EssentialsMAG June 2023 - North Wrexham/Cheshire Magazine

Welcome...

Welcome to our June issue!

Here comes the summer! Yes, June is the official start of summer, and the solstice on Wednesday 21st June is the longest day, when the Earth tilts on its axis closest to the sun.

In the British imagination, solstice – from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “stitium” (still) – is invariably associated with Stonehenge. This mysterious group of massive standing stones rising majestically from Salisbury Plain took 1,400 years to build – the one construction on Earth that makes the HS2 project look speedy!

This month we’re also celebrating Father’s Day –it’s on the third Sunday of the month, which this year is 18th June. While there is a long tradition of honouring fatherhood in Catholic European countries on the Feast Day of St Joseph (19th March), Father’s Day in the UK owes more to the American celebration, which was designated a US public holiday in 1972 by President Richard Nixon. But whatever its origins, it remains a wonderful opportunity to treat our dads and commemorate the loving memories of those no longer with us.

Until next time,

All the best, Vicky Heathfield

EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Image: Beautiful blue butterfly

July Deadlines:

Editorial - 15th June

Advertising - 22nd June

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Cheshire’s Event of the Summer!

Finding the perfect day out for mum, dad, the kids, the dog, granny, grandpa and anyone else you can pack in the car, can be a challenge! Thankfully, this summer, the Bolesworth International has you covered.

You already know about the worldclass sport, but what about the heart-pounding freestyle motocross and BMX displays? Mouth-watering masterclasses from multiaward winning chef BBQ Ben Bartlett? Or how about the more than 70 fashion, beauty, art, pet and food retailers on site? And that’s just scratching the surface!

At Bolesworth International, there’s an amazing fairground, hot air balloons, circus workshops, zorbing, bouncy castles, pony rides, beekeeping, chainsaw carving, wildlife encounters, and falconry - to name a few. As well as a huge range of food options, including wood-fired pizza, Mediterranean and Latin street food, Italian pastries, Thai, gelato, churros, and more.

The event is, of course, dog-friendly too, so four-legged members of the family can also get involved in their have-a-go dog agility sessions, family dog shows, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Live Music

When the sun goes down the party well and truly gets started! Get ready to dance and sing the night away on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th June with a host of top artists and bands ready to truly bring the summer festival atmosphere to the event.

The live music is included in your ticket and you’ll be able to see the likes of Rick Parfitt Jnr and The RPJ Band, DJ Phoebe D’Abo, The Brand New Heavies and Trevor Nelson!

Camping at the castle

Located conveniently on-site, the Bolesworth Field Campsite is the perfect place to really make the most of your festival weekend with friends and family.

Automotive Experience Zone

There’ll be plenty of horse power on show at the Bolesworth International, but if you’re looking to make the (show)jump to an electric vehicle, hybrid or e-bike, the spectacular Driving Experience Zone will have you feeling charged up. Visitors will be able to discover and test drive an array of the latest high-tech EVs, hybrids and e-bikes available from a host of the world’s leading brands.

Bolesworth International 2023 - at Bolesworth Castle

Book Online today!

Get your tickets at Bolesworth.com/international and save 20% on gate prices by buying in advance!

WIN Tickets to Bolesworth International 2023

EssentialsMAG is proud to announce our partnership with Bolesworth International. We have four All Day Tickets to giveaway to one lucky reader!

For your chance to win x4 All Day Tickets to Bolesworth International 2023, on a day of your choice, please complete the entry form on our website:

www.essentialsmag.co.uk/prize

The competition will close on Monday 12th June 2023 when one lucky winner will be picked at random. Terms & conditions apply. Good luck!

Local News

IMAGE: New Members Wanted

Local community volunteer group, IMAGE, is really keen to encourage new members. The IMAGE Annual General Meeting will be held on 15th June at 7:30pm in the Gresford Trust Memorial Hall - and all are welcome! IMAGE is asking for people to come forward to volunteer for different role, including Treasurer and occasional help with tubs, trees, planting, litter picking, etc. If you can help, email: secretary.imagegm2021@gmail.com

Ploughfest Summer Fun Day

Ploughfest Summer Fun Day is to be held on Saturday 24th June at The Plough, Gresford. The organisation of this family-friendly charity event is in full swing, but the organisers are looking for some help selling raffle tickets. They are inviting our local community groups and schools to lend a hand, in return for a share of proceeds from sales. So, if your school, business or organisation can help, please contact Phil Jones on 07525 824679 or email: wxmpcsg@gmail.com.

Get Your Walking Boots On!

The annual Wrexham Walking Festival is taking place from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th June and consists of nine days of walks celebrating the history and beauty of North East Wales. There are 22 walks planned of varying length and difficulty within the county borough of Wrexham and surrounding area. All the walks are led by trained volunteers. They are free-of-charge and there is no need to book in advance.

Full details of the programme are available at: www.walksinwrexham.com. Walkabout Wrexham also run weekly and monthly walks throughout the year - everyone is welcome to join!

Sunshine Meadow Returns

Stalls Wanted

Bangor-on-Dee’s Big Day Out Summer Fair is to be held on Saturday 8th July. There will be craft and cake stalls, games, raffle, food and drink from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Then onto music, food and drink until 9pm. We still have some spaces for stalls, so if anyone is interested in joining us, please contact Jackie on: 07749 494180.

The Nightingale House Sunshine Meadow returns to Chirk Castle for its 5th Anniversary. The National Trust welcomed the Sunshine Meadow to Chirk with a beautiful sunflower display five years ago. Since then, the annual Sunshine Meadow's flowers of choice have been poppies, bluebells, and forget-me-nots. This year, the magnificent grounds of Chirk Castle will be adorned with the perennially popular snowdrop.

The partnership between Nightingale House and The National Trust has developed over time. The Wrexham-based hospice helps children deal with loss and ‘The Woodland Wellbeing Days’ held at Erddig Hall's grounds provide breathtaking scenery for children to engage their senses, make new friends, and feel a sense of connectedness with someone else in a similar situation.

Delyth Underwood, Community Fundraiser at Nightingale House said “We are delighted to once again be working in collaboration with The National Trust to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of our Sunshine Meadow. 1000 Snowdrops will be planted at Chirk Castle in front of the Bachelor Tower from 3rd - 30th June 2023.”

The snowdrops are £30 each plus postage. If you would like to purchase a snowdrop please visit: www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/event/sunshine-2023

Motivated To Move

By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY

In today’s world everybody is looking for a magic pill. A magic pill that will make us slimmer, a magic pill that will make us feel better, a magic pill that will solve our problem.

I have some good news! I know of the magic pill. It is simple. But it is not easy. The magic pill - exercise.

The benefits of physical movement have long been documented - it’s great for your body and mind, it is energising, it clears your head, lowers stress levels etc…

So,

what is the problem?

We know we should move, go for a walk, run or do some hooping. We make a plan, but then we don’t follow it through. And this happens again and again.

Why are we so good at thinking of what to do, but so terrible at actually doing those things?

The problem is, we are skipping an essential step: the feelings. We rarely take our emotions into account, even though they are a fundamental part of why humans do what they do. We keep finding excuses because we don’t feel like going out, or we don’t feel like hooping today. And yes, granted, hooping is great because it doesn’t feel like your regular boring exercise… but still, sometimes even the best exercise can be hard to keep up!

If you want to get your magic pill, you will need to start thinking about exercise in a more “mechanical way”. Here are three basic hacks to get you moving:

Ignore the feelings

Trick yourself; no matter how you are feeling and what excuse you find, ignore the negative self-talk and put on your trainers anyway. Open the door. Push yourself out and start walking. You know you will feel better afterwards.

Monitor the progress

Nothing is more motivating than progress. So, track your progress. Celebrate small wins. Research shows that rewards are responsible for three-quarters of why you do things. Congratulate yourself whenever you complete a workout.

Use peer pressure

Surround yourself with active people. According to research, you are likely to develop health habits of those around you. If you’re in a group of people who have high goals for looking after themselves, you are likely to take on that same attitude.

As I said: ”It’s simple, but not easy.” You can do this!

By Sasha Kenney Helping people to think and feel better The founder of Hoola Nation sasha@hoolanation.co.uk

Pre- and PostOperative Care

By PHIL CABRAL from Natural Balance

If you need surgery, part of you is not working as it should, sometimes for months or even years. This can increase your feelings of stress and anxiety, and may have a prolonged, detrimental effect on your physical and mental health. Ultimately, it might affect your quality of life, especially if you are unable to work or enjoy social activities. So how can physiotherapy help?

Unfortunately, it is becoming common for operations to be postponed, and we are seeing increasing client numbers seeking help with pain relief while they wait for surgery.

As Chartered Physiotherapists, we help clients prepare for surgery to give them the best chance of a positive outcome and effective recovery. Making sure you are as fit as possible before surgery can help reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery, and may even minimise your hospital stay.

Once the surgeons have done their bit, that is when the hard work begins. We help clients restore mobility and maximise function by balancing the complexities of pain and immobility with the need to get back to normal as soon as possible.

Strength, endurance, flexibility and balance are some of the key areas to rehabilitate so that you can get back to work, hobbies, and general life activities. If you need to go that step further and rehabilitate back to higher level activities, such as professional sports, performing arts, or any physically demanding jobs, then we have extensive experience with that too.

So, if you are due for surgery or have had surgery recently and would like help improving your function, please do contact us to make an appointment.

Alternatively, if you had surgery a while ago and have reached a plateau or feel you are stuck, give us a call.

We will look at you with a fresh pair of eyes and see what is possible. It is always achievable to get a little better than you are today!

by Phil Cabral at Natural Balance Physiotherapy & Sports Injury

Tel: 01244 639898

E: lorna@natbalance.co.uk

www.natbalance.co.uk

Facebook: @philthephysio

Dental Health and Dry Mouth

By SATISH CHAPPITI, Arc Healthcare Dental Services

Dry mouth (Xerostomia) is the feeling of insufficient saliva in the mouth. We all occasionally experience a dry mouth, but many (approx. one in four) experience it more frequently, and if not treated, it can be very uncomfortable and can impact on your dental health.

The main causes of dry mouth are:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications

• Medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s , Parkinson’s, Sjogren’s syndrome, hypertension, stroke, dementia, depression

• Patients having treatment for cancer

• Dehydration as a result of fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood loss and burns

• Smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee

• Surgical removal of the salivary glands.

The main symptoms of dry mouth are:

• Viscous or sticky / stringy saliva

• A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue

• Cracked lips and split skin at the corners of the mouth

• Severe halitosis (bad breath)

• Frequent thirst causes excess drinking of water, resulting in increased urination and disturbed sleep

• Problems speaking, tasting, chewing, swallowing, wearing dentures.

Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth moist for comfort, lubricates as you chew and digest your food, neutralizes harmful acids, kills bacteria, prevents bad breath, protects your teeth’s enamel and helps in the healing process of wounds.

Management of dry mouth:

• Manage your medical conditions to reduce your medications. Speak to your GP to see if they can reduce the dose or change to one that does not cause dry mouth

• Change your lifestyle by stopping smoking, reducing caffeine and limit alcohol consumption

• Visit the Dentist regularly, improve oral hygiene, use a fluoride toothpaste and if necessary use an alcohol-free mouthwash

• Limit sugary foods and drinks

• Chew sugar-free gum where possible or suck on sugar-free pastilles to stimulate saliva flow

• Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes that contain xylitol. Brands include Biotene moisturising gel/mouthwash, Oralieve mouth spray, XyliMelts, ACT moisturising gum.

• Full denture wearers can use a fixative like Fixodent which has antibacterial properties to help hold the dentures in.

By Satish Chappiti from Arc Healthcare, 2 Watergate Street, Ellesmere SY12 0EU Tel: 01691 623692 www.archealthcaredental.co.uk

Dates for your Diary

SAT 3 JUNE

Chirk Carnival 2023

Chirk Recreation Ground, Chirk LL14 5PA

A great family fun day out for all the family!

10am - 7pm

Adult £2.50 / child £2.00

https://bit.ly/43mk97D

SAT 3 JUNE

Wrexham Street Market

Queen's Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT

A host of local traders offering a selection of gifts, crafts, food and drink.

10am - 4pm

SAT 3 JUNE

Coffee Morning

Bangor-on-Dee Village Hall, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham LL13

Raffle, and stalls selling homemade cakes.

10:30am - 12pm

£2.00 (includes refreshments)

Tel: 01978 780558

3 - 11 JUNE

Wrexham Walking

Festival 2023

Nine days of free walks exploring the beauty and history of NE Wales. See website for programme. www.walksinwrexham.com Free

SAT 10 JUNE

Rhosddu Fun Day

The field next to Rhosddu Park

A great day for all the family - entertainment from local acts, stalls, food and drink and activities.

12pm - 6pm

Free

SAT 10 JUNE

Marchwiel Church

Summer Fayre

Marchwiel Church, Wrexham Road, Marchwiel LL13 0TE

Various outdoor stallsplants, preserves, books, cakes, crafts, bric-a-brac, raffle and refreshments. Games for the children. For all the family. Proceeds in aid of Church funds.

2pm - 4pm Free

SAT 10 JUNE

Joint Male Choir

Charity Concert

St Martin's Church, Llay, Wrexham LL12 OSA

Rhos Orpheus Male Choir and London Welsh Rugby Club Choir will be combining for a charity concert.

7pm

£10.00

https://bit.ly/41ZVbKb

SAT 10 JUNE

Church Concert

St Dunawd’s Church High Street, Bangor on Dee LL13 0BU

St Cecilia Singers concert, music for a summer evening! All welcome.

7:30pm

£8.00 on the door

14 - 18 JUNE

Bolesworth International

Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9JJ

Cheshire's unmissable event for the whole family! All-day entertainment, live music, action sports and driving experiences, fashion, shopping and things to do for the kids. Book online and save 20% off the gate prices. bolesworth.com/international

SAT 17 JUNE

Picnic in the Park

Rossett Park, The Green, Rossett LL12 0DE

A fun afternoon for all the family - community stalls, games, tug of war, football. Bring the whole family, a picnic rug and chairs and your own food. Burgers, hot dogs and cakes will be available to purchase too.

1pm - 4pm Free

20 - 23 JUNE

Festival of Crafts

All Saints Church, Gresford, LL12 8RG

Gresford Craft Group will be exhibiting their knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, papercraft, needlecrafts. Also, a sale of craft, fabrics and plants. Tea, coffee and cakes are available.

10:30am - 5pm (Tue/Wed/Fri)

10:30am - 8pm (Thursday)

£4.00 gresford-craft-group.co.uk

WED 21 JUNE

Pulford & Poulton Local History Group talk

Pulford Village Hall, off Burganey Court, Pulford, Chester CH4 9ES

“A Local History of Aviation” by Robert Hughes Refreshments served.

7:30pm

£3.00 members/£5.00 non www.pplhg.org.uk

SAT 24 JUNE

Overton Village Fete & Picnic on the Pitch/Fun Dog Show

Multi-location, Overton Street Market in the morning with a “Picnic on the Pitch” and a Fun Dog Show in the afternoon.

10am - 4:30pm Free

www.overton-on-dee.co.uk

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

SAT 24 JUNE

Ploughfest

The Plough Inn, Chester Road, Gresford LL12 8NE

A summer fun day for all the family - kids’ funfair, games and activities. Live evening entertainment.

1pm till late

Tel: 07525 824679

SUN 25 JUNE

Bersham Colliery

Open Day

Bersham Colliery, Colliery Road, Rhostyllen LL14 4EG

Bring the family. It is an industrial site, so sensible shoes and clothing are a must. Free parking.

10am - 4pm Free northwalesminers@gmail.com

Zumba with Sian

MON 26 JUNE

Walking Football for the over 60+ Colliers Park, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8PW

Walking Football for the over 60+ an excellent way of staying fit and healthy.

4pm - 5pm

£3.00 per session

(first 2 weeks free of charge) Tel: 07747 431607 (Ruth)

TUE 27 JUNE

Coffee Morning

The Golden Lion, Wrexham Road, Rossett LL12 0HN

Coffee Morning for Christ Church, Rossett. Cake stall and raffle. Come and meet new friends - all welcome.

10am - 12pm

£5.00

Gresford Memorial Hall

TUESDAY: 9:30am - 10:15am

WEDNESDAY: 6:30pm - 7:15pm

Zumba is a fun, dance-based fitness workout, for all abilities!

To book or for information call Sian on 07708 149517

St. Margaret’s Church Hall, Wrexham

FRIDAY: 9:30am - 10:15am

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.

Soapbox Derby

Things are well and truly underway for the 2023 Farndon Soapbox Derby which takes place on Sunday 17th of September. The organising committee, made up of local community volunteers from Farndon, Holt and further afield, together with the fundraising team at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, have been working extremely hard behind the scenes. We are pleased to say that with over 32 Racing Kart Teams have now signed up, and it promises be another thrilling fun-packed day for all the family.

However, it’s not too late to join in, even though places are now strictly limited to first-come-first-served! So if you’d like to enter a Racing Kart Team, simply get in touch with us:

getinvolved@farndonsoapboxderby.co.uk

Last year’s phenomenal event saw more than 4,000 people from all over Cheshire and North Wales come along to support this incredible fundraising extravaganza that raised over £26,000 for our chosen charity. At the end of the day, prizes and medals were handed out to the winning teams by, none other than British sporting champion, Hollywood star and Olympic Legend, Eddie the Eagle! We hope to have similar celebrity support this year to add even more stardust to our event.

With such a huge focus on our villages, local businesses are urged, once again, to get behind the event and support this year’s Farndon Soapbox Derby.

You can do this by either becoming a sponsor, or giving up your time to help

steward the event. We also need local businesses to supply resources and donate prizes. Every little helps, and no offer of support is too small! If you would like to be a part of this fabulous day, please contact: getinvolved@farndonsoapboxderby, or visit our website to find out more about our sponsorship packages: www.farndonsoapboxderby.co.uk Facebook: @farndonsoapboxderby

The Farndon Soapbox Derby is your community event, and everyone is welcome to join in, to help make this fun-tastic fundraising extravaganza something to be really proud of!

Save the date!

Make a note in your diary - 17th September to come along to experience a fun-packed, thrilling Sunday with lots of laughs!

EssentialsMAG is proud to be competing in the Kid’s race again this year. Checkout our Facebook page to follow our new kart building progress @EssentialsMagWrexham

By JOE BICKERTON, Tourism Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council

It continues to be an exciting time for tourism, here in Wrexham. We were all thrilled to see Wrexham AFC achieve promotion, and last month there was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the City Centre during the parade of both the men’s and women’s teams, when 1000s of people lined the streets to cheer them on. It was a sight to behold!

To build on the international spotlight shining brightly on Wrexham at the moment, we continue to work with the local hospitality trade via the This is Wrexham Tourism Partnership who’ve just been awarded a £64,000 grant from Cadwyn Clwyd to support their members with new marketing materials this summer.

With so many new visitors coming to the area already, and more expected over the coming months, it’s important that we all act as ambassadors and show how proud we are of this area.

To support businesses with this, we are also gearing up for the launch of our new Wrexham Tourism Ambassador Programme – an online modular scheme designed to enable tourism staff and members of the community quickly learn more about the Wrexham area.

This compliments our new tourism brochure which we’re working closely with VOX and EssentialsMAG magazines to get ready very soon! If you are a tourism/hospitality business working in Wrexham County – please visit www.thisiswrexham.co.uk/membership for more details.

Over the coming weeks, you may also see a number of colourful bikes positioned around the County. These are being decorated by local businesses in partnership with Groundwork North Wales and ourselves to promote National Bike weeks, between 5-11 June. The bikes will stay out over the rest of the year and more will appear to welcome the Tour of Britain cycle race finish in Wrexham City Centre on Monday 4th September! Keep your eyes posted on www.thisiswrexham.co.uk for a trail map later this summer too.

We were really excited to see international tennis return to Wrexham Tennis Centre in May, as the Junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour served up excitement. The tournament saw some of the best young tennis stars of the future descend on the city, along with their families and coaches.

Finally, I’m really looking forward to talking at the next VOX Magazine networking event on 22nd June at the Croes Howell. details at: www.ezpublishing.co.uk/events

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

Visiting Rome in a Day

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

With regular and reasonably priced flights going from Manchester or Liverpool to Rome, I decided to reacquaint myself with this magnificent city on a quick break of two nights, giving me only one full day to catch the highlights.

The best, and cheapest option, was the Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off tour www.bigbus.com which circles the city and stops at the most popular landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Basilica, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and you can wander around these sights to enjoy a good overview before re-joining the bus again. A prerecorded narrative gives an interesting insight to each place visited and some entertaining anecdotes about the historic characters who formed Rome’s history

The buses get busy, however, and my advice would be to spend a little more and purchase the 48-hour tour ticket which will give you the chance to do the whole circle on the day you arrive to get your whereabouts. Then start early the following day to beat the crowds, getting off at the stops you are most interested in.

The ticket is around £28 per person for a day, and £35 for two days.

If you are lucky to get them, the upstairs front seats have an amazing view and particularly good for taking photographs.

Another top tip is to decide which of the attractions you want to see in detail.

I chose the Vatican, Cistine Chapel and Basilica and used the Big Bus to get there. By pre-booking a guided tour, not only did I get to see everything with an interesting and entertaining guide, but I did not have to queue for two hours to get into the Vatican and then another two hours for the Basilica. This guided tour was around £80 but worth every penny.

We stayed in a boutique hotel called the Fifteen Keys, situated in the Monti neighbourhood in central Rome. We were just a short walk from the Big Bus stop and surrounded by several independent friendly restaurants which was a welcome end to a busy, but invigorating day.

Many cruise ships either start or end their itineraries in Civitavecchia near to Rome, so you may want to consider this, as a pre or post city stay.

Let’s face it, if you are passing by, it would be a shame not to see this amazing city even if you only have a day to spare!

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

LET’S TALK TRAVEL®

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

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2023

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a week-long arts festival, which for 76 years has brought together performers from across the globe to share their love of song, dance and spoken word.

This proud heritage of international cultural exchange, takes place in a uniquely welcoming and joyful Eisteddfod, rooted in traditional Welsh values. A buzzing outdoor site and worldclass evening concert series join with a diverse mix of traditional and contemporary music and dance competitions.

The 2023 festival will feature a wide variety of performances, from traditional Welsh folk music to classical ballet and modern pop - there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The 2023 Llangollen Eisteddfod promises to be another fantastic celebration of music, culture, and international friendship. Whether you are a music lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and memorable experience, the Llangollen Eisteddfod is not to be missed.

In addition to the music and cultural performances, the Llangollen Eisteddfod also features a range of food and drink stalls, selling traditional Welsh food and drink as well as international cuisine. Visitors can sample everything from Welsh cakes and bara brith to sushi and curry, making the festival a feast for the senses.

The festival site, incorporating a 4,000seat Royal Pavilion, is a five-minute walk from the town centre, with ample parking.

With its stunning location in the heart of North Wales, its diverse and exciting lineup of performers, and its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the festival is sure to be a highlight of the summer calendar.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is on for one week between 4th - 9th July

Tickets and information

A wide range of ticket prices/options exist; Field entry starts at £5, and evening concert tickets cost between £10 - £48. Tickets can be booked online at: www.llangollen.net or by phone: 01978 862000 (Tue-Thu 9am-5pm).

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS

It is June at last! Welcome to Summer. On the 21st June it will be the longest day! This means much more sunlight for our plants. Watering is still important though, and remember to check on any new fruit trees that are getting established and water them.

If you have any half-hardy bedding plants, they need to be harden off now, this can be achieved by putting them out in the day and bringing them back into the greenhouse at night. When the weather turns warmer, they can be planted out.

Also, during the hot weather, it is a good idea to add shading to your greenhouse to prevent overheating. This can be achieved by using shading paint or blinds.

Gardening Shows are starting now and they are a good source of new gardening ideas and of course plants - most of them are quite entertaining too.

If your plants have become leggy, trim them off to encourage new growth. Clumps of Bluebells can be lifted when the leaves have become yellow, then divided up to make new plants.

If you have any flowering Rhododendrons, remember to water them with rainwater if possible. Fuchsias can be pinched out at the tip to encourage a bushy habit and more flowers.

Sweet Peas should be picked as soon as they flower to encourage more flowers.

If your roses are repeat flowering, deadhead them, or if not, leave the seed heads on for decoration. Cut back oriental poppies after flowering, close to ground level to stimulate new foliage. Also stake tall perennial plants to stop wind damage.

Towards the end of June, if your hardy geraniums have finished flowering, cut them back to encourage new foliage and flowers.

In the vegetable garden it is time to earth up your potatoes, and to pinch out any side shoots from your tomatoes - these can be potted up to make new plants. Start to feed them when the first truss has formed.

And of course, do enjoy your gardens!

Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN

Our recent erratic weather has contributed to some beautiful floral displays. Daffodils have been prolific on roadsides this year, and later were replaced by Dandelions. All around our locality, there have been millions of golden dandelions shining brightly from around roadside verges. By now, most of these striking flowers will have gone to seed.

Amongst gardeners, Dandelions are usually regarded as weeds - but what is a weed? Simply “a plant growing in the wrong place” is a fair definition. A single dandelion flower head can produce hundreds of greyish-white seeds. Last month, one local field looked as if it was covered by lowlying grey mist. This was much appreciated by seed-eaters such as Goldfinches. These colourful little birds are now “red listed” which means that they are fast declining in numbers and endangered as a species. Hopefully a prolific flowering of dandelions may help arrest their decline.

Another striking little yellow flower to be found this Spring by roadsides is the Cowslip. Patches of these colourful blooms can be found at various sites along the A483 and by the Holt/Borras Road.

Figures produced by the British Trust for Ornithology show that the UK has lost some 73 million birds since 1970. These include 30 million House Sparrows, 20 million Starlings and some 4 million Skylarks. During the last decade Skylarks have been heard singing above and around Alyn Waters Country Park.

So far this year I have yet to hear any. House Sparrows, however, have been consistent visitors to our garden feeders, usually numbering around a dozen and we have a pair of Starlings currently feeding young in a nest in a hole under a neighbour's roof.

Many of our Starlings are long-distance migrants and have a fascinating repertoire of all sorts of odd noises consisting of imitations of other birds' songs mixed with assorted pops, gurgles and wheezes along with other sounds they have picked up on their travels.

One bird I heard some years back specialised in imitating motor horns!

GOLDFINCH

COWSLIP

Gresford Trust Newsdesk

By IAN GIBSON, Chair of Gresford Trust

It is with great sadness we write about the passing of Emlyn R. Jones, a previous Trustee and Chair of the Trust for many years. Emlyn was a well-respected member of the Trust committee, dedicating much of his time over the years to the improvement of our facilities.

Our thoughts go to his family at this very sad time.

The end of March saw the end of our financial year and it is nice to report that the Trust has emerged from the Covid crisis in a relatively healthy position. Thank you to Facilities Manager, Jo Burke, and Treasurer, Janet Holmes, who have worked tirelessly to rebuild our business base over the past year.

We are incredibly grateful to Gresford Community Council for its invaluable support via grant aid for various projects. Together with GCC we have also entered into a new period of agreement which will protect the future of Allington Park. The monies raised from this lease, and one similarly agreed with the British Legion, will help underpin our finances in the coming years.

Following protracted negotiations with Wales and West Utilities, we have agreed the lease of a small area of land to the rear of the Texaco garage adjacent to our own maintenance facility.

A further small area will also be a temporary store off Clappers Lane. These agreements, to allow the upgrade of essential gas services, will see a substantial lump sum payment to the Trust and will be used to ensure that essential maintenance to our buildings and estate can be funded. It is likely that this work will commence in late 2023 or early 2024.

The Trust AGM will take place in July after the accounts have been fully audited. This will present an opportunity for members of the community to come forward and take up roles as Trustees. Anyone over the age of 18 and who lives in the Gresford, Marford or Hoseley is both eligible to stand for election and vote for new Trustees.

These are purely voluntary roles, but require time and commitment to act on behalf of the charity. They also carry a legal responsibility for the both the financial affairs and the upkeep of the Trust land and buildings.

Are you someone able and prepared to make that commitment? If so, this will be your chance to help preserve and improve our facilities for future generations.

Tasty Cauliflower Cheese & Bacon

Whether you’re making this delicious dish as a midweek main course, or as a side dish to your Sunday lunch, this easy Cauliflower Cheese recipe is full of flavour.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

100g bacon lardons

1 tbsp rapeseed oil

1 onion, finely chopped

20g unsalted butter

30g plain flour

500ml semi-skimmed milk

METHOD

60g mature Cheddar, grated

1 whole nutmeg, to grate

0.25 tsp English mustard

1 head cauliflower (approx 650g), cut into florets

250g Brussels sprouts, halved

Cook the bacon lardons in a non-stick pan over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until crisp and golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the oil to the pan and cook the onion for 5-10 minutes until soft, then add the butter and let it melt before stirring through the flour. Cook for 2 minutes, before stirring in the milk, a little at a time. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes before adding half the cheese, the nutmeg and mustard.

Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat the oven to 200°C, 180°C fan, gas 6. Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the cauliflower for 5 minutes, adding in the Brussels sprouts for the last 3 minutes until just tender. Drain and place into the bottom of a 1.5 litre baking dish with the bacon lardons. Pour over the cheese sauce and top with the remaining cheese.

Cook in the oven for 15 minutes, until golden on top and bubbling.

Seasonal Treats in June

The British summer food season starts picking up pace this month, with berries galore and savoury treats, too. Here are three of the best.

Strawberries

Yes, we know you can buy strawberries all year round, either grown in the UK under glass in cooler weather, or imported from warmer climes. But, there’s nothing like a freshly picked strawberry ripened under the English sun. Supermarket offerings can tend to be bland, especially Elsanta, which is grown more for its shelf-life than flavour, but Malling Centenary is juicy and sweet. And if the weather is dry, why not visit your local pick-your-own farm – great fun for all the family!

Strawberries are wonderful eaten on their own, dipped in yoghurt, or with sugar and cream as an indulgent treat. For a superhealthy twist, serve with balsamic vinegar, basil or black pepper to enhance their flavour. They are best stored in the fridge, with their stalks intact, then taken out a couple of hours before eating, to reach room temperature. PS: Did you know that a handful of strawberries (around seven medium-sized ones) counts as one of your five a day?

Turbot

Wild turbot is in excellent condition in June. A large flat fish with firm white flesh and, unusually, no scales, it’s expensive but incredibly meaty, so a little goes a long way. You can also use the bones to make stock. It can be steamed, poached, baked, roasted or even cooked in a spicy curry, but probably the best results come from

simply grilling or pan-frying gently with lemon, butter and a little black pepper.

Wild thing: elderflowers

The glorious scent of creamy white elderflowers is unmissable in June. These tiny flowers grow in huge clusters from elder trees and shrubs, and you’ll find them everywhere from roadside hedgerows and woods to scrub and wasteland. Like elderberries, they are edible but slightly toxic when raw, so they should be eaten cooked. Elderflowers can also be used to make vinegar and, of course, the classic cordial. They are best picked in the late afternoon on a sunny day, when they are holding more pollen and therefore more flavour. Give the sprigs a good shake to dislodge any insects before using.

June Shopping List

Artichoke, Asparagus, Beetroot, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Courgette, Cucumber, Garlic, Gooseberries, Lettuce, Peas, Potatoes, Radish, Raspberries, Rocket, Rhubarb, Runner Beans, Spinach, Spring Onions, Strawberries, Sugar Snaps, Watercress

Black Bream, Mackerel, Pollack, Turbot, Wild Salmon

Lamb

Forging Ahead in North Wales

By Property Consultant CHARLES LAWSON

Forge Property Consultants has announced a further expansion of its business with the news that the company is opening a new office in Wrexham, North Wales, taking its network of regional offices up to four.

Forge Property was founded by Managing Director Charles Lawson in 2010. Starting with one office at West Felton, near Oswestry, the company has grown year on year, with its second and third offices established in Staffordshire and South Wales. Charles has subsequently been joined by two more directors, Tom Mason, who heads up the Eccleshall office in Staffordshire and Ed Merriman, who leads the South Wales operation, based in Pembrokeshire.

Charles Lawson, Managing Director of Forge Property Consultants said:

“We are really excited to move into our new office. Located at 41 King Street, in the heart of Wrexham’s vibrant and inclusive business community, we are looking forward to getting to know our neighbours, particularly those operating in the professional services sector.

“Demand for our services, both residential and commercial, is up across North Wales, and Wrexham, now Wales’ seventh city,

is undergoing a real transformation, so it was an obvious choice of location for our fourth office.”

Forge Property Consultants Ltd is a firm of Chartered Surveyors and Valuers, providing advice to clients on a wide range of property and land matters from its offices in Shropshire, Staffordshire and South Wales. The new Wrexham office of the firm will now aim to serve clients based across North Wales as well.

Experienced in dealing with all types of property, the company works across agricultural, residential, and commercial property sectors. Clients include private individuals, corporate entities, and statutory undertakers.

For more information on Forge Property Consultants, and to see if they can help you with a property matter, please visit their website at www.forgeproperty.co.uk

The new office is located at:

41 King Street

Wrexham

LL11 1HR

The Power of the Review

By JULIE GREGORY

There are those of us who take time to reward a good experience by leaving a positive review, and those who only rate a service or product if they are disappointed. But how important is a review to a business and does it impact sales if it only receives poor ratings?

It may seem obvious that good reviews lead to more sales but even a small improvement in an overall star rating can boost sales too. Businesses with Google reviews, or those on Yell or Trip Advisor, can see a marked upturn in bookings or sales if their overall rating increases by just one star.

Online reviews are easy to find and add your own comments to and it really is important to any business to receive feedback – good and bad. If the business owner thinks he or she is offering a great service, but their customers disagree, the owner needs to be told, politely, there could be improvements. Reviews should be checked regularly and responded to.

‘Trust’ is important for any brand. People want to like and buy from you. But if they don’t feel they can trust you, they will look elsewhere.

Researching a product or service is much easier these days, as most brands have a website with product reviews and ratings.

If you’re searching for a particular washing machine, for example, all you need to do is enter the details in your internet search bar and the machine’s pros, cons, price differences between retailers etc will appear. If you are a retailer, the only difference could be your customer service. The better the experience, the easier customers will find it to return.

The marketing journey is slightly different as some brands incentivise customers for simply leaving a review, positive or negative. How often do you enjoy a meal out in a restaurant and are given a feedback form or online link with the bill? Do you participate or simply ignore it? Are you indifferent to the offer or the experience you have just had?

Consider the impact your review may have on a brand. If it is negative, is it constructive or a rant? Will others find it helpful? All I would say is that if you have had a positive experience, please leave a review to reward the business, and don’t only leave feedback after a negative encounter.

Honouring Your Wishes

By JAN PARKER from John Knowles Funeral Services

Planning your own funeral arrangements may seem like a morbid or uncomfortable task, but it can bring a great deal of peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. By taking responsibility for your own endof-life planning, you can help alleviate some of the emotional and financial burdens that often come with the death of a loved one.

In July 2022, regulations surrounding pre-paid funeral plans changed. No Funeral Director, whether part of a chain or an independent, is allowed to hold any monies or funds from clients relating to their funeral wishes. After passing all the latest stringent regulations we are proud to say we are now an IAR (Introducer Appointed Representative) for Golden Charter. All you need to do is either telephone or call in to one of our branches in Rossett, Broughton or Saltney and our IAR will pass on your details to Golden Charter where they will go through the simple process with you.

Here are some ways that planning your funeral arrangements can benefit your loved ones:

Financial relief: One of the biggest benefits of planning your own funeral arrangements is that it can provide financial relief for your loved ones. Your family is already grieving your loss and the added stress of trying to figure out how to pay for your funeral can be overwhelming.

By planning your own funeral, you can ensure that your wishes are met without leaving your loved ones with a large financial burden.

Reducing family conflict: Another benefit of planning your own funeral is it can help reduce potential conflicts among family members. When a loved one dies, family members may have different opinions about how the funeral should be arranged, which may cause disagreements.

Honouring your wishes: Planning your own funeral arrangements also allows you to ensure that your final wishes are met. You can specify everything from the type of service you want to the music that should be played, giving your loved one’s peace of mind that they are honouring your memory in the way that you would have wanted.

Emotional support: Finally, by taking responsibility for your own end-of-life planning, you are demonstrating your love and consideration for your loved ones. This can bring a great deal of comfort, knowing that you have taken care of everything.

By planning your own funeral, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your wishes are respected.

by Jan Parker at John Knowles Funeral Services

Tel: 01244 530220

E: info@johnknowlesfunerals.co.uk

www.johnknowlesfunerals.co.uk

Sarah Atherton MP

Member of Parliament for Wrexham

Last month, I was pleased to attend an event at Moneypenny alongside business leaders and local authority representatives to explore the opportunity of a Wrexham Investment Zone bid. This is a golden opportunity for us to capitalise on Wrexham’s winning streak and take our city to the next level.

I’ve had productive meetings recently with the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up and the Secretary of State for Wales, where I’ve enthusiastically made the case for a Wrexham Investment Zone. I am keen now to work in partnership with Wrexham business leaders, the university, and other politicians on a cross-party basis to get the best deal for Wrexham and secure £80 million worth of tax incentives for our local economy and city centre. I am proud of Wrexham, and I think a bid from our city would be a strong one!

Due to the shocking state of dental services in Wrexham and following countless conversations with concerned residents, I have written to the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan MS, asking how this issue will be addressed. The Minister’s response stated that anyone seeking access to NHS dental services should contact their Health Board for the latest information and with a view to joining a practice waiting list. With no immediate plan, nor vision, I can assure residents that I will continue to call on the Welsh Government to put the people of Wrexham first.

Following a recent meeting with Together Creating Communities where we discussed their disability-friendly Changing Places Toilets campaign, I went down to the

Wrexham Wellbeing Hub to visit their large, accessible toilet and to talk to staff members. Wrexham currently has four Changing Places toilets and while this is a good start, we need to ensure people can go to the toilet safely wherever they are. I will be contacting Wrexham Council regarding this issue and will also ask them to consider including Changing Places toilets in future developments.

Lastly, as a result of my office’s ‘Grant Finder’ service, the Friends of Gresford Lake and Gresford Community Council have been granted £48,145 to deliver the first phase of environmental improvements for Gresford Lake. I am proud to share that in two years, we have raised over £315,000 for charities and community groups in Wrexham.

If you are in Wrexham and have any questions or need funding, please do not hesitate to contact me by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk

If you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency and need my help with any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email on sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk

Play To Win

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

Wrexham AFC is currently enjoying incredible success and like many, I’m loving every minute of it! It’s scary to realise that a ‘realistic’ timeframe for Wrexham AFC reaching the Premier League might not be far off the government’s target date for delivering net zero. Based on recent progress, I think the former is looking far more likely to actually happen than the latter! So, could adopting elements of Wrexham’s approach enhance our response to the climate emergency?

Deeds not words

This month is the fourth anniversary of the UK Government setting its 2050 net zero target. So how much has really changed since then? Unfortunately, the truth is nowhere near enough - the government’s own independent advisers have expressed concern about the “scant evidence of delivery”. In contrast, the progress made by Wrexham in the two years since Rob and Ryan took over is clearly evident. If they’d said the aim was to reach the Premier League by 2050 and then done nothing about it, I imagine fans would be getting very restless by now. Like getting to the Premier League, reaching net zero is a huge challenge involving significant time and effort, which is why we need to be making real progress right now.

Listen to the experts

Rob and Ryan have said that a critical component in their success has been allowing people with the necessary expertise to make key decisions.

There’s widespread consensus on what needs to be done to tackle climate change - the advice from the experts is clear and what is required from the government is to implement it rapidly.

Proven methods

Wrexham AFC brought in a manager and players with proven track records - they didn’t gamble on unknown quantities or try to invent a new way of playing football. We have ways of tackling climate change that are proven to work, such as insulating homes to reduce energy consumption. Whereas, gambling on new technologies, like carbon capture, which are unproven at anywhere near the scale required, is unnecessary and reckless. 15 years in the National League felt bad enough, but failure to act now on the climate crisis will have horrendous consequences lasting thousands of years.

Wrexham AFC currently provides a textbook example of how to achieve success by doing the right things. Applying some of the same principles to tackling the climate emergency will increase the likelihood that we’ll be able to celebrate success there as well.

Rob Renouf

robsrenouf@gmail.com

Alyn Family Doctors Latest News

For many people, the warmer weather brings more than sunshine and flowers –it’s hay fever season. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it meets your mouth, nose, eyes, and throat. Pollen is a fine powder from plants. Hay fever season is usually between March and September.

Common signs of hay fever

• Sneezing and coughing

• A runny or blocked nose

• Itchy, red, or watery eyes

• Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears

• Loss of smell

• Pain around your temples and forehead

• Headache

• Earache

• Feeling tired.

If you have asthma, you might also:

• Have a tight feeling in your chest

• Be short of breath

• Wheeze and cough.

How can I manage hay fever myself?

Simple hay fever home remedies can be useful for managing symptoms.

DO

• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes

• Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off

• Stay indoors whenever possible

• Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible

• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

• Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

DON’T

• Cut grass or walk on grass

• Spend too much time outside

• Keep fresh flowers in the house

• Smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse

• Dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen

• Let pets into the house if possible –they can carry pollen indoors.

A pharmacist can help with hay fever

The pharmacist can give advice and suggest the best treatments, like antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays to help with:

• Itchy and watery eyes and sneezing

• A blocked nose.

Should I see a doctor for hay fever treatment?

It is advised to contact Your GP if:

• Your symptoms are getting worse

• Your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.

Tel: 0333 332 3260

www.alynfamilydoctors.co.uk

www.facebook.com/alynfamilydoctors

Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

I’m proud to support a Wrexham community which is pulling together to save a much-loved lake for future generations to enjoy. Gresford Lake is a unique feature and clearly holds a special place at the heart of the community, however, it has been slowly deteriorating for decades.

The Friends of Gresford Lake and Gresford Community Council are determined to restore and enhance the area’s natural habitats, recently securing over £48,000 from the Welsh Government’s Landfill Disposal Tax Community Scheme to help the project advance.

Once a thriving oasis, the introduction of carp in the 1980s has led to a steady decline of Gresford Lake. Feeding bread to ducks and fish has, unfortunately, also contributed, resulting in these populations exploding and eating any remaining water plants and insect life. Harmful algal blooms have thrived and the lake is now a pea green soup, void of life.

The Friends of Gresford Lake and Gresford Community Council recognised urgent action was needed to halt the decline and help preserve the naturally occurring greenspace for future generations. Removing the nonnative carp is a crucial first step and the partnership ultimately hopes to encourage the return of wildlife in all forms, such as tadpoles, newts, water beetles and waterlilies.

Working together, the Community Council and Friends of Gresford Lake recently applied for, and successfully secured, funding from the Welsh Government’s Landfill Disposal Tax Community Scheme, administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

The grant of over £48,000 will help restore the biodiversity of the lake. Work will commence this month, with the funding allowing the group to remove the invasive carp, install a solar-powered ultrasonic algae remover, purchase safety equipment and introduce aquatic plants.

As well as writing a letter of support for the funding application, I recently visited Gresford Lake to meet the volunteers and help raise awareness about the project.

In a relatively short amount of time, they have taken huge strides towards saving the lake and I am pleased they were able to secure significant Welsh Government funding. It will help restore the natural habitat and hopefully transform the lake into a thriving ecosystem the whole area can enjoy.

There may be plenty of work still to do but the determination, knowledge and passion demonstrated by the volunteers is inspiring, and I will continue to do all I can to support the project.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Talwyd costau’r cyhoeddiad hwn gan Gomisiwn y Senedd, o gronfeydd cyhoeddus / The costs of this publication have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds.

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Should I Pay to Top Up My State Pension?

By WARREN HADLOW, Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd

Making a voluntary contribution to your State Pension pot could be an efficient way to put money towards your retirement, but it’s important to consider all the implications. On 6th April, the new full State Pension rose to £203.85 a week – a 10.1% increase. However, just how much you’ll be eligible for when you reach State Pension age will depend on the National Insurance contributions (NICs) you’ve made.

To get the full State Pension, you now need 35 years of NICs. If you’ve got between 10 and 35, you’ll get a pro rata amount, but if you’ve got less than 10, you won’t be eligible for any State Pension.

If you aren’t on track to get the full State Pension, it’s possible to buy top-ups. Those with big gaps can take advantage of the government offer to make voluntary NICs going back 16 years. However, the scheme comes to an end on 31 July 2023.

Normally, you can only make voluntary NICs for the previous six tax years. However, this scheme means it’s possible to make voluntary contributions going back to the 2006/07 tax year, so it’s worth considering for anyone aged 45-70 who might have significant gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records.

Where do I stand?

If you’ve been working and paying NI consistently throughout your career, you should have paid enough to get the full State Pension, but if you haven’t (and weren’t claiming benefits), you might not reach the 35-year threshold you need.

You can find out whether you’re on track by applying for a State Pension forecast on the government website. In addition to telling you how much you’ll get and when, it will highlight any gaps you might have in your NI record.

What happens if I haven’t paid enough National Insurance?

If you do have gaps in your NI record, you can make voluntary contributions. These allow you to increase the State Pension you eventually receive, and for some people they could be an excellent investment.

Currently, Class 3 NICs cost £17.45 per week or £907.40 per year. Each year represents 1/35 of the full State Pension, and one year’s additional top-up alone could boost your weekly income by £5.82 a week or £302.64 a year (based on the 2023/24 State Pension).

However, a person with 10 years of missing contributions would be able to boost their State Pension by £3,026 per year in return for a one-off payment of £9,074, by taking advantage of the government’s offer before it runs out.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to think the decision through and discuss it with us, particularly if you’re likely to have a high income as there could be tax implications.

If you would like to learn more about whether you should pay to top up your state pension, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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

Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett

Llay Road

We have been working in partnership with North Wales Police in trying to address some of the issues associated with this section of road between the A483 and Croshowell Hill. Some vehicles are travelling way in excess of the 40 mph limit. This is an ongoing concern and will be monitored closely.

Cromar and Waverley Crescent

After concerns raised by residents, we have been working in partnership with the council on addressing the issue of standing water around the entrance to the crescent. Remedial work and drain clearance carried out should help alleviate this problem in the future.

Chester Road pavement

We organised in conjunction with Street Scene Services for a mini sweeper to carry out work on a section of the pavement along Chester Road. This has improved the surface. Work will also take place in certain parts to cut back and remove vegetation which has begun to grow and encroach on the walking area.

Potholes

Remedial work will take place to fill a number of the potholes in Almere Ferry to improve the standard of the road. The promised work to eliminate the significant potholes on Park Lane has now been completed.

The Green

involve a revised one-way system and better protections of junctions to improve visibility. Observations of the Co-op junction have confirmed that there are significant safety issues which must be addressed. The scheme will be brought forward for public consultation.

Hwb Yr Orsedd

The bid for funding has successfully passed the first phase of the Governments Shared Prosperity Funding and is at the due diligence stage. Congratulations to all involved in submitting the bid for their hard work.

Holt Road zebra crossing

We are pressing highways to progress work needed to improve the levels and eliminate the very high profile resulting from deterioration of the road surface.

The Coronation

The Coronation has been a wonderful occasion for the whole country to celebrate. It was fantastic to see so many local events taking place in the village and everyone being able to be a part of this moment of history. Thanks must be given to all those who made this possible.

We have now met with officers who will be bringing forward revised plans to improve traffic flows and road safety. This will Hugh: Tel: 07769 706999

hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk

Ross: Tel: 07715 473776

ross.shepherd@wrexham.gov.uk

As a happy, creative school, wellbeing is central to our approach. Our broad, balanced, innovative curriculum encourages initiative, independence and a respect for others, where productive collaboration and learning from others is valued. Our children are happy, confident individuals ready for life beyond the educational setting – positive, aspirational contributors.

Beryl Blackmore Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

As I write this, I have in front of me my first article in May 2022 - where has the year gone to?

It’s been a year of mainly engaging with Council Workers to cut grass, clear rubbish and tidy up footpaths - and all this still continues.

A resident this month asked about cutting back and spraying weed Killer along the footpaths near the school. This job is still carried out I am told, I believe they use a friendly weed killer!

Meetings this month have included discussion on post 16 school transport where a group of secondary pupils presented their case to us. We all fully appreciate the problems and sincerely hope to find a suitable outcome. The same also applies with a lack of school escorts, another problem that needs solving.

Discussion is taking place about the proposed 20mph speed limit - there are lots of people against it, but many feel it’s a good idea.

It was good to see one of our secondary schools come out of special measuresits a welcome boost for staff, parents and pupils, so well done!

A discussion was held on the work of Community Agents. We have Ruth here in Marford and Gresford, employed by Gresford Community Council. Not all Wards have an Agent, but I can say that she is worth her weight in gold!

Ruth is able to signpost residents in the right direction for help. She often brings people to the Caffi on a Tuesday. She also provides much support for people with mental health issues, and introduces them to Walking Football and the local Retirement group.

During May, our new Mayor was installedAndy Williams and his partner Beverly. Andy is a Garden Village Ward Member and he has been Mayor before and is very well respected.

I am privileged to have been asked to be Deputy Mayor and a friend from the Caffi, Dorothy Lloyd, has ‘foolishly‘ accepted being my Consort. We both look forward to being on call to stand in for the Mayor and showcasing Wrexham as a still new City.

Please get in touch if I can help in any way, and enjoy the warmer days

All Saints’ School

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

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

To find out more about our school, or to arrange a visit, please contact us on: 01978 852342 or email: mailbox@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

St. Peter’s School

Gresf漀d

G漀攀n漀s' Clubs

愀d Pl愀最oup

AT

SCHOOL

01978 852342

playgroup@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

www.gresfordallsaints.co.uk/wrap-around-care-1

REGISTERED FOR THE 30 HOUR CHILDCARE OFFER AND TAX FREE CHILDCARE

St. Peter's Playscheme

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

3 - 11

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

Come and explore our school!

Applications for Nursery places for September 2023 are now open and available on the Wrexham Council website. Please ring the school on: 01244 570594 to make an appointment and see our wonderful setting. stpeters-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

St-Peters-Primary-School-Rossett @stpetersrossett

Wrap around childcare at St. Peter’s Primary School, Rossett

We offer wrap around childcare for all our pupils, including those of nursery age. We are open from 7:45am to 5:30pm during term time. We also offer childcare during the school holidays.

St Peter's Playscheme

For details contact Mrs Sophie Cannon 07958 915685

playscheme381@gmail.com

Jeremy Kent Councillor for Gresford

As we enter June, the sun has mostly begun to shine and the village is looking lovely with all the coloured flowers in the planters around the area.

A huge credit to the IMAGE team who work hard to ensure that area is enjoyable for all. IMAGE has its AGM on Thursday 15th June, 7.30pm in the Gresford Trust Memorial Hall, so why not attend if you can and see how you can help?

It was great to be able to attend a number of events during the weekend of HM The King’s Coronation; it was lovely to see people making an effort to mark a historic moment. I particularly enjoyed the luncheon organised by fellow Councillor, Beryl Blackmore. It was a lovely afternoon and a chance to catch up with residents and be put through my paces by some!

I have managed to get out on foot around the village a little more over the recent weeks and have been able to make note of things that need my attention and speak to residents about any worries, issues or concerns that they have. This is by far the best part of the job.

It has also been nice to hear the positive feedback from drivers about the improvements to the Gresford Roundabout.

I hope that people are getting used to the new markings and layout, which overall have made things clearer. I am monitoring the situation and have had some feedback, which has been passed onto the team.

There have been a number of reports of tree branches that need looking at due to possible dangers that they pose. These have been passed onto the council arboriculturists to inspect and make their determination on what action needs to be taken.

No issue is too small so if you have anything that you wish to raise, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I am always happy to hear from residents or catch up with people as I am out and about in the village.

As always if you have anything you wish to raise with me, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Legal Advice

By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE

Patience

I’m pleased to be back doing my Family Law page in EssentialsMAG again, after changing firms to Cyril Jones & Co in Wrexham.

I would like to use this article to talk about ‘Delay’, as solicitors are always blamed for the same. Today, I hope to convince you that it isn’t always our fault!

During the period of lockdown, people used the internet more and bought things with a touch of a button, and such arrived the next day. Unfortunately, after the pandemic, people tended to think that professions like ours and others could operate in the same way. Regrettably, this isn’t possible.

To begin with, whilst ‘divorce’ has gone online, which in theory, was meant to be quicker, in reality it isn’t always the case.

I do not wish to criticise Court staff, only empathise with them, but the truth is that Government cutbacks have resulted in certain Courts having such a heavy amount of paperwork and not enough staff to deal with it, that they are openly saying that they can’t cope.

As a result, files are being sent to Courts in different parts of the country. Paperwork relating to the divorce itself may be in one Court but issues as to children or finance may be in an entirely different Court.

Whilst we receive emails from the Courts, if we write back querying the same, we could be waiting up to four weeks for an answer, which is what my secretary was told yesterday.

If we telephone the Court, we are waiting up to 40 minutes before we can speak to someone. So you will see that these issues are beyond our control. Yet, when we explain this to people, they don’t always believe us. It’s frustrating for all concerned.

So please be patient with us!

Useful Numbers

Puzzle Page... Just For Fun

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Barrels (4)

3 Car light (8)

9 Not in any place (7)

10 Tiny arachnids (5)

11 Unhappy (12)

13 Utilise wrongly (6)

15 Level plain without trees (6)

17 Renditions (12)

20 Up to the time when (5)

21 Slackens (7)

22 Examines in detail (8)

23 Lyric poems (4)

DOWN

1 Royal domains (8)

2 Loose garments (5)

4 Expels (6)

5 One who takes part in a protest (12)

6 Belgian port (7)

7 Luxurious; stylish (4)

8 Regretfully (12)

12 Continues obstinately (8)

14 Carpets (anag) (7)

16 Screen of metal bars (6)

18 Doctrine (5)

19 Insect stage (4)

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