors Tel: 01978 367 830 www.cyril-jones.co.uk

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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

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Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 4 7 8 9 11 15 17 19 20

Mopes (5) Pursues (7) Show triumphant joy (5) Portents (8) Understand (5) Sharp heel (8) Plan of action (8) The entire scale (5) Branch of mechanics (8) Dental product for cleaning between teeth (5) 21 Enduring (7) 22 Gardening tool (5)

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 12 13 14 16 18

Speculating (9) Country in West Africa (7) Knitted garment (7) Articulate; eloquent (6) State of great comfort (6) Where one finds Cardiff (5) Synthetic fabric (9) Medium-sized monkey (7) Hairpiece (7) Bustled about nervously (6) Attempting (6) Speak without preparation (2-3)

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

Here are the answers from May:

Classic Sudoku

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